You Don’t Have to Be a Perfect Parent: The Power of Connection, Repair & Relational Health

What if raising a thriving child isn't about getting parenting right, but about connection?In this episode Meg Faure speaks to paediatrician and professor of paediatrics at Georgetown University, Dr David Willis, about early relational health. The powerful role that connection, attachment, co-regulation and meaningful moments play in a baby's development.They also unpack some of the challenges facing modern parents, including the loss of the village, information overload, technology and the pressure to be a “perfect” parent.Most importantly, Dr David offers a deeply reassuring message to parents who feel they have already made mistakes:It is never too late to repair.Relationships are built through thousands of small moments that don't need to be perfect, they simply need to happen.And when things go wrong, there is always another opportunity to reconnect.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhy modern parents may be experiencing more pressure than previous generationsWhy parents don't need to constantly “intervene” to support their child's developmentWhy eye contact, reading, talking, feeding and everyday routines can become powerful moments of connectionWhy repair may be more important than perfectionHow the loss of the traditional “village” has changed the parenting experienceWhy parents should spend less time trying to know everything and more time being with their babyABOUT THE GUESTDr David W. WillisDr David Willis is a paediatrician, developmental-behavioural paediatrician and leading voice in the field of early relational health.He is a professor of paediatrics and psychiatry at Georgetown University and leads Nurture Connection, an impact network focused on advancing early relational health and strengthening connections between children, families and communities.Follow Dr David Willis on LinkedIn.ABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is a weekly podcast for parents who want evidence-based, compassionate guidance. Hosted by OT & author Meg Faure, each episode brings expert insight and real-world experience to help parents feel informed and supported.The podcast is proudly associated with Parent Sense, the all-in-one parenting app for routines, sleep, nutrition and expert advice. Download it here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off.FOLLOW USMeg FaureInstagramLinkedInWebsiteParent SenseInstagramLinkedInWebsite