Craig Knippenberg • Knippenberg, Patterson, Langley and Associates

09/12/2025

In that moment, I realized he no longer gets to experience the ordinary with Riley, the way I do with Lilly.

When I met Ziggy at Riley's Ark Prom Shop, watching Lilly try on dresses, I was moved by his comment about missing the banter between my daughter and me.

That single realization hit me.

It reminded me that the everyday moments of connection with our children, the teasing, the laughter, the gentle back and forth are the things we should etch in our memory.

They are beautiful precisely because they seem ordinary, yet they're what we'd miss most.

Check out the second episode of Things of Beauty Make Me Cry. it's a remarkable story of how beauty can emerge from tragedy, how love continues beyond physical presence, and how one child's sensitivity to others' needs created a movement of compassion that has touched thousands of lives.

What ordinary moment with someone you love would you miss?

Podcast Episode · Legit Parenting · 08/27/2025 · 24m

09/11/2025

From my clinical social work roots in Denver to pastoral counseling and over three decades of supporting families, my approach to parenting has always centered on authenticity, research, and real connection.

Proud to continue this journey through Legit Parenting’s books, podcast, and services.

Find the resource that works best for you on my website. And remember to relax, parents. You just have to be on this side of good enough.

09/09/2025

Sneak peek: Here’s a look behind the scenes. Me as a therapist, counselor, and parent, doing what I love most: helping families grow resilient and connected.

Thanks for being part of this journey! 💙

09/03/2025

Shame shuts kids down. It tells them they are the mistake, instead of seeing the mistake as a moment to learn.

Try swapping shame for curiosity:
“What happened?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”

You’ll be amazed at how quickly defenses drop and how fast trust grows.

That’s the heart of my book Shame-Free Parenting. Let go of shame, lean into connection, and watch your children’s confidence take root.

Explore 'Shame-Free Parenting' for resilient parenthood—author Craig Knippenberg's insights for nurturing healthy kids and strong families.

08/29/2025

Sometimes the simplest acts, an encouraging note, a hug, a smile, leave the deepest mark.

Ryley was just 12 when a tragic accident cut her life short, but her gentle ways live on through Ryley's Ark, an organization her parents founded to keep her spirit of kindness alive. From prom dress shops to Halloween costume drives, her legacy continues to ripple through countless lives.

In our latest episode of The Legit Parenting Podcast, I speak with Ryley’s parents, Ziggy and Megan Gutensberger, about how one child’s kindness sparked a movement, and how beauty can emerge even from heartbreaking loss.

Take a moment to listen and be reminded: small acts can change the world.
And always remember to relax parents, you just have to be this side of good enough.

Podcast Episode · Legit Parenting · 08/27/2025 · 24m

08/26/2025

Perfection is exhausting… and a myth.

What your kids need most isn’t a flawless , it’s a safe place to land. When you model grace for yourself, you teach them resilience, adaptability, and self-compassion.

Next time you feel “not enough,” remember: connection beats perfection every time.

08/21/2025

Need a framework to understand your child’s social and emotional world?

In my book Wired and Connected, I share brain-based insights that help you decode your child’s emotions, behaviors, and unmet needs. There's no self‑judgment required.

Hundreds of families have found hope in knowing that resilience and confidence aren’t born from perfection, but from empathy, attuned connection, and thoughtful guidance.

Grab the book and start creating a more emotionally intelligent family. It's time we normalize being good enough.

Explore 'Wired and Connected' for child brain development and learn from Craig Knippenberg's about raising kids and their ever-changing brains.

08/18/2025

Kids don’t learn resilience from lectures. They learn it from relationships.

They're always watching how you navigate challenges, repair mistakes, and keep showing up. Your calm presence during their storms will shape their confidence more than any pep talk ever could.

Be the anchor, and you’ll help them grow their own sails.

08/14/2025

Quick Tip: “You don’t have to fix the feeling.”

You don’t have to fix the feeling.

You just have to stay present for it.

Your child’s tears don’t mean you failed. They mean they trust you enough to be real.

📘 More grounded parenting wisdom in Shame-Free Parenting.

Explore 'Wired and Connected' for child brain development and 'Shame-Free Parenting' for resilient parenthood. Author Craig Knippenberg's insights for nurturing healthy kids and strong families.

08/12/2025

It’s not just the kids feeling all the feelings this time of year.
Parents, don’t be surprised if you find yourself emotional, too.

Back-to-school brings a mix of relief, nostalgia, stress, and even grief as your child hits another milestone.

Take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think. 👏
Let yourself feel it all.

08/08/2025

Do you have a case of the Sunday Scaries? The anticipation of the week ahead can be just as stressful as the week itself.

If your child melts down every Sunday night… you’re not alone.

Instead of anxiety, give something new a try this weekend. Anchor your Sunday evening with a comforting ritual, like a walk, family dinner, or a game that doesn’t involve screens.

It helps both you and your child's nervous system feel safe. And that's a beautiful place to be before you head into a new week.

07/31/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be a perfect parent? You're not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

I had the pleasure of joining Dr. Sheryl Ziegler's Podcouch to discuss why ditching unrealistic expectations is the first step to raising resilient, connected kids.

Listen now to learn how to parent with more grace, humor, and self-compassion. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from the episode!

Best-selling Author and Educational Consultant, Craig A. Knippenberg, has developed effective parenting strategies to help “imperfect” parents build resilient kids and families. His highly popular books and podcast support people all over the world discover how their children’s brains work so ...