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 the...
Aug 15, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 341
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 empathetically Im...
Aug 13, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 340
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 schools, I...
Aug 08, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 339
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 sibling r...
Aug 06, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 338
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 can...
Aug 01, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 337
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 bond...
Jul 30, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 336
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 seek...
Jul 25, 2024•13 min•Season 5Ep. 335
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 balancing ...
Jul 23, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 334
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 beha...
Jul 18, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 333
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 disc...
Jul 16, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 332
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 opportu...
Jul 11, 2024•13 min•Season 5Ep. 331
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, leading t...
Jul 09, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 330
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. Understand...
Jul 04, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 329
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 and ad...
Jul 02, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 328
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 suit...
Jun 27, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 327
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 support, ...
Jun 25, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 326
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 understand...
Jun 20, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 325
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 weren...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 324
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 punishments. In...
Jun 13, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 323
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 rela...
Jun 11, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 322
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 our ...
Jun 06, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 321
What if open communication and respect could revolutionize your relationship with your teenager? Today, we're thrilled to bring you a captivating conversation with the one and only Billy Vsco. Billy, who found his way into the world of parenting through his viral TikTok videos and football coaching, has garnered a substantial following. He's now a guiding light for parents, advocating for stronger relationships and better communication with their children. In this episode, we discuss essential t...
Jun 04, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 320
Ever wonder if letting your kids fail could actually be the best thing for them? Today, we're diving into the counterintuitive but transformative idea that failure is not only okay but necessary. Join me as I explore why allowing our children to stumble, make mistakes, and experience the natural consequences of their actions in a safe and supportive environment is a cornerstone of connected parenting. I’ll share practical ways to shift from overprotective habits to fostering independence and lea...
May 30, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 319
Why is understanding a child’s developmental stage crucial for effective parenting? Today, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Joel Warsh, an integrative pediatrician passionate about children's health and well-being. Dr. Warsh shares his frustration with children's over-medication and his journey towards integrative medicine, blending the best of Western and alternative practices. We delve into his new book, "Parenting at Your Child’s Pace," which focuses on de-stressing parents and promoting health f...
May 28, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 318
Is compliance really the goal in parenting neurodivergent kids? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to connect with your neurodivergent child beyond the conventional methods of rewards and punishments? Today, I reflect on the profound impact of connection in parenting, especially for children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. Many believe these kids need strict compliance through rewards and punishments due to their executive functioning challenges. But I challen...
May 23, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 317
Today I sit down with Shelly Robinson, the inspiring founder of Raising Yourself. Shelly shares her transformative experience with reparenting herself and offers powerful insights into inner child work, conscious parenting, and breaking the cycle of punitive approaches. We delve into the concept of “mom rage” and explore the underlying fears and insecurities that often ignite our outbursts. Shelly’s candid storytelling, including a poignant moment with her young son, will strike a chord with man...
May 21, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 316
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 punis...
May 16, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 315
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 of ...
May 14, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 314
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 ex...
May 09, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 313
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 experi...
May 07, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 312
