In this episode, Leslie and Kirk Martin discuss the challenges of parenting children with big emotions. Kirk shares his personal experiences and insights on how to approach parenting with compassion and understanding. Leslie and Kirk will explore practical strategies for calming children, the importance of validating their emotions, and the role of parents in managing their own responses. The conversation emphasizes the need for movement, relationship-building, and creating a supportive environment for children to express their feelings. Kirk provides actionable steps for parents to help their children navigate emotional challenges effectively.

Meet the Guest:

CelebrateCalm.com Founder and Calm Parenting Podcast host Kirk Martin has shown almost 1,000,000 parents how to stop the yelling, defiance, and power struggles with the most strong-willed children. Kirk is known for very practical strategies and scripts delivered with humor and compassion. Learn how to get your kids to listen the first time while building a close, trusting relationship. Key Takeaways:Kids with big emotions are often strong-willed and challenging. Parents should focus on changing their own responses rather than trying to change their children. It's normal for children to have big emotions; it's part of their development. Giving children a sense of control can help calm them down during meltdowns. Movement can be an effective tool for emotional regulation in children. Validating a child's feelings with intensity can help them feel understood. Creating space for children to process their emotions is important. Building a relationship with children encourages them to come to parents for support. Parents should not feel guilty for their children's emotional struggles. Discipline should be approached with a mindset of teaching rather than punishment. Five Exact Steps for a Strong-Emotional Child: 1) Give the child something he or she is in control of. 2) Control yourself first as the parent (tone of voice, body posture) 3) Motion changes emotion. 4) Use positive intensity. 5) Give kids space to process and don't look them in the eyes! https://youtu.be/QxsWpOTuPVIAdditional Resources:Celebrate Calm WebsiteCalm Parenting Podcast IG PageSecure a ticket to the 2025 TTD Convention in either Dayton OH, Pigeon Forge TN, or Branson MO!Podcast Sponsors:

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot. The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. 

Operation Christmas Child has been reaching millions of children each year with the good news of Jesus Christ, through shoebox gifts. Even in the hardest to reach places of the world, churches are being planted and communities are transformed. You can pack a shoebox this year and reach a child with the good news of Jesus! National Collection Week is November 18-25. To learn more CLICK HERE.