Patrick Ney - When At the Zoo Watch the Humans

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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Parenting can often feel like a relentless series of checkboxes—milestones to hit, skills to teach, problems to solve. Yet beneath all of this lies something far deeper: the opportunity to cultivate wholeness, authenticity, and love, both in ourselves and in our children.

In this episode, When At the Zoo Watch the Humans author Patrick Ney joins Dr. Pete Kelly for a discussion on reframing how we think about parenting. Drawing from his work with All About Parenting and his own personal journey through trauma, Patrick shares a vision of parenting as a deeply human and relational process—one rooted in connection rather than control.

This wide-ranging conversation touches on key ideas from Patrick’s book, including the metaphor behind When At the Zoo Watch the Humans, the impact of modern media and technology on family life, and the essential importance of community and self-compassion in the parenting journey.

Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or simply someone interested in human development, this episode offers rich insight into the emotional work of raising—and becoming—whole human beings.

Themes & Topics Discussed

• The inspiration behind When At the Zoo Watch the Humans and its central message
• “Wholeness” as a redefinition of success in parenting
• How parents can embrace their natural therapeutic role without feeling overwhelmed
• Balancing love, discipline, and emotional attunement
• Parenting through the lens of trauma recovery and personal growth
• The power of self-compassion and forgiveness in family life
• How modern technology and media shape emotional development
• The importance of community and shared experience in parenting
• Practical strategies for conflict resolution and strengthening parent–child bonds

Patrick Ney is the Lead Trainer at All About Parenting, a global parenting education organization. Over the past five years, he has conducted hundreds of online seminars and workshops, reaching thousands of parents worldwide. His work is grounded in neurodevelopmental and relational principles, emphasizing authentic connection, empathy, and emotional resilience.

Patrick is also the author of When At the Zoo Watch the Humans, a transformative exploration of the psychological and emotional dimensions of parenting. Originally from the UK, he now lives in Poland with his family, where he continues to inspire parents through teaching, writing, and public speaking.