What if your child’s defiance wasn’t defiance at all but a powerful sense of self? Parenting strong-willed kids can feel like a battle, but what if the secret lies in less demand and more connection? Today, I dive into the unique challenges (and gifts) of raising strong-willed kids. From their sensitivity to their unwavering sense of autonomy, these children often test our patience and beliefs about control.

As a mom to a strong-willed child myself, I know how easy it is to slip into power struggles. But what if we reframed these moments as opportunities for growth? This episode is all about shifting from traditional notions of obedience to fostering genuine collaboration, helping our children and ourselves thrive in a relationship grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

In This Episode:

• Understanding the strong-willed child’s psyche
• Why connection beats control every time
• The art of giving real choices, not ultimatums
• Using empathy to defuse power struggles
• Why low-demand parenting fosters better cooperation
• Shifting from punishment to connection-based strategies

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Today, I speak with Danielle, one of my students in the Connected Parent Mastermind group. We discussed the significance of connection and how providing our children with emotional support during intense moments can positively impact future interactions.

During our conversation, Danielle shared a story about an incident that occurred while she was camping with her son. Her son had a tantrum and even pointed a fake gun at her. However, what surprised her was how both of them handled the situation.

This episode originally aired August 2023

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What happens when the desire for order and control in our lives clashes with the free-spirited nature of our children? Today, I delve into the challenges of overcoming control freak tendencies in parenting and finding a harmonious balance that respects both our needs and those of our children.

I'll share my personal journey from being a self-confessed control freak to a more mindful and connected parent. My need for a tidy environment, calm atmosphere, and perfect order often clashed with my kids' natural messiness and spirited behaviors. And this took a toll on my relationship with them and pushed me to reevaluate my parenting style.

In this Episode:

• Balancing order with your child's autonomy
• Overcoming control tendencies in parenting
• Impact of perfectionism on the parent-child relationship
• Allowing children to own their academic journey
• Importance of connection over punishment

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🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.

💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.

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Is your child a sweet, sensitive kid who hits others? Could your child's aggressive behaviors be a sign of unmet needs? Today, I discuss the complex world of childhood aggression as we explore this topic with Samantha and Phil, parents who are grappling with their six-year-old son’s aggressive tendencies.

Together, we unpack how aggression in children is often a manifestation of unmet needs and fear, rather than a disposition towards being 'bad.' We exchange heartfelt stories and practical advice on breaking the cycle of aggression by shifting our own parenting responses and focusing on the importance of empathy, connection, and self-care in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our kids.

In this Episode:

• Understanding aggression as a fear response
• The importance of consistent emotional connection
• Avoiding punitive measures to reduce aggression
• The role of empathy and connection in discipline
• Practical tools for managing aggressive behaviors

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🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.

💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.

📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!

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What should you do when Grandma threatens to punish your kids during family gatherings? How can we balance the need for extended family connections with our desire to parent consciously? In today’s episode, I explore the delicate art of navigating family dynamics during the holidays—or at any time—while staying true to our ideals of connected parenting.

I’ll discuss how to handle well-meaning grandparents who bribe with cookies and how to manage our own expectations about family members' behavior. I assure you that one inconsistent influence won’t harm your children if the primary relationship is strong and secure. So, let's talk about the importance of flexibility, setting boundaries, and how sometimes, letting go of control can lead to deeper connections.

In this Episode:

• The impact of relatives on our children
• Differences in parenting styles within families
• The importance of one stable, secure relationship
• Balancing flexibility with setting boundaries
• Managing expectations of extended family members

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What makes empathy a powerful tool in setting limits with your kids? What if letting go of control could transform family dynamics? In today's conversation with Raley, a mother of three teens, she shares her remarkable journey from a disconnected, tumultuous household to one filled with empathy and connection.

Raley opens up about her struggles with conventional parenting methods based on consequences and control. Together, we unravel how her transition to connective parenting, guided by our Peace and Parenting community, has significantly improved her family’s relationships and overall harmony. We discuss practical techniques for promoting responsibility, fostering empathy, and cheering on the small yet profound victories that bring familial peace.

In this Episode:

• Transforming family dynamics with connective parenting
• Eliminating threats and bribes from parent tactics
• Encouraging responsibility and independence in children
• Fostering genuine connection through empathy and play
• The enlightening journey from control to understanding
• Real-life benefits and challenges of this parenting approach

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🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.

💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.

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Having a teen is as hard as having a newborn! All the firsts and all the angst, let’s face it, the stakes are really high, and we parents worry tremendously about our children, and the teen years can really exacerbate our worry and stress. What I know works is connection, but many times, parents pull away from their teens because the teens are trying to find their own way too. When I lean into being with and understanding my teens, they respond with more kindness and the ability to self-regulate more readily. Listen in as I give you ten ways to do this.

This episode originally aired February 2022

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🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.

💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.

📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!

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Is Your Toddler Testing Your Limits? Here’s How to Turn No into Cooperation.

Have you ever resorted to reverse psychology just to get your strong-willed toddler to brush their teeth? What if there were a kinder, more effective way to gain their cooperation? In today’s episode, I share some practical strategies to foster a harmonious and cooperative relationship with your little one.

Today, I connect with Lauren, a mom from Indiana who is facing the very relatable challenge of dealing with a strong-willed three-year-old. We explore why some classic parenting tactics like bribes, threats, and punishments might feel like short-term wins but can backfire in the long run.

In this Episode:

• Navigating a strong-willed toddler's defiance
• The dangers of bribes, threats, and punishments
• The importance of deep, connected relationships
• Utilizing empathy, special time, and play
• Practical play ideas for tough moments

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🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.

💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.

📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!

Follow Peace and Parenting:

YouTube: @peaceandparentingla

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