The Science of Feelings (with Dr. Marc Brackett)

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Episode Description:

In this episode of the Whole Parent Podcast, Jon welcomes Dr. Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel. Together, they dive into why emotions matter, how to raise emotionally intelligent children, and the essential skills parents need to model emotional regulation effectively.

Jon and Marc discuss the misconceptions around emotions—especially the temptation to suppress unpleasant feelings—and how these unresolved emotions often resurface in unhealthy ways. Marc shares his guiding principle of giving ourselves “permission to feel” and explains the difference between being an emotion scientist and an emotion judge. Whether you’re navigating tough parenting moments or learning to process your own feelings, this episode will equip you with practical tools for building emotional intelligence at home.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Emotions Matter:
   • Emotions are critical for attention, decision-making, relationships, mental health, and overall performance.
   • Suppressed emotions don’t go away—they often intensify over time.
2. The Role of Emotional Intelligence:
   • Developing emotional awareness and regulation starts with parents.
   • Kids learn emotional intelligence when parents model vulnerability, self-reflection, and healthy coping strategies.
3. Becoming an Emotion Scientist vs. Emotion Judge:
   • Emotion Scientists: Curious, open, and exploratory when processing feelings.
   • Emotion Judges: Critical, dismissive, and reactive to emotions.
   • Marc introduces his How We Feel app to help individuals and families develop emotional awareness and vocabulary.
4. Practical Regulation Strategies:
   • Proactive emotional regulation (e.g., pausing at the “doorknob moment” to prepare for emotional triggers).
   • Modeling emotional honesty with kids, even during challenging moments.

Other Amazing Resources from Marc:

• Book: Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett
• App: How We Feel – Free emotional intelligence app 
• Web Series: Dealing with Feelings 

Connect with Dr. Marc Brackett:

• Website: marcbrackett.com
• Instagram: @markbrackett

Connect with Jon and the Whole Parent Podcast:

• Instagram: @wholeparent
• Upcoming Book: Punishment-Free Parenting (January 2025)

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