Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

Do you feel pressure to make the holidays look “perfect” for everyone else even when you’re running on empty?

Have you ever felt torn between keeping the peace and protecting your child’s peace?

Do you long to just enjoy the day without walking on eggshells, explaining your parenting, or managing everyone’s emotions?

Wish you could show up calm, grounded, and anchored in who you are in the Father  instead of trying to perform for others?

In this episode, we’re slowing down to talk about what it means to build connection while prioritizing peace over performance especially during busy family gatherings.

As a Christian mama raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child, the holidays can bring joy… and pressure. You might face unsolicited advice, judgment, or tension around how your child behaves  and how you “should” respond. But friend, you don’t have to prove, perform, or please anyone.

You’ll learn how to regulate your emotions in the moment, focus on your child’s sense of safety and connection, and create a calm, grounded atmosphere anchored in the Father’s peace. Whether your child has ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA, or simply big emotions, this episode will remind you that peace isn’t something you chase it’s something you carry through the Holy Spirit.

Take a deep breath, release the pressure, and remember: you’re not here to perform you’re here to love well.

“The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11 (ESV)

You already carry the peace of the Lord within you, mama. When expectations rise and emotions run high, pause and breathe His peace anchors you even in the noise.

Father as we walk into this Thanksgiving, fill our hearts with peace that steadies us when expectations rise.

Remind us that we don’t have to prove ourselves that our only job is to stay anchored in Your love.

When things feel heavy or hard, whisper to our spirit, “You and your child are safe with Me.”

Let Your presence bring calm, connection, and gratitude to our homes and environments today.

In Yahusha’s Mighty Name, Amen.

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Final Encouragement

Peace isn’t found in doing everything “right.”

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

• Feel torn between keeping family happy and doing what’s best for your strong-willed or neurodivergent child?

In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to choose peace over pressure when family expectations collide with your child’s needs. You’ll hear a personal story about the tension between pleasing others and protecting your child’s peace and how to recognize that still, small voice guiding you toward what’s best. Together, we’ll walk through practical ways to set boundaries, build connection with your child, importance of emotional regulation, and anchoring your heart in truth when others don’t understand your parenting choices.

You’ll learn how to stay calm and confident even when family members question your approach, how to create emotional safety for your child with ADHD, Autism (ASD), ODD, PDA, or sensory challenges, and how to hold onto peace when the pressure to “keep everyone happy” starts to rise.

Whether you’re navigating meltdowns, managing defiant behavior, or simply craving a more connected, grace-filled holiday, this episode will remind you that you are the expert on your child and the Father’s peace is always stronger than people’s opinions.

This Thanksgiving, you can protect your peace, parent with compassion, and walk in confidence knowing you are led by love, not guilt.

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”  Proverbs 29:25

When you trust the Father’s guidance more than people’s expectations, you step out of fear and into freedom. True peace comes from knowing that your worth and your child’s isn’t determined by anyone else’s approval.

This week, take time to pray over your plans before the holiday.

Remember, peace doesn’t always mean everyone’s happy sometimes it just means you stayed anchored in love and obedience to the Father.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

Ever replayed a moment after your child’s meltdown and thought, “Why did I do that again?”

Do you wish you could respond with peace instead of guilt after losing your cool?

Wonder how to rebuild connection when emotions run high for both you and your child?

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most healing, hope-filled parts of parenting strong-willed and neurodivergent kids — repair.

No matter how much you work on emotional regulation, you’ll still have moments when things don’t go as planned. But peace doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from reconnection.

Amanda shares what real repair looks like after a rupture, how to restore emotional safety, and how to rebuild trust and connection with your child, even when meltdowns, defiance, or sensory overload happen.

You’ll learn how to:

Recognize what’s happening inside of you before trying to fix what’s happening around you.

Use the 3 R’s of Repair — Regulate, Reconnect, Reflect — to restore safety and model humility.

Respond to your child with compassion and confidence, even when they’re overwhelmed by ADHD, Autism (ASD), ODD, or PDA-related challenges.

Apply the Creation Cycle to renew your mind and partner with the Holy Spirit in the middle of hard moments.

Because here’s the truth, mama it’s not the meltdown that defines your relationship, but how you reconnect afterward.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”

Just like God’s mercies are new every morning, you get to mirror that same grace with your child. Every repair moment is a chance to show them what unconditional love looks like connection after chaos, mercy after rupture.

This week, when a hard moment happens:

1️⃣ Pause and regulate yourself first.

