Parents of the Year

159. Why does my kid hate me?

Caroline & Andrew Season 5 Episode 159

Ever feel like your kid hates you? You’re not alone. 

This episode is a real, funny, and honest conversation about what’s really going on when our kids push us away. 

Andrew and Caroline break down the difference between “I hate peas” and “I hate you,” why your child might unload on you after school, and how parenting through emotional blow-ups is more about connection than control. 

Plus, what’s your role in the tension—and how can you show up differently without losing your mind? 

Homework Ideas

Run a Self-Talk Inventory
For 24 hours, jot down (or record a voice memo) every time you give your child a direction, correction, or piece of feedback. Review at the end of the day:

  • How many were positive?
  • How many were negative?
  • How many were about screens?

Enter Their World
Pick one activity your child enjoys and commit to doing it with them—without trying to teach, improve, or redirect. Just join in. Be curious. Take notes after: 

  • What did you learn about them?
  • What made them laugh?
  • What frustrated them?
  • What did they talk about most?

Clarify Expectations, Drop the Power Struggle
Write out one daily expectation you’re tired of repeating. Share it calmly with your child as a “choice”:

“Here’s what needs to happen. You get to choose when/how.”
 Then hold the boundary—without nagging.

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