Episode 56: Are you struggling to understand why your child exhibits big behaviors like yelling, hitting, or biting? In this episode, we uncover the reasons behind these actions and provide practical strategies to help you navigate them.

In this insightful episode, Dayna Abraham sits down with Krysten Taprell, a psychologist with over 20 years of experience and author of "Guidance from the Therapist Parent." Together, they discuss the normalcy of big behaviors in children, what these behaviors communicate, and how parents can better manage their own reactions to support their children effectively. This episode is packed with practical tools and strategies to help parents navigate challenging behaviors with understanding and compassion.

"When we recognize that big behaviors are a form of communication, we can better support our children through their most challenging moments." - Krysten Taprell

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:00] Understanding Big Behaviors: Big behaviors like yelling, hitting, and biting are normal and communicate a child's inability to cope with overwhelming situations.
• [00:02:00] Krysten's Background: Krysten shares her journey as a psychologist and the inspiration behind her book.
• [00:04:00] Misconceptions About Big Behaviors: Addressing common misconceptions and helping parents understand the root causes of challenging behaviors.
• [00:06:00] Managing Parental Triggers: Importance of parents managing their own reactions and triggers to help their children effectively.
• [00:09:00] Tools for Staying Calm: Practical tools for parents to remain calm, including breathing techniques and self-reflection.
• [00:11:00] Building Connection: Strategies for building a strong connection with children, even after challenging behaviors.
• [00:16:00] Handling Behaviors in the Moment: Tips for managing big behaviors in real-time and the importance of taking breaks.
• [00:18:00] Setting Boundaries: How to set and enforce boundaries while maintaining a compassionate approach.
• [00:20:00] Practical Tools from the Book: Exercises and tools from Krysten's book to help children manage anxiety and big emotions.
• [00:22:00] Final Advice: Krysten's message to parents: your child is doing the best they can, and so are you.

Additional Resources:

• Guidance from the Therapist Parent: Discover practical tools and strategies from Krysten Taprell's book to help navigate big behaviors in children.
• Calm the Chaos Book: Need help getting out of survival mode, one baby step at a time? Grab a copy of the roadmap designed for you.
• Free Parenting Style Quiz: 📝 Take this FREE quiz to discover which of 4 different parenting styles you have

Remember, you’ve got this!

👉 Check out my Social:

• YouTube: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Instagram: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Facebook: Calm the Chaos Parenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! calmthechaospodcast.com

Remember, you’ve got this!

Episode 55: In this episode, Dayna Abraham chats with Julie Redmond, host of the Mom Made Plans podcast. Julie shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed to creating non-negotiables that help her navigate motherhood with more ease. They discuss the importance of identifying personal needs, practical strategies to make time for yourself, and how these changes can positively impact your parenting.

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying Survival Mode (00:01:00): Julie shares her experiences with twins in the NICU and the realization of living in survival mode. She emphasizes the importance of savoring moments despite the chaos.
• Gradual Changes Over Time (00:03:00): Discussion on how small, incremental changes and consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements in parenting and self-care.
• Understanding Non-Negotiables (00:05:00): The concept of non-negotiables and why it’s crucial to determine and prioritize a few core needs that recharge you.
• Balancing Needs with Parenting (00:09:00): Practical tips for reconciling personal needs with the demands of parenting, especially when dealing with challenging behaviors.
• Practical Strategies and Habit Stacking (00:12:00): How to integrate self-care into daily routines through habit stacking and creative scheduling.
• Setting Realistic Expectations (00:18:00): Adjusting expectations to make non-negotiables achievable and avoiding perfectionism.
• Empathy and Awareness (00:21:00): Using self-awareness to better understand and meet the needs of your children, fostering a more empathetic approach to parenting.

Additional Resources:

• Mom Made Plans Podcast: Listen to more practical tips and strategies for easier mom life.
• Calm the Chaos Book: Need help getting out of survival mode, one baby step at a time? Grab a copy of the roadmap designed for you.
• Calm the Chaos Program: Want more support and hand-holding as you reclaim your energy and create more space for you and your family? Join us in our Full Program (only open twice a year)

Remember, you’ve got this!

👉 Check out my Social:

• YouTube: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Instagram: Calm the Chaos Parenting
• Facebook: Calm the Chaos Parenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! calmthechaospodcast.com

EPISODE 54: In this episode, Dayna Abraham chats with Gwenna Laithland, the hilarious and insightful author of Momma Cusses and TikTok sensation. Gwenna shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated to becoming a responsive parenting advocate. They discuss the realities of parenting, the importance of handling big emotions, and practical strategies to improve parent-child relationships—all while keeping your sense of humor.

