In this special episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest explores parenthood and becoming a good dad with his father, clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson. They discuss the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of parenthood, starting with the advice Rick would have given himself. Rick and Forrest tackle the mental health challenges new parents face, focusing particularly on maintaining a strong relationship between partners. They get real about their relationship, and Rick offers practical strategies for “resetting” with your partner during stressful times.
They then talk about different approaches to parenting, and how to find a healthy balance of authority, aspiration, and nurturance. Whether you’re navigating the path of parenthood, reflecting on your relationship with your own parents, or just looking to gain some insight into the father-son dynamic, this episode has something for everyone.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 2:00: Did becoming a dad change Rick’s relationship with his parents?
- 5:05: What advice would Rick give a younger version of himself?
- 8:45: Biological stressors, and the mental health challenges of young parents
- 17:00: Maintaining closeness with your children while working
- 21:40: How to “reset” with your partner
- 31:15: Savoring the good times
- 34:35: Authority, aspiration, and nurturance
- 43:30: Parenting the child you have, and emotional regulation
- 50:10: Recognizing that kids are not tiny adults
- 56:55: Staying consistent
- 59:30: How to practice for becoming a parent
- 1:02:00: Recap
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
