))
How to Argue Without Fighting: Teaching Kids Respectful Disagreement
Manage episode 519871168 series 3677366
Arguing isn’t the problem — how we argue is.
In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we unpack one of the most universal parts of family life: conflict. From Friday-night screen-time debates to “Because I said so” moments, Kim and Jake explore why respectful disagreement can actually strengthen connection instead of breaking it.
💬 You’ll learn:
• Why psychologists Edward Deci & Richard Ryan say arguing is really about autonomy and growth.
• How Harvard research links respectful dissent to empathy and leadership.
• What Diana Baumrind’s parenting styles reveal about balancing warmth and boundaries.
• Practical tools from Michigan State University Extension, The Watson Institute, and GoZen for teaching kids to disagree kindly — including role-plays families can do at home.
• And what to do when parents and kids still don’t agree (hint: empathy + explanation + repair).
Whether your child is neurodiverse, strong-willed, or just learning emotional regulation, this episode offers scripts, science, and humor to help every family argue better — and love harder.
🔗 Find us: www.themothersonpodcast.com
📸 Instagram @themothersonpodcast
🎧 Subscribe, rate & review — it truly helps more families find the show!
📚 References (APA Style)
- Baumrind, D. (2013). Authoritative parenting revisited: History and current implications. Developmental Psychology, 49(3), 405-420.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2020). Self-Determination Theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 75(1), 68-78.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2021). Raising Critical Thinkers Through Conversation. Cambridge, MA.
- Michigan State University Extension. (n.d.). Teaching your child to disagree respectfully. Retrieved 2025 from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/teaching-your-child-to-disagree-respectfully
- The Watson Institute. (n.d.). Social skills to handle disagreements. Retrieved 2025 from https://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/resource/conversation-skills-disagree
- GoZen! (2024). 5 Phrases Your Kids Can Use to Disagree Respectfully. Retrieved from https://gozen.com/5-phrases-your-kids-can-use-to-disagree-respectfully
35 episodes
Share
