The True Purpose of Parenting: Raising Kids True to Their Nature (Even When They Drive You Nuts)

Dr. Deb Zupito

Connection NOT Perfection!!!

Carol Tuttle once said, “I believe that the purpose of parenting is to raise children true to their natures so they can grow up feeling honored, confident, and free to be themselves.”

That quote hits home. Because let’s be honest, parenting can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. You think you’ve got it figured out, but then you’re left with mystery pieces (or a meltdown in aisle five) and wondering where you went wrong.

The truth is, parenting isn’t about molding our kids into mini versions of ourselves or checking off boxes on a “perfect child” list. It’s about seeing who they really are—beneath the peanut butter-smeared faces, endless “why” questions, and master-level selective hearing.

When kids feel honored for their unique quirks, the little things that make them truly them, they grow up confident, secure, and free to be exactly who they’re meant to be. And that freedom? It’s priceless. (Especially after surviving the “I only wear princess PJs to school” phase.) But let’s not sugarcoat it, the chaos is real. That’s where parent coaching comes in.

With years of experience in early childhood education, child development, and parenting, I’ve seen how coaching empowers parents to better understand and support their children. With tools, you can begin:

·      Decoding whether that epic meltdown is about hunger, exhaustion, or a desperate need for the last cookie. Understanding that stubbornness might actually be your child’s hidden superpower

·      Finding patience after stepping on yet another LEGO while answering the 15th “Why is the sky blue?” question before 9 a.m.

·      Understanding the behavior is not happening to YOU. Say goodbye to the Ego!

·      Expanding connection with your child (see your child through a new lens)

Parent coaching isn’t about becoming a perfect parent (spoiler: that's a myth). It's about giving you tools, insight, and confidence to raise your child in alignment with THEIR nature, not anyone else’s expectations. At Treehouse Minds, we specialize in guiding parents through the wild, wonderful world of raising emotionally intelligent, self-aware kids. Whether you're navigating tantrums, struggling with communication, or just want to better understand your child’s personality, support makes all the difference.

Parenting isn’t a solo gig… it takes a village, a group text, and maybe a snack stash you don’t share with your kids. With the right coaching, a solid support crew, and a good sense of humor, you can raise kids who grow up feeling honored, confident, and totally free to be their wonderfully weird, authentic selves.