In today’s episode, we are joined by Michelle Kenney, a certified coach who focuses on helping parents connect with their kids. Michelle gives some great tips on handling difficult situations with our children. No matter what they are struggling with, Michelle encourages parents to connect with them, show their children empathy, and help them work through difficult emotions. She talks about how and when to discuss the divorce with children and what information to give them so they can be prepared. Tune in to hear these fantastic parenting tips, whether you are going through a divorce or not!

In this episode:

[1:40] Getting to know Michelle Kenney and her background. [7:22] What does creating or keeping a connection with your child(ren) look like during divorce? [9:55] How to bend your life to connect with your older children - meeting them for their needs. [11:18] How do you open up the line of communication with your kids that you are getting divorced? [13:32] What do kids need to hear when they are told divorce is happening?

Key Takeaways:

Connection is the way to go if you want to create a great relationship with your children. Spend 20 minutes a day of 1:1 time with each kid, doing something they enjoy. Drop what you are doing and focus on them to create a strong bond. When supporting a child through divorce, think of creating a connection of what you desire—empathy, openness, good communication, etc. Think of the values you want and implement them into your parenting. Everyone is going to take an emotional hit during a divorce. Research shows that they will turn out ok, so don’t worry! Be open and honest with the kids, talk about how hard it is, and let them come to you with each emotion they experience. 

Quotes:

“When I found a connection, she totally changed because I changed.” - Michelle Kenney

“What do kids need to hear? They need to hear that it's not their fault. That everyone still loves them. And they need to know the logistics of what’s going to happen to them.” - Michelle Kenney

“We cannot protect our children from all the hurts of the world, nor do we want to. Because if we try to protect our children from all the hurts of the world, then they don't know how to recover from the hurts of the world. And when they go out there, and they’ve never had a big hurt, it takes them down.” - Michelle Kenney

Guest Bio:

I'm a former "yeller," recovering "perfectionist," and reformed "control freak"...

I help parents find more calm and peace at home in a modern, demanding, and hectic world.

I help parents cultivate self-regulation by showing them how to move away from yelling and threats and into more connection.

Resources:

Peace and Parenting Facebook

Peace and Parenting Instagram

PeaceandparentingLA.com

Email @ [email protected]

Peace and Parenting Podcast

Lesa Koski Website

Mentioned in this episode:

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