Sustainable Parenting | Positive Discipline for Raising Resilient Kids

Motherhood Confessions of Struggle

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Mother’s Day can stir up a lot, and not all of it is pretty. I’m opening my journal and letting you hear what early motherhood actually sounded like inside my head: the postpartum body changes I didn’t expect, the embarrassment I carried in silence, and the bone deep sleep deprivation that made every “simple” fix feel like a personal failure. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel overwhelmed even when you’re doing everything you can, you’ll feel seen here.

I also share how those old entries still connect to my life now, even as a licensed therapist and parenting coach. A tough moment with my 12 year old brings up that familiar fear of failing, and it reminds me why sustainable parenting can’t be built on perfectionism. We talk about the pain of trying strategy after strategy, from feeding and sleep to developmental worries, and how quickly a parent can start measuring their worth by outcomes they can’t fully control.

The turning point comes from Circle of Security and Raising a Secure Child: we don’t need perfect attunement to raise secure kids. “Good enough parenting” is real, research backed, and surprisingly low pressure, and the 30% idea can change how you speak to yourself on your hardest days. We also dig into what it means to stop hunting for the one right technique and start using parenting tools with confidence and inner wisdom.

If this helps, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs gentleness today, and leave a review with the part you related to most.

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154. The “Let Them” Method That Stops Backtalk Fast and Builds Respectful Kids

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Everyone’s talking about Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” philosophy… and honestly?

Parents might need it most. 👏

Your child talks back.
They stomp upstairs.
They roll their eyes.
They grumble about the boundary.

And every part of you wants to jump in with:

“How DARE you talk to me like that?!”

…but what if the better move is:

Let them.

Not because disrespect is okay.
Not because we’re permissive.
But because we stop trying to control what we can’t control—their words, their feelings, their frustration.

And we shift back to what we CAN control:

Our tone.
Our boundary.
Our follow-through.
Our calm.

Sometimes the most powerful positive parenting strategy is saying less.

A simple “hmm.”
A calm look.
Walking away.
Holding the line without feeding the fire.

That’s kind and firm parenting.

That’s how we stop power struggles with kids.

That’s how we discipline without yelling.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing how the “Let Them” tool can completely change backtalk, sass, and disrespect in your home—and yes… I somehow learned part of this lesson from puppy school 😂🐶

Listen to the newest episode of Sustainable Parenting 🎧

Have you tried “Let Them” in parenting yet?

By the time you're done listening, you’ll know:
• How to respond when kids are rude or sassy without back-talking back

• Why silence, calm, and fewer words often work better than lectures

• How to stop power struggles with kids using Positive Discipline

• The surprising lesson Flora learned from puppy school that changed everything

If gentle parenting has left you feeling walked on, this episode will help you find the middle ground—raising respectful, resilient kids with kindness and firmness at the same time.

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153. How to Discipline Without Yelling or Threatening to Cancel Christmas

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Ever threatened something ridiculous in the heat of a parenting moment… like canceling Christmas?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, Flora McCormick shares a powerful shift that helps parents discipline without yelling, threatening, or escalating power struggles with kids.

After working with a dad of three who found himself regularly reaching for extreme punishments when his kids ignored him, Flora introduces a simple but transformative tool: Notice + Curiosity Questions.

Instead of commands like “Why can’t you just listen?”, you’ll learn how curiosity can help kids move into problem-solving mode and dramatically increase cooperation.

You’ll also learn:

• Why discipline is meant to teach—not punish
• How the “discipline pyramid” helps reduce constant consequences
• The common Coo-Coo Cycle parents fall into with commands and punishments
• How curiosity questions help stop power struggles with kids
• A powerful reflection tool (WWHD) that teaches kids what to do differently next time

If you’re looking for positive discipline strategies, gentle discipline tools, and realistic ways to get kids to listen without yelling, this episode will give you practical language you can start using today.

Because Sustainable Parenting is all about raising resilient, cooperative kids while staying a calm, confident parent.

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152. The 2-Minute CPR Fix for Yelling at Your Kids

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

About to Yell? Try This 2-Minute Reset That Helps Calm, Confident Parents Stay Firm

Ever notice how yelling at your kids often happens right after you promised yourself you wouldn’t do it again?

You start calm… then repeat yourself… then repeat yourself again… and suddenly your voice is louder than you intended.

If you're wondering how to stop yelling at your kids, this episode offers a simple, practical reset you can use in the moment.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, parenting coach Flora McCormick shares a quick strategy called CPR that helps parents interrupt escalation before yelling happens — while still staying kind and firm.

You’ll learn how to recognize the signals that yelling is about to happen, how stepping away for even 30 seconds can reset the dynamic, and how small redirections can help kids cooperate without turning every moment into a power struggle.

If you're trying to practice calm parenting, reduce yelling, and raise respectful, resilient kids, this episode will give you a practical tool you can use today.

By the end of this episode you’ll learn:

• How to recognize the early warning signs that yelling is about to happen
• A simple 2-minute reset that helps parents regain calm quickly
• Why walking away for a moment can actually improve cooperation
• How redirecting kids’ attention can reduce power struggles
• A practical positive discipline strategy for calmer mornings and transitions

If you want positive parenting strategies, gentle discipline tools, and ways to get kids to listen without yelling, this episode is for you.

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151. The 15-Minute Fix For Parenting Fights

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0600

If you’ve ever looked at your partner and thought, “Why are you doing that?!" or glared at them for not HELPING you in the way you want....this episde is for you.

Today in the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, Flora McCormick (licensed counselor and parenting coach) shares a simple 15-minute weekly practice that helps couples reconnect while navigating the challenges of raising kids.

This structured conversation helps parents move from reacting to problems in the moment to approaching parenting as a calm, aligned team.

You’ll learn how to use a short weekly “timeout” with your partner that includes:

• Starting with appreciation to rebuild connection
• Solving one specific parenting challenge at a time
• Using the 4 R’s of Recovery (Recognize, Responsibility, Reconcile, Resolve) to repair mistakes and move forward
• Ending with something light or fun so the conversation doesn’t feel heavy

Flora also explains how this approach reduces the expectation gap in parenting, prevents resentment from building, and helps couples stay aligned while using positive parenting strategies and gentle discipline at home.

When parents feel connected and supported, it becomes much easier to practice calm parenting, stop power struggles with kids, and raise resilient, confident children.

If parenting has taken over your relationship, this simple weekly habit can help you reconnect, communicate better, and lead your family together.

🎧 Listen and learn how 15 minutes a week can strengthen your marriage and your parenting.

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150. Hybrid Parenting: Why It’s Replacing Gentle Parenting in 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

If gentle parenting has left you stuck in endless negotiating, second-guessing every “no,” and feeling like your child’s emotions run the whole house, this episode introduces a different path.

Welcome to the 2026 parenting shift: Hybrid Parenting.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, parenting coach and counselor Flora McCormick explains why many families are moving beyond traditional gentle parenting toward a hybrid parenting approach that blends warmth, emotional connection, and respect with clear boundaries and calm follow-through.

Hybrid parenting keeps the best parts of gentle parenting—connection, empathy, and respectful communication—while letting go of the patterns that often lead to power struggles, parental exhaustion, and powerless adults.

You’ll hear:

• Why gentle parenting sometimes turns into endless negotiating
• What hybrid parenting looks like in real life
• How to set calm, respectful boundaries without yelling
• Why resilience matters more than patience in parenting
• How kids build confidence, responsibility, and emotional strength when adults lead with both kindness and firmness

This approach reflects what many parents are discovering: kids thrive when adults are both connected and confidently in charge.

The goal isn’t control or compliance.
It’s raising resilient, confident kids while helping parents feel calmer, steadier, and more effective in everyday family life.

If you’re ready for parenting without yelling, fewer power struggles, and a more sustainable way to lead your family, this episode is for you.

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149. The Parenting Energy Hack: How to Win An Argument With Your Kid Without Being Exhausted

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Many parents are exhausted by one surprising reason...

These loving and well-intentioned parents are spending huge amounts of energy explaining, debating, and trying to convince their child to accept a “no.”

The result?

More arguing, less cooperation, and parents ending the day completely drained.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, parenting coach and licensed counselor Flora McCormick shares one powerful shift that can dramatically reduce parenting exhaustion while also improving kids’ behavior.

Instead of pouring your energy into the fight, Flora explains how focusing on calm follow-through changes everything.

You’ll learn:

• Why arguing with kids actually makes behavior worse
• How fewer words can reduce power struggles
• Why follow-through matters more than persuasion
• A simple mindset shift that helps parents feel calmer and more confident

Through real client stories and practical examples, Flora shows how this kind-and-firm parenting strategy helps parents stop feeling powerless and start raising resilient, respectful kids.

If you’re tired of daily battles and want calmer, more confident parenting, this episode will give you a powerful place to start.

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148. Turn Sassy Backtalk Into Respectful Communication

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0700

“What if sass isn’t disrespect… it’s a missing skill?”

If you have a “sassy sister” or a child with a sharp tone in your home, you’re not alone. Many parents feel stuck in daily power struggles with kids who sound demanding, disrespectful, or constantly push back.

But what if sass isn’t a character flaw… and is actually a missing communication skill?

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, parenting coach and licensed counselor Flora McCormick shares a powerful shift that can move parents from feeling pissed off to genuinely proud of their kids.

You’ll learn a simple Positive Discipline tool called rescripting, plus a playful strategy kids love called “Bugs and Wishes.”

Instead of correcting tone over and over again, Flora explains how to teach kids what to say instead, helping them express frustration respectfully and build lifelong communication skills.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why “sass” is often a skill gap, not a personality problem
• How to stop power struggles by teaching replacement language
• The Positive Discipline concept of “taking time for training”
• A simple Bugs & Wishes script that helps kids communicate their needs
• How this small shift helps raise confident, respectful kids

If you want practical positive parenting strategies that help you stay calm, reduce power struggles, and raise emotionally intelligent kids, this episode is for you.

BONUS: check out my interview on the Forging Forward Podcast with Adam Thorne this week where we chat kids, parental challenges and understanding child personality differences: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forging-forward-podcast/id1456700931?i=1000752672946

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147. 3 Secrets to a Smooth Spring Break

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Spring Break is supposed to be fun… so why does it so often turn into power struggles, sugar crashes, and exhausted parents snapping in hotel rooms?

If you’ve ever planned a family vacation hoping for connection and memory-making — and instead found yourself negotiating screen time, battling over treats, and managing endless meltdowns— this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I’m sharing 3 practical Positive Parenting strategies to help you create a smoother, calmer Spring Break without falling into chaos or becoming overly rigid.

We’re talking about the powerful shift from expecting the best (and feeling disappointed when kids melt down) to planning for the worst and hoping for the best — so you can stay steady, confident, and kind-and-firm when challenges show up.

Inside this episode:

How to make clear agreements in advance (to stop power struggles before they start)
The "Magic 5" (ie. the 5 most common vacation conflict areas) — and how to solve them.
How to use those "carrots" (incentives) to your advantage — so you don't end up dragging your child out of a Starbucks or waterslide line, yelling or humiliated.

✨If you want:✨
✔️ Fewer meltdowns✨
✔️ More cooperation✨
✔️ And a Spring Break that feels connected instead of chaotic,✨

This episode will give you some of the best Positive Discipline tools to lead with kindness and firmness at the same time.

Press play before you pack your bags.

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146. Taming The Tiny Terrorist: How to Respond to Bossy or Demanding Kids

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Ever feel like a tiny terrorist runs your house? We’ve been there. Today we get honest about how well-meaning empathy can slide into indulgence, why that shift burns parents out, and how to reclaim calm authority without losing your warmth. Our focus is the sturdy middle ground—kindness and firmness at the same time—so kids feel seen and still meet clear, respectful limits.

We start by naming the pattern: when kids refuse bedtime unless you stay for hours, dictate the menu every night, or shadow you into the bathroom, the short-term peace comes at a long-term cost. We break down the ripple effects—entitlement, poor emotion regulation, and exhausted caregivers—and then show how mutual respect changes the script. You’ll hear simple, repeatable language you can use right away: I love you, and the answer is no; This is dinner, and you can choose to eat it or have fruit and milk; I’ll read two books, then it’s your job to rest. These are not power plays; they are loving boundaries that teach frustration tolerance and security.

We also tackle the messy middle: the extinction burst that makes behavior louder before it fades, and the choice to suffer in circles by caving or suffer with a purpose by holding the line. You’ll learn how to decide your non-negotiables, keep words brief and calm, and align with your partner to avoid the good cop and bad cop trap. Along the way, we share personal stories, mindset shifts, and coaching insights that help you spot your triggers and stay steady when your child turns up the volume.

If you want less pushing from your child, it starts with being less of a pushover—without losing your heart. Press play for practical scripts and a clear framework to raise strong, considerate kids while protecting your own well-being. If this helped, subscribe, share with a friend who needs backup at bedtime, and leave a quick review to help other parents find the show.

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145. What Your "Difficult" Child Wants You to Know

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700

If one of your kids is pushing every button you have—and you’re wondering why parenting feels so hard with them lately—this episode is for you.

Drawing from Positive Discipline and the wisdom of Rudolf Dreikurs, we explore what children are really asking for when their behavior feels irritating, defiant, or attention-seeking. Often, it’s a need for significance and belonging—not stricter consequences or longer explanations.

In this episode, I share:

How to correctly decode difficult behavior.
How to respond with kind and firm parenting that is WAY more effective (and less exhausting).
Simple shifts that reduce power struggles and frustration.

This is a compassionate, realistic approach to how to get kids to listen more cooperatively without yelling or shame—supporting both raising resilient kids and your own sense of calm.

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144. Tiny Gestures of Love for a BIG Impact on Your Relationship with Your Child

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this Valentine’s-season episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, I share simple positive parenting strategies that help children truly feel loved while strengthening connection and cooperation.

We explore how small, intentional gestures can meet kids’ emotional needs and support calm confident parenting—without lectures, yelling, or power struggles.

You’ll learn:

how positive character feedback helps with raising confident kids and raising resilient kids,
a powerful daily practice called the Rule of 6 that builds connection in just minutes,
and how meeting your child’s need for significance and belonging can help stop power struggles with kids and improve listening.

Through real stories from my own family and client work, I show how gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting can feel realistic and sustainable.

If you’re looking for practical ways to reconnect and learn how to get kids to listen while staying loving and grounded, this episode is for you.

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143. Do This 1 Step, to Raise Kind Kids in an Unkind World

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to raise kind kids in an unkind world?

Between constant headlines, cultural tension, and everyday parenting struggles, many parents are asking the same question: How do I raise compassionate, resilient kids who will make the world a better place?

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, I share my number one tip for raising kind, caring humans—especially during uncertain and stressful times.

We start by naming the reality many families are living in right now: fear, frustration, and emotional overload.

We then walk through a powerful Positive Discipline exercise that helps reframe everyday parenting challenges like whining, talking back, sibling fights, tantrums, and power struggles into moments we actually look forward to. What?!!!

By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a FRESH perspective on the most challenging moments you face.

This episode is for parents who want:

positive parenting strategies that actually work
calm parenting tips that reduce power struggles
gentle discipline without permissiveness
tools for raising kind, confident, and resilient kids
a kind-and-firm approach that feels sustainable

If you’re tired of reacting, yelling, or feeling defeated—and you want to parent with more clarity, confidence, and purpose—this episode will help you zoom out, refocus on the long game, and feel more hopeful about the humans you’re raising.

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142. A Minimalism Parenting Discussion with Joshua Becker on Calm, Simplified Family Life

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0700

What if owning less could help you parent with more calm, confidence, and connection?

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, Flora McCormick sits down with Joshua Becker of Simplify Magazine to explore how minimalism supports dependable calm, and deeper relationships with ourselves and our kids.

We talk about how clutter quietly fuels stress, power struggles, and yelling — and how simplifying your home can become one of the most effective positive parenting strategies for more calm in your home life. Joshua shares practical ways to set visible boundaries kids can understand, why parents go first, and how fewer toys often lead to better listening, deeper play, and more cooperation.

This conversation also challenges the idea that “more” creates a better childhood. Instead, we explore how minimalism helps families align time, money, and energy with their values — raising resilient kids, and raising confident kids.

In this episode we discuss:

Minimalism as a positive parenting strategy.
Parenting benefits when you have environmental calm.
How LESS is definitely more, in terms of raising resilient and confident kids.

