
Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments
Are you sick of parenting with the ideas of yelling and shame and looking for something that feels better, is different, but still has a sense of boundaries and limits?Welcome to Peace and Parenting! Michelle is a former teacher, counselor, certified parenting coach, mom of two teens, recovering yeller, and perfectionist who parents without using punishments altogether. And guess what? It works! On this show, you’ll learn the how behind having kids who are entirely UNPUNISHED but who are also successful, kind, loving, and know how to follow directions. Twice a week, Michelle shares her insights and expertise on connective parenting through solo episodes and interviews with experts and other struggling parents. If you have exhausted all other options and don't know what to do next, this could be the parenting strategy you've been searching for.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 10min
Why Connected Parenting is for Every Child
Are you sometimes wondering if this whole "connected parenting" thing can really work for your child, especially when you're facing those big emotions or defiant moments? Maybe you've heard people say, "That’s nice, but my kid needs something different." I truly understand where you're coming from, and I’ve been there.In today's episode, I want to discuss why I’m passionate about connected parenting as a loving approach for all children, regardless of their temperament or challenges. We'll explore how prioritizing our relationship over specific behaviors makes a profound difference. Traditional methods like punishments and reward charts often miss the mark for any child, including those with ODD or ADHD, and can hinder their ability to learn and thrive by affecting brain development. No child benefits from shame or belittlement.Instead of focusing on control, we'll discuss how connection builds trust, enhances brain function by engaging the prefrontal cortex, and creates a calm, safe environment for our children. It’s not about quick fixes or changing strong-willed children, but about tempering deeper traits and achieving lasting improvements in cooperation and emotional regulation. This approach not only helps kids but also brings peace to us as parents.In This Episode, You'll Learn:👉 Why connection benefits every single child. 👉 The truth about rewards and punishments.👉 Boost your child's brain with connection. 👉 Support neurodivergent kids through your relationship. 👉 See challenging behaviors improve with empathy. 👉 Find more calm for your family. ========🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupInterested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technologyOur Sponsors:* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/peace* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

5 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 21min
Case Study: Dealing with an "Authoritative Personality" in a Nine-Year-Old
Power struggles with assertive kids can be overwhelming, but there's hope! A mom shares her journey with her spirited nine-year-old and the challenges of screen time. The conversation reveals how our upbringing shapes our parenting and emphasizes the power of connection. Practical tips include engaging children during tech transitions and modeling healthy habits. Fostering a loving bond can transform daily battles into opportunities for growth. Small, consistent moments of connection can make a world of difference in nurturing better relationships.

May 29, 2025 • 12min
Why 'Good Enough' Parenting Is Exactly What Your Kids Need
Delve into the pitfalls of striving for perfection in parenting. Discover how the quest for flawlessly behaved kids can actually harm relationships. The talk emphasizes that connection is more vital than control. Embrace the idea of 'good enough' parenting to strengthen bonds with your children. Realize that letting go of perfection leads to a more joyful family dynamic. It’s a journey from managing behavior to nurturing authentic connections, proving that being a connected parent is what truly matters.

May 27, 2025 • 25min
The Neuroscience of Motherhood and Connection with Kate Kripke
Do you find yourself constantly striving for perfection in your parenting? Does the idea of not having all the answers or losing control fill you with anxiety? If you're a high-achieving parent who wants deep connection but finds yourself stuck in a "fix-it" or "control" mindset, this episode is for you.Today, I have a truly insightful conversation with Kate Kripke, a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health counselor. We dive into the neuroscience behind why many high-achieving women, like us, approach motherhood with a desire for control and achievement, and why that very approach can hinder the deep connection we crave. We discuss how our own need to feel in control stems from a fundamental need for safety.Kate and I explore the critical difference between control and influence, emphasizing that true positive influence comes from a place of inner steadiness and emotional regulation, not external demands. This episode is a powerful invitation to release the "shoulds" of parenting and lean into grace, presence, and heart-centered connection.In This Episode👉 Understanding the brain's role in mothering👉 How to differentiate control from influence👉 How to address fear-based parenting👉 Releasing the need to "fix it"👉 Embracing the discomfort of not knowing👉 Prioritizing inner steadiness for connection========📲 Follow Kate on Instagram @katekripke🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupInterested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technologyOur Sponsors:* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/peace* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 22, 2025 • 9min
The #1 Thing Kids Need From You (Especially When They Mess Up)
Discover the power of being your child's safe haven, especially in challenging moments. Explore how unconditional love fosters emotional growth and better decision-making. Hear a personal story showcasing the value of empathy when children make mistakes. Learn the importance of calmly validating feelings, prioritizing connection over consequences, and creating a trust-filled environment. Engage with strategies that empower your child to embrace their mistakes without fear, promoting a lasting bond and resilience.

