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Parent smarter not harder

Helping families bring balance,
common-sense, and joy back to parenting.

Hi, I’m Emily Edlynn, PhD, I am an academic, practicing therapist, and mother of 3. I offer a science-backed alternative to fear-based, high-pressure parenting to help you create a more sustainable and happier parenting life.

Emily Edlynn headshot

Parenting isn’t supposed to be easy, but it can feel better.

I’m here to help us all dial down the intensity of modern hyper-parenting. My book Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children gives parents a roadmap to move away from hovering and over-helping (burning us out and undermining our kids’ competence and confidence) to raising self-sufficient children ready for the world. We can all shift from “full-service” to “self-service” in our homes by focusing on three fundamental human needs: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. I will tell you how!

  • "Essential reading for any parent wanting to raise an independent and confident child. "

    “Dr. Edlynn not only delivers a science-based framework, she does it in a relatable way that makes you feel understood and empowered instead of blamed and guilty. Autonomy-Supportive Parentingexpertlyblends science and real life to offer an invaluable and practical roadmap for parents to parent with their best selves and raise children who know their best selves too. This parenting book is a game-changer and will surely earn a permanent spot on the shelf!”

    ―Michèle Borba, Ed.D., educational psychologist and author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine

  • “If the idea of being a smart, trusted, and independent person appeals to you, think how much it appeals to other people—like your kids."

    “Here's a book that makes the case for giving your kids the space and support to explore, stumble, and succeed. Because, alas, they all go together.”

    ―Lenore Skenazy, president, Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids

  • “Would-be happier parents: read this!”

    “Edlynn’s practical, science-based approach will bring more joy into your day-to-day by offering both the reasoning behind an autonomy-supportive approach and actionable suggestions for getting there.”

    —KJ Dell'Antonia, Author of How to be a Happier Parent

Parenting Support Without Judgment

Parenting guidance has long been dominated by messages of shame and blame (it’s always mom’s fault, right?). Guilt and self-doubt follow, along with fears of letting down our children. It doesn’t have to be this way. The science of child development and family relationships paint a more optimistic picture of resilience. I’m here as a voice of reassurance and empowerment in the overwhelming noise of judgmental, fear-mongering parenting guidance.Sometimes all of us parents need to hear that we are actually doing okay, that our mistakes are normal, and that our children will really be fine.

I have been both child psychologist and Mom for the past fifteen years, and I have personally and professionally experienced the challenges our information age presents to parenting with confidence. Although it seems like greater access to information would ease the stress of parenting, the opposite is true. I aim to bring more calm, balance, and confidence to parents as they face modern parenting.

My Speaking topics

Areas of Expertise

Parent Smarter, Not Harder: The Science and Practice of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting
New Ways to Parent Around Technology and Social Media
How to Boost Your Child’s Motivation for School
Raising Emotionally Healthy and Resilient Children

The Course

A six-week virtual course that offers a deep dive into sustainable parenting practices tailored to your personal needs. Join Dr. Emily Edlynn and a supportive group of parents committed to transforming their parenting approach with expert guidance and community support.

ONE-on-ONE CONSULTATION

Emily offers an in-depth virtual consultation to explore your current parenting challenges, identify values-aligned family goals, and develop strategies for real lasting change.

Dr. Emily Edlynn contributes to and is featured in:

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Follow along for how to use autonomy-supportive strategies in real life and how to resist modern trends to parent with balance and common sense.

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