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Episode 7: How Small Daily Moments Grow Strong Bonds
Strong bonds don’t happen by accident; they grow from small, repeatable choices that tell a young person, “You’re safe with me.” We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to explore how connection, play, and consistent limits shape a child’s nervous system, build secure attachment, and make daily life smoother for everyone at home.
We start with the science of safety, how kids calibrate to our tone, pace, and posture and translate it into simple practices you can use today. You’ll hear how a five-minute morning routine can turn chaos into calm, why scheduling both fun and tough check-ins reduces nagging, and how to use the WAIT prompt to stop over-talking and start understanding. We share the funnel method for questions, moving from open-ended to multiple choice when needed, plus timing tips that make hard conversations easier; think car rides, walks, and side-by-side chats.
Then we tackle boundaries without the drama. You’ll learn why limits are acts of respect, how to follow through calmly, and a clean framework for earned freedom that teens accept. We model quick repair scripts, such as “I was frustrated; let’s try again,” to show kids mistakes are fixable and relationships can recover. By pairing warmth with structure, you create a secure base and a safe haven where confidence grows.
If you’re ready for fewer standoffs and more teamwork, this conversation gives you scripts, schedules, and small habits that stick. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs a lift, and leave a review to tell us the one change you’ll try this week.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.
This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.
Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.
A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.
Music created by Ken Baxter.
(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
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By Jana Marie Foundation
4.5
22 ratings
Strong bonds don’t happen by accident; they grow from small, repeatable choices that tell a young person, “You’re safe with me.” We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to explore how connection, play, and consistent limits shape a child’s nervous system, build secure attachment, and make daily life smoother for everyone at home.
We start with the science of safety, how kids calibrate to our tone, pace, and posture and translate it into simple practices you can use today. You’ll hear how a five-minute morning routine can turn chaos into calm, why scheduling both fun and tough check-ins reduces nagging, and how to use the WAIT prompt to stop over-talking and start understanding. We share the funnel method for questions, moving from open-ended to multiple choice when needed, plus timing tips that make hard conversations easier; think car rides, walks, and side-by-side chats.
Then we tackle boundaries without the drama. You’ll learn why limits are acts of respect, how to follow through calmly, and a clean framework for earned freedom that teens accept. We model quick repair scripts, such as “I was frustrated; let’s try again,” to show kids mistakes are fixable and relationships can recover. By pairing warmth with structure, you create a secure base and a safe haven where confidence grows.
If you’re ready for fewer standoffs and more teamwork, this conversation gives you scripts, schedules, and small habits that stick. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs a lift, and leave a review to tell us the one change you’ll try this week.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.
This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.
Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.
A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.
Music created by Ken Baxter.
(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.