Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with children & families. Their mission is to equip families with strategies designed specifically for their needs to strengthen relationships and form a deeper bond with their children. We discuss how to nurture connection and the fine line between control and healthy boundaries.  Key Takeaways: Shifting from Traditional Control to Child-Centered Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules talk about the trap of control in traditional adult/child relationships. They discuss how to prioritize children’s needs to encourage autonomy, problem-solving, and communication. Recognizing Control Traps: Jerica and Jules share about where control stems from and why excessive control negatively impacts all involved. Differentiating Between Control and Healthy Boundaries: Kristen, Jerica, and Jules explore the distinction between control-driven actions and establishing boundaries that promote safety and learning. Learn how to observe children’s responses and emotions. Empowering Children: Respectful, clear communication is important to understand children’s perspectives, needs, and capabilities, fostering an environment that prioritizes children's growth and well-being. If you have been struggling to authentically connect with your children or students and are seeking practical advice to create meaningful interactions within tight schedules, this episode is for you! Kristen, Jerica, and Jules will share their insights about how boundaries can be redefined as expectations and promises that offer stability and trust to children. Recommended Book: Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Jerica & Jules here: @the_connected_child, the-connected-child.com