When your child breaks a rule or misbehaves, do you feel unsure what consequences to impose? Do you avoid discipline altogether, or worry your responses are too harsh? Dr. Ruston talks about this with Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD, a beloved school counselor, trainer of counselors, and the author of two books: Fearless Parenting and There's Always Something Going Right.

Tammy provides a roadmap for addressing broken rules and digs into consequences for real scenarios. For example, when a teen spends excessive time with an AI companion through video gaming, another who secretly subscribed to Snapchat Plus on a parent's credit card, and a child who lies about homework. Huson also offers advice to parents when their kid gets into trouble at school.

Expert:

Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD

Books:

Fearless Parenting, Stepping Into Life's Greatest Role Using The Nurtured Heart Approach by Tammy Fisher Huson

There's Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools by Tammy Fisher Huson and Louisa Triandis

Additional Resources:

Data From 50 States: Teachers See Student Behavior as a Significant Problem, in Education Week, March 13, 2026

Screenagers Website

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Time Code:

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:53 Consequences as Privileges

03:34 Partnering With Schools

06:22 Snap Plus Credit Card Lesson

07:49 Let Teens Choose Consequences

12:52 Sponsor Break Screenagers Films

13:42 Homework Lies and Curiosity

15:41 Menu of Choices and Earning Back

19:13 AI Companions and Tough Limits

23:25 Village Support and Wrap Up

25:27 Final Thanks and Subscribe