Key Takeaways:

• Gwenna's Turning Point (00:00:00): Gwenna shares a powerful and relatable story about a moment of realization that led her to change her parenting approach. She discusses her transformative moment and the search for relatable resources that helped her along the way.
• Navigating Early Parenting and Survival Mode (00:02:00): Gwenna discusses her initial years as a parent, dealing with survival mode, and the challenges of having a newborn, highlighting how she managed those early struggles.
• Mindset Shifts (00:12:00): The importance of moving past labels like "gentle parenting" and embracing a style that fits your family's unique needs, and how these mindset shifts can transform your parenting approach.
• Handling Big Emotions (00:18:00): Gwenna explains the Big Feels Loop De Loop, a method for recognizing, regulating, and reasoning through big emotions. She provides practical tips for handling these big emotions effectively.
• Co-Regulation and Personal Strategies (00:22:00): Various co-regulation techniques and personal stories that illustrate practical applications, demonstrating how to help children manage their emotions through co-regulation.
• Critiquing Traditional Advice (00:29:00): Gwenna addresses common criticisms and misconceptions about modern parenting techniques with her trademark humor, offering a fresh perspective on traditional advice.
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Additional resources:

📖 Momma Cusses by Gwenna Laithland: Available at local bookstores and bookshop.org

✨Gwenna Laithland on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @MommaCusses

🔍For more insights, strategies, and support, join our Calm the Chaos community and check out our upcoming workshops.

Remember, you’ve got this!

👉 Check out my Social:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode! calmthechaospodcast.com

Episode #53: In this heartfelt episode, Dayna sits down with Joann, the founder of No Guilt Mom, to delve into the pervasive issue of mom guilt. Together, they explore where this guilt comes from, why it affects so many mothers, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

Joann shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and guilt-ridden to finding balance and joy in motherhood. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you release guilt and step into your power as a mom.

"When we're able to release the mom guilt, we can step more into our power as women and make such a change in the world." - Joann

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:00] Joann's Background: Joann discusses her upbringing and how she initially viewed motherhood based on her parents' sacrifices.
• [00:01:00] Introduction by Dayna: Dayna introduces Joann and the topic of mom guilt, highlighting the common struggle of balancing self-care with parenting duties.
• [00:02:00] Joann's Story: Joann shares her career journey from TV and film to becoming a teacher and eventually founding No Guilt Mom.
• [00:04:00] The Root of Mom Guilt: Joann explains how societal expectations and personal upbringing contribute to mom guilt.
• [00:06:00] Breaking Free from Guilt: Joann's experience with postpartum depression and how therapy helped her release unrealistic expectations.
• [00:08:00] Impact on Children: The importance of demonstrating self-care to children and breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice.
• [00:10:00] Recognizing Triggers: Identifying the thoughts and stories that lead to feelings of guilt.
• [00:14:00] Holding Boundaries: Joann shares a personal story about holding boundaries with her daughter and managing guilt.
• [00:17:00] Embracing Discomfort: How to sit with uncomfortable emotions and let them pass.
• [00:23:00] Connection Without Guilt: Redefining what it means to connect with your kids and the power of micro-moments.
• [00:30:00] The Role of Self-Care: Why prioritizing your own needs is crucial for both you and your children.
• [00:38:00] Practical Steps: Joann’s journaling techniques to understand and manage guilt, and how self-compassion can transform your parenting experience.
• [00:42:00] Final Advice: Joann’s powerful message to mothers struggling with guilt.
• 
  

Resources:

• No Guilt Mom Website
• Books Mentioned:
• "Burnout" by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
• "Self-Compassion" and "Fierce Self-Compassion" by Dr. Kristin Neff

PLUS:

🙋‍♀️Join our 3 Day Virtual Live Ignite Event

📖 Get your copy of "Calm The Chaos Book": calmthechaosbook.com

👉 Check out my Social:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Episode #52: Do you ever feel like you are the problem in your parenting journey? You are not alone!

Christine Nieves, a dedicated mother and Calm the Chaos member, shares her heartfelt story of moving from self-judgment and hopelessness to finding calm and connection with her children. Christine's journey offers valuable insights for parents struggling with similar feelings of overwhelm and frustration, showing that change is possible through small, actionable steps and a supportive community.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:01:00] Introduction: Meet Christine, a mother of three with another on the way, and learn about her initial struggles with self-judgment and overwhelm.
• [00:02:00] The Struggle with Self-Judgment: Christine opens up about feeling like the problem in her parenting and considering drastic measures.
• [00:04:00] The Missing Link in Self-Care: Despite extensive self-care efforts, Christine discusses the gap in applying these practices to everyday parenting.
• [00:06:00] Discovering Calm the Chaos: How Christine found the program and began to see significant changes in her reactions and mindset.
• [00:08:00] The Importance of Tiny Steps: Breaking down self-care into manageable, daily actions that create lasting change.
• [00:10:00] Shifting Mindsets: Identifying and changing the thoughts that trigger negative reactions.
• [00:12:00] True Connection: Moving beyond superficial connections to truly engage and connect with children.
• [00:14:00] Implementing the Calm the Chaos Framework: Christine’s practical application of the framework to her daily life.
• [00:17:00] Self-Awareness and Self-Compassion: Learning to recognize and address personal needs and triggers.
• [00:19:00] Practical Advice for Parents: Christine’s advice for parents feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
• 
  

Additional resources:

📖 Get your copy of "Calm The Chaos Book": calmthechaosbook.com

✨ Hear the Success Stories: calmthechaosworkshop.com/stories

🔍 Check out my website: lemonlimeadventures.com

👉 Check out my Social:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

Remember, you are exactly the parent your children need. It’s about taking one baby step at a time, focusing on self-compassion, and utilizing the support systems available. You've got this!

