Real World Peaceful Parenting

Our kids are going to be using technology much earlier and more frequently than we ever did. This isn't all bad, but navigating the world of technology is uncharted territory for many parents. I've got the perfect expert on the show this week to share his wisdom with us.   Forest Bronzan is the founder and CEO of Camplight, a membership for parents raising kids in a world shaped by technology. In this episode, Forest and I explore what parents often get wrong when it comes to our children using technology, how to set limits, and the importance of reflecting on the behaviors you're currently modeling for your kids.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/166

Parenting can often feel like a juggling act of meeting career demands, managing household chores, and raising kids. If you're wondering how to start requesting help from your kids around the house or you're experiencing pushback from them, I'm here to offer a lifeline this week.   Join me as I share my top tips for introducing your kids to household chores. You'll hear where parents go wrong in requesting household help from their children, how to better manage your expectations, and some ideas for making household chores rewarding for your kids.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/165  

Valeria has two boys, ages two and five, and when she reached out for help navigating some storms, fears and anger at home, we decided this would be the perfect opportunity to share some live, Real World Peaceful Parenting coaching with you.   Tune in this week for a front-row seat to our coaching conversation as we explore what it means to set limits around what our children are developmentally capable of, why we must let go of guilt, and how to bear witness to your child's storm without falling into fear or anger.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/164

So many of the lessons I've learned in parenting boil down to a simple idea: the better we know ourselves, the better we can show up as parents. Emily Wardrop is an Advanced Certified Life Coach who is joining me on this episode to share the power that identity work has had on her parenting journey, and how her devotion to it has transformed her family.   Join us as Emily and I discuss why our identity is something we must explore, the importance of being mindful of how we assign our children's identities as parents, and how identity work and self-regulation coincide.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/163

Even if you've never formalized your family values or put them to paper, you parent around them just the same. If you want to empower your children, create harmony at home, and ultimately build a stronger family, clearly defining your values will help you make this dream a reality.   In this episode, I explore the power of defining your family values and using them as your compass for navigating the world. I'll share some tools for coming up with your own family values, and show you how to use them to guide your family toward the best possible decisions.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/162

Awareness is the compass that guides you toward self-regulation as a parent. It is the first step on the path to understanding and managing your responses to your child's behavior, and by acknowledging and understanding your own triggers, you can stop reacting and start responding to your child.   This week, I'm sharing some common thoughts that trigger reactive parenting so you can learn how to cultivate awareness in those moments of overwhelm, and make self-regulation a priority in your parenting journey.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/161

As much as we want to be able to influence our children through our words, the truth is kids don't do what we say. They do what we do. Modeling is a powerful parenting tool that allows children to learn by example, and it's at the root of your children feeling seen, heard, and valued.   Join me this week to hear how to model the behaviors, attitudes, and values you want to instill in your children, and the questions to ask yourself that will help you take inventory of what you're modeling.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/160

If you're an adult who has spent a lot of time and energy trying to recover from a stressful or dysfunctional childhood, you might find yourself wondering how best to nurture a secure childhood for your kids.   Join me this week to learn the foundation of a secure childhood, and how doing this work helps you raise kids who don't have to recover as adults. I'm showing you what a secure childhood might look like, and how a secure childhood sets the stage for healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, and resilience.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/159  

Have you ever wondered why you react the way you do when your kids make a mistake, or how to show up as a regulated parent who holds their child in high regard, even when they fail? This week, I'm diving into a fundamental trigger of parental dysregulation—our kids' mistakes—and exploring how to use self-regulation to address them in a healthy way.   Tune in to discover how embracing the concept of self-worth is the backbone of self-regulation, how integrating it into your family culture will lead you on the path to peaceful parenting, and my two-step process for minimizing the impact of your children's flaws on themselves and others.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/158

Fear is a huge part of the parenting experience and it can show up in a variety of ways for us. Parenting fear affects our decision-making process, shapes our thoughts, and even how we get along with our kids. So, how can we use it for connection instead of control?   Listen in this week as I'm joined by Hive members Dina, Kris, and Viv to discuss how we can better manage our fears as we raise our kids. They're sharing their experiences of parenting fear, how they've learned to self-reflect, self-regulate, and resist the urge to deflect their fears onto their children, and the power of using their fear to cultivate connection and co-regulation.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/157

