How to Parent Strong-Willed Kids Without Losing Your Mind | Kirk Martin

Aug 26, 2025

01:10:45

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If parenting your strong-willed child feels like a constant battle of power struggles, meltdowns, and defiance—this episode is for you.

Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, who has helped over 1 million parents transform their family dynamics.

Through his own journey raising a strong-willed son and working with 1,500 challenging kids, Kirk shares simple, practical shifts—like “motion changes emotion” and sitting down instead of storming in—that create massive change.

Whether it’s meltdowns in Target or teens who argue like lawyers, this conversation delivers hope, validation, and a clear path forward.

🎯 In this episode, we dive into:

The one question Kirk's wife asked that changed his entire approach to parenting
Why strong-willed kids need intensity (but not the kind you think)
Why modeling beats lecturing every single time
The tiny shifts approach: small changes, massive results

⏱ Timestamps

03:13 — Welcome Kirk Martin to the Show

06:51 — From Control to Connection

10:08 — The Power of Sitting Down

14:53 — Dealing with Teenagers Who Won't Talk

23:19 — The Matter-of-Fact Tone That Changes Everything

28:35 — Activities That Regulate Both Parent and Child

32:56 — Motion Changes Emotion: The Power of Movement

44:25 — Creating Vision Instead of Criticism

59:12 — Self-Compassion for Overwhelmed Parents

🌱 Explore Dr. Elisha Goldstein's Support Tools:

Therapeutic Coaching Program (Free Consult)