{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"MFP 402: When Empathy Becomes Wimpy","description":"If I understand my child\u2019s feelings but refuse to guide them toward what is good, am I fully loving them? Summary What if empathy, one of the most important tools in parenting, can sometimes keep us from loving our children well? In this episode, Mike and Alicia explore the difference between understanding a child\u2019s feelings and allowing those feelings to guide every decision. Drawing on Scripture and the example of God\u2019s fatherly love, they talk honestly about compassion, authority, boundaries, service, and the deep delight parents are called to have in their children. You\u2019ll hear practical wisdom on how to love without becoming permissive. Like God\u2019s love for us, parental love should seek the child\u2019s good without rising and falling according to the child\u2019s behavior. Listen in!  Key Points 1. Empathy helps us understand a child\u2019s feelings, but it should not determine every parenting decision. 2. Parental authority exists to protect, form, and guide\u2014not to dominate. 3. God models a love that is compassionate, truthful, sacrificial, and steadfast. 4. Children need firm boundaries while knowing their behavior does not diminish their parents\u2019 love or delight in them. 5. Healthy detachment allows parents to guide children without making their choices a measure of parental success or worth. Discussion Questions 1. When can empathy become an excuse to avoid giving our children necessary corrections or consequences? 2. How can we communicate both \u201cNothing will make me stop loving you\u201d and \u201cThis behavior is unacceptable\u201d? Links Fr Josh date night Oct 28 - register on site, gifts to give and discounts!   https:\/\/messyfamilyproject.org\/event\/a-virtual-date-night-featuring-fr-josh-johnson\/ ","author_name":"Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family","author_url":"https:\/\/www.MessyFamilyProject.org","html":"