Unlock Your Child's Full Potential
Hey, amazing parents of 5 to 12-year-olds! Do you sometimes find it challenging to navigate the journey of cultivating happy, confident, and well-rounded kiddos? Wondering if there's a way to guide them without letting the world dictate who they become? Well, you're not alone.Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the flood of info and different approaches? Who wouldn't be? As your personal development sidekick for your kids, I totally get it. In the midst of all your other responsibilities, shaping your children's potential might seem like a colossal task. But hey, fear not! We're in this together, and small changes can...
What If Your Imagination Is the Missing Piece in Motherhood with Melissa Llarena [88]
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In this episode of Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential, we explore a topic that’s often overlooked in the parenting world: the power of a mother’s imagination.
Today’s guest is Melissa Llarena—imagination coach, mom of three boys, and author of Fertile Imagination. Through her work and personal story, Melissa challenges the belief that motherhood requires putting your dreams on hold. Instead, she shares why reclaiming your creativity can be a game-changer—not just for you, but for your kids too.
In our conversation we discuss:
Why so man...Secure Attachment Starts at Home: Understand Your Attachment Style and Support Your Child with Bev Mitelman [87]
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In this episode of Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential, we’re diving into the world of attachment styles—what they are, how they form in early childhood, and why they matter for both parenting and romantic relationships. Our guest, Bev Mitelman, breaks down the four main attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant) and helps us understand how these patterns impact the way we connect with our kids and our partners.
We explore how your attachment style is shaped between ages 0–5, how to identify your own style, and whether it can c...
Mastering Calm Leadership: What Horses Teach Us About Parenting with Shane Jacob [86]
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In this episode, Shane Jacob, founder of The Horsemanship Journey and creator of Stable Living Coaching, shares transformative insights into how parents can build calm, confident leadership in their homes. Using powerful principles inspired by horsemanship, Shane teaches us how to reduce anxiety, stress, and conflict while increasing self-esteem, self-confidence, and hope for both parents and teens.
Shane dives into the importance of emotional leadership—how regulating your own energy and showing up authentically can change the dynamic with your kids. Discover why fear-based parenting may seem effective in the short te...
The Before & After: My Transformation with Positive Parenting with Wendy Snyder [85]
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In this episode, I’m sharing a special conversation from my mentor Wendy Snyder’s podcast, where she interviewed me about my journey with positive parenting.
We discuss the transformation I experienced - from struggling with old habits to fully embracing a more intentional and connected approach. You’ll also hear about the coaching program that played a pivotal role in reshaping the way I show up as a parent.
If you’re looking for deeper guidance in your own parenting journey, Wendy is hosting a free Mastery...
Parenting Gifted Kids: Understanding Their Intensity, Emotions and Unique Needs with Sarah Strouthopoulos [84]
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Traditional parenting methods often don’t work for gifted kids. Their intensity, sensitivities, and deep emotions require a different approach—one rooted in understanding, connection, and support.
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Strouthopoulos, a master educator, gifted specialist, certified kids life coach, parenting coach, and mom to a profoundly gifted child. Sarah has worked with hundreds of families navigating the challenges of raising gifted kids—meltdowns, perfectionism, social struggles, and even academic underachievement. But she’s also seen the incredible transformation that happens when parents have the right tools to...
Peaceful Parenting in Action: Creating a Home That Feels Good for Everyone with Sarah Rosensweet [83]
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Parenting doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Rosensweet, host of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast and a parenting coach with over 20 years of experience helping families shift from conflict to connection.
We dive into what peaceful parenting really looks like in everyday life—how to foster cooperation without relying on punishments or threats, the balance between setting boundaries and collaboration, and why enjoying time with your kids is just as important as guiding them.
If you’re tired of power...
Parenting Through PMDD: Healing Hormonal Struggles and Becoming a More Conscious Parent with Chloe Peters [82]
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Have you ever struggled with mood swings, depression, or extreme fatigue that seemed to come out of nowhere? Maybe you've been told it’s just stress, hormones, or a chemical imbalance—but deep down, you feel there’s more to the story.
Today, I’m talking with Chloe Jimenez-Peters, a transformational hypnotherapist who helps women uncover and heal the subconscious beliefs that keep them stuck in cycles of depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD, and emotional dysregulation. Chloe's own journey started in her teens when she was diagnosed with clinical depression and put on a...
How to Handle Teen Challenges While Strengthening Your Relationship with Jeanine Mouchawar [81]
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Parenting teenagers comes with its own unique challenges, but it’s never too late to create meaningful connections and foster a peaceful home. In this episode, I sit down with parenting coach Janine Mushawar, who specializes in helping moms and dads build strong, connected relationships with their teens.
