• 130. How to Be a Lazy Parent in the Best Way - 2 Keys to Less Stress & More Joy
    Oct 15 2025

    Feeling exhausted from doing everything — the school snacks, the bedtime routines, the constant reminders — and ready to just burn the whole thing down?

    What if being a "Lazy Parent" was the key to more joy and ease?!

    Spoiler alert - I think it is!!

    In this week’s episode, I invite you into a surprisingly freeing mindset: Lazy Parenting.


    No, it’s not about neglect or indifference — it’s about choosing intentional calm over chaos (trying to keep up with Insta trends), and kind and firm parenting instead of over-functioning (doing everything for everyone).

    And guess what?! This actually makes parenting feel easier and sustainable.

    When you are done listening, you will know:

    • Why doing less for your kids helps them become more responsible and resilient.
    • The simple mindset shifts that end daily power struggles without yelling.
    • How to reclaim your energy and connection using gentle discipline that actually works.

    If you’re ready to parent with more ease — and finally see your kids listen without all the nagging — this episode will be your permission slip to relax, breathe, and raise confident kids the sustainable way.

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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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    8 mins
  • 129. Playdates Without Panic: 3 Steps to Solve Hitting, Scratching or Grabbing.
    Oct 8 2025

    We explore why toddlers hit, bite, and grab at playdates and how to respond without shame or panic.

    Did you know - these behaviors are VERY common stage in the early years of development?! Research shows that these behaviors are actually very common in early childhood. Studies find that between 26% and 70% of toddlers show some form of physical aggression — hitting, biting, pushing, or scratching — depending on how it’s measured. And in real-life parent reports, around 50–60% of children ages 1-3 hit or lash out at least occasionally when frustrated.

    So first off.. not need to think you are failing or raising a psychopath.

    When your child hits, spits, or scratches at a playdate, it can feel mortifying — but these moments are actually powerful teaching opportunities.

    In this episode, I'll share 3 Playdate Reset Tips, including:

    • How to remember what really matters,
    • How to teach your child the new behaviors in a way that will finally STICK.
    • How to get the end results of more FUN and EASY playdates, without any amount of panic.


    Don't forget, we'd be honored to have you share this episode with a friend. Give a five star review, or subscribe - so that you don't miss anything in the future.


    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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
  • 128. The One Phrase That Works When Kids Ignore You
    Oct 1 2025

    Does your child suddenly “lose their hearing” the moment you ask them to pick up their shoes, come to the table, or turn off the tablet? You’re not alone—and you’re not going crazy. In this episode, we’ll unpack why kids pretend not to hear you and how to break the exhausting cycle of repeating yourself over and over.

    By the time you finish listening, you will know:

    • Why kids really tune us out (and it’s not because they’re disrespectful).
    • The “connect before you direct” approach that makes kids instantly more responsive.
    • How to stop the power struggle of the child ignoring and you repeating yourself 17 times... all the while getting to the end of your rope, ready to scream.
    • The one magic phrase that cuts through the ignoring act almost every time.

    Friend, parenting with kindness and firmness doesn’t mean raising your voice—it means finding simple tools that bring more calm and cooperation at home. This episode will show you how.

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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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    14 mins
  • 127. The One Tool Most Gentle Parents Miss
    Sep 24 2025

    Tired of repeating yourself 14 times a day, only to explode when your kids don’t listen? You’re not alone. In this episode, Flora McCormick, founder of Sustainable Parenting, shares the #1 tool most gentle parents overlook—and why it’s the secret to parenting without yelling and finding calm in the chaos.

    After listening, you’ll discover:

    • Why inconsistency fuels tantrums, testing, and power struggles.
    • How predictability calms your child’s nervous system (and yours).
    • Simple scripts and routines that blend kind and firm parenting.

    If you’ve been searching for positive parenting strategies and want a roadmap to calm, confident parenting, this episode will help you create more cooperation, connection, and peace at home.

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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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    16 mins
  • 126. 5 Pillars for Peaceful Bedtimes | Matthew Wellington
    Sep 17 2025

    Does bedtime ever feel like the longest part of your day? You’re exhausted, ready for some peace, but your child suddenly transforms into a master negotiator—asking for just one more kiss, one more drink of water, or one more story. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to meet those sweet requests and desperately craving your own downtime, this Sustainable Parenting episode is for you.

    In today’s conversation with Flora McCormick, LCPC and sleep expert Matthew Wellington, we unpack the 5 Pillars for Peaceful Bedtimes—practical, evidence-based strategies that help kids settle more smoothly and give you back your evenings. This is Sustainable Parenting at its best: kind and firm solutions that work in real life.

