Ep 255: You Are the Parent: How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt | Dr. Siggie Cohen

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How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt | Dr. Siggie Cohen on Discipline, Saying No & Raising Confident Kids

Why is it so hard for parents to say no? Have we become so focused on our children's feelings that we've forgotten the importance of boundaries?

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back parenting expert and child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen, author of You Are the Parent.

Dr. Siggie shares her refreshing approach to parenting—one that balances empathy with confident leadership. She explains why children don't always need explanations, why discipline isn't the same as punishment, and why parents don't need to fix every uncomfortable emotion.

Together, we explore everyday parenting challenges, including:

• Saying no: Why parents shouldn't feel guilty about setting boundaries.
• Discipline: How to guide children without relying on punishment or rewards.
• Sibling rivalry: How to help children navigate conflict and develop problem-solving skills.
• Social media: What to say when your child insists they're the only one without Snapchat or other social media.
• Lying and sneaking: Understanding what's driving the behavior instead of simply punishing it.
• Bragging: Helping children feel proud of themselves without putting others down.
• Parenting confidence: Why staying calm and resisting the urge to fix everything can make such a difference.

Dr. Siggie reminds us that our children don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are confident, compassionate, and willing to guide them through life's challenges.

One of my favorite takeaways: We can validate our children's feelings without accommodating every request.

If you've ever struggled with setting limits, managing sibling fights, or knowing when to step in versus step back, this conversation is for you.

About Dr. Siggie Cohen:

Dr. Siggie Cohen is a child development specialist, parenting expert, and author of You Are the Parent. She is known for her practical, compassionate approach to helping parents understand their children's behavior and respond with confidence.

Instagram: @dr.siggie

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.