Calm Parenting Podcast

Do you ever feel helpless when your child is melting down? Of course. Your child likely feels helpless as well. In this very personal and powerful episode, I give you the exact script I used to diffuse these situations…and respond the way I wish my parents had treated me. 

P.S. Want to have dozens of scripts like this for every tough situation? Get the Calm Parenting Bundle now via In-App Streaming & Instant Download. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products or email [email protected] with questions or for financial assistance. 

COZ...

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. I encourage you to listen to this special episode to learn how to advocate more effectively for your child.

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“If you would simply do what I ask you to do, you would be done in 7 minutes. But you would rather argue with me for 7 hours or days or weeks or years and lose everything you own!” That was our son! I tried to change him until I realized I was the one who needed to change. Tune in to this very personal episode to learn how to break the cycle of endless arguments, drop the power struggles, and finally build the deep bond you desire with your own strong-willed child.

P.S. Want to s...

If you feel overwhelmed with the stress and demands of school, extracurriculars, and a challenging child, you are not alone. So let’s make 7 stress-free shifts to calm the chaos, build positive momentum, and start feeling in control again starting tonight!

P.S. Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now to make changes ASAP and save with our Fall Sale! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products or email [email protected] with questions or for financial assistance. 

COZY EARTH

Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code CALM for...

You have tried everything to get your kids to care about school—and nothing has worked. These are kids who cannot be externally motivated. How can you internally motivate strong-willed kids to care about school? How can you build their confidence so they have the capacity to push through and do difficult things in school? You will learn 10 actionable strategies and scripts you can implement today! 

P.S. Share the programs with teachers so they know how to motivate your child in class. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products or email [email protected] with questio...

I have watched countless families ripped apart, spending 18 years fighting with their kids over something that doesn’t matter. It destroys both your child’s confidence and your relationship…so neither you nor your child enjoy their childhood. With zero upside. It’s an exhausting cycle you will regret and I don’t want you to waste another day trapped in it. Please share this important episode with other parents.

P.S. Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now to make changes ASAP and save with our Fall Sale! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products or email Cas...

Do you have a child who struggles when plans change, who becomes rigid and digs in, or who completely melts down and can’t recover? I want to show you how to teach kids of all ages to be resilient emotionally, control their own moods, and be responsible for their school work…without you hovering or enabling them. Discover scripts to build a more capable, flexible, resilient child.  

P.S. Finally…learn how to control yourself! Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now and save with our Fall Sale. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/fall-sale/ or email C...

Want your kids to exhibit self-control and actually be responsible for their own emotions? Then you must learn the power of strategic silence. Whether you’re dealing with a toddler throwing a tantrum or a teenager furious about phone boundaries, this episode is a masterclass in strategic silence. Learn the exact moments to back off so your child can finally learn to control their own emotions and behavior.

P.S. Finally…learn how to control yourself! Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now and save with our Fall Sale. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/fall-sale/ or ema...

Your kids ARE going to misbehave, not listen, refuse to help, scream when you say no, have meltdown at the worst times like bedtime. They may not live up to their potential so you’ll naturally be anxious about their future. So how can you slow your world down in that pivotal moment and lead your child to calm rather than escalating common situations? I show you real life examples in this practical episode. Email [email protected] with questions or financial assistance.

P.S. Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now, get on the s...

You have a strong-willed child who triggers you by talking back, blurting out, dawdling, having a messy room, doing things the hard way. Moms and Dads have different triggers. You will learn three ways to handle your triggers, get on the same page, and help impulsive kids. Plus we debut a BIG IDEA that will change your family quickly!

P.S. Instantly download the Calm Parenting Bundle now, get on the same page, and save with our Fall Sale! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/fall-sale/ or email [email protected] with questions or for financial assistance. 

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You want your kids to clean up their rooms. You also want them to handle the inevitable frustration and disappointment of life's biggest messes—without throwing tantrums, whining, or fighting with siblings. In this episode, you will learn stress-free strategies to get your kids to clean up their physical spaces and navigate internal frustration…while building their confidence and a closer bond with you.

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with family members so they can understand your child and support you—instead of judge you. Take advantage of our Fall Sale at ht...

