Calm Parenting Podcast
The Calm Parenting Podcast, hosted by Kirk Martin, offers practical strategies for parents of strong-willed children. Drawing from his experience with over 1,000 challenging kids, Kirk provides advice on stopping power struggles, yelling, and defiance. The podcast is known for its honest, humorous, and actionable approach to parenting.
Episodes
Why Natural Consequences Backfire With Strong-Willed Children (And What Works) #626
Our kids often see your boundaries and consequences as a challenge to overcome, not as something to avoid! They won’t give in…and neither should you. But this can lead to never-ending power struggles. I want to show you a much better path to get your kids to actually take responsibility for their actions. Without the drama or exhausting tug-of-war over even easy requests.P.S. We can share
Expect Big Battles From Morning to Midnight: Here’s Your 5-Step Game Plan #625
Morning grumbling. After-school complaints. Grocery store meltdowns over cookies. Sibling fights while you’re trying to cook dinner, all while your spouse gets increasingly stressed by a picky eater... and you haven’t even gotten to tears over homework, bath, or bedtime yet! If your days feel like a 24/7 non-stop war of attrition, then use these 5 concrete scripts so y
Why Do I Have to Do This?" How to Motivate the Child Who Questions Everything #624
Do you have a child who pushes your buttons, avoids hard tasks, and always asks "Why?" instead of just doing what you ask? It’s exhausting! It's easy to label them as lazy or rude—but there’s a better way to look at it. Listen to this episode if you want to stop losing battles and reframe your child’s irritating traits to motivate, connect and build their confidence. **Tomorrow
Q&A With Casey #1: Mistaking Intensity for Unhappiness, Feeling Like A Bad Kid & More #623
What is it like to grow up as an intense, strong-willed child—and how does that intensity follow you into adulthood and marriage? In this special Q&A episode with my son, Casey reveals what he’d tell his 8-year-old self and what “Don’t assume my intensity means I’m not happy” means. The unscripted moments are gold: when you had bad moments, were you internalizing anger at me for
Let's Make Discipline Easy Without Being Authoritarian or Permissive #622
What works with most kids backfires with our kids! So how can we discipline without being authoritarian or permissive? How can we go beyond consequences that don't work to actually change behavior while building trust? What are appropriate expectations of your child and yourself? I simplify discipline by giving you three practical action steps and scripts that wor
Adoption #2: Kids Who Never Seem Full or Happy, Unhealthy Attachments, Separation & Sleep Issues #621
In this special episode, I address these specific issues from parents of adopted kids: Our son will attach himself to anyone who gives him positive or negative attention. Our daughter always wants to be attached to only me and won’t separate. Our child has a "love bucket" with a giant hole in the bottom. Our kids never seem full, even with so much constant attention and lo
Dreading Calls from School? The Ultimate Back-to-School Behavior Guide #620
There is nothing worse than the pit in your stomach when you see the school's number on your phone. If your child struggles with following directions, transitions, impulse control, blurting out, or acting silly in class, it's easy to feel helpless. In this episode, I provide concrete strategies and exact scripts to hand your child's teacher before the drama starts. So teachers k
"I'm Not Going!" 5 Ways to Overcome School Refusal & Separation Anxiety #619
You know those morning meltdowns and battles are coming! What specific words and actions work when you have a child who struggles with separation anxiety, doesn’t like and refuses to go to school, and becomes rigidly defiant? You’ll quickly learn 5 practical, action-oriented steps that work for both parents at home and teachers in the classroom.P.S. You can share our proven school program
