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What if loving our children deeply also means learning when to step back?
In this episode of Connection First, I’m joined by Jenny Brown, author of The Parenting Paradox, for a thoughtful conversation about love, worry, independence and the ways our own anxiety can shape the way we parent.
We explore why parenting has become so intensive, how the “worry cycle” can develop, and what it really means to support our children without taking over their challenges.
Jenny draws on family systems theory and years of experience to offer a different perspective: that sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is stay calm, stay connected and give our children the space to grow.
A conversation for any parent who has ever wondered, “Am I helping… or am I doing too much?”
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Resources mentioned in the episode
If Jenny’s ideas resonated with you and you’d like to explore them further, I’ve put together the resources we mentioned during our conversation. There’s some really valuable work here for parents, as well as for professionals working with families.
Parent Hope Project
Jenny’s work around helping parents build confidence and supporting healthy family relationships.
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/
The Parenting Paradox — Jenny Brown
Jenny’s new book, where she explores many of the ideas we talk about in this episode.
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/the-parenting-paradox-new-book-2026-bloomsbury/
The Parent Hope Podcast
More conversations around parenting, relationships and family life.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2073632/episodes?search=true
Our Family Systems Practice
Jenny’s practice in Sydney, based on a family systems approach.
https://www.thefsp.com.au/
Training for professionals
For those interested in becoming a Parent Hope Coach or Parent Course facilitator.
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/training-for-professionals/
Free parent course — Introducing Confident Parenting
A free course for parents and a great place to start exploring some of these ideas.
https://parenthopeproject.thinkific.com/courses/introducing-confident-parenting
This was one of those conversations that stayed with me long after we finished recording, and I hope it gives you something to reflect on in your own parenting too.
Thank you for being here and for being part of Connection First.
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Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com
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¿Y si amar profundamente a nuestros hijos también significa aprender cuándo dar un paso atrás?
En este episodio de Connection First, les cuento sobre mi entrevista a Dr Jenny Brown, autora de The Parenting Paradox, para conversar sobre el amor, la preocupación, la independencia y las maneras en que nuestra propia ansiedad puede influir en la forma en que criamos.
Exploramos por qué la crianza se ha vuelto cada vez más intensa, cómo se desarrolla el llamado “ciclo de la preocupación” y qué significa realmente acompañar a nuestros hijos sin asumir o resolver por ellos sus propios desafíos.
Jenny se apoya en la teoría de sistemas familiares y en sus más de 20 años de experiencia para ofrecernos una perspectiva diferente: que, a veces, lo más amoroso que podemos hacer es mantenernos tranquilos, permanecer conectados y darles a nuestros hijos el espacio que necesitan para crecer.
Una conversación para cualquier madre o padre que alguna vez se haya preguntado:
“¿Estoy ayudando… o estoy haciendo demasiado?”
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Recursos que mencionamos en el episodio
Si la conversación con Jenny te resonó y quieres profundizar un poco más en su trabajo, aquí te dejo algunos de los recursos que mencionamos durante nuestra conversación:
Parent Hope Project
El trabajo de Jenny y su equipo alrededor de la confianza de los padres, las relaciones familiares y el desarrollo de nuestros hijos.
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/
The Parenting Paradox — Jenny Brown
El nuevo libro de Jenny, en el que profundiza en muchas de las ideas que conversamos en este episodio.
https://parenthopeproject.com.au/the-parenting-paradox-new-book-2026-bloomsbury/
The Parent Hope Podcast
Más conversaciones y reflexiones sobre crianza y relaciones familiares.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2073632/episodes?search=true
Curso gratuito para padres — Introducing Confident Parenting
Jenny también comparte este curso gratuito para padres, que puede ser un buen lugar para empezar a explorar algunas de estas ideas.
https://parenthopeproject.thinkific.com/courses/introducing-confident-parenting
Y si esta conversación te hizo pensar, espero que puedas llevarte algo de ella a tu propia experiencia como madre o padre. Para mí, fue una de esas conversaciones que continúan dando vueltas en la cabeza incluso después de terminar de grabar.
Gracias por estar aquí y por formar parte de Connection First.
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Cómo logramos que nuestros hijos realmente amen leer (no porque tengan que hacerlo, sino porque quieran hacerlo?)
Esta semana celebramos en Australia la semana del libro y en este episodio especial de Connection First, comparto 3 consejos sencillos y prácticos para ayudar a nuestros hijos a desarrollar un amor por la lectura y por los libros.
Tanto si tienes un niño al que le cuesta leer, uno que prefiere las pantallas o simplemente quieres fomentar el hábito de la lectura desde pequeño, estas ideas pueden ayudarte a crear una relación positiva con los libros en casa.
Hablamos de:
📚 Hacer que los libros formen parte de la vida cotidiana: cómo crear un entorno donde los libros estén siempre presentes y leer se sienta como algo natural, divertido y emocionante.
🚫 Quitarle presión a la lectura: por qué convertir leer en una tarea o una obligación puede hacer que los niños pierdan el gusto por los libros, y qué podemos hacer en su lugar.
🌿 Crear espacio para el aburrimiento: por qué nuestros hijos necesitan tiempo lejos de las pantallas y del entretenimiento constante para descubrir sus propios intereses, desarrollar su imaginación y, muchas veces, descubrir el placer de perderse en un buen libro.
Porque criar a un niño lector no se trata de conseguir que lea más. Se trata de ayudarlo a enamorarse de la lectura.
Si quieres fomentar el amor por los libros, crear buenos hábitos de lectura y conseguir que tus hijos vean leer como algo que disfrutan y no como algo que tienen que hacer, este episodio es para ti.
En el medio del mundo tecnologico donde vivimos, crear niños que mane la lectura es un reto, casi una revolución! Pero lo podemos lograr ❤️
Espero que lo disfrutes!

