Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
In this episode, I sit down with educator and parent Sharon Schwarz to talk about what children need to become capable, confident adults. We explore authoritative parenting, the value of routines and clear expectations, how screens can affect play and communication, and why warmth, accountability, and age-appropriate responsibility can help children feel secure and prepared for life.
About My Guest:
Sharon Schwarz is an award-winning middle school teacher, parenting educator, and content creator with more than 24 years of experience working with children and families. After decades in the classroom, she saw a growing disconnect between modern parenting advice and what children need to become capable, resilient, and emotionally healthy. Through her work, Sharon helps parents embrace an authoritative approach that combines deep connection with clear expectations, healthy boundaries, and age-appropriate responsibility. By blending developmental science, classroom experience, and practical strategies, she gives families a more balanced framework for raising confident, capable children.
Key Takeaways:
Discover how authoritative parenting combines high expectations and accountability with warmth, affection, and support, giving children clear guardrails without removing connection or trust.
Understand why routines, predictable boundaries, hands-on play, and age-appropriate responsibilities can help children build confidence, independence, and the real-world skills they will need as they grow.
Learn how to rethink screen habits by protecting time for conversation, movement, fine-motor play, sleep, and family engagement, while remembering that parents can set and monitor the boundaries around a child’s device use.
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Why is this happening to my kid and what can I do about it? If you are the parent of a developmentally delayed child then you’ve probably asked this question more than once. That’s where I come in! I’m Dr. Laura Hanson and I specialize in identifying the “why” and telling you the “what.” Join me every Thursday for a deeper look at how our brains are wired and how to get the most out of your mind. Are you looking to break negative patterns, overcome mood disorders, or optimize your potential? Maybe your child struggles with ADHD, OCD or other learning difficulties. Tune in to Connect My Brain, where I explain concepts like biofeedback and neurofeedback, brainwave frequencies, and much more. Let me help you change your life by changing your mind! Contact me HERE.