Do Adopted Kids Struggle More? Part #1 #618
Parents often believe if you adopt a child from birth and provide a loving home, that will mitigate most issues. It doesn’t usually work that way. There is no judgment here. Just the reality that trauma triggers different issues. That can manifest in kids with an insatiable craving for intensity, sensory pressure, connection, food, and things. I do not want you feeling guilty or alone. In
The Meltdown That Changed Me Forever (And 2 Phrases You Must Use To Teach Instead of Punish). #617
This is the day I realized I was so consumed with how my son’s attitude made me feel, that I wasn’t actually helping him. I needed him to behave... so I could behave. In this episode, I provide a step-by-step guide for navigating those combustible situations you face daily—including the two phrases that work 99% of the time to de-escalate and allow you to teach in
Stop the Stand-Offs: Real-Life Fixes for Your 5, 10, or 15-Year-Old #616
Ever find yourself locked in a screaming match with your strong-willed child and suddenly realize, "Wait... I’m arguing with a five-year-old?" Whether you're dealing with a tantrumy toddler, a 10-year-old who makes everything a battle, or an unmotivated teenager who has shut down, Kirk shares powerful, real-world examples that will show you exactly how to de-escalate the tension and motiv
Questions Parents Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud: Do You Agree or Disagree With My Answers? #615
What do you do when your child defies you at every turn, refuses to let go of clutter, or prefers their grandmother over you? In this jam-packed episode, Kirk tackles some of the toughest, most sensitive questions parents face. From unpacking the controversial "ODD" diagnosis to navigating step-parent boundaries and dealing with anxious, non-compliant tweens, this unfiltered Q&A episo
5 Options to Get Kids To Do What You Ask (Chores, S’Mores & More) #614
I want to give you options so you don’t have to choose between being a tyrant and a pushover in daily life. How can you use the tough approach without feeling guilty? When do you give kids some leeway without creating an entitled child? How can you help a child not get taken advantage of by a sibling? How can you get kids to listen and do chores (and make S’mores in a creative way!) witho
Sibling Scripts: Your Summer Guide to Turn Provoking Into Peace #613
Usually there’s a provoking child and the more compliant one who gets picked on and has a hard time speaking up. How can you get your strong-willed child to stop provoking siblings? How can you teach your compliant child to speak up and be confident? How can you use sibling fights as an opportunity to teach your kids life skills that you and I struggle with as adults? You get actual scrip
Parenting A Take-Charge Child Without Butting Heads Or Giving In #612
It’s easy to lock horns with a demanding, strong-willed child who barges into a room and declares what they are going to do…without asking your permission! Does your child ever delay bedtime because they just HAVE TO complete a project, even though it’s way past bedtime? How do you avoid escalating power struggles without giving in? How can you get these kids who won’t follow simple direc
Social Skills Playbook: 10 Scripts For Kids Who Struggle With Friendships #611
Do you have children who struggle to connect with kids their own age, miss social cues or act silly in class? Who dominate conversations, get bossy during play dates or with siblings, become possessive of a friend? Do you have a child who gets anxious about going to school or summer camp? Kirk explains why your kids struggle and you receive very practical strategies and scripts to help yo
Special Q&A With My Son, Casey? What Do You Want to Know?