If getting your kids out the door, into bed, or to school feels like preparing for combat, this episode is your rescue mission. Whether your child is naturally a dawdler, struggles with focus, or uses resistance to cope with anxiety, shouting "Hurry up!" never works. Listen to learn 10 creative, battle-tested strategies to get kids of all ages moving more quickly—completely fear-free. 

P.S. Download the Calm Parenting Bundle now and save with our Back-to-School Sale! We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle directly with teachers so you can be on the same page! Visit https://celebratecalm.com...

Do you ever feel like you are doing something wrong because your strong-willed child doesn’t readily comply? Do you ever feel caught in the middle playing peacekeeper between a spouse or rigid family with unrealistic expectations or religious beliefs and a kid who is just being a kid? Do you sometimes struggle letting go of the “Because I Said So” mentality demanding immediate obedience from kids? I want to show you a better way—so you can trade fear-based discipline for trusting connection that motivates your kids to listen, without fear. 

P.S. We can sh...

Deep breathing, punching pillows and “naming the emotion” sound great on paper—until you try them with an intense child. These traditional calming tools can actually backfire—leaving your child angrier and feeling incapable of managing their emotions. Learn why narrating your child’s emotions is one of the worst things you can do…and instead walk away with actionable, word-for-word scripts that diffuse big emotionsand give your child confidence in their ability to self-regulate. A must listen so please share.

P.S. LET YOUR KIDS LISTEN to the Calm Parenting Bundle. We can recommend specifi...

Do you have a child who would rather argue for 2 hours over homework rather than complete it in 20 minutes?! Those of us with ADHD or neurodivergent brains learn in different ways, but schools usually only teach one way…leaving us feeling inferior and frustrated. That leads to unnecessary stress and fights over homework. I want to share odd, but effective ways to improve focus and executive function using the brain’s natural super powers. And I will share a story I’ve never told so that you know there is hope for your child! Let your kids listen to this ep...

Casey shares his first memory of feeling strong-willed and getting judged for it in school…and why it sticks with him to this day. He gives in-depth insight into how to repair your relationship and help your child not feel like “the bad kid.” When your child makes a choice that you strongly disagree with, how can you protect the relationship without pretending to approve of their decision? And we end with one phrase kids need to hear more often. Super insightful episode! 

P.S. Share the Calm Parenting Bundle for FREE with family and tea...

It would be so much easier if your kids would simply do things your way, but they won’t. They will procrastinate and create unnecessary stress. They will purposefully choose the harder path and get burned. Some may then blame you! This episode is jam packed with real life examples to get your kids to be responsible for their daily chores, school work, and meals…without the draining power struggles. 

P.S. Let your kids listen to the Calm Parenting Bundle at https://celebratecalm.com/products/. We can recommend specific programs for them. Email Casey...

You and I have impulsive, emotional kids who are prone to sneaking screens or food at night and experimenting with porn, drinking, vaping, and drugs. They may steal your credit card for an online purchase. Just confronting them will cause them to be more sneaky or lie. But you can’t let them get away with it. I give you a script and step-by-step process for having tough talks to prevent this behavior from happening again. And I share how a rigid, career military Dad bonded with a son he had nothing in common with. 

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It’s easy to escalate situations. I want to make it easy to diffuse tense situations with intense kids. Even when they argue like attorneys, try to push your buttons, are struggling with anxiety or feeling overwhelmed, or lie when asked about their behavior. I give you 10 easy-to-use phrases you can use today! 

P.S. You can share our proven school programs included in the Back-to-School Sale directly with your child’s teachers—so you can begin the school year on the same page. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace tod...

Why does losing a game trigger a massive meltdown? The same reason your kids boss siblings, obsess over fairness and have to prove their point, wear the same clothes and eat the same foods, struggle with changes in plans…and even collect acorns in their pockets. The good news is these behaviors all have the same root cause…and similar solutions! Kirk provides a practical cheat sheet to stop the constant drama…and help your child be more flexible.

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with parents and in-laws so you can be...

