Your Kids Just Want To Make You Proud - Don't Exploit That

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In this episode of "Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!", we unpack one of the most overlooked truths in parenting: Your kids just want to make you proud.

From cartwheels to dinner plates, from little drawings to teenage projects — children are constantly looking for connection, approval, and love from their parents. But what happens when that desire is unknowingly manipulated or made conditional?

I share a simple moment with my son — over lasagna and salad — that revealed something deeper...

It sparked a larger reflection on how easily some people, as parents, can send the wrong message. That their pride, acceptance, and even love… must be earned.

In this episode, we explore:
🔹 The natural desire in kids to seek their parents’ approval
🔹 How seemingly harmless words can teach performance-based love
🔹 Why some adults still chase their parents' pride decades later
🔹 The responsibility we carry as parents to model **unconditional love**
🔹 Practical mindset shifts to help your kids feel truly seen and safe

This episode isn’t just for parents of young kids. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to earn love… or who might still be carrying that pressure today.

👉 Watch this if you want to break cycles, heal wounds, and create a home where your kids feel *loved no matter what*.

📌 Need counseling or coaching for your parenting, emotional health, or family relationships? Visit heartinhand1.com or DM me directly.

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\#ParentingPodcast #UnconditionalLove #ChristianParenting #EmotionalHealth #GenerationalHealing #Fatherhood #LegacyBuilding #PodcastForDads

00:00 Introduction: Kids Just Want to Make You Proud
00:25 The Show and Tell Phase
00:53 Adapting as Kids Grow Older
01:54 A Personal Story: Dinner Time Realization
04:36 The Dynamics of Seeking Approval
05:10 The Responsibility of Parents
08:41 Unconditional Love and Acceptance
10:42 Conclusion: Reflect and Grow

🔔 Subscribe for weekly real talk for people who want to grow, and parents who want to lead.
🎙️ Listen to the podcast: Hi Struggling, I’m Dad!
📲 Follow on IG: @grantberardi and @hi_struggling_im_dad
💬 Comment below: What’s one expectation you notice that shows up regularly for you?

#LeadByExample #ChristianFatherhood #HiStrugglingImDad #WalkTheTalk #MasculineLeadership #ParentingWithPurpose #FaithOverExcuses #legacymindset

Want counselling and coaching support from me? - www.heartinhand1.com

Listen to the podcast at - //open.spotify.com/show/1uSJKNN5QB2hnzZ762WrKq?si=051a145f5aac433d

"Hi Struggling, I'm Dad!" is a podcast dedicated to helping people be the best parents, partners and people they can possibly be.

I'm Grant Berardi, a father of 5 kids, a husband of 15 years, a qualified counsellor and coach with over a decade of experience.

This podcast was made due to my passion for helping others reach their fullest potential in as many aspects of their life as possible.

This podcast embodies this passion but also sees the funny side even in the difficult moments. Integrity, character, ownership, leadership and relationship are key themes throughout.

I've made these outlets because I've struggled with fear of failure, anxiety and self-doubt, and would have loved to have had help from someone along the way. I want to be that help for others.

All the best,

-Grant Berardi