The Peaceful Parenting Podcast

In this episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I sit down with Christy, a mother of two boys, for a coaching episode.  We discuss the challenges Christy has faced with her older son, Jay, in terms of emotional regulation, sibling rivalry, and self-deprecating behavior. We talk about Christy's nurturing approach and understanding towards Jay's needs and I offer strategies to improve their relationship. The importance of one-on-one time, being neutral during sibling fights, and indirect discussions about feelings are highlighted as well. We talk about: [3:30] Christy’s intro and background [5:35] What PDA means [8:00] What Jay’s struggles look like  [10:05] Handling meltdowns [12:45] How to handle when your child's response turns to self harm [15:10] How Jay responds to empathy [20:55] Understanding their sibling dynamic [23:40] How is 1:1 and special time [30:25] Focusing on prevention [44:55] Part 2: Check In [46:25] Update on sibling rivalry [48:05] Special time update [53:25] Handling verbal lashing out  [57:35] How to address him calling his brother names [59:30] How has his self talk improved   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter   Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php

In this episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast, Corey joins me to discuss how to handle situations where extended family members criticize or disagree with your peaceful parenting approach.  We talk about educating family members about the principles and science behind peaceful parenting, setting clear boundaries, and understanding the importance of self-confidence and self-compassion. We also emphasize the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and flexibility in some parenting beliefs, such as children's diet and screen time when visiting grandparents.  We talk about: [0:50] When your extended family is not on board with peaceful parenting [2:20] The difference between people openly criticizing you and just you feeling judged [3:30] Overcoming the trigger of love withdrawal [5:10] The challenge when family doesn’t understand or know what peaceful parenting is [8:30] How to set a boundary with your loved ones [11:15] raising kids who aren't afraid of adults, and not comparing your kids to others [13:55] Building breaks into time with family around the holiday [15:20] Grandparents going into protection mode when they feel like their grandchildren are pushing against their parents [20:05] Learning how to set boundaries [25:25] Talking to your kids about the differences in how other family members approach discipline  [29:40] Learning what you can let go and what needs to be discussed [32:10] Limiting time with people who are truly toxic   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Aurisha Smolarski, a therapist and author of 'Cooperative Co Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes'. We talk about co-parenting: attachment styles and their role in communication between co-parents, the emotional impact of divorce on kids, methods for managing transitions and holiday arrangements, and advice for maintaining a child-focused approach in co-parenting.  Aurisha shares specific tips for creating a secure foundation in a two-home setup, while also advising parents to adapt and revisit parenting plans as children grow and their needs evolve. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for parents in managing their own reactions and contributing positively to their co-parenting dynamic. Aurisha Smolarski, MA, LMFT is a therapist, a co-parenting coach, a mediator, and a co-parent. She lives and has a practice in Los Angeles where she also co-parents her 11 year old daughter. She specializes in helping families navigate the complex terrain of co-parenting and build healthy, cooperative co-parenting relationships.   We talk about: [4:55] How Aurisha got into this work [5:35] Why she wrote her book [12:00] Common mistakes she sees co-parents make  [15:45] What it means to put kids in the middle [19:15] When a divorce might not be a harmonious split [30:10] When households have different values or beliefs while co-parenting [36:05] Easing the transition between houses [41:45] Nesting in the same house [44:10] Court-mandated custody agreements that have kids moving more [46:50] Different reactions kids might have when parents split up [50:55] Advice to her younger parent self   Teaching people how to break up or divorce well, for the sake of their children, is what she loves about her work and what led her to write Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes. Having watched co-parents go from confusion to clarity, conflict to cooperation, and loneliness to a sense of belonging, she's honored to empower and provide guidance to co-parents so they can do what they most want: make sure their kids thrive.    Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Cooperative CoParenting For Secure Kids:The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes: https://www.amazon.com/Cooperative-Co-Parenting-Secure-Kids-Attachment/   Connect with Aurisha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperativecoparenting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperativecoparenting  www.aurishasmolarski.com Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, Amanda Diekman, an eminent advocate for low-demand parenting, discusses her own experiences as an autistic adult, and how it has shaped her parenting style.  She also explains the core principles of low-demand parenting and emphasizes on building trustful relationships by being creatively supportive to meet the child's distinctive needs. We also look into the parental process of accommodating a child's neurodiversity, experiencing a sense of deep 'why', and their own need within it.  