EP 320: Parenting, Consistency, and Summertime with Dr. Tasha Brown

Dr. Tasha: The Parenting Expert Who Knows That Consistency is Key

Parenting in the 21st century isn’t quite the same as it used to be. Between social media, an ever-evolving digital landscape, and the modern-day pressures of work, school, and family, it sometimes feels like parents have their hands full just keeping up with the pace of change. Enter Dr. Tasha, a parenting expert who is not only helping families navigate these challenges, but also shifting the way parents approach raising their kids—one evidence-based strategy at a time.

With years of experience providing clinical care to children, adolescents, parents, and young adults, Dr. Tasha has seen it all. And when she talks about raising kids in today’s world, her message is loud and clear: Consistency is key. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the heart of family dynamics, exploring the ways parents are evolving their approaches to child-rearing, and why consistency remains the foundation of strong, healthy family relationships.

Parenting Through a Modern Lens

The way we raise kids has changed drastically in the last few decades. It’s not just about telling them what to do anymore; it’s about engaging with them, understanding their emotional needs, and fostering independence. Parents today are juggling more than ever, often trying to be both a disciplinarian and a best friend, which can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Dr. Tasha’s approach centers on the importance of adapting parenting styles to better suit the needs of kids who are growing up in a world that looks vastly different from the one their parents grew up in.

In the past, parenting may have been more rigid or formulaic, but modern-day parenting is more nuanced and flexible. Dr. Tasha emphasizes the importance of understanding your child as an individual and responding to their specific needs in a way that is both empathetic and intentional. Whether it’s dealing with the overwhelming presence of technology, helping kids build emotional intelligence, or fostering strong self-esteem, Dr. Tasha shows parents how to adapt and thrive.

However, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the need for consistency. Regardless of how parenting styles have evolved, maintaining consistency in rules, routines, and expectations is vital for both children and parents. Consistency helps kids feel secure, understand boundaries, and learn what is expected of them. It creates a stable foundation on which all the other parenting techniques can be built.

The Power of Consistency in Parenting

So why does consistency matter so much? According to Dr. Tasha, it’s simple: Consistency builds trust. Children thrive when they know what to expect. When parents are consistent in their responses, whether it's in discipline, rewards, or even affection, it creates an environment where kids feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Dr. Tasha breaks it down further by explaining that children, especially younger ones, are still in the process of developing their emotional regulation and coping skills. Without a predictable structure in place, they can easily feel overwhelmed or confused. That’s why having a set routine or clear boundaries isn't just important for maintaining order—it’s a key part of their emotional and psychological growth. When kids know what to expect, they can relax into their environment and start to make sense of the world around them.

But here's the kicker: consistency doesn't just help kids. It benefits parents, too! By creating a routine, both parents and children know what’s coming next, which can reduce stress and prevent misunderstandings. It also fosters stronger, more cooperative relationships between parents and their children.

Shifting Parenting Styles for the Modern Family

Dr. Tasha acknowledges that parenting in today's world comes with its own set of challenges. With the rise of social media, kids are exposed to more than ever before. There's a constant stream of information, which can sometimes leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate these new waters. And while Dr. Tasha is a big proponent of technology’s ability to connect and educate, she also emphasizes the importance of balance and boundaries. Parenting in the digital age means knowing how to set limits on screen time, monitor content, and, above all, engage in meaningful conversations with your kids about what they’re seeing and experiencing online.

It’s not all about boundaries, though. Dr. Tasha also stresses the importance of fostering independence and teaching kids how to think for themselves. Encouraging children to make their own decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions helps them develop a sense of autonomy and confidence. That means parents need to find ways to give their children both freedom and structure. And that’s where consistency comes in again—when children know what’s expected, they can take more risks and feel empowered to make their own choices within those boundaries.

The Parent-Child Relationship: Communication is Everything

One of the most valuable takeaways from Dr. Tasha’s insights is the importance of open and honest communication between parents and children. When you create a consistent environment where communication is encouraged, children feel heard and understood. This leads to stronger relationships, less conflict, and a greater sense of emotional connection.

Dr. Tasha recommends setting aside time each day to check in with your kids—whether it’s around the dinner table or before bed. During these moments, parents should encourage their children to share their feelings, frustrations, and experiences. At the same time, parents can model healthy emotional expression and active listening. When kids see their parents communicating openly, they learn to do the same, and it can make all the difference when it comes to resolving conflict or navigating challenging emotions.

Parenting With Purpose

Dr. Tasha’s message is one of hope, understanding, and empowerment. Parenting is hard work, and no one has all the answers, but by prioritizing consistency, empathy, and communication, parents can create an environment where their children feel safe to grow, explore, and become the best versions of themselves. And at the end of the day, that’s the ultimate goal of parenting, whether you’re navigating the toddler years or the teenage years.

So, while parenting may look different now than it did in the past, one thing is for sure: Consistency is timeless. It’s the thread that ties everything together and makes the beautiful mess of family life a little more manageable. Dr. Tasha’s approach provides parents with the tools, wisdom, and encouragement they need to raise well-rounded, emotionally healthy kids—and it’s all grounded in the power of consistency.