Real World Peaceful Parenting

216: Breaking Free From the 'Good Kid, Bad Kid' Trap

In this powerful episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith shares an inspiring story from one of her Hive community members, Sandy, who bravely reflected on her old parenting rules and the profound impact they had on her relationship with her daughter. Through honest self-awareness and a shift from rigid control to nurturing connection, Sandy transformed her family dynamic. Lisa walks us through how we, too, can reframe household rules to build trust, invite cooperation, and break intergenerational cycles. What You'll Learn: The Impact of Labels: How “good girl” and “bad girl” labels create lasting identities and affect your child’s self-perception. From Control to Connection: Learn practical strategies to shift your parenting from managing behavior to guiding growth. Reframing Rules: How to transform household rules from rigid demands to invitations for cooperation and respect. The Power of Grace: Why giving yourself grace is crucial as you break old patterns and learn new parenting tools. Awareness as a Superpower: The magic that happens when you recognize your own inherited parenting patterns and make intentional changes. Actionable Homework: A guided exercise to assess your own parenting rules, identify hidden messages, and reframe them to build connection.

215: Why Your Child Gets Defensive—And How to Change It

Have you ever caught your child lying, sneaking treats, or getting defensive over a simple question? You’re not alone! In this episode, Lisa dives into why kids become defensive, how their nervous system reacts to perceived threats, and what parents can do to break the cycle of power struggles. Instead of creating distance with frustration and criticism, Lisa shares practical strategies to build trust, encourage honesty, and foster open communication—without losing your authority. What You'll Learn: Why kids become defensive and how their nervous system reacts under pressure. How your emotional regulation as a parent sets the tone for honesty and connection. Key phrases that help kids feel safe enough to open up. The difference between reactive parenting vs. responding with curiosity. How to address tough situations (lying, sneaking, arguing) without triggering more defensiveness. A powerful mindset shift that will transform the way your kids respond to you.

214: Is It Dangerous or Just Inconvenient? The Parenting Question That Changes Everything

Do you find yourself saying “no” all day long? Before Lisa discovered peaceful parenting, she was caught in the same cycle—until she came across one simple question that changed everything: Is it dangerous, or just inconvenient? In this episode, Lisa shares real-life examples of how shifting from automatic "no’s" to thoughtful responses can help you build trust, foster cooperation, and create more opportunities for connection with your kids. Get ready to rethink your approach and start saying “yes” in a way that works for both you and your child! What You'll Learn: The difference between saying “no” for safety versus saying it out of convenience. How pausing before reacting can transform your relationship with your kids. Practical ways to set boundaries without shutting down your child’s requests. Why thoughtful “yeses” help build responsibility and cooperation. How to shift from reacting with control to responding with connection. A simple two-part homework exercise to start changing your parenting approach today.

213: Turning Down the Heat on Your Family's Emotional Temperature

Do you ever feel like your home’s emotional temperature is boiling over? Whether it’s a toddler meltdown, a sibling fight, or a teenager slamming their door, these heated moments can leave parents feeling frustrated, helpless, or reactive. In this episode, Lisa shares seven game-changing habits that will help you regulate your family’s emotional climate, reduce yelling, and create a home where all emotions are welcomed and processed in a healthy way. Learn how to model calm responses, validate feelings, and teach your kids real-world emotional intelligence. This is your playbook for creating more peace and connection—starting today! What You'll Learn: How to recognize and regulate your child’s emotional temperature before things escalate. Why co-regulation is the key to raising emotionally resilient kids. The 7 powerful habits that help families navigate big emotions without yelling. The neuroscience behind why kids struggle with self-regulation—and what parents can do to help. How to teach coping strategies, encourage problem-solving, and set limits without punishment. A simple action step to start improving emotional regulation in your home today.  

212: The Parenting Tool I Learned from Tom Brady and The New England Patriots!

In this episode, Lisa shares the transformative power of front loading—a proven strategy to help parents and kids navigate challenging situations with calm and confidence. Through engaging stories, actionable examples, and real-world tips, Lisa shows how preparation can set the stage for smoother transitions and stronger connections. Learn how to stay cool under pressure, help your child build resilience, and set your family up for success in everyday moments and beyond. What You'll Learn: Why front loading is a game-changing strategy for avoiding stress and meltdowns. How front loading helps both parents and kids build confidence and capability. Real-world examples of front loading for common parenting challenges like bedtime, school mornings, and family gatherings. The neuroscience behind why dysregulated kids struggle to comply—and how preparation can help. How front loading reduces decision fatigue and helps parents stay calm and consistent. Three steps to start practicing front loading in your family today, including a powerful exercise to identify your family’s top stress triggers.