In this episode of Feel Known and Be Known: An Enneagram Conversation, hosts Laurel and Katrina explore one of the most relatable parenting questions:

Are we protecting our kids… or trying to control them?

Through the lens of the Enneagram, this conversation dives into the emotional triggers, parenting patterns, and inner motivations that shape how we respond to our children.

Katrina shares the reality of parenting in the trenches — raising a 4-year-old starting school and a sleep-resistant 10-month-old. From the daily 5 PM parenting chaos to the exhaustion of trying to get a baby to sleep, she reflects on the moments that trigger frustration, overwhelm, and the deep desire to control outcomes as a Type 8 personality.

Laurel offers the perspective of a mother with adult children, reflecting on the long arc of parenting — the gradual and sometimes painful process of letting go. As an Enneagram Type 9, she shares how connection, belonging, and attachment shaped her experience raising her kids and how those dynamics evolve as children grow into independent adults.

Together, they unpack the subtle line between healthy protection and unconscious control, exploring real-life dilemmas like:

• When should parents step in — and when should they step back?
• How does your Enneagram type influence your parenting style?
• What role do triggers, stress, and emotional regulation play in family dynamics?
• How do we handle mom guilt, comparison, and parenting pressure?

The conversation also moves into the powerful practice of somatic awareness — learning to notice what is happening in your body when parenting stress rises. From tight shoulders to a clenched gut, Laurel and Katrina explore how body awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-reflection can transform the way we respond to our kids.

Along the way, they discuss cultural differences in parenting, the shift from raising independent children versus multigenerational family life, and why modern parents often feel isolated without the “village” support system previous generations relied on.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Am I being too controlling as a parent?
• How do I protect my kids without limiting their growth?
• How does my personality influence the way I parent?

— this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teenagers, or adult children, this conversation offers insight into Enneagram parenting, emotional growth, self-awareness, and healthier family relationships.

🎧 Join us for a thoughtful discussion on control, protection, parenting triggers, and the lifelong process of letting go.

And if this episode resonates with you, share your story — because every parent is learning as they go.