At the beginning of each year, I like to declare a theme that guides the parenting work we do. My ultimate goal for 2024 is for all of us to become emotionally mature, and the skill of emotional maturity begins with one important practice: self-regulation.   Listen in to discover why I'm committed to a year of self-regulation in 2024, and how to model it for your children. I'm offering three reasons why you too should be committed to improving your self-regulation skills, and showing you how self-regulation grants you access to your higher brain, fosters calmness, and enhances your overall well-being.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/156

Most parents, if we're honest with ourselves, have had thoughts like, "My child doesn't respect me," or, "My child is so disrespectful." Respect needs to be earned, not demanded, and it takes time to unfold. So what do we really mean when we expect respect from our kids, and are we using that expectation as a weapon against them?    Listen in this week to discover how demanding respect could be damaging your parent-child relationship, how your unconscious rules of engagement are fostering a divide with your kids, and my tips for cultivating healthy, two-way respect within your family.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/155  

The holiday season is an intense, stressful time for many of us. That's why I've got the perfect holiday gift for you this week.   Join me this week to hear the best gift you can give yourself and your children this holiday season. You'll learn what happens when you hold yourself to impossible parenting standards, the power of offering yourself a new start every single day, and why you don't ever need to be the most perfect, enlightened parent.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/154

Creating connection with our children can happen pretty naturally when we're spending quality time together. But how do you continue to build connection during the mundane, day-to-day time? I've got some effective connection-creating tools to share with you in today's episode, and it all starts with how you talk to your children and nurture their self-esteem.   This week, I'm sharing how your communication might be unintentionally causing your kids stress and affecting their self-esteem, and how to choose words that empower your children for the rest of their lives.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/153

As your dedicated parent coach, a huge part of my work is helping you identify blind spots in your parenting. Blind spots often masquerade as limiting beliefs, and when you have them, you struggle to see reality for what it is or can become. But once you can identify and understand your blind spots, you can start showing up as the parent you really want to be.   Tune in this week for a conversation with Hive member and coach Felice about the destructive impact blind spots can have when we don't acknowledge them, how they dysregulate us and prevent real connection with our kids, and most importantly, how you can get rid of them.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/152

Preventing undesired circumstances from happening to our children is impossible, but sometimes, as parents, we feel compelled to try. We might even end up doing what I call "snowplowing" – overmanaging and stifling our kids' development. This week, I'm making an argument for why you must stop doing this if you want your children to build a vital life skill: resiliency.   Listen in as I challenge you to recognize ways you may be "snowplowing" your children's lives, and how to stop. You'll hear how doing this robs them of the opportunity to grow and learn, why adversity is required for resiliency, and what's required on your part as a parent to help them cultivate a sense of resiliency.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/151

If you're on the pendulum between dominant and permissive parenting and finding it difficult to connect deeply with your children, today's episode is for you. Recurring guest Hannah is here to demonstrate what prioritizing connection looks like in practice, and how coaching has helped her reach a space of healthy balance in parenting her four children.   Hannah and I discuss why you should never shame yourself if you're struggling to connect with your children, three important steps to building the connection you want, and our best advice for creating an environment where your children run toward you for connection, instead of trying it find it elsewhere.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/150

If you've been considering parent coaching but are unsure about whether you really need it, my guest today has some insight for you. Neil is a stay-at-home dad of two boys who joined The Hive to learn how to become a better parent, but in the end, Neil says the coaching has helped him become a better person.   In this episode, Neil is sharing his lessons learned. He and I discuss the key coaching concepts that changed the way Neil relates to his children, as well as his journey of healing old wounds, breaking the people-pleasing cycle, and learning to trust himself.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/149

Sometimes as parents, it's easy to assume that because we love our children so much, our level of connection with them is equally strong. In reality, these are two very different things. Deep parental love is being willing to lay down your life for your kids. Connection, on the other hand, is where we feel seen, heard, and valued by another person, and requires a different level of openness.   Tune in this week to discover why kids need deep connection, what real connection actually looks like, how connecting with your kids in childhood creates a better relationship as they get older, and why working on your own mindset is key.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/148

Kyla is a mom to an adorable, strong-willed six-year-old boy. We met three years ago when Kyla came to me for one-on-one coaching, and the transformation she's experienced through parent coaching has been truly incredible. She's kindly agreed to come on the podcast to share her unique story and share how this work has impacted her, her son, and her extended family.   Discover the transformational power of parent coaching. Hear from a parent just like you about her progress since she decided to get coached, how she's learned to create connection with her son even during challenging moments, and she's sharing her tips for becoming the parent you truly want to be.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/147

