Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, an expert in child development and co-author of bestsellers like The Whole Brain Child, delves into the transformative power of play in parenting. She emphasizes how engaging in child-led play fosters emotional regulation, self-confidence, and social skills. During their discussion, they share practical strategies for guiding children's play without taking control and address how play can help manage aggressive behaviors in young kids. Listeners gain insights on integrating meaningful play into daily routines to strengthen bonds and emotional understanding.

Separation anxiety can be tough for both kids and parents. One mom feels overwhelmed by her four-year-old's extreme demands for closeness, while another worries about her two-year-old's tears when she leaves. The discussion revolves around finding the balance between comforting kids and fostering their independence. Janet offers insights on compassionate communication and setting healthy boundaries, aiming to help parents nurture their children's emotional growth and resilience during transitions.

Enrichment classes, lessons, sports, Sunday school, and community events like Library Story Time can benefit our kids in many ways, but what do we do if our kids won't cooperate or participate? What if they seem okay with it at first, but then later want to quit? The questions raised by a parent's letter in this podcast are common ones: If our child is clearly distressed by an activity or outright rejecting it—even if they agreed to it to begin with—is it okay to let them stop? Will quitting set a negative precedent? What if we believe the activity is teaching important skills? Whose decision is it? Janet shares her perspective on the subject and offers guidelines for helping parents navigate this puzzling and often frustrating conundrum.Learn more about Janet's "No Bad Kids Master Course" at: NoBadKidsCourse.com.Please support our sponsors and take advantage of their special offers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Janet is joined by inner child healing expert Lavinia Brown, whose previous appearance on "Unruffled" prompted a listener to write in to describe how she's struggled to control her angry and physically punitive responses to her three-year-old son's behavior. Raised in an authoritarian household in which she was spanked whenever she disobeyed, this mom has bravely started making changes. "I'm now convinced that spanking should never be an option," she writes. "I'm also seeing that all of these terrible parenting techniques are not working with my son. If anything, he has learned that it is acceptable to vent his frustrations by trying to hit me, kick me or scratch me." She desperately hopes she can heal her relationship with her son, who lately she noticed flinching in fear, but she worries, "Is it too late?" She also wonders how to get her husband on the same page. He tries to respect her choices but still believes that spanking can be effective. Lavinia and Janet offer their perspectives, suggestions, hope, and assurance that it's never too late for this parent or any parent to make positive, lasting changes in their relationships with their children.  Learn more about Janet's "No Bad Kids Master Course" at: NoBadKidsCourse.com.Please support our sponsors and take advantage of their special offers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the tricky world of childhood behaviors like tattling and threats. Discover how these actions can be opportunities for communication rather than causes for concern. The discussion highlights the importance of open dialogue in navigating sibling dynamics and the learning moments within children's play. Learn how to address ultimatums and warnings effectively, fostering emotional growth and understanding. It's all about patience and encouraging kids to express their feelings in healthy ways.

Whining can be a parent's worst nightmare, leading to frustration and negative reactions. A mother expresses her distress over her 7-year-old's constant pouting and pleas for new toys. The discussion delves into the emotional complexities behind whining, emphasizing empathy and communication. It highlights the importance of patience during difficult phases and acknowledges that children's emotional outbursts are often temporary. The conversation encourages a nurturing approach to help children express their feelings constructively.

A mother struggles with her 4-year-old son's sudden unkind behavior, leaving her heartbroken and confused. The impact of a new sibling and possible bullying at school are explored as key influences. Practical strategies are discussed to navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety and nurturing relationships. The conversation highlights the critical role of adult supervision in peer interactions and the need for authentic emotional connections to support children's development.

Elsa Chahin, President/CEO of Pikler/Loczy USA, is dedicated to promoting respectful relationships between children and adults, following the vision of Dr. Emmi Pikler. She shares the transformative benefits of allowing babies to develop motor skills naturally, fostering physical competence and emotional health. Elsa and Janet discuss how trusting this process can ease parenting, emphasizing the importance of 'yes spaces' for exploration. They also highlight the role of tummy time in self-awareness and encourage parents to learn directly from their child's unique journey.

Parents often worry that their children's traits, like sensitivity or bossiness, are negative. Instead, these behaviors can be seen as strengths that foster emotional depth and social skills. Embracing a child's emotional expressions promotes healthier peer relationships and provides crucial social learning opportunities. This discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing these traits with an open mind, enhancing parent-child connections and trust in the child's growth journey.

A parent grapples with overwhelming feelings of irritation and guilt while loving her kids. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of boundaries, suggesting that sometimes a softer approach can yield better results. Funny anecdotes about chaotic mornings highlight the challenges of sibling rivalry. Strategies for maintaining composure amidst disruptions are shared, advocating for light-heartedness in tough moments. Ultimately, the conversation encourages self-forgiveness and understanding, paving the way for a more harmonious family dynamic.