Real World Peaceful Parenting

262: Why Your Child Saves Their Worst Behavior for You


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Have you ever wondered why your child is cooperative, polite, and regulated everywhere else but completely falls apart with you? In this episode, Lisa Smith breaks down the psychology and neuroscience behind why kids save their hardest moments for their safest person. You’ll learn why this behavior is not a sign of failure, but a powerful indicator of secure attachment. Lisa shares real-life stories, research-backed insights, and a practical framework to help you respond to after-school meltdowns, boundary testing, and emotional explosions with clarity, confidence, and connection.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why children often “hold it together” all day and fall apart at home
  • How your child’s nervous system shifts from performance mode to safe mode
  • Why testing boundaries is often a sign of trust, not disrespect
  • The four core questions your child is asking when they melt down or push back
  • How to reframe challenging behavior so you stop taking it personally
  • A step-by-step framework to respond with connection while still holding firm boundaries
What if your child actually listened the first time… without yelling, punishments, or power struggles?


Join parenting coach Lisa Smith for a FREE 90-minute live class to learn how to discipline your strong-willed child without damaging your relationship—or their self-esteem.

Register today:
https://thepeacefulparent.com/class

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Real World Peaceful ParentingBy Lisa Smith