• 115. Why Yelling Works. And what to do Instead
    Jun 25 2025

    Today we are unlocking why yelling seems to work with our kids and how to find the balance between kindness and firmness that creates sustainable, effective parenting.

    Some key aspects we will cover today include:

    • When children push boundaries, they're actually seeking clarity and predictability, not testing our patience.
    • Children are wired to test boundaries to see what happens when they do.
    • Yelling "works" only because kids finally know you mean it, not because of the volume.
    • When we're overly gentle without clearly set boundaries, we set ourselves up to yell. Why? Well, it's kinda like the universe maintains a balance between kindness and firmness—falling too far into permissiveness leads to explosive firmness.
    • Today I'll teach you the CEO approach to replace yelling at your kids, with a new way to be kind and firm at the SAME time.
    • Replacing yelling requires learning how to mean what you say and say what you mean

      If you want to understand the CEO approach and get beginning tools for better communication, check out Episode 71: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-3-steps-that-get-kids-to-listen/id1682538739?i=1000665256022.

    Join me next week where we'll be talking about how to control your anger as a parent without yelling.


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    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

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    8 mins
  • 114. Smart Consequences: Breaking the Code on What works and What Doesn’t.
    Jun 18 2025

    Ever felt like the consequences you're using just aren't working?

    Maybe you've taken away screen time, treats, or even big events—only to see the same behavior again. It can feel frustrating and confusing when nothing seems to make a difference.

    In this episode, we take a closer look at why some consequences fall flat, and how small, thoughtful changes can lead to big results. You’ll hear Sean’s story—how he moved from taking away a big event to finding calmer, more connected ways to guide his child’s behavior.

    After listening, you’ll walk away with:
    • Three common mistakes that can make consequences less effective
    • A simple way to use small, step-by-step consequences that help kids learn
    • Ideas for keeping limits firm while still showing care and connection

    This conversation gently unpacks how effective consequences can support your child’s growth while also keeping your relationship strong. It’s not about punishment—it’s about teaching, guiding, and growing together.

    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    10 mins
  • 113. From Fun to Done: Ending Activities Without a Battle
    Jun 11 2025

    We're diving into how to solve transition battles with kids to help you move seamlessly from one activity to the next with more joy and ease.

    By the time you finish listening, you'll know:

    How to stop the ineffective "coo-coo cycle" of commands and consequences and instead become the C.E.O. of transitions - with a powerful four-step approach.


    1) Connection first (come alongside and notice what they have been playing with, or name it: "Boy! You have been having so much fun playing in this sand and building that castle. Look at it!"

    2) Direct them to their "Last thing" when you have 2-5 min. left- like they say in Daniel Tiger's episode. This gives more empowerment and makes the child feel like they ended on the note THEY choose.: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6ve0cp

    3) Use tools that give choice/playfulness to encourage cooperation (from the "Empowering statements" handout: https://drive.google.com/.../114xMIG_i5SZv-OzZct.../view...). This is CRITICAL. Instead of just saying "we have to go", put their brain on choices

    4) "2 roads" if needed. If they continue to not be motivated by all that - give a happy choice that has a happy result, vs. sad choice and sad result. Like: "well, you can go hopping or skipping, or I will hold your hand and help your body move to the car. You choose." I love the "What should Danny do" books to reinforce this idea in a way kids really like. https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_undefined...!

    Check out episodes 111 and 112 for more summer parenting strategies. Next week we'll cover what to do when your child cries at drop-off.

    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    13 mins
  • 112. Tech Time Battles: A Summer Survival Guide
    Jun 4 2025

    Friend, if you're tired of constant tech battles with your kids, especially with summer approaching, this episode provides practical strategies to reduce screen dependency and encourage creative alternatives.


    By the time you’re finished listening, you’ll know:


    • 3 key habits to stop and 3 key habits to start.


    • How to grow your child’s boredom "struggle muscles."


    • Tangible ways to regulate tech time.


