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. 
 

8 Phrases You Shouldn’t Say to an Upset Child

Have you tried Gentle Parenting? Are you a fan of Attachment but just can’t put it all together? 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 the Peace and Parenting Podcast with Michelle Kenney, M. Ed. 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 completely 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 her interviews with experts and Q&amp;A sessions with struggling parents. If you have exhausted all other options and don&#39;t know what to do next, this could be the parenting strategy you&#39;ve been searching for.

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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 learn how to hold space for your children's emotions without rushing in to fix everything. This episode is a must-listen for parents ready to embrace a new approach that empowers their kids to grow into capable, confident individuals. 
 In this EpisodeWhy letting children fail helps them growCreating a safe space for failureHow to avoid overprotection and emotional shieldingEmbracing failure for deeper learningUnderstanding failures in interpersonal relationshipsThe balance between intervention and natural consequences
 

What You Need to Do When Your Kids Make a Mistake

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 from the earliest stages of childhood. 
 Together, we’ll explore the societal pressures to create 'superhuman' children and the resulting parental stress. Dr. Warsh emphasizes the importance of balance, connection, and trusting our instincts as parents. He shares insights on managing common parenting worries, from growth charts to developmental milestones, reminding us that each child is unique and that most concerns are normal. 
 In this EpisodeAn integrative pediatrician's approach to balanced parentingStress and its impact on parentingThe importance of developmental milestone understandingNavigating societal pressures on perfect parentingBalancing discipline: boundaries vs. permissivenessRethinking medication as a last resort
 

Encouraging Healthy Child Development with Dr. Joel Warsh

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 challenge that notion. What if the secret to truly supporting our children lies in the strength of our connection with them? I've worked with wonderful families with neurodivergent kids, and I believe that traditional methods might not be the best approach and that connection can foster genuine growth and understanding. 
 In this EpisodeConnection over compliance for neurodivergent kidsTraditional methods vs. connection-based parentingThe challenges with rewards and punishment systemsSuccess stories of connection-focused parenting
 

Is Connection the Missing Link in Parenting Neurodivergent Kids?

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 many parents who grapple with similar challenges. This episode isn't just about enhancing your child’s behavior, but also about our own healing and creating a nurturing environment where both parent and child can flourish. 
 In this EpisodeThe importance of connection over punishmentUsing play as a parenting toolAddressing “mom rage” with empathy and understandingHow to handle parental dysregulation effectivelyHow to collaborate with children to solve conflictsSelf-compassion in overcoming parenting challenges
 

Case Study: Turning Mom Rage into Connection Magic

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 punishment is not the solution. It's all about understanding, connection, and allowing our children to express their feelings without judgment. Ultimately, it's not just about how they communicate with us but how we choose to respond that truly makes a difference. 
 In this EpisodeUnderstanding children's emotional outburstsHow to shift focus from personal to empathetic responsesThe importance of holding space for children's feelingsExploring the impact of punishment on communicationRecognizing the role of your environment in behaviorEmbracing grace and compassion in parenting
 

8 Phrases You Shouldn’t Say to an Upset Child

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