**Joshua Becker is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Christian minimalist who writes and speaks about intentional living and simplifying life through his popular blog, Becoming Minimalist, inspiring millions to own less and live more purposefully, focusing on values over possessions, and is also the founder of The Hope Effect for orphans.

If you would like to receive Minimalist posts from Joshua Baker via e-mail, sign up here. Or connect more directly through social media here:

Facebook: Inspirational quotes and links.

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141. 3 Positive Shifts to Raise Respectful Kids

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700

What do we do when our kids are disrespectful — they aren't listening, and they have attitude — and it starts draining the life out of us?

This week on the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by my husband for a candid, coffee-on-the-couch conversation about disrespectful behavior in kids, the number one frustration I hear from dads in parent coaching. Together, we explore why this issue sparks so many power struggles, how moms and dads often experience it differently, and what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids push back.

We break down the top two reasons kids come across as disrespectful, and then share a Positive Parenting Strategy that surprises many parents. (Spoiler alert: how to get kids to listen has far less to do with fixing your child — and far more to do with shifting how we respond as parents.)

You’ll hear us wrestle with the tension between gentle parenting and firm boundaries, and land on a grounded, realistic middle road rooted in Kind and Firm Parenting, Positive Discipline, and Calm Confident Parenting. This episode offers practical tools to stop power struggles with kids, set clear limits without yelling, and respond to disrespect without escalating the conflict.

If you’re craving parenting without yelling, wondering how to stop tantrums and back talk, or hoping to raise respectful, resilient kids while staying connected, this conversation will feel validating, honest, and doable.

Pull up a seat, sip your coffee with us, and join us as we explore how to guide kids with both kindness and firmness — at the same time.

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140. 2026 Family Goals

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0700

What if setting family goals didn’t feel overwhelming—or like one more thing to get right?

In this episode, I’m sharing a gentle, realistic approach to setting family goals for 2026 that offer direction without pressure and intention without perfection. Instead of rigid resolutions or systems that fall apart by February, we talk about how families can choose a shared target—and allow the path there to flex as life unfolds.

You’ll learn:

Why family goals work best when they function as a compass, not a contract
How to create goals that support calm, connection, and cooperation
What to focus on if you want lasting change without power struggles
How small shifts (not big overhauls) create meaningful momentum

I also walk you through a simple Family Goals Reflection Guide: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4434156021/family-new-years-resolution-goals-pdf-to, you can download in the show notes—designed to help your family reflect on tech, connection, fun, service, wellness, and relationships in a way that feels supportive and doable.

If you’re craving a calmer, more intentional year—this episode is your starting point.

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139. Rethinking Devices: Why Less Screen Time Today Builds Calmer Kids Tomorrow

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Screens often show up as gifts—but they come with big questions. In this episode, we talk honestly about kids’ tech, family values, and how to decrease those overwhelming tantrums over tech.

If you’re focused on raising confident kids while keeping tech in its place, this episode will support you. If you have struggled to know where to set boundaries on tech, this will give you those clear guardrails.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

Why boredom supports creativity and listening (how to get kids to listen without more rules)
What’s happening in the brain when games and apps rely on constant rewards
How kind and firm parenting reduces screen-related power struggles
Why not all screens are equal—and what to watch out for
How positive discipline and clear limits protect sleep, mood, and attention

Need SCREEN-FREE ideas? We got you! 👇🏼

https://courses.sustainableparenting.com/products/digital_downloads/screenfreeFun

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138. Stop Arguing And Start Calming: How To Get Real Cooperation

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0700

Power struggles don’t end because we find the perfect argument; they end because someone helps the room feel safe again. We unpack a practical, science-backed shift from control to connection that brings cooperation faster and with far less effort.

Drawing on HeartMath’s research on heart coherence, Bruce Perry’s state-dependent brain science, and Ross Greene’s collaborative problem solving, we show how a calm presence, a softer voice, and a few validating words can lower defenses and invite real reasoning back online.

You’ll hear real-life wins that make the science feel doable: a preteen upset about missing class for therapy softens with one clean reflection, and a toddler melting down for a same-day shot calms once feelings are named and a plan is promised for later. Along the way, we cut through common myths about validation, explain why arguing fuels arguing, and offer language you can use tonight.

If you’ve been stuck between being too gentle or too harsh, this middle path—kindness plus firmness—will help you parent smarter, not harder, while building your child’s resilience.

If this conversation helped, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find sustainable parenting tools.

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137. Is Gentle parenting wrecking your holidays? Holiday Meltdowns, Real Solutions

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0700

This week I’m diving into a spicy truth:
Gentle parenting may be wrecking your holidays.

Not because you weren’t patient enough…
Not because you didn’t validate enough…
But because the version of Gentle Parenting most parents try to use during holidays simply doesn’t work.

In this episode, I break down why your Positive Parenting Strategies fell apart the minute your child got overwhelmed, overstimulated, or embarrassed — and why you ended up walking on eggshells while still dealing with tantrums, arguments, hoarding, sibling fights, or shame-spirals.

I’ll share real stories from recent client sessions, including:

• A child who hoarded toys from cousins and melted down when gently “reasoned with”

You’ll hear how Sustainable Parenting blends Kind and Firm Parenting — boundaries, leadership, AND warmth — so your kids finally relax, cooperate, and feel safe.

If you want Raising Resilient Kids, Raising Confident Kids, and Parenting Without Yelling, this episode will help you discover the missing link that gentle parenting didn’t teach you.

Join me as we rebuild your parenting toolbox with dependable calm… and a plan that actually helps your kids listen — even during the holidays.

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136. Defiance Decoded: How to Respond Without Yelling

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Do you ever find yourself thinking, “Why is she being so difficult?”

If so, you’re in the right place — and you’re definitely not alone.

I’m Flora McCormick, Licensed Professional Counselor and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant- and in this episode I’m sharing a powerful reframe that brings so much relief in those tough moments:

Instead of asking “Why is she acting out?” shift to “What is she having a hard time with?”

This one question changes the whole tone of the interaction and helps kids listen far more easily.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

• What defiance really looks and sounds like in ages 3–10

• Why gentle parenting can accidentally slip into permissive parenting

• My simple 3-step “Calm → Connect → Direct” script that works without yelling or endless explaining

• How to validate feelings while still holding firm boundaries

• How to use when/then statements and two-choice follow-throughs to stop power struggles

• The easiest way to avoid lecture loops and over-talking

• Three real-life scenarios (bedtime, leaving the park, sibling fights) with the exact words I use in my own home and with clients

If you’re craving Positive Parenting Strategies that actually work in the heat of the moment — not just in theory — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

You’ll walk away with tools for:

How to Get Kids to Listen,
Parenting Without Yelling,
Gentle Discipline,
Kind and Firm Parenting,
Positive Discipline,
Raising Resilient Kids.

Press play and discover how a simple shift and a simple script can transform the hardest moments into calmer, more connected ones.

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135. One Gentle Shift that Gets Kids to Listen More

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700

If you’ve been trying so hard to stay calm, validate feelings, and reason with your child — but still end up in power struggles, meltdowns, or 20-minute debates about a broken banana — this episode is your breath of fresh air.

Flora McCormick, LCPC — parenting coach, counselor, and mom of two — reveals the surprising missing piece that makes gentle parenting actually work: learning to talk less.

You’ll hear a real client story of how one mom transformed morning battles simply by saying fewer words — and gain practical Positive Parenting Strategies you can use today to help your kids listen more and argue less.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why reasoning and explaining often backfire when kids are upset
• How silence and calm presence soothe the brain faster than words
• What “Kind and Firm Parenting” looks like in real moments of chaos

Parenting doesn’t have to be a 20-minute negotiation.
Tune in to learn how to stop power struggles, calm big feelings, and guide your child with confidence — without yelling or over-explaining.

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134. Positive Parenting Strategies From A Nine-Year-Old

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700

"My mom's a parenting coach and yes, it's annoying." Hear this, and more, in today's episode.

Today my special parenting expert guest is... my daughter, Eva! This is a chance for you to hear how we talk through challenges, problem-solve, and think about ways to manage tough situations.

In this episode, we explore how kind and firm parenting works, from the perspective of a 9-year-old.

Eva shares a child’s-eye view of what works, why “Annoying but effective” limits help, and how simple cues beat constant nagging.

• teaching through everyday observations without judgment
• revising consequences that don’t change behavior
• using charts as a neutral "third party bad guy."
• weekly screen-time tracking with visible limits
• chore clarity through shared calendars
• validating all feelings while limiting harmful actions
• reset choices: 1)silent hug or 2) space to calm down, so your child is able to calm down.
• disengaging from yelling while keeping connection open.

I hope you enjoy this very REAL life view at our family communication.

Mentioned Episode:

Episode 37 - How to Help Kids Calm Down Without Time Out

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133. 3 Positive Discipline Tools to End Power Struggles With Kids, and Fights With Your Partner

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700

If you're having bedtime, out-the-door, or morning battles where your partner swoops in mid-meltdown, sending you into a rage, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Flora McCormick, LCPC — parenting coach and host of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast — shares 3 simple Positive Discipline tools that help you end power struggles without yelling, shaming, or giving in.

You’ll learn:
✨ How to use one powerful c-word to get your children to listen more quickly.
✨ How to reset the whole family system that has been right in these tug-o-wars.

✨ How to invite cooperation instead of barking orders that fuel defiance

These tools work whether you’re guiding toddlers or tweens — and they help you and your partner stay on the same team, even in the toughest parenting moments.

Because calm, confident parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about having the right tools to bring connection and structure back to your home — one day, one conversation at a time.

🎧 Tune in for Positive Parenting Strategies that actually work — helping you raise resilient, respectful kids while creating peace between you and your partner.

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132. How to get Kids to Sleep in Their Own Beds, Even if They Beg You to Stay | Karen Winter

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

If nighttime currently feels like a hostage situation — tiny footsteps down the hall, endless requests for “one more kiss,” or a child who can only fall asleep if you stay glued to the side of their bed — you are so not alone.

So many loving parents find themselves exhausted by bedtime battles, thinking, “I cannot have this battle right now. I’m done. I’m exhausted. Why does this have to be so hard?!”

In this episode, Flora welcomes Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant Karen Winter of Winter Slumber: https://winterslumber.com/ to bring relief, clarity, and a fresh dose of hope.

Through the lens of kind and firm parenting, we explore practical strategies that maintain connection while helping kids learn the life skill of sleeping in their own space. Why? Because at Sustainable Parenting we believe in guiding kids to become confident sleepers, while also having a loving bond. We believe you don’t have to turn yourself into a prisoner of nighttime wake-ups, in order to be a “good mom”.

By the time you finish listening, you will discover:

• How to respond when your child pops out of bed again (and again).

• Loving boundaries that end the cycle of “one more drink…” requests.

• A step-by-step approach for kids who rely on you lying next to them to fall asleep.

• Tools for discipline during night wake-ups, without yelling OR giving in.

• How night-time wake-ups are actually a great space to practice growing new skills for raising a resilient kid.

This conversation is your ticket to being the calm, confident parent you really want to be (even at the end of the day).

Freedom from bedtime battles is possible, and you do not have to do it alone. Tune in to learn how even gentle parenting can have firm boundaries, so everyone can finally rest easy. 🌙✨ You can give comfort without giving up your evenings. You can offer reassurance while still guiding your child toward independence. You can support emotional needs without sacrificing your own sleep.

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131. How to End the Day Calmly Without Feeling Touched Out or Snappy

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever end the day feeling touched out, snappy, or like you’ve run a marathon no one saw you train for?

This episode is your permission slip to stop trying to do it all.

Flora McCormick, LCPC — parenting coach and host of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast — shares simple Positive Parenting Strategies to help you end your day calmly, without guilt or exhaustion.

Instead of trying to be productive, present, and peaceful all at once (hello, burnout!), you’ll learn a gentle mindset shift that blends Kind and Firm Parenting and Positive Discipline principles — so you can stop power struggles, connect with your kids, and reclaim your peace.

By the end, you’ll know how to:
✨ Use Calm Parenting Tips to reset your evenings and your energy
✨ End the day with connection, not chaos — and Parent Without Yelling
✨ Focus on what matters most, so you can Raise Resilient, Confident Kids
✨ Finally feel like the calm, confident parent you’ve always wanted to be

Because when you stop beating yourself up for not doing everything for everyone, you unlock something better: joy, freedom, and that calm confidence that truly lasts. 🌿

✨Want more?

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130. How to Be a Lazy Parent in the Best Way - 2 Keys to Less Stress & More Joy

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Feeling exhausted from doing everything — the school snacks, the bedtime routines, the constant reminders — and ready to just burn the whole thing down?

What if being a "Lazy Parent" was the key to more joy and ease?!

Spoiler alert - I think it is!!

In this week’s episode, I invite you into a surprisingly freeing mindset: Lazy Parenting.

No, it’s not about neglect or indifference — it’s about choosing intentional calm over chaos (trying to keep up with Insta trends), and kind and firm parenting instead of over-functioning (doing everything for everyone).

And guess what?! This actually makes parenting feel easier and sustainable.

When you are done listening, you will know:

Why doing less for your kids helps them become more responsible and resilient.
The simple mindset shifts that end daily power struggles without yelling.
How to reclaim your energy and connection using gentle discipline that actually works.

If you’re ready to parent with more ease — and finally see your kids listen without all the nagging — this episode will be your permission slip to relax, breathe, and raise confident kids the sustainable way.

✨Want more?

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129. Playdates Without Panic: 3 Steps to Solve Hitting, Scratching or Grabbing.

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Today we explore why toddlers hit, bite, and grab at playdates and how to respond without shame or panic...and with tools that will shift the behavior for real!

Did you know - these challenging child behaviors are VERY common in the early years of development?!

Research shows that these behaviors are actually very common in early childhood. Studies find that between 26% and 70% of toddlers show some form of physical aggression — hitting, biting, pushing, or scratching — depending on how it’s measured. And in real-life parent reports, around 50–60% of children ages 1-3 hit or lash out at least occasionally when frustrated.

So first off.. not need to think you are failing or raising a psychopath.

When your child hits, spits, or scratches at a playdate, it can feel mortifying — but these moments are actually powerful teaching opportunities.

In this episode, I'll share 3 Playdate Reset Tips, including:

How to remember what really matters,
How to teach your child the new behaviors in a way that will finally STICK.
How to get the end results of more FUN and EASY playdates, without any amount of panic.

Don't forget, we'd be honored to have you share this episode with a friend. Give a five star review, or subscribe - so that you don't miss anything in the future.

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128. The One Phrase That Works When Kids Ignore You

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Does your child suddenly “lose their hearing” the moment you ask them to pick up their shoes, come to the table, or turn off the tablet? You’re not alone—and you’re not going crazy. In this episode, we’ll unpack why kids pretend not to hear you and how to break the exhausting cycle of repeating yourself over and over.

By the time you finish listening, you will know:

Why kids really tune us out (and it’s not because they’re disrespectful).
The “connect before you direct” approach that makes kids instantly more responsive.
How to stop the power struggle of the child ignoring and you repeating yourself 17 times... all the while getting to the end of your rope, ready to scream.
The one magic phrase that cuts through the ignoring act almost every time.

Friend, parenting with kindness and firmness doesn’t mean raising your voice—it means finding simple tools that bring more calm and cooperation at home. This episode will show you how.

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127. The One Tool Most Gentle Parents Miss

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Tired of repeating yourself 14 times a day, only to explode when your kids don’t listen? You’re not alone. In this episode, Flora McCormick, founder of Sustainable Parenting, shares the #1 tool most gentle parents overlook—and why it’s the secret to parenting without yelling and finding calm in the chaos.

After listening, you’ll discover:

Why inconsistency fuels tantrums, testing, and power struggles.
How predictability calms your child’s nervous system (and yours).
Simple scripts and routines that blend kind and firm parenting.

If you’ve been searching for positive parenting strategies and want a roadmap to calm, confident parenting, this episode will help you create more cooperation, connection, and peace at home.

Mentioned Episodes:

Episode 37 - How to Help a Child “Reset,” Instead of Using Time Out

Episode 6 - How to Get More Respect from your Child

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126. 5 Pillars for Peaceful Bedtimes | Matthew Wellington

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Does bedtime ever feel like the longest part of your day? You’re exhausted, ready for some peace, but your child suddenly transforms into a master negotiator—asking for just one more kiss, one more drink of water, or one more story. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to meet those sweet requests and desperately craving your own downtime, this Sustainable Parenting episode is for you.

