
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 27, 2024 • 14min
Why The Parenting Advice You're Getting Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
Have you ever felt like the parenting advice you get (from me and any other parenting experts) doesn’t fit your family? Imagine a world where parenting tips are tailored just for you and your child. How can we bridge the gap between general advice and our unique parenting challenges?In today’s episode, we tackle the giant world of parenting advice. We'll discuss what strategies work, what doesn't, and why. I'll provide insights on how to take general parenting frameworks and tailor them to suit your unique family dynamics. We'll explore why certain methods may require adjustments and how understanding your child’s temperament can make a significant difference. Whether you’re dealing with a defiant teenager or a toddler who uses a pacifier, remember that, above all, it’s about prioritizing connection over correction; every family is unique.In This EpisodeUnderstanding general parenting adviceAdapting tips to fit your childBuilding a strong parent-child relationshipHandling parenting challenges with empathyEmbracing imperfection in parenting🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 25, 2024 • 23min
Case Study: I Hated Being Around My Kids
Have you ever felt at your wit's end, not wanting to spend another minute in the presence of your kids? Today, I have a heartwarming conversation with Rachel, a mother who once felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her two young daughters. Rachel bravely shares her initial struggles with her eldest child, who exhibited extreme emotions and behaviors that left Rachel feeling helpless and frustrated. Rachel’s journey of growth and understanding demonstrates that with the right tools and support, every parent can move from mere survival to thriving with their children.In This EpisodeRachel's initial challenges with emotional shut-downValidating your children’s feelings over dismissing themThe impact of parenting support on family lifeThe softer, more connected child after changeHow the sibling relationship transformed with a new approachChallenges and successes in ongoing cooperative parenting🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 20, 2024 • 12min
Why Your Kids Are Lying to You and How You Should Respond
Have you ever wondered why your child may tell lies even when they know they will likely get caught? Just imagine a world where lying isn't seen as a child's desperate escape from trouble but as a way to seek deeper understanding. Let's take some time to explore how we can turn those little lies into opportunities for building strong connections. Today, I want to share with you the emotional and psychological reasons that lead children to bend the truth and emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy. It's important to remember that behind every lie is a child seeking connection and acceptance.In This EpisodeWhy do kids lie to avoid troubleThe impact of disappointment and shameDifferentiating between harmless and harmful liesStrategies to reduce lying without punishmentsEncouraging honesty through curiosity and empathy🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 18, 2024 • 31min
Case Study: Can Empathy Really Transform a Defiant Teen?
How did abandoning punishments and consequences transform a father-daughter relationship on the brink? Today, I sit down with Erik, a single father who experienced a profound change in his relationship with his daughter. Erik shares how he moved from seeing her behavior as manipulative to understanding it as a cry for help. His journey started during a crisis when his daughter was battling significant anxiety, stress, depression, and self-harm. Traditional methods of rules and consequences weren’t working, so Erik took a leap of faith with a radical, connective approach that changed everything.In This EpisodeShifting from rules to empathyRecognizing cries for help in behaviorBuilding trust and deepening connectionThe transformative power of words of affirmationThe importance of self-reflection in parenting🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 13, 2024 • 19min
What to Do When Natural Consequences Don’t Exist
What happens when natural consequences fail to teach your child a lesson? Today, I tackle challenging situations where natural consequences simply don’t apply. I’ll help you navigate these tricky scenarios with empathy and creativity, offering alternative approaches that still foster growth and learning in your children. Understanding the underlying emotions and motivations behind your child's actions is as important as finding constructive ways to address them without relying on punishments.In This EpisodeWhen natural consequences don’t fit the situationUnderstanding your child’s underlying motivationsAlternative strategies to natural consequencesMaintaining connection without relying on punishmentPractical examples of empathetic parentingBuilding resilience and understanding in your child🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 11, 2024 • 20min
Case Study: From Solo to Sibling, Adjusting to Life with Two Kids
