Episode 4: Respecting Your Kids’ Thoughts and Feelings

Season 2: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth

Every parent knows the frustration: one child shuts down and won’t share a thing, while another talks through every feeling on repeat. Both can leave you wondering how to actually help.

In this episode, Shawn Hopkins, parent coach and foster/adoptive dad, explores why kids process emotions so differently — and how to respect your child’s thoughts and feelings no matter where they fall on the spectrum. You’ll learn:

Why some kids hold it all in while others spill it all out.

Five key factors that shape how kids share (or don’t share).

How to create safe spaces for both quiet and expressive kids.

What “cleanup” sounds like when you haven’t handled emotions well.

Simple scripts to validate your child’s feelings without fixing them.

When kids feel their inner world is respected, they begin to respect it too. That’s how they grow confidence in what they carry inside — and how they learn their worth.

Join us at the aParently Roundtable — a free, virtual space for parents to connect, share ideas, and celebrate wins, happening Sundays at 6pm MST / 8pm EST. And if you’d like one-on-one support, schedule your free coaching session with Shawn at shawnhop.com.

Respect Starts at Home: Teach Your Child Body Respect & Consent (From first talks to tough moments)

In our series Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth, this episode brings worth into the body. We open with Juan’s joyful “I love my body” moment, then get practical: simple house rules kids can use today (you are the boss of your body, permission is required, swimsuit areas are off limits, knock and wait, private spaces stay private). You will get five kid-ready scripts, a family reset for body-shaming and media, and clear repair steps for when we miss the mark. We talk comparison traps, social media pressure, dad modeling, and how language at home shapes a child’s inner voice. Plus a quick resource: my article “Puberty Talk for Your Boys: TnT, Testosterone and Testicles.”

Free support: I offer free coaching and the aParently Roundtable, Sundays at 6 pm MT / 8 pm ET. Email [email protected] for the link.

When “No” Is Exactly What You Want to Hear from Your Kid**

This is Episode 2 in the series *Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth*. Last week, we talked about *Respect Starts with Worth, Not Shame*. This week, we’re exploring why a child’s “no” can be one of the most important things you’ll ever hear — and how respecting that no, in safe situations, builds confidence, boundaries, and trust.

Shawn Hopkins shares a personal story about his youngest son, a hug, and an unexpected “no” that changed his understanding of self-respect. You’ll learn practical ways to respond that honor your child’s voice without losing your role as the parent.

This week’s Respect Move: Give your child space to say no and mean it.

Join the conversation at the virtual *aParently Roundtable* on **Sunday, August 17th**. DM or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for the link.

Free parent coaching available at [shawnhop.com](http://shawnhop.com).

Episode 1: Respect Starts With Worth, Not Shame

In this kickoff episode of One Respectful Act a Week, Shawn Hopkins shares a deeply personal story about how his own understanding of worth was shaped—and how it shows up in his parenting today.

We’re diving into the truth that self-respect doesn’t come from obedience, shame, or behavior control—it comes from knowing you matter. You’ll learn one powerful way to model respect this week: explaining your decisions instead of simply enforcing them. Plus, Shawn introduces the aParently Roundtable, a free weekly parent gathering where real-life wisdom is shared, questions are asked, and support is offered.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child build confidence, emotional safety, and inner strength—this is where it begins.

We want to raise kids who feel safe talking to us—but real listening takes more than good intentions. It takes presence, practice, and the humility to pause our advice and simply be there.

In this episode, certified parent coach Shawn Hopkins shares why listening is one of the most powerful tools in parenting, how to recognize moments that matter, and what it looks like to build trust through silence. With personal stories, practical tips, and a whole lot of grace, this episode will help you become the parent your child can turn to—no matter what they're carrying.

Ever look at your child and think, “You’re amazing—how do you not see it?”

In this episode, we dive into that frustrating, tender gap between how we see our kids and how they see themselves. We’ll talk about what real confidence looks like (and what it doesn’t), why some kids struggle to believe in their own value, and how you can help build lasting, grounded confidence in your child.

You’ll walk away with 7 practical strategies you can start using today—from how you praise them, to the way you model self-compassion, to the tiny moments that build up their identity over time.

Confidence isn’t something kids are born with—it’s something we grow, together.

There are parenting moments that knock the wind out of you—and being cursed at by your kid might top the list. Whether they say “F-you” outright or invent their own version, the sting is real.

In this episode, Shawn breaks down what to do in that moment—and what to do after. You’ll learn how to respond without escalating, how to uncover the emotion beneath the outburst, and why your calm presence is more powerful than any punishment.

Need more support? Visit aParently.community for helpful articles and a forum where parents can share, vent, and connect. And if you’d like personalized support, you can schedule a free coaching session at shawnhop.com.

You’re doing better than you think you are.

And when in doubt—stay calm, call Shawn.

We all want to raise responsible kids—ones who remember their tasks, help out without nagging, and grow into capable adults. But let’s be real: sometimes our own childhood baggage sneaks into the mix. Guilt, shame, and old expectations can make parenting feel heavier than it needs to be. In this episode, I share practical tools to help kids take ownership (no yelling required), some common missteps we all make, and how shifting from “you” to “I” statements can change everything. I’ll also open up about my own struggles in this area—and the small, powerful ways we can move forward with grace and connection. This one’s for every parent trying to teach responsibility without losing their mind. You’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think. Mentioned in this episode: 🟡 aParently.community – Free articles and parenting tools 🟡 Schedule a free coaching session – Get clarity, confidence, and support 🟡 Related article: “Shut Up and Listen: Becoming the Parent Your Kids Can Talk To”

In this episode, I share a simple but powerful method we’ve started using in our home to help our kids navigate sibling conflict. It’s called the Think-Feel-Do Method, and it’s helping my boys name their feelings, advocate for themselves, and communicate what they need after things go sideways. It’s not magic—but it’s starting to work. And that’s what this podcast is all about: practical tools, honest stories, and little wins that help us parent with more clarity and connection. Check out the related article at aParently.community and grab a free coaching session if you’re feeling stuck at shawnhop.com You’re doing better than you think you are. And when in doubt? Stay calm and call Shawn.

In this episode, I share a simple but powerful method we’ve started using in our home to help our kids navigate sibling conflict. It’s called the Think-Feel-Do Method, and it’s helping my boys name their feelings, advocate for themselves, and communicate what they need after things go sideways.

It’s not magic—but it’s starting to work. And that’s what this podcast is all about: practical tools, honest stories, and little wins that help us parent with more clarity and connection.

Check out the related article at aParently.community and grab a free coaching session if you’re feeling stuck at shawnhop.com

You’re doing better than you think you are. And when in doubt? Stay calm and call Shawn.