    • how to strategically use tech time to your advantage: linking desired behaviors with technology rewards

    • Provide age-appropriate freedoms that satisfy their need for independence and excitement (outside of tech).

    Check out Episode 111. Summer Survival, for more detailed guidance on creating technology agreements with your children.


    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    12 mins
  • 111. Setting up the Summer for More Joy and Less Battles
    May 28 2025

    Have you been looking into the summer with worry that you will be losing your patience DAILY?!

    Are you afraid it will leave you ready to get those kids back to school within days?!


    By the time you finish listening today, you will know:

    • What to do when you reach the end of your rope.


    • How to solve the five most common trouble spots: toys, technology, treats, morning routines, and evening routines.

    • The single most important phrase to stop saying.


    • The best-kept-secret that unlocks more joy and ease - the SHORTER rope!

    Join us for a workshop on June 11th, 12-1pm MST, with 30 minutes of teaching and 30 minutes of Q&A.

    Registration is here: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop-4/

    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    11 mins
  • 110. Why Kids Don't Listen and Three Simple Solutions for Better Communication
    May 21 2025

    Ever found yourself repeating the same instruction fifteen times, feeling like your words have become the Charlie Brown "wah-wah" sound to your children's ears? You're not alone in this frustrating cycle.

    Ready to stop wasting breath on endless reminders?

    Today's empowering episode will uncover the 3 fundamental reasons children don't listen and provides transformative solutions that create immediate results.

    These evidence-based approaches create sustainable changes that honor both parent and child needs. Try them this week and experience the difference between suffering in circles and parenting with purpose.

    The sweet spot of effective parenting lives at the intersection of kindness and firmness – not in harsh discipline or permissiveness. These practical techniques create this balance, resulting in children who listen more effectively while maintaining their sense of autonomy and respect.

    Parents report "jaw-dropping" results when implementing these strategies, transforming morning routines and bedtime battles into smoother, more peaceful experiences.

    Want personalized support for your unique family challenges? Reach out for a free clarity call through the link in this episode's description. And if you've found value here, please take a moment to leave a five-star review sharing what this episode meant to you!

    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    13 mins
  • 109. How to Decrease Your Disappointment and Frustration in Motherhood
    May 14 2025

    Ever feel so stuck in frustration and Annoyance - in parenting?

    Today I will be giving you 1 key tool that I believe is the secret to decreasing frustration (even if your kids don’t change)!

    Key topics we will cover include:


    • Children's behavior isn't a sign of parental failure. It’s a normal part of development


    • "A child's job is to test rules and boundaries to see what happens when they do"


    • Lowering expectations doesn't mean abandoning standards for respectful behavior

    Join our lunch and learn workshops held monthly on Wednesdays at noon.

    Find information at sustainableparenting.com/workshop-4


    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

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    11 mins
  • 108. How to Stay Purpose-Driven as a Family
    May 7 2025

    Have you ever wished you had more purpose in your daily family time? Maybe you are tired of battling with your kids over WHY you set the boundaries you set.

    And maybe you are finally ready to focus on the long-term character qualities you want your kids to have when they are 25.

    Today we explore how creating a family mission statement provides direction for making parenting decisions and helps articulate values that guide your family. This approach transforms difficult conversations with children by referencing shared values rather than arbitrary rules.

    By the time you finish listening, you will know:

    • Why a Mission Statement for your Family is valuable, and can decrease daily arguments.


    • How to use your mission statement as a reference point during difficult discussions about privileges or behavior.


    • Consider resources like "Choose Intentionally" character cards to help discuss values with children.: https://chooseintentionally.com/collections/all/products/copy-of-family-intention-kit-1

    If you enjoyed this episode, remember to subscribe, leave us a review and share it with others that you think would benefit from sustainable parenting.

    And if you've been wanting to dive in deeper, you can always make a clarity call with me via the link below.


    Want more?

    1) Use this link for a
    FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

    2) Download the
    FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

    3) Buy a
    3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

    Show more Show less
    8 mins