Your primary responsibility is to the family you created, not the family you came from. But standing your ground can feel scary with an intimidating, critical, or manipulative parent. If you’ve spent your whole life staying quiet, this episode is for you. You will have exact, word-for-word scripts to help you confidently set healthy boundaries and earn the respect you deserve. Plus, we’ll show grandparents specific ways to connect with your strong-willed child instead of criticizing them.

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with parents and in-laws so you can b...

"Your boots are dumb and I don’t even like them!" "My friend’s Mom buys her better things." Ouch. Is this really what you envisioned when you decided to have kids? Whether your child is throwing hurtful insults, refusing dinner, smashing toys, or melting down over sensory issues, it's easy to feel unappreciated and exhausted. I give you specific scripts to turn ugly encounters into bonding moments without the drama. Your kids CAN be responsible for themselves—let’s learn how! 

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with teachers and other care...

Our kids often see your boundaries and consequences as a challenge to overcome, not as something to avoid! They won’t give in…and neither should you. But this can lead to never-ending power struggles. I want to show you a much better path to get your kids to actually take responsibility for their actions. Without the drama or exhausting tug-of-war over even easy requests.

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with teachers and other caregivers so they know exactly how to help your strong-willed child! Take advantage of our Back-To-School Sale at https://celeb...

Morning grumbling. After-school complaints. Grocery store meltdowns over cookies. Sibling fights while you’re trying to cook dinner, all while your spouse gets increasingly stressed by a picky eater... and you haven’t even gotten to tears over homework, bath, or bedtime yet! If your days feel like a 24/7 non-stop war of attrition, then use these 5 concrete scripts so you know exactly what to do when—not if—the next meltdown happens.

P.S. We can share the Calm Parenting Bundle with teachers and other caregivers so they know exactly how to help your strong-willed...

Do you have a child who pushes your buttons, avoids hard tasks, and always asks "Why?" instead of just doing what you ask? It’s exhausting! It's easy to label them as lazy or rude—but there’s a better way to look at it. Listen to this episode if you want to stop losing battles and reframe your child’s irritating traits to motivate, connect and build their confidence. 

**Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Back-To-School Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap...

What is it like to grow up as an intense, strong-willed child—and how does that intensity follow you into adulthood and marriage? In this special Q&A episode with my son, Casey reveals what he’d tell his 8-year-old self and what “Don’t assume my intensity means I’m not happy” means. The unscripted moments are gold: when you had bad moments, were you internalizing anger at me for being overbearing or just thinking you were a bad kid who didn’t fit in? I think you will find his raw, honest insight very helpful. 

P.S. LET YOUR KID...

What works with most kids backfires with our kids! So how can we discipline without being authoritarian or permissive? How can we go beyond consequences that don't work to actually change behavior while building trust? What are appropriate expectations of your child and yourself? I simplify discipline by giving you three practical action steps and scripts that work with kids of all ages.

**Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Back-To-School Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Share the programs...

In this special episode, I address these specific issues from parents of adopted kids:  Our son will attach himself to anyone who gives him positive or negative attention. Our daughter always wants to be attached to only me and won’t separate. Our child has a "love bucket" with a giant hole in the bottom. Our kids never seem full, even with so much constant attention and love. It seems like she is unhappy and can't see the "good" in the day if ONE thing doesn't go her way. Ours was exposed to drugs, will not sleep, and becomes destr...

There is nothing worse than the pit in your stomach when you see the school's number on your phone. If your child struggles with following directions, transitions, impulse control, blurting out, or acting silly in class, it's easy to feel helpless. In this episode, I provide concrete strategies and exact scripts to hand your child's teacher before the drama starts. So teachers know how to help your child instead of punishing your child or sending home constant notes.

P.S. You can share our proven school programs included in the extended Christmas In July Sa...

You know those morning meltdowns and battles are coming! What specific words and actions work when you have a child who struggles with separation anxiety, doesn’t like and refuses to go to school, and becomes rigidly defiant? You’ll quickly learn 5 practical, action-oriented steps that work for both parents at home and teachers in the classroom.

P.S. You can share our proven school programs included in the extended Christmas In July Sale directly with your child’s teachers—so you can begin the school year on the same page. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/july...

