Do you ever feel like modern parenting has become a balancing act between giving your kids everything they need and stepping back to let them grow? Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Alex Russell, a clinical psychologist and expert in children’s emotional development and parenting. Dr. Russell is the author of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement, a must-read for parents navigating today’s complex world of over-parenting and helicopter tendencies.
With over two decades of experience working with children, teens, and families, Dr. Russell provides powerful insights into the pitfalls of over-parenting and why allowing kids to face challenges is essential for their growth. He introduces the idea of giving children an “apprenticeship in reality”—a way for them to learn resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills by experiencing real-world challenges in a supportive environment.
In this episode, we explore:
✔️ Why parents today feel pressured to step in and “solve” every challenge for their kids
✔️ How over-protection can unintentionally increase anxiety and lower self-esteem
✔️ The benefits of letting children experience frustration and failure in a safe way
✔️ Practical strategies for stepping back while still providing loving guidance
If you’ve ever worried about when to step in—or step back—as a parent, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to raise independent, emotionally strong children.
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Find more of Dr. Alex Russell's Work: https://russellpsychology.com/team/dr-alex-russell/
Buy Drop The Worry Ball on Amazon
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Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:@parentingedventurespod
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Intro Music:Good Times by Patrick Patrikios
Sting Music:Timelapse by Purple Planet Music