Be The Lighthouse Not The Rescue Boat: Parenting with Belinda Tung

Emily sits down with Belinda Tung, founder of Perfect Child, to unpack what it really means to parent from a place of steadiness instead of fear. They dig into the "lighthouse" metaphor — staying present and connected without chasing, fixing, or controlling — and why Belinda deliberately uses the word perceive rather than believe or know when it comes to seeing a child as perfect. The conversation moves through unmet needs hiding behind everyday behaviors (bus-window pouting, hide-and-seek transitions, meltdowns), journaling as a tool for self-reflection and co-regulation, and how parents' own upbringing and a rushed healthcare system can pull them away from trusting their instincts. They close with an invite to Belinda's in-person community event on August 8th.No need to sign up. If you want wholesome family fun, just show up! https://www.perfectchild.org/wholesomefamilyfestivalIn This Episode:Why Belinda named her practice "Perfect Child" and the two very different reactions she gets to itThe lighthouse metaphor: steady and present vs. reactive and fear-drivenWhy "perceive" is the intentional word choice over "believe" or "know"How to stay the lighthouse even during mundane moments like brushing teethReading subtler, quieter unmet needs (not just meltdowns) — boredom, disconnection, need for playJournaling as a self-reflection and nervous-system tool for parentsHow our own childhood conditioning and a rushed medical system pull parents away from trusting themselvesBelinda's community event on August 8thConnect with Belinda Tung:https://www.perfectchild.org/The Perfect Child Podcast: https://www.perfectchild.org/podcasts/the-perfect-child-podcasthttps://www.perfectchild.org/wholesomefamilyfestivalMore About Your HostEmily Spaeth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator, and founder of Be Well Baby® in Portland, Oregon. With extensive NICU experience and training in craniosacral therapy, she leads a team providing home-based health care for families navigating the tricky parts of pregnancy and postpartum. She also hosts the Beyond Birth Blueprint, (www.bewellbaby.org/beyond-birth) an online birth and postpartum educational community available to families across the country—so no matter where you are, you have access to support, resources, and connection. Emily is also a mother of three and passionate about helping families move from surviving to thriving.Our mission is to fundamentally shift healthcare could look like for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Please help us spread the word by leaving a review! Every review matters!If this episode helped you, please send it to someone who's pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone through birth. Thank you for being here.