About this episode
I need your help! My book is behind on pre-sales and I'm trying to make up a lot of ground before release on January 28th, 2025. If you love the podcast, please consider preordering —it’s the best way to support me right now. If you don't typically read parenting books, I also have the audiobook version! Thank you so much! Preorder the Book Preorder the Audiobook Episode Description: In this episode of the Whole Parent Podcast , Jon welcomes Dr. Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel . Together, they dive into why emotions matter, how to raise emotionally intelligent children, and the essential skills parents need to model emotional regulation effectively. Jon and Marc discuss the misconceptions around emotions—especially the temptation to suppress unpleasant feelings—and how these unresolved emotions often resurface in unhealthy ways. Marc shares his guiding principle of giving ourselves “permission to feel” and explains the difference between being an emotion scientist and an emotion judge . Whether you’re navigating tough parenting moments or learning to process your own feelings, this episode will equip you with practical tools for building emotional intelligence at home. Key Takeaways: Why Emotions Matter : Emotions are critical for attention, decision-making, relationships, mental health, and overall performance. Suppressed emotions don’t go away—they often intensify over time. The Role of Emotional Intelligence : Developing emotional awareness and regulation starts with parents. Kids learn emotional intelligence when parents model vulnerability, self-reflection, and healthy coping strategies. Becoming an Emotion Scientist vs. Emotion Judge : Emotion Scientists : Curious, open, and exploratory when processing feelings. Emotion Judges : Critical, dismissive, and reactive to emotions. Marc introduces his How We Feel app to help individuals and families develop emotional awareness and vocabulary. Practical Regulation Strategies : Proactive emotional regulation (e.g., pausing at the “doorknob moment” to prepare for emotional triggers). Modeling emotional honesty with kids, even during challenging moments. Other Amazing Resources from Marc: Book : Permission t Send us a text Support the show Links to help you and me: To support the Podcast, Subscribe on Substack Get Jon’s Top Five Emotional Regulation Games Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram , Tiktok, Facebook , Youtube