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 Casey@CelebrateCalm.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 15, 2025 • 24min
Face to Face With An Angry, Frustrated, Anxious Child #527
Explore the emotional landscape of dealing with angry and anxious children. Learn to recognize power struggles and shift your perspective from authority to connection. Discover techniques to validate a child's feelings and promote cooperation through humble interactions. Kirk shares personal experiences and practical strategies, like playing alongside your child and modeling vulnerability. Transform your parenting approach for long-term benefits in your relationship, building trust and lasting skills.
7 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 23min
Home Life Spiraling Out of Control? 7 Ways to Change Daily Battles ASAP #526
Feeling overwhelmed by your child's behavior? You're not alone! Discover practical steps to regain control at home. Learn how to slow down your family's pace and focus on raising responsible adults rather than perfect kids. Rebuild trust through connection and assume the best about your child's intentions. Equip them with tools for success and use specific praise to motivate. Commit to a few changes this week to transform daily battles into positive experiences!
Oct 8, 2025 • 25min
10 Ways to Internally Motivate Confident Kids & Prepare Them For Life Success #525
Discover how to ignite internal motivation in kids who resist school and focus on cultivating their confidence for future success. Explore unconventional learning paths and the importance of adapting study methods to fit unique styles. Learn the value of prioritizing strengths, embracing practical experiences over homework, and celebrating real-life skills. Kirk emphasizes building connections through mentorship and how real-world experiences can foster motivation and resilience.
13 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 22min
School Is Not That Important (& What IS Important) #524
Many children dislike school, but that doesn't dictate their future success. Emphasizing that academic performance isn't the sole predictor of life achievement, the discussion explores how learning can take many forms. Kids may rebel against traditional schooling due to boredom or personal challenges, and taking nontraditional paths can foster resilience. Parents are encouraged to release control, allowing kids to pursue their passions, leading to stronger relationships and self-discovery. In the end, it's about cultivating natural talents rather than battling over grades.
15 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
Quick Tips for Dads Ep. 3: Discipline Without Drama
Discover how to transform discipline from punishment to teaching. Learn the importance of issuing enforceable consequences to build respect at home. Understand how promises can foster integrity and empower kids with impulse control through specific screen limits. Explore the benefits of setting short, clear consequences and teach delayed gratification by encouraging early screen turn-offs. This episode provides valuable insights for dads looking to create a calmer, more respectful family dynamic.
20 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 21min
Son Blurts Out, Dad Feels Left Out, Mom Feels Caught in the Middle #523
Explore the challenges of parenting strong-willed children and how different triggers affect moms and dads. Discover effective strategies for parents to communicate better and support each other. Kirk introduces a practical approach for helping kids who struggle with blurting in class. Learn how modeling emotional maturity can reshape family dynamics and empower children. Tune in for practical week-long goals to achieve consistency in parenting and foster a more harmonious home.
24 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 24min
A Different Way to Use Consequences (From Toddlers to Teens) #522
Unlock the secrets to effective parenting with unique approaches to consequences! Discover why traditional punishments often miss the mark and how understanding your child's emotional needs is crucial. Explore techniques to empower strong-willed kids and foster responsibility through carefully framed choices. Learn to transform swearing and disrespect into valuable lessons with maturity-based tasks. Plus, hear how restorative practices can mend relationships and encourage empathy among siblings and peers.
16 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 24min
How to De-Escalate & Discipline Defiant Behavior #521
Struggling with a defiant child? Discover how common parental reactions can escalate conflicts. Learn to calm the situation before discipline with practical scripts and emotional tools. Explore the importance of giving children control and understanding their triggers. Find out why curiosity encourages cooperation and how creative role-play and after-school traditions can foster better behavior. Plus, learn to transform apologies into genuine conversations, ensuring a more peaceful family dynamic.
8 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 22min
When & Where To Draw The Line With Your Kids (Let the Kid Wear His Cowboy Hat!) #520
Navigating parenting dilemmas can be tough, especially with strong-willed kids. The discussion reveals when to be firm and when compassion is more effective, particularly with sensory-sensitive children. The hosts tackle the challenge of handling judgment from family while staying confident in your choices. Practical strategies are shared to foster connection and emotional safety for kids. A heartfelt exploration of these common struggles offers powerful insights for parents seeking harmony in their homes.
Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
3 Ways to Change Your Child’s Irritating Behavior (And Yourself!) #519
Discover how to transform your child’s annoying behaviors into bonding moments. Learn practical strategies to manage irritation, focusing on connection over correction. Explore the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent children and tips for creating a serene homework environment. Find out how understanding your own triggers can lead to faster behavioral changes. Dive into methods that foster improved communication and stronger parent-child relationships!
