
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

Aug 1, 2024 • 11min
How to Turn "I'm Bored" into a Learning Moment
Ever feel the panic rise when your child declares, "I'm bored!" How is your summer going? Is your little one at a loss for what to do? Do you rush to fix it or let them find their own way?Today, I want to discuss the phrase "I'm bored!" As parents, we often feel the need to constantly entertain and engage our kids, especially during long summer days. But what if embracing boredom could actually benefit our children? I'll share my thoughts on why it's okay for our kids to be bored and how it can help foster their creativity and resilience. Our role as parents isn't to solve every problem for our children but to guide them with love and understanding. So, the next time your child says they're bored, consider it an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.In This Episode:Embracing your child's boredomLeaning into empathy and connectionAvoiding the urge to fix everythingEncouraging creativity through boredomBuilding resilience in our children🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a discovery call by sending an email to: askpeaceandparenting@gmail.com💌 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

Jul 30, 2024 • 17min
Case Study: How to Balance Breastfeeding and Toddler Meltdowns
How can we balance the emotional needs of two children in different and challenging stages? Today, I help one mother with her busy world of juggling parenting techniques while maintaining calm and connection.Corynne is a mother to a three-year-old and a five-month-old, and today, she shares the difficulties of staying calm and connected during intense emotional moments, such as when she is breastfeeding and her older daughter wants to play. We discuss the importance of creating preliminary bonding moments before tending to the baby and explore some of her challenges regarding her husband's contrasting parenting style, particularly when past traumas influence present reactions.In This Episode:Balancing the needs of a toddler and a babyHow proactive connection eases the transitionManaging different parenting stylesStrategies for staying calm under pressureThe importance of post-incident discussions🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a discovery call by sending an email to: askpeaceandparenting@gmail.com💌 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

Jul 25, 2024 • 13min
Maintaining Connection During the Teenage Years
Have you ever felt like you're losing your little one as they grow into a teen? Imagine the mix of pride and heartbreak as your child starts to pull away, seeking independence while you long for those cozy, close moments. How do we navigate this bittersweet transition?Today, I explore the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from parenting young children to guiding adolescents. It's a journey filled with unexpected challenges and poignant moments of letting go. As our children grow and seek more independence, we often feel a deep sense of loss, coupled with the fear of not being needed anymore. But this phase, while challenging, is also a crucial period of growth for both parents and children.I’ll share with you my own struggles and realizations during my daughter Esme's transition into adolescence. From feeling like the center of her world to navigating the painful moments of rejection and the need for autonomy, I want you to understand how important it is to reframe these experiences. By leaning into connection, understanding our children's need for independence, and finding new ways to bond, we can maintain a strong, supportive relationship.In This EpisodeThe emotional impact of children growing upCoping with feelings of lossUnderstanding your child's need for autonomyNavigating the push-pull dynamics of adolescenceBalancing safety and independenceMaintaining connection through the teenage years🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a discovery call by sending an email to: askpeaceandparenting@gmail.com💌 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

8 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 20min
Case Study: How to Handle Sibling Conflict without Taking Sides
Stephanie, a stay-at-home mom of four, discusses managing sibling rivalry without taking sides. Topics include tackling conflicts with neutrality, using empathy in resolution, ensuring special time with each child, handling simultaneous demands, and reducing the need for punishments.

Jul 18, 2024 • 14min
Challenging Conventional Parenting Wisdom
Ever wondered if punishing your child for bad behavior might actually be counterproductive? Picture this: your child hits their sibling. Instead of a timeout, what if you offered a hug and some empathy? How might that change the dynamic?I want to challenge some deeply rooted beliefs in traditional parenting that may benefit from a new perspective, such as the notion that punishment is essential for teaching right from wrong. I believe our children naturally desire to do well and that their behaviors often indicate a need for connection rather than defiance. By understanding the underlying needs that drive your child’s actions, you can foster a stronger bond and guide them with empathy and respect.In This EpisodeChallenging the necessity of punishmentUnderstanding behaviors as cries for connectionRecognizing the inherent goodness in childrenResponding to misbehavior with empathyThe impact of traditional wisdom on parentingEmpowering parents to connect with their kids🔗 Join my Connected Parent Mastermind, designed for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children, experience more love, and reduce frustration.🔗 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: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

Jul 16, 2024 • 28min
Case Study: Can Letting Kids Choose Their Bedtime Improve Your Relationship?
Join Carolyn, a mother of three, as she shares her journey towards embracing relational parenting. They discuss how relinquishing bedtime control can lead to more harmonious family dynamics. Carolyn reflects on breaking free from her father's authoritarian style, focusing on empathy instead. The conversation explores sibling rivalry, offering practical strategies for fostering connection rather than imposing punishment. Insights on empowering children through choice, especially regarding their daily routines, highlight the balance between guidance and independence.

