Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments
Peace and Parenting is a weekly podcast hosted by Michelle Kenney, a former teacher and certified parenting coach, that explores how to parent without punishments. Each episode offers insights and advice on connective parenting, featuring interviews with experts and Q&A sessions with parents. The show aims to help parents move away from yelling and shame toward a more peaceful approach that still maintains boundaries and limits. Michelle shares her personal experience as a recovering yeller and perfectionist, demonstrating that children can be successful and kind without being punished.
Episodes
The Balance Between Strict and Soft
Almost every parent I work with asks me the same question. How do I balance strictness with softness? How can I be firm without being harsh, and soft without being permissive? It feels like you can only be one or the other. Maybe you grew up with a strict parent and swore you’d never make your kids feel that way, so you softened, and the softening turned into chaos. Or maybe you’re the firm one, a
The Back-to-School Reset
Back to school time. We brace the kids for a new teacher, a new schedule, and earlier wake times. We purchase the backpack and walk them through it, and tell them they can do it. But no one gives the parent any information about what is ahead. The earlier wake times are also yours. The forms, the pickups, and getting six things in before Friday. You have a hundred more decisions per day now compar
What Punishments Really Do
Most of us were programmed to do the same things when children misbehaved. The time-out. Taking something away. The consequence. Nobody in that chain was a villain; they were tools passed down by people who loved us. And we were told they teach. That the time-out builds patience, the consequence builds responsibility, that in these little moments we're building character.But here's the rea
Your Teen Isn’t Pulling Away From You
Somewhere around eleven, twelve, thirteen, something shifts. The kid who used to tell you everything starts giving you one-word answers. They stop looking for you and wanting to spend time with you. The door that used to stay open is closed. And the thing that makes sense for us in that moment is the scariest one: my teenager is pulling away, and I'm losing them.I felt exactly that in my own
Stop Saying "We Can't Afford It"
You're at the checkout, almost done, and your child grabs something and asks, "Can we get this?" And four words come out before you've even thought about them: "We can't afford it." It feels honest. Responsible, even. Like you're teaching them the value of money. Most of us say it without a second thought, because our parents said it to us.But that little phrase ca
Your Toddler Is Doing Better Than You Think
We've been handed a story about toddlers. They're testing you. They're manipulating you. They're trying to win. And if you comfort them too much, you'll raise a spoiled kid who runs the house. So the advice comes fast and hard in these years: don't pick them up so much, don't negotiate, let them cry it out, show them who's in charge.That story is wrong, and it's
There's No Such Thing as a Perfect Parent
When you lie awake at night, what do you replay? Not the hundred things you got right that day. Not the lunches, the drop-offs, the bedtime story you were too tired to read but read anyway. You replay the one moment you lost it. The snap. The raised voice. The look on their face. And you carry it like it's the whole story.Most of us believe that guilt is proof we're good parents. That our
Kind and Firm: Hold a Boundary Without Losing Connection
We were told boundaries and connection sit on opposite ends of a dial. Slide toward strict and you get control but lose warmth. Slide toward gentle, and you get closeness but lose the floor. So we spend our days inching back and forth, guilty when we're too hard, exhausted when we're too soft, certain we have to pick one.Here is what Peace and Parenting coach Tim learned by raising four k
Case Study: What If You're Already Enough?
Most of us carry a quiet belief that we have to be everything for our kids. If the other parent isn't showing up the way we wish they would, we tell ourselves it's on us to fill every gap. To be the nurturer and the rough-and-tumble one. To make up for what they didn't get, so they never feel the lack we felt. And we run ourselves into the ground trying.In this conversation, Mary, a mo
Your Kid Doesn't Need Two Houses That Agree, They Need One That's Safe
We've all been told the same thing. Kids need consistency above everything else. The same rules, the same bedtime, the same consequences in every home they live in. So when the other parent won't get on the same page, we panic. We send the articles. We lecture. We build the case. We pour ourselves into a fight we were never going to win, and we call it love.But here is the truth. Your chil
Rewards Are Punishments in Disguise
For years, I thought I was doing everything right. I had left the yelling behind. I praised my girls constantly; I made star charts. I was a trained teacher and a school counselor, and I believed with my whole heart that catching kids being good was the kind, positive way to parent. I thought I was building my daughters up. What I could not see was that I was quietly teaching them that my warmth w
Play Instead of Punishment
When your child is being hard, what is the first tool you reach for? A countdown. A consequence. A lecture. A raised voice. Almost every one of those is a version of the same instinct: when my child gets hard, I get harder. It makes complete sense, because that is exactly what we were taught to do. In this episode, I am making the case for the opposite. The single most powerful thing you can do in
Your Neurodivergent Child Doesn’t Need a Different Parent
When Cammie's son began struggling with school, anxiety, and sensory challenges, she heard the same message so many parents hear: maybe he needed a different approach. But instead of abandoning connection, she leaned into it, and watched something remarkable happen.In this episode, Coach Cammie shares her family's journey, from heartbreaking school drop-offs to the moment her son was final
Your Child is Not Disrespectful, They Are Dysregulated.
