Have you ever been stung by your child's words? Have you felt the sting of "I hate you" or "shut up" from those you love most? It's a moment that cuts deep, triggering a whirlwind of emotions and questions about our parenting. But what if I told you it's not about us? Today, I explore the reasons behind hurtful moments, how children react, and how we can respond with grace and empathy. I’ll share some practical tips on supporting our children's emotions without disregarding our own and why...

Today, I’m joined by guest Mariah, one of our vibrant Peace of Parenting community members. Mariah shares her journey of discovering a new approach to parenting that prioritizes understanding over obedience. From navigating challenges with her strong-willed son to embracing playful corrections, Mariah offers insights that resonate with every parent striving for deeper connections with their children. We delve into the layers of traditional disciplinary methods, shedding light on the pitfalls...

Many people often compare connective parenting to gentle parenting, but in reality, they are very different. Today, I want to clarify the misconceptions surrounding gentle parenting and explain how connective parenting encourages children to learn and grow on their own terms. Through empathy, understanding, and a lot of support, connective parenting empowers both parents and kids to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. It allows children to fail, stumble, and learn from their...

How can parents cultivate a healthy balance between responsiveness and setting boundaries? Today, I’m joined by Eli Harwood from Attachment Nerd. Eli's expertise in attachment theory sheds light on the complexities of parenting in today's world. Eli and I delve into the essence of secure attachment, exploring its profound impact on children and parents alike. Today, we’ll explore the various attachment styles, from avoidant to resistant and even disorganized, and dissect how our childhood...

Have you ever felt like you were losing the bond with your child? Or struggle to navigate their strong will without resorting to traditional methods of discipline. Today, I want to share my personal experiences with my daughter Esme, whose unwavering spirit challenged me to rethink my approach to parenting. Parenting my daughter has been a challenging journey. Her strong will and refusal to conform led to moments of frustration and doubt. However, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation...

Are you worried about the kind of friends your child spends their time with? Do you fear that these bad influences might lead them astray? Join me as I sit down with Anna, a fellow parent who shares her concerns about her children's friendships during their tween years. We discuss practical strategies for empowering our children to trust their instincts, navigate peer pressure, and set healthy boundaries. Let's explore how we can help our children stand up for themselves and make better...

Ever felt caught in the crossfire of sibling battles, unsure how to step in without taking sides? As parents, we yearn for peaceful homes where our children thrive together. But when it comes to resolving conflicts between siblings, finding the balance between intervention and neutrality can feel like navigating a minefield. Today, I delve into the transformative power of neutral intervention in sibling conflicts. I’ll explore practical strategies for defusing tension and fostering...

How do you navigate traditional parenting methods when they don't align with your child's temperament? Today, I sit with some of my longtime clients, Danielle and Neal, who discuss their parenting journey with their highly sensitive and strong-willed son, Jack. They tried traditional discipline methods such as timeouts and taking toys away, but these did not work for Jack. As a result, Danielle and Neal sought alternative approaches and eventually discovered Peace and Parenting. Danielle and...

Are you spending your time parenting, or is parenting spending your time? Today on Peace and Parenting, I delve into Pam Leo's profound wisdom, exploring the intricate balance between meeting our children's emotional needs and managing their behaviors. Drawing from my own personal experiences, I share the transformative power of filling our children's cups with love. From navigating sibling rivalry to taming the spirited soul, we explore how investing in connection yields dividends of...

Are you ever mortified in public when your child’s voice rockets through the mall? Today, we unpack the nuances of communication, tantrums, and the genuine distress many parents face. It's a scene familiar to many—a peaceful outing shattered by a sudden outburst from a toddler. Cherry, a mom from my Instagram followers, joins me in sharing her dilemma of dealing with her son's screams in public. This opens a world of parenting concerns centered around societal norms and effective...

When we punish and discipline our children, are we truly teaching them respect, or are we inadvertently instilling fear? We have been conditioned to believe that respect is synonymous with obedience. But is that really what respect is all about? Today, I want to challenge this conventional thinking and urge you to reconsider your parenting approach.  From my own experience as a parent, I have realized that respect cannot be forced upon our children. It is something that is earned through...

Could your pursuit of a "perfectly" behaved child be disrupting the peace in your home? This episode will unravel the intricate dance between setting boundaries and forging bonds of connection. As parents, we tend to focus on controlling our children's behavior and enforcing consequences when they make mistakes. However, what really matters is creating an environment where our children feel safe to make mistakes without fear. By showing empathy toward our children's behavior, we can...

