The Doubting Parent - Stop the second-guessing! Ep 315 Artwork

Rock Solid Families

Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Families in October of 2018. They have over 60 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!

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Rock Solid Families

The Doubting Parent - Stop the second-guessing! Ep 315

April 14, 2025 • Rock Solid Families • Season 7 • Episode 315

In this episode of the Rock Solid Family Podcast, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson explore parental doubt and the pressures modern parents face due to societal expectations, particularly with younger children. They aim to offer understanding, reassurance, and strategies for those often second-guessing their decisions.

**The Nature of Doubt in Parenting**
Parents experience emotional ups and downs, questioning their choices due to the pressure to be perfect fueled by social media. Merrill discusses how parenting styles differ between firstborn and later-born children, suggesting that firstborns often receive more cautious parenting, leading to increased confidence over time.

**Influences on Parental Doubt**
Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, particularly among young mothers, while rising parental anxiety over health issues often results in overly cautious decisions.

**Over-Correction and Extreme Parenting**
The podcast examines "intensive parenting," where decisions feel high-stakes, leading to anxiety. Parents' fears about real threats can result in children being overly sheltered, hindering their resilience.

**The Comparison Trap**
Competitive parenting culture pressures parents to compare milestones, creating unhealthy environments where children feel pressure to excel. The Hutchinsons critique modern expectations around celebrations, arguing that elaborate parties can lead to stress.

**Parenting Styles and Emotional Impact**
Different styles, such as helicopter and snowplow parenting, can limit a child’s independence. The hosts stress the importance of parents managing their emotional states to create secure environments for their children.

**Strategies for Combating Doubt**
1. Reflect and Pray: Seek wisdom and avoid second-guessing decisions.
2. Take Emotions Captive: Calm yourself and avoid expressing anxieties to children.
3. Avoid Self-Criticism: Give yourself grace and learn from mistakes.
4. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Seek support instead of comparing yourself to others.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Aim for "good enough" parenting.
6. Allow Children to Experience Failure: Prioritize resilience through challenges.
7. Seek Wisdom: Engage with experienced parents for insights.

**The Role of Faith**
Lean on biblical teachings to guide parenting decisions, emphasizing trust in God to reduce anxiety.

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