Then, reflect on what shifted - not what went wrong, but how choosing repair created safety for both of you.

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You’re not called to perfect parenting you’re called to faithful connection.

Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! 

If so, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

We’re diving into a powerful concept called the Hero, Victim, and Villain lens and how it can completely change the way you approach parenting your strong-willed or neurodivergent child.

When meltdowns happen, it’s easy to slip into old patterns: feeling powerless (the Victim), trying to control (the Villain), or losing hope altogether. But what if you could step into a new story one where you become the Hero?

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

Partner with the Holy Spirit to take your thoughts captive and renew your mind

We’ll walk through real-life examples like handling defiant behavior, PDA-style refusals, or emotional meltdowns common in kids with ADHD, Autism (ASD), or ODD  in a way that protects your peace and builds lasting connection.

Because here’s the truth: you can’t always control the chaos, but you can anchor yourself in calm.

Mama, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing peace, walking in grace, and remembering that with God’s help… you can be the calm in your child’s storm.

The difference between reacting in fear and responding in faith

How to identify whether you’re in the Hero, Victim, or Villain role

What emotional regulation looks like in real-life parenting moments

How to rebuild trust and connection with your child when things go wrong

Faith Anchor:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23 

Challenge of the Week: 

This week, I want to challenge you to notice which story you’re living from when things get hard.

When your strong-willed or neurodivergent child has a meltdown, pause for a moment and ask yourself:

“Am I showing up as the Victim, the Villain, or the Hero?”

“What thought is driving my reaction right now?”

Then, take a deep breath and pray:

“Father, help me take this thought captive. Help me see my child — and myself — the way You do.”

Your only goal is awareness.

Because every time you pause, reflect, and invite God into the moment, you’re strengthening your emotional regulation and creating space for deeper connection with your child.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! 

Do you ever feel like you’re living in constant reaction mode just trying to survive one meltdown, defiant moment, or emotional storm after another?

In this episode, we’re diving into The Creation Cycle — the #1 tool that will help you renew your mind, regulate your emotions, and rebuild connection with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ASD, ADHD,ODD, PDA, Autism).

You’ll learn how your thoughts, feelings, and actions work together and how shifting your thoughts can change the atmosphere of your entire home.

This simple, faith-based framework will help you take your thoughts captive, calm the chaos, and parent with confidence and compassion even when big emotions rise.

What the Creation Cycle is and how it helps you partner with God to renew your mind

The difference between un-captured/un-renewed (false self) and renewed (true self) thoughts

How to identify the patterns keeping you stuck in survival mode

How to process emotions with grace so you can respond from love, not reactivity

Real-life examples of what this looks like for moms of strong-willed, defiant, or neurodivergent kids

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

You don’t have to keep reacting from fear or frustration.

Challenge of the Week:

This week, I want you to:

Do a Thought Download. Get every thought out of your head and onto paper.

Pick one thought or emotion that feels the most charged.

Run it through your Creation Cycle.

Then ask yourself:

“What do I want to believe on purpose?”

Write that new thought down every day and practice it until it becomes the truth you live from.

Thought: What am I thinking?

Feeling: What emotion does that thought create in me?

Action: What do I do when I feel that way?

Result: What does that action create in my life—internally and externally?

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! 

This week, we’re exploring the action part of the Creation Cycle—how your daily choices flow directly from your thoughts, emotions, and identity in Christ.

You’ll learn:

What buffering looks like (and how it keeps you stuck in survival mode).

How to recognize when you’re living from your false self (old man) instead of your true self (new man).

Why emotional regulation matters when raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, ASD, ODD, PDA).

What it means to take faith-filled action—even when it feels uncomfortable.

How to let the Father renew your mind so your actions reflect who He says you are.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Taking action in faith isn’t about striving harder—it’s about surrendering deeper.

Buffering (scrolling, snacking, overworking, etc.) is how we often avoid emotions—but awareness helps us face what’s really going on.

True Self vs. False Self: Your true self lives from love, grace, and abundance; your false self reacts from fear, lack, and self-protection.

Faith-Filled Action: Growth happens when we take imperfect action—when we show up with courage even in the middle of hard moments.

Emotional Regulation: You can’t control your child’s behavior, but you can control how you respond. This is what rebuilds connection and peace at home.

Identify one area of your life where you’ve been buffering or numbing out—maybe through social media, food, or busyness.

This week, instead of avoiding the emotion, pause and allow it.Then take one small action that aligns with your true self—something that moves you closer to peace, presence, and connection with your child.

