Parenting is hard, and it can feel like you’re constantly guessing what to do next. In this episode of The Giant Builders, Lois Wyant interviews Martha Burich, author of Yes, You Can Raise Happy, Responsible Children, about practical parenting strategies that build confidence, responsibility, and healthier family boundaries.
Martha shares what she learned as a former teacher and child psychology professor, plus what she learned the hard way as a parent. You’ll hear why kids need clear limits, how to say no and mean it, and why fear-based parenting can backfire. Martha also explains the difference between punishment and logical consequences, and how to respond when kids are experimenting and making mistakes.
You’ll also learn how to support a child with low self-esteem without creating pressure for perfection, why encouragement works better than praise, and how everyday responsibilities like helping at home can strengthen confidence. Martha gives simple conversation starters to replace the usual “How was school?” and explains how meal time can become a more peaceful, connection-filled part of family life.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/H1HGMYz0uKI
Key topics include:
- Boundaries without fear
- Logical consequences vs punishment
- Encouragement that builds self-esteem
- Helping kids learn responsibility through daily life
- Teaching body autonomy and healthy boundaries
- Creating better conversations with your kids
Leave a comment on the video to be entered in the book drawing mentioned in the episode.
Timestamp overview (chapters)
0:00 Parenting is hard and today’s focus
0:25 Meet Martha Burich and what she helps parents with
1:54 Why Martha wrote Yes, You Can Raise Happy, Responsible Children
2:23 The danger of never saying no and why no must mean no
3:28 Why threats and fear-based discipline create anxiety
4:39 The microwave story and why kids experiment
6:02 Intent matters and how to handle accidents vs deliberate choices
6:44 Understanding hidden needs behind behavior like attention and control
8:22 Martha’s honesty about bullying and low self-esteem
9:29 How to build self-esteem without pressure and perfection
10:24 Responsibility at home and why kids should help
11:12 Practical tips love books better questions and better meals
12:22 You are not a short order cook family meals and structure
13:11 Teaching kids self-worth beyond other people’s opinions
14:24 Be the friend you want and healthy boundaries
15:20 Teaching kids to say no and setting boundaries with toys and affection
17:12 Sorting good vs bad parenting advice gentle parenting consequences
18:25 Logical consequences and preparing kids for real life rules
18:57 A me-centered culture and why helping others matters
20:04 What recovery communities teach about being useful
20:49 Closing thoughts and where to get the book
21:34 Comment on the video for the book drawing
Book: https://amzn.to/3LD1DEz
https://www.youtube.com/@marthaburichparenting
facebook.com/marthaburichparenting
podmartha1@gmail.com
