Humans learn through story. It’s been this way for thousands of years. For realz:).And when you’re raising strong-willed kids, no script or tip has ever had the same impact as saying “Hey, remember in that story when...”I think we need to take a step back from memorizing the words of the latest social media parenting professional and get back to simpler times. Dare I say, indigenous times. This week I have the gifted and delightful Andrew Newman, author of the Conscious Bedtime series, on the pod. Andrew writes the kind of stories I wish I had had as a kid. Andrew helps kids and parents bond more deeply at bedtime.  His conscious stories help kids learn how to regulate their emotions, by using relatable stories and beautiful illustrations that your kids will remember.On this episode, Andrew shares one of his amazing conscious bedtime stories, and we workshop together how to utilize a story like this to deepen your relationship with your kids. This is a teaching episode that I just think you’re going to love love love! Here is the Youtube link if you’d like to see Andrew’s screenshare as he reads his beautiful book to us. https://youtu.be/Ospq-HCA6R0 As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-306About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He’s now 26, healthy and happy-ish:). She’s been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker”  parents like herself for almost two decades.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/About Andrew Newman:Andrew Newman is the award-winning author and founder of www.ConsciousStories.com, a growing series of bedtime stories purpose-built to support parent-child connection in the last 20 minutes of the day.Andrew’s TEDx Why the last 20 minutes of the day matter, weaves trauma-informed awareness and attachment bonding into the wonders of storytelling, outlining the importance of quality connection before sleep for your child's ability to regulate, rest deeply, and awake confident.WEBSITE: www.consciousstories.comGet your kids started with Conscious Stories using Coupon Code : PODCAST for 20% discountINSTAGRAM @consciousbedtimestories https://www.instagram.com/consciousbedtimestories/FACEBOOK Consciousbedtimestories https://www.facebook.com/consciousstoriesResources Discussed/LinksOur 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Michaeleen Doucleff, an award-winning global health correspondent and author of 'Hunt, Gather, Parent', shares her unique insights on fostering a sense of purpose in children. She discusses how kids thrive when they feel valuable to the family and explores parenting practices from diverse cultures. Michaeleen also emphasizes the challenges technology poses to family dynamics and the importance of recognizing children's small contributions. This conversation is packed with practical advice on nurturing kids' motivation and emotional connections in a digital age.

I’m a fan of good therapy. But I also see so many moms, who are trying to help their strong-willed ones, in the wrong order imo…they look for a therapist first, before changing anything at home. Well this is what I’m talking about today with our fave author, Michaeleen Doucleff. In part one of this conversation, we discuss why pack leadership seems so natural for some folks, and so elusive for others. We also get into the topic of purpose, attention seeking, attachment styles and even disagree on a few things!As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-304About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He’s now 26, healthy and happy-ish:). She’s been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker”  parents like herself for almost two decades.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/About Michaleen Doucleff:Michaleen Doucleff is an award-winning global health correspondent and the author of Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. https://michaeleendoucleff.com/hunt-gather-parent/ Resources Discussed/LinksOur 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Big changes mean big feelings, and as my youngest heads off to college, I’ve been deep in them.I’m so glad I got to talk to psychologist and attachment expert Eli Harwood about this. Eli literally calls herself The Attachment Nerd, and she totally gets it.This one was vulnerable and raw and felt like a therapy session for me. As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-303About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/About Eli HarwoodEli Harwood is a licensed therapist who lives in Colorado with her husband, Trevor, and their three children. Eli has been nerding out on attachment research for the past two decades and is on a mission to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time. She continues this mission in her clinical work, her writing, and running her mouth about attachment on social media. When she isn't working to make the world a more secure place, she is playing dress-up with her kids, obsessing about her sourdough starter, and reminiscing about that one time she won a set of globes as a Price is Right contestant. Visit her at AttachmentNerd.com.https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd https://www.facebook.com/attachmentnerd/ https://www.tiktok.com/@attachmentnerd?lang=en Resources Discussed/LinksRaising Securely Attached Kids: Using Connection-Focused Parenting To Create Confidence, Empathy, And Resilience https://attachmentnerd.com/books/raising-securely-attached-kids Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

You know those moments, when a little deal feels like a much bigger deal?  And even though you tell yourself Don’t sweat the small stuff or Settle down, Sister…You just can’t help it.  I call these Bratty Little Baby moments, and guess what? We all have them.Big people. Little people. All the people have Bratty Little Baby moments. Why you may ask? Cuz…Human-ing is hard. And messy. And and and. And the more we understand this, the less Bratty Little Baby hijacks happen.  In this episode, you’ll learn:How suppressing meltdown moments in kids leads to self-criticism in adulthood.The questions to ask when you’ve had a bratty moment and you’re convinced you’re a terrible parent.Why it’s okay to lose control sometimes, even if you feel like you should know better.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-302About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/LinksOur 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Have you ever met someone who is doing the thing you wish “younger you” had known? Recently, I met Esther and wow…Just. Wow. In many ways she reminded me of “younger me” but better. Way. Better. (And with a cool accent to boot:)She’s been a mom on a mission to turn her household around. And she has implemented so much in such a short amount of time - literal lightning speed. I feel like what took me decades to figure out has taken Esther minutes. She’s inspiring to say the least…especially if you have an extra spicy strong willed one. Esther started as a podcast listener and became a self-directed learner. Now she’s a committed and super impressive, pack-leading Mama Bear. Take a listen, and imagine all the ways you can transform your family with the right support!In this episode, you’ll learn:How we can use tech tools and old-fashioned compassion to support moms wherever they are in their pack leadership journeys.Why well-meaning parents mistakenly see conformity and obedience as kid-raising goals.What I really think of the performative perfection standards too many of us hold ourselves to as parents.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-301About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/Resources Discussed/LinksThe Highly Sensitive Child, by Elaine Aron, Ph.D. https://hsperson.com/books/the-highly-sensitive-child/Dr. William Sears’ Attachment Parenting https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/attachment-parenting/No Bad Parts, by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. https://ifs-institute.com/nobadpartsOur 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Getting the kids out the door in the morning…I don’t think most parents would describe this simple daily process as simple.But what if it could be?  When I was thinking about what to share with you on the podcast this week, I remembered this resource, and had to share it with you to help simplify the mornings and set your family up for a super successful school year. If you need help with the morning madness, this is the episode for you.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why nurturing your child’s agency is so critical to making mornings less of a fight.The top five morning tasks a kiddo needs to accomplish before they’re ready to take on the day.How to develop a plan for morning success, and how to get your child onboard with it.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-300About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ Resources Discussed/LinksOur 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment

You listen to parenting podcasts. You read books. You are a student of how to be the best mom for your kids. You work your tushie off for your kids…maybe even to be the parent you would’ve wanted. I see you. And I know you beat yourself up about the hard moments when you just can’t hold it together anymore. And wouldn’t it be amazing to have a partner that sees all of you? All that you do. All that you are as a mom. Would it help you to not be so hard on yourself for those “oops” moments with your kids, if your partner was there to remind you:Remind you that you are beautiful inside and out.Remind you that a few unproud moments don’t make you a bad mom.Remind you that so many things are working!Remind you that your kids are lucky to have a mom like you.Enjoy this little back and forth convo between a dad and me about exactly this. And if you want to start Masterminding your house, come and join us!In this episode, you’ll learn:How to recognize and ride the cycle of times where you feel like you’re winning, and times when you feel like you can’t do anything right.What to do when you’re in the Messy Middle and feeling guilt over parenting mistakes you’ve made in the past.To give yourself grace when you feel like things suck, so you don’t make yourself feel bad for feeling bad.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-299About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/Resources Discussed/LinksStrange Situation: A Mother's Journey into the Science of Attachment, by Bethany Saltman https://www.bethanysaltman.com/strange-situation Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

If you’re looking for support in figuring out the “now what” after diagnosis, you’ve gotta know Yetta Myrick. Yetta has been in the trenches, supporting her son for 21 years, who was diagnosed early with Autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.When it came to finding stellar support for her child with cognitive and developmental challenges, Yetta had no quit!This often felt like an uphill battle in a confusing and uncaring system. She is an Erin Brockovitch level Mama Bear -  inspiring like an instant bestie who has your back. If you’ve felt overwhelmed trying to make sense of a diagnosis and on a quest to curate an excellent care team for your kiddo…don’t miss this convo.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a fierce love and determination to do right for her son helped Yetta become a resource for other families that have been touched by neurodiveristy.Why it’s so important for the home environment to reinforce the support your child gets from their other caregivers.How frustrating it can be to find compassionate help for kids who need extra care, and how you can learn from the experiences of mamas like Yetta who’ve been there.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-298About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ About Yetta MyrickYetta Myrick is the mother of a young adult son diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. Yetta is the Founder and President of the nonprofit DC Autism Parents, and author of the book Mr. Marshall’s Block Party. She has served as an advocate in roles with the Centers for Disease Control, Children’s National Hospital, the Department of Health and Human Services, the DC Developmental Disablities Council, and many others. In 2024 she received the Advocate in Equity Award from the DC Developmental Disability Awareness Month Planning Committee.Resources Discussed/LinksDC Autism Parents https://dcautismparents.org/ Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Teenage-hood. It’s a loaded topic. It’s a loaded time. Just you wait til this one’s a teenager.Payback’s a bitch - you were a nightmare as a teenager!We turned out fine but the risks are too risky for kids today. Ya’ll have been asking me for teenager resources for forever. The teen years have always been tough. Changing schools, changing bodies, racing hormones. But today’s teenagers face more. The world has become more complicated. #FACTS. Recently, I talked to Coach Kevin Baker, and I think you’ll hear immediately why I invited him on the pod. Kevin is super committed to helping stuck in a rut or struggling teenagers.  Listen as we break down this topic and how we can help our kids rather than accidentally stressing them out more. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the freedom to make choices - good AND bad - is so important to your teenager’s development.How to hold expectations for your kiddos, and how to know when it’s more important to let them go and just be supportive.How to stay compassionate and preserve your sanity during the transition from easy, chatty kid to sullen, surly teen.And much more! As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-297About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein helps parents with a strong-willed kiddo become a happier family and enjoy the simple things again like bike rides and beach vacays.She’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap. Randi works with parents across the U.S.At Mastermind Parenting, we believe every human deserves to have a family that gets along.Randi’s Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/ About Coach Kevin BakerKevin Baker is a Certified Professional Life Coach who specializes in empowering teenagers. Kevin is on a mission to nurture self-esteem, confidence, and resilience in young minds. With a firm belief that true happiness and success stem from inner strength, he guides adolescents through the transformative process of self-discovery and growth.  Website: https://lifecoachkevin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinebaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachkevin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeenLifeCoachKevin Resources Discussed/LinksDr. Dan Siegel https://drdansiegel.com/Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/