Janine shares her personal journey of navigating struggles with her three teenagers, which inspired her to explore transformative parenting methods like conscious parenting and dialectical behavioral therapy. These strategies not only changed her family dynamics but also fueled her passion for coaching parents.
...Relisten: Parenting Together, Differently: Building Emotional Intelligence in Kids When Your Partner Isn’t Onboard with Stephanie Pinto [80]
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In this episode I’m joined by Stephanie Pinto, an emotional intelligence coach and author of "From Chaos to Connection." Together, we tackle essential concerns:Â
Navigating emotional self-regulationRaising emotionally intelligent kids when your partner is on a different pageEffectively handling meltdownsStephanie, with her extensive experience and a community of 100,000 parents, shares practical tips on communication, empathy, and setting boundaries.Â
Join us for this insightful interview, packed with valuable guidance on building a resilient parent-child bond and addressing the challenges of emotional intelligence.
Connect with Stephanie:
Emo...
Parenting Through Bad Moods: Recognize, Counteract and Choose Joy with Matt O’Neill [79]
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In this episode, I’m joined by Matt O'Neill, happiness coach, author, and host of The Good Mood Revolution podcast. As a father of four, Matt has dedicated his work to helping parents build happiness as a skill—even during life’s toughest moments.
We explore the eight primary bad moods we all experience, how they show up in ourselves and our kids, and practical ways to counteract them. Matt also shares actionable steps to help you strengthen your “happiness muscle” and bring more positivity into your daily life.
Whether yo...
Meeting Your Child's Emotional Needs to Prevent Destructive Choices with Richard O'Keef [78]
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In this episode, I’m joined by Richard O’Keef, a renowned parenting educator and author of 9-1-1: What is Your Parenting Emergency?. With decades of experience teaching parenting education in communities and prisons, Richard shares his invaluable insights into the root causes of destructive behaviors like addiction, violence, and crime—and how parents can intervene to guide their children toward healthier, happier futures.
We explore the lessons he’s learned from working with incarcerated men, the biggest parenting mistakes to avoid, and the transformative power of meeting your child’s four emo...
The Inner Work of Parenting: Healing Hidden Beliefs to Help Your Kids with Brad Chandler [77]
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What if the key to helping your child overcome anxiety or challenging behaviors started with you? In this episode, Brad shares his powerful journey of self-discovery and healing, sparked by a desire to support his son. When a coach encouraged him to examine the untruths from his own childhood, Brad uncovered the profound connection between generational patterns, self-love, and parenting.
Listen as Brad reveals how rewriting his inner narrative not only transformed his own life but also broke the cycle of generational trauma within his family. His story is a moving...
Holiday Parenting Made Easy: Tips for Less Stress and More Connection [76]
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The holiday season is meant to be magical, but for many parents, it can also feel overwhelming. Between managing endless to-do lists, navigating family expectations, and trying to keep traditions alive, it’s easy for joy to take a backseat to stress.
In this episode, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you embrace the holiday spirit without losing your sanity. Learn how to set realistic expectations, prioritize what truly matters, and create meaningful moments with your kids—even when life feels hectic.
Whether you’re looking to ease the pres...
Healing from the Inside Out: A Holistic Approach to Family Wellness with Sandie Gascon [75]
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Ever feel like you’re doing everything right but still struggling with family health issues? This episode is a must-listen! I sat down with Sandie Gascon, a certified integrative healing practitioner, to explore how a holistic approach can transform your family's wellness journey.
Here’s what we discuss:
The importance of identifying root causes over just treating symptoms.How functional lab tests can provide crucial insights into your family’s health.Practical ways to reduce toxin exposure at home—starting with simple swaps in your cleaning and personal care routines.Tips for...Raising Kids with Kindness Starts with You: The Role of Self-Compassion in Parenting with Ruthie Aurand [74]
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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Ruthie Aurand, a fellow certified positive parenting coach, to discuss her transformative journey from traditional, reactive parenting to embracing a compassionate, mindful approach. Ruthie shares her raw and honest story, detailing the shifts she experienced as both a mom and a coach.
We explore key moments of change, from discovering positive parenting principles through influential resources to realizing the impact of self-compassion and mindful presence. Ruthie opens up about her struggles with the punishment mindset, breaking old habits, and cultivating deeper connections with...
