Child's hand holding little finger of adult's hand

You’re Not Being Harsh — You’re Being Steady

Boundaries as Love
June 23, 2025•1 min read

In this episode, we gently unravel the myth that boundaries need to be firm, loud, or forceful to be effective. We explore what it really means to hold steady as a parent — especially when your child is being irrational, resistant, or overwhelmed, and you’re already stretched to your limit.

Emma offers an honest look at the moments when even the calmest mums shout or give in, and how these moments can still be part of a loving, values-aligned parenting journey. You’ll hear a powerful reframe: that holding firm doesn’t mean shutting down your feelings — it means anchoring yourself in love, clarity, and the belief that your child is worth the effort, even when things are hard.

Whether you’re managing meltdowns, setting limits, or just trying not to lose it by bedtime, this episode is a compassionate reminder that quiet leadership begins within.

In this episode, Emma shares:

  • Why children are unreasonable — and why that matters

  • What “holding steady” looks like when everything feels messy

  • The difference between loud boundaries and clear boundaries

  • Why self-compassion is essential to consistent parenting

  • How to re-centre when you’ve already reacted

  • A mantra for holding boundaries from a place of love

🎧 Listen Now:

Mentioned in this episode:

Leave a Review:
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love if you shared it with someone who needs it — or left a quick review. Your words help others find the support they deserve.

gentle boundariescalm parentingparenting without shoutingemotional regulation for mumssetting limits with love parenting meltdownstoddler defiance supportparental overwhelmregulating emotions in parenting5 Tiny Shifts guidecompassionate parenting advicerespectful parenting UK
Understanding people has always been a passion of mine, and becoming a parent made that understanding even more real. My counselling training helped me explore the emotional challenges of parenting — not perfectly, but with more presence, compassion, and clarity. Now I run a social enterprise supporting families through group work, counselling, and digital learning.

Emma Reed

Understanding people has always been a passion of mine, and becoming a parent made that understanding even more real. My counselling training helped me explore the emotional challenges of parenting — not perfectly, but with more presence, compassion, and clarity. Now I run a social enterprise supporting families through group work, counselling, and digital learning.

Back to Blog