What if your child’s hardest behaviors aren’t a problem to fix, but an invitation to grow? In this episode, we sit down with Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One, to explore what it really means to raise a strong-willed, sensitive, or explosive child. We talk about nervous systems, repair after blow-ups, and why slowing down is often the most effective parenting move. You’ll hear practical strategies, deeply humane insights, and a reframing of “difficult” kids that just might change everything. Join us, and let’s rethink what supportive parenting can look like.

Resources:

1. Preorder Parenting a Spicy One for special bonuses! Details at Mary Van Geffen’s website: https://www.maryvangeffen.com
2. Follow Mary on Instagram @maryvangeffen
3. Find books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book Shop
4. Brave Writer class registration is open!
5. Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
6. Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
7. Find community in our membership forum, the Brave Learner Home
8. Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
9. Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
10. Give your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/brave
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Connect with Julie:

1. Instagram: @juliebravewriter
2. Threads: @juliebravewriter
3. Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
4. Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

1. Website: melissawiley.com
2. Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
3. Instagram: @melissawileybooks
4. Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA