10/30/2025
At PBBHW, we’re big fans of Dr. Becky Kennedy’s () work. Her message to parents is clear, compassionate, and deeply grounded in attachment and nervous system science. She reminds us that parenting isn’t about perfection, but connection with your child.
Here are five of our favorite Dr. Becky quotes and what they really mean in practice 👇
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1️⃣ “Good parents don’t get it right all the time. They repair when they get it wrong.”
Every parent loses patience sometimes. The most powerful thing you can do afterward is come back with empathy. Repair teaches your child that love can stretch and bend, but it doesn’t break. Saying, “I got frustrated, and I wish I hadn’t yelled,” models accountability and safety.
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2️⃣ “Your child isn’t giving you a hard time. Your child is having a hard time.”
This shift in perspective changes everything. Instead of seeing defiance as disrespect, we start to see distress. When we respond to behavior with curiosity i.e. “What’s feeling too big for my child right now?” We teach regulation instead of shame.
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3️⃣ “You can be kind and firm at the same time. That’s what true authority looks like.”
Boundaries aren’t mean; they’re loving. They give children structure and a sense of safety. A calm, confident “I won’t let you hit” communicates that you’re in charge and you care. That balance builds trust and emotional maturity.
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4️⃣ “The most regulated nervous system in the room always wins.”
Our children learn emotional regulation through us, not from us. Before you guide your child’s feelings, pause to steady your own. A slow exhale, a grounding touch, a softer tone, for example. Remember your calm becomes their cue that everything is okay.
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5️⃣ “You can’t show up as a grounded parent if you’re running on empty.”
Parenting is relational work, and it requires energy. Meeting your own needs for rest, quiet, laughter, or support is not selfish; it’s responsible. You can’t pour connection from an empty cup.
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✨ Remember: You and your child are both good inside.
When you lead with repair, curiosity, and compassion, growth naturally follows.