Speak So They’ll Listen: Positive Parenting Through Intentional Communication [73]
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In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of positive parenting with our second key pillar: intentional communication. If you’re just joining us, I recommend checking out Episode 70 first, where we explore the foundational “paradigm shift” that sets the stage for all positive parenting tools. There, we discuss the different parenting styles—autocratic, permissive, and democratic—and how shifting our mindset helps us connect better with our kids.
Building on that foundation, this episode introduces practical tweaks to transform everyday interactions. From using a “pause button” to manage our reactions to kee...
Understanding Parenting Triggers and Reactivity: Calming Your Nervous System for Peaceful Connection with Natalie Bedard [72]
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Ever find yourself struggling to stay calm in those heated parenting moments? This episode dives into the why behind our reactivity when our kids misbehave. Join me and energy healing specialist Natalie Bedard as we explore the link between our nervous system and parenting responses. Natalie shares accessible techniques to bring safety to our bodies, guiding us to respond with patience and connection instead of reacting out of frustration.
While it's hard for kids to manage big feelings, it's often just as challenging for us as parents! (For tips on helping...
From Bystanders to Upstanders: Building Moral Courage and Compassion in Kids with Dr. Janice Cohn [71]
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In this episode, Dr. Janice Cohn, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, joins the conversation to explore how we can help children cultivate compassion, empathy, and moral courage in a world often overshadowed by incivility and violence.Â
Dr. Cohn shares practical strategies for fostering kindness in kids, emphasizing the importance of leading by example, helping others, and encouraging children to be "upstanders" in challenging situations like bullying.Â
She also discusses how parents can guide their children through grief, offering insights from her extensive work in grief counseling and family therapy. Tu...
Shifting Mindsets: Moving from Control to Connection in Parenting [70]
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In this episode, we dive into the three major parenting styles—autocratic, permissive, and democratic—and how understanding each can help you create stronger connections with your children.Â
I’ll share practical tips for shifting away from control-based or overly lenient approaches, and toward a democratic parenting style rooted in mutual respect, clear boundaries, and authentic connection.Â
Learn how to guide your kids with love, foster cooperation, and build the kind of relationship where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
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Breaking Free from Reactive Parenting with Veenu Keller [69]
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In this episode, I sit down with Veenu Keller, a Life Coach, Behavior Specialist, and host of the *Redefine Parenting* podcast. Veenu brings over two decades of experience working with families to transform the way they communicate, discipline, and connect with their children. With her focus on emotional awareness and empowering kids to understand and manage their feelings, Veenu shares strategies that help parents foster cooperation without conflict.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to guide children toward emotional awareness and self-regulation
- Shifting from traditional...
Guiding Preteens Through Change: Practical Communication for Parents with Marcus Higgs [68]
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In this episode, we sit down with Marcus Aurelius Higgs, a communication coach for parents of preteens (ages 10-14). Marcus helps parents strengthen their relationship with their children during these crucial formative years. Through his “SHOW UP Framework,” Marcus provides parents with practical tools to foster a strong identity, open communication, and a collaborative, growth-centered family dynamic.
During our conversation, Marcus dives deep into the developmental changes that occur during the preteen years, highlighting why many parents find this stage challenging. He explains the three main stress points preteens face: identity buil...
Back from Break: My Positive Parenting Journey and What’s Next
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After an extended summer break, I’m back to share what I’ve been up to, including completing my Positive Parenting certification and coaching my first clients. In this episode, I reflect on the personal growth I've experienced—like setting boundaries and understanding the common struggles we face as parents. Plus, I give a preview of the exciting interviews and topics we’ll be exploring this season. I’ve missed you all and I’m thrilled to reconnect!
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What’s Essential and How Can I Let This Be Easy: Season Finale [66]
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In this season finale of "Unlock Your Child's Full Potential," I reflect on the importance of prioritizing health and simplifying our lives. I share a personal update about taking the summer off to focus on my well-being and how I'm approaching this break with a mindset of compassion and ease.
We'll recap some of the key lessons from this season, including the importance of unconditional love, compassionate discipline, quality time, and raising emotionally intelligent children. I'll also recommend some of my favorite parenting podcasts to keep you inspired over the summer.<...
5 Strategies to Help Your Autistic Child Thrive with Andrea Pollack [65]
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In this episode, we tackle the unique challenges faced by parents of autistic children with actionable, evidence-based strategies. Join us as we welcome Andrea Pollack, a seasoned parenting coach specializing in autism and ADHD. With eight years of homeschooling her autistic son and an MSEd, Andrea brings both personal and professional insights to the table.