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Episode #51: Have you ever felt overwhelmed despite knowing all the right parenting strategies? In this episode of Calm the Chaos Parenting, Dayna welcomes Ginny, a parent of two neurodivergent children and a dedicated member of our community. Ginny shares her powerful journey of learning to bridge the gap between understanding her children's needs and effectively applying that knowledge in daily life.

Tune in to discover practical strategies for self-care, executive functioning, and building a supportive community that can transform your parenting approach.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] – Introduction:
• Meet Ginny and learn about her unique family dynamics and background.
• [05:30] – The Disconnect Between Knowledge and Action:
• Ginny describes the struggle of applying parenting knowledge under stress.
• [15:45] – The Role of Self-Care:
• How small daily self-care practices can significantly impact overall well-being.
• [25:00] – Effective Tools for Self-Management:
• Introduction to the five-minute energy plan and the brain dump exercise.
• [35:20] – Personal Growth and Executive Functioning:
• How focusing on tiny steps can lead to significant improvements in daily life.
• [45:10] – Building and Utilizing Community Support:
• The role of community in navigating parenting challenges and personal growth.

Additional Resources:

• Calm the Chaos Book: Discover strategies to help you navigate parenting with confidence.
• More Success Stories: Ginny is one of hundreds of parents around the world that have created more calm and joy in their lives using Calm the Chaos Framework.
• Ginny’s Artwork and Workshops: Explore Ginny's art she’s been able to create by taking action one step at a time

👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

"Calm the Chaos Parenting" is a podcast offering parents practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges of raising strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodivergent children.

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Episode 50:

In this episode, we interview Libby Ward about breaking the cycle of unhealthy patterns in parenting. Libby shares her personal journey of realizing the need for change and becoming a cycle breaker.

Libby, a passionate advocate for authentic motherhood, discusses how confronting past traumas and embracing emotional honesty can lead to profound personal and familial growth.

This episode provides not only a deep dive into the psychological shifts necessary for breaking unhealthy cycles but also offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for those feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting.

Libby's candid sharing and the introduction of her thoughtfully designed journal serve as invaluable resources for anyone looking to foster a more empathetic and supportive family environment.

Key Moments:

• [00:00] Introduction and Background: Introduction to the episode’s theme and Libby’s journey towards changing her parenting style to foster a safer and more loving environment.
• [03:42] Recognizing the Need for Change: Libby shares a personal story that highlights a critical morning that sparked her realization of needing to change her approach to parenting.
• [08:47] Understanding the Signs of Unhealthy Patterns: Discussion on how to recognize and interpret the signs of negative parenting patterns that may be passed down.
• [11:27] Dealing with Guilt and Shame: Strategies to effectively manage the feelings of guilt and shame that can arise from parenting missteps.
• [15:47] Breaking the Cycle: Definition and Examples: What does it mean to "break the cycle"? Libby provides definitions and examples of how parents can alter harmful family dynamics.
• [23:49] Moving from Awareness to Action: Tips on how to move from recognizing issues to actively making changes in parenting behavior.
• [29:25] Embracing Imperfection and Accountability: Libby emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's imperfections as a parent and the power of accountability in healing and growth.
• [33:32] Journaling as a Tool for Self-Reflection: Introduction to journaling as a practical tool to aid parents in their journey towards deeper self-awareness and intentionality.
• [35:06] Overview of the Journal: Detailed look at the structure and benefits of Libby’s journal, designed to guide parents through self-reflection and improvement.
• [39:05] Closing Remarks and Encouragement: Final thoughts and encouragement for parents, emphasizing the journey of continuous improvement and the importance of small steps towards change.

Additional Resources:

• The Honest Mom Journal with Libby Challenge: 5 Days to Feel Better in Motherhood. (a free *journal with Libby* 5 day challenge meant to encourage moms who are struggling to try journaling to improve how they are feeling.)
• Honest Mom Journal by Libby Ward
• The Honest Mom website
• The Honest Mom on Instagram

👉 Stay connected for more insights and support in your parenting journey:

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmTheChaosParenting

🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

🎧 Follow us on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and balance in your family life!

breaking the cycle, parenting podcast, Libby Ward, authentic motherhood, emotional honesty, parenting tools, parental guilt, parental shame, cycle breaking, generational trauma, mindful parenting, family growth, emotional regulation, self-awareness, parenting tips, motherhood journey, practical parenting advice, supportive family environment, Calm the Chaos Parenting, Dayna Abraham