Welcome back to another powerful episode of Parenting Untapped.

In this deeply honest conversation, Aly and her dad Tony explore a question many parents and teens quietly struggle with: How do you stay kind and compassionate without becoming a pushover?

This episode dives into the uncomfortable gray area between kindness and boundaries. From real-life school situations and subtle bullying to the fear of confrontation, Aly opens up about what it feels like to let things slide—even when they don’t feel right. Together, they unpack how being raised with strong values of empathy can sometimes make it harder to speak up, set boundaries, and protect your own emotional space.

Through raw stories, thoughtful reflection, and moments that feel more like a therapy session than a podcast, this episode challenges parents to rethink how they teach kindness—and what might be missing from the conversation.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. The difference between being kind and being passive
2. Why not setting boundaries can lead to repeated mistreatment
3. How small moments in childhood shape how teens respond to conflict
4. When to “pick the battle” and when to let things go
5. Why standing up for yourself doesn’t mean being aggressive or mean
6. Preparing teens for a competitive, real-world environment while staying true to their values

This episode is for parents who want to raise compassionate kids without sacrificing their confidence, and for teens who are learning how to protect their emotions while still being true to who they are.

🎧 Tune in to Parenting Untapped for real conversations, honest struggles, and practical insights that help parents and teens grow—together.