Last week, we talked about two toxic emotions that can get triggered in children — even by loving, well-intentioned parents.

This week is a beautiful follow-up… because many parents aren’t just parenting a child with big feelings — they’re parenting a sensitive child… while being sensitive themselves.

And that combination can feel tender, intense, and confusing:

You want to acknowledge your child’s emotions and hold clear boundaries…

but in the moment, everyone’s nervous system can spiral together.

So in today’s episode, Erica and I sit down with Dr. Ceara Deno — a newborn medicine physician in Boston, mom of two (11 and 13), and a parent coach who helps sensitive families build peaceful homes.

We talk about what sensitivity actually looks like in real life, why parenting can reactivate our own childhood “tender spots,” and how to create more emotional safety without losing your leadership as the parent.

Episode timestamps:

01:01 — Welcoming Dr. Ceara Deno

03:24 — How she became a parent coach (and why sensitivity became her niche)

10:39 — How to know if you’re part of a sensitive family

20:44 — The role of trauma in parenting patterns

24:29 — Anger as unmet needs (and what to do in the moment)

32:35 — Why role play and playfulness can unlock cooperation

43:44 — Connecting before correcting

48:55 — Repair in relationships (and why it matters with kids, too)

If this episode resonates, I invite you to listen with gentleness toward yourself. Parenting is learned in real time — and awareness is always the beginning of change.

🗣️Oh—and if you have something you're navigating and would love my take on it... 

You can submit a question or situation for a future episode right here (totally anonymous!):

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