This week, I'm diving into the complexities of co-parenting dynamics by following the journey of a couple struggling to find mutual understanding in their parenting styles. I'm dissecting the recent coaching call we had together from both points of view to uncover what's really going on and how childhood wounds can sometimes shape our approaches.   Hear the co-parenting journey of a couple I'm calling Sophie and Dan. I'm sharing the challenges they're facing in their co-parenting dynamic, the underlying beliefs that are causing them to collide, and what you can do to get to a place of peaceful co-parenting if you resonate with their story.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/146

We all want to feel comfortable with a peaceful approach to parenting. However, sometimes our brain knows we're on the right path, but it doesn't feel like it's working. We want to be the parents we wish we'd had, and that can open up some childhood wounds and trauma. One way this happens is through the realization that we didn't feel heard as children, and now that we're parents, it feels like our kids don't listen to us.   Discover how your parenting journey could be opening up old wounds from your own childhood. I'm discussing why parenting presents us with these dilemmas, and I'm showing you how to be there for your children when they're stuck, so they don't carry the same wounds into adulthood that you did.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/145

In this week's episode, I share not one, but TWO lessons that came out of a recent coaching call. The first of these tackles the concept of micro-changes and how they are impacting your little human. I also dive into the gift of giving your child your undivided attention. Learn how to take stock of your daily interactions with your kids and find out how you can dedicate even a small amount of time to make them feel seen, heard, and valued.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/144

Many of us, myself included, were raised by at least one dominant parent. Now, you're a parent and you're desperately trying to avoid your own kids experiencing those emotions. But then, one day, you hear the very same words come out of your or your coparent's mouth. Does that mean you're doomed to repeat the dominant cycle that you grew up in?   Tune in this week for a sensitive discussion about dominant parenting and not repeating the mistakes of the past. I'm showing you why you are not your parents, your child is not your inner child, and I'm giving you practical tips and strategies for unpacking your thoughts about how you're showing up as a parent.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/143

Do you feel like you're on the struggle bus when it comes to setting and enforcing rules in your household? I know it seems impossible to get your children to help out, do their chores, stay off screens, and get good grades at school. The good news is that, while overwhelm and frustration are common among all parents trying to set rules, there's a better approach that will support your child's growth while maintaining your well-being.   Discover the value of rules as a tool to connect with your kids. Hear a whole new approach that is the secret to feeling productive, managing your energy, and enjoying parenting your kids. I'm also offering how to navigate getting pushback and how to allow space for flexibility while enforcing the consequences of bending rules.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/142

Last week, we had an amazing conversation with Corinne Crabtree all about parenting for a positive body image. This week, I'm joined by a wonderful mother and Hive community member, Hannah, who is currently in the middle of changing her own paradigms when it comes to body positivity and parenting her kids through the same experience.    Tune in as Hannah and I unpack the learned nature of body positivity and negativity. We're discussing how to model a healthy body image even if you're struggling with looking at your own body positively, how we value different body types, how to bring neutrality to the conversation, and our role as parents in having these conversations with our children.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/141

Do you have negative thoughts about your body? As you'll hear this week, the way we think about and speak about our own body impacts the way our children think and speak about theirs. So, how can we set them up to have the best possible body image?   I have the perfect guest to talk this through with: Corinne Crabtree. Corinne is a Master Certified Weight and Life Coach. She has helped countless women around the world lose weight and feel amazing through her podcast, Losing 100 Pounds with Corinne, and her program, NO BS Weightloss. Corinne has experienced the generational curse of body shame, like so many of us, and is here to discuss putting an end to that cycle.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/140

Have you ever tried to break down your limits with your child during one of their storms? Yes? Well, let me stop you right there. Is during a storm really the best time to connect? Do you need to connect in that way? This week, I make space for all the different ways we can hold the limit and how that may look in different circumstances.   Discover methods for holding the limit and learn why doing so is so important. Learn to support your children in their growth, how to help them mature both physically and emotionally, and why bailing out your child during a storm will have a bigger fallout later.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/139