We talk about: [6:40] What is low demand parenting and how did came to adopt it [10:35] How she grew low-demand parenting from watching her children [11:55] The breakdown that changed things with her middle child [17:00] What happens in the nervous system of a PDA [19:30] The continuum of resistance when being told what to do [23:30] How to handle family demands in parenting [29:00] Getting assessed when there are challenges [35:30] Handling a hungry kid who won't eat because they're experiencing it as a demand [37:40] When dropping the demand for the child creates more of a demand for a parent [41:50] The deep ‘why’ [47:10] Struggling doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong [50:55] The difference between low demand parenting and permissive parenting [54:40] Advice to her younger parent self   With two Duke degrees, countless academic papers, and a Masters in Theology under her belt, it seemed she was on a steady path. But in 2020, when her child went into severe autistic burnout, and she was diagnosed with PTSD from parenting, everything in her life changed. She reworked her parenting approach and her self-care rhythms based around radical acceptance. From this experience, the low demand approach was born.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter   Connect with Amanda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowdemandamanda Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowdemandamanda YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lowdemandamanda https://www.amandadiekman.com/ Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

Today's episode is a guest coaching episode with Yael. You may remember Yael from a few years ago as she was on the podcast before, and she's back talking about her complex kiddo, Rowan. In this episode, we’re trying to find a way for him to feel supported at school, how to get his teachers on board, as well as some strategies for her to support herself. If you stick around to the end, you will hear her update on how things went with him.  We talk about: [2:15] Yael’s background and a re-introduction to her son [4:30] A recap of what we covered in our first episode [6:40] Getting Rowan assessed [8:55] The current challenges: Rowan not wanting to participate at school [13:30] How to ask teachers for support of our kids [20:00] Looking at different school options [21:50] Finding a mantra to soothe anxiety [26:15] Filling the gaps in learning [31:35] Putting our kids in the driver’s seat and encouraging autonomy  [37:40] Strategies for self regulation [45:05] Check-in after a few weeks [53:20] Giving Rowan breaks from school   Resources mentioned in this episode:\ Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, Dr. Michele Borba, author of the book 'Thrivers', and I discuss the importance of teaching children resilience and optimism.  We explore parenting strategies and practical tips for nurturing self-confidence, empathy, and self-control in kids. Our conversation highlights the role of parents in helping children navigate challenges and develop the skills needed to thrive in today's uncertain world. We talk about: [3:50] Teaching our kids self empowerment [8:05] Three categories of character strengths [10:05] Nurturing a caring heart and developing self-confidence [14:10] Seven traits and using them interchangeably  [17:20] Developing a strong mind and self-control [22:10] Noticing when kids are feeling out of control and responding calmly [24:00] The impact of stress in our kids’ lives [26:40] Developing and encouraging optimism  [35:05] Advice she would give to her younger parent self Dr. Michelle is an educational psychologist, bestselling author, and Today Show contributor who has spoken to over 1 million participants on five continents and to countless media about child development issues. She blends 40 years of teaching and consulting experience with the latest science to offer sound Realistic advice to parents and teachers and child advocates about helping children thrive. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter   Connect with Michele Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmicheleborba/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmicheleborba/ https://micheleborba.com/ Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, Ed Center shares his personal journey as a queer Brown dad, raising his children with a different approach from the cultural norms he grew up with.  We discuss the challenges of parenting in a way that goes against the grain, the importance of healing and self-forgiveness, and the need for support and community.  Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the significance of creating space for understanding and connection with our children, as well as fostering relationships that allow for growth and change. We talk about: [3:15] Ed's background becoming a parent [6:20] Elements of his culture he wanted to pass down to his kids and parts he did not want to [7:30] His son's mental health crisis during the pandemic [11:30] Research as a trauma response and noticing the last of coaches of color in the parenting space [13:30] His creation of The Village Well [15:20] Trying to parent differently than how we were raised [24:35] Creating trust with the parents we work with [27:45] Showing grace and processing our own trauma [33:50] How to not repeat toxic styles  [37:20] Dealing with disapproval of family members [43:55] Strategies for self control and triggers Ed Center was a child with big feelings and impulsive behaviors. He drove his mom and teachers crazy. Now he helps grown-ups to understand and support these kids.  During the height of the pandemic, Ed’s son suffered an acute mental health crisis. Searching for support, Ed discovered the field of positive parenting and learned strategies and tools to strengthen his connection with his son, leading to healing for the whole family. However, Ed was frustrated with the lack of attention to diverse cultures and traditions.  