In a parenting landscape riddled with false information, therapist and author Dr. Juli Fraga sets the record straight. As a mom—and as a licensed psychologist—she’s committed to giving parents straightforward, trustworthy guidance. Dr. Fraga has almost 20 years of experience working with new parents. Having spent more than 20 years studying child development, she has spent her professional life working to understand the ways in which parenting practices lead to children’s success.
Dr. Fraga’s understanding of these dynamics comes from years of research, most notably through in-depth interviewing with 70 parents of very successful adults. These conversations surfaced four pervasive lies that parents often tell their kids, that may unknowingly rob kids of the advanced growth they would have otherwise had. The psychologist believes that busting these myths is key to creating a healthier community, one in which our children can succeed.
Today, I want to tell you more about the types of half-truths Dr. Fraga has identified, especially those that have a demonizing effect on emotional responses and behaviors. She focuses on changing these stories so that children can learn resilience and confidence. In her soon to be released book, Parents Have Feelings, Too, she explores these ideas even further. Her mission is to help prepare parents to step into their roles with confidence and purpose.
Dr. Fraga explains that a lot of these parents learned detrimental sayings themselves as kids that aren’t in their children’s best interest. For example, using language that implies being vulnerable equates to being weak can create a stigma around emotional wellbeing. As Dr. Fraga puts it, “it’s perfectly fine to not be okay,” emphasizing the need to normalize conversations about emotional health.
Her body of work extends beyond such theory to practical knowledge that fosters effective communication between parents and their children. Dr. Fraga is passionate about using your voice with clarity and conviction. She focuses on body language tips that will ensure you create a strong first impression. She thinks the same soft skills that underlie all their programs help kids be successful in their close relationships. Yet they prepare all students to thrive in rigorous academic and professional settings.
Dr. Fraga continues to have an online presence, so that she can continue her mission to educate parents. Her website, www.drjulifraga.com, is an ongoing resource for anyone looking for inspiration, advice, and support in negotiating the challenges of today’s high-tech, ultra-demanding parenting landscape. Plus, her Insta @parentshavefeelingstoo is full of handy nuggets and bird tips for followers seeking to bring her work to life.
The psychologist’s independent research highlights the importance of breaking down harmful myths about parenting. When parents honor their feelings, she says, they create space for connection and conversation. That openness creates an emotionally rich environment, a safe space for their children’s emotional development. This engagement with children has a two-pronged effect of creating closer familial relationships and equipping children to better meet adversity later in life.