Calm Parenting Podcast

You know those morning meltdowns and battles are coming! What specific words and actions work when you have a child who struggles with separation anxiety, doesn’t like and refuses to go to school, and becomes rigidly defiant? You’ll quickly learn 5 practical, action-oriented steps that work for both parents at home and teachers in the classroom. P.S. You can share our proven school programs includ...

Parents often believe if you adopt a child from birth and provide a loving home, that will mitigate most issues. It doesn’t usually work that way. There is no judgment here. Just the reality that trauma triggers different issues. That can manifest in kids with an insatiable craving for intensity, sensory pressure, connection, food, and things. I do not want you feeling guilty or alone. In the firs...

This is the day I realized I was so consumed with how my son’s attitude made  me  feel, that I wasn’t actually helping  him . I needed him to behave... so I could behave. In this episode, I provide a step-by-step guide for navigating those combustible situations you face daily—including the two phrases that work 99% of the time to de-escalate and allow you to teach instead...

Ever find yourself locked in a screaming match with your strong-willed child and suddenly realize, "Wait... I’m arguing with a five-year-old?" Whether you're dealing with a tantrumy toddler, a 10-year-old who makes everything a battle, or an unmotivated teenager who has shut down, Kirk shares powerful, real-world examples that will show you exactly how to de-escalate the tension and motivate your...

What do you do when your child defies you at every turn, refuses to let go of clutter, or prefers their grandmother over you? In this jam-packed episode, Kirk tackles some of the toughest, most sensitive questions parents face. From unpacking the controversial "ODD" diagnosis to navigating step-parent boundaries and dealing with anxious, non-compliant tweens, this unfiltered Q&A episode is a d...

I want to give you options so you don’t have to choose between being a tyrant and a pushover in daily life. How can you use the tough approach without feeling guilty? When do you give kids some leeway without creating an entitled child? How can you help a child not get taken advantage of by a sibling? How can you get kids to listen and do chores (and make S’mores in a creative way!) without endles...

Usually there’s a provoking child and the more compliant one who gets picked on and has a hard time speaking up. How can you get your strong-willed child to stop provoking siblings? How can you teach your compliant child to speak up and be confident? How can you use sibling fights as an opportunity to teach your kids life skills that you and I struggle with as adults? You get actual scripts and sp...

It’s easy to lock horns with a demanding, strong-willed child who barges into a room and declares what they are going to do…without asking your permission! Does your child ever delay bedtime because they just HAVE TO complete a project, even though it’s way past bedtime? How do you avoid escalating power struggles without giving in? How can you get these kids who won’t follow simple directions to...

Do you have children who struggle to connect with kids their own age, miss social cues or act silly in class? Who dominate conversations, get bossy during play dates or with siblings, become possessive of a friend? Do you have a child who gets anxious about going to school or summer camp? Kirk explains why your kids struggle and you receive very practical strategies and scripts to help your kids....

I have two very important things to share with you that will take less than two minutes! If you could ask Casey anything about his experience as a strong-willed child, what would you ask him? Email  Casey@CelebrateCalm.com  and we’ll create a special Q&A with Casey. Huge favor: please hit the SUBSCRIBE button now. That helps other struggling parents find us. See Privacy Policy at htt...

Do you have a child who resists what you want first, refuses to do chores or anything the easy way, and insists on touching that hot stove? Who is not immediately obedient, doesn’t respond to consequences, appears self-centered, won’t show math work, does the bare minimum to get by, won’t push through when things get hard?   Good! I want to show you how to work with these traits instead of fi...

What other parents take for granted can be a huge struggle for your child—and for you. Because you are likely that exhausted caregiver just trying to get through the day. Listen now. You get specific action steps and the process we use to address tough issues like potty training, hygiene, eating, and more. I think you’ll find this case study practical and insightful. **To get this kind of personal...

I am going to hit a lot of hot buttons in this episode with scripts and action steps. What exactly do you say when kids are bored or complain? How can you get grandparents and relatives to be constructive instead of judgmental because your child doesn’t behave “the right way”? How can you enjoy vacation without trying to make everyone else happy…while you are miserable? Let your relatives listen t...

Our kids often feel very misunderstood, lonely, and like there is something wrong with them. We obviously don't want that and there's no real instruction manual for these kids. This episode will give you rare insight into how to help your kids feel confident and good about themselves.  **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer...

Your kids have super powers other kids don’t have. They also have real weaknesses and struggles. We don’t want them to feel overwhelmed or less than. Instead, let’s give our kids practical tools to overcome their struggles with confidence. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at  https://celebratecalm.com/products/  and do...

Your kids have brains that work differently. Some have a specific diagnosis. How can you teach your kids about their nature in a positive, constructive way without shame, negativity, or singling them out? I give you scripts so your child can feel confident about themselves and their future, even if they struggle in school. Please share this. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guil...

Before I was the Calm Guy, I was the Triggered Dad! My default mode was, “My strong-willed son is doing things on purpose to irritate me and I need to correct him for that.” But then I learned how to turn those irritating behaviors and power struggles into opportunities to teach and bond. I give you 10 practical action steps and scripts. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an additional...

Meltdowns are going to happen and you need a quick-fix guide. This episode is it! What specific action steps de-escalate even the toughest meltdowns? What should you NEVER do when intense kids are upset? And how can you help kids who crave or avoid sensory pressure? Share this short, jam-packed episode with your spouse. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an additional 25% OFF our Summer Sal...

You're not alone and you shouldn't feel guilty if you've had this thought. Our kids often don't listen, "make bad choices," and do embarrassing things in public. I want to show you, through a very powerful and vivid story, how to turn common battles into opportunities to change behavior and build a closer relationship so your child doesn't internalize being the "bad kid." **Use the code: CALM75 fo...

I have told this story before, but today a new flood of emotions came out as I realized this story with my own son…mirrored my experience with my own Dad. Walk step-by-step with me through the ups and downs of discipline, self-doubt, guilt, and ultimately connection with an outwardly defiant strong-willed child. Please share this one. It's very powerful. **Use the code: CALM75 for $75 OFF of the C...

You Say No, Your Child Gets Upset. Is There Something Different You Could Do? If your child gets really upset, does that mean you did something wrong or that you should have done something differently? Does that mean you’re a bad parent or that there is something wrong with your child? How can you lead your child through uncomfortable situations with confidence…even when they are angry at you? Get...

Have you ever felt that resentful, indignant anger surge through you when your child exhibits attitude…especially after all you do for them? Like it would feel satisfying to react? I have! I want to show you 12 different ways to help change your child’s behavior…so they take responsibility…without creating more power struggles. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. T...

Do you have a child who fights you and gets upset about going to new activities? Who is already threatening not to go to that expensive camp you paid for? Who is nervous about family vacation or an upcoming move? I give you three very specific scripts and actions steps to help overcome the anxiety, stop the power struggles, and bond with your child through these big emotions.&n...

So how do your strong-willed kids and kids with PDA react when you try to correct them or talk to them about their behavior? My guess is they hate this! Even if you do it in a really sweet way, your child gets furious and lashes out or screams or even covers his or her ears. Does your child blame others and refuse to listen? Good, because that's very normal with our kids. So I want to give you 10...

Does it ever appear that your child is not living up to their potential or your expectations? Are you worried that your child will fall behind or not be successful? Of course. But pushing them only causes kids to resist more. So I want to show you 7 ways to motivate your kids and break the negative cycle. * Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of o...