This week, Hannah, a longtime Hive Member, is *mic-drop* interviewing me! We are turning the tables to discuss all things Hive, my parent coaching community. The Hive started as an idea to bring like-minded parents on a similar journey together in community, to get parent coaching in an affordable way. It is a safe space for consistent parenting without shame or judgment.   This week, Hannah and I unpack how the online community of The Hive works, how it offers value to members, and how I cultivate a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Hear why it is so helpful for developing peaceful parenting skills, the transformations that occur inside the membership, how we embrace change and celebrate wins, and why The Hive is both pragmatic and encouraging for all of its members.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/138

Parenting success doesn't come from getting everything done and fitting the children in between, it comes from being present. So this week, I'm joined by 2 members of The Hive, Lyra and Kate, to talk about parenting with high expectations and redefining "success" as a parent.   This week, discover some methods to release and redefine your success as a parent and how to use these to start being more present with your child. Learn why perfection is not helpful in parenting, what defines a peaceful leader, and the importance of creating rest in your life.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/137

A simple reality of parenting is that we cannot teach our kids every lesson for every experience, and trying to do so will prevent you from connecting. One of the strategies I teach parents is to pick their top 3 lessons, just 3, and focus on teaching those.   Learn how to ditch the panicked mindset and dedicate time to focusing on 3 values you would like to teach instead. Your children have a lifetime to learn; take a moment to celebrate all the successes and connect on what really matters.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/136

Dina is a champion of The Hive; she has been a member for 2 years and has developed countless new tools to parent in a manner that fosters deep connection. Today, Dina and I break down her recent struggle with anger.   Learn to identify your anger as a signal, ground yourself in the underlying emotions, and move forward as the peaceful leader of the household. We unpack methods for finding neutrality while identifying and moving through our anger.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/135

Kiva Schuler is the founder and CEO of the Jai Institute for Parenting. She is the author of The Peaceful Parenting (R)evolution and a thought leader within the parent coaching community. This week, Kiva and I dig into connecting with your child rather than perfecting them.   Discover how to reframe your thoughts about success and what it means to encourage your children to be their best selves, prepared for whatever success they choose. Learn why parenting for the 'real world' takes a different mode of thinking beyond the conventional educational system.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/134

There's no such thing as the perfect parent, right? Yet some of us are still running ourselves ragged trying to excel in every aspect of parenting.   I invite you to drop the unrealistic parenting expectations that are robbing the joy of parenting from you, and to stop modeling striving for perfection to your kids. To help you do this, I share three ways to SUCK as a parent, and show you why perfectionism keeps you from showing up as your best self.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/133

When Brandon Reed's first son was born, he and his wife were desperate to find a way to get him to sleep through the night. It was exhausting for everyone involved. In response, he created a podcast of long immersive sound experiences and his family finally found some rest.    This week, Brandon shares the story behind his podcast, 12-Hour Sound Machines, and how to use it. Discover why sleep schedules are essential for you and your babies and how different frequencies can help different people. We discuss various types of soothing noises, and methods to encourage sleep hygiene for the whole family.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/132

I share part two of my two-part series: Anger Can Be Your Gift. We look at two types of anger, learn what lies beneath them, and discuss tools for identifying, sitting with, and moving forward with our feelings.   Join me as we unpack how to understand our anger, its accompanying feelings, and how to soothe rather than suppress them. Discover tools and communication techniques to process anger in a manner that models healthy behavior for our children.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/131

This may be a huge shock to you, but there is no need to shame yourself into infinity when you experience moments of frustration and anger. You can leverage those moments and use anger as a tool.   This week, I share two ways anger can help us to understand and communicate better and how to use it to feel your feelings. Discover when and how to communicate anger with grace and why this honest sharing can build trust in your relationships.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/130

It is challenging to enforce limits when our kids insist on gaming for an extra hour, staying up late, or exceeding agreed-upon phone usage. Even I struggle with it, as it's tough to calmly uphold boundaries when our children push back. However, I know that when limits are peacefully enforced, they are effective.   I share strategies to enforce limits with calm, confidence, and authority. We explore the analogy of receiving a speeding ticket to think with clarity about our role as parents. I hope this helps you Peacefully Lead. Tune in and try it out today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/129

Are you nervous about setting limits with your child? Or do you actively find yourself undermining the limits you set when faced with challenges? And here's the big one: do you actively avoid conflict? We break down four roadblocks that prevent my Hive Members from setting and enforcing limits with their children.   Our children will push back and challenge our limits. With tactics and awareness, we become better parents and create welcoming spaces for our children. Listen in today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/128