Are we unwittingly damaging our children by repeating the mistakes of our own upbringing? Today, I'm diving into a question that plagues many of us: Are we ruining our kids? This thought can grip us in moments of frustration and self-doubt. But let me tell you something: You're not alone, and you're definitely not ruining your kids. As parents, we're often held to impossible standards, haunted by our own childhood traumas, and bombarded with societal pressure to be flawless. But here's the...

Parenting can be challenging, especially in a world that often values achievement and busyness over connection. Have you ever found yourself caught up in the trap of prioritizing tasks over building stronger bonds with your children? It's a common struggle. Today, I have a heartfelt conversation with Erica, a mother who shared her deeply personal experience of transitioning into motherhood through adoption. Her journey highlights the pressures of perfectionism and the impact of her own...

Imagine cutting your kids' chaotic bedtime routine in half and witnessing your relationship thrive in the process. That's exactly what unfolded for Karla and her husband. Struggling to manage the nightly wind-down of their three lively children, they discovered that the secret wasn't in a more rigid schedule but in fostering a deeper bond. Today, I am touched to share Karla's story of transformation. We unravel how switching up bedtime duties and dedicating special time led to stunning...

Imagine cutting your kids' chaotic bedtime routine in half and witnessing your relationship thrive in the process. That's exactly what unfolded for Karla and her husband. Struggling to manage the nightly wind-down of their three lively children, they discovered that the secret wasn't in a more rigid schedule but in fostering a deeper bond. Today, I am touched to share Karla's story of transformation. We unravel how switching up bedtime duties and dedicating special time led to stunning...

Today I'm diving into a recent eye-opening experience with my teenage daughter, Pia. Picture this: it's a typical evening until I receive a text that sends my heart racing. Pia and her friend have taken an Uber to the ice cream shop, leaving me puzzled and anxious. What unfolds next reveals a deeper layer of trust, peer pressure, and the delicate balance of parenting teens. Join me as I navigate the complexities of teenage autonomy, parental trust, and the blurred lines between protection...

Navigating the emotional ebbs and flows of neurodivergent children can feel like sailing uncharted seas. But what if I told you there's a way to foster connection and understanding even in the midst of these turbulences? Today we delve deep into the unique world of parenting neurodivergent children and how prioritizing connection can make all the difference. My guest, Eloise, shares her heartfelt journey of discovering that empathy and genuine connection were the game-changers she needed to...

As parents, we often struggle to balance enforcing rules and maintaining a deep, meaningful connection with our children. It's natural to believe that strict guidelines are necessary for shaping our kids' behavior. However, we may unintentionally undermine the very trust and bond we seek to build with them. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of rule-based parenting. Let's explore the underlying motivations driving our rule obsession and how we can cultivate...

Are you caught in the cycle of correction and control in your parenting journey? Today, I am joined by Nadia, a parent who bravely shares her journey from a place of control to discovering the impact of connective parenting. Nadia candidly shares her experiences of shedding the instinct to correct and control and embracing empathy and connection instead. Through her journey, she unveils her challenges in stepping away from conventional parenting methods and the profound shifts she witnessed...

As parents, we put a lot of effort and care into raising our children. However, have you ever felt like you crave recognition for your hard work? As I look back on my own journey as a parent, I've realized that the validation we seek doesn't necessarily have to come from our children. Instead, it should come from within ourselves. Today, I encourage you to think about your own search for validation in parenting. Let's explore together how we can re-parent ourselves, break free from outdated...

Is your relentless focus on productivity sending the message to your child that self-care is secondary to achievement? Today, we delve deep into the subtle dynamics of threats, bribes, and the elusive quest for productivity. In a society that glorifies busyness and achievement, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that success lies in crossing off tasks from our to-do lists. But what if I told you there's a more authentic way to foster cooperation and harmony within our families? ...

Today, I have a special treat for you as I welcome Dr. Emily Heisey (PT, DPT) and Dr. Matt Otteman (DC), experts in pediatric development. They are the co-owners of KinActive Kids and are well-known for their innovative tips related to child development. In this episode, we explore the world of physical development in children and discuss the significance of purposeful play and ways to support children with developmental delays. We will also discuss parents' emotional journey while dealing...

Have you ever stopped to wonder how your parenting choices today might shape your relationship with your children as they venture into adulthood? I've been contemplating this a lot lately, especially as I anticipate my daughters' transition to independence. Today I open up about my reflections on traditional parenting methods and the profound impact they could have had on my relationship with my strong-willed daughter.  🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our...