Law enforcement kids aren't invisible — here's how to help them thrive.
In this episode of the Code4Couples® Podcast, Cyndi welcomes licensed professional counselor and Warriors Rest Foundation leader Jill Newman to talk about the unique challenges faced by kids in law enforcement and first responder families. Jill shares insights from her work with children and adult children of officers, highlighting how hypervigilance, shift work, and parental stress affect family dynamics. Together, they explore the importance of family resilience, deliberate communication, and protective parenting strategies to help kids thrive despite the challenges of law enforcement life. The conversation equips parents with proactive tools to build stronger, more connected families.
You'll learn:
Why kids in police and first responder families often feel overlooked
How hypervigilance and shift work impact parenting and connection
Protective strategies from family resilience theory and positive experiences research
Practical ways to support law enforcement kids through critical incidents
Steps parents can take to build stronger communication and emotional safety
Hosted by Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, law enforcement spouse, retired police wife, and author of Hold the Line, the Code4Couples® Podcast gives practical, research-informed strategies to help first responder couples and families thrive.
Get Cyndi's book Hold the Line for more tools to protect your law enforcement relationship → https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Protecting-Enforcement-Relationship-ebook/dp/B08TPRTY9G#customerReviews
Book Cyndi to speak at your agency or event → https://code4couples.com/training/
00:00 – Welcome & guest intro
02:30 – Jill's background and passion for law enforcement families
06:00 – Common struggles kids in police families face
12:00 – How ACEs and trauma impact law enforcement families
19:00 – Building resilience in kids and families
29:00 – Preparing for critical incidents as parents
36:00 – Warning signs parents should watch for
42:00 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Jill Newman
