Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

These are anxious times with schools closing and communities taking action to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Is the anxiety getting to you? In this special episode, Hunter talks to two meditation teachers, Oren Sofer and Emily Horn about how to deal with our fear and become a stable center of peace for our families.

Takeaways:

Emily Horn is an authorized dharma teacher through Spirit Rock Meditation Center & Insight Meditation Society. She’s also a Certified Mindfulness Teacher via the International Mindfulness Teacher’s Association.

Oren Jay Sofer teaches mindfulness, meditation and Nonviolent Communication in both secular and Buddhist contexts. He’s the author of the book Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, a practical guidebook for having more effective, satisfying conversations.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host

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Everyone tells new parents to expect sleepless nights—but far fewer prepare them for the emotional upheaval that can come with pregnancy and postpartum.

In this compassionate conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Katayune Kaeni (Dr. Kat) to explore the often-overlooked mental health challenges of becoming a parent. They unpack why so many mothers struggle in silence, how unrealistic expectations fuel anxiety and guilt, and what "good enough" parenting really looks like.

Whether you're expecting a baby, navigating postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical wisdom, and a reminder that you don't have to do this alone.

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins with self-compassion—not impossible standards.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host

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What if helping your child calm down could be as simple as a song, a breath, or a playful one-minute practice?

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter talks with children's mindfulness expert, author, and award-winning musician Kira Willey about how music, movement, and mindfulness can help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and connection.

Kira shares practical ways parents can use rhythm and playful rituals to navigate some of the hardest parts of family life—from transitions and bedtime routines to meltdowns and moments of overwhelm. She explains why children often respond more readily to music than words, how a parent's nervous system influences a child's ability to self-regulate, and why presence matters far more than perfection.

You'll learn simple, realistic practices that fit into everyday family life—even when you're busy, stressed, or running on very little sleep.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How rhythm helps children regulate emotions and feel grounded• Why music can improve cooperation and ease difficult transitions• Simple one-minute mindfulness practices for busy families• How to create joyful routines around bedtime and daily transitions• Why matching a child's energy can be more effective than trying to immediately calm them down• The connection between a parent's nervous system and a child's behavior• How mindfulness can be playful, accessible, and practical for children of all ages• Why presence—not perfection—is the foundation of mindful parenting

Whether you're parenting a toddler, school-age child, or tween, this conversation offers simple tools to bring more calm, joy, and connection into your family's daily life.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host

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In this episode, parenting coach, psychologist, and neuropsychologist Dr. Gila joins us for an honest conversation about the unique challenges—and unexpected strengths—of single parenting. Together, we explore what it means to parent with connection instead of perfection, why community and support matter, how to manage overwhelm through emotional regulation, and what "real" self-care looks like when you're doing it all on your own. Whether you're a single parent or supporting one, this episode offers practical tools, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that you don't have to navigate the journey alone.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host

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Are We Raising Picky Eaters?

Most parents today assume picky eating is just part of childhood.

But what if it’s not?

In this fascinating conversation, Helen Zoe Veit joins Hunter Clarke-Fields to explore the surprising history of children’s eating habits—and how modern parenting norms may be creating more picky eaters, not fewer.

You’ll discover why kids in the 19th century ate a wide variety of foods, how the concept of “kid food” was invented, and the unexpected ways well-meaning advice from the past continues to shape how we feed our children today.

If you’ve ever struggled with mealtime battles, short-order cooking, or worry about your child’s limited diet, this episode will completely shift your perspective—and offer a more grounded, confident way forward.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host

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Hunter talks to Gretchen Rubin about How To Be Happier.

Some big takeaways from this episode include:

1. Make easy changes first — go for the low hanging fruit

2. How do you respond to expectations (inner and outer)? Answer this question BEFORE you try to change a new habit.

3. How to draw boundaries and when to simply stop doing something

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project.

How do you change bad habits and create good habits? How can you be happier every day? Author Gretchen Rubin has made a science of these subjects and shares her wisdom on this podcast. She pushes back against some commonly held beliefs like, “the middle path is always best,” and “give what you want to receive.” Gretchen will tell you why these are NOT always good ideas.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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What if the way you speak to your child is shaping not just their language—but their identity?

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Cara Tyrrell, linguist and early childhood educator, about how intentional language can transform your relationship with your child—from birth and beyond.

They explore the powerful difference between communication and language, why emotional safety is the foundation for learning, and how small shifts in your everyday words can build connection, confidence, and resilience.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you are saying the “right” things, this conversation offers a grounded, practical reframe. It is not about saying more. It is about saying what matters.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why communication and language are not the same—and why both matter

How using full, natural sentences supports early language development

What permission-based language is and how it helps children regulate emotions

Why emotional safety is essential for learning, exploration, and connection

How quality of communication matters more than quantity

The role of silence in supporting language development

How everyday phrases can shape your child’s identity and inner voice

Simple ways to shift from control-based to connection-based communication

Why it is never too late to repair and rebuild your relationship with your child

How neuroplasticity supports growth for both parent and child

Key Takeaways

Your words have weight, and your presence matters even more

Children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and accepted

Language can support or undermine a child’s sense of self

Connection is the foundation for cooperation and learning

Parenting is a process of becoming, not just achieving outcomes

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host of the

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This is from Hopestream: Parenting Kids Through Addiction & Mental Health with Brenda Zane.