I have two very important things to share with you that will take less than two minutes! If you could ask Casey anything about his experience as a strong-willed child, what would you ask him? Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com and we’ll create a special Q&A with Casey. Huge favor: please hit the SUBSCRIBE button now. That helps other struggling parents find us.See Privacy Policy
Child Who Touches Hot Stove, Does Bare Minimum, Appears Self-Centered? #610
Do you have a child who resists what you want first, refuses to do chores or anything the easy way, and insists on touching that hot stove? Who is not immediately obedient, doesn’t respond to consequences, appears self-centered, won’t show math work, does the bare minimum to get by, won’t push through when things get hard? Good! I want to show you how to work with these traits instea
Why Is EVERYTHING So Hard With This Child? A Guide to Make It Easier. #609
What other parents take for granted can be a huge struggle for your child—and for you. Because you are likely that exhausted caregiver just trying to get through the day. Listen now. You get specific action steps and the process we use to address tough issues like potty training, hygiene, eating, and more. I think you’ll find this case study practical and insightful.**To get this kind of
Surviving Summer Vacation With Bored, Complaining Kids & Judgmental Relatives #608
I am going to hit a lot of hot buttons in this episode with scripts and action steps. What exactly do you say when kids are bored or complain? How can you get grandparents and relatives to be constructive instead of judgmental because your child doesn’t behave “the right way”? How can you enjoy vacation without trying to make everyone else happy…while you are miserable? Let your relatives
5 Ways We Misunderstand Our Intense, Deeply Feeling Kids & How to Change That #607
Our kids often feel very misunderstood, lonely, and like there is something wrong with them. We obviously don't want that and there's no real instruction manual for these kids. This episode will give you rare insight into how to help your kids feel confident and good about themselves. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of ou
3 Ways to Teach Your Kids How to Confidently Overcome Their Weaknesses #606
Your kids have super powers other kids don’t have. They also have real weaknesses and struggles. We don’t want them to feel overwhelmed or less than. Instead, let’s give our kids practical tools to overcome their struggles with confidence. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ 
What You Can & Should Never Try to Fix About Your Kids #605
Your kids have brains that work differently. Some have a specific diagnosis. How can you teach your kids about their nature in a positive, constructive way without shame, negativity, or singling them out? I give you scripts so your child can feel confident about themselves and their future, even if they struggle in school. Please share this. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without
How I Changed from Triggered Dad to Calm Guy: 10 Practical, Doable Ideas #604
Before I was the Calm Guy, I was the Triggered Dad! My default mode was, “My strong-willed son is doing things on purpose to irritate me and I need to correct him for that.” But then I learned how to turn those irritating behaviors and power struggles into opportunities to teach and bond. I give you 10 practical action steps and scripts. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an a
Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Meltdowns: 10 Quick Ideas #603
Meltdowns are going to happen and you need a quick-fix guide. This episode is it! What specific action steps de-escalate even the toughest meltdowns? What should you NEVER do when intense kids are upset? And how can you help kids who crave or avoid sensory pressure? Share this short, jam-packed episode with your spouse. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an additional 25% OFF our S
"I Wish I Had An Easier Kid." #602
You're not alone and you shouldn't feel guilty if you've had this thought. Our kids often don't listen, "make bad choices," and do embarrassing things in public. I want to show you, through a very powerful and vivid story, how to turn common battles into opportunities to change behavior and build a closer relationship so your child doesn't internalize being the "bad kid." **Use the code:
My Best Podcast Ever: Defiance & Reconciling With My Son #601
I have told this story before, but today a new flood of emotions came out as I realized this story with my own son…mirrored my experience with my own Dad. Walk step-by-step with me through the ups and downs of discipline, self-doubt, guilt, and ultimately connection with an outwardly defiant strong-willed child. Please share this one. It's very powerful. **Use the code: CALM75 for $75 OFF
You Say No, Your Child Gets Upset. Is There Something Different You Could Do? #600
You Say No, Your Child Gets Upset. Is There Something Different You Could Do?If your child gets really upset, does that mean you did something wrong or that you should have done something differently? Does that mean you’re a bad parent or that there is something wrong with your child? How can you lead your child through uncomfortable situations with confidence…even when they are angry at
Ever Feel Indignant At Your Child’s Attitude or Misbehavior? 12 More Ways to Change This. #599
Have you ever felt that resentful, indignant anger surge through you when your child exhibits attitude…especially after all you do for them? Like it would feel satisfying to react? I have! I want to show you 12 different ways to help change your child’s behavior…so they take responsibility…without creating more power struggles. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and
3 Ways To Get Your Anxious Child to Camp, New Activities, School & A New Home #598
Do you have a child who fights you and gets upset about going to new activities? Who is already threatening not to go to that expensive camp you paid for? Who is nervous about family vacation or an upcoming move? I give you three very specific scripts and actions steps to help overcome the anxiety, stop the power struggles, and bond with your child through these big em
10 Options When Kids Mess Up (Without Messing Up Your Night!) #597
So how do your strong-willed kids and kids with PDA react when you try to correct them or talk to them about their behavior? My guess is they hate this! Even if you do it in a really sweet way, your child gets furious and lashes out or screams or even covers his or her ears. Does your child blame others and refuse to listen? Good, because that's very normal with our kids. So I want to giv
Kids Not Living Up To Expectations or Potential? 7 Quick Ways to Motivate Them #596
Does it ever appear that your child is not living up to their potential or your expectations? Are you worried that your child will fall behind or not be successful? Of course. But pushing them only causes kids to resist more. So I want to show you 7 ways to motivate your kids and break the negative cycle. * Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advan
6 Easy Ways to Undo School Damage & Rebuild Your Child’s Confidence #595
Sometimes the stress of the school year can strip your kids of their confidence and create conflict even with siblings. I give you 6 easy and effective ways to rebuild your child's confidence, reconnect as a family, and help with screen dependence. ** Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/prod
Kids Won’t Listen? 5 Creative, Easy Ways To Stop Bribing, Forcing, or Reminding Them 18x #594
How do you motivate kids to do tasks without reminding them 18 times...or do uncomfortable things without arguing every single day? What should you do when a child defies you, disregards your instructions, doesn't do school work or go to sports practice? Should you force your teenager to go on family vacation? Kirk
“Stop Treating Me Like A Child!” (Stop Acting Like One LOL!) #593
Whether your “hard to parent” child is 2, 12, or 22, they will complain that you are being too controlling and yell, “Stop treating me like a child!” And inside you’ll be thinking, “Well, stop acting like one!” Let me give you 10 ready-to-use scripts and tips to get toddlers, teens, and everyone in between to be more responsible for their own behavior…so they stop fighting you! ** To
5 Exact Steps to De-Escalate A Nuclear Meltdown (Why "Calm" Parenting Fails Here) #592
When "No" turns into a nuclear meltdown and "I’m sorry" turns into "I’m a bad kid," you aren't dealing with a tantrum—you’re dealing with a child who feels helpless, has internalized shame, and then goes scorched earth. If you're tired of threatening consequences that don't work and using a "calm" voice that makes them angrier, this is a must listen. You’ll get the exact 5-step de-escalat
You Don't Have to Do Anything Else to Be A Great Mom! (My Best Mother's Day Podcast Ever) #591
You are constantly taking the emotional temperature of the home, forced to be the referee between siblings, between your spouse and strong-willed child. You get accused of coddling your child when you're really coddling the judgmental grown-ups judging you. You are courageously breaking generational patterns. I am so incredibly proud of you! I hope this episode helps you relax into this f
Tough Questions Moms Ask: Aggressive Child, Negative Self-Talk, Teen Expectations, Kids Interrupting You & More #590
How should you handle a child who resorts to negative self-talk when things don’t go well? What about a teen or tween daughter who isn’t living up to your expectations? Do you have a child who has become physically aggressive, especially after a new baby was born? What consequence should you give for your child bullying or being mean to another child? And how do you handle those annoying
