Whitney defines what authoritarian parenting actually is (beyond just being strict), explores how it's rooted in control rather than raising independent humans, and explains why these parents struggle when their children develop agency and can no longer be controlled the same way. If you have an inkling that your family of origin might have been drawing on some of the principles of authoritarian parenting this might be a useful listen. Whitney also answers a listener's question about coming to terms about accepting an uninvolved parent.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

02:00 What authoritarian parenting actually is (and isn't)

07:20 When you can’t be controlled anymore

12:45 How authoritarian parents respond to loss of control

24:43 Listener question

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