If parenting feels like a constant struggle—like the meltdowns, the chaos, and the stress are all you can see—your brain might be the problem.

No, really. Your brain is wired to prioritize the hard stuff—the tantrums, the mess, the never-ending to-do list—while the tiny wins and joyful moments slip away unnoticed. It’s called negativity bias, and it’s making parenting feel way harder than it needs to be.

But here’s the good news: There’s a simple brain hack that can change everything.

🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into:

✔ Why your brain naturally fixates on the struggles (and how to break the cycle)

✔ The simple daily practice that rewires your brain for joy

✔ How shifting your focus can make parenting feel lighter—without toxic positivity

If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just over it—this might be the easiest, most powerful shift you can make.

Here's a link to the article I referenced about creating a "Dopamine Menu."

If you are struggling to find your own parenting smiles... these joyful kid moments should give you a little inspiration:

Toddler friends (Heart melted!)

Baby Auntie Dancer (How can you not smile at this??)

Laughing & joyful kids in preschool (Pure joy!)

🎙️ Episode Summary:
The world feels more divided, more disconnected, and honestly, more exhausting than ever. And if you’re wondering how to raise a kid who doesn’t add to the chaos, you’re not alone.

Today, we’re diving into one simple but essential skill that determines whether your child will connect, collaborate, and build bridges—or struggle to navigate relationships and conflict.

This isn’t about adding another thing to your already full plate. It’s about small, doable shifts that make a huge difference in raising kids who truly see other people.

In this episode, we cover:
✔️ Why this skill is so critical in today’s world
✔️ How kids naturally develop it—and where we might be holding them back
✔️ The two biggest ways we’re unintentionally making it harder for kids to connect
✔️ 4 simple, real-life ways to teach it (without overhauling your life)

If we want to raise better humans, we have to be better at modeling what that looks like. This episode gives you the tools to start today.

Press play now.

Here are links to the experiments I talk about in the episode:

In this one, you watch a child work through the idea that anyone would like eating raw broccoli over a bowl of Goldfish crackers. (And, yes, that's me narrating the video)

This video is a little longer, but gives you a good example of how a 3 yr old's mind works.

📌 Follow me on Instagram for more parenting insights

Parenting right now? It’s a lot.

The world feels chaotic. Unstable. Like everything is spiraling out of control. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, powerless, or just stuck wondering how to prepare your kid for all of this…you are not alone.

But here’s the thing:Youdo have power.

(HERE is yourguide to the essential skills your kids need - and the tiny ways to teach them - to navigate this challenge world.)

You can’t control the chaos. But you can raise a kid who knows how tothink for themselves, adapt to challenges, and stand strong—no matter what’s happening in the world around them.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

⚡ The7 essential skills kids need to navigate today’s world

⚡ Whymost parents are focused on the wrong things—and how to shift your approach

⚡ Howperspective-taking, focus, and critical thinking aremore important than ever

⚡ Why teaching these skills to your kids will alsohelp YOU feel more in control

Because the future isn’t just happening to us.We shape it through the kids we raise.

What do a broken piano, a surprise thunderstorm, and a garden have in common? They all hold powerful lessons about parenting, resilience, and the magic that happens when we let go of perfection.

In this episode, we’ll dive into the incredible story of Keith Jarrett’s unforgettable 1975 performance in Köln, where a broken piano forced him to improvise—and led to one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. We’ll connect it to a personal story of turning chaos into connection during a thunderstorm with a group of middle schoolers, and explore how these moments offer a roadmap for parenting when life doesn’t go according to plan.

You’ll learn why shifting from a “carpenter” mindset (rigid plans and blueprints) to a “gardener” mindset (nurture, adapt, and watch things grow) can transform how you approach parenting. Plus, I’ll share simple, actionable tips for creating moments of flexibility in your family’s routine to help your kids build resilience, creativity, and confidence.

Because life is messy, plans fall apart, and that’s where the real magic begins.

Here's the full podcast about Keith Jarrett's performance that inspired this episode... It's soooo good!

You can order Alison Gopnik's book here. A great - and very different - kind of parenting read!

Constantly glued to your phone around your kids? In this episode, we dive into the emotional disconnect that can occur between parents and children, thanks to the distraction of the seemingly ever-present cell phone. You'll come away with some easy and actionable steps that will let you build deeper connection... without giving up your Instagram scroll.

Check out the "Still Face" study I reference in the episode here... Be prepared... it's REALLY powerful!

It’s two weeks into the New Year, and if your resolutions are already collecting dust—don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this episode, Amy McCampbell flips the script on goal-setting, especially when it comes to parenting. Forget chasing perfection or rigid rules. Instead, Amy dives into how setting meaningful parenting goals—and focusing on tiny, everyday actions—can help you raise kids who grow into the kind of adults you’ll love hanging out with (yes, even when they’re 30).

Get ready to reflect on your parenting North Star, embrace the messy journey, and start casting small votes every day for the kind of parent you want to be. This isn’t about crushing it; it’s about connection, curiosity, and creating a parenting path you can actually stick to. Ready? Let’s go.

Here's the podcast I referenced: "The Best of How To"

Ever feel like parenting comes with a side of guilt and a constant voice whispering, “You should be doing more, better, faster”? Sometimes, that pressure isn’t even yours—it’s someone else’s panic sneaking into your world.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

✨ What it means to live in someone else’s panic.
✨ How to notice when you’re carrying stress that isn’t yours.
✨ A simple, powerful tool to ground yourself: Notice → Pause → Redirect.

Parenting isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about finding clarity in the chaos and showing up for the moments that actually matter.

Tune in, take a breath, and let’s start making sense of parenting—one tiny moment at a time.

👉 Follow along on Instagram @TinyParenting for more daily prompts and reflections.