Child Talks Back, Whines, Procrastinates, Makes Messes, Won't Listen, Acts Silly? Exact Scripts! #589
Are you tired of constantly negotiating with a junior attorney who procrastinates, whines and complains, talks disrespectfully, won't clean up messes, fights bedtime and siblings, throws big tantrums? Maybe every day?! You're not alone! I give you exact scripts to stop being triggered...and stop the power struggles so you can enjoy your kids again. **Tomorrow CAN be different from to
What Your Wife Wants For Mother’s Day (Besides No More Fights At Dinner & Bedtime!) #588
No more tension at dinner and escalating at bedtime. No more putting Moms in the position of being referee, constantly taking the temperature of the home, and managing everyone’s emotions. I give you very simple, concrete ways to handle disagreements and de-escalate. Ask your husband to listen to this one as a pre-Mother’s Day gift to you! **Tomorrow CAN be different from today
Kids Who Get Upset When Plans Change, Resist Transitions & Constantly Ask, “Why?” #587
I want to explain why you want a child like this…so you can accept your child as they are…and help them move more quickly without the power struggles and defiance. I give you 5 concrete action steps and scripts to use next time they have to transition or plans change. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Download your roadmap to peace today and take ad
Scripts Guaranteed to Change Your Child’s Attitude & Confidence #586
Do you have a child who sometimes feels like the “bad kid” and has even internalized, “I’m dumb” or “No one likes me?” That internal dialogue can sabotage your child’s success and relationships for a lifetime. In this episode, I give parents and teachers specific scripts that will change that NOW and build your child’s confidence. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the g
Tantrumy Toddlers, Temperamental Teens, Sassy Siblings, Trouble With Teachers & Friends, Adopted Kids? Help ASAP! #585
What do you do when even a toddler is ruling your home? How do you handle a moody teenage daughter without getting into 10 fights a day? What do you do when your kids are constantly fighting and you feel like a failure? What do you tell your child who doesn’t get along with a teacher? How can you help kids who have a hard time making friends? Do adopted kids have unique struggles? What ab
When Time-Outs, Behavior Charts & Taking Away Screens Don’t Work, Try This… #584
Normal parenting strategies don't work with strong-willed kids, no matter how much your family judges you. You can do everything “right” with these kids and things can still go wrong! Whether you have toddlers or teens or in between or even adopted kids, I think you will find this episode extremely helpful and practical. **Make tomorrow different than the chaos, guilt, and power struggles
Why Your Child’s Fierce Autonomy is Good & How to Get Husbands/Siblings To Understand #583
If you misunderstand your child’s motives and need for autonomy, it will provoke fierce defiance, pain, and pushback. I want to show you exactly how to help kids who don’t always want to be helped; help siblings who may not understand why you give your child accommodations; and help a spouse who is reluctant and thinks you’re just letting your child get away with things. Get personal
“My Child Is A Mini-Me. Help!” Stop the Power Struggles & Drama #582
You have an intense, strong-willed child who is frustrating because they are either the complete opposite of you…or just like you, which means they mirror things you want to change about yourself. Do you get triggered when your child says, “Whatever”? Do you take your child’s unhappiness as ingratitude or a reflection of your parenting? You’re not alone! I want to give 10 strategies to st
10 Ways to Help Kids Who Procrastinate, Choose the Harder Path, Get The Last Word In, Argue, Resist Homework (ADHD), Get Bored Easily. #581
Do you have a child who procrastinates, argues like an attorney, picks on siblings, resists doing homework, chews on things, and/or chooses the harder path? A child who talks loudly, provokes and pushes buttons, has to get the last word in, gets bored easily? Of course you do! In this episode, I give you practical action steps to stop the power struggles and turn these into positive quali
Deeply Feeling Child Blames You? 5 Ways to Stop Walking on Eggshells & Escalating #580
You have a sensitive child who is moody, mad, and mercurial…and somehow blames you for being disrespectful and losing their privileges. Staying calm feels like walking on eggshells, but you also don’t want to react and escalate. I give you five specific action steps and a script to stop this vicious cycle. **Stop the yelling, power struggles, and daily chaos—get 50% off the Calm Pare