Fabi x

Notas:
Si te interesa este tema, vas a amar estos otros episodios de Connection First:
#34 Niños bilingües y el poder de la lectura, con Marina Uzcátegui

#33 Los mejores libros para niños, según mi hijo de 11 años

#13 Tres formas de ayudar a nuestros hijos a disfrutar más la lectura
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How do you raise kids who genuinely love reading (not because they have to, but because they want to?!)
To celebrate the World Book Week, in this special Connection First episode, I’m sharing 3 simple, practical tips for helping children develop a lifelong love of reading and books. Whether you have a reluctant reader, a child who prefers screens, or a little one who is just beginning to discover books, these ideas can help you create a positive relationship with reading at home.
We’ll talk about:
📚 Making books part of everyday life: creating an environment where books are always available and reading feels natural, enjoyable and exciting.
🚫 Taking the pressure off reading: why turning reading into homework or a chore can take away the joy, and what to do instead.
🌿 Creating space for boredom: why children need time away from screens and constant entertainment to discover their own interests, imagination and, often, the magic of getting lost in a book.
Because raising a reader isn't about making your child read more. It’s about helping them fall in love with reading.
If you want to raise kids who choose books for pleasure, build strong reading habits and see reading as something they enjoy rather than something they have to do, this episode is for you.
Let’s raise readers, one book, one moment and one connection at a time.
Hope you enjoy it!

Notes:
If you like this topic, you'll love these other episodes of Connection First:
#34 Bilingual kids and the power of reading

#33 Top kids’ books recommended by an 11-year-old: fun & engaging reads for your family

#13 Three ways to help your kids enjoy reading more

You can also down load my FREE GUIDE to help kids fall in love with reading here.
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Email: connectionfirst@fabianacoll.com
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The teenage years can feel unpredictable, challenging and sometimes completely overwhelming... but what if we stopped seeing adolescence as something to survive and started seeing it as a wave to learn to surf?

In this episode, I share what I learned from my conversation with Grisel Guerra de Avellaneda about navigating adolescence with more intention, joy and connection. We talk about why every teenager is different, why parents can suddenly feel clueless after years of feeling confident, and how choosing our battles can make space for a more peaceful relationship.

Most importantly, we explore how to stay connected as our children become more independent, and how to make home a place where they still feel safe to come back to.

Because we can’t control the waves of adolescence. But we can learn to ride them, and maybe even enjoy the ride!

I hope you enjoy it and find some tips that are useful!!

Fabi x

*0:02 — Reframing the Teenage Years**
Approaching adolescence with curiosity rather than fear, inspired by the metaphor of learning to surf the wave.

**2:27 — Why Parenting Suddenly Feels Unfamiliar**
The shift from feeling confident with younger children to feeling lost when they become teenagers.

**4:04 — Enjoyment Over Reactivity**
Choosing to enjoy parenting, staying calm, and remembering that home should be where teens feel safe enough to show their hardest emotions.

**5:56 — Choosing Your Battles**
Letting go of small conflicts, focusing on what truly matters, and deciding with your partner which boundaries are important.

**8:22 — Don’t Take Teenage Behaviour Personally**
Understanding pushback and challenging behaviour as part of teenagers developing their own identity.

**9:33 — Boundaries Through Conversation, Not Control**
Agreeing on expectations and consequences in advance, then responding calmly when situations arise.

**11:24 — Keep the Door Open for Honest Conversations**
Understanding how overreacting or lecturing can make teenagers stop sharing, while listening first protects the connection.

**12:35 — Building a Bridge to Their World**
Parenting with curiosity, knowing when to stay quiet, and choosing the right moment to share guidance.

**13:52 — Finding New Ways to Connect as They Grow**
Letting go of old routines and finding new ways to connect through shared activities like cooking, running or reading together.

**15:26 — The Core Takeaway**
Stay connected, don’t take things personally, and lead with enjoyment, empathy and curiosity.
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