In today's Courage Conversation episode, we delve into an important yet often unexplored topic: safe parenting and creating just environments for our children.

Our guest, Cindy Wang Brandt, is an incredible author and speaker who specializes in helping parents heal from religious trauma and navigate the complexities of raising children in safe and inclusive spaces. Together, we will dive deep into the world of conscious parenting and discuss the urgent need to shift our perspective towards the well-being of our children.

Join us as we uncover the harmful impact of extreme parenting approaches, the dangers of the original sin doctrine, and the power dynamics that affect our relationships with our children. Together, let's learn how to honor our children's needs while empowering ourselves as parents.

Get ready for a transformational conversation that will inspire you to create a more just and loving world for the future generations.

Relevant Links: 

- Cindy Wang Brandt's Website: https://cindywangbrandt.com/ 

- Cindy Wang Brandt’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindywangbrandt

- Cindy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cindywangbrandt

- Cindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingforward/ 

- Cindy’s Book: https://cindywangbrandt.com/parenting-forward/ 

- Courage 265 FREE Text message service: To sign up, text the word "courage" to 917-809-7311

- Courage 365: Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/courage365

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Repair: Good parenting is about learning from our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. It's essential for parents to feel remorse and apologize when necessary. However, we must not get stuck in a constant cycle of apologizing and making it all about ourselves. Instead, we should acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better.
2. Delighting in Our Children: It's transformative and healthy to develop the capacity to delight in our kids. By truly listening and seeing them for who they are, we can create a strong bond and deeper connection. Even during challenging moments, it's important to find the whimsy and hilarity in parenting and infuse it with delight.
3. Advocating for Children: Throughout history, children have often been treated with disrespect and denied dignity. We need to stand up against harmful practices and strive for a more compassionate society that values and respects our children. Let's work together to create public spaces where children are included and their needs are considered.

[00:00:02] Courage Conversations welcomes Cindy Wang Brandt.

[00:03:16] Parenting and faith deconstruction intersect, raising awareness.

[00:07:29] Children historically lacked respect and dignity. Infanticide and child labor were common. Harsh disciplinary measures continue today, indicating a need for change. The language used implies dominance over children. Domestic violence often correlates with harsh treatment of children. Authoritarian family structures perpetuate violence and harm.

[00:12:02] Changing philosophy and viewing children collaboratively.

[00:18:22] Balanced approach to parenting; gratitude vs. responsibility.

[00:20:15] Original sin doctrine damages children's development. Parenting should prioritize meeting their needs.

[00:23:53] Parenting: Listening, learning, participating, meeting needs.

[00:28:09] Good parenting is about repair, learning, and growth.

[00:31:12] Delighting in kids transforms and brings joy.

[00:37:06] Cindy Wang Brandt's website