Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Healthy Boundaries for Kids on Rock Solid Families Podcast
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Families podcast discuss subject of Healthy Boundaries for Kids
Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, Merrill and Linda discuss parenting and setting healthy boundaries for kids.
“As parents, you've got to know what your values are before you can set healthy boundaries,” says co-host Linda Hutchinson. The art of instilling and maintaining healthy boundaries with children can be challenging for parents. Merrill and Linda reflect on personal experiences, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of overindulgence and the importance of letting children experience the ramifications of their actions. As parents, it's essential to differentiate between occasional favors and habits that could hinder a child's growth into a self-sufficient individual.
Merrill and Linda further discuss the pitfalls of a child-centered home, advocating instead for a balance where God and family values take precedence. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, parents can guide their children towards becoming responsible and well-adjusted adults.
The hosts stress the importance of listening, adapting, and ensuring that your child's dreams and aspirations are genuinely their own. Too often, parents find themselves unconsciously pressuring their children into fulfilling dreams that aren’t genuinely theirs.
Merrill and Linda share the complexities they encountered in their personal journey with their children, reminding listeners that no one is perfect, and parenting is a continuous learning curve. The key takeaway? It's not about control but cultivating an environment of safety, security, and genuine understanding, rooted in solid values. Whether you're a new parent, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode offers invaluable insights to guide your family towards health and harmony.
Quotes
"The child centered home, in and of itself, sounds great on paper. It's extremely dangerous and it's where entitlement comes from." (33:51 | Merrill Hutchinson)
"So please, set a boundary. You're the parent. So treat your child lovingly, but as a child." (34:35 | Linda Hutchinson)
"The fact is, you're going to get pushback from your kiddos. And so, you're really going to have to evaluate like, again, am I living my life through them or is this healthy that I'm asking this boundary of them?" (37:00 | Linda Hutchinson)
"We are always working the underlying value system, that at the end of the day, that’s what your kid is going to walk out of your home with. And if it’s a value system that only values them, then you certainly do not want to negotiate that benefit of them being more self-centered." (38:46 | Merrill Hutchinson)