Psychologist shares how learning the skill of validation can transform your relationships

Send us Fan MailDo you ever wonder why your child’s big emotions feel so overwhelming—or why small conflicts with your partner can spiral? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to unpack the skill of validation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can radically change the way you connect with yourself, your kids, and everyone you love.We explore what invalidation really sounds like (it’s often subtle) and why even well-meaning parents can accidentally shut down their child’s emotions. Dr. Fleck shares simple, powerful scripts for validating feelings without condoning hurtful behaviors, and we discuss research showing how invalidation increases the risk of mental health struggles and gets passed across generations.Whether you’re parenting a toddler or a teen—or just want more connected relationships—this episode will give you tools to break cycles of invalidation and build deeper trust through emotional clarity.Don’t miss this conversation—because learning to “validate the valid” might be the most important parenting skill you ever master.Sources:Caroline's Book: Validation (amazon.ca and amazon.com)Science Sources:Examining the intergenerational transmission of parental invalidation: Extension of the biosocial modelParental Validation and Invalidation Predict Adolescent Self- HarmSupport the showJoin the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-clubWatch my Tedx Talk on YouTube called The Over-Educated, Emotionally Underprepared Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYJFY_9K9E&t=19sGrab my course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/Doors open to join the next 8-week training (Starts Oct 12th) here https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/