He founded The Village Well to bring more connection, joy, and healing to families of color. Ed and his husband raise two boys and three cats in San Francisco.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Free first Fridays and $1 Coaching   Connect with Ed Instagram: www.instagram.com/villagewellparenting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/village-well-parenting/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@queerbrowndad  https://www.villagewellparenting.com/ Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, Corey and I explore a wide range of topics and challenges that parents frequently encounter on their journey towards becoming Peaceful Parents. Sometimes parents find that peaceful parenting doesn’t “work” like they think it’s “supposed to” work and then they feel like they’re doing it wrong or worry that peaceful parenting isn’t for them. This is probably because they have a kiddo who is more complex than the typical kiddo-- and it’s why we are on a mission to reimagine peaceful parenting.  We talk about the nuances from parent to parent, and kid to kid, when it comes to peaceful parenting strategies and techniques. For example, we talk about the differences in special time, connecting with our kids in different ways as well as finding different tools and strategies to help them to process their emotions. Ultimately, we want you and your child to be on the same team. To help even more with this, we’re putting on a Summit to help you and your kids flourish.   We talk about: [1:20] When you feel like you’re doing Peaceful Parenting “wrong” [3:00] What you will gain from our upcoming Summit [4:20] How ‘Special Time’ looks different between each parent and child relationship, and what to do about it [7:20] Connecting with your child aside from special time [11:55] How to help our kids process emotions, aside from emptying the emotional backpack [15:55] Connecting with your child when they’re being defiant [18:25] Making sure you and your child are on the same team [20:00] Feeding and division of responsibility  [28:50] Our upcoming rebrand [34:30] Opening the doors to our membership Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Summit: www.sarahrosensweet.com/summit    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, we have a coaching episode with Stephanie. Stephanie is the mom of two kids, Felix, who's 18 months, and Thomas, who's nine.  Stephanie shared with me before we recorded that Thomas is an amazing, curious, strong willed, more extra 2E kid. She explains how he watches her and also triggers her, which invites her to work hard on her own self regulation and self compassion (as we dive into in our conversation). We talk about: [1:20] You don’t want to miss this summit [4:35] When to start transitioning to letting your kids have more say over what they do and not forcing them or having to distract them to get things done [7:20] How others' emotions can affect us, and especially children  [10:45] When kids struggle to take medications  [14:35] When a habit of making snarky comments can make kids feel bad [20:00] Her sons relationship with his dad [23:05] What to do when it feels overwhelming to get things done with him [24:40] Implementing collaborative proactive solutions [29:20] Emptying his emotional backpack  [30:20] What her connection is like with her son [36:20] Helping her son learn how to communicate his feelings [38:00] Finding forgiveness for yourself [41:10] Dealing with her parent’s disapproval for how she’s raising her kids [45:50] One month check in [49:30] The progress she has seen [1:01:25] Managing our relationship to stress and time Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Summit: www.sarahrosensweet.com/summit    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

In this episode, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill join me to talk about all things sensory processing disorder. Rachel, COTA/L, AC and Jessica, COTA/L are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and the hosts of the popular podcast, All Things Sensory. Their podcast, digital courses, YouTube, and blog on Harkla.co covers topics related to sensory processing disorder, special needs, parenting, and topics related to child development and health. We talk about: [4:00] Who Rachel and Jessica are [6:15] What is sensory processing disorder? [8:15] Our 3 hidden senses [11:20] Sensory challenges that come with going to the bathroom [13:35] Triggers with taking a bath  [16:11] Common triggers you may not know are sensory challenges [17:45] Oral seeking [19:15] Picky eating [26:30] Sensory integration and OT evaluation [29:30] Adopting a sensory diet [34:20] Noticing what your child needs [37:30] Tips for parents who struggle getting kids dressed [41:50] Knowing this isn’t a choice your kids are making [45:05] Advice to their younger parent selves With over 9 years of clinical experience, Rachel and Jessica are on a mission to help parents, educators, and therapists raise strong and confident children, no matter their abilities. They are passionate about taking clinical topics (such as Sensory Processing Disorder, primitive reflexes, sensory diets, and more) and breaking them down in a way that is actionable for anyone to benefit from.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: www.sarahrosensweet.com/newsletter Summit: www.sarahrosensweet.com/summit  Connect with Rachel and Jessica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harklaproducts/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/harkla_family  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melindawennermoyer  https://harkla.co/    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php