We delve into five essential strategies that go beyond traditional advice, emphasizing intentional parenting and relationship-building over mere behavioral management. Andrea’s compassionate approach transforms daily struggles into growth opportunities.
In this episode we co...
Turning Social Comparisons into a Positive Force: Navigating Social Media with Shari Leid [64]
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In this episode, we chat with Shari Leid, a friendship expert and life coach, about navigating the impact of social media on our children’s mental health. Discover how to turn social comparisons into a positive force, helping kids build self-worth and strong connections. Shari shares practical tips for fostering open communication about social media use, recognizing children's individual strengths, and supporting introverted kids in making friends. Learn how to model healthy screen use and understand the changing nature of friendships.Â
In this episode we also cover:
- The imp...
Parenting a Disabled Child: Loving Your Kid Just as They Are with Kelley Coleman [63]
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Meet Kelley Coleman, the author of “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child”. This book is packed with valuable resources, compiled from Kelley's own experiences and the wisdom of over 40 experts, many of whom are disabled themselves. The book aims to help parents spend less time navigating challenges and more time simply loving their kids just as they are.
In this episode, we discuss:
Crucial advice for parents after their child receives a diagnosisWhat are the best places to look for information and supportWhat Kelley wishes other paren...Meeting Your Child's Core Emotional Needs with Nikki Bair [62]
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Meet Nikki Bair, a parenting coach with a refreshingly practical and heart-centered approach to modern motherhood. Through her own journey of decoding the behaviors of "behaviorally challenging" children, she has uncovered invaluable insights that she's eager to share with you.
In this episode Nikki dives deep into the core needs of children—connection, autonomy, and safety—highlighting how each child has their own unique love language. She shares insights on how understanding and meeting these needs can transform parenting, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes rather than applying quick fixes.
Relisten: Friendship Skills for Kids: Navigating Social Ups and Downs in the Preteen Years - Jessica Speer [61]
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Jessica Speer is the author of the award winning, BFF OR NRF (Not Really Friends)? A GIRLS GUIDE TO HAPPY FRIENDSHIPS and MIDDLE SCHOOL - SAFETY GOGGLES ADVISED, both of which grew out of her work with kids. Blending science, stories, and fun activities, her writing unpacks tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She focuses on helping preteens and teens navigate friendships and the ups and downs of their social lives.
INSIDE THE EPISODE:
1. The Friendship Pyramid: Explore the various tiers of friendships, from close bonds to ca...
Nesting: Creating Stability and Consistency for Kids After Divorce with Kathleen Brigham | ep.60
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Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the concept of nesting with Kathleen Brigham, a certified divorce mediator, and co-author of 'The Nesting Experiment: Two Divorces, Seven Kids, and Six Years of Uncomfortable Cohabitation.' Nesting, a post-separation arrangement where children remain in a stable environment while parents transition in and out, offers valuable insights into fostering stability and minimizing disruption during divorce.
Discover why incorporating nesting can benefit children and parents alike, and explore practical strategies for implementing this approach. Kathleen shares her expertise on creating boundaries and...
Empowering Anxious Kids: Strategies for Parents with Anastasia Arauz | ep.59
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Discover practical strategies for supporting anxious children in this episode of the "Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential" podcast.Â
We’re joined by licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapist, Anastasia Arauz, to explore ways to spot anxiety in kids and create a calm home environment.
In this episode we cover:
Spotting Anxiety:Â Learn to recognize signs of anxiety in children, including behaviors like anger, hyperactivity, and sadness, and understand how anxiety manifests in their responses to situations.
Creating a Calm Environ...
Art Therapy for Children: Unlocking Creativity to Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds with Jodi Rose | Ep.58
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In this insightful episode, we delve into the multifaceted benefits of art therapy for children, exploring how it serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression, self-regulation, and fostering connections within the parent-child relationship.
Join our guest, Jodi Rose Gonzales, a seasoned art therapist, to learn practical tips on how to incorporate art therapy into your parenting toolkit. Whether it's using art prompts to initiate open discussions, creating a safe space for creative expression, or reframing the focus from the outcome to the process, Jodi provides valuable guidance for parents seeking...
Breaking the Yelling Habit: A Guide to Harmonious Parenting with DJ Stutz | ep.57
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Discover practical strategies to address the yelling habit and create a calmer, more connected family dynamic in this episode of the "Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential" podcast. Join us as DJ Stutz, an Early Childhood Specialist and experienced parenting coach, shares insights into effective communication and positive discipline techniques.