Hunter Clarke-Fields was a painter. She had a graduate degree in art education, a high school teaching job, and what looked from the outside like a creative life. What nobody could see was that she was white-knuckling her way through it, cycling between intense highs and pits of despair she could not explain, having panic attacks in the hallways before she had any tools to handle them. She reached for yoga, then for books on mindfulness, and read about it for years before she finally, at 27, sat down and actually tried.

She set a timer for 10 minutes and sat there thinking the whole time. She was certain she was doing it wrong. But two months in, she looked back and realized she had not fallen into a single pit. Not one. For someone who had been cycling into darkness every couple of weeks for most of her adult life, that was not a small thing. It was everything. And it sent her down a path she never expected, one that eventually turned her into the Mindful Mama Mentor, a podcast host, a mindfulness teacher, and the bestselling author of Raising Good Humans.

Hunter now teaches mindfulness to parents all over the world, with over 20 years of meditation practice behind her and two daughters who, she will freely admit, grew up slightly allergic to the whole thing.

 I wanted to have this conversation because I think mindfulness gets written off as vague or soft, and Hunter makes it anything but. She explains what is actually happening in your brain when you blow up at your kid, why longer exhales are not just a cliche, and what she calls the Three R's, a framework so simple you will remember it in the worst moment. She also says something about feelings being like toddlers that I keep coming back to. 

If you have ever thought that mindfulness is not for you, or that you are too far gone to start, this one is for you.

You'll learn:

EPISODE RESOURCES:

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Most parents underestimate the power of changing their approach—it's not about strict rules or punishments, but about reconnecting through compassionate discipline.

Wendy Snyder and Hunter Clarke-Fields dive into how shifting from control to connection transforms your relationship with your children and creates a peaceful, respectful home. Discover the hidden influence of your nervous system patterns, and how unlearning them is the secret to lasting change.

You'll hear real stories of mistakes turned lessons, like the police station scare that failed—and what worked instead. Wendy shares her groundbreaking framework: Rules plus relationship equals respect—an approach that empowers kids to learn, cooperate, and trust without force. We break down practical tools to set firm boundaries with love, manage parent's own emotional triggers, and foster resilience in strong-willed children. 

If you've ever felt like you're failing or wonder if parental honesty can coexist with discipline, this episode offers hope—and a blueprint for a family legacy rooted in respect, peace, and joy. Perfect for parents ready to ditch shame and control, and those committed to raising confident, compassionate kids while honoring their own well-being. Whether you're just starting this journey or looking for fresh inspiration, these stories and strategies will empower you to create lasting change.

Wendy Snyder is a certified parenting coach, known for her work on compassionate discipline and high-will kids. She's the author of Fresh Start Your Family, dedicated to transforming family life—one gentle boundary at a time.Transform your parenting. Reclaim your connection. And get ready for a family dynamic you’ll love into your elder years. Don’t just survive parenting—thrive with respect and resilience.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/

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Summer brings more than sunshine and vacations—it brings change.

Whether your child is heading to camp, navigating more freedom with friends, learning new responsibilities, or preparing for college, summer often reminds us of a truth that's easy to avoid during the busy school year: our children are growing up.

In this special summer conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields and Chris Willard explore how mindfulness can help parents navigate transitions with greater ease, courage, and trust. They discuss why letting go can feel so difficult, how overprotection can unintentionally undermine children's confidence, and what research says about raising capable, resilient kids.

Together, they dive into the parenting paradox: our job is to build strong attachment, but our goal is eventual independence.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why transitions feel difficult for both children and parents

How mindfulness helps us navigate uncertainty and change

The surprising science behind autonomy, competence, and connection

How to support independence without sacrificing safety

Why boredom is often the gateway to creativity and resilience

Practical ways kids can become contributors at home

How to handle homesickness, separation, and mixed emotions

Why summer is the perfect season to practice flexibility

The difference between healthy guidance and controlling behavior

How simple family rhythms can create calm during less structured months

Plus, Hunter and Chris discuss summer routines, family vacations, camp jitters, teenage freedom, and the often-unspoken grief parents experience as children grow more independent.

Because raising confident kids isn't about holding on tighter—it's about learning when and how to let go.

Resources Mentioned

Self-Determination Theory (Edward Deci & Richard Ryan)

Maria Montessori's work on independence and competence

Mindfulness practices for parenting through transitions

Have you ever struggled with letting go as your child grows? Share this episode with a parent who could use a little support this summer.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices