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Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
214. Why don’t kids respect parents the way they used to?
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Are Parents Losing Authority? Why Respect at Home Is Breaking Down
Why are so many parents feeling ignored, dismissed, or completely powerless with their kids?
In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Dr. Caroline tackle the growing culture of disrespect happening at home, at school, online, and across society. From kindergarten graduation fights between parents to teens brushing off rules without a second thought, they unpack what changed and what families can do about it.
This conversation digs into gentle parenting gone too far, the pressure parents face from social media, and why so many adults are scared to set firm boundaries. Andrew and Caroline share personal stories about raising teens, handling screen time, teaching respect, building family culture, and helping kids care about the opinions of the people who love them most.
They also talk about:
- Why consequences matter
- How over-negotiating weakens authority
- The difference between compassion and permissiveness
- Why kids still need non-negotiables
- How TV, social media, and peers shape behaviour
- Teaching respect through everyday moments
- Why kids secretly want boundaries, even when they push back
This episode is honest, funny, uncomfortable at times, and packed with practical parenting conversations every family should be having right now.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Why doesn’t my child listen anymore?”
or
“Why does everything turn into a battle?”
this episode is for you.
Homework Activities for Parents
1. Create One Non-Negotiable Rule
Pick one household issue causing daily friction:
- phones at bedtime
- rude language
- chores
- dinner routines
Write:
- the rule
- why it matters
- the consequence if ignored
Keep it simple and consistent for one full week.
Resource Needed:
- Whiteboard, sticky note, or printed family rule sheet
2. Practice “Broken Record Parenting”
When your child argues:
- stay calm
- repeat the rule
- avoid long explanations
Example:
“The phone stays downstairs at night.”
Repeat calmly instead of debating.
Resource Needed:
- A written script parents can rehearse beforehand
3. Family Contribution Audit
Ask:
“What does it take to make this house run every week?”
Make a list together:
- laundry
- dishes
- pet care
- rides
- groceries
Assign one meaningful responsibility to each child.
Resource Needed:
- Family task chart
4. Teach Respect Through Real-Life Practice
Use real moments:
- ordering food
- speaking to cashiers
- apologizing
- handling frustration
Coach kids before and after interactions.
Resource Needed:
- Conversation prompts:
- “How could we say that more respectfully?”
- “What would repair look like here?”
5. Schedule One “Just for Fun” Parent-Child Activity
No lectures.
No corrections.
No teaching moment.
Play cards, go for ice cream, garden, drive somewhere together, watch a movie, shoot hoops — whatever fits your family.
The goal:
Connection without pressure.
Resource Needed:
- 30 minutes of uninterrupted time
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