What happens when parenting dynamics take a sudden turn? Can connection truly transform challenging behaviors? Today, I sit with Taryn, one of our inspiring Peace and Parenting coaches, to recount her journey from traditional parenting to embracing connective parenting. After facing unexpected challenges with her second child, Taryn discovered the transformative power of hand-in-hand parenting. Her story beautifully illustrates how deeper connection and empathy not only reshape parent-child relationships but also rejuvenate the entire family dynamic.Taryn shares the complexities she faced when her seemingly 'easy-going' firstborn started showing regressive behaviors and aggression towards her younger sibling. Her light bulb moment led her to embrace new parenting tools, which turned around her family's struggles and cultivated deep bonds. From enduring sibling rivalry to teenagers who feel completely safe in their authentic selves, Taryn's story encapsulates the highs and lows of parental connection.In This EpisodeNavigating challenges with a second childRecognizing and fixing disconnection in parentingTransforming through connective parenting toolsBalancing sibling rivalry with empathy and playSustaining parenting connection through different stages🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 6, 2024 • 16min
How Your Emotional Baggage Is Hurting Your Kids
What hidden stories from your past are impacting your parenting today? What if the secret to better parenting lies within us? Today, I explore the profound idea of self-regulation and the underlying narratives that influence how we engage with our children.I open up about a personal session I had recently with a client who is grappling with the complexities of raising a child with ADHD and ODD. Throughout this experience, we uncover how past grievances and unresolved pain can subtly hinder our parenting endeavors. Join me as we explore practical approaches to clearing these mental and emotional obstacles and find empowerment to evolve into a more attentive, compassionate, and connected parent.In this EpisodeUncovering hidden stories affecting parenting behaviorsThe importance of self-regulation in parentingThe impact of unresolved emotions on parent-child connectionStrategies for recognizing and addressing resentmentsPractical tools for clearing mental blockages🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
Case Study: How Dads Can Make a Difference in Parenting with Billy Vsco
What if open communication and respect could revolutionize your relationship with your teenager? Today, we're thrilled to bring you a captivating conversation with the one and only Billy Vsco. Billy, who found his way into the world of parenting through his viral TikTok videos and football coaching, has garnered a substantial following. He's now a guiding light for parents, advocating for stronger relationships and better communication with their children.In this episode, we discuss essential topics like maintaining a strong parent-child relationship even beyond the age of 18, the importance of apologizing and taking responsibility, and the transformative power of open communication and respect. Billy shares insights from his journey, the challenges, and the joys of parenting.In this EpisodeThe impact of apologizing to our childrenTransitioning from a teen to an adult audienceThe role of empathy in parenting multiple childrenChallenges of dealing with criticism in parenting🔗 Check out Billy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@billyvsco🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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 30, 2024 • 15min
What You Need to Do When Your Kids Make a Mistake
Ever wonder if letting your kids fail could actually be the best thing for them? Today, we're diving into the counterintuitive but transformative idea that failure is not only okay but necessary. Join me as I explore why allowing our children to stumble, make mistakes, and experience the natural consequences of their actions in a safe and supportive environment is a cornerstone of connected parenting.I’ll share practical ways to shift from overprotective habits to fostering independence and learn how to hold space for your children's emotions without rushing in to fix everything. This episode is a must-listen for parents ready to embrace a new approach that empowers their kids to grow into capable, confident individuals.In this EpisodeWhy letting children fail helps them growCreating a safe space for failureHow to avoid overprotection and emotional shieldingEmbracing failure for deeper learningUnderstanding failures in interpersonal relationshipsThe balance between intervention and natural consequences🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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 28, 2024 • 26min
Encouraging Healthy Child Development with Dr. Joel Warsh
Why is understanding a child’s developmental stage crucial for effective parenting? Today, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Joel Warsh, an integrative pediatrician passionate about children's health and well-being. Dr. Warsh shares his frustration with children's over-medication and his journey towards integrative medicine, blending the best of Western and alternative practices. We delve into his new book, "Parenting at Your Child’s Pace," which focuses on de-stressing parents and promoting health from the earliest stages of childhood.Together, we’ll explore the societal pressures to create 'superhuman' children and the resulting parental stress. Dr. Warsh emphasizes the importance of balance, connection, and trusting our instincts as parents. He shares insights on managing common parenting worries, from growth charts to developmental milestones, reminding us that each child is unique and that most concerns are normal.In this EpisodeAn integrative pediatrician's approach to balanced parentingStress and its impact on parentingThe importance of developmental milestone understandingNavigating societal pressures on perfect parentingBalancing discipline: boundaries vs. permissivenessRethinking medication as a last resort🔗 Follow Dr. Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/🔗 Get his book Parenting at Your Child's Pace: https://parentingatyourchildspace.com/🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now💌 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:Instagram: @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