May 20, 2025 • 19min
Are Schools Failing Your Child? Maybe Homeschooling Is the Solution
What if I told you that schools are actually killing your child's creativity? Is socialization really a problem for homeschooled kids? If you're looking for an insightful discussion that addresses these fears and offers a compelling perspective on homeschooling, you're in the right place.Today, I'm joined by Liz Hanson, a seasoned homeschooler with 24 years of experience in education. We'll explore what homeschooling truly is (and isn't), debunk common myths, and discuss the incredible benefits it can offer. Liz shares her personal journey into homeschooling and offers practical advice for parents considering this path. We'll cover everything from overcoming fear and building confidence to understanding the importance of creativity, socialization, and a well-rounded education.If you're excited to explore the possibilities of homeschooling and see how it can nurture a lifelong love of learning, this is definitely worth a listen!In This Episode👉 Debunking common myths about homeschooling 👉 Identifying the core elements of successful homeschooling 👉 Exploring the impact of homeschooling on creativity 👉 Addressing concerns about socialization 👉 Providing guidance on getting started with homeschooling 👉 Offering advice on planning and curriculum========🔗 Find out more about Liz and homeschooling at smarthomeschooler.com🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupInterested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technologyOur Sponsors:* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/peace* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 15, 2025 • 9min
Handling Power Struggles Without Losing Connection
Tired of power struggles with your child? Discover how empathy can reshape these conflicts into opportunities for connection. Learn to validate your child's need for autonomy while fostering cooperation. Through relatable stories, see how transforming battles into playful experiences can strengthen your bond. Navigate the emotional dynamics at play and shift from control to collaboration, creating a more harmonious home. Ready to make parenting feel less like a battle and more like a partnership?

May 13, 2025 • 19min
Case Study: Why Am I Triggered by My Kid’s Homework?
Do you ever find yourself saying things to your child that you instantly regret? Do you worry that your own upbringing is negatively influencing your parenting? Today,, I talk with Helen, a mom who's caught in a cycle of saying hurtful things to her son, often mirroring the way her own mother treated her. We explore the powerful connection between our childhood experiences and our parenting triggers. I offer strategies for breaking free from these patterns, including journaling to process past hurts and reprioritizing connection over academic pressure.We also discuss practical ways to shift the homework dynamic, focusing on fostering a love of learning and empowering children to take responsibility for their own work. It's about creating a supportive environment where kids feel loved and capable, regardless of their grades. If you're ready to break free from negative parenting patterns and create a more positive and connected relationship with your child, this episode is for you.In This Episode👉 Identify your parenting triggers👉 Journal about your childhood experiences👉 Prioritize connection over grades👉 Let go of homework control👉 Focus on your child's strengths👉 Increase physical affection========🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupInterested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technologyOur Sponsors:* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/peace* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 8, 2025 • 7min
Raising Confident Kids Without Forcing Them Out of Their Shell
Forcing a shy child to socialize may backfire, harming their confidence instead. The journey of a mother with her daughter Pia illustrates the importance of respecting a child's pace in social situations. Parents are encouraged to acknowledge their child's feelings and create supportive environments. Celebrating individual strengths can foster self-esteem, helping kids feel more comfortable in their skin. Shifting from pressure to support is key in nurturing confident kids.

May 6, 2025 • 25min
Parenting with Menopause Doesn't Have to Be Miserable! Learn How to Feel Great
You survived sleepless nights with a newborn, but what about sleepless nights with menopause? Is there an end in sight? I'm taking a short but important detour from our usual parenting topics to talk about something that affects so many of us: menopause. As women, our health and well-being are deeply intertwined with our ability to show up as the parents we want to be. Today, I welcome Julia Granacki, a board-certified health coach specializing in menopause and perimenopause. We dive into the controversial topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and aim to clear up some of the confusion and misinformation surrounding it. Julia provides a wealth of information, emphasizing that it's a personal choice and sharing the latest findings on its safety and benefits. We also discuss practical strategies for managing menopause symptoms, including the importance of sleep, exercise, and self-care. Julia offers valuable advice on finding the right healthcare practitioners and making informed decisions about our health during this significant life transition. In This Episode👉 Debunking myths about hormone replacement therapy👉 Finding qualified menopause healthcare providers👉 Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and self-care👉 Understanding lesser-known menopause symptoms👉 Exploring options for low libido👉 Preparing for menopause at any ageLinks Mentioned:Find out more about Julia on her website Julia G Wellness and get 25% off your first intake session with code PEACE25: https://www.juliagwellness.com/========🔗 Have questions about menopause and HRT? Check out The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupInterested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technologyOur Sponsors:* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/peace* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy