Boundaries aren’t walls that shut people out, they’re the guiderails that keep connection steady, respectful, and safe. We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to unpack how clear, compassionate limits help kids and caregivers thrive without sliding into power struggles or burnout.
We start by defining healthy boundaries across daily life, including physical needs like sleep and downtime, emotional space during conflict, and relational agreements that reduce friction. Dr. Montminy introduces the "Four Cs": clarity about what matters, communication that is simple and respectful, consistency that builds trust, and compassion that keeps limits warm, not harsh. You’ll hear a practical, word-for-word script to calm tense moments: “When you do X, I feel Y, and I would like if we do Z instead.” We explore how to hold firm values while allowing flexibility at the edges through choice within limits and the Plan B mindset for life’s curveballs.
We also reframe the big myths. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they prevent resentment and protect the relationship. They don’t push people away when done kindly; they make connection safer. They aren’t rigid; they adapt without abandoning core values. And kids can absolutely understand limits, especially when we model them consistently. From morning routines to homework battles, from partner communication to self-care choices, you’ll learn small steps that ripple outward: two reminders then follow through, naming one clear “no” to protect a bigger “yes,” and agreeing on repair when words come out rough.
Walk away with concrete tools to set expectations, lower conflict, and support nervous system regulation during stressful moments. If you’re ready to trade repeating yourself ten times for calm, clear follow through, and to teach kids real resilience through everyday moments, this conversation offers scripts, structure, and hope. If it resonates, share it with a friend, then subscribe and leave a review so more caregivers can find these tools.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.

Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.

A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.

Music created by Ken Baxter.

(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.