We all have those parenting moments we’re not proud of—the ones where we lose our cool or miss the mark. So today, I’m opening up about one of mine. It happened just this morning with my oldest son, and let’s just say I didn’t exactly follow the advice I so often share with clients. I’m sharing this story because I know I’m not alone in these messy moments. Together, we’ll unpack what was really going on, how my own emotions got in the way, and the mindset shifts I had to make to recover from...

Losing is hard for any child, but for a highly sensitive kid, it can feel like the end of the world. If you’ve ever seen your child crumble after losing a board game or storm off the field after a tough match, you’re not alone.  In this episode, I’ll share 3 practical strategies to help your child handle losing without feeling defeated or like they’re a "sore loser." From building emotional resilience to reframing what it means to "lose," these tips will empower both you and your...

Today I’m getting real about how I cope when the world feels chaotic. With recent events—especially the election and so much happening in our communities—overwhelm is all too easy to feel. Instead of letting the stress pile up, I’m sharing the 5 small but powerful things I do to keep my mental health in check, even when things seem out of control. These aren’t quick fixes but simple habits that help me stay grounded and present for my family. From focusing on what’s right in front of me to...

This week, with all the election energy swirling around, I couldn’t help but think about the world our kids will grow up in—and how raising resilient children can truly make a difference. In times of collective stress and uncertainty, like what many of us are feeling right now, our kids will face a future that’s bound to be full of challenges. But what if they’re equipped to handle it all, with the strength and emotional intelligence to weather whatever comes their way?  In this episode,...

Hannah was a mom who felt stuck in an exhausting cycle of disconnection with her two young kids, especially her deeply feeling 4-year-old. Despite all her efforts, she struggled to create the peace and connection she so wanted in her home—and felt frustrated and overwhelmed in the process. In this episode, I chat with Hannah about her transformative journey through the Chaos to Connection program. She opens up about how things shifted from daily battles to a space where parenting finally...

We’ve all been there: you’re at the store with your highly sensitive child, and a friendly stranger says “hello” or asks a simple question. But instead of a polite response, your child might blurt out “no!” or “I don’t want to smile!” Inspired by a listener’s question, let’s dive into why these encounters can feel overwhelming for sensitive kids and why they react this way. We’ll talk about what’s going on beneath those big reactions, how overstimulation affects them, and why small...

We’ve all had those days when we’re pulled in every direction, leaving little time to connect with our kids. In this week’s episode, I share a personal win: the story of my 3.5-year-old’s meltdown after a day spent mostly apart from me. Between school, work, and conversations with others, I barely had a moment with her—until her emotions came pouring out. When those big feelings surfaced, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself staying calm and grounded instead of immediately feeling...

Ever feel like you’re saying all the right things, but your sensitive child still seems upset? Sometimes, without realizing it, our words or actions can bring up feelings of shame. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways we might be shaming our kids without meaning to—and why it’s more common than we think. We’ll explore the subtle phrases and habits that may leave our kids feeling invalidated or misunderstood. It’s so easy to miss these moments, especially when we’re busy, stressed, or just...

Sometimes, it feels like we need to spend hours playing with our kids to fill their "connection cup"—especially when they're having a tough time. But what if there was another way? In this episode, I'm talking all about "micro connections"—those small but meaningful moments throughout the day that can make a big difference for your highly sensitive child. I’ll share a few recent wins from my own life, showing how just a few seconds of connection here and there helped my child feel more...

We've all been there: trying to help our highly sensitive kids use coping skills, only to realize they’re still overwhelmed. In this episode, I’m sharing why coping skills don’t always work for sensitive kids—and how you might be using them wrong without even knowing it. It’s easy to fall into the habit of asking your child to use a coping skill to escape big emotions, but that doesn’t teach them to truly cope. I’ll explain why it’s so important to let your sensitive child feel their emotions...

Let's talk about the challenges of overscheduling, especially when it comes to highly sensitive kids. Sensitive children need more downtime to unwind and regulate, and without it, they can quickly feel overwhelmed. But how do you find the right balance? I’ll share my own journey with my now 10-year-old son, who, after years of trial and error, has learned to recognize when he needs a break. You’ll hear how he’s even made the tough decision to skip fun events (like beach trips!) to get the...

Transitions can be challenging for all of us, but for highly sensitive kids, they can feel overwhelming and intense. In this episode, we dive into why transitions are so tough for sensitive children and how their emotions are magnified during even the smallest changes. It’s more than just shifting from one activity to another—it’s a full emotional experience that often leaves them feeling unsettled. But don’t worry, today you will hear 3 key strategies to help make transitions smoother for...

Becoming a first-time mom is hard enough, but when you’re parenting a highly sensitive child, it’s a whole different ballgame. In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 biggest mistakes I made as a new mom to my highly sensitive child – and trust me, I’ve learned a lot from them! From trying to fix every meltdown to worrying too much about every little thing I felt I did wrong, I made some missteps that didn’t serve me or my child. But through it all, I discovered key lessons that helped me become...

You’ve probably seen it all over social media – people saying that validating feelings just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. But is that really true? In this episode, we dive into why so many parents are frustrated with the idea of validation and why it often feels like it’s not working. Spoiler alert: It’s not about what you’re doing, but when you’re doing it. I’ll share the 3 biggest mistakes I see parents make when trying to validate their child’s feelings. These common missteps can...

Anna and Josh were really struggling with their highly sensitive middle daughter. Hour-long meltdowns and endless frustrations had taken over their lives. They spent their days walking on eggshells, constantly trying to calm her down without much success. After going through my Chaos to Connection program, they saw a remarkable shift. Their daughter’s meltdowns have drastically reduced, and they’re able to connect with her in ways they hadn’t before. The transformation has brought a new sense...

We’ve all been there—when our kids hit, kick, or say something unkind, the instinct is to lecture or give consequences. It feels like the only way to teach them a lesson, right? But what if that approach is actually reinforcing shame and leading to more negative behavior? In this episode, I explore why traditional discipline techniques don’t work for sensitive kids and can actually backfire. Instead of lecturing or punishing, I share a different way to help our children process their emotions...

Ever worry about taking your sensitive kids out, knowing a meltdown might be right around the corner? In this episode, I’m sharing a recent experience from a family dinner that didn’t go quite as planned. With my 3.5-year-old having had a long day and pushing past her usual bedtime, I knew it could be a challenge. But with the right mindset and a little teamwork, we made it through by taking turns stepping up with her when things got hard. It wasn’t easy, but going into the situation with...

In today’s episode, the focus is on a topic that’s on so many parents’ minds: how to raise resilient, sensitive kids without fostering entitlement. With all the buzz about kids today being “too entitled,” this conversation challenges that narrative and offers a fresh perspective. The episode explores why emotional expression doesn’t equal entitlement, and how building resilience is key to helping kids thrive. You’ll hear 5 practical tips for avoiding entitlement while still allowing children...

In this Parenting Reflections episode, I share a surprising moment from my son’s soccer practice that led to a powerful parenting lesson. What started as an ordinary practice turned into a deeper conversation about what it means to be a good coach, and how we can better support our kids when they face challenges. This experience highlighted the importance of validation, compassion, and positive reinforcement in parenting. It was a reminder that moments like these are key to raising confident,...

Mornings can be especially tough when it comes to school drop-offs, particularly for sensitive kids. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 tips to help make those drop-offs smoother, from preparing your child ahead of time to adjusting your own mindset and energy when you arrive. A calm, confident parent can make all the difference for a child struggling to separate. Sensitive kids feel emotions deeply, and their strong attachment to a parent can make it even harder to say goodbye. This episode...

This week, I’m switching things up a bit and taking you behind the scenes of a typical day in my life. From the moment I wake up to the time my head hits the pillow, I’ll walk you through how I manage all the demands of parenthood, work, and life – and, spoiler alert, it’s not about spending hours on the floor playing with my kids. Instead of the pressure to be constantly entertaining or engaging them, I’ve discovered something powerful: It’s not about the amount of time we spend, but the...

In the second half of this insightful interview, the focus shifts to the heart of parenting and teaching. Discover ways to foster independence in kids with their schoolwork—encouraging it and handling challenges when they arise. The discussion also covers the ever-debated topic of homework, offering perspectives on assignments and what truly supports a child's learning journey. Additionally, listen for practical advice on recognizing when a child might need extra support, like an IEP or 504...

Today I’m opening up about something that’s been weighing on me: the pressure to focus on academics at home. So many of us feel like we have to constantly teach our kids—whether it’s reading, letter sounds, or math—but I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to let that go, especially when it leads to resistance. I’ve personally felt how tough it can be when kids push back on learning at home. Instead of forcing it, I made the choice to step back. Letting go of that pressure has been a relief...

In this episode, I sit down with one of my closest, long-time friends, a dedicated teacher with 23 years of experience across almost every grade level. Together, we dive into the importance of building strong connections early in the school year between parents and teachers. She shares her unique insights, not just as an educator, but also as a parent to two elementary-aged children. From an open discussion on parenting a child with ADHD to insights on how teachers manage tough situations,...