Why Smiley Faces, Sad Faces & Typical Discipline Methods Are Destructive And Make Behavior Worse #579
Should you give your child rewards or an allowance for good behavior or a good report card? Is there a better alternative to schools using smiley faces and sad faces on behavior charts? Why do I hate the following: “You’re not a bad kid. You just made bad choices?” The final example of how a child applied our discipline tools (in a cheeky way!) is worth the listen! **Stop the yelling, pow
When A Child Is Defiant & Verbally Disrespectful: A Script and Action Plan #578
You have a challenging child who says disrespectful things to your face. You would never have even thought such things toward your parents so there’s a war inside you. You would be justified in punishing this child, but that won’t fix the underlying issues or relationship. I want to give you very clear scripts and a step-by-step action plan to handle these situations. **Stop the yell
Child Great One-on-One, But Disrupts Family Dynamic, Won’t Apologize to Sibling? #577
Do you have a child who is great one-on-one, but then disrupts the entire family dynamic when you're all together? Do you have a child who won’t apologize and resists when you try to discipline? You’re not alone. I will give you a script and specific action steps to navigate these situations. **Stop the yelling, power struggles, and daily chaos—get 50% off the Calm Parenting Bundle t
Help For Kids Who Want To Quit, Complain, Be Negative, Are Messy & Forgetful, Compete With Siblings, Have ADHD #576
Do you have kids who complain, get upset when corrected and revert to negative self-talk? Should you allow a child to quit a sport? How do you help kids with ADHD who are messy or forgetful? How do you handle kids who one-up each other or compete for attention with a younger sibling? What should be your primary priority with teens? Kirk answers these questions and more with candor and pra
Teaching Impulse Control With Screens, Teens, Toddlers & Teachers II #575
How can you teach your kids impulse control and delayed gratification with their video games and screens? How can we help kids who blurt out in the classroom? Is it too early when they are toddlers or too late when teens? Buckle up for 10 more creative, important ways to teach your kids self-control. **FINAL 3 DAYS OF OUR BLACK FRIDAY IN MARCH SALE. Visit https://celebratecalm.c
We Got Our PDA/ADHD/ND Son Off Screens & Out of the House! #574
Some kids refuse to get off screens or go to school. Some refuse to leave their room. I know you never envisioned your home life being this challenging. Maybe you thought you’d have a few power struggles with your kids over the years, but nothing like this. I want you to know you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. I also want to give you practical ideas to make progress so both you and
22 Ways to Teach Impulse Control & Delayed Gratification #573
Learning impulse control and delayed gratification is more important than almost everything else we teach our kids in school. If I were raising a child today, I would slow my life down, spend way less time on academics and chores, and spend much more time teaching my kids impulse control and delayed gratification. These life skills disproportionately impact your child’s health, wealth and
Kids Who Get Angry, Say "I'm Stupid" or Shut Down When You Remind or Correct Them? #572
You are a good parent so you simply remind your child to do something. Do you have a child who then reacts angrily, shuts down, or has a meltdown? Does your child struggle with ADHD, short-term memory or forgetting things? Do you have a child who beats himself up and says things like, “I am so stupid!”? It can be painful to hear the negative self-talk. I want
Raising A Resilient, Responsible Child (Even When They Are Slamming Things!) #571
How do you NOT react and get triggered when your child is in a bad mood or slamming dresser drawers, then acts like nothing happened? I want your kids to feel frustrated…and for you to resist jumping in...so your kids can develop the confidence and resilience to handle stressful situations in life. Super important so please share. This is the FINAL week of our Black Friday
Get Resistant Kids to Get Off Screens, Come to Dinner, Transition Without Fights #570
Why can't your kids just come when you ask them? It's like they can't hear you when playing video games. They aren't grateful for extra time with friends--they lash out when you pick them up. And when you call them for dinner, all you hear is, "Just a couple more minutes" and they ignore you. It's frustrating! I want to show you a powerful strategy that melts resistance, gets kids moving,
Be The Cycle-Breaker: 3 Scripts to Break the Parenting Patterns You Grew Up With #569
