Calm Parenting Podcast

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 Casey@CelebrateCalm.com 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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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...

What other parents take for granted can be a huge struggle for your child—and for you. Because you are likely that exhausted caregiver just trying to get through the day. Listen now. You get specific action steps and the process we use to address tough issues like potty training, hygiene, eating, and more. I think you’ll find this case study practical and insightful.

**To get this kind of personal mentoring for your specific challenges, go through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda/ **

COZY EARTH

...

I am going to hit a lot of hot buttons in this episode with scripts and action steps. What exactly do you say when kids are bored or complain? How can you get grandparents and relatives to be constructive instead of judgmental because your child doesn’t behave “the right way”? How can you enjoy vacation without trying to make everyone else happy…while you are miserable? Let your relatives listen to this one! **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to...

Our kids often feel very misunderstood, lonely, and like there is something wrong with them. We obviously don't want that and there's no real instruction manual for these kids. This episode will give you rare insight into how to help your kids feel confident and good about themselves.  **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no school pressure.**

COZY EARTH

Cozy Earth...

Your kids have super powers other kids don’t have. They also have real weaknesses and struggles. We don’t want them to feel overwhelmed or less than. Instead, let’s give our kids practical tools to overcome their struggles with confidence. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no school pressure.**

COZY EARTH

Cozy Earth is the perfect Father's Day Gift! Hea...

Your kids have brains that work differently. Some have a specific diagnosis. How can you teach your kids about their nature in a positive, constructive way without shame, negativity, or singling them out? I give you scripts so your child can feel confident about themselves and their future, even if they struggle in school. Please share this. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no school pressure.**

<...

Before I was the Calm Guy, I was the Triggered Dad! My default mode was, “My strong-willed son is doing things on purpose to irritate me and I need to correct him for that.” But then I learned how to turn those irritating behaviors and power struggles into opportunities to teach and bond. I give you 10 practical action steps and scripts. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an additional 25% OFF our Summer Sale special on the Calm Parenting Bundle—guaranteed to bring peace to your home—at https://celebratecalm.com/products/

COZY EART...

Meltdowns are going to happen and you need a quick-fix guide. This episode is it! What specific action steps de-escalate even the toughest meltdowns? What should you NEVER do when intense kids are upset? And how can you help kids who crave or avoid sensory pressure? Share this short, jam-packed episode with your spouse. Use our first ever Coupon Code DAD to get an additional 25% OFF our Summer Sale special on the Calm Parenting Bundle—guaranteed to bring peace to your home—at https://celebratecalm.com/products/

COZY EARTH

Cozy Earth is the...

You're not alone and you shouldn't feel guilty if you've had this thought. Our kids often don't listen, "make bad choices," and do embarrassing things in public. I want to show you, through a very powerful and vivid story, how to turn common battles into opportunities to change behavior and build a closer relationship so your child doesn't internalize being the "bad kid." **Use the code: CALM75 for $75 OFF of the Calm Parenting Bundle. This week only. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no sch...

I have told this story before, but today a new flood of emotions came out as I realized this story with my own son…mirrored my experience with my own Dad. Walk step-by-step with me through the ups and downs of discipline, self-doubt, guilt, and ultimately connection with an outwardly defiant strong-willed child. Please share this one. It's very powerful. **Use the code: CALM75 for $75 OFF of the Calm Parenting Bundle. This week only. Visit https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no school pressure.**

You Say No, Your Child Gets Upset. Is There Something Different You Could Do?

If your child gets really upset, does that mean you did something wrong or that you should have done something differently? Does that mean you’re a bad parent or that there is something wrong with your child? How can you lead your child through uncomfortable situations with confidence…even when they are angry at you? Get personal mentoring with me through the PDA Parent Program at https://celebratecalm.com/pda.

COZY EARTH

Cozy Earth is the p...

Have you ever felt that resentful, indignant anger surge through you when your child exhibits attitude…especially after all you do for them? Like it would feel satisfying to react? I have! I want to show you 12 different ways to help change your child’s behavior…so they take responsibility…without creating more power struggles. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the programs over the summer while there's no school pressure.**

COZY E...

Do you have a child who fights you and gets upset about going to new activities? Who is already threatening not to go to that expensive camp you paid for? Who is nervous about family vacation or an upcoming move? I give you three very specific scripts and actions steps to help overcome the anxiety, stop the power struggles, and bond with your child through these big emotions. **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. Listen to the prog...

So how do your strong-willed kids and kids with PDA react when you try to correct them or talk to them about their behavior? My guess is they hate this! Even if you do it in a really sweet way, your child gets furious and lashes out or screams or even covers his or her ears. Does your child blame others and refuse to listen? Good, because that's very normal with our kids. So I want to give you 10 different options that work…without triggering meltdowns or fights! **Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Ta...

Does it ever appear that your child is not living up to their potential or your expectations? Are you worried that your child will fall behind or not be successful? Of course. But pushing them only causes kids to resist more. So I want to show you 7 ways to motivate your kids and break the negative cycle. * Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today. 

COZY EARTH

Head to https://cozyearth.com  ...

Sometimes the stress of the school year can strip your kids of their confidence and create conflict even with siblings. I give you 6 easy and effective ways to rebuild your child's confidence, reconnect as a family, and help with screen dependence. ** Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. Take advantage of our Summer Sale at https://celebratecalm.com/products/ and download your roadmap to peace today.

COZY EARTH

Head to https://cozyearth.com  and use my code CALM for up to 20% off.

IXL LEARN...

How do you motivate kids to do tasks without reminding them 18 times...or do uncomfortable things without arguing every single day? What should you do when a child defies you, disregards your instructions, doesn't do school work or go to sports practice? Should you force your teenager to go on family vacation? Kirk gives you creative answers to all these questions that you may not have thought of..or even agree with. Try them anyway! ** Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. This is the final week of our Mother's Day Sale. Download your roadmap to peace today a...

Whether your “hard to parent” child is 2, 12, or 22, they will complain that you are being too controlling and yell, “Stop treating me like a child!” And inside you’ll be thinking, “Well, stop acting like one!” Let me give you 10 ready-to-use scripts and tips to get toddlers, teens, and everyone in between to be more responsible for their own behavior…so they stop fighting you! ** Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears. This is the final week of our Mother's Day Sale. Download your roadmap to peace today at https://celebratecalm.com/mothers-day/

COZY EAR...

When "No" turns into a nuclear meltdown and "I’m sorry" turns into "I’m a bad kid," you aren't dealing with a tantrum—you’re dealing with a child who feels helpless, has internalized shame, and then goes scorched earth. If you're tired of threatening consequences that don't work and using a "calm" voice that makes them angrier, this is a must listen. You’ll get the exact 5-step de-escalation roadmap and a creative script that help you and your child feel in control again. Please share this one. ** Tomorrow CAN be different from today, without the guilt and tears...