Compassionate Heart Parenting
Compassionate Heart Parenting | Peaceful Parenting for Real LifeYou love your kids deeply — and you still lose it sometimes. You're in the right place.This podcast is for parents who are drawn to gentle parenting, peaceful parenting, conscious parenting, and Hand in Hand Parenting — but who also know how hard it can be to stay calm in the real, messy, overwhelming moments of family life.Hi, I'm Michelle — mom of 3, recovering yeller, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapist. I've been through parent burnout, depression, and anxiety, and I climbed my way out using the very tools I share here. Now I help parent...
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: What Your Child Is Really Asking for When They Fall Apart — Kathryn de Bruin & Ronda Evans
When your child is at their most dysregulated — melting down, shutting down, pushing you away — the moment they need you most is also the moment it's hardest to be present. Why does that happen? And what does it actually take to become the safe place your child is reaching for?
In this episode Michelle sits down with two of the most experienced Emotionally Focused Family Therapy clinicians working with families today. Kathryn de Bruin is an ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer, registered Play Therapy Supervisor, and co-host of The Family Therapy Express Podcast. Ronda Evans is an EFT Supe...
Peaceful Parenting: How to Handle Gamer Rage Calmly (Replay)
Gaming battles can quickly turn into fear, yelling, and power struggles—but underneath it all is often a parent trying deeply to protect their child. In this replay episode, Michelle explores how fear impacts our nervous system, why gaming feels so compelling for kids, and how peaceful parenting helps us respond with calm, connected boundaries instead of panic and control.
Listen the full replay episode of “How to Calmly Respond When Gaming is a Constant Fight?” on Compassionate Heart Mindful Life.
Join me each week for a tail from the trench...
How to Parent Through Divorce Without Losing Connection
If you’ve ever worried that a hard season in your family may have impacted your relationship with your child… this episode will give you real hope.
Today, we’re talking about something most parenting conversations avoid:
what actually happens to the parent-child relationship during major life transitions like divorce.
I’m joined by therapist, speaker, and founder of the Center for Growth and Connection, Michelle Cantrell, who shares both her professional insight and deeply personal experience of going through a gray divorce after nearly 30 years of marriage—while parenting her adult daughters.
Inside t...
Your Parent Guilt Is Not Evidence You're Failing — Here's What It's Really Telling You"
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Parent guilt is one of the most universal experiences in parenting — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Michelle makes a distinction that could change everything: guilt about a specific behavior — I yelled this morning and I wish I hadn't — is healthy and informative. But the chronic, low-grade guilt most parents carry — the constant sense of never being enough, always falling short — is something different entirely.
The Hidden Truth of Tantrums with Helena Mooney
Does your child’s yelling, crying, or intense meltdowns leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure? In this episode, we sit down with Helena Mooney, a certified Hand in Hand and Aware Parenting coach, to flip the script on "bad behavior".
We dive deep into the science of emotional release and why "pretexts"—like a meltdown over a pink plate—are actually healthy opportunities for healing. Helena shares practical tools for reactive parenting, including the "listening partnership" for parents and why simple games like hide-and-seek are powerful for separation anxiety.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to...Why You Can’t “Fix” Your Emotions (another way)
"I’ll give you something to cry about." Most of us grew up with messages telling us that our emotions were problems to be solved or inconveniences to be hidden. Even as a seasoned therapist, I fell into the trap of trying to "muscle through" my toughest parenting moments—until it led to total burnout.
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a personal story of losing my cool and finding my way back through the RAIN practice. We explore why your emotions aren't something to be fixed, but something to be heard.
...
The Surprising Truth About Self-Compassion
"If I stop criticizing myself, I’ll just stop trying." If you’ve ever felt like self-compassion is just "letting yourself off the hook" or lowering the bar for your parenting, this episode is for you.
Michelle (EFT Therapist) challenges the dangerous myth that self-criticism is a motivator. Drawing on 15 years of clinical work and the latest research, she reveals why shame actually keeps you frozen in the very patterns you’re trying to break.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Accountability Paradox: Why self-compassion actually increases responsibility and motivati...The Lie We Were All Told About 'Negative' Emotions
Do you ever feel an immediate wave of shame the moment you feel angry at your kids? In this episode, Michelle (Emotionally Focused Therapist) pulls apart the dangerous myth that "good parents" don't feel rage, resentment, or despair.
Discover why your most painful emotions are actually vital messages from your nervous system—not evidence of failure. Michelle shares her personal journey from the bathroom floor to a place of "calm and connected" using the science of mindfulness and self-compassion.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why we were taught to fear our own "negative" emot...The Cycle No One Talks About (and How to Escape It)
Do you ever find yourself in that agonizing loop: stress builds, you lose your cool and yell, and then a wave of soul-crushing shame hits you? You promise yourself you’ll never do it again, only to find yourself back in the same spot tomorrow.
In this episode, Michelle (Emotionally Focused Therapist) pulls back the curtain on the cycle that millions of parents live in but can’t quite articulate. We explore why willpower alone never breaks this cycle and why shame actually prevents the change you’re desperate to make.
You’ll discover:
The "Inv...Navigating Sibling Fighting WITHOUT Losing Your Cool
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Sibling fighting is normal—but how we respond as parents makes all the difference. In this video, I share my journey from reactive anger and frustration to a more grounded, realistic approach that brought peace and clarity into our home. Learn simple mindset shifts and practical ways to stay calm, set loving limits, and support your kids without losing yourself in the process.
Want to le...
Your Greatest Weakness May Also Be Your Greatest Strength
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
What if the parts of yourself you’ve struggled with the most are also your greatest strengths? In this episode, Michelle shares her daughter’s dyslexia diagnosis and how it reframed her understanding of ADHD, depression, and so-called “weaknesses” as powerful gifts. Through a lens of self-compassion and mindful parenting, she invites you to see both yourself and your child in a new, strength-based light.
Want to...
Locked in a Cage of My Own Making - Fear
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Have you ever felt locked in a cage of your own making—afraid to fully be yourself? In this episode, Michelle shares a vulnerable story about shrinking to avoid rejection and how fear of not being accepted can quietly shape our parenting and relationships. Through mindfulness, self-compassion, and small courageous steps, she offers a path toward showing up more authentically—for yourself and your children.
Want...
Is Isolation Keeping You Stuck in Unhappiness
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Is isolation quietly keeping you stuck in unhappiness? In this episode, Michelle shares a personal story about loneliness in motherhood and how connection, mindfulness, and self-compassion can help you find your way back to calm. You are not meant to do this alone.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s...
Befriending Your Emo In Parenting
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There...
Why Am I still Yelling (Even though I'm making changes)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one p...
When Parenting Your High-Need Child Feels Like Too Much
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one p...
Understanding Your Highly Sensitive Boy
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one p...
How to Calmly Respond When Gaming is a Constant Fight?
Join Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
A Calm Connected Parenting Path for Your New Year
Join Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
Repairing After A Rupture with Your Kiddo
Join Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
How to Find Play, Connection, and Regulation in Your Parenting
Join Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
How Do I Get My Kids to Bed Peacefully?
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I f...
Self-Compassion: A Secret Ingredient to Calmer Parenting
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I f...
4 Steps to Escaping the Parenting Shame Spiral
Join Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
When Your Inner Voice Calms, Your Parenting Changes
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Respond vs React: Why Pausing As a Parent Feels Impossible
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Triggers: What They Are and How to Catch Them
JJoin Michelle, Mom of 3, Emotionally Focused Family Therapist and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Doors now open for Yelling to Connecting - this week only (Jan 22-Jan 29th) - register or get more info here: https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
I help parents find their inner calm and balance so they can parent peacefully and with confidence.
If you know …
• you are tired of trying to do it all alone.
• or through sheer willpower
Join f...
Why Parenting Feels So Stressful (and What to Do About It)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Your Body on Stress- Why Yelling Happens Before You Realize It
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
The Negative Cycle With Our Kids (And How to Step Out of It)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Why Kids Whine (and What You Can Do About It)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Play Your Way Through Needle Fears
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
How to Stop Arguing Over Homework (and Even Laugh Together)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
A Science-Backed Way to Stop Yelling (That You Can Use Today)
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
"I help parents who value strong relationships with their children and responding calmly but at times find it VERY hard or impossible - due to what's happening internally."
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist and using Hand in Hand and Peaceful parenting strategies myself, I am committed to parenting calmly and setting loving limits without yelling.
Living it myself and working with parents I know exactly hard difficult that can r...
Parenting With Depression
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playful...
Why Am I So Irritable
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Join Yelling to Connecting - Registration NOW Open (Closes Sept 11th) https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids we...
Why Did I Yell
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Want to learn with Michelle:
Join Yelling to Connecting - Registration NOW Open (Closes Sept 11th) https://compassionateheartmindfullife.innovorise.com/yelling-to-connection
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids wer...
Back to School: More Play Less Stress
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playfully, but also I found myself in an awfu...
Back to School: Smoothing Out Our Mornings with More Play
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playfully, but also I found myself in an awfu...
Back to School: Reverse Engineering Our Mornings
Join Michelle, fellow parent, Mom of 3, and recovering yeller, in uncovering what we, as parents, need to parent peacefully, where we get stuck & why.
Learning about attachment in my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, reading Dr. Laura Markham’s, Dr. Daniel Siegel’s books, and finding Hand in Hand parenting all solidified my commitment to parent peacefully.
There was just one problem. It felt impossible at times. When my kids were small, I was easily overwhelmed. Not only did I find it difficult to parent peacefully or playfully, but also I found myself in an awfu...