In today’s conversation with Flora McCormick, LCPC and sleep expert Matthew Wellington, we unpack the 5 Pillars for Peaceful Bedtimes—practical, evidence-based strategies that help kids settle more smoothly and give you back your evenings. This is Sustainable Parenting at its best: kind and firm solutions that work in real life.

Matthew Wellington is a Registered Behaviour Analyst and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst based in Ontario, Canada. He is the founder of Sleep Behaviourally, a consultancy dedicated to helping families and busy professionals improve their sleep through evidence-based behavioural strategies. With a deep commitment to making science practical, Matthew empowers parents and individuals to implement simple, effective changes that lead to lasting rest and wellbeing. His work blends behavioural science with compassion, making him a trusted guide for anyone seeking better sleep and healthier daily routines.

✨ After listening to this episode, you’ll know:

How to set up the right sleep schedule so your child actually feels tired at bedtime.
Why a predictable routine matters—and how to use visuals to cut down on nagging and power struggles.
What environmental cues (light, sound, temperature) can make or break sleep success.
How to create calming pre-bed activities that cue “wind down” instead of “rev up.”
Simple ways to minimize those bedtime-stalling behaviors without guilt.

If you’ve been looking for Positive Parenting Strategies that truly help with Getting Kids to Listen, reduce tantrums, and support you in Raising Confident Kids, you’ll find this episode full of simple, sustainable answers to the nightly parenting challenges around bedtime.

Here are the resources by Matthew Wellington: https://sleepbehaviourally.com/resources/

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125. How Taking Time for Yourself Makes You a Better Parent

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ever felt that twinge of guilt when you consider taking time away from your family to pursue a hobby? You're not alone. As a mother of two and lifelong dancer, I recently found myself questioning whether my dance performances were worth the disrupted bedtimes and occasional complaints from my nine-year-old daughter. But what if those personal pursuits aren't selfish at all? What if they're actually essential to your BEST parenting, even?

In this episode, I flip the script and share three surprising reasons your passions aren’t selfish at all—they’re a gift to your kids. From modeling healthy fun, to showing them you’re a whole person, to teaching empathy, you’ll walk away ready to embrace your hobbies without guilt.

In a world that often equates good parenting with self-sacrifice, that might be the most valuable lesson of all.

Ready to reclaim a hobby you've been putting off?

Your children—and your future self—will thank you for it.

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124. How Letting Kids Struggle Supports Raising Resilient Kids

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ever notice how you're stuck in a cycle of constant reminders with your kids? You’re telling them to pack their lunch, grab their cleats, finish their homework—yet you’re torn between enjoying feeling needed and resenting this never-ending role.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we explore the powerful shift from being a micromanaging parent to a coaching parent. You’ll learn how to move from constant control into Positive Parenting Strategies that help kids build independence and “struggle muscles,” while also giving you more peace and freedom.

After listening, you’ll discover:

How shifting from “fixing everything” to a coaching mindset helps kids build resilience and confidence.
Why small struggles, like forgotten items, are valuable learning opportunities.
Calm Parenting Tips to regulate your own nervous system so you can guide instead of rescue.
How asking problem-solving questions empowers children more than giving ready-made answers.
The surprising freedom that comes from working yourself out of the parenting “job.”

If you’re ready for Kind and Firm Parenting that reduces stress and builds long-term responsibility, this episode will give you the tools to do just that.

Join me next week as we discuss the woman underneath the role of mom, and how attending to yourself can help you be the calm, confident parent you want to be.

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123. Why Forced Apologies Don’t Teach Kids Responsibility and What to Do Instead

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Tired of forcing your kids to say “I’m sorry,” only to have the apology come out flat, fake, or sarcastic?

Do you find yourself insisting on the “right tone” until you are blue in the face, or even yelling at your child - and all the while the kid doesn't really seem to care?

Here's the deal, friend. Most of the time, I've found apologizing doesn’t actually teach kids responsibility. It just teaches them how to act like they feel bad.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, we’ll dive into why traditional apologies are often worthless—and what to do instead.

You’ll discover two powerful steps that actually help kids take ownership of their actions: making it right (repairing the harm in a meaningful way) and making a plan (practicing what to do differently next time).

From checking in with a sibling they’ve hurt, to helping rebuild a crashed tower, to practicing a respectful “do over” when grabbing a toy—these simple strategies build empathy, accountability, and real-life problem-solving skills.

If you’re ready to stop nagging, yelling or repeating your lectures about being more nice - today is the day to end empty apologies and begin using tools that raise confident and kind kids who truly know how to take responsibility for their actions and even mistakes.

This episode is here to give you the simplified and sustainable parenting tools to unlock true maturity and growth in your child, while being the calm confident parent you've always wanted to be. 🫶🏼

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122. Raising Responsible & Independent Kids with 5 School-Day Routines

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Tired of having to nag and tell your kids everything they need to do (and sometimes yelling at your kids in the process)?

Ready to set some new habits of responsibility this school year, and see your kids really step up to the plate?

This week, I’m sharing five simple habits from Raising Mentally Strong Kids that help children take ownership—while you stay calm.

You’ll learn:

The 1 Page Miracle,

A 4-step process for building responsibility,

Tools to shift from “drill sergeant” to trusted positive parent guide,

A structure to create clear agreements that end daily battles.

Get ready to raise confident, capable kids—without losing your sanity.

✨Want more?

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121. How to Parent as a Team When You Don’t See Eye to Eye | Rachael Maher

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Parenting disagreements can feel overwhelming — especially when emotions run high.

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, couples therapist Rachael Maher shares how understanding attachment science can bring more calm, connection, and teamwork to your marriage.

You’ll discover how parenting conflicts often go deeper than surface-level disagreements — and how to approach them with gentle parenting principles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why parenting conflicts often hit at the “fight level” — and how to shift toward shared hopes for your children using positive parenting strategies.
How calm parenting tips can make tough conversations about parenting more productive.
The surprising role of attachment wounds in sparking arguments — and how they affect your parent-child connection.
How understanding what’s behind your parenting approach can help you stop power struggles with kids and bring more alignment with your partner.

If you’ve been searching for parenting tips & tools to bring more harmony to your marriage — from parenting without yelling to strategies for raising confident kids — this episode offers insights to help you stay grounded, connected, and on the same team.

Visit littlebearcounseling.com for more information on couples therapy focused on parenting conflicts.

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120. How to Help Kids Stop Saying “I’m Stupid” or “Nobody Likes Me”

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

That crushing moment when your child says, “I’m stupid” or “Nobody likes me” can leave you feeling helpless. You’ve tried everything — reassurance, distraction, even giving in — but the negative thought loops just won’t quit.

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting podcast, we dive into one of the most common parenting challenges: those Automatic Negative Thoughts (what brain psychologist Daniel Amen calls ANTs) that sneak into our children’s minds. These thoughts not only affect their mood but can chip away at their confidence and cooperation.

The best part? These tools don’t just help with negative thoughts in childhood— they are a key tools for raising confident adults, giving the tools for lifelong resilience and self-confidence. Bonus - these are great tools for US to use, too (as parents). When we model these ways to decrease our own shame and blame, we help our kids to see that they can do it, also.

So if you’re ready to trade helplessness for hope, tune in.

By the time you finish listening you will know:

✨Positive parenting strategies you can start using today.

✨Four simple, science-backed tools to help your child recognize and reframe negative thinking.

You’ll discover how adding a tiny word like “yet” can shift their whole outlook, why swapping out extreme words like “always” and “never” can calm their big feelings, and how a simple butternut squash story completely changed the way I approach these moments with my own kids.

Together, we’ll explore sustainable parenting solutions that balance kindness and firmness — so your child can grow in confidence, and you can finally feel more calm, connected, and confident in your parenting.

✨Want more?

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119. What Parents Don’t Realize When Kids Talk Back or Slam Doors

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ever feel like nothing works when your child lashes out—no matter how calm you try to be or how many consequences you give?

Friend, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. This weekly podcast episode is for every parent who’s felt worn down by rude words, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior—and is craving a better way. A way that actually works and feels good in your heart.

In this short episode, we’re digging into three common mistakes that loving parents often make (through no fault of their own) when trying to manage tough behavior in kids aged 5–12. We’ll shift the lens from “my child is being mean” to “my child is missing a skill or struggling with a need”—and that shift changes everything for parent-child connection.

You’ll hear how one simple principle—all feelings are allowed, but not all actions are—became a total game-changer for one mom I worked with. We’ll explore gentle discipline strategies that hold firm boundaries without shame or yelling, and instead respond with tools that build your child’s emotional regulation and confidence.

You’ll also learn about a favorite tool called “Bugs and Wishes,” which helps kids say what’s bothering them without name-calling, aggression, or defiance. And we’ll talk about how to stop power struggles with kids and break free from the exhausting “cuckoo cycle” of commands and consequences, stepping into calm, confident parenting that lasts.

These are Positive Parenting Strategies and calm parenting tips that help you raise confident kids, improve parent-child connection, and bring more cooperation into your home.

This is Sustainable Parenting—where you can practice kind and firm parenting, embrace parenting without yelling, and finally feel more joy and ease in everyday life.

If you’re ready for practical parenting tips & tools that actually work—and want to know how to get kids to listen while keeping your cool—press play and let’s walk this path together.

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118. Why “I’m Failing as a Mom” Is the Biggest Lie We Tell Ourselves

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever lie awake at night feeling like you're failing your children?

You’re not alone. Research shows a staggering 78% of mothers believe they aren’t doing enough for their kids.

But what if everything we’ve been told about perfect parenting is wrong?

This short episode of our weekly podcast delivers a truth that might just set you free: According to Circle of Security research spanning decades and thousands of families, you only need to “get it right” about 30% of the time for your child to develop secure attachment.

That’s right—30% is an A+ in the world of positive parenting strategies, calm parenting tips, and kind and firm parenting. When I first learned this as a mother years ago, I literally wept with relief. After all the books, courses, and well-meaning advice about everything parents should do perfectly, discovering this 30% threshold felt like someone had finally released the pressure valve on impossible expectations.

Even more fascinating, research from psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott on “the good enough mother” shows that our imperfections actually benefit our kids. Just as trees grown without wind eventually topple because they never develop strong roots, children need the “wind” of manageable disappointments to build what I call their “struggle muscles.” These challenges—whether it’s a meltdown, resistance, or a burst of anxiety & emotions—are how they develop resilience and confidence.

Your child’s frustration tolerance grows precisely because you aren’t perfect. As Dr. Jane Nelsen, co-founder of Positive Discipline, once told me: “The one thing parents need to do differently is stop trying to be perfect.”

If you’ve been craving real talk, parenting tips & tools, and science-backed insight on gentle parenting, this episode of the Sustainable Parenting podcast is for YOU. Subscribe for more on how to get kids to listen, how to stop tantrums, and stop power struggles with kids—all while building stronger parent-child connection, raising confident kids, and practicing parenting without yelling.

Ready for calm, confident parenting that feels lighter? Click the link in the episode notes to schedule a one-on-one session with me or one of my trained parenting coaches. Let’s make parenting easier—together.

✨Want more?

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117. Why Kids Have Angry Outbursts at Home (But Not in Public)

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Why do kids seem to save their biggest meltdowns for home?

You watch them stay polite and calm at school or during a family gathering—but the moment they’re back with you, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, there’s whining, power struggles, or a full-blown tantrum. If you’ve ever wondered why they hold it together for others but fall apart with you, this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting Weekly Podcast offers clarity, compassion, and parenting tips & tools that really work.

In this episode, we unpack what’s going on beneath your child’s after-school meltdowns and explore how anxiety & emotions often build up until they feel safe enough to release them—right when they’re back with you.

You’ll walk away knowing:

Why your child’s toughest behaviors often show up with the person they feel safest with—and how that connects to parent-child connection
What might be missing in your expectations (are they too high… or too low?) and how this impacts power struggles, especially with toddlers
Three practical and gentle parenting strategies to reduce tantrums, stop power struggles with kids, and make transitions easier

We’ll also touch on tools from past episodes that are especially helpful if you’re raising a neurodivergent child or want more support with gentle discipline:

🌟 Episode 42: Why Typical Strategies Don’t Work with Neurodivergent Kids
🌟 Episode 115: Why Yelling Works—and What to Do Instead

If you’re looking for positive parenting strategies that help you get kids to listen, bring more calm confident parenting into your evenings, and truly enjoy your family time, this episode was made for you.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

116. 3 Ways to Control Your Anger as a Parent (Without Yelling)

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Have you found yourself yelling at your child—and then feeling waves of regret?

You’re not alone. Many loving parents think the solution is simply “having more patience.” But in this short episode of our weekly podcast, you’ll discover why patience isn’t the answer—and how three powerful P-words can help you bring more calm confident parenting into your home.

The truth is, anger often comes from what I call “time travel”—mentally jumping backward into regrets or forward into fears about your child’s future. This emotional time travel magnifies anxiety & emotions, turning small frustrations into major blowups. But there’s a better way—one that doesn’t require superhuman patience or endless guilt.

In this episode, you’ll learn three practical parenting tips & tools to break free from the yelling cycle:

Plan: Create clear agreements for recurring challenges like bedtime or tech use (a game-changer to stop power struggles with kids).
Pause: Use the “Whoa, Low, Slow” technique to stop reacting automatically and respond with gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting.
Practice: Give yourself grace as you try these new strategies, focusing on progress—not perfection.

These positive parenting strategies have helped countless families reduce yelling and even raise confident kids—all while strengthening parent-child connection.

If you’re ready for calm parenting tips that work in real life—and want to know how to get kids to listen without shame or yelling—press play now. And don’t forget to download your free “Whoa, Low, Slow” template in the episode notes to help you start today.

This is Sustainable Parenting—where you can be both kind and firm at the same time while enjoying more peace and connection at home.

💚 Download your free “Whoa, Low, Slow” template here:
https://sustainable-parenting.myflodesk.com/zapec71w5c
(Magnet coming soon!)

🎧 And join us next week as we explore why kids often have angry outbursts at home—but not in public. You might be surprised how close you are to more peace and connection.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

115. How to Get Kids to Listen Without Yelling

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

If you’ve ever wondered why yelling seems to “work” in the moment but leaves you feeling disconnected from your child, this episode is for you. We’re exploring how to create a stronger parent-child connection by balancing kindness and firmness—so you can practice calm confident parenting without the guilt or frustration.

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, you’ll discover:

Why kids push boundaries and what they’re really asking for
How to get kids to listen without yelling or shaming
Why being overly gentle often backfires—and how kind and firm parenting creates lasting change
A simple CEO approach that blends gentle discipline with positive parenting strategies
Practical parenting tips & tools to stop power struggles with kids

If you’re ready for parenting without yelling and want to replace frustration with connection, tune in and learn gentle parenting strategies for raising confident kids while building sustainable parenting habits.

🎧 Want more parenting tips & tools?

Check out Episode 71: 3 Steps That Get Kids to Listen—a great intro to the CEO method: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-3-steps-that-get-kids-to-listen/id1682538739?i=1000665256022.

And don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll talk about how to control your anger as a parent—without raising your voice.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

114. 3 Smart Consequences for Children (That Actually Work)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Ever felt like the consequences you’re using just aren’t working?

Maybe you’ve taken away screen time, treats, or even big events—only to see the same behavior again. It’s frustrating and confusing when nothing seems to make a difference.

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll explore gentle parenting strategies that actually work—without yelling, shaming, or losing connection. Through Sean’s story, you’ll see how shifting from big punishments to calm, step-by-step guidance can strengthen the parent-child connection while improving behavior.

You’ll walk away with:

Three common mistakes that make consequences fall flat (and how to avoid them)
Parenting tips & tools for using gentle discipline that truly helps kids learn
Simple, kind and firm parenting strategies to stop power struggles with kids while keeping limits clear
Calm parenting tips for guiding behavior in a way that builds confidence and connection

This episode unpacks how positive parenting strategies can replace frustration with understanding—helping you in raising confident kids.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

113. How to End Playtime Without a Meltdown

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

We’re diving into how to stop power struggles with kids and solve transition battles in a way that builds parent-child connection and makes moving from one activity to the next easier and more joyful.

By the time you finish listening to this short episode of our weekly podcast, you’ll know how to replace the “coo-coo cycle” of commands and consequences with a powerful approach rooted in gentle parenting and kind and firm parenting strategies—C.E.O. (Connection, Encourage Cooperation, Ownership).