Did you know that your child's brain isn't physically capable of multitasking? Yet as adults, we are constantly modelling how to multitask and not give our full attention to anything at one time.   I invite you to take inventory of your parenting and dig into the impact of multitasking. I share why I gave up multitasking and how that has impacted my ability to be present and connect with my son. Find out how you may be affecting your connection with your children with this habit, and how to stop.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/127

Hannah is a mother of 4 small children and a member of our Hive. She shares her struggle as a mom of young kids and the overwhelm that brought her to Real World Peaceful Parenting. Hannah graciously shares her experience and the shifts she has found through the support of our program.   I break down what Real World Peaceful Parenting is in its essence. Together, Hannah and I discuss co-regulation, brain development, and learning tools to implement as a parent when our children storm. Find out how to meet your child's needs with curiosity and calm.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/126

Today's podcast is part two of my Stop Punishing, Start Guiding Series. We want our children to be able to create decisions from a calm, regulated state. When you set limits, it helps your child feel supported and also encourages the development of an internal compass.    We look further at guiding your child to make better decisions and I break down offering choices, redirection, repair, and recovery. We look closely as a real-life example to explore methods for honoring your child's perspective while creating safe boundaries, so tune in to start guiding your child today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/125

Peaceful Parenting revolves around connection, not punishment. Punishment creates a power struggle that breaks trust and erodes relationships. Instead of promoting support, it emphasizes obedience. When we establish supportive systems, both we and our children can learn more effectively.   Setting limits is all about creating a calm framework that keeps our kids safe while sharing social skills, and teaching family values. Our children are bound to make mistakes, but with limits in place, we can establish clear boundaries while prioritizing their needs. Tune in to learn how to use this essential skill today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/124

Research has shown that the more you resort to punishment, the less likely your child will want to cooperate. The only way we can encourage change in our children is by building trust.   I share how I discovered that threatening, dominating, commanding, and enforcing punishments are not the best way to communicate or make a change in my child. Tune in to move away from dominating and toward collaboration with your child today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/123

Do you find yourself looking for an ulterior motive in your child's actions? When we believe we are going to catch our children at their worst, that is what we train our brains to see.   I offer a solution to stop keeping score. It begins with your thoughts. Learn how to calm your mind, feel prepared, and use your child's hyperfocus and strong will to talk honestly so that you both feel seen. Tune in to stop negative future forecasting today.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/122

Are you overwhelmed by all the information, advice, and parenting how-tos out there? While seeking out expert advice is good, I often see parents who lack confidence in their parenting struggle to perfectly implement all the ideas they've heard with their own family.   Learn how to become your own expert as a parent. I explain why it's important to be confident in your parenting and how you can choose what you believe about your parenting.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/121

Imagine you're in a situation where you step out for whatever reason and your co-parent has to take over parenting during that time. You're at the gym or with friends or helping your mom, and your co-parent texts you a question about the kids or unloads on you about the past few hours as soon as you get home. You struggle with feeling empathy for your partner while also feeling resentful and frustrated.   This week, I explain why it's essential to communicate and set boundaries in this frustrating situation. I discuss why it's important to recognize that your co-parent has a completely different skill set from you and why that means it's okay for them to struggle sometimes.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/120

I'm joined by Deena, a Hive member who has undergone a massive transformation in her parenting. Since joining The Hive, Deena said her parenting has gone from one characterized by "screaming, chaos, and feeling alone" to "calm, peaceful, and empowered."   Deena and I discuss her road to peaceful parenting. Deena shares the techniques that have helped her the most in her parenting and why The Hive has impacted her.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/119

As parents, we can often find ourselves asking our children "why?" Why are they acting this way? Why do they always forget things? Why are they not listening? We think that what our kid is doing is the problem. If they just acted differently, we wouldn't get so frustrated and dysregulated. In reality, we have to step back in these moments and realize that it's not our kids that are the problem, but really our thoughts that are triggering us.   This week, I talk about why asking your kid "why" is never a good idea. I discuss why choosing different thoughts and answering that "why" on your own can lead to a greater connection with your kid.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/118

A lot of times when our kids do something that upsets us, we quickly jump to conclusions about what it might mean about them and how they feel about us. Often, this can result in us getting triggered and no longer parenting from a calm, empathetic place. One of the best things you can ask yourself in these moments is "what am I making this mean?"   I discuss the power of asking the question "what am I making this mean?" when you're being triggered by your kids' behavior. I talk about how just asking this question can be an opportunity to connect with your kid and heal your own inner child.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/117