Delight in Parenting with Dajana Yoakley

Ever feel like you've completely lost yourself in the chaos of parenting? Like your entire identity has been reduced to meeting your children's needs while yours keep getting pushed to the back burner? I recently sat down with Kate House from Live by Design for a conversation that might just change how you approach self-care as a parent. Kate, a behavior change specialist and top podcaster, began...

Trapped in Power Struggles? This Surprising Approach Changed Everything Have you ever told your child "it's time for bed" only to face an hour of tears, negotiations, and resistance? You're not alone. After 15 years of working with families, parenting expert Vivek Patel has discovered why traditional approaches often fail - and what actually works instead. In my recent conversation with Vivek, he...

Do you worry when you see your child sitting alone at recess or never getting invited to playdates? If you've ever felt that knot in your stomach watching your child struggle socially, you're not alone. I recently had a fascinating conversation with Debbie Steinberg-Kuntz, founder of Bright and Quirky, about supporting children who find it difficult to make and keep friends. What she shared brough...

Ever asked your child to do something simple that other kids seem to handle easily, only to be met with a meltdown? You're not alone. When Emily Hamblin's children couldn't manage basic requests that her friends' children handled effortlessly, she found herself wondering: "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with my kids?" In this powerful conversation with neurodiversity expert Emily Hamblin, we e...

Ever wonder if your child is struggling with something more serious than typical childhood challenges? In my conversation with Dr. Melissa Goldberg-Mintz, clinical psychologist and author of " Has Your Child Been Traumatized? ", we explore the signs that indicate your child might be experiencing trauma and practical steps you can take to help. Dr. Goldberg-Mintz reveals that trauma isn't just abou...

Ever find yourself enforcing rules you're not even sure are important? Amanda Diekman discovered that most parenting expectations are optional when her six-year-old suddenly lost his ability to speak and move easily during what she later learned was autistic burnout. This crisis forced her to question everything she thought she knew about "good parenting." As a late-diagnosed autistic adult raisin...

Why Is Self-Regulation The Hardest Part of Peaceful Parenting? Meet Thanna Vickerman, an experienced peaceful parenting coach and founder of Choose Love Parenting who discovered that managing our own stress response is the foundation for helping our children with challenging behaviors. While most parents seek help to change their child's actions, the real transformation begins with understanding o...

Feel Like Your Parenting Instincts Are Fighting Against Modern Society? When Tracy Gillett, writer, advocate, and founder of Raised Good, became a mother, she noticed something fascinating: the way we're designed to parent naturally often clashes with society's expectations. From where babies should sleep to how toddlers should behave, modern parenting advice can drown out our innate wisdom. In th...

ADHD Parent? Your Child's Meltdowns May Be Hitting Closer to Home Than You Think Finding yourself going from zero to sixty when your child has a meltdown? You're not alone. What many parents don't realize is that their own executive function challenges could be making it harder to stay regulated during difficult parenting moments. Lauren O'Carroll, a peaceful parenting coach and mother of two, dis...

Ever wondered why some children seem naturally confident and capable while others struggle with basic tasks? In our latest podcast episode, Montessori expert and peaceful parenting coach Marta Khader reveals how these two powerful approaches combine to nurture children's natural drive for independence and learning. Picture this: instead of battles over cleaning up toys or morning routines, your ch...

When your child has an explosive meltdown over seemingly nothing, or completely shuts down during conflict, what's really going on? In our upcoming episode, I sit down with Robyn Gobbel, a trauma-informed parenting expert and author of "Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors," who brings a fascinating perspective on understanding challenging child behaviors through the lens of neuroscience. Roby...

Does your child struggle to tell you how they feel? Do meltdowns and big emotions leave you both feeling lost? When art therapist Leah Guzman saw kids fighting to express their feelings with words, she discovered something amazing: simple art activities helped them share what was in their hearts. After 21 years of helping children through art, she's ready to share her secrets with parents. In this...