Parents often believe if you adopt a child from birth and provide a loving home, that will mitigate most issues. It doesn’t usually work that way. There is no judgment here. Just the reality that trauma triggers different issues. That can manifest in kids with an insatiable craving for intensity, sensory pressure, connection, food, and things. I do not want you feeling guilty or alone. In the first of two episodes, I set realistic expectations and begin answering tough questions from parents with practical strategies. Please share this with support groups and other adoptive parents who need both enc...

This is the day I realized I was so consumed with how my son’s attitude made me feel, that I wasn’t actually helping him. I needed him to behave... so I could behave. In this episode, I provide a step-by-step guide for navigating those combustible situations you face daily—including the two phrases that work 99% of the time to de-escalate and allow you to teach instead of punish.

PS: This is the final week of our Christmas in July Sale. Get the lowest prices of the year NOW! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/july-sale/ to learn more and to ch...

Ever find yourself locked in a screaming match with your strong-willed child and suddenly realize, "Wait... I’m arguing with a five-year-old?" Whether you're dealing with a tantrumy toddler, a 10-year-old who makes everything a battle, or an unmotivated teenager who has shut down, Kirk shares powerful, real-world examples that will show you exactly how to de-escalate the tension and motivate your child ASAP.

PS: This is the final week of our Christmas in July Sale. Get the lowest prices of the year NOW! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/july-sale/ to learn more and to chang...

What do you do when your child defies you at every turn, refuses to let go of clutter, or prefers their grandmother over you? In this jam-packed episode, Kirk tackles some of the toughest, most sensitive questions parents face. From unpacking the controversial "ODD" diagnosis to navigating step-parent boundaries and dealing with anxious, non-compliant tweens, this unfiltered Q&A episode is a deep dive into the messy, complicated realities of modern parenting. If you're tired of textbook advice that doesn't work in the real world, this one is for you.

PS: Take advantage of...

I want to give you options so you don’t have to choose between being a tyrant and a pushover in daily life. How can you use the tough approach without feeling guilty? When do you give kids some leeway without creating an entitled child? How can you help a child not get taken advantage of by a sibling? How can you get kids to listen and do chores (and make S’mores in a creative way!) without endless consequences? I give you scripts and five options that work!

PS: Take advantage of our Chri...

Usually there’s a provoking child and the more compliant one who gets picked on and has a hard time speaking up. How can you get your strong-willed child to stop provoking siblings? How can you teach your compliant child to speak up and be confident? How can you use sibling fights as an opportunity to teach your kids life skills that you and I struggle with as adults? You get actual scripts and specific action steps.

PS: We are kicking off our Christmas in July Sale with the lowest prices of the year NO...

It’s easy to lock horns with a demanding, strong-willed child who barges into a room and declares what they are going to do…without asking your permission! Does your child ever delay bedtime because they just HAVE TO complete a project, even though it’s way past bedtime? How do you avoid escalating power struggles without giving in? How can you get these kids who won’t follow simple directions to actually be MORE responsible? Listen and discover several scripts and options for the toughest situations. 

PS: We are kicking off our Christmas in July S...

Do you have children who struggle to connect with kids their own age, miss social cues or act silly in class? Who dominate conversations, get bossy during play dates or with siblings, become possessive of a friend? Do you have a child who gets anxious about going to school or summer camp? Kirk explains why your kids struggle and you receive very practical strategies and scripts to help your kids.

PS: We are kicking off our Christmas in July Sale with the lowest prices of the year NOW! Visit https://celebratecalm.com/july-sale/ to le...

I have two very important things to share with you that will take less than two minutes! If you could ask Casey anything about his experience as a strong-willed child, what would you ask him? Email [email protected] and we’ll create a special Q&A with Casey. Huge favor: please hit the SUBSCRIBE button now. That helps other struggling parents find us.

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Do you have a child who resists what you want first, refuses to do chores or anything the easy way, and insists on touching that hot stove? Who is not immediately obedient, doesn’t respond to consequences, appears self-centered, won’t show math work, does the bare minimum to get by, won’t push through when things get hard? Good! I want to show you how to work with these traits instead of fighting them all the time. So you can actually enjoy your kids and your family life. 

**Tomorrow CAN be different from today, w...