Here’s the 4-step gentle parenting approach we’ll explore:

Connection First
Come alongside your child and notice what they’ve been enjoying, or name it. For example:
“Wow, you’ve been having so much fun building that sandcastle!”
This builds parent-child connection and helps calm anxiety & emotions for smoother cooperation.
The “Last Thing” Cue
Like in Daniel Tiger, give a gentle 2–5 minute heads-up and let your child choose their “last thing.” This gives them a sense of control and supports kids with big anxiety & emotions.
Empowering Choices
Use playful, clear choices to make cooperation more fun. Instead of “We have to go,” try:
“Do you want to hop or gallop to the car?”
These simple parenting strategies keep your tone kind while keeping limits clear. (From the "Empowering statements" handout)
Two Roads
If resistance continues, offer two clear options with natural outcomes:
“You can walk to the car or I can help your body get there. You choose.”
This tool, inspired by the What Should Danny Do? books, keeps things positive while holding boundaries.

This episode is full of parenting tips & tools that work beautifully with children who find transitions tough. It’s not about being strict—it’s about gentle discipline that helps kids feel seen, safe, and supported.

✨ Looking for more strategies? Check out Episode 111 and Episode 112 for more summer parenting tools.
🎧 And join us next week as we talk about how to support your child when they cry at drop-off.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

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112. How to End Tech Time Battles and Get Kids Off Screens Without a Fight

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Friend, if you’re tired of constant tech battles with your kids—especially with summer approaching—this short episode of our weekly podcast is packed with gentle parenting tips & tools to help you create more peace around screens. You’ll learn how to reduce screen dependency, strengthen your parent-child connection, and encourage creative alternatives that keep kids engaged (without constant fights).

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

3 key habits to stop and 3 key habits to start
How to grow your child’s boredom “struggle muscles” to build resilience and reduce anxiety & emotions tied to screen time
Calm parenting tips to regulate tech time and set limits using kind and firm parenting strategies
How to strategically use tech time to your advantage—linking desired behaviors with technology rewards
Ways to provide age-appropriate freedoms that satisfy kids’ need for independence and excitement outside of screens

These positive parenting strategies will help you stop power struggles with kids, practice gentle discipline, and create a calmer, more connected home this summer.

For more detailed guidance on creating technology agreements with your children, check out Episode 111: Summer Survival.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

111. How to Handle 5 Common Summer Trouble Spots with Calm and Connection

Wed, 28 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever look ahead to summer and feel a mix of excitement and dread—wondering if the constant battles will leave you counting down the days until school starts again?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll explore gentle parenting strategies that make summer smoother and more joyful, even when challenges arise.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

What to do when you reach the end of your rope so you can respond with calm confident parenting instead of frustration
How to solve the five most common summer trouble spots—toys, technology, treats, morning routines, and evening routines—with positive parenting strategies
The single most important phrase to stop saying if you want to reduce tension and strengthen your parent-child connection
The best-kept secret to creating more ease in your days—a simple mindset shift that will help you stop power struggles with kids

These calm parenting tips will help you set limits with kind and firm parenting, ease anxiety & emotions, and create a home environment where raising confident kids feels more possible—even in the chaos of summer.

✨ Want even more parenting tips & tools? Join us for a live workshop on June 11th, 12–1pm MST, with 30 minutes of teaching and 30 minutes of Q&A. Register here to save your spot: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop-4/

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

110. Three Simple Solutions That Get Kids to Listen

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you’re saying the same thing fifteen times, only to have your child ignore you? You’re not alone. In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll explore why kids tune us out and how to replace the frustration with calm confident parenting strategies that actually work.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

Three fundamental reasons kids don’t listen—and how to solve them using positive parenting strategies
Practical parenting tips & tools for building better parent-child connection while guiding behavior
Calm parenting tips for setting limits with gentle discipline instead of harshness or permissiveness
Kind and firm parenting approaches that help kids follow through while still feeling respected and understood

These evidence-based approaches create sustainable parenting solutions that honor both your needs and your child’s. They’ll help you stop power struggles with kids, reduce anxiety & emotions in your home, and get kids to listen—without relying on yelling or constant reminders.

✨ Want personalized support for your unique family challenges? Reach out for a free clarity call through the link in this episode's description. And if you've found value here, please take a moment to leave a five-star review sharing what this episode meant to you!

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109. How to Stay Calm When Kids Push Boundaries Without Feeling Like You’re Failing

Wed, 14 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel stuck in a cycle of frustration and disappointment as a parent?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, I’ll share one key tool that can help you shift your perspective and bring more calm and ease to your parenting—even if your kids don’t change right away.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

Why children’s behavior isn’t a sign of parental failure—and how understanding this can ease anxiety & emotions
Why testing rules and boundaries is actually a healthy part of development—and how to respond with kind and firm parenting instead of frustration
How lowering expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards—and how gentle discipline can keep respect and connection strong

These calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies are designed to reduce power struggles, strengthen your parent-child connection, and leave you feeling more confident and less overwhelmed.

✨Want even more parenting tips & tools?

Join our monthly Lunch & Learn workshop held Wednesdays at noon for 30 minutes of teaching and 30 minutes of Q&A. Register here: sustainableparenting.com/workshop-4

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

108. Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement (and How to Make One)

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever wish your family life felt more intentional and less reactive? Maybe you’re tired of the daily battles over boundaries or wondering how to help your kids grow into confident, kind adults.

In this short episode of Sustainable Parenting's weekly podcast, we explore how creating a Family Mission Statement can bring more purpose to your parenting. This approach uses positive parenting strategies and kind and firm parenting to reduce conflicts and give your kids a clear understanding of the “WHY” behind your boundaries.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

Why creating a family mission statement decreases daily arguments and strengthens your parent-child connection
How to use your mission statement during tough conversations about privileges or behavior, transforming conflict into shared understanding
A practical resource (like the “Choose Intentionally” character cards) to help your family identify and live out your core values

These calm parenting tips will help you set limits without yelling, practice sustainable parenting, and guide your kids with shared values that make home life more peaceful.

✨ If this episode inspires you, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend who wants more peace and purpose in their parenting journey. And if you’re ready for personalized support, schedule a clarity call using the link in this episode’s description.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

107. How to Stop Feeling Guilty When You Take Time for Yourself

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you’re barely treading water—overwhelmed by the repetitive tasks of motherhood and weighed down by guilt? You’re not alone. In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll explore how to release that guilt, reduce stress, and create more space for calm, confident parenting.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

Why the word “should” fuels anxiety & emotions—and how to replace it with language that lightens your mental load
How to give yourself back your power and agency, making choices that align with your real priorities
A creative way to view guilt (like items on a sushi conveyor belt!) so you can observe it without letting it control you
How to replace “but” with “and” in your self-talk, breaking the cycle of guilt
Why defining what truly matters to you—not social media or what others suggest
Permission to prioritize what’s worth your energy, leading to more peace and presence with your kids

These calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies will help you quiet the guilt, strengthen your parent-child connection, and make room for gentle parenting practices that truly work.

If this episode brings you relief, share it with another mom who needs encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. And stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore how to create a family mission statement for more teamwork and cooperation at home.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

106. Five Simple Phrases That Stop Sibling Fights Fast

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Are you tired of constant sibling squabbles? Does it feel like you’re always stuck playing judge and jury while longing for more peace and connection between your kids? You’re not alone.

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we’ll share five powerful “F-words” that can transform sibling fights into opportunities for growth, helping you bring more calm and cooperation into your home.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

Parenting tips & tools to step out of the referee role and foster better problem-solving between your kids
How to empower children to express their anxiety & emotions in healthy ways using gentle parenting and gentle discipline
A simple approach to stop power struggles with kids and create tangible tools for conflict resolution
How to use kind and firm parenting strategies to build stronger parent-child connections and healthier sibling relationships

These positive parenting strategies and calm parenting tips will help you navigate sibling conflict without yelling, raising confident kids who know how to work through challenges together.

✨ If this episode helps you create more peace at home, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent who could use these strategies.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

105. Finding Common Ground When You and Your Spouse Parent Differently

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Are you and your partner stuck in a cycle of parenting disagreements—one of you being “too strict” while the other feels “too soft”? You’re not alone. In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll explore how to bring more balance to your parenting approach through kind and firm parenting, creating a home with less conflict and more connection.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

Parenting tips & tools for finding middle ground between overly kind and overly firm parenting styles
The counterintuitive truth that changing yourself is the most powerful way to influence your partner
How to recognize the natural parenting equilibrium that often pulls couples in opposite directions—and how to rebalance it
A practical “Two Lists” exercise from Positive Discipline to align on challenges and long-term goals for raising confident kids

These positive parenting strategies and calm parenting tips will help you communicate better with your partner, stop power struggles with kids, and create a path toward sustainable parenting that strengthens both your relationship and your parent-child connection.

If this episode helps you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who wants a more peaceful, united approach to parenting. And join me next week as we dive into the “Five F-Words” that can transform sibling fights!"

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

104. Why Explaining Doesn’t Work When Kids Misbehave (and What to Do Instead)

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel frustrated when your kids just don’t “get it”? You’ve explained why they should be kind, modeled sharing, or tried talking them out of an upset—yet nothing changes. This is what I call “parenting from the neck up”—relying only on logic and explanations when your child’s brain simply isn’t in a logical place.

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, you’ll learn how to shift from over-explaining to strategies that actually work. By tuning into anxiety & emotions first, you’ll unlock more cooperation and strengthen your parent-child connection—without endless lectures or power struggles.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Parenting tips & tools for helping kids who are resistant, emotional, or defiant (RED) when reasoning just isn’t working
Why it’s essential to stop arguing the “lyrics” (content) and start listening to the “music” (feelings) for deeper connection
How to use gentle parenting practices and emotional attunement to create calm, confident parenting moments that bring real change

These positive parenting strategies will help you parent without yelling, use kind and firm parenting approaches, and even stop power struggles with kids—all while raising confident kids who feel truly understood.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with another parent who needs encouragement, and leave a review so we can keep bringing you practical support for your parenting journey.

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

103. How Parents Accidentally Block Their Partner’s Help and Burn Themselves Out

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying “50 pounds of bricks” on your shoulders—wishing for more help but somehow ending up doing it all yourself?

This episode of Sustainable Parenting's weekly podcast explores what I call self-care bulldozing—when parents (especially moms) unintentionally create more work for themselves by micromanaging, gatekeeping, or not voicing their needs.

In this short episode, you’ll discover how to release some of that weight, create partnerships, and open the door for real teamwork at home.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Recognizing self-care bulldozing and how it shows up in daily life (micromanaging, gatekeeping, unspoken expectations)
The parenting tips & tools you need to communicate your needs directly
Two key mindset shifts for better teamwork: “wishing will not make it so” and “It never hurts to ask”
How gentle parenting and kind and firm parenting strategies can support stronger co-parenting and more space for your own well-being

These calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies will help you invite more balance into your home, strengthen your relationships, and create space for calm confident parenting—without guilt or burnout.

If this episode encourages you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who could use these practical strategies. And join us next week as we dive into “Parenting from the Neck Up”—and why logic alone doesn’t work with kids in emotional moments.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

102. Why Unmet Needs Are the Root of Your Mom Rage

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Rage is rarely talked about in parenting circles, yet so many moms silently experience it—followed by guilt, shame, and confusion. In this weekly podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on this taboo topic with honesty, compassion, and real solutions.

As both a therapist and parent, I share my personal journey with mom rage, how it impacted my parent-child connection, and the simple yet powerful mindset shifts that helped me move toward calm, confident parenting. You’ll discover why unmet needs—like exhaustion, lack of support, and feeling unaccomplished—can fuel intense anxiety & emotions, and how to break the cycle with positive parenting strategies that work.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Gentle parenting approaches for managing overwhelming anger
Calm parenting tips and kind and firm parenting tools to set boundaries
How self-compassion and healthy limits can stop resentment from building

✨ If you’re looking for parenting tips & tools for parenting without yelling, gentle discipline, and ways to stop power struggles with kids, this short episode offers hope, relief, and a path toward sustainable parenting.

Next week, we’ll explore “Self-Care Bulldozing” and how we sometimes unintentionally block the support we truly need.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

101. Spring Break Made Easier with Kids Car Rides, Outings, and Bedtimes

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Traveling with kids can be full of excitement—but also whining, meltdowns, and the dreaded “Are we there yeeeeeeeet?”

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, I’m sharing parenting tips & tools to help you create more calm, connection, and fun on your trip.

You’ll walk away with:

Two easy car games that strengthen your parent-child connection and keep kids entertained
Simple ways to talk with your kids about what to expect at busy places like theme parks or water parks
Calm parenting tips for keeping bedtime routines familiar so everyone rests better away from home
A fun “Would You Rather” game you can use anywhere
SP Curated List of Helpful items to Purchase-to make your vacation smoother

✨ If you’re looking for gentle parenting ideas, positive parenting strategies, and kind and firm parenting tools to stop power struggles with kids and make travel easier, this episode is packed with quick, practical help.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

100. The Hidden Link Between Phones and Your Child’s Mood Swings | Joanna Bertken

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Are smartphones quietly harming our kids’ mental health? In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, I sit down with Joanna Bertken, a nationally credentialed school psychologist and Student Assistance Coordinator for Bozeman Public Schools, to discuss the link between smartphone use and skyrocketing rates of anxiety & emotions challenges in kids and teens.

Joanna shares what her district discovered about rising depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation — and why they’re recommending a district-wide shift to cell-phone-free schools.

You’ll also hear parenting tips & tools for reducing screen-time battles, building stronger parent-child connection, and using gentle parenting and kind and firm parenting strategies to help kids thrive without constant device use.

Key Highlights from Today's Episode Include:

• Cell phones and social media target dopamine systems through intermittent reinforcement schedules similar to gambling addiction.

• Teenagers average 7 hours and 22 minutes daily on phones – equivalent to a full-time job.

• We are drastically underestimating the risks online, while overestimating the risks of free play — making calm confident parenting choices even more important.

• Major depression has increased 145% among teen girls and 161% among boys since 2010.

• Algorithms deliver gender-specific harmful content: violence for boys, appearance-based content for girls.

• Wait Until 8th campaign helps parents connect with others delaying smartphone access.

• Many teens themselves want adults to establish boundaries they struggle to set themselves — a chance for positive parenting strategies that support them.

• Parents should consider alternatives like limited-function watches instead of smartphones.

• Replace "phones" with "cigarettes" in conversations to recognize how abnormal our permissiveness has become!

If you’re focused on raising confident kids through gentle discipline, calm parenting tips, and strategies to stop power struggles with kids over technology, this conversation is a must-listen.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

99. Organize Family Routines and End the Scheduling Chaos | Jessica Etting

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Between school runs, endless activities, and work commitments, family life can feel overwhelming — but there are tools to help bring more calm and connection into your home.

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting's weekly podcast, Jessica Etting, co-founder of JAM, shares how her app helps families streamline communication, manage responsibilities, and create more time for what really matters: building a strong parent-child connection.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How a centralized family communication tool can reduce stress, anxiety & emotions and create space for calm confident parenting.

• Features of Jam and how it aids in organization.

✨ Looking to feel more peace and ease in your days? Check out jamfamilycalendar.com and use the code Jam 20 for a special discount.

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98. Is Montessori Elementary Right for Your Child? What Parents Need to Know

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Have you ever wondered how different learning environments impact your child’s growth, confidence, and emotional well-being?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we chat with Kristina McKinney, a dedicated Montessori educator at Bozeman Montessori, who shares how this unique approach nurtures independence, curiosity, and social skills — all while strengthening the parent-child connection.

Kristina walks us through how Montessori classrooms encourage calm confident parenting by supporting children’s natural rhythms, offering gentle discipline, and creating space for collaboration instead of control. You’ll learn how this approach benefits children of all learning styles, including those with neurodivergent needs, by using positive parenting strategies and kind and firm parenting techniques that align with sustainable parenting values.

By the end of the episode, you’ll gain:

• Insights into how Montessori supports raising confident kids while reducing anxiety & emotions tied to traditional schooling.

• Practical parenting tips & tools to help you stop power struggles with kids and even discover new ways of how to get kids to listen — without yelling or shame.

• A peek inside a Montessori classroom, where child-led projects spark creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

If you’re rethinking education or looking for calm parenting tips that align with your values, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how to stop tantrums, build resilience, and embrace learning environments that honor every child’s unique potential.

