Your Child Doesn't Need a Perfect Parent: How to Build Confidence Without Having All the Answers with Alyssa Smith, EP161

Send us Fan MailWhat if your child doesn't need you to have all the answers?Parents often feel pressure to stay calm, fix problems quickly, and make sure nothing goes wrong. But what if the act of parents giving "the answers" all the time actually keeps our children from developing the skills themselves?In this conversation, parent coach and executive function specialist Alyssa Smith shares how one of the hardest seasons of her own life transformed the way she parents. After experiencing tremendous personal loss and change, she discovered that children don't need perfect parents. But they do need honest, connected ones who are willing to solve problems with them instead of for them.Together, Dori and Alyssa explore:• Why vulnerability can strengthen your relationship with your child• The surprising message behind parental resentment• How to move from fixing problems to coaching through them• Why connection should come before routines and systems• One simple question that helps children build confidence one decision at a timeIf you've ever wondered whether you have to hold everything together for your family, this episode offers a freeing reminder: your child doesn't need perfection. They need your partnership.About Alyssa SmithAlyssa Smith, M.Ed., is a parent coach, educator, and former Montessori and international school teacher with more than 17 years of experience helping children and families thrive. She specializes in helping parents of school-aged children raise resilient, independent kids with more calm, confidence, and connection—and less over-functioning.Drawing on her background in education, psychology, Montessori principles, inquiry-based learning, and Positive Discipline, Alyssa equips parents with practical tools to step back so their children can step up. Her coaching emphasizes child agency, emotional resilience, executive functioning, and stronger family relationships without relying on guilt, shame, or perfection.As a mom of two, Alyssa understands the realities of everyday parenting and is passionate about helping families move from stress and power struggles to collaboration, confidence, and lasting connection.Find AlyssaWebsite: https://www.alyssasmithcoaching.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/SameTeamFamiliesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssasmithcoaching/Facebook: https://www.alyssasmithcoaching.comFree Parenting Resources:https://www.alyssasmithcoaching.com/resourcesAbout Dori DurbinDori Durbin is a children's book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That's Good Parenting podcast.She helps parents and family-focused professionals transform life-changing ideas into children's books that help kids understand big emotions, build resilience, and strengthen family connection through story.Through her podcast, books, and coaching, Dori shares practical tools that reduce parenting stress and help families raise confident, emotionally healthy children.Connect with DoriWebsite: https://www.doridurbin.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbinJoin the That's Good Parenting ClubJoin the That's Good Parenting Club for parenting resources, behind-the-scenes book content, early releases, and encouragement to help your family thrive.https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/clubIntro for TDP (version 2)