In this episode, DJ explores the challenges of the yelling habit, offering guidance on identifying triggers and implementing communication strategies to promote understanding within the family. From setting boundaries to nurturing strong parent-child relationships, DJ provides practical advice for navigating the co...
Discover Unconditional Love in Parenting - Dr. Tracey Johnson | ep.56
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Discover the profound insights of "Unconditional Parenting" by Alfie Kohn in this episode as we delve into the transformative power of unconditional love in raising children. Join us as we explore the distinction between conditional and unconditional parental love, uncovering how it shapes children's self-esteem, resilience, and relationships.
Our guest, Dr. Tracey, the Heart Communicator, brings her expertise in holistic life coaching to shed light on the barriers parents face in embracing unconditional love and offers practical strategies for implementation. From reframing discipline techniques to fostering a nurturing bedtime ritual, we...
Connecting Through Adventure: The Power of Family Travel #55
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Embark on a journey of family adventure with the latest episode on Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential podcast. Discover the joys and challenges of traveling with kids as I share insights from our recent trip to Valencia, Spain.
Learn practical strategies for creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds while on the road.Â
Tune in for valuable tips on planning kid-friendly itineraries, embracing flexibility, and nurturing creativity during travel.Â
Find out how involving children in the planning process enhances excitement and ownership of the journey. From prio...
The Long-Term Effects of Positive Parenting with Wendy Snyder #54
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In this episode of "Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential," we delve into the realm of positive parenting, a transformative approach that prioritizes connection and empowerment.
Today I have the immense pleasure of sitting down with someone who has been a guiding light on my parenting journey, a mentor I deeply love and respect – Wendy Snyder.
Wendy, a mom of two, is not just a certified parenting educator and family life coach – she's a beacon of inspiration for parents worldwide. As the host of "The Fresh Start Family Show" and th...
3 Keys to Strengthening Your Mother-Daughter Relationship at Any Age with Hilary Mae #53
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Today, we’re diving into the world of moms and daughters, figuring out how to make things smoother between us. Our guest is the amazing Hilary Mae, a family therapist with 15 years of experience, focusing on the mother-daughter relationship.
We'll chat about the usual stuff we go through, the ups and downs of the teenage years, and Hilary will share three super important strategies to make sure our relationship stays strong and healthy throughout all stages of life. It's real talk for us moms looking to make things better with their da...
What is a healthy parent-child relationship and how to nurture it with Sue Donnellan #52
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In this episode of 'Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential' we uncover the secrets to nurturing a healthy parent-child relationship.Â
Our guest is Sue Donnellan, a seasoned Parenting Specialist with 20+ years of experience, a mom of 4 and the brilliant mind behind the International #1 Best Selling book, 'Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck’ .Â
Main topics we cover:
Creating a warm and loving home environmentThe partnership parenting approachBuilding trust and emotional investment in childrenPrioritizing one-on-one time with kidsEffective strategies for managing parent-child conflict and sibling squabblesRepairing relationships and managi...Overcoming Common Setbacks to Foster Emotional Intelligence in Your Children with Stephanie Pinto #51
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Welcome to Season 2 of Unlock your Child’s Full Potential! In our kickoff episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Pinto, an emotional intelligence coach and author of "From Chaos to Connection." Together, we tackle essential concerns:Â
Navigating emotional self-regulationRaising emotionally intelligent kids when your partner is on a different pageEffectively handling meltdownsStephanie, with her extensive experience and a community of 100,000 parents, shares practical tips on communication, empathy, and setting boundaries.Â
Join us for this insightful interview, packed with valuable guidance on building a resilient parent-child bond and addressing the cha...
Welcome to Season 2! Let's focus on the parent-child relationship
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Welcome to Season Two of the "Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential" podcast, where we dive deep into practical ideas to help parents nurture the best in their children. I kicked off this podcast with a mission to spotlight the essential lessons and skills that give our kids a head start in life. After engaging in over 40 interviews with a diverse range of guests, a common theme emerged – that in order to have any influence over our kids, to teach them the life lessons we want, we need to first establish ourselves as the t...
My Top Picks: Essential Parenting Tools and Principles from 50 Episodes
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Celebrating our 50th episode of "Unlock Your Child's Full Potential" with a special Valentine's Day treat!Â
Join me as I share a love letter to our incredible listeners, featuring insights from the past year's conversations with parenting experts and amazing moms. Dive into a bouquet of my favorite tools and principles from 50 episodes.
Let's cherish these shared wisdom moments and continue unlocking the potential in your unique family journey. Thank you for being part of this incredible ride!Â
Links to the full interviews mentioned in this episode:
