Calm Parenting Podcast Quick Tips for Dads Ep. 6: How to Lead Kids Who Are Upset or Won’t Listen
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Nov 14, 2025 How can parents get kids to listen without resorting to threats? Learn to stop being a reactive disciplinarian by becoming a calm leader. Kirk uses metaphors like a quarterback and ER doctor to emphasize the importance of composure during meltdowns. He suggests gathering the family for a 'huddle' to streamline routines. Practicing these approaches at family gatherings can set the stage for compliant kids. Tune in for tips on nurturing a growth mindset and handling public meltdowns.
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Stop Being The Reactive Disciplinarian
- Stop operating as the constantly reactive disciplinarian and pause that role for a few days.
- Model calm, patient leadership and your kids will learn discipline over time.
Reframe Your Parental Role
- Reframing your role from 'chief disciplinarian' to 'chief source of wisdom' changes how you interact with kids.
- That mindset shift reduces personal reactions and increases patient teaching moments.
Learning Patience From His Son
- Kirk noticed his son Casey is more patient with him on hard hikes than he was with Casey when he was little.
- That realization helped Kirk reframe his role from disciplinarian to patient teacher.