Ask yourself:

“Am I acting from fear, or am I acting from love?”

Every time you choose love, you’re becoming more of who the Father created you to be.

“Your child doesn’t have to change for you to reclaim your peace. When you regulate your emotions and act from your true identity, you become the calm in your child’s storm.”

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mama who’s walking through the storms of parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally!

If you have a child strong-willed or neurodivergent child with ADHD, Autism, ODD, PDA you are in the right place!

Over the last few episodes, we’ve talked about becoming aware of what you’re feeling and allowing emotions without judgment.

You’ll learn:

Why emotions are simply energy in motion—and how to let them pass through.

What it practically looks like to sit with an emotion instead of resisting it.

How trapped emotions can keep us feeling heavy and stagnant.

Practical ways to process emotions through movement, writing, and connection.

How releasing your emotions brings more peace to your home and your heart.

The Bible shows again and again that feelings aren’t something to hide or be ashamed of—they are part of how God designed us to connect with Him and others.

Verses Showing It’s Okay to Have Feelings & Emotions

John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”

Psalm 42:11 (NIV) – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV) – “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Mark 14:33–34 (NIV) – “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’”

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Romans 12:15 (NIV) – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

When we process our emotions with the Father instead of pushing them away, He transforms what once felt heavy into something holy. The same emotions that once buried us can become the soil where healing grows.

Emotions aren’t meant to stay trapped inside. They’re like clouds passing over the sun or waves rolling through the ocean—they move when we let them. When we process emotions instead of carrying them like a backpack full of rocks, we create space for more peace, connection, and joy.

When you notice an emotion this week:

Pause and describe it—what does it feel like in your body?

If it had a color, shape, or texture, what would it be?

Choose one physical action to help release it: a walk, a cry, dancing, or a hug.

Invite the Father into that moment—ask Him what He’s teaching you and thank Him for helping you release it.

Want more encouragement like this? Join my Insiders List for faith-filled reminders, emotional regulation tips, and practical tools to help you stay anchored in who God says you are.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! 

Ever feel like your emotions take over the moment your child melts down? You try to push them away, but they only come back stronger.

In this episode, Amanda Calfee, Christian life coach and creator of The Anchored Mama Approach, teaches you how to allow emotions without being ruled by them so you can stay calm, connected, and confident—even when chaos hits.

You’ll learn how:

If you’ve ever felt hijacked by your feelings or disconnected from your strong-willed or neurodivergent child, this conversation will show you how to invite God into your emotional life and stop letting guilt or shame run the show.

John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”

Mark 14:33–34 – “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them.”

Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

This week, when you feel a strong emotion rise up, practice allowing it instead of reacting or suppressing it.

Steps to practice:

📝 Bonus Tip: Write a quick note each time you try this — you’ll start seeing how much lighter it feels when you stop resisting your emotions.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! 

Does it ever feel like your child’s meltdowns hijack your whole mood? One moment you’re calm, the next you’re snapping, and then comes the guilt. You’re not alone, mama — and you’re not broken.

In this first part of our two-episode series, we’re unpacking the first step to emotional resilience as a Christian mom: awareness. You’ll learn how to recognize the repetitive thoughts you carry and the emotions they create, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start walking in peace.

This episode will help you:

If you’re parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child — whether that’s ADHD, PDA, ODD, Autism, or ASD — this first step is crucial. Emotional regulation doesn’t begin with fixing your child’s behavior. It begins with understanding your own thought life and emotions.

Challenge of the Week:

No judgment, just awareness. This is your first step toward peace, connection, and resilience in parenting.

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Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the Top 3% of podcasts globally! 

Have you ever felt like your thoughts are hijacking your parenting leaving you overwhelmed, reactive, and stuck in survival mode?

In this episode, we’re diving into three powerful anchors for your thought life that will help you take your thoughts captive, so you can show up calmer and more connected with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (whether ADHD, ASD, ODD, or PDA).

You’ll learn how your thoughts shape your feelings, your actions, and ultimately the atmosphere in your home. Instead of being run by fear, shame, or others’ opinions, you’ll discover practical tools to declutter your mind and anchor your thoughts in truth—so meltdowns no longer have the power to hijack your peace.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Faith Anchor

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Mama, you don’t have to let your thoughts run wild—you can anchor them in truth and take back your peace.

Episode Challenge

This week, try a “thought download.” Write down every thought swirling in your mind about parenting, meltdowns, and your child. Then ask: Does this thought serve me and the relationship I want with my child? Release what doesn’t, and choose one life-giving thought to carry forward.

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