For years, I believed that when my daughters pushed back, they were being defiant. Then one afternoon at the American Girl store, my youngest daughter had a public meltdown that completely changed the way I understood children's behavior and my role as a parent.In this episode, I'm sharing why behavior is communication, not defiance, and how learning to read the message beneath your child&
Breaking the Cycle: How to Parent Differently Than You Were Parented (with Coach Tim)
If you've ever caught yourself saying the very words you swore you'd never say to your child, you're not alone. I've been there too. In this episode, we’re sharing why breaking generational parenting patterns isn't a matter of trying harder or having more willpower. It's about recognizing the blueprint you inherited and learning how to write a new one. Through personal stor
The Quiet Child Nobody Worries About: What's Actually Going On
Most of us were raised to believe that a "good" child is a calm child, who does not push back, does not melt down, does not make the adults around them uncomfortable. We have spent generations praising children for the absence of need. But the absence of need is not the same as the absence of pain. There is a kind of child (and you may have one in your house right now) who looks easy from
The Hidden Cost of Emotionally Immature Parents (And How to Stop Passing It On)
Many of us grew up in homes where emotions were dismissed, mistakes were punished, and children learned to manage the feelings of the adults around them. As parents, we often recognize those patterns intellectually, but recognizing them and changing them are two very different things. In this episode, Michelle explores the long-term effects of growing up with emotionally immature parents and why a
Why Calling Your Kid "Difficult" Changes Who They Become
Somewhere along the way, maybe out loud, maybe just in your own head, you started calling one of your children the difficult one. The intense one. The spirited one. The one with the issues. And you love them, of course you do. But quietly, where no one can see, you have wondered if something is wrong with them. Or with you. Or with both of you. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and there
The Manipulation Myth: What's Really Happening When Your Kid Acts Out
I had been told the same story since I became a mom: “children are manipulative”, “They do that on purpose”. I believed it. I bargained and threatened, my daughter melted down harder, and the wall between us got higher. I had been told kids push their parents because they want the power, so I tried to take the power back. It didn't work. It actually never works, because that is not what is rea
Why Your Child Listens to Everyone But You (And What to Do About It)
Why does my child listen to everyone but me? I remember being there myself. I was a teacher and counselor for thirteen years before I had kids, and I could not get my own oldest daughter to cooperate for five minutes. I thought, I am trained for this. What is wrong with me? Nothing was wrong with me. And nothing is wrong with you.The truth is, what most of us were taught about cooperation is wrong
What You're Doing to Keep Them Safe Is Making Them Fragile
The week before my oldest daughter left for college, I caught myself reorganizing her room, repacking her bags, sending her articles she didn't ask for. And I realized standing in her doorway one night, she was ready. She had been ready for a long time. I was the one who wasn't ready to let her go. What hit me hardest wasn't the goodbye. It was the recognition that for years, I had bee
The Phone Problem Isn't Your Kid's, It's Yours
For years in my own house, my ex-husband and I were both deep tech people. From the moment we woke up until we went to bed, there was some kind of screen running. Phones at the dinner table while the kids played next to us. And then I would turn around and try to set screen-time rules for my daughters, and wonder why nothing was working. The truth is, the most powerful screen-time intervention you
What Yelling Actually Does to Your Child (And How to Stop)
I was a yeller. Not a "lost it once or twice" yeller, a full-on, scream-in-my-two-year-old's-face yeller. I shamed my oldest daughter. I became her first bully, without meaning to and without wanting to. And I want to share that with you not because I'm proud of it, but because I know how many parents are sitting in that same place right now, exhausted and ashamed, swearing tonight
Stop Playing Referee: How to End Sibling Fights Without Picking a Winner
My daughters fought constantly when they were little, and I tried everything. I separated them. I punished them. I lectured. I bribed. I yelled. Nothing worked, not really. It would stop for twenty minutes and we would be right back at it. What finally changed everything wasn't a new consequence, it was a completely new role.In this episode, I'm giving you that role. I'm walking you th
The 10-Minute Mom: Why Quality Beats Quantity Every Time
I have lost count of how many moms have told me they feel like they're failing because they don't have enough time. They're at work all day, running between activities, exhausted by 8pm, and convinced that if they could just carve out a few more hours, they'd finally feel like the mom they want to be. I want to challenge that belief in this episode, because it's quietly costing
Empowering Children: Why Obedience Doesn't Keep Kids Safe
Most of us were raised to believe that an obedient child is a safe child. I believed it too, for a long time. But the truth is the opposite, and it took me years of parenting and coaching to really see it. A child who is trained to always comply, who learns that disagreement equals punishment, who can't say no at home, is not going to suddenly find their voice when a peer pressures them or an
You Can't Parent From Empty
I’m back, and I’m coming in honest.After losing my dad last year, I stepped away from the podcast, my work, and the pressure to keep performing as a parent. In this return episode, I reflect on what three months of cocooning taught me about grief, self-preservation, and the impossible standard we hold ourselves to as parents.If you've ever pushed through a hard season while secretly falling ap
Why Your Child Misbehaves And What To Do
Your child isn't "being bad", they're trying to tell you something. In this episode, I break down the five real reasons children misbehave and why the punishments, time-outs, and consequences you've been relying on are actually making behavior worse.You'll learn my step-by-step framework for responding to any behavior with both connection and limits, plus three quick wins y
Remembering My Connected Parenting Partner and Grandfather, Papa
Today's episode comes with a heavy heart as I share a very personal update. My beloved father, Papa, recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. For those who knew him or followed my posts, you know he was my steadfast parenting partner and confidant, truly embracing connective parenting and becoming an incredible grandfather to my girls. In this tribute, I'll share a eulog
Ditch the Punishments and Rewards and STILL Get Cooperation [Fan Favorite]
Do you ever feel like you're constantly battling your kids, trying to "make" them do what you want? Are you tired of using punishments or rewards, but unsure how else to get them to listen? If you're longing for a deeper connection with your child and a more peaceful home without resorting to control, you're in the right place. Today, I’m exploring a crucial distinction: the di
Why Demanding Respect From Your Kids Isn’t Working [Fan Favorite]
What does real respect between parents and children truly look like? Have you ever wondered why your kids sometimes seem “disrespectful,” or whether expecting automatic respect is helping or hurting your relationship? Let’s dive into what it means to nurture mutual respect without demanding compliance.Today, we revisit one of our most popular topics: the true nature of respect in parenting and how
Case Study: The Secret to Connecting With Your Neurodivergent Child [Fan Favorite]
Have you been told that because your child is neurodivergent, they need different rules? That connection-based parenting works for neurotypical kids, but your child with autism or ADHD requires charts, rewards, and consequences to manage behavior. Many of us hear this, leaving us to choose between a behavioral or relationship-based approach.In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Eloi
You're Unknowingly Making Sibling Rivalry Worse [Fan Favorite]
Does it ever feel like you’re a referee in your own home? One child is hurt, crying with scratches down their arm, and the other is standing there, looking defiant. In that moment, every instinct tells you to protect the “victim” and correct the “aggressor.” But what if I told you that by rushing in to assign blame, we might unknowingly be making the rivalry worse? It’s a tough pill to swallow, I
Case Study: What To Do When "Special Time" Backfires [Fan Favorite]
Do you feel like you’re doing everything “right”? You’ve started implementing special time and focusing on connection, yet it creates more chaos. The kids might have meltdowns when the timer goes off, or sibling squabbles seem endless. You may question whether connected parenting works. You are not alone, and there is a way through it.In this episode, I have a wonderful chat with Katie, a mother o
Why Connected Parenting is for Every Child
Are you sometimes wondering if this whole "connected parenting" thing can really work for your child, especially when you're facing those big emotions or defiant moments? Maybe you've heard people say, "That’s nice, but my kid needs something different." I truly understand where you're coming from, and I’ve been there.In today's episode, I want to discuss why I’m pa
Case Study: Dealing with an "Authoritative Personality" in a Nine-Year-Old
Do you ever find yourself in those familiar power struggles with your child? Maybe it’s the daily screen time battle, that feeling of being rushed, or just their amazing, strong will challenging you at every turn. If you're nodding along, please know you're not alone, and there absolutely is a path to more peace and cooperation in your home.In this episode, I had a wonderful conversation w
Why 'Good Enough' Parenting Is Exactly What Your Kids Need
Okay, friend, let's discuss the pressure of being the "perfect" parent. If you've felt overwhelmed by a toddler’s grocery store meltdown or a teen defying you, this episode is for you. I've been in the trenches, thinking perfect parenting meant perfectly behaved children and would validate me. Today, I’ll share my journey with perfectionism in parenting, revealing how it harme
The Neuroscience of Motherhood and Connection with Kate Kripke
Do you find yourself constantly striving for perfection in your parenting? Does the idea of not having all the answers or losing control fill you with anxiety? If you're a high-achieving parent who wants deep connection but finds yourself stuck in a "fix-it" or "control" mindset, this episode is for you.Today, I have a truly insightful conversation with Kate Kripke, a licensed
The #1 Thing Kids Need From You (Especially When They Mess Up)
Do you want your child to always feel safe enough to come to you, no matter what mistakes they've made? Are you sometimes unsure how to react when your child disappoints you, without resorting to punishment or judgment?Today, we're diving deep into the power of being your child's "safe place." Research tells us this is the most crucial thing we can do for our children, especial
Are Schools Failing Your Child? Maybe Homeschooling Is the Solution
What if I told you that schools are actually killing your child's creativity? Is socialization really a problem for homeschooled kids? If you're looking for an insightful discussion that addresses these fears and offers a compelling perspective on homeschooling, you're in the right place.Today, I'm joined by Liz Hanson, a seasoned homeschooler with 24 years of experience in educati
Handling Power Struggles Without Losing Connection
Are you tired of constant power struggles with your child? Does it feel like every little thing turns into a battle? If you're longing for a more peaceful way to navigate these conflicts and maintain a strong connection with your child, you're in the right place.Today, I’m tackling the tricky topic of power struggles. First, let me reassure you that they're incredibly common. Children,
Case Study: Why Am I Triggered by My Kid’s Homework?
Do you ever find yourself saying things to your child that you instantly regret? Do you worry that your own upbringing is negatively influencing your parenting? Today,, I talk with Helen, a mom who's caught in a cycle of saying hurtful things to her son, often mirroring the way her own mother treated her. We explore the powerful connection between our childhood experiences and our parenting tr
Raising Confident Kids Without Forcing Them Out of Their Shell
What if I told you that forcing your child to be more social actually harms their confidence? Does it make you cringe when they won't say hello or engage with other kids? If you're tired of pushing your child to be more outgoing and it's just not working, I have a message of hope for you.Today, I share my journey with my daughter Pia, who was very shy as a child. I used to worry about
Parenting with Menopause Doesn't Have to Be Miserable! Learn How to Feel Great
You survived sleepless nights with a newborn, but what about sleepless nights with menopause? Is there an end in sight? I'm taking a short but important detour from our usual parenting topics to talk about something that affects so many of us: menopause. As women, our health and well-being are deeply intertwined with our ability to show up as the parents we want to be. Today, I welcome Julia
Stop Thinking Your Child Is Too Sensitive: Why Tears Don't Mean Fragile
Tired of feeling like you always have to "fix" your child's negative emotions? Do you find yourself rushing to make them happy, even when they're expressing sadness, anger, or frustration? If you're ready to shift your perspective and learn how to embrace your child's full range of emotions, you're in the right place.Today, I’m diving into the importance of allowing spa
Case Study: The Secret to Co-Parenting Peace (Even With a Difficult Ex)
Are you finding co-parenting more challenging than you ever imagined? Especially when it feels like you and your co-parent have completely different parenting styles? If you're navigating the complexities of divorce and trying to raise your child with someone you fundamentally disagree with, I understand how overwhelming it can feel. Today, I sit down with Stephanie, a co-parent who, like m
Modeling Healthy Electronic Habits for Our Kids
I used to think that setting strict limits was the answer to my daughter's iPad obsession. But I learned a powerful lesson: I needed to change my own habits first. In this episode, I'm sharing my story and the importance of modeling healthy electronic habits. We'll discuss how to shift from restriction to connection and create a more balanced digital environment for your family.I admit
Case Study: Navigating Picky Eating and Family Dinners with Connection
Why do family meals sometimes turn into battlegrounds instead of bonding moments? Have you ever dreaded dinner time, wishing it could feel joyful and connected again? If you’re wondering how to ease meal struggles and nurture a better relationship with your kids around food, this episode is for you.Today, I sit down with Lindsay, a mom of two young girls, to talk through the all-too-common challen
Electronics and Kids – Finding the Balance Without the Drama
Are electronics truly the enemy of modern parenting, or can they coexist peacefully in our lives? With electronics being an undeniable part of our daily lives, today I explore how we can embrace them without sacrificing the connection with our children.In this episode, I tackle the polarizing debate of kids and electronics. While some believe in strictly limiting access, others might inadvertentl
Case Study: Teaching Kids to Resolve Conflict Themselves
Are your toddlers constantly clashing over toys, snacks, or even just space? Are you tired of being the referee or the judge in your kid's battles? Today, I sit down with Miriam, a mom of twin boys on the cusp of turning three, who shares her struggles with daily sibling battles.Together, we explore how to stay grounded when our kids fight, why blame only adds fuel to the fire, and how to lead
Stop Doing This and Your Kids Will Actually Get Along
Are you tired of constant sibling squabbles turning your home into a battleground? Do you dream of a more peaceful, connected family life? I know how you feel because I've been there too! My own challenging relationship with my sister growing up, and then watching my girls struggle, led me to transform my parenting. I traded in punishments and rewards for connection, and it changed everything
Case Study: Finding Alternatives to Yelling
Do you ever feel like your kids only listen when you raise your voice? You're not alone. Many parents struggle with feeling unheard and resorting to yelling, often rooted in feeling disrespected. Today, we're diving into this common challenge with a real parent, Michela, and exploring practical strategies for finding calmer, more effective ways to communicate.This episode isn't about b
Are You Over-Functioning and Holding Your Child Back?
Are parents doing too much for their kids? What if saying "no" to doing something for your child could actually empower them to thrive independently? Today, we dive into the art of stepping back as a parent and explore the practice of avoiding over-functioning.Today, I delve into the nuanced subject of over-functioning in our parenting journeys. I share my own experience with my daughter E
Case Study: I Don’t Know What to Say During Sibling Arguments
What happens when you don’t know what to say as a parent? How can we handle sibling rivalry and help our children navigate their conflicts? In this episode of Peace and Parenting, I'm joined by Lindsey, a mom of two spirited young ones, Ace and Ava. Lindsey shares her struggles when faced with sibling squabbles and the moments she feels frozen. We explore the common fear of saying the wrong th
Co-Regulation Strategies for Emotional Outbursts
Are you tired of power struggles and tantrums turning your home into a battleground? Do you long for a more peaceful and connected relationship with your child? If you're like many parents, you've probably wondered how to teach your child to manage their big feelings without resorting to punishments or rewards. I’ve been there too. That’s why I traded in punishments and rewards for connect