    Matthew Wellington is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst based in Ontario, Canada. He is the founder of Sleep Behaviourally, a consultancy dedicated to helping families and busy professionals improve their sleep through evidence-based behavioural strategies. With a deep commitment to making science practical, Matthew empowers parents and individuals to implement simple, effective changes that lead to lasting rest and wellbeing. His work blends behavioural science with compassion, making him a trusted guide for anyone seeking better sleep and healthier daily routines.

    After listening to this episode, you’ll know:

    • How to set up the right sleep schedule so your child actually feels tired at bedtime.
    • Why a predictable routine matters—and how to use visuals to cut down on nagging and power struggles.
    • What environmental cues (light, sound, temperature) can make or break sleep success.
    • How to create calming pre-bed activities that cue “wind down” instead of “rev up.”
    • Simple ways to minimize those bedtime-stalling behaviors without guilt.

    If you’ve been looking for Positive Parenting Strategies that truly help with Getting Kids to Listen, reduce tantrums, and support you in Raising Confident Kids, you’ll find this episode full of simple, sustainable answers to the nightly parenting challenges around bedtime.


    Here are the resources by Matthew Wellington: https://sleepbehaviourally.com/resources/

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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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    17 mins
  • 125. How Taking Time for Yourself Makes You a Better Parent
    Sep 10 2025

    Ever felt that twinge of guilt when you consider taking time away from your family to pursue a hobby? You're not alone. As a mother of two and lifelong dancer, I recently found myself questioning whether my dance performances were worth the disrupted bedtimes and occasional complaints from my nine-year-old daughter. But what if those personal pursuits aren't selfish at all? What if they're actually essential to your BEST parenting, even?


    In this episode, I flip the script and share three surprising reasons your passions aren’t selfish at all—they’re a gift to your kids. From modeling healthy fun, to showing them you’re a whole person, to teaching empathy, you’ll walk away ready to embrace your hobbies without guilt.

    In a world that often equates good parenting with self-sacrifice, that might be the most valuable lesson of all.

    Ready to reclaim a hobby you've been putting off?


    Your children—and your future self—will thank you for it.

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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
    10 mins
  • 124. How Letting Kids Struggle Supports Raising Resilient Kids
    Sep 3 2025

    Ever notice how you're stuck in a cycle of constant reminders with your kids? You’re telling them to pack their lunch, grab their cleats, finish their homework—yet you’re torn between enjoying feeling needed and resenting this never-ending role.

    In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we explore the powerful shift from being a micromanaging parent to a coaching parent. You’ll learn how to move from constant control into Positive Parenting Strategies that help kids build independence and “struggle muscles,” while also giving you more peace and freedom.

    After listening, you’ll discover:

    • How shifting from “fixing everything” to a coaching mindset helps kids build resilience and confidence.
    • Why small struggles, like forgotten items, are valuable learning opportunities.
    • Calm Parenting Tips to regulate your own nervous system so you can guide instead of rescue.
    • How asking problem-solving questions empowers children more than giving ready-made answers.
    • The surprising freedom that comes from working yourself out of the parenting “job.”

    If you’re ready for Kind and Firm Parenting that reduces stress and builds long-term responsibility, this episode will give you the tools to do just that.

    Join me next week as we discuss the woman underneath the role of mom, and how attending to yourself can help you be the calm, confident parent you want to be.

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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
    12 mins
  • 123. Why Forced Apologies Don’t Teach Kids Responsibility and What to Do Instead
    Aug 20 2025

    Tired of forcing your kids to say “I’m sorry,” only to have the apology come out flat, fake, or sarcastic?

    Do you find yourself insisting on the “right tone” until you are blue in the face, or even yelling at your child - and all the while the kid doesn't really seem to care?

    Here's the deal, friend. Most of the time, I've found apologizing doesn’t actually teach kids responsibility. It just teaches them how to act like they feel bad.

    In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, we’ll dive into why traditional apologies are often worthless—and what to do instead.

    You’ll discover two powerful steps that actually help kids take ownership of their actions: making it right (repairing the harm in a meaningful way) and making a plan (practicing what to do differently next time).

    From checking in with a sibling they’ve hurt, to helping rebuild a crashed tower, to practicing a respectful “do over” when grabbing a toy—these simple strategies build empathy, accountability, and real-life problem-solving skills.

    If you’re ready to stop nagging, yelling or repeating your lectures about being more nice - today is the day to end empty apologies and begin using tools that raise confident and kind kids who truly know how to take responsibility for their actions and even mistakes.

    This episode is here to give you the simplified and sustainable parenting tools to unlock true maturity and growth in your child, while being the calm confident parent you've always wanted to be. 🫶🏼

    Want more?

    Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

    Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

    ✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

    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
    12 mins