Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments - podcast cover

Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments

Michelle Kenney, M. Edredcircle.com

Are you sick of parenting with the ideas of yelling and shame and looking for something that feels better, is different, but still has a sense of boundaries and limits?


Welcome to Peace and Parenting! Michelle is a former teacher, counselor, certified parenting coach, mom of two teens, recovering yeller, and perfectionist who parents without using punishments altogether. And guess what? It works! On this show, you’ll learn the how behind having kids who are entirely UNPUNISHED but who are also successful, kind, loving, and know how to follow directions. 


Twice a week, Michelle shares her insights and expertise on connective parenting through solo episodes and interviews with experts and other struggling parents. If you have exhausted all other options and don't know what to do next, this could be the parenting strategy you've been searching for.

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Episodes

How I Nearly Lost My Relationship with My Oldest - Don’t Make the Same Mistake

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 in ...

May 02, 202420 minSeason 5Ep. 311

Case Study: Navigating Your Tweens Social Dilemmas

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 choices ...

Apr 30, 202421 minSeason 5Ep. 310

What Our Kids Need to End Sibling Rivalry

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 understanding...

Apr 25, 202419 minSeason 5Ep. 309

Case Study: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child

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 Nea...

Apr 23, 202425 minSeason 5Ep. 308

The Time-Tested Strategy for a More Peaceful Home

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 resilience...

Apr 18, 202417 minSeason 5Ep. 307

Case Study: My Toddler Won’t Stop Screaming in Public

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 communication. ...

Apr 16, 202412 minSeason 5Ep. 306

Obedience vs. Genuine Respect: You Can’t Have Both

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 genuine ...

Apr 11, 202415 minSeason 5Ep. 305

Case Study: Can You Really Discipline With Love Instead of Fear

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 establish a ...

Apr 09, 202426 minSeason 5Ep. 304

Are We Ruining Our Kids? The Truth About Parenting Imperfections

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 truth...

Apr 04, 202416 minSeason 5Ep. 303

Case Study: How to Break Free from the “Perfectionist” Mindset

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 dysregula...

Apr 02, 202420 minSeason 5Ep. 302

Does Your Child Have a Love-Hate Relationship with School

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 improveme...

Mar 28, 202415 minSeason 5Ep. 301

Case Study: How to Cut Bedtime Chaos in Half

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 improveme...

Mar 26, 202422 minSeason 5Ep. 300

Are We Unknowingly Pushing Our Teens into Lying

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 and fr...

Mar 21, 202417 minSeason 4Ep. 299

Case Study: Navigating Neurodiversity with Connective Parenting

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 guid...

Mar 19, 202419 minSeason 4Ep. 298

Are Rules Ruining Your Relationship with Your Kids

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 genui...

Mar 13, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 297

Case Study: How to Go from Controlling to Empathy-Based Discipline

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 in h...

Mar 12, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 296

I Want My Kids to Thank Me

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 norm...

Mar 07, 202414 minSeason 4Ep. 295

The Productivity Trap: Prioritizing Connection Over Productivity

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? For me,...

Mar 05, 202414 minSeason 4Ep. 294

How Purposeful Play Can Help Gross Motor Development with Dr. Emily Heisey & Dr. Matt Otteman

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 with ...

Feb 29, 202422 minSeason 4Ep. 293

Coming to the End of Your Parenting Journey

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 team...

Feb 27, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 292

System Restraint Collapse: It’s Why Your Child Comes Home a Different Person

Does your child come home from school and seem like a completely different person? From the moment they step into the classroom to the final bell, our children navigate a complex world of expectations, relationships, and emotions. But what happens when the pressure becomes too much to bear? How do they cope when their systems are stretched to the limit? Today I want to explore the signs of system restraint collapse and share practical strategies to support your child during these vulnerable mome...

Feb 22, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 291

Trust the Process: It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better

Have you ever felt that no matter how much you try to connect with your child, it seems to get more challenging? As a parent, I understand how frustrating it can be to invest time and effort into connective parenting only to face unexpected hurdles. But don't worry, I'm here to tell you you're not alone. Based on my extensive experience coaching parents and witnessing countless family dynamics, I understand why transitions to connective parenting can stir up resistance and intensify behavioral s...

Feb 20, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 290

Do You Have a Listening Partner Yet?

Do you ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster as a parent? It's normal to feel this way, but finding ways to keep your emotional balance is important. Today on Peace and Parenting, I discuss the importance of a listening partner. This means having someone you can talk to and share your feelings with when you're feeling overwhelmed. But listening partnerships are not just about venting. They're about finding ways to improve our emotional well-being and build a healthier relationship ...

Feb 15, 202416 minSeason 4Ep. 289

8 Phrases You Shouldn’t Say to an Upset Child

Have you ever considered how your words might affect your child's emotional well-being during moments of distress? Today, we delve into eight phrases that might unintentionally escalate rather than alleviate their upset. From the seemingly innocent "use your words" to the dreaded "calm down," we'll uncover why these phrases can hinder rather than help our children in times of need. 🔗 Join my new Connected Parent Mastermind designed for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their ...

Feb 13, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 288

7 Things Connected Parents DON’T Do

Many parents often ask me for advice on how to help their children become more resilient and self-reliant. However, today, I am going to share a few things that parents should avoid doing to help their children thrive in the face of adversity. These include not rushing to their children's rescue when facing frustration and not dismissing their children's emotions. By adopting a nurturing approach that balances support and autonomy, connected parents can encourage their children's self-reliance a...

Feb 08, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 287

Preparing Our Children for the Real World

Have you ever wondered if our loving and nurturing parenting style prepares our kids for the harsh realities of the real world? Well, let's dive into this important discussion today as I explore a fascinating question from a concerned dad: How does our parenting method equip our children to face a world that might not be as gentle as our homes? From the very first moments of life, our children start understanding the real world – from a hospital delivery room to preschool dramas and adolescent s...

Feb 06, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 286

Break Free from Rewards and Punishments

Hello, parents! Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of rewards and consequences, searching for a way out? Let's talk about it. Today, I'll answer a question from my Instagram community: How can we break free from the constraints of rewards and consequences in parenting? But before we dive into specific strategies, let's take a moment to consider what you want from your parenting journey. Do you want a quick fix to get your kids to do chores, or do you want to build a lifelong, harmonio...

Feb 01, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 285

How to Raise Resilient Kids

What if the key to raising resilient children lies in our ability to navigate the delicate balance between mistakes and growth? Today we explore the profound impact of internal shame and guilt, which can guide us toward moral integrity. However, what about the external shame that is often unknowingly incorporated into traditional parenting practices? I will share personal insights challenging the norm by examining how corrections, lectures, and judgments may unintentionally erode our children's ...

Jan 30, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 284

You Can Trust Your Kids, Here’s Why

Hey there, amazing parents! Ever wondered if you could truly trust your child's moral compass, especially when they seem to make those tiny, questionable decisions? Today we're diving into a profound exploration of why trusting our little ones is the key to unlocking a beautiful parent-child relationship. Many believe that children are too young to understand the difference between right and wrong. However, did you know that by the age of two, they have already learned a significant amount about...

Jan 25, 202415 minSeason 4Ep. 283

The Power of Being the Safe Parent

Ever felt the pressure to have kids who always toe the line, never stepping out of bounds? Let's challenge that notion today as we unravel the beauty of raising children who make mistakes, who try on different behaviors, and who are authentically themselves. But here's the catch: creating a secure connection with your child doesn't always mean smooth sailing. Discover why moments of off-track behaviors are actually signs that your child feels safe expressing their true feelings. We'll navigate t...

Jan 23, 202414 minSeason 4Ep. 282
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