Calm Parenting Podcast
Kirk Martin
Have a strong-willed child who doesn't respond to consequences, argues like an attorney, and refuses to do things your way? Good! You're in the right place. Celebrate Calm Founder Kirk Martin has given over 1,000,000 parents and teachers around the world practical, life-changing strategies to stop power struggles, yelling, and defiance NOW. Based on work with 1,500 challenging kids (many with AD/HD, OCD, ODD, ASD, etc.) in his home, and years spent in classrooms, Kirk's approach is refreshingly practical, honest, and laugh-out-loud funny! Questions? Visit us at www.CelebrateCalm.com or email us directly at [email protected]
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2026 • 26min
How to Change Situations Quickly: Toddler Screaming, Teen Refusing, Child Losing It At Bedtime. #640
Toddler screams, bedtime meltdowns, teen refusal, and the anxiety that fuels everyday power struggles take center stage. Real-life parenting examples show how empathy, curiosity, sensory accommodations, clear boundaries, and brief pauses can shift tense moments quickly. Topics include parental perfectionism, future fears, assertive communication, and reconnecting with children through their interests.
Sep 30, 2026 • 21min
A Back-Talking Kid, A Dad Who Feels Disrespected & A Mom Caught In The Crossfire. BIG NEW IDEA! #639
Back talk, blurting, dawdling, and messy rooms can push parents to their limits, especially when couples react differently. Explore how anger fuels family blowups, how dads and moms can combine their strengths, and why impulsive behavior may connect to short-term memory. Plus, discover a practical family trigger board and a fresh idea for changing household dynamics.
7 snips
Sep 27, 2026 • 24min
Messy Bedrooms, Messy Behavior: Get Kids to Be Responsible For Their Rooms & Relationships #638
Messy rooms, sibling squabbles, whining, and disappointment all get a calm parenting makeover. Explore realistic expectations, practical organization tools, shared cleanup routines, and ways to support ADHD brains without shame. Learn how to set boundaries, build responsibility, and give children space to work through relationship conflicts and everyday frustration.
Sep 23, 2026 • 22min
Why Does Putting On Shoes Take 45 Minutes?! 10 Ways to Get Dawdlers Moving Faster! #637
Mornings, bedtimes, and leaving the house can become exhausting standoffs when children move at their own pace. Explore why dawdling may stem from temperament, anxiety, ADHD, or neurodivergence, plus playful ways to turn routines into missions. The conversation also covers calm leadership, consistent consequences, giving strong-willed children ownership, and using connection to encourage cooperation.
Sep 20, 2026 • 23min
Why You Do NOT Want Kids to Be Immediately Obedient: Raising Fearless Leaders, Not Fearful Robots. #636
Immediate obedience may look effective, but it can crush curiosity, confidence, and independent thinking. This conversation explores why resistance is often developmentally normal, how fear-based discipline affects family relationships, and ways to raise responsible, compassionate leaders. Learn how connection, ownership, clear expectations, and calm consequences can replace power struggles with genuine cooperation.
Sep 16, 2026 • 22min
Why “Name It To Tame It” & Punching Pillows Don’t Work For Intense Kids #635
Why do breathing exercises, pillow punching, and emotion labeling sometimes make intense children feel worse? Explore respectful ways to respond during big emotional moments, from giving space and using natural language to supporting sensory needs through movement, pressure, and heavy work. Discover how children can build confidence by taking ownership of the strategies that help them regulate.
7 snips
Sep 13, 2026 • 22min
There Is Hope For Your ADHD Neurodivergent Child Who Can’t Focus (& 10 Ways to Stop Homework Battles) #634
Homework battles can leave neurodivergent children and parents exhausted, but there’s a more hopeful path. Explore how autonomy, outdoor time, movement, music, sensory-friendly routines, and focused sprints can support attention and executive function. Discover ways to turn frustration into confidence by recognizing unique strengths, creating small wins, and finding the environments where children thrive.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2026 • 29min
Q&A With Casey: How Do You Repair Feeling Like “The Bad Kid”? #633
Casey revisits the childhood moment that made him feel like “the bad kid” and explores how labels can fuel defiance. The conversation covers repairing trust after hurt, disagreeing without rejecting your child, making honesty feel safe, and supporting strong-willed kids without trying to break their spirit. It also highlights the power of listening and small, genuine affirmations.
9 snips
Sep 9, 2026 • 23min
Why Kids Choose the Harder Path & Procrastinate: 10 Secrets to Stop Power Struggles #632
Why do children procrastinate, resist instructions, or choose a tougher route? Explore the hidden role of parental control, perfectionism, and micromanaging. Real-life stories reveal how stepping back can transform chores, schoolwork, meals, and daily routines, while giving children room to develop their own habits, solve problems creatively, and experience natural consequences.
Sep 6, 2026 • 24min
Disciplining & Loving Kids When They REALLY Mess Up : A Guide to Tough Talks & Tough Love #631
How do you respond when your child sneaks screens, experiments with substances or porn, or steals from you? This conversation explores tough talks, firm consequences, curiosity, and healthier outlets without driving kids deeper into secrecy. It also shares a moving story of a military father rebuilding trust with his son through patience, gaming, and shared experiences.