Don’t miss this episode — and if you enjoy it, subscribe for more gentle parenting conversations packed with insights to help you create a peaceful, thriving family life.

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97.⁠ ⁠How to Be Firm With Kids Without Yelling or Punishment

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Struggling to stay gentle while still setting strong boundaries? You’re not alone. In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we dive into how gentle parenting can include kind and firm parenting strategies that maintain respect and connection — without resorting to harsh punishments or simply, parenting without yelling.

We’ll talk about how it helps to strengthen the parent-child connection while teaching kids self-control and decision-making. You’ll hear practical parenting tips & tools for how to stop power struggles with kids, manage anxiety & emotions, and create a peaceful environment that supports raising confident kids.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How to set firm boundaries using positive parenting strategies that are both loving and effective.

• Simple, actionable ways to redirect misbehavior while keeping calm.

• How calm confident parenting can transform discipline into a teaching moment, helping kids learn and grow.

✨ If you’ve been looking for calm parenting tips to guide your child’s behavior with empathy and structure, this episode will help you embrace Sustainable Parenting practices that actually work.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

96. How to Handle the ‘That’s Not Fair!’ Sibling Fights

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Do your kids constantly argue over toys or who gets more of your attention? You’re not alone — most sibling fights are about possessions or competing for a parent’s time, and they can leave you feeling drained. In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we’re diving into why fairness triggers so much conflict and how to create more peace at home using gentle parenting and positive parenting strategies.

Instead of just trying to make everything “equal,” we’ll talk about how to address the deeper feelings behind sibling rivalry. You’ll learn how gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting can strengthen the parent-child connection, reduce anxiety & emotions, and guide your kids toward more cooperation and empathy.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• Why solving the feeling — not just the fairness — matters when addressing sibling rivalry

• Practical parenting tips & tools for how to get kids to listen and work together

• How to use calm parenting tips to redirect fights and stop power struggles with kids

• Insights from experts like Siblings Without Rivalry to help with raising confident kids

✨ If you’re ready to bring more peace, cooperation, and connection into your home, this episode offers practical steps for sustainable parenting that work — even during tense sibling moments.

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95. Why Kids Talk Back and How to Respond with Respect and Calm

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Does your child’s rude or defiant behavior leave you feeling frustrated or unsure how to respond? In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll unpack what’s really behind disrespectful words and actions — and how gentle parenting strategies can help you respond with empathy while still setting strong boundaries.

Instead of reacting to surface behavior, we’ll explore how to address the deeper anxiety & emotions driving it, strengthening the parent-child connection and transforming conflict into an opportunity for growth. With practical parenting tips & tools, you’ll learn positive parenting strategies for how to get kids to listen, practice gentle discipline, and use kind and firm parenting techniques that reduce defiance without shame or yelling.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How the “iceberg of behavior” helps you respond to your child’s real needs instead of just the outbursts

• What the QTIP strategy is and how it can de-escalate tense moments

• How the WWHD method creates calmer, more productive conversations after disrespectful behavior

• Why ignoring some misbehavior can actually strengthen cooperation and respect

✨ If you’re ready to stop power struggles with kids, discover calm parenting tips, and practice sustainable parenting that builds cooperation and respect, this episode will guide you toward calm confident parenting that works.

✨ Want a visual reminder of WWHD? Order your fridge magnet here: WWHD Magnet

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94. How to Respond When Your Toddler Climbs, Dumps, and Gets Into Everything

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Ever find yourself unsure of what to do when your toddler’s curiosity turns into mischief at home?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, I share gentle parenting ideas for staying calm and connected when your little one’s adventures lead to messes or unexpected surprises—like unrolling all the toilet paper or climbing on furniture.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll walk away with:

• Parenting tips & tools for improving supervision and guiding toddlers under six

• Calm parenting tips for engaging with your child in ways that strengthen your parent-child connection

• Insights into the emotions behind attention-seeking mischief—helping you support your child’s anxiety & emotions

• Positive parenting strategies for creating clear boundaries using gentle discipline

• Ways to navigate chaotic gatherings while practicing kind and firm parenting

• Proactive approaches to sustainable parenting that support raising confident kids

✨ Together, we’ll explore why toddlers love to test and explore their world—and how you can guide them with calm confident parenting so you can stop power struggles with kids, handle big feelings, and practice parenting without yelling.

✨Want more?

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93. How to Build Self-Motivation and Responsibility in Kids for Homework and Chores

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Do you get frustrated constantly reminding your children about their daily tasks and responsibilities?

Do you wish they could be more self-motivated and take initiative without all the nagging?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we dive into positive parenting strategies that actually work to build self-motivation and responsibility in kids. Through a gentle parenting approach, you’ll discover how to strengthen the parent-child connection while encouraging independence — all without yelling or power struggles.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How to use effective family meetings to motivate and stop power struggles with kids.

• Why parental engagement in children’s tasks is essential for raising confident kids.

• Creative ways to turn responsibilities into playful, meaningful activities that reduce anxiety & emotions around chores.

If you’ve been looking for calm parenting tips and gentle discipline tools that lead to sustainable parenting, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to foster responsibility while keeping a kind and firm parenting approach.

🗓 Plus, here’s the visual calendar I mentioned in the episode (great for younger kids!): Digital Calendar on Amazon

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92. 3 Parenting Habits that Bring More Cooperation and Less Stress

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Do you wish family life felt more connected and calm as you step into 2025?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we’ll explore 3 simple yet powerful habits that can bring more joy and ease to your days: hosting family meetings, encouraging independence, and using AI as a supportive tool for everyday parenting.

After listening, you’ll discover:

• How family meetings strengthen parent-child connection so everyone feels heard and appreciated (ps. Here is more info on family meetings – from Positive Discipline)

• Gentle parenting approaches to encourage independence and build confidence — key steps for raising confident kids

• Creative ways to use AI for calm parenting tips that make daily tasks lighter and support sustainable parenting

✨ We’ll also talk about how small changes can create meaningful shifts, from gentle discipline techniques to positive parenting strategies that help you stop power struggles with kids and even how to get kids to listen — all while focusing on parenting without yelling.

Join us for a conversation filled with parenting tips & tools designed to bring more connection, reflection, and calm into your home. It’s time for calm confident parenting that truly works!

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

91. 3 Key Tools from Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Ever find yourself feeling stuck when your child’s behavior feels challenging?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan — a clinical psychologist and professor of counseling at the University of Montana — shares three gentle parenting tools designed to bring more calm, confidence, and connection into everyday parenting. Together, we explore how self-awareness, curiosity, and radical acceptance can strengthen parent-child connection, ease anxiety & emotions, and help create smoother, more positive interactions with your child.

After listening, you’ll discover:

• How the phrase, “Get Curious, Not Furious” can transform tricky moments and stop power struggles with kids

• How self-awareness supports more thoughtful choices for calm, confident parenting

• Positive parenting strategies for responding with care instead of reacting with frustration

• Ways to set boundaries using kind and firm parenting and gentle discipline

• How calm parenting tips and curiosity can help you stop tantrums and build trust

• Simple practices for raising confident kids and celebrating progress every day

✨ Join us for a conversation filled with parenting tips & tools to support sustainable parenting and create a home where parenting without yelling leads to lasting growth, connection, and ease.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

90. Our Top 5 Parenting Episodes to Help You Stop Power Struggles and Tantrums

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0700

Which episodes did parents love most this year — and what can you learn from them to bring more calm and connection into your home? In this special roundup, we’re revisiting the top 5 most popular episodes of 2024 from our weekly podcast, filled with gentle parenting insights that make a real difference.

We’ll reflect on practical ways to strengthen your parent-child connection, use gentle discipline instead of yelling, and try positive parenting strategies for raising confident kids. These short episodes offer support for managing anxiety & emotions, how to get kids to listen, how to stop tantrums, and even stop power struggles with kids — all while keeping a focus on kind and firm parenting that really works.

✨ You’ll hear listener-loved tips on:
• Episode 57: Encouragement from Dr. Jane Nelsen on how positive discipline builds respect and trust
• Episode 46: Gentle ways to respond when your child says, “You’re mean!” (yes, it stings—but there’s a better way)
• Episode 52: Age-appropriate discipline techniques for toddlers that don’t rely on yelling or time-outs
• Episode 53: Why reducing screen time supports calm & peaceful parenting, and what to do instead
• Episode 74: Using affirmations to boost confidence, especially for kids with anxiety & emotions or a neurodivergent child

Whether you’re new here or a longtime listener, these episodes are full of parenting tips & tools to bring more joy and ease into everyday life.

💌 Have a question you’d love answered in 2025?

Email Flora at sustainableparenting.com to be featured in a future episode! You’ll also get a personal response and a free course on how to stop power struggles with kids — a gift from me to help you keep growing in your journey toward calm, confident parenting.

✨Want more?

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89. How to Avoid Tantrums and Tensions Over Holiday Breaks

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos of holiday breaks with kids? Maybe you’ve even ended a break thinking, “I can’t do this anymore — GET THEM OUT OF HERE!”

This short episode is a breath of fresh air, offering calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies to help you turn stressful days into enjoyable, memory-making moments.

✨ We’ll explore practical parenting tips & tools for reducing anxiety & emotions, like maintaining predictable routines, carrying familiar snacks, and using kind and firm parenting to set clear expectations. You’ll also learn how to create a flexible plan for activities that minimizes decision fatigue, how to stop power struggles with kids, and keep family tensions low.

Along the way, I’ll share real-life examples and gentle discipline approaches that foster parent-child connection, help you raise confident kids, and even prevent big blowups by knowing how to stop tantrums before they start.

If you’re ready for a break that feels more peaceful and connected, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to support calm confident parenting and make your family time truly enjoyable.💚

✨Want more?

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88. 3 Habits That Get Kids Helping Without Complaints

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Do you ever wish your kids were more eager to help out at home—without constant reminders or power struggles?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we’ll explore gentle parenting strategies that make it easier to encourage helpful habits in kids while strengthening your parent-child connection. You’ll hear practical parenting tips & tools for turning everyday routines into opportunities for teamwork, responsibility, and calm confident parenting—without yelling or resorting to harsh discipline.

After listening, you’ll discover:

• Simple ways to invite your kids into tasks so they feel excited and valued.

• How to set clear expectations with kindness, using positive parenting strategies and gentle discipline.

• Easy approaches that help with raising confident kids who feel capable and connected.

✨ Small shifts can create big changes in how your family works together. This episode offers calm parenting tips to stop power struggles with kids, build cooperation, and bring more joy into your home—all while helping your children grow into responsible, helpful members of the family.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

87. How to Prevent Spoiled or Entitled Kids

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Want to make this holiday season feel more meaningful and less stressful?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, I’m sharing gentle parenting and positive parenting strategies to help prevent entitlement and appreciate what they have. You’ll hear calm parenting tips and tools for creating a holiday season which builds a stronger parent-child connection, reduces anxiety & emotions, and encourages generosity—without yelling or constant power struggles.

We’ll talk about:

• How getting kids involved in chores and responsibilities can stop power struggles with kids and foster teamwork.

• Why the “less is more” approach can inspire gratitude, reduce stress, and spark creativity.

• How donating toys teaches empathy and kindness, supports sustainable parenting practices in raising confident kids.

🎧Tune in if you’re ready to approach the holidays with calm confident parenting. This episode offers practical ways to bring more joy, balance, and connection into your celebrations using kind and firm parenting and gentle discipline—making this season lighter, more intentional, and more fun for your whole family.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

86. Bonus | A Special Thank You to Our Parenting Community

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0700

It’s here! ✨Black Friday✨ is the perfect time to take a step toward the parenting experience you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety & emotions, looking for ways to stop power struggles with kids, or wanting to deepen your parent-child connection, these two special offers are designed to bring more ease, calm, and joy into your home through positive parenting strategies.

Option 1: Group Coaching Plan – $1890 (Save $810)
Join a community of like-minded parents, all working towards the same goal: creating a more peaceful, positive home. Through shared experiences and expert guidance, you'll have the support you need to make parenting easier and more enjoyable.

Option 2: 5 One-on-One Sessions – $499 (Save $250)
For those looking for personal support, this bundle is a great way to dive deep into the specific challenges and goals that matter most to you and your family. We'll work together to create lasting change that makes daily life feel lighter.

💡In this episode, I highlighted how the Sustainable Parenting podcast was featured on Courtney Elmer's "Insider Secrets to Build a Top 100 Podcast". Click here, if you'd like to check out that episode.

Thank you for being part of this growing community—and for all you do as a parent. 💛

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

85. Will AI Tools Actually Make Family Routines Easier for Parents?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Wondering if AI could make parenting feel a bit easier?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we take a gentle look at how AI tools like ChatGPT can support and strengthen your parent-child connection. You’ll hear practical parenting tips & tools for using AI responsibly—whether it’s helping with potty training, managing screen time, or organizing family routines—all while staying grounded in gentle parenting and kind and firm parenting values.

After listening, you’ll learn:

• How AI can be used responsibly in parenting to reduce anxiety & emotions in daily routines.

• The potential benefits of AI as a source of calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies.

• The boundaries to set so AI remains helpful—not harmful—while supporting your goals for raising confident kids.

🎧 Tune in for ideas to make parenting easier without losing your heart-centered approach. This episode offers a thoughtful way to explore new tools for calm confident parenting—without yelling, without guilt, and without giving up what matters most to your family.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

84. How to Give Kids Safe Outlets for Anger Without Hurting Anyone

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0700

I tell clients it’s OK to let their kids hit, scratch, and scream… and here’s why.

When we focus only on telling kids what not to do, it often makes their anxiety & emotions even bigger. Instead, this short episode of our weekly podcast will help you understand how, when, and where to allow your child to express big feelings—while still using gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting.

You’ll learn practical parenting tips & tools to:

• Support your child in expressing anger in safe, appropriate ways.

• Strengthen your parent-child connection while maintaining boundaries.

• Use positive parenting strategies to stop power struggles with kids and build calm confident parenting habits.

✨ If you’re eager to explore gentle parenting approaches that make room for emotions without losing structure, this episode offers calm parenting tips for raising confident kids. And if you want deeper support, my transformation program can help you apply these tools to create a sustainable parenting plan that makes life at home lighter and more connected.

🌱 Ready to take the next step? Visit https://sustainableparenting.com/mentor to learn more about my transformational program designed to support a sustainable, heart-centered parenting approach.

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

83. Tired of Saying “No” All Day? How to Get Kids to Listen Without Power Struggles

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Do you feel like you’re saying “no” too often?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, I’ll share practical parenting tips & tools to help you save your “no’s” for when they really count—making them more impactful while keeping a strong parent-child connection. You’ll learn how to use gentle parenting and positive parenting strategies to create a calmer, more cooperative home without constant power struggles.

After you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• How to shift toward saying the opposite instead of a firm “no.”

• Why using gentle language like “I notice” encourages kids to reflect on their choices.

• The power of saving “no” for important moments, making it a tool for kind and firm parenting.

✨ Join me to explore calm parenting tips and gentle discipline approaches that reduce anxiety & emotions, help kids feel heard, and support raising confident kids—all while parenting without yelling.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

82. 3 Positive Parenting Strategies to Get Toddlers to Listen and Cooperate

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Curious about how to transform those toddler tantrums into more calm and ease?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, I’m sharing my TOP 3 parenting tips & tools for navigating life with toddlers. These strategies are rooted in gentle parenting and positive parenting strategies, helping you strengthen your parent-child connection while creating a calmer, more cooperative home.

These tips will help you:

• Stop power struggles with kids and encourage more cooperation.

• Use gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting to guide behavior.

• Reduce anxiety & emotions—for both you and your child—while parenting without yelling.

If you’re ready for calm, confident parenting and want practical ideas for how to stop tantrums, get kids to listen, and enjoy lighter, brighter days with your toddler, this episode is for YOU.💚

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

81. The Parenting Mistake Most of Us Make (and How to Avoid It)

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Do you have regrets in parenting?

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and do things differently? In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, I’m sharing the #1 thing I wish I’d done differently—a subtle but powerful shift that can bring more restful sleep cycles for kids, a stronger parent-child connection, and a calmer parenting experience for you.

Drawing inspiration from Raising Bébé, we’ll explore how this small change—what I call “the pause”—can transform daily parenting moments. You’ll discover how gentle parenting and kind and firm parenting approaches can help you reduce anxiety & emotions, stop power struggles with kids, and raise confident kids who thrive.

After listening, you’ll gain:

• Insight into the power of one small word that can change so many layers of parenting.

