Gabriela G.'s Key Ideas from Raising Good Humans
by Hunter Clarke-Fields

Trigger tracking reveals parenting patterns:

• Document challenging moments
• Note time, situation, feelings
• Identify personal triggers
• Recognize physical factors
• Plan preventive strategies

Understanding our triggers enables proactive solutions. Often, the most effective parenting interventions start with parent self-care.

Connection before correction transforms challenging moments:

• Prioritize relationship over rules
• Fill emotional tanks first
• Address behavior after connection
• Use physical presence and attention
• Create safety through closeness

This principle recognizes that children cooperate best when they feel deeply connected. Punishment often creates the opposite of what we want.

Repair rituals heal ruptures and teach important lessons:

• Acknowledge mistakes openly
• Take responsibility without shame
• Model authentic apologies
• Create do-over opportunities
• Build trust through consistency

These practices show children that relationships can survive conflict. They learn that mistakes are opportunities for growth and connection.

Setting boundaries with love requires:

• Clear, consistent limits
• Empathy for feelings
• Firm and kind presence
• Support through emotions
• Maintaining connection

This approach provides the security children need while preserving the relationship. It avoids the extremes of rigid authority or permissiveness.

The growth mindset transforms parenting through:

• Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities
• Practicing self-compassion
• Modeling continuous improvement
• Celebrating effort over perfection
• Building resilience together

This approach releases perfectionism while encouraging development. When parents grow, children naturally follow their example.