The Art of Raising Humans

Parenting Legacy

Kyle and Sara Wester are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with over 20 years experience working with children and teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Their podcast will help you parent from a place of freedom, love, and courage. Their passion is to help you uncover areas of fear and shame in your parenting and inspire you to empower your children to become healthy adults.They use the latest research in neuroscience coupled with their own experience raising 3 children.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Teens Need a Rite of Passage and Parents Need One Too with Dr Arne Rubinstein

    What if our teenagers’ risky choices, rebellion, or need to prove themselves are partly attempts to answer a deeper question: Am I ready to grow up, and does anyone see who I am becoming?   For thousands of years, communities intentionally helped young people transition from childhood into adulthood. Today, many teenagers are left to create their own rites of passage through drinking, drugs, sexual experiences, reckless behavior, or other choices they believe will prove they are grown.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara talk with Dr Arne Rubinstein about how parents can help teenagers experience this transition in a healthier, more meaningful way.   Dr Arne explains why teenagers need belonging, emotional safety, meaningful challenges, trusted adults, and opportunities to discover the gifts they can contribute to the world. He also shares how families can create an intentional rite of passage without needing an elaborate ceremony or extended retreat.   But this process is not only about helping teenagers mature. Parents must also be willing to change.   As children move toward adulthood, parents are invited to release some control, relate to them differently, and create space for greater responsibility, independence, and trust. Without that shift, even a powerful experience can quickly dissolve when the family returns to its old patterns.   This conversation will help you see adolescence as more than a difficult stage to survive. It is a pivotal season in which parents can help young people develop purpose, confidence, responsibility, and a clearer vision of the adults they want to become.   In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why teenagers often create their own unhealthy rites of passage • The three stages of a meaningful transition into adulthood • Why stories and vulnerability can reach teens more effectively than lectures • How challenges, vision, and recognition help teenagers discover who they are • Why boys and girls may need different forms of support during adolescence • How to honor your teenager’s natural gifts and strengths • Why parents must go through a transition alongside their children • Practical ways to continue the growth after the meaningful moment is over   About Dr Arne Rubinstein Dr Arne Rubinstein, OAM, is the founder and director of the Rites of Passage Institute and a globally recognized expert on rites of passage. After 15 years in emergency medicine, he dedicated his work to helping young people, families, schools, and communities navigate major life transitions. His work has reached more than 450,000 people across 25 countries.   Connect with Dr Arne Rubinstein and the Rites of Passage Institute Visit the Rites of Passage Institute Explore camps, training, books, and resources Follow the Rites of Passage Institute on Instagram Connect with the Rites of Passage Institute on LinkedIn   Listen now and discover how intentional moments of connection can help your teenager step toward adulthood knowing they are seen, supported, and capable.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-teens-need-a-rite-of-passage-and-parents-need-one-too-with-dr-arne-rubinstein   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  2. Jul 20

    What You Should Never Try to Fix About Your Child (Episode 221)

    Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity, strong will, quietness, or intensity is something you need to change?   When a behavior repeatedly frustrates or worries us, it is easy to start seeing our child as the problem. We may lecture more, push harder, compare them to other children, or try to shape them into someone who feels easier and less frightening to raise.   But what if the trait you are trying to eliminate was never broken?   In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore the important difference between accepting who your child is and guiding how they use their strengths. You will learn how sensitivity can become empathy, strong will can become leadership, quietness can reflect thoughtfulness, and intensity can grow into passion and purpose.   They also share practical language for responding to children and teens without shaming their identity, while still maintaining boundaries, teaching responsibility, and developing emotional regulation.   You’ll discover: • How parental fear can turn guidance into rejection • Why children need to know, “I am loved as I am, and I am capable of growing” • How to find the strength underneath a frustrating behavior • What children ages 8–18 need from parents at different developmental stages • Four questions to help you decide whether a moment needs acceptance, guidance, or a clear boundary • How protecting your child’s dignity strengthens your influence into adulthood   Your child does not need you to fix who they are. They need your help becoming the healthiest, wisest version of who they already are.   Learn more about Parent Relationship Coaching and the Art of Raising Humans at ArtOfRaisingHumans.com.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/what-you-should-never-try-to-fix-about-your-child   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  3. Jul 13

    Raising Boys in a Digital World: Masculinity, Porn, Body Image, and Character with Daniel Principe