Jul 11, 2024 • 13min
Tips for Enjoying Summer with Your Kids (Without Spending $$$)
Are you dreading the summer chaos with kids at home all day? Imagine a summer where connection replaces stress and laughter fills your home. How can you create magical moments without the pressure of extravagant plans?Today, I want to offer some help to parents struggling with their kids at home during the summer. I want to help you make it enjoyable for both you and your kids. Summers can be challenging with the lack of routine and constant presence of children, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to lean into connections. In this episode, I'll share some practical tips and gentle reminders to help you stay calm and connected during the summer months.In This EpisodeHow to lean into connection to ease summer stressDaily special time with each childEmbracing boredom and its benefitsSibling special time to strengthen bondsEasy and fun activities at home🔗 Join my Connected Parent Mastermind, designed for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children, experience more love, and reduce frustration.🔗 Join our Weekly Action Call to get more peace in your home this summer🔗 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: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

Jul 9, 2024 • 22min
Case Study: A Practical Guide for Removing Punishments
Have you ever restricted your kids' screen time because they talked back? Or perhaps taken away their favorite toy after they fought with their sibling? Today, I am speaking with Noelle, a stay-at-home mom of two young daughters. She has been facing challenges with her 2-year-old's refusal to follow her three-strikes policy.We delve into the common struggles of many parents: the feeling that their child isn't listening. Noelle shares situations where her daughter resists instructions, leading to tantrums and meltdowns. I provide Noelle with some practical advice on how she can transform her daughter's defiance into cooperation.In This EpisodeConnection over punishments and rewardsCooperation and setting boundaries with empathyDealing with toddler tantrums positivelyShifting mindset and expectations for parenting success🔗 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

Jul 4, 2024 • 15min
How to Show Empathy When Your Kids Are Whining
Ever felt like your child's whining is driving you up the wall? What if there’s a way to turn this frustrating behavior into a moment of connection and understanding?Today, I want to help you with a common parenting challenge… whining. It can feel like nails on a chalkboard, but what if we reframed it as a cry for help rather than an annoyance? In this episode, I share my personal experiences and strategies to help you transform your response to whining from correction to connection. Understanding the root causes and responding empathetically can foster a closer bond with our kids and reduce those dreaded whiny moments. Let's explore how to shift our mindset and approach to create a more peaceful and connected parenting experience.In This EpisodeUnderstanding WhiningEmpathy Over ExplanationHolding Firm LimitsPublic TantrumsBuilding Daily Connection🔗 Join my Connected Parent Mastermind designed for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children, experience more love, and reduce frustration.🔗 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

Jul 2, 2024 • 30min
Case Study: Rethinking Discipline and Natural Consequences
Are you finding it difficult to stay calm in tense situations? Just picture navigating through parenthood without using punishments or rewards, focusing solely on establishing a strong connection. I'm Michelle Kenney, and today, I'm excited to be joined by the insightful and authentic Destini Ann, who is a certified parenting coach, author, and TEDx Speaker.Destini and I explore the importance and challenges of self-regulation. We discuss how this approach may not yield immediate results and address misconceptions about natural versus logical consequences. We also highlight the significance of proactive parenting. Destini's insights emphasize that the aim is to build an authentic, collaborative relationship with our children rather than striving for perfection. Additionally, we’ll also leave you with some practical strategies for incorporating connective parenting into your busy lives, empowering you to make a positive change.In This EpisodeSelf-regulation challenges in parentingDifference between natural and logical consequencesImpact of proactive parentingOvercoming the myth of the perfect parentIntegrating connection into busy schedulesLong-term benefits of connective parenting🔗 Follow Destini Ann on Instagram: @destini.ann🔗 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