What if the key to being a better parent isn't being perfect but embracing our imperfections? It's time to get real about the rollercoaster journey of parenting, which is filled with mistakes, learning, and growth. Today, I will talk candidly about the misconceptions around "parenting experts" and our own expectations as parents. I’ll share my experiences, exploring how moments of stress, like a recent family vacation, can shed light on our triggers and mistakes and how we can transform...

What do you do when a nine-year-old flat-out refuses to take a shower? How might giving your child more autonomy reduce daily power struggles? In today's episode, we dive into these nuanced dynamics of connected parenting. Joining me today is Jade, a dedicated mother juggling a blended family and her journey into connected parenting. Jade shares her struggle with her strong-willed nine-year-old daughter who challenges the status quo by simply saying, "No." Together, we explore the beauty of...

Ever find yourself questioning your parenting because your child’s behavior doesn’t match up with society’s expectations? Today, I discuss a topic that hits close to home: the idea that successful parenting is not about having perfectly behaved children but about how we respond to their imperfections. We often get caught up in societal expectations, believing that good parenting is reflected in having compliant, well-mannered kids. But real success lies in how we handle the challenging...

What if the hardest moments in parenting are actually the best opportunities for connection? Can the struggles we face with our kids actually help us heal our own past? Today, I'm joined by the wonderful Cammie, who shares her heartfelt journey into connected parenting. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of raising young children while navigating the lingering effects of our own childhood experiences. From sleepless nights with a newborn to embracing the big emotions of a toddler,...

Imagine this: Your child has just knocked over their sibling's Lego creation, and you’re torn between wanting to gently correct their behavior and wondering if there’s a better way. Is it really about making them say, "I'm sorry," or is there a deeper lesson to be learned? In this episode, I share a more nuanced concept of accountability in parenting. We explore the common desire to hold our children accountable for their actions—whether it's making them apologize or ensuring they understand...

Is there a way to navigate sharing disputes that affirm both children's feelings and boundaries? Are sibling meltdowns causing tension in your home? Today, I sit down with Katrina, a mother of two daughters, navigating the tricky terrain of tantrums and toy sharing. Together, we delve into practical strategies for setting boundaries while respecting each child’s feelings, fostering a sense of fairness and validation for both siblings. In This Episode: Handling sibling meltdowns...

Does your child connect with some teachers but not others? Have you wondered why? Imagine a classroom where connection, not just curriculum, is the priority. Could this change everything? Teaching has always been challenging, particularly due to crowded classrooms and lack of support for educators. However, I have personally witnessed how building real connections with students can significantly decrease behavioral problems and improve engagement. With 13 years of experience in public...

From a troubled teen to a mindful mom: Today, you’ll hear one mom’s journey of breaking the cycle of chaotic parenting. Have you ever felt like you're falling short as a parent despite your best efforts? In this powerful episode, I have an intimate conversation with Taylor, a mom who openly shares her struggles with regulating her emotions and the impact of her challenging upbringing on her parenting journey. Together, we explore practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, managing...

Ever feel the panic rise when your child declares, "I'm bored!" How is your summer going? Is your little one at a loss for what to do? Do you rush to fix it or let them find their own way? Today, I want to discuss the phrase "I'm bored!" As parents, we often feel the need to constantly entertain and engage our kids, especially during long summer days. But what if embracing boredom could actually benefit our children? I'll share my thoughts on why it's okay for our kids to be bored and how it...

How can we balance the emotional needs of two children in different and challenging stages? Today, I help one mother with her busy world of juggling parenting techniques while maintaining calm and connection. Corynne is a mother to a three-year-old and a five-month-old, and today, she shares the difficulties of staying calm and connected during intense emotional moments, such as when she is breastfeeding and her older daughter wants to play. We discuss the importance of creating preliminary...

Have you ever felt like you're losing your little one as they grow into a teen? Imagine the mix of pride and heartbreak as your child starts to pull away, seeking independence while you long for those cozy, close moments. How do we navigate this bittersweet transition? Today, I explore the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from parenting young children to guiding adolescents. It's a journey filled with unexpected challenges and poignant moments of letting go. As our children grow and...

Are you struggling with sibling rivalry or managing multiple kids' needs? Imagine a morning when you’re pulled in every direction, resolving online meeting issues for one child while another is desperate for your attention. How do you manage these conflicting demands without losing your cool or compromising the peace in your home? Today I’m joined by Stephanie, a dedicated stay-at-home mom from Virginia. With four children aged between 6 and 14, Stephanie faces the daily challenges of...

