Episode 221: Parenting with Peace: Letting Go of Punishments and Finding Connection with Michelle Kenney

Do you spend most of the time feeling like you are doing parenting all wrong? Are you often doling out punishments but really wish you had more connection and calm with your kids? Michelle Kenney, a parenting coach, returns for a conversation about how to let go of punishments and find peace in parenting instead. 

Parenting without the use of threats, bribes, and consequences is possible. But can you raise a great kid without using these parenting tactics? The answer is “Yes!” In this episode, Michelle breaks down how to parent without yelling or using manipulative methods. And, y’all, I learned so much from this conversation. I hope you will too! 

Michelle is a mother of two, and after years of consequences, bribes, and star charts, she found Hand in Hand parenting, created by Patty Wipfler. It reshaped her relationship with her daughters, and she credits it with changing her life. Today Michelle has helped herself and others make meaningful connections, work on sibling rivalry, and alleviate school problems.   

Featured topics include:

• Parenting without yelling or consequences starts with creating a connection with your child (3:48)
• Mutual cooperation is the goal (8:21)
• How to co-parent with someone who has a different parenting style (9:10)
• Punishment erodes trust and engagement; instead, aim for empathy and holding boundaries (14:32)
• Some ways to build and foster connection with your children (22:54)
• How to take care of yourself while parenting (27:48)

Learn more about Michelle Kenney:

Michelle lives in Los Angeles with her two girls, 12 and 15. Before becoming a Hand in Hand certified instructor in 2015, she worked for 12 years in public schools as a teacher and counselor. None of which prepared her to be a mom. After years of consequences, bribes, and star charts, she found Hand in Hand parenting, created by Patty Wipfler. It reshaped her relationship with her daughters, and she credits it with changing her life.

She is passionate about helping others find their way through the murky business of being a connected parent. She loves leading groups and finds the dynamic transformative.  Michelle also strongly believes that listening partnerships are the cornerstone to overcoming difficulties.

Michelle has helped herself, and others make meaningful connections, work on sibling rivalry, and alleviate school problems.  Aggression, fears, withdrawal, and sleep issues are just some of the struggles she has shared and helped others rectify. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, speaks fluent Spanish, has been trained as a Council in Schools Facilitator, and is an ADL Trainer fighting against bias of all types on school campuses.

Resources & Links: Information and links may also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-221-parenting-with-peace-letting-go-of-punishments-and-finding-connection-with-michelle-kenney/

Download The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Curated Podcast Playlist Michelle’s website

Unpunished: How to Let Go of Punishments and Find Your Parenting Peace

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