    In today’s digital world, boys are being shaped by voices most parents never invited in.   Social media, porn culture, toxic influencers, looksmaxxing, pressure to be rich, pressure to be ripped, and the constant message to “act like you don’t care” are all reaching boys earlier than many adults realize. But how do we talk to our sons about these things without fear, shame, lectures, or panic?   In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara talk with Daniel Principe, a youth advocate and educator from Australia who works with boys, schools, parents, and communities to help young men grow into courageous, respectful, empathetic adults.   Daniel helps parents understand the world boys are navigating right now and why curiosity matters more than judgment. He shares why boys need more than warnings about what not to become. They need a hopeful, healthy vision of who they can become.   Together, Kyle, Sara, and Daniel discuss how parents can approach difficult conversations about masculinity, body image, pornography, online pressure, consent, relationships, and character. They also explore why boys are not bad or broken, why parents should not parent from shame, and how adults can become safe, steady voices in a very noisy culture.   This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply practical for parents raising boys in a world that often pulls them toward disconnection, insecurity, and apathy.   Daniel Principe is a passionate youth advocate and educator who creates spaces that champion boys into becoming good men. He works with young people, parents, educators, and communities to challenge harmful cultural messages and invite boys toward courage, respect, empathy, and healthy relationships.   Learn more about Daniel’s work at DanielPrincipe.com.au.   Connect with Daniel on Instagram: @lastoftheromans.   Listen to The Art of Raising Humans wherever you get your podcasts.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/raising-boys-in-a-digital-world-masculinity-porn-body-image-and-character-with-daniel-principe   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  4. Jul 6

    AI, Homework, and Kids: How to Use AI Without Letting It Do the Thinking for Them (Episode 219)

    In Part 1 of this conversation, Kyle and Sara talked about how AI is changing childhood and why parents need to stay curious, connected, and informed.   In this Part 2 conversation, they get practical.   Kids are already using AI for homework, writing, studying, brainstorming, advice, and entertainment. So the question is no longer, “Should my child ever use AI?” The better question is, “How do we teach our child to use AI wisely?”   Kyle and Sara discuss how parents can guide kids toward healthy AI habits before those habits form on their own. They talk about homework, cheating, age-appropriate use, privacy, red flags, AI literacy, and how to create a family approach rooted in connection instead of fear. This episode will help parents think through how AI can support learning without replacing effort, struggle, responsibility, or independent thought.   In this episode: When AI helps with homework and when it becomes a problemThe difference between helpful support and outsourcing the struggleHow AI use may look different by ageRed flags parents should watch forWhy privacy matters when kids use AIHow to teach kids that AI can sound confident and still be wrongHow to begin creating healthy family guidelines around AI  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/ai-homework-and-kids-how-to-use-ai-without-letting-it-do-the-thinking-for-them   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  5. Jun 29

    How AI Is Changing Childhood: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Episode 218)

    Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of childhood. Kids are using AI for homework, studying, entertainment, advice, emotional support, and even companionship.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara begin a two-part conversation on what parents need to know about AI. They discuss how to approach AI with curiosity instead of fear, why connection matters more than control, and how parents can help kids develop the skills AI cannot replace: critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, effort, adaptability, and real human relationships.   This episode will help parents think more clearly about AI and begin meaningful conversations with their kids about how to use it wisely.   In this episode: How kids are already using AIWhy curiosity should come before rulesThe concern around AI chatbots and emotional supportWhat AI can imitate but never replaceWhy critical thinking matters more than everSimple family principles for AI use  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/how-ai-is-changing-childhood-what-every-parent-needs-to-know   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  6. Jun 22

    The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent (Episode 217)

    In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with beloved Australian parenting author, educator, and champion for boys Maggie Dent to talk about dads, sons, emotional safety, repair, and why children do not need perfect fathers.   Maggie shares practical wisdom for fathers who want to parent differently but may not know what that looks like in real life. Together, we explore how dads can be strong without being harsh, how boys often open up through side-by-side connection, and why repair matters more than perfection.   If you are a dad, love a dad, are raising boys, or want to better understand the powerful role fathers play, this conversation will leave you encouraged and reminded that being a “good enough dad” really can be enough.   In this episode: • Why dads matter so deeply • How dads can connect with sons • Why boys often open up through walks, car rides, movement, and presence • What may be underneath anger in tween and teen boys • How dads can repair after yelling or losing their temper • Why children need emotional safety more than perfection   Connect with Maggie Dent Website: maggiedent.com Instagram: @maggiedentauthor YouTube: Maggie Dent Podcast: The Good Enough Dad Podcast   Books: Mothering Our Boys From Boys to Men Help Me Help My Teen Girlhood Parental As Anything   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/the-good-enough-had-with-maggie-dent   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  7. Jun 15