• Practical parenting tips & tools to approach challenges with calm confident parenting.

• A space to reflect on what you’d love to shift to create more peace and joy at home.

If you're looking for positive parenting strategies to support your journey, this episode offers a meaningful step toward parenting without yelling—while keeping your values at the center of it all.

✨Want more?

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80. How to Respond When Kids Demand Your Attention Nonstop

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Are you frustrated when your child is using more and more “tiny terrorist” tactics to get what they want?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, we’ll explore gentle parenting approaches to handle demanding behavior without yelling—helping you strengthen your parent-child connection and bring more calm to your home.

You’ll learn:

• Why being mindful in your response prevents reinforcing negative behavior and reduces anxiety & emotions for both you and your child.

• How to guide kids in expressing their needs in more polite, respectful ways.

• How kind and firm parenting and gentle discipline can set healthy boundaries while helping kids feel heard and supported.

✨ If you’re ready to stop power struggles with kids, get practical parenting tips & tools, and embrace calm confident parenting, this episode offers simple strategies for creating a more balanced, peaceful home.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

79. How to Get on the Same Page - Parenting Together With Kindness & Firmness.

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0600

When one parent leans more toward gentle parenting and the other is more authoritative, it can create tension, tantrums, and power struggles that disrupt family time and make it hard to stay calm and connected.

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting weekly podcast, I’m joined by a very special guest—my husband, Dr. Gabe McCormick! Together, we share simple parenting strategies that helped us reduce conflict and find more peace in our home, especially during those tricky toddler years and emotional moments.

You’ll hear how one key phrase—“I love you, and the answer is no”—became a turning point in our parenting journey. Gabe learned to lead with more connection, and I found confidence in setting clear boundaries with kindness. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child or just hoping to end the yelling and find more calm & peaceful parenting moments, this episode is filled with practical parenting tips & tools.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How to set firm boundaries without losing the parent-child connection

• Ways to reduce power struggles and increase teamwork in your parenting partnership

• Why being too soft—or too strict—can make anxiety & emotions run higher, and what to do instead

• How to bring more clarity, cooperation, and calm into your day-to-day parenting

This conversation is real, honest, and encouraging—perfect for any parent seeking gentle discipline tools that truly work. Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or trying to stay united with your partner, we hope this episode inspires you to reimagine your parenting approach and move toward a more positive parenting rhythm at home.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

78. How to Stop Toddler Hitting

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when your toddler hits—especially when you're trying your best to parent with patience and intention?

With all the advice out there on how to manage tantrums, power struggles, and big emotions, it can be hard to know what really works—especially if you’re raising a neurodivergent child or simply trying to create a more calm and peaceful parenting experience.

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, I’ll walk you through simple parenting strategies that blend gentle discipline with firm, clear boundaries. You’ll learn a "green light" and "red light" method—an easy-to-remember guide that helps you respond without yelling, shaming, or confusion.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:
✔ Why toddlers hit (it’s not always what you think)
✔ What to do instead of lectures or punishment
✔ How to support your child’s anxiety & emotions with kindness and structure
✔ How to protect your parent-child connection during stressful moments

This is positive parenting in action—real-life parenting tips & tools you can use to end the yelling, handle tricky moments with confidence, and enjoy more meaningful family time.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

77. The Three H's to Use When Kids are Crabby or Complaining

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Do you feel worn down by constant complaining, resistance, or mood swings—especially when your child seems upset over things that feel so small?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite calm & peaceful parenting tools: the Three H’s—a simple strategy that helps you respond with connection, even when your child is crabby, emotional, or irrational.

Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, power struggles with your neurodivergent child, or just trying to end the yelling and create more peaceful family time, these gentle parenting tips will give you practical tools you can start using right away.

These simple parenting strategies work for all ages—from the early years through the teen stage—and help you stay grounded, reduce anxiety & emotions in the moment, and strengthen your parent-child connection.

This short episode is part of our weekly podcast series where we share positive parenting tools to bring more ease, joy, and cooperation into your home.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

76. Why “Do Whatever You Want” Backfires With Kids (and What to Teach Instead)

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0600

What is the “Satanic Rule”… and how could it be quietly shaping the way we parent—even when we’re trying our best with calm and peaceful parenting?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’ll talk about how this hidden pattern often shows up in parenting—especially in the heat of tantrums, power struggles, or when we’re just overwhelmed by the anxiety and emotions of daily life.

You’ll learn simple parenting strategies to gently shift away from reactive habits and step into a more connected, balanced role—whether you're parenting a toddler, navigating big feelings, or raising a neurodivergent child.

We’ll explore gentle discipline tools and positive parenting tips that help end the yelling, strengthen the parent-child connection, and bring more joy and ease to your family time.

This episode is here to support your journey with practical tools and encouragement—so you can build the kind of relationship with your child that truly lasts.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

75. How to Support Kids Who Are Gifted and Struggle With Learning Differences | Victoria Williams

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Is your child struggling to fit in at school—even though they have amazing talents in certain areas?

In this episode of our weekly podcast on calm & peaceful parenting, we talk with Victoria Williams, an expert in helping twice exceptional (2e) kids—children who are both gifted and face challenges like ADHD, autism, or learning differences. These neurodivergent children often feel misunderstood, leading to anxiety, emotions that run high, and even behavior that looks like tantrums or power struggles.

Victoria shares simple parenting strategies and gentle discipline ideas that help support both the strengths and struggles of 2e kids. We talk about how to foster a stronger parent-child connection, encourage their unique gifts, and end the yelling with more confidence and calm.

By the end of this short episode, you’ll:

🌟 Understand why many 2e kids try to hide their differences—and how it affects their emotions and behavior

🌟 Learn the benefits of flexible learning environments that support positive parenting

🌟 Discover how advocacy can make a difference—at school and at home

If you're looking for thoughtful parenting tips & tools that help your child thrive while protecting your family time, this episode offers guidance grounded in gentle parenting. Tune in to gain confidence, trust your instincts, and support your 2e child with care.

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

74. 3 Simple Affirmations to Boost Your Child’s Confidence

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Would you love simple parenting strategies to empower your child and build their confidence—without adding pressure to your day?

In this short episode of our weekly podcast, we’re diving into how affirmations can be a gentle, effective way to support your child’s self-esteem and emotional growth—especially during the ups and downs of family life, toddler tantrums, or even power struggles with a neurodivergent child.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

🔹 How to create realistic and meaningful positive statements that truly resonate—supporting both anxiety & emotions in everyday parenting

🔹 How to give specific, genuine feedback that deepens your parent-child connection and helps end the yelling cycles by focusing on strengths

🔹 Practical, calming ways to use affirmations during transitions, routines, or even after tough moments to create more calm & peaceful parenting

Whether you’re navigating gentle discipline, looking for positive parenting tools, or just want to make the most of family time, this episode offers accessible, heartfelt parenting tips & tools you can start using today.

It’s the perfect moment to bring a little more calm and confidence into your home—especially as a new school year begins.

Here is the poem I mention: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44314/it-couldnt-be-done

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73. How to Stop Yelling and Create Calmer, Easier Days with Your Kids

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

What if I told you that you DON’T need more patience? Yes. Really.
The secret to less anger in parenting isn’t about forcing yourself to stay calm—it’s about understanding what actually works.

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, we explore why more patience doesn’t always lead to calm & peaceful parenting, and what truly does. You’ll get practical parenting tips & tools that help you end the yelling, reduce tantrums, and bring more ease into your day—whether you're parenting a toddler, a neurodivergent child, or anywhere in between.

We’ll talk about simple parenting strategies rooted in gentle parenting and positive parenting, and how shifting your expectations—especially during power struggles—can lower anxiety & emotions for both you and your child.

These ideas are straight from our Calm Confident Parenting workshop and designed to help you enjoy more meaningful family time and deepen your parent-child connection—without adding more to your to-do list.

By the time you finish listening, you'll know:

Actionable insights to help you feel less angry… fast
A clearer path to gentle discipline that brings long-term results
The mindset shift that creates more peace—even in the chaos

🎧 Tune in to this weekly podcast for grounded, effective support on your parenting journey.

VIEW THE FULL workshop that this episode came from at: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63640a05c74edb4b6bdce1f3

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

72. Three Keys to Responding Calmly and Confidently to Power Struggles

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you’re doing your best as a parent, but still aren’t showing up with the calm and confidence you really want? 😞

You’re not alone.

Many parents dream of calm & peaceful parenting—but between toddler tantrums, power struggles, and the emotional ups and downs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re parenting a neurodivergent child or simply navigating everyday family time, it’s possible to find more ease.

This short episode of our weekly podcast offers gentle, practical parenting tips & tools to help you feel more grounded and connected.

By the end, you’ll learn:

✨ Simple parenting strategies to shift patterns that may be fueling frustration
✨ A gentle discipline approach that helps end the yelling and increase parent-child connection
✨ How to feel more calm and confident—especially during moments filled with anxiety & emotions

We’ll also talk about why trying too hard to “reason” through everything can backfire, and what to do instead to make Positive Parenting easier and more sustainable.

This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and take one small step toward a more peaceful home. ❤️

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

71. 3 Steps That Get Kids To Listen Without Pushback

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Frustrated that your toddler seems to ignore you, pushes back in power struggles, or even laughs when you try to correct their behavior?

In this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the simple parenting strategies I teach inside my Sustainable Parenting Transformation group. You’ll get a clear breakdown of the 3 C.E.O. steps—a gentle parenting approach that’s helped hundreds of families bring more calm, connection, and cooperation into daily life.

Whether you're raising a strong-willed child or a neurodivergent child, these tools can help you end the yelling, ease tantrums, and strengthen your parent-child connection through gentle discipline.

Perfect for parents seeking weekly parenting tips & tools rooted in positive parenting and calm & peaceful parenting.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

• How to get your child’s defiance to melt

• How to encourage cooperation without yelling

• How to step into calm, confident leadership that supports emotional growth and strengthens family time

This weekly podcast is your go-to space for parenting support that brings relief from anxiety & emotions, and empowers you with compassionate tools that really work.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

70. 3 Steps to Make School Routines Run Smoothly

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder how to bring more calm & peaceful parenting into the chaos of the school year?

If you’re feeling stretched thin by digital distractions, tantrums, power struggles, or just the daily grind of parenting a toddler or neurodivergent child, this short episode offers simple parenting strategies to help you reclaim your days with intention.

In this weekly podcast, we’ll walk through three positive parenting steps that can transform how your family approaches school rhythms, without the overwhelm:

✨ Name what matters
✨ Decide what to add
✨ Let go of what no longer fits

Whether it’s cutting down on screen time, strengthening the parent-child connection, or building in more meaningful family time, these gentle parenting ideas help create a home filled with more ease—and less yelling.

You’ll walk away with parenting tips & tools that not only end the yelling, but support your child’s anxiety & emotions as you build a routine that works for gentle discipline and lasting joy.

And if you're ready to go deeper, I’d love to support you through my four-month program or one-on-one coaching to build a school year that truly fits your family values.

Let’s build something peaceful, together.🫶

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

69. How to Stop Backtalk and Teach Kids to Speak With Respect

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Do you ever wonder how to get kids to listen—especially when they’re being rude to siblings, family members, or other adults?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll explore why rude behavior shows up and how to guide your child with calm parenting tips and gentle discipline so they can learn to express themselves more respectfully.

🌱 You’ll discover how to create more respect and connection at home while raising resilient kids who know how to solve problems in healthier ways. 💗

After listening, you’ll learn:

The real cause of rude behavior (and why it’s not always what you think).
How to use the “bugs and wishes” technique to support better communication.
Practical tools for kind and firm parenting that help your child handle upsets more maturely.

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

68. The Simple Phrase That Gets Kids to Listen the First Time

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Having trouble figuring out how to get kids to listen without repeating yourself a dozen times? Do you feel stuck between reminding and nagging, but still not getting the cooperation you’re hoping for? 😫

This week’s episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick is all about shifting from commands to curiosity. 🌟 By asking simple, curiosity-driven questions, you’ll discover how to spark your child’s thinking, encourage cooperation, and bring more calm into your home.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How curiosity-driven questions work as a gentle discipline tool for guiding better choices.
Ways this approach can transform everyday moments like morning routines, homework, and chores.
Real examples from parents using positive parenting strategies in raising confident kids.

🎧 Tune in to explore how calm parenting tips like these can reduce stress, strengthen connection, and set the stage for raising resilient kids with kindness and respect.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

67. How to Handle In-Law Visits Without Losing Your Parenting Confidence

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

How can you keep your parenting style and family routines steady when you have house guests or are on vacation?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we explore how family visits and trips can affect your parenting. You’ll hear practical positive parenting strategies for staying kind and firm—whether you’re hosting guests or staying at someone else’s home—so your family values are respected while also honoring others’ practices.

After listening, you’ll learn:

How to make clear plans in advance to reduce stress and confusion.
Calm parenting tips to keep routines and values in place, even in new environments.
Ways to turn hurtful comments from adults into positive messages for kids.

We’ll also talk about how to balance kind and firm parenting in different family situations, practice gentle discipline without losing connection, and guide kids back to normal routines after visiting relatives with different habits.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

66. How to Relax When Grandparents or Relatives Watch Your Kids

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Is it really possible to leave your kids with someone else and still feel calm and confident about it? Absolutely.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I share 3️⃣ simple yet powerful tools to make sure your time away feels smooth—for your kids, their caregivers, and for you. These strategies are rooted in positive discipline and gentle parenting practices that focus on connection, not control.

You’ll learn how to:

Use visuals to help kids stay on track with routines.
Communicate clearly and kindly with kids and caregivers.
Build consistency so your child feels secure, even in new situations.

These positive parenting strategies aren’t just about surviving time apart—they’re about raising resilient kids who feel supported and capable. With the right tools, you can step back, recharge, and return with renewed energy.

✨Sustainable Parenting Glamping Retreat✨
Overnight Glamping 🌛 (Hurry, only 2 spots left!)

https://sustainable-parenting.myflodesk.com/glamping

Daytime Glamping🌞

https://sustainable-parenting.myflodesk.com/h5trt4j712

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

65. How to Support Kids Who Resist Change and Struggle With Transitions

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Does your child get upset or worried when things change? Do you wonder how to help them feel more comfortable with new situations? 🥺

🌟In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’ll explore positive parenting strategies for kids who struggle with change. You’ll learn how to understand your child’s unique personality while using kind and firm parenting tools that make new experiences less overwhelming. 💪

After listening, you’ll discover:

Gentle ways to talk about your child’s behavior that turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Simple calm parenting tips that can help kids feel more in control and at ease.
How combining kindness with firmness helps in raising resilient kids who feel safe trying new things.

With these positive discipline approaches, you’ll build calm, confident parenting habits that make family life smoother and more sustainable.

🎧 Tune in to gain practical tools that make parenting more enjoyable for both you and your child!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

64. Three Steps to Rebuild Connection After You Lose Your Cool

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Let’s face it — we’re not perfect parents. We never will be. (And I can promise you, I definitely won’t be!)

Instead of beating yourself up over a mistake, or apologizing to your child for being a “bad mommy” or “mean mommy” because you yelled or lost your patience, let’s focus on a plan that leads to:

Stronger relationships with your kids
Understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn
A path forward filled with calm, confident parenting

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’ll look at how acknowledging errors—without labeling ourselves—teaches kids that mistakes are about choices, not their worth. With insights from Bruce Perry and Daniel Siegel, we’ll dive into the emotional brain and explore positive parenting strategies that encourage gentle discipline, build resilience, and support raising confident kids.

Thank you for joining me in this mission of creating family dynamics that are genuine in our struggles and intentional in our solutions.

Here is the Brain in the Palm of Your Hand explanation.

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

63. How to Set Clear Rules for Toys, Tech, and Treats Without Daily Power Struggles

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Wondering how to have fewer arguments and power struggles each day?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’re diving into 5 key areas of daily life that can dramatically cut down on those exhausting battles. I know it takes a little effort upfront—but would you rather spend time on 🎯preparation or constantly putting out fires?🔥 Preparation wins every time.👌🏼

By the end, you’ll discover:

How to get kids to listen with clear, kind expectations that actually work.
Simple tricks to ease bedtime battles and morning chaos.
Gentle discipline approaches that help your child follow through the first time you ask.

These positive parenting strategies will help you create more calm and connection at home. Try them out and see how kind and firm parenting can bring more joy to your days. For even more calm parenting tips, check out episodes 14 and 23 on bedtime and morning routines.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

62. How to Stay Patient With Kids While Managing Chronic Illness | Jonathan Stewart

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we explore empathy and resilience in parenting through health challenges. Jonathan Stewart, a community leader and amazing dad, opens up about raising three kids while living with chronic illness.

After listening, you’ll discover:

How chronic illness can affect both parenting and mental health.
Gentle discipline and calm parenting tips that help you stay connected with your kids, even in hard seasons.
Why open conversations about loss and grief build resilience and encourage raising confident kids.

Jonathan’s story shines a light on positive parenting strategies rooted in empathy, understanding, and strong family bonds. If you’re navigating similar challenges, you may also want to connect with EverGreen Adventures, the nonprofit Jonathan founded to support families impacted by chronic illness.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

61. How to Stop Emotional Eating When Parenting Feels Overwhelming | Meredith Ries, LCPC

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Have you ever noticed how stress can pull you toward the fridge instead of toward something that actually restores your energy?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m joined by Meredith Ries, a therapist and emotional eating coach, to explore why emotional eating is so common among parents. Together, we unpack the emotions behind stress eating and highlight how bringing more calm confident parenting practices into your daily life can reduce the pressure that fuels these habits.

Meredith shares how acknowledging your self-worth and needs is an act of positive discipline—not just for yourself, but also as a way to model kind and firm parenting. We’ll talk about what parenting really looks like when stress is high and how to use positive parenting strategies to shift from emotional to logical thinking during challenging moments.

You’ll discover:

Actionable tools for managing your relationship with food.
Stress management strategies that don’t involve binging.
Gentle discipline practices that help you feel calmer and raise more resilient kids.

Get my FOOD PREP IDEAS WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES : FREE PDF here

Meredith also provides resources and support for those looking to confront emotional eating, including how to connect with her for further guidance. Feel free to reach out to her at https://www.meredithriescoaching.com/.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

60. What to Say When Kids Whine So They Learn to Ask Respectfully

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Does your child’s whining leave you drained and unsure how to respond? Maybe you’ve even wished for a guide on parenting without yelling—something that makes communication easier and calmer.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll walk you through 2️⃣ powerful yet simple tools that bring more peace to your home. These calm parenting tips will help you foster emotional regulation, encourage positive discipline, and create a foundation for raising resilient kids.

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

✨ How to pivot when your child is whining.

✨ How to problem-solve in ways that build confident, connected communication.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

59. How to Be Both Kind and Firm With Kids | Jane Nelsen

Wed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Join us for the third part of our insightful interview with Jane Nelsen, the well-known author of Positive Discipline. Jane shares more wisdom on practical strategies to parent with both kindness and firmness, showing how calm parenting tips can make family life feel more connected.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we talk about how Positive Discipline can shift the way you and your kids interact. Jane explains how to use gentle discipline to strengthen teamwork and communication at home.

After listening, you'll learn:
🌟 Key phrases that guide you in parenting without yelling—so you’re not overly coddling or overly controlling.
🌟 HOW and WHY to hold family meetings just 20 minutes a week.
🌟 How mistakes can transform into growth opportunities.

Discover how to get kids to listen while also raising confident kids who feel respected and valued. Tune in for an episode full of positive parenting strategies and stories that support calm, confident parenting. And don’t miss the handout from Jane with key phrases of kindness and firmness.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

58. How to Be Both Kind and Firm With Kids | Jane Nelsen

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Are you ready to rethink consequences, punishment, and time outs?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we explore the transformational power of Positive Discipline with our guest, author, and parenting expert Jane Nelsen.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

🌟 Why it’s important to move away from punishments and even some consequences

🌟 How to use “Positive Time Outs” as part of gentle discipline

🌟 The 4 key Mistaken Goals listed in THIS CHART, and how to use them to outsmart misbehavior

🌟 What to do when children back-talk

In this discussion, we highlight how kind and firm parenting creates real change. You’ll discover why stepping away from punitive measures and leaning into positive parenting strategies helps children build confidence, resilience, and stronger self-worth.

Tune in to learn how to get kids to listen without yelling and explore practical, calm parenting tips that make for more peaceful, connected family life.

RESOURCES mentioned in today's episode:
🌟 Jared's Cool-Off Book, by Jane Nelsen
🌟Flora's handout on how to SUPPORT, rather than fix/rescue
🌟The 4 key Mistaken Goals listed in THIS CHART, and how to use them to outsmart misbehavior.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

57. How to Be Both Kind and Firm With Kids | Jane Nelsen

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Struggling to find the right way to guide your kids?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with parenting expert Jane Nelsen as we uncover the secrets of positive discipline! ✨ She’ll share gentle guidance on finding the balance between kind and firm parenting, and why parenting without yelling creates deeper connection and cooperation.

Over the next three weeks, Jane will walk us through her most effective positive parenting strategies for raising confident kids who feel capable, respected, and resilient.

Together, we’ll explore the wisdom of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs to understand how children grow best. Sometimes, being too permissive can accidentally spoil rather than strengthen them—but as Jane reminds us, punishment isn’t the answer either. What truly works is sustainable parenting: guidance that builds skills while keeping relationships strong.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISHED LISTENING, YOU'LL KNOW:

Why gentle discipline creates long-term growth over the quick fix of punishment or permissiveness.
Key phrases that help you get kids to listen without nagging or yelling.
How to guide your child’s behavior in ways that prevent rebellion, retreat, or revenge.

This is your invitation into the world of calm confident parenting—where kindness and firmness work hand in hand.

You can learn more about Positive Discipline HERE, and access Jane's powerful tools and books here.

Click here to register for the Positive Discipline In Person Conference in Atlanta: https://positivediscipline.org/event-5540049

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

56. How to Ask for What You Need as a Mom (Without Feeling Guilty)

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Have you ever had a less-than-wonderful Mother’s Day?

Maybe you’re already looking ahead to this year with a bit of dread, worried you’ll once again be:

Taking care of everyone else (your MIL, helping your kids make cards, managing the day),
Feeling overlooked, or
Walking away under-appreciated instead of truly celebrated.

❤️ This week's episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m sharing a 3-part recipe to reinvent Mother’s Day in a way that feels good for you. ❤️

My first Mother’s Day was nothing like I imagined—picture a hungover husband, me changing every diaper, and being told the shoes I bought myself were my “gift.” I felt invisible. But over the years, through positive parenting strategies and calm parenting tips, I’ve learned how to shape celebrations that actually honor our journey as moms.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

The common traps we fall into—like expecting partners to be mind-readers or holding back out of guilt.
How to let go of “shoulds” and practice kind and firm parenting with yourself.
How to speak clearly about what you want—so you can enjoy a Mother’s Day that leaves you cherished and rejuvenated.

Join me, knee-to-knee, mom-to-mom, as we talk about positive discipline and creating space to celebrate the calm, confident parenting path you’re already walking.

And if you are in a space where you REALLY DESIRE SPACE FOR REJUVENATION,
join me on the DAY OPTION, or OVERNIGHT option of the "Rooted and Reaching - Sustainable Parenting Glamping Women's Retreat."

And lastly, I wanna offer you a discount to the Sustainable Parenting Transformation 🌟Accelerator Package🌟 (exclusive 10% DISCOUNT).

This Parent Coaching Wrap-around support for 5 sessions (over 2 months of time) is regularly $997 - ON SALE UNTIL MOTHER's DAY ($878)!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

55. How to Break Free from Parenting Struggles and Find Calm that Lasts

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0600

🎙️ Are you feeling stuck in parenting challenges lately? Maybe it feels like no matter what you try, your kids just don’t listen—or you end up repeating yourself until you’re exhausted.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’ll explore how to break free from that cycle and discover sustainable parenting solutions that actually work. You’ll learn the “wrong P word” that keeps parents trapped and how to shift from frustration into calm, confident parenting. Together, we’ll look at how to embrace challenges, set kind and firm boundaries, and use positive parenting strategies that strengthen connection while encouraging cooperation.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL KNOW:
🌟Why you’re feeling stuck
🌟How positive discipline balances kindness and firmness
🌟 Real-life tools for raising resilient kids with connection and respect

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

54. How to Handle Parenting Differences With Your Partner Without Fighting

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Are you tired of power struggles with your spouse over who’s being “too soft” or “too strict”?

Do you find your kids getting caught in the crossfire of battling parenting styles?

You’re not alone—and what you’re really craving is more:

✔ partnership

✔ teamwork

✔ having each other’s backs.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I share two powerful questions that can shift you into a more united approach—one that blends kind and firm parenting with positive parenting strategies.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

⭐ How to build respectful relationships without relying on yelling or an “iron fist.”

⭐ How to keep clear boundaries while still nurturing warmth and trust.

⭐ How positive parenting strategies can strengthen your teamwork as a couple.

When you embrace this balance of gentle discipline and consistency, you’ll not only reduce stress, but also model the tools for raising resilient kids—all while becoming that supportive parenting team you’ve always wanted to be.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

53. How to Get Kids Ages 5–12 Off Screens Without Daily Battle

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Are your kids glued to their screens?

Do you feel like you’re often in a debate over whether they can watch “ONE more show” or play a video game “JUST a few more minutes”?

I know this struggle well, and in this episode, I’ll walk you through how to set technology boundaries with confidence—without power struggles, yelling, or constant reminders. These positive parenting strategies will give you simple steps for screen-time limits that actually stick.

The statistics are eye-opening. Overuse of screens has been directly linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression in kids ages 5–12 (and beyond). This makes screen-time management an essential part of raising resilient kids and building sustainable parenting routines.

With the right tools—like age-appropriate limits, gentle discipline, and kind and firm parenting—you’ll be able to guide your child toward healthier habits and stronger real-world connections.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:

✨ Why reducing screen time matters (and the hidden cost of tech addiction)

✨ How to SET and MAINTAIN tech rules with love and consistency

✨ A game plan to handle pushback, including the tricky “extinction burst” phase

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

52. How to End Power Struggles and Encourage Cooperation With Your Three-Year-Old

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0600

This week’s podcast episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick is all about kids ages 2–4, with my top tips for navigating the wonderful (and sometimes wild) world of “threenagers.”

At this stage, little ones are bursting with curiosity and playfulness—while also showing a strong desire for power and control. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite positive parenting strategies that make cooperation easier and everyday moments less of a struggle.

These simple ideas balance your child’s need for independence while still guiding and teaching them with gentle discipline that builds connection.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

⭐ The best and simplest strategies for parenting without yelling and preventing power struggles.

⭐ 3️⃣ key phrases you can use to encourage cooperation with your 2–4 year olds.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

51. 5 Simple Self-Care Habits Busy Moms Can Actually Stick To

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Are you struggling to balance everything on your to-do list while also taking care of your kids? You’re not alone.

So many parents put themselves last, especially when the focus is on raising confident kids and keeping up with family demands. But here’s the truth: caring for yourself is part of calm, confident parenting.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marie Kueny, founder of Goddess of Light Retreats and School Counselor, to share five self-care tips that even the busiest moms can try. These simple ideas support sustainable parenting—because when you feel calm and centered, you’re better able to parent without yelling and model positive discipline for your kids.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll know:
⭐ How to communicate when you need help
⭐ Why making time for your passions matters
⭐ How small steps in self-care can create big changes

Join us as we talk about how little shifts can make a big difference in your life as a mom. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a key part of raising resilient kids.

✨Bonus✨
Sustainable Parenting Glamping Retreat - Overnight option
Sustainable Parenting Glamping Retreat - Day option

Marie's FREE virtual mini-retreat gift for listeners:
Goddess Activation Hour: https://www.goddessoflightretreats.com/goddessgift

Website: www.goddessoflightretreats.com

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

50. How to Get Young Kids to Sit at the Table and Eat Without Whining

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Are your mealtimes feeling more like a circus act than a family dinner? Do your kids keep getting up, running off, or driving each other nuts while you’re just trying to enjoy a bite after a long day?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to rely on yelling or power struggles to turn things around. In this episode, you’ll get calm parenting tips and positive parenting strategies that will help you bring more peace (and even some fun) back to the dinner table.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW:
⭐ Effective phrases to use when your kids won’t eat—without battles or bribes.
⭐ Gentle discipline strategies to stop misbehavior during meals.
⭐ How unrealistic expectations can disrupt the family vibe—and what to do instead.

Say goodbye to mealtime meltdowns and hello to calmer, more connected family dinners!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

49. How to Enjoy Spring Break Without Meltdowns (Vacation or Staycation)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Did Spring Break sneak up on you? And now you’re thinking, “Eek! I’m so not prepared for this!” (Same here 🤣).

Or maybe you’ve had weeks of anxiety, wondering:

“Is this going to be a week of constant battles, meltdowns, and power struggles?”

I get it—I had some of those worries too. That’s why I sat down to make a simple plan. Whether you’re heading out on a family getaway or staying home for a low-key staycation, these 3 positive parenting strategies will help you enjoy the week with less stress and more connection.

Join me as we rock this Spring Break together—with calm parenting tips that actually work.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL HAVE THE TOOLS TO:

⭐ Decide what matters and align your choices with your goals.

⭐ Ward off battles and power struggles without yelling.

⭐ Use gentle discipline to motivate kids to be on their BEST behavior.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

48. 3 Sleep Strategies for Kids Who Resist Bedtime | Myra Hartzheim

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Is bedtime turning into a nightly battle in your home?

So many parents wonder how to get kids to listen when it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. In this week’s episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick,, I’m joined by Myra Hartzheim from the Curious Sleep Group, and together we explore how calm confident parenting can transform bedtime into a more peaceful routine.

BY THE TIME YOU’RE DONE LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW:

⭐ What a chronotype is and how it impacts your child’s sleep needs.

⭐ 3 practical tools to help your child settle down at the end of the day.

⭐ Why some kids are mouth-breathers and how to support better sleep.

If you’re ready for more ease, positive discipline, and fewer struggles when the lights go out, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

47. How to Stop Sibling Fights and Help Kids Work Together

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Are you frustrated with constantly managing sibling fights and competition?

Do you ever find yourself saying, “Why can’t you just be NICE to each other?!” or “Why is everything a battle?!”

You’re not alone—about half of the families I work with share this same struggle. And here’s the thing: sometimes, without realizing it, parents accidentally add more fuel to the fire—even with the best intentions.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll walk you through 2 key things to STOP and 3 key things to START when it comes to raising resilient kids and supporting thriving sibling relationships.

✨ By the time you’re done listening, you’ll know:

What parents can avoid to keep conflicts from escalating.
How to teach siblings problem-solving with gentle discipline.
Three simple yet effective positive parenting strategies to prevent sibling conflicts.

If you’re looking for calm parenting tips and ways to help your kids get along, this episode will guide you toward more peace at home with kind and firm parenting.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

46. What to Say When Your Child Says "You're Mean!"

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Have you ever heard your child say, “You’re mean. I don’t like you!”—or call a friend or sibling mean—just because they didn’t get what they wanted?

It stings, and it can leave you questioning yourself as a parent. I understand—I’ve been there too.

Often, we end up in long lectures about how that kind of language “isn’t nice.” But that approach focuses only on what not to do, without showing kids how to express themselves in a better way.

If you’ve noticed your child glaze over, tune out, or give a silly response instead, you’re not alone. These are common reactions because kids don’t yet know what they can do.

In this week’s episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast with Flora McCormick, I’m breaking down this situation so you can understand what’s really going on and respond with calm parenting tips that actually work.

BY THE TIME YOU’RE DONE LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW:

What not to say when your child calls you or someone else “mean.”
A simple, clear recipe for parenting without yelling in these moments.
A ready-to-use script that helps you rephrase your child’s words and guide them toward a more mature way of expressing their feelings—one that builds confidence and connection.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

45. How to Reconnect With Your Partner When You’re Exhausted From Parenting | Lindley Gentile

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0700

🔥❤️ We spend a lot of time talking about communication and tools for positive parenting strategies—like how to get kids to listen or using gentle discipline instead of yelling. But what about how to keep the ROMANCE alive while doing all of that parenting work?

I truly believe (and so does relationship expert and coach @lindleygentile) that even in the busiest, most demanding years of parenting, couples can still enjoy fun, connection, and pleasure with their partners.

If that sounds like your kind of parenting—where love, laughter, and connection matter as much as raising confident kids—then this episode is for you.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

A common “bump in the road” that can shake up romance after kids.
A clear strategy to give your partner—something he may not realize could spark romance.
3 simple steps to increase intimacy (no toys or complicated tricks required 😉).