Case Study: Why "Leave Me Alone" Really Means "Help Me"
Ever feel lost in how to respond when your child gets aggressive during tantrums? You're not alone, and it's definitely a tough spot to be in. This week, we're tackling the challenge of aggressive tantrums and how to navigate them with connection, not punishment. Afra joins me today, struggling when her 6-year-old gets physical with her during tantrums. Together, we'll explore why
Transform Your Parenting by Ditching the Lectures
Are you tired of feeling like you're always lecturing your kids, but it just doesn't seem to make a difference? Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of reasoning and explaining, only to see the same behaviors repeat? I get it, because I’ve been there too. This week, I’m diving into why those well-intentioned lectures often fall flat and how they can even be perceived as punishment by our
Case Study: How to End Middle-of-the-Night Wake-Ups
Sleep deprivation is real, and when your child won’t sleep without you, it can feel overwhelming. If you're exhausted from middle-of-the-night wake-ups, desperate for just a few hours of uninterrupted rest, and wondering if you’ll ever get your evenings back, today’s episode is for you.In this heartfelt coaching session, I talk with Polina, a loving mother navigating the difficult challenge of
Why 'Talking Nicely' Isn't Gentle/Connected Parenting
Are helicopter and bulldozer parenting mistakenly being labeled as gentle parenting by some? Today I uncover the myths around connective parenting and share the truth about what it really means to foster deep connections with our children.In this episode, I tackle a common misconception about gentle or connective parenting, that it's all about speaking in a soft voice and gently reasoning with
Case Study: Why Punishment Makes Sibling Aggression Worse
How can parents navigate the chaos when sibling rivalry turns into a hair-pulling standoff? What if sibling rivalry wasn't just a battle between your kids but an opportunity to deepen your connection with them? In today’s episode, we dive into the dynamics of sibling relationships and discuss how shifting your perspective can bring peace to your parenting journey.I’m joined by Shannon, a mothe
5 Powerful Phrases to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem
The secret to boosting your child's self-esteem is not about constant praise but in how you truly see and trust them. In today’s episode, I explore the significant role parents play in fostering healthy self-esteem in children. I reflect on the profound impact a nurturing and affirming approach has on a child’s self-image. By expressing genuine belief in their inherent goodness and autonomy, p
Case Study: How Can I Help My Toddler Who Struggles to Go to Bed?
Is bedtime drama with your toddler an indicator of a deeper connection issue? What if the path to peaceful and restful nights for your child begins with understanding their emotional needs? Today on the Peace and Parenting podcast, I welcome Jamesetta, a devoted mother of three daughters, who shares her ongoing journey with her three-year-old's nighttime struggles.Jamesetta expresses the chall
How Rewards Teach Kids to Follow Rules for the Wrong Reasons
Are rewards just another form of punishment in disguise? Ever thought that the key to nurturing genuine cooperation in your child lies beyond the promise of a star chart or a treat? In this episode of Peace and Parenting, I dive deep into the often-overlooked pitfalls of reward systems in parenting and how they can inadvertently erode the parent-child connection.As a mother who once believed in ha
Case Study: How Do I Get My Strong-Willed Child to Shower Without Losing My Cool
What happens when kids have the freedom to decide their own hygiene? Today on Peace and Parenting, I'm joined by Ana, a loving mom to two and a strong believer in connective parenting but who is having some trouble getting her children to cooperate. Together, we dive into understanding how connection, rather than control, can be the key to cultivating cooperation and harmony within your househ
Why Your To-Do List Is Hurting Your Parenting
Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time for connection? Between work, household tasks, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to let quality time with our kids slip to the bottom of our priorities. But what if I told you that focusing on connection first actually makes everything else run smoother?Today, I’m exploring a mindset shift that can transform parenting, prioritizing connectio
Case Study: What If Your Teen Doesn’t Want Connection?