    Screen Time Without the Power Struggles (Episode 216)

    If you're like most parents, you've probably had a moment this summer where you said, "Okay, time to turn it off," and suddenly found yourself in a negotiation, an argument, or a full-blown meltdown.   Screens have become one of the biggest parenting challenges of modern life. They're entertaining, social, educational, and often genuinely helpful. But they can also create power struggles, emotional outbursts, and frustration for both kids and parents.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore a different way to think about screens. Instead of focusing on control, punishment, or finding the perfect amount of screen time, they discuss how parents can help children develop healthy screen habits while still enjoying the benefits technology can offer.   You'll hear practical ideas for reducing conflict, understanding what's happening beneath screen battles, and leading your family with connection instead of control. Kyle and Sara also share five practical shifts parents can begin using immediately to create healthier rhythms around screens and reduce daily battles.   In This Episode: Why turning off screens can feel so difficult for kidsWhat screens may be providing for children emotionally and sociallyWhy screen battles are often about more than the screen itselfCommon parenting responses that unintentionally increase conflictThe difference between creating limits and creating healthy rhythmsHow to support smoother transitions away from devicesWhy awareness works better than shameWhat screens may be crowding out in a child's lifeHow to collaborate with kids when creating screen expectationsWhat to do when children still become upset about screen limitsFive practical shifts you can start using this week A Different Way to Think About Screens: Screens aren't going away. Our job isn't to eliminate them. Our job is to help our children learn how to use them with awareness, balance, and self-control while they're still under our guidance.   When we move beyond fear, shame, and constant power struggles, we create opportunities to teach the skills our kids will need for a lifetime of healthy screen use.   View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/screen-time-without-the-power-struggles   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

  8. Jun 8

    Why So Many Boys Are Angry Today with Dr. Katie Hurley

    Many parents are worried about what they're seeing in their sons.   Maybe your son seems more angry, aggressive, withdrawn, or difficult to reach than he used to be. Maybe you're wondering why conversations feel harder, emotions stay bottled up, or small frustrations quickly escalate into conflict.   In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Katie Hurley to explore what is really happening beneath the surface for boys today.   Together, they discuss the hidden pressures boys face, the influence of social media and online culture, why anger often becomes the only acceptable emotion for boys to express, and how parents can create stronger connections with their sons in a rapidly changing world. This conversation offers practical guidance, hope, and insight for parents who want to better understand their boys and help them thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally. If You've Ever Wondered: Why does my son seem so angry lately?Why won't my son talk about his feelings?How is social media affecting boys?What is the "manosphere" and why should parents pay attention?How do I respond when my son becomes verbally aggressive?How can dads build stronger emotional connections with their sons?What role do coaches, mentors, and male role models play?How can I help my son navigate today's culture without losing himself? In This Episode The hidden emotional pressures boys face todayWhy boys often express sadness, fear, shame, and anxiety through angerHow social media algorithms influence boys' beliefs and identityThe growing impact of online misogyny and toxic masculinityWhy boys often struggle to ask for helpThe importance of emotional connection and open conversationsHow shared activities can help boys open upWhy positive male mentorship mattersPractical ways parents can respond to aggression and disrespectThe difference between punishment and connectionHow calm, consistency, and connection help boys feel safe enough to growWhy repair and accountability are essential family skills Connect with Dr. Katie Hurley Instagram: @drkatiehurley Website: https://practicalkatie.com/ Books: Breaking the Boy CodeNo More Mean Girls  View the full podcast transcript at:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-so-many-boys-are-angry-today-with-dr-katie-hurley   Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.   Resource Website:  https://www.artofraisinghumans.com Video Courses:  https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans Podcast Website:  https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com Book List: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist   The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

4.9
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

Kyle and Sara Wester are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with over 20 years experience working with children and teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Their podcast will help you parent from a place of freedom, love, and courage. Their passion is to help you uncover areas of fear and shame in your parenting and inspire you to empower your children to become healthy adults.They use the latest research in neuroscience coupled with their own experience raising 3 children.