Ever wondered if punishing your child for bad behavior might actually be counterproductive? Picture this: your child hits their sibling. Instead of a timeout, what if you offered a hug and some empathy? How might that change the dynamic? I want to challenge some deeply rooted beliefs in traditional parenting that may benefit from a new perspective, such as the notion that punishment is essential for teaching right from wrong. I believe our children naturally desire to do well and that their...

Are you unknowingly falling into controlling patterns with your kids? Can relinquishing bedtime control to your kids transform your evenings and lead to a more harmonious family life? Today, we explore the delicate balance between control and connection in parenting. I am joined by Carolyn, a mother of three adorable girls, as we explore her journey of shedding control and embracing relational parenting. I dig deep into Carolyn's realization of mirroring her father's authoritarian style and...

Are you dreading the summer chaos with kids at home all day? Imagine a summer where connection replaces stress and laughter fills your home. How can you create magical moments without the pressure of extravagant plans? Today, I want to offer some help to parents struggling with their kids at home during the summer. I want to help you make it enjoyable for both you and your kids. Summers can be challenging with the lack of routine and constant presence of children, but it’s also a perfect...

Have you ever restricted your kids' screen time because they talked back? Or perhaps taken away their favorite toy after they fought with their sibling? Today, I am speaking with Noelle, a stay-at-home mom of two young daughters. She has been facing challenges with her 2-year-old's refusal to follow her three-strikes policy. We delve into the common struggles of many parents: the feeling that their child isn't listening. Noelle shares situations where her daughter resists instructions,...

Ever felt like your child's whining is driving you up the wall? What if there’s a way to turn this frustrating behavior into a moment of connection and understanding? Today, I want to help you with a common parenting challenge… whining. It can feel like nails on a chalkboard, but what if we reframed it as a cry for help rather than an annoyance? In this episode, I share my personal experiences and strategies to help you transform your response to whining from correction to connection....

Are you finding it difficult to stay calm in tense situations? Just picture navigating through parenthood without using punishments or rewards, focusing solely on establishing a strong connection. I'm Michelle Kenney, and today, I'm excited to be joined by the insightful and authentic Destini Ann, who is a certified parenting coach, author, and TEDx Speaker. Destini and I explore the importance and challenges of self-regulation. We discuss how this approach may not yield immediate results...

Have you ever felt like the parenting advice you get (from me and any other parenting experts) doesn’t fit your family? Imagine a world where parenting tips are tailored just for you and your child. How can we bridge the gap between general advice and our unique parenting challenges? In today’s episode, we tackle the giant world of parenting advice. We'll discuss what strategies work, what doesn't, and why. I'll provide insights on how to take general parenting frameworks and tailor them to...

Have you ever felt at your wit's end, not wanting to spend another minute in the presence of your kids? Today, I have a heartwarming conversation with Rachel, a mother who once felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her two young daughters. Rachel bravely shares her initial struggles with her eldest child, who exhibited extreme emotions and behaviors that left Rachel feeling helpless and frustrated.  Rachel’s journey of growth and understanding demonstrates that with the right tools and...

Have you ever wondered why your child may tell lies even when they know they will likely get caught? Just imagine a world where lying isn't seen as a child's desperate escape from trouble but as a way to seek deeper understanding. Let's take some time to explore how we can turn those little lies into opportunities for building strong connections. Today, I want to share with you the emotional and psychological reasons that lead children to bend the truth and emphasize the importance of...

How did abandoning punishments and consequences transform a father-daughter relationship on the brink? Today, I sit down with Erik, a single father who experienced a profound change in his relationship with his daughter. Erik shares how he moved from seeing her behavior as manipulative to understanding it as a cry for help. His journey started during a crisis when his daughter was battling significant anxiety, stress, depression, and self-harm. Traditional methods of rules and consequences...

What happens when natural consequences fail to teach your child a lesson? Today, I tackle challenging situations where natural consequences simply don’t apply. I’ll help you navigate these tricky scenarios with empathy and creativity, offering alternative approaches that still foster growth and learning in your children. Understanding the underlying emotions and motivations behind your child's actions is as important as finding constructive ways to address them without relying on...

What happens when parenting dynamics take a sudden turn? Can connection truly transform challenging behaviors? Today, I sit with Taryn, one of our inspiring Peace and Parenting coaches, to recount her journey from traditional parenting to embracing connective parenting. After facing unexpected challenges with her second child, Taryn discovered the transformative power of hand-in-hand parenting. Her story beautifully illustrates how deeper connection and empathy not only reshape parent-child...

What hidden stories from your past are impacting your parenting today? What if the secret to better parenting lies within us? Today, I explore the profound idea of self-regulation and the underlying narratives that influence how we engage with our children. I open up about a personal session I had recently with a client who is grappling with the complexities of raising a child with ADHD and ODD. Throughout this experience, we uncover how past grievances and unresolved pain can subtly hinder...