Good Inside: A guide to becoming the parent you want to be

Dr. Becky Kennedy's *Good Inside* offers a compassionate and deeply practical approach to parenting that centers on the emotional well-being of both children and their caregivers. As a therapist, I was drawn to Kennedy's reputation for blending evidence-based tools with emotional wisdom. Her central message—that all people, including parents and children, are inherently “good inside”—resonates deeply with how I view my clients. It's a perspective I hope they can adopt for themselves, and one that lays the foundation for more connected, attuned relationships.

Throughout the book, Kennedy challenges traditional parenting models rooted in control and punishment, inviting readers instead to lead with curiosity and connection. One of the most impactful chapters for me was on reframing behavior. Rather than viewing a child's difficult behavior as defiance or manipulation, she frames it as communication of an inner struggle via an outward expression. This approach mirrors what I often emphasize in my clinical work: all behavior makes sense when we understand the story behind it. Kennedy not only offers this perspective but also equips readers with concrete language and tools to respond with empathy while still holding boundaries.

This balance between compassion and structure is one of the book's greatest strengths. Rather than offering rigid “parenting rules,” Kennedy teaches emotional regulation and relational repair—skills that are essential not just for parenting, but for healthy relationships in general. Because of this, I find *Good Inside* valuable far beyond the parenting realm. The strategies Kennedy shares are just as relevant in couples therapy or individual work as they are in family sessions, making the message provided in this book relevant for nearly every client I see.

In fact, I often recommend *Good Inside* as a starting point for clients who feel overwhelmed or unsure of their parenting instincts—especially those working to break generational patterns or who carry guilt about not being “enough.” The book offers both validation and guidance, helping caregivers build resilience in their children by modeling it themselves. What stands out is Kennedy's gentle but firm pushback on behaviorist models, reminding us that long-term growth comes from connection, not compliance.

Ultimately, *Good Inside* is a book I believe will spark important, ongoing conversations within families. Kennedy's warm, accessible writing invites reflection on how we approach discipline, communication, and repair. She offers a vision of parenting that is less about perfection and more about presence, and in doing so, provides a path toward stronger, more emotionally connected families.