Todd & Cathy discussed the release of Cathy’s book “Restoring Our Girls,” which focuses on challenges faced by teenage girls. Todd shared insights on making P, B, & J’s, parenting, particularly maintaining connections with his daughters as they mature and become more independent.

For the full show notes, visit zenparentingradio.com.

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AI Summary

Cathy’s Book Release and Workshop

Todd’s Frustration and Daughter’s Schedule

Todd shared his frustration about making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, specifically the clumpiness of the jelly. He learned from someone that putting the jelly on the peanut butter makes it easier to spread. He then shifted the conversation to his frustration with his daughter’s busy schedule, particularly during her junior high school years. He acknowledged that he tends to forget how busy his daughter is during this time. Todd also mentioned that he had been venting to Cathy about his frustration. He then read a paragraph from a book, which he felt was written specifically for him on that day.

Navigating Parental Relationships and Rejection

Todd discussed the challenges of maintaining a relationship with his daughters as they mature. He acknowledged that he sometimes feels hurt when they prefer to spend time with friends or alone rather than with him. Todd recognized that he has not experienced rejection in the same way as others, having had a series of relationships since he was 12. He suggested that this lack of experience with rejection has made it difficult for him to handle his daughters’ independence. Todd also noted that parenting can be messy and harder to define when it comes to understanding his daughters’ preferences.

One-Way Connections in Parenting Discussed

Todd discussed the concept of one-way connections, particularly in the context of parenting. He emphasized the importance of providing support and stability to children without expecting anything in return. Todd also touched on the idea of letting children grow and develop their own relationships, even if it means they pull away from their parents at times. He shared personal experiences with his daughters, noting that they eventually return, but in a more mature and independent way.

Todd’s Parenting Strategies and Boundaries

Todd discussed his approach to maintaining connections with his children, emphasizing the importance of small, one-way gestures such as sending texts and pictures throughout the day. He shared an example of how he surprised his daughter with a quiet morning and a new shower curtain for her bathroom. Todd also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and expectations for his children, such as informing him about their whereabouts and following through with commitments. He expressed his belief that these small actions and expectations contribute to a sense of security and comfort in the home.

Empathy and Perspective in Parenting

Todd discussed the importance of understanding and empathizing with children’s experiences, rather than judging them. He emphasized the need for parents to have a wider perspective on the world and to see things from their children’s point of view. Todd also highlighted the importance of self-compassion, self-forgiveness, and self-acceptance in parenting. He shared personal anecdotes about his daughters, illustrating how they sometimes need time to catch up with their parents due to their busy lives. Todd concluded by stressing the need for parents to be open to their children’s experiences and not to judge them for being busy.

Planning Family Activities and Games

Todd shared his enthusiasm for planning family activities, emphasizing his preference for setting up games and movie nights with specific rules and timings. He also discussed his stress around these activities, suggesting that he should let go a bit and allow others to join in at their own pace. Todd also introduced a game called “Cones of Dunshire” which he had learned from his daughters and was eager to play. The game involves rolling dice, building civilizations, and accumulating cones to win.

Zen Con 25 and Attendance Balance

Todd discussed the upcoming conference, the Zen con 25, which is the last one. He emphasized the need for a more balanced gender representation, with more men and dads attending. He also mentioned the various speakers and activities planned for the conference. Todd encouraged everyone to attend, even if they face financial constraints, and assured that arrangements could be made to accommodate them. He also addressed the issue of delayed book deliveries, apologizing for the inconvenience and promising to look into the matter.