If you're parenting a child who seems to push back on every boundary, questions authority constantly, and exhausts you with their intense emotions - you may have what parenting expert Jennifer Kolari calls a "gladiator child." These spirited children are often highly sensitive, care deeply about justice and fairness, and test limits relentlessly. Your gladiator likely follows rules perfectly at sc...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Emily Murray from Hand in Hand Parenting. Emily brings her expertise on how parents can build intentional family cultures and create the joyful, connected homes we all envision. 🌱 In This Episode, We Explore: The Family Garden Analogy Emily introduces the concept of your family culture as a garden. With intentional care, nourishment, and “ten...

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Larry Cohen, author of Playful Parenting and founder of Playful Parenting International. We dive into how play can be a powerful tool to help children and parents navigate anxiety, build resilience, and deepen connection. Whether it’s playful role reversals, roughhousing, or simply engaging with your child on their level, Dr. Cohen shares...

In my heartfelt conversation with Dr. Shosh Bennett, we explore how showing love and care for your partner creates a foundation of security and emotional well-being for your whole family. We understand that navigating partnership while parenting can feel challenging, and Dr. Bennett shares how small moments of connection with your partner can make a profound difference. 🌱 Together, We Explore: Cr...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m honored to host Dr. Melissa Reilly, a clinical psychologist and mom without a mom, who sheds light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by mothers who are raising children without the love and guidance of a maternal figure. Whether due to loss, distance, or strained relationships, Dr. Reilly’s insights provide understanding and hope for moms navigating...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m excited to welcome peaceful parenting coach and nutrition and health coach, Michelle Henning, who shares her powerful journey of resilience, transformation, and the path to becoming a peaceful parent. Michelle opens up about her childhood struggles with anger and rebellion and how a foundation of unconditional love helped her find peace. 🌱 In This Episode, We Ex...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jamie Lynn Tatera , an expert in self-compassion for children, parents, and families. We dive deep into what it takes to nurture self-compassion in our kids and ourselves—so that it becomes second nature. Jamie shares her best insights from teaching parent-child self-compassion courses, working directly with children, and creating her new, pla...

In this week’s Delight in Parenting Podcast , I’m excited to welcome Amy Nesbitt from This Japanese American Life . We dive into a rich conversation about finding joy and balance in parenting, managing the invisible workload, and how to involve your kids in daily responsibilities in a way that builds confidence and connection. 🔍 In This Episode, Discover: Creating More Balance in Parenting: Amy s...

In this week’s podcast , I’m excited to welcome licensed counselors and co-parenting experts Kyle and Sara Wester . We explore the complex dynamics of intentional co-parenting , especially when two parents bring different temperaments, backgrounds, and parenting styles to the table. 🧠 In This Episode, Discover: Embracing Differences in Parenting: Kyle and Sara share their personal journey of navi...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Karen Bluth, an expert in self-compassion for teens and young adults. We dive into how essential self-compassion is not just for adults, but for preteens, teens, and young adults as they navigate today’s challenges like social media pressures, peer relationships, and academic stress. 🔍 In This Episode, Discover: The Power of Self-Compassi...

In our latest podcast episode, I’m excited to welcome Abigail Wald, parenting expert and host of the Mother Flipping Awesome podcast. We dive deep into what it’s like to raise a strong-willed child, whether they’re two or twelve, and how understanding their unique temperament can lead to a smoother, more connected relationship—even into the teen years! 🔍 In This Episode, Discover: Understanding S...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Linn Knight, author and former elementary school teacher, to discuss how we can help kids manage their emotional states, especially when it comes to handling pressure in school and social settings. 🔍 In This Episode, Discover: The Power of Storytelling: Laura shares insights from her children's books, The Boasting Hare Learns to Let Go and The Big Ba...

In our latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Christine L’Abbe, a pediatric neuromovement practitioner and conscious parenting expert. Together, we explore the powerful connection between somatics and mindful parenting, uncovering how movement and body awareness can deepen our understanding of ourselves and transform how we show up for our children. 🔍 In This Episode, Discove...