What if your teen rejected every attempt at connection? You’ve ditched punishments and bribes, but now your child is pushing back harder than ever. Is it even working? Today, I sit down with Tova, a mother of four, who’s navigating the tricky transition from traditional parenting to connection-based parenting, especially with her resistant teens.Tova has seen beautiful changes in her younger twins
Why Connective Parenting Feels Like It's Failing (and How to Make It Work)
Ever feel like connection-based parenting just isn’t working? You try play, empathy, and special time, but your child still melts down, refuses to listen, or lashes out. Does that mean connective parenting has failed? Today, I break down the biggest misconceptions about connective parenting, including why it’s often confused with permissiveness, why quick fixes don’t work, and why consistency matt
Case Study: Lessons from Our First Certification Cohort
Are traditional parenting strategies leaving you frustrated? In this episode, I sit down with Erica, a relationship coach, adoptive mom, and one of the first graduates of the Peace and Parenting Certification Program. Erica shares how shifting from consequences to connection has transformed her family and her coaching practice.Throughout our conversation, we dive into the challenges of unlearning
System Restraint Collapse: The Hidden Cause of Your Child’s After-School Meltdowns
Have you ever wondered why your child seems to hold it together all day but falls apart the moment they get home? Today, we explore the concept of system restraint collapse and how understanding this phenomenon can help us better support our children.I share my personal experience with my freshman daughter, Esme, and a recent surprising event during the holidays where I discovered that even older
Case Study: How Becoming a Parenting Coach Transformed My Relationship with My Kids
What transformative journey led this mom from sleepless nights with her newborn to becoming a parenting coach? Today, I chat with our brand new Peace and Parenting coach, Cammie, about her path from frustration to connection. She opens up about her experiences with her two young children and the profound lessons she learned through our Connected Parent Mastermind program.Cammie shares how embracin
The Secret to Making Discipline Fun
Imagine replacing threats, bribes, and punishments with laughter, games, and fun interactions. Today, I share with you the transformative power of play in fostering a deeper connection with our children and reshaping how we discipline them.Today, we explore why play is not just an enjoyable activity but a crucial element in our parenting toolkit that helps maintain a calm and connected family envi
Case Study: Help, My Kid Is Aggressive at School
What hidden struggles are fueling your child's aggression? Have you ever wondered why your child might be acting out aggressively? What if the answer lies not in the child but in how we, as parents, respond to them?In this episode of the Peace and Parenting podcast, I help Melanie and Michael, a loving couple struggling with their four-year-old son's aggressive tendencies towards his schoo
How to Show Unconditional Love—Even in the Tough Times
How do you show unconditional love in challenging moments? Are your children feeling truly loved, especially during their toughest times?Today, I share the profound difference between loving your children and making them feel unconditionally loved. It's easy to express love in the fun, cuddly moments, but how do we convey that same love when things get tough? I hope this episode provides you w
Case Study: How Do I Stop Yelling at My Kids?
Does your child's behavior trigger unexpected reactions in you? Join me as I sit down with Taylor, a mom navigating the intense emotions that parenting can invoke.In this heartfelt episode, Taylor opens up about her struggles with a short temper and impatience, emotions she hardly experiences in other areas of her life. Together, we explore the underlying causes of these reactions, linking the
Four Parenting Lessons I Wish I Learned Sooner
Have you found yourself at a loss, struggling with punishments, rewards, and teachable moments that just don’t seem to work? In today’s episode, we explore the profound shifts we can make to foster deeper connections with our children—changes I wish I had known from the start.Today, I open up about my personal journey of parenting missteps and revelations. From realizing the dark side of punishmen
Parenting Mistakes You Might Be Making with Your Anxious Teen: Insights from a Teen Anxiety Coach
What if your teen's 'rude' behavior is actually a cry for help? Could anxiety be hiding behind their tough exterior? In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of teen anxiety with my special guest Monica Crnogorac, a certified teen anxiety coach. We unearth misconceptions about teen anxiety, discuss how parents often misinterpret their teen’s actions, and explore concrete met
Why Strong-Willed Kids Say No… and How to Turn It Into a Yes
What if your child’s defiance wasn’t defiance at all but a powerful sense of self? Parenting strong-willed kids can feel like a battle, but what if the secret lies in less demand and more connection? Today, I dive into the unique challenges (and gifts) of raising strong-willed kids. From their sensitivity to their unwavering sense of autonomy, these children often test our patience and beliefs abo
Case Study: How We React to Tantrums [Re-Release]
Today, I speak with Danielle, one of my students in the Connected Parent Mastermind group. We discussed the significance of connection and how providing our children with emotional support during intense moments can positively impact future interactions. During our conversation, Danielle shared a story about an incident that occurred while she was camping with her son. Her son had a tantrum and ev
How Letting Go of Control Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
What happens when the desire for order and control in our lives clashes with the free-spirited nature of our children? Today, I delve into the challenges of overcoming control freak tendencies in parenting and finding a harmonious balance that respects both our needs and those of our children.I'll share my personal journey from being a self-confessed control freak to a more mindful and connect
Case Study: How Do You Stop Aggressive Behavior Without Punishments?
Is your child a sweet, sensitive kid who hits others? Could your child's aggressive behaviors be a sign of unmet needs? Today, I discuss the complex world of childhood aggression as we explore this topic with Samantha and Phil, parents who are grappling with their six-year-old son’s aggressive tendencies.Together, we unpack how aggression in children is often a manifestation of unmet needs and
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