Are you struggling to bridge the gap with your older kids through play? Today I am joined by parenting coach Mary Van Geffen in a beautiful conversation that explores the magic of play, especially with the often misunderstood tweens and teens. Mary unveils the secrets of connecting with "spicy" children through play, emphasizing its role as their love language. From penguin wrestling to dance parties, Mary and I share practical tips, creative play ideas, and some unconventional approaches that can turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection. 
 

How to Play With Your Tweens and Teens (with Mary Van Geffen)

Have you tried Gentle Parenting? Are you a fan of Attachment but just can’t put it all together? 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 the Peace and Parenting Podcast with Michelle Kenney, M. Ed. 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 completely 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 her interviews with experts and Q&amp;A sessions with struggling parents. If you have exhausted all other options and don&#39;t know what to do next, this could be the parenting strategy you&#39;ve been searching for.

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Is compliance really the goal in parenting neurodivergent kids? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to connect with your neurodivergent child beyond the conventional methods of rewards and punishments? Today, I reflect on the profound impact of connection in parenting, especially for children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. 
 Many believe these kids need strict compliance through rewards and punishments due to their executive functioning challenges. But I challenge that notion. What if the secret to truly supporting our children lies in the strength of our connection with them? I've worked with wonderful families with neurodivergent kids, and I believe that traditional methods might not be the best approach and that connection can foster genuine growth and understanding. 
 In this EpisodeConnection over compliance for neurodivergent kidsTraditional methods vs. connection-based parentingThe challenges with rewards and punishment systemsSuccess stories of connection-focused parenting
 

Is Connection the Missing Link in Parenting Neurodivergent Kids?

Today I sit down with Shelly Robinson, the inspiring founder of Raising Yourself. Shelly shares her transformative experience with reparenting herself and offers powerful insights into inner child work, conscious parenting, and breaking the cycle of punitive approaches. 
 We delve into the concept of “mom rage” and explore the underlying fears and insecurities that often ignite our outbursts. Shelly’s candid storytelling, including a poignant moment with her young son, will strike a chord with many parents who grapple with similar challenges. This episode isn't just about enhancing your child’s behavior, but also about our own healing and creating a nurturing environment where both parent and child can flourish. 
 In this EpisodeThe importance of connection over punishmentUsing play as a parenting toolAddressing “mom rage” with empathy and understandingHow to handle parental dysregulation effectivelyHow to collaborate with children to solve conflictsSelf-compassion in overcoming parenting challenges
 

Case Study: Turning Mom Rage into Connection Magic

Have you ever been stung by your child's words? Have you felt the sting of "I hate you" or "shut up" from those you love most? It's a moment that cuts deep, triggering a whirlwind of emotions and questions about our parenting. But what if I told you it's not about us? 
 Today, I explore the reasons behind hurtful moments, how children react, and how we can respond with grace and empathy. I’ll share some practical tips on supporting our children's emotions without disregarding our own and why punishment is not the solution. It's all about understanding, connection, and allowing our children to express their feelings without judgment. Ultimately, it's not just about how they communicate with us but how we choose to respond that truly makes a difference. 
 In this EpisodeUnderstanding children's emotional outburstsHow to shift focus from personal to empathetic responsesThe importance of holding space for children's feelingsExploring the impact of punishment on communicationRecognizing the role of your environment in behaviorEmbracing grace and compassion in parenting
 

What To Do When Our Child Says “I Hate You”

Today, I’m joined by guest Mariah, one of our vibrant Peace of Parenting community members. Mariah shares her journey of discovering a new approach to parenting that prioritizes understanding over obedience. From navigating challenges with her strong-willed son to embracing playful corrections, Mariah offers insights that resonate with every parent striving for deeper connections with their children. 
 We delve into the layers of traditional disciplinary methods, shedding light on the pitfalls of shame and the power of empathy. This episode is packed with practical insights and actionable strategies that you can immediately apply to nurture stronger bonds with your children. 
 In this Episode:How playfulness fosters deeper parent-child connectionsShifting from correction to empathy-based disciplineChallenges with strong-willed children and playful solutionsThe importance of avoiding shame in parentingPrioritizing understanding over blind obedienceCultivating trust, respect, and resilience in children
 

Case Study: How Being Playful Helped with My Strong-Willed Son

Many people often compare connective parenting to gentle parenting, but in reality, they are very different. Today, I want to clarify the misconceptions surrounding gentle parenting and explain how connective parenting encourages children to learn and grow on their own terms. Through empathy, understanding, and a lot of support, connective parenting empowers both parents and kids to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. It allows children to fail, stumble, and learn from their experiences. 
 In this Episode:Connective parenting vs. gentle parentingEmbracing failure as a pathway to growthA grounded approach fosters resilience in childrenEmpathy and support are foundational parenting toolsNavigating boundaries with empathy and understandingAllowing children autonomy while providing guidance
 

How to Play With Your Tweens and Teens (with Mary Van Geffen)

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