You are doing heroic work breaking the generational cycle so you don't unintentionally pass along to your kids the same patterns that have tripped you up. I want to give you three very practical, specific scripts so you can parent without the baggage. For Kirk's Birthday, we are bringing back our Black Friday Sale for one week. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/black-friday/
5 Scripts When Kids Argue, Prove Their Point, Won't Relent. #568
Do you have a relentless arguer at home, who has a strong sense of justice and fairness? A child who can prosecute everyone else, but is immune to rules? Like a little cop, attorney, and judge all in one? I want to give you 5 different scripts and responses, including an emotional one at the end. For Kirk's Birthday, we are bringing back our Black Friday Sale for one week. Visit 
Practical Ways to Establish Boundaries & Stay Connected With Really Intense Kids #567
This was an intense discussion that I jokingly referred to afterwards as an “interrogation” by the amazing hosts of the Bare Naked Moms Podcast, Alanna Leavell and Milano Buckley. These are two bright, insightful Moms asking tough questions and wrestling with their own issues. I think you will find it so helpful I asked if we could share this directly with our audience. You can find
How to Address Unfairness When A Sibling Has PDA, ADHD, ND #566
Whether you have a child with ADHD, PDA, Dyslexia, SPD or any other difference, siblings ARE going to feel like they are being treated unfairly. I want to give you very specific scripts and ways to reframe this family dynamic in healthy ways. Be sure to check out https://celebratecalm.com/pda/ to learn more and for additional episodes on PDA. COZY EARTHHead to https://cozyearth.com&n
Practical Ways to Discipline (Not Punish) Toddlers Through Teens #565
What do you do when your child steals something and then lies right to your face about it? What about a sensory child who refuses to listen when you tell her repeatedly (like 10 times!) to STOP? Should you punish a toddler for picky eating? How do you handle a teen or tween with a bad attitude, who refuses to turn in their phone at night or breaks curfew? I’ll give you scripts and options
Punishment v. Discipline: 10 Ways to Get Unstuck From Endless Consequences #564
How can you finally get unstuck from that endless loop of having a child who continually messes up, is given consequences, but keeps failing while everyone grows more frustrated? How can you help kids who have given up even trying? It feels like a whack-a-mole game: address one behavior and a new one pops up! Kirk shows you a different way. This is a great episode to share with your spous
When PDA Kids Resist | What My Son Taught Me About Anxiety #563
This is what children with PDA often feel: “I already know I am struggling. I don’t want to hear that another person is 100% focused on MY anxiety. I already think I am weak for being afraid when other people aren’t…and now my mom and dad are just reinforcing how weak and scared I am.” I want to share unique strategies to help your PDA kids without the shame, pressure, or accommodations.&
When YOU Feel Out of Control As A Parent... #562
Ever lose it when you feel like your kids are not being held accountable or not listening? Does it feel like you're letting your kids get away with backtalk or misbehavior? Do you ever feel like you're responsible to make your kids successful? That's a lot of pressure. I want to give you practical ways to handle these situations and break these generational patterns. **Our Valen
How to Get Kids to Finally Listen...Without Using Words #561
It's normal to get triggered when your kids don't listen and you will scream inside, "What do I have to do to get through to you?" It's frustrating when no matter what you do, you're left wondering, "When will my kids finally get it?" Probably when you stop trying so hard to change them! Let me show you a different way! This is a fun and practical one! **Our Valentine's Day
My Son, Casey, Explains How My Changing As A Dad Affected Him #560
What did you learn from watching your Dad navigate fatherhood? How are you navigating masculinity as a young man in today's culture? Do you remember when your Dad's behavior shifted? How did you advocate for yourself as a child and learn delayed gratification? What can kids do to understand their parents better? These are the questions Casey answered when we were guests on Joe S
Tough Toddler, Teen & In-Between Behavior Issues #559
What are you supposed to do when your toddler makes impulsive decisions and doesn't listen to you; when your elementary school kids break things in your home; when your teens and tweens procrastinate and stay up too late? You would be justified to lecture and give them consequences. But I want to show you strategies that will actually change their behavior even more quickly. **Our Va
Tantrums & Meltdowns? Scripts to Stop Them & De-Escalate #558
Your child’s face is red, eyes on fire, mouth spitting venomous words. He or she is no longer rational anymore, screaming at you. Time-outs and talking make it worse. But I don’t want you to dread it. I want you to look forward to this as a huge opportunity to hear your child screaming TO you, desperate for your help to learn how to control their own emotions. Kirk gives you specific scri
Faster Mornings & Smoother Transitions: 10 Ways to Get Kids Unstuck #557
Do you have kids that are tough to get to bed and then get out of bed the next morning?! What about kids who struggle with transitions or who are late? This podcast is packed with ideas to help you get your kids moving--without the battles--even if they struggle with ADHD or anxiety. **Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products/ to learn more about our Winter Sale. If you are inte
Child Who Struggles with Physical Aggression, Impulsivity, ADHD, Social Skills, Anxiety? #556
Child Who Struggles with Physical Aggression, Impulsivity, ADHD, Social Skills, Anxiety?Do you have a child who struggles with impulse control, social skills, ADHD, or anxiety? How can you help a child who refuses to go places or becomes physically explosive? When should you pursue testing for a diagnosis? This Q&A is packed with insights and strategies for toddlers, teens, and everyo
Scripts For Kids Who Talk Back, Lash Out, Won’t Listen, Refuse to Move No Matter Your Consequence? #555
Do you have a child who responds disrespectfully to you, lashes out, or refuses to listen? Struggles with anxiety and melts down when asked to go to new activities or school? You’re not alone! Which parenting approach works best in each situation? Kirk gives you specific scripts, different options, and practical action steps that work. This is a must listen! **Visit https://cele
How to Discipline Intense Kids Without Using Fear or Being Permissive #554
Do you have a child with intense emotions? Do you ever second-guess yourself when trying to discipline this child? Are you ever afraid you’re being too permissive? What kind of message does that send to your other kids who think it’s unfair? Would your strong-willed child still be acting out if you had just used the approach your family insists you should take? These are tough questions s
Kids Who Act Like Nothing Happened After Meltdown, Laugh When Disciplined? #553
You have a child who lashes out and screams disrespectful things at you over something seemingly insignificant…and then later acts LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. When you try to talk to your kids about their behavior, they laugh or won’t even listen. This is a very powerful podcast with deep insights, scripts and practical action steps. Please share with others. **Visit https://celebra
The One Key to Stop 80% Of Power Struggles With Your Kids #552
Your kids are NOT rejecting you or your authority. They are rejecting your anxiety, which compels you to lecture and micromanage…and compels your kids to resist you even more! The good news is you can quickly stop 80% of power struggles by controlling yourself instead of your kids. I give you five action steps and scripts to change this now! **Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products
Which Consequences Work for Lying, Disrespect & Defiance? #551
Your child lies right to your face or responds in a disrespectful tone to test boundaries. Your toddler yells, "I hate you, Mommy!" Teens and tweens roll their eyes at you or begin drinking/vaping against your rules. What are appropriate consequences? What works even better than consequences?! Kirk gives you scripts and actions steps for kids of all ages. **Visit https://celebra
Why Won’t My Kids Do Easy Things When I Ask?! #550
Why Won’t My Kids Do Easy Things When I Ask?!It's not like you are asking your kids to do anything unreasonable or hard! And yet they resist you. How can we get our kids to actually be responsible for themselves without the power struggles? Kirk shows you exactly how with some powerful scripts that may change your relationship with your strong-willed child…and their behavior. **
How To Stop Reacting, Help Kids with Anxiety/PDA/ADHD & Partner With Teachers #549
What is one quick way to stop reacting or yelling? How can we help kids with anxiety who will resist going back to school after the long holiday break? How can you motivate kids with PDA without provoking pushback? What are practical ways to help sensory and ADHD kids in the classroom? I show you how and share a sample letter we shared with Casey’s teachers. **Visit https://celebratecalm.
5 Easy Ways To De-Escalate Meltdowns & Sibling Fights This Week #548
You have tired, irritable kids who are bored, out of their routine, and bugging each other. You’ll be tempted to double down on consequences in the moment—which spiral into huge meltdowns and fights between spouses! So why should you hide in a closet, throw mac and cheese in the yard, and plop down in the middle of the floor? Kirk gives you scripts and strategies that work to replace chao
