Why Parents Misread Their Kid's Behavior and How Brain Science Changes the Way You Respond (Episode 197)
Mon Feb 02 2026
As parents, we often believe we know why our kids behave the way they do.
We assume intentions, assign meaning to their actions, and respond from that story, often when we are stressed, tired, or triggered.
But what if those assumptions are wrong?
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we explore one of the most common and overlooked parenting mistakes, mind reading our children. This happens when we assume we know their motives without actually checking.
We unpack why the parent brain does this under stress, what brain science and child development tell us about behavior, and how these assumptions quietly erode connection, trust, and cooperation, especially with tweens and teens.
In this episode, you will learn:
• Why the human brain jumps to negative interpretations under stress
• How nervous system dysregulation leads parents to misread behavior
• Why kids often cannot articulate their own motives and what that means for discipline
• How curiosity builds safety, honesty, and long term behavior change
• What it looks like to assume the best without losing boundaries
• Practical ways to pause assumptions and respond with clarity and connection
This episode is for parents who want to move beyond control, power struggles, and miscommunication and toward deeper understanding, cooperation, and trust.
You do not need to read your child’s mind.
You need to make space for their voice.
View the full podcast transcript at:
https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-parents-misread-their-kids-behavior-and-how-brain-science-changes-the-way-you-respond
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/
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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.
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As parents, we often believe we know why our kids behave the way they do. We assume intentions, assign meaning to their actions, and respond from that story, often when we are stressed, tired, or triggered. But what if those assumptions are wrong? In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we explore one of the most common and overlooked parenting mistakes, mind reading our children. This happens when we assume we know their motives without actually checking. We unpack why the parent brain does this under stress, what brain science and child development tell us about behavior, and how these assumptions quietly erode connection, trust, and cooperation, especially with tweens and teens. In this episode, you will learn: • Why the human brain jumps to negative interpretations under stress • How nervous system dysregulation leads parents to misread behavior • Why kids often cannot articulate their own motives and what that means for discipline • How curiosity builds safety, honesty, and long term behavior change • What it looks like to assume the best without losing boundaries • Practical ways to pause assumptions and respond with clarity and connection This episode is for parents who want to move beyond control, power struggles, and miscommunication and toward deeper understanding, cooperation, and trust. You do not need to read your child’s mind. You need to make space for their voice. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-parents-misread-their-kids-behavior-and-how-brain-science-changes-the-way-you-respond 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.