FREE BONUS EPISODE: The Child Welcome Key 1

Setting Effective Boundaries: Safety, Values, and Transitions

In this episode of the Guilty Parent Club, Dr Jo unpacks the different types of boundaries we set for our children and why they matter so much in family life. Exploring the three main types - safety, values, and transition boundaries - Dr Jo offers practical guidance for parents looking to create a nurturing and predictable environment. She encourages parents to consider not just what boundaries are set, but also how they are taught and maintained in partnership with co-parents. With a calm and thoughtful approach, Dr Jo outlines how boundaries aren’t just about rules, but also about learning, feeling loved, and maintaining parental well-being.

Key topics covered:

• The difference between safety, values, and transition boundaries, and why each is important
• How to approach boundary-setting collaboratively with your co-parent
• The role of boundaries in helping children feel safe, loved, and secure
• Why boundaries matter just as much for parents’ wellbeing as for children’s development

For further reflection, Dr Jo encourages listeners to identify the trickiest boundary-setting situations in their own lives and consider which type of boundary each represents, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future episodes.

Don't forget to download the workbook that accompanies this podcast series here.

I'm Dr Jo Mueller, and I'm a Clinical Psychologist on a crusade to help as many parents as I can feel more confident in parenting your child in a human, imperfect way. Find out more about me and The Guilty Parent Club here.

The Guilty Parent Club: where good enough really is good enough.

Music credit: Joseph McDade