Happy Valentine’s, friends! ❤️

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

44. The Easiest Way to Get Kids to Listen When You're Exhausted

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Feeling drained by all the responsibilities on your shoulders?

Do you ever feel like so many people constantly need you—and your kids just won’t listen when you ask them to do something?

You’re not alone, friend. Whether you’re rocking the stay-at-home parent life or managing the working mom juggle, this episode will give you calm parenting tips that actually work, even on your most exhausting days.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU’RE DONE LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW:

Practical strategies on how to get kids to listen without resorting to yelling.
The 30-second fix for handling an emotional child when you’re running on empty.
Why small shifts in positive discipline can help with raising confident kids and ease the daily struggles.

This is your go-to guide for calm confident parenting that feels more sustainable.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

43. What Do Teens Wish Parents Knew? An 18-Year-Old Explains | Isabel Minor

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Wouldn’t it be amazing to fast-forward 10–13 years, interview your child at age 18, and discover what truly mattered MOST to them in the early years—so you can use that wisdom right now?

That’s exactly why I’ve chosen to interview Isabel Minor today. Isabel is a thriving 18-year-old who has overcome challenges with anxiety and describes her relationship with her parents as “super positive.”

So how did her parents manage to raise a confident and resilient young woman—one who comes to them for advice on school, friendships, and even relationships? Their approach reflects many of the positive parenting strategies I often share: staying calm, building connection, and using kind yet firm guidance instead of yelling.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU’RE DONE LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

Why many teens start to feel distant from their parents
What qualities teens appreciate most in parenting
How calm parenting tips can reduce power struggles and create a closer, more trusting relationship with your child

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

42. Why Explaining and Reasoning Don't Work With Neurodivergent Kids and What Helps Instead

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Do you ever hear parenting advice and think, “Yeah—but that would never work with my kid. He’s sensitive, easily upset, inflexible, strong-willed, or maybe even neurodivergent”?

It can feel discouraging when you’re trying to create more calm and cooperation at home but the usual strategies don’t seem to work.

It’s not you, friend—it’s that the tools weren’t designed with your unique child in mind. Let’s change that!

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, you’ll learn how to get kids to listen with positive parenting strategies that are both gentle and effective—especially for neurodivergent kids.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

A foundational mindset for responding to your upset child with calm confident parenting.
Effective tools that WORK with neurodivergent kids.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

41. Why Young Kids Hit, Tease, and Put Others Down and How to Respond

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0700

Ever wondered why young kids engage in bullying behavior?

Maybe you’ve been caught off guard, asking yourself, “Why on earth would my child DO that?!” Or perhaps you’ve felt embarrassed at a play date or public event when your child acted mean toward a sibling or friend.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll walk you through two common mistakes parents often make in these moments—and share two effective steps you can take instead. You’ll come away with positive parenting strategies that build connection, set limits with kindness, and support raising confident kids.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

⭐ Two key errors to avoid when your child acts like a bully.

⭐ Gentle discipline tools that stop the behavior while keeping your parenting calm, kind, and firm.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

40. How to Let Go of Mom Guilt When You Take Time for Yourself

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by mom guilt? Whether it’s the ticking clock or discipline dilemmas, this episode is here to help you reset and breathe easier.

🤗 Together we’ll explore three simple ways to release that guilt so you can enjoy a more calm confident parenting journey. 💖

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
⭐ Why quality matters more than quantity when spending time with your kids
⭐ How to respond with positive discipline when kids call you a "mean mom"
⭐ How letting go of guilt helps kids develop resilience and their struggle muscle

This conversation is all about calm parenting tips and practical steps toward parenting without yelling—so you can focus on raising resilient kids.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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39. Balancing Parenting Goals and Family Life for a Calmer Year

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Do you ever catch yourself saying, “I just NEED to find more balance this year”?

In today’s episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m pulling back the curtain on what balance really looks like in parenting. (Spoiler alert: it’s not about “doing it all”!) Instead, I’ll share practical ways to set realistic goals for calm, confident parenting that feel sustainable for your family.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The misconception of splitting parenting responsibilities equally
How to create attainable parenting goals that fit your family’s needs
Why positive parenting strategies and gentle discipline support more balance at home

If you’ve been craving calm parenting tips that bring peace instead of pressure, this one’s for you.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

38. 3 Simple Steps to Stress Less and Enjoy Parenting More

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0700

Have you ever paused during the holiday frenzy, surrounded by wrapping paper and sugar-fueled excitement, and wondered where the joy in parenting went? In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’ll rediscover what it means to embrace calm, confident parenting—even in the busiest seasons.

Together, we’ll peel back the layers of daily chaos to find the sweet spots of happiness, accomplishment, and connection in family life.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

How to re-define happiness as a parent
The secret to attainable relaxation (YES, even in a full and busy life)
Two unconventional actions that bring more joy into everyday parenting

As we look toward the new year, remember: these days aren’t just moments to “get through.” They’re milestones—building character, nurturing sibling bonds, and raising resilient kids who grow in confidence and independence.

With a foundation of positive parenting strategies, gentle discipline, and kind and firm parenting, you’ll learn how to get kids to listen while creating a joyful family rhythm.

Join me as we commit to growing alongside our children with love, patience, and calm parenting tips that help them blossom into amazing individuals.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

37. How to Help Kids Calm Down Without Time Out

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0700

This holiday season, I’ve got your back with a lifeline that can help you finally end power struggles, blow-ups, and ongoing battles. 💪✨

Gentle mama, I know time out is a hot topic. If you’ve tried “time-in,” long talks, and endless validating for weeks—or even years—and nothing seems to work, you are not the problem.

The strategy is the problem.

That’s why I want you to know about another option: I call it Reset. It’s an attachment-oriented, evidence-based approach that you’ll find echoed in many positive parenting strategies and parenting books. Reset is a way to practice gentle discipline, bring more calm parenting into your home, and raise confident kids without relying on yelling or punishment.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
⭐ How to choose Reset instead of other parenting tools
⭐ Strategies for doing an effective Reset that supports calm, confident parenting

This simple shift can make your holiday season more enjoyable—for you and your whole family. 🌟🎄

✨BONUS✨

⭐Reset is a VERB, not a noun BONUS video resource: (Exclusive - from the archives of Flora's Sustainable Parenting Transformation course).
https://youtu.be/OfNpMwngYwU?si=foEb00DAJZ5K-nYX

⭐ Animals in your Brain handout:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w6H-6Ix5Wxt_VOjiuXP-1WDU1PVRvtfk/view?usp=sharing

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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36. How Getting Curious Helps You Stay Calm When Kids Refuse or Ignore You

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Here’s a game-changing solution for dealing with resistant, emotional, or defiant kids who push us to the brink of frustration: ✨Shift from being furious to getting curious.✨

This simple mindset shift is at the heart of positive parenting strategies and makes parenting without yelling feel possible—even in the hardest moments.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
⭐ How this approach helps you be less likely to lose your temper and more likely to solve the problem with gentle discipline.
⭐ How to effectively communicate with your child so they calm down faster, and you both move forward as a team—bringing more calm confident parenting into your home.

⭐⭐⭐HERE's a BONUS for you - a video from a LIVE workshop on how to get curious, not furious: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=s7ybsqWh_2g&list=PLlwEEFadAtOrGpxqGtysGubBXBxD-r4tn&index=3 ⭐⭐⭐

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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35. How to Handle a Child Who Argues About Everything

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Here’s a solution for kids who seem to argue just for the sake of arguing. 🙄 And it’s a fix for those “little lawyer” moments that you might not expect.

The truth is, you may be making things harder than they need to be when your child pushes back. 🤦‍♀️ With the right positive parenting strategies, you can shift the pattern—and we’re here to help. ⭐ Let’s break the cycle together with some calm parenting tips.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
⭐ How to respond when kids are being difficult without slipping into endless back-and-forth.
⭐ How the tone of your voice shapes the success of this approach.
⭐ Simple redirection strategies rooted in gentle discipline to help an argumentative child move forward.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

34. What to Say When Your Child Says “No” So They Listen Without a Fight

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Here’s the secret sauce when kids belt out, “No!” or “I don’t want to!”

Take a deep breath and get curious (not furious).
The right mix of reflective statements and a dash of choices can turn resistant moments around in a flash. 🤔✨

Think of it as a little dance of understanding and guidance—core tools of positive parenting strategies that bring both kindness and firmness. These are the same calm parenting tips that help with parenting without yelling while also raising confident kids who feel heard and respected. 💪

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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33. Does Forcing Kids to Say “Sorry” and “Thank You” Build Respect or Backfire?

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0700

This week we’re unpacking a big question in calm, confident parenting: Do you force “Thank you” and “I’m sorry,” or is there a better way? 🤔💬

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
⭐ How to teach gratitude through fun, sustainable parenting practices.
⭐ Why I don’t force my kids to say “sorry,” and how positive discipline helps them learn genuine empathy.
⭐ 2 practical alternatives that guide kids toward kindness and resilience—without power struggles.

✨Episode 33 of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast 🎙 is now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more!✨

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

32. How to Get Kids to Listen in 10 Seconds or Less

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Wish your child would listen in 10 seconds or less? I’ve got good news. This little trick has worked for hundreds of families I’ve coached (and I still use it in my own home every single day).

About 50% of parents I work with say that learning how to get kids to listen is their biggest goal. The truth is, it’s possible—with positive discipline and calm confident parenting tools that really work.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
⭐ Why kids resist and what’s really happening underneath
⭐ Positive parenting strategies to prevent power struggles before they begin
⭐ Communication tools that support raising confident kids while encouraging cooperation

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

31. The First Step to Connect With Your Child Before Correcting Behavior

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Are you struggling when dealing with your kids’ overwhelming emotions?

Many parents find that when they try to redirect their children with lots of words, resistance only grows. That’s why I want to share a super fast, effective tool with you.

This simple approach will:

Help your child manage their emotions
Reduce the number of daily meltdowns

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

⭐How to get kids to listen—even when emotions are running high

⭐A tangible tool for parenting without yelling, so you can stay kind and firm while guiding your child through frustration and resistance

This episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick is all about positive parenting strategies you can use right away!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

30. How to Help Your Child Build Grit by Letting Them Struggle (Without Stepping In Too Soon)

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Nurturing grit and determination in children is one of the most valuable (and yes, challenging!) parts of parenthood.💪❤

In this short 10-minute episode, you’ll learn:

⭐ What determination and grit really mean, and why they’re essential for raising resilient kids.
⭐ When to step back and allow your child to strengthen their “struggle muscle.”
⭐ How to support a determined child with kind and firm parenting that builds long-term confidence.

With these tools, you’ll be practicing calm confident parenting that goes beyond quick fixes—helping your child face future challenges with courage and perseverance. 🎉

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

29. 2 Simple Tricks to Prevent Meltdowns and Candy Battles This Halloween

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Ready for a spooktacular Halloween week? 🦇 Here are 2️⃣ quick and friendly tips to keep it scream-FREE for everyone! 😁

In this short 10-minute episode, you’ll learn:

How to respond when your kids are melting down or throwing tantrums because the night isn’t going “their way.”
Calm parenting tips for when your kids aren’t listening.
How to manage the candy chaos (“Can I have a piece…another piece…just one more piece?” all day long).

These simple positive parenting strategies will help you enjoy Halloween without power struggles and bring more calm, confident parenting into your home. Wishing you a fa-boo-lous 👻 week with your little goblins! 🎉🎃

✨ #HalloweenHacks #ParentingMagic

✨Want more?

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✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

28. How to Handle After-School Meltdown Without Turning on Screens

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do you find yourself handing over the tablet or iPad just to survive the after-school chaos? Wishing those hours from school to dinner could feel calmer and more connected instead of stressful?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m sharing 3️⃣ simple steps for after school that create more peace in your home.

You’ll learn how to help your child:

See it
Say it
And have a strategy for the chaos (without relying on screens).

These steps will give you practical, calm parenting tips you can use right away—so you can enjoy that after-school window while raising confident kids in a kind and firm way.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

27. The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make in Meltdowns and the #1 Phrase That Calms Faster

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Feeling like your child’s meltdowns and blow-ups are almost impossible to calm?

Do you get super frustrated when your validation and calm words seem to fall on deaf ears?

You’re not alone. In today’s episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’re diving into positive parenting strategies that give you clear, effective tools to help your child manage their emotions—even in the most explosive situations.

We’ll talk about why “neck-up parenting” (trying to fix big feelings with logic and reasoning) rarely works, and how shifting toward “naming it to tame it” makes a huge difference.

If you’ve been looking for calm parenting tips and want to practice gentle discipline that actually helps in the heat of the moment, this episode is for you.💚

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

26. How to Get Kids to Actually Help With Chores Without Complaining

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Ever asked your child to help out—maybe with picking up their toys or putting away dishes—only to be met with a groan, “Whyyyyyy?” or “Do I haaaaave to?”

It’s one of those everyday moments that can push our buttons. After all, as parents, we do so much to make sure our kids are thriving, so when they resist a simple request, it’s hard not to lose patience. I’ve been there too (in fact, just this past weekend!).

In this week’s episode, I’m walking you through positive discipline tools that make a big difference when kids push back on chores. You’ll learn 2️⃣key steps that encourage cooperation while keeping things calm and connected.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

How to set kids up for success before the chore is even expected.
Ways to motivate cooperation using kind and firm parenting.
The “magic phrase” that shifted my own family from eye-rolls to “okay, Mom.”

Why is this important? Psychologists remind us that teaching kids to help around the house builds responsibility, resilience, and confidence. With a little calm parenting strategy, you’re not just getting chores done—you’re raising confident kids who grow into naturally helpful teenagers. 🌟

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

25. How to Handle Whining and Clinginess While Building Toddler Independence

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Are you drowning in toddler tantrums, whining, or clingy behavior? Feel like you can’t even sneak away to the bathroom without little footsteps following you?

Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking:

“He just won’t let me have a minute to myself.”
“I have to do X for my daughter or she gets really mad.”
“She will never let me…”

If that’s you, this episode is packed with positive parenting strategies that can make a dramatic difference. You’ll learn how to hold expectations with kind and firm parenting, in a way that feels both loving and connected—without falling into resentment.

Many parents tell me these tools not only bring more peace at home but also cut down on power struggles—a huge win if you’re looking for calm parenting tips!

In this episode, I mention a list of tools that help toddlers be more independent.
👉 https://sustainableparenting.com/sp-curated-items-to-purchase/

By the time you finish this episode, you will know:

How to respond effectively (and lovingly) when your child whines.
How to THINK differently about these moments, so you aren't beating yourself up in your head.
How to grow your child's independence and problem-solving skills.

And not only will it help YOU... This topic is so important to equip your child to thrive in friendships, sports and at school. ♥

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

24. 5 Surprises No One Warns You About in Early Parenthood

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

This week I’m sharing ✨“5 RUDE awakenings I didn’t expect, becoming a mom.”✨

And giiiiiirl, this is getting Per-son-AL. Like I have never shared before… because I want to shed light on the challenges of early motherhood. These experiences challenged me to lean into positive discipline, look for more sustainable parenting approaches, and discover what calm confident parenting looks like in my own family.

I hope these stories help you feel more seen and less alone on this journey. If this connects with you, reach out and share with me. I’d love to hear from you.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

23. 5 Playful Tricks to Get Kids to Cooperate Without a Fight

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Are you tired of having battles with your kids? Feel like you repeat yourself a zillion times until you finally explode?

This week's episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’re talking about how to get kids to listen—without all the nagging or yelling. I’ll share 5️⃣ practical tips that bring more FUN into parenting, even when you need your child to START or STOP doing something.

You’ll walk away with strategies that help you:

Curb your frustration while using positive discipline
Encourage more cooperation through kind and firm parenting
Get everyday tasks done faster (like bedtime, getting dressed, or heading out the door)

If you’ve been craving calm confident parenting, this episode is packed with simple, sustainable tools to make life at home smoother.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

22. How to Build a Stronger Bond With Your Child in Just Minutes a Day

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do you end the day feeling distant from your child?

Have you ever found yourself wondering if you’re truly building a positive relationship with your child?

Chances are, you’re already doing so many things right—probably more than you give yourself credit for. In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll share simple positive parenting strategies that can help you create deeper connection, even on your busiest days. These are small shifts that can make a big impact when it comes to raising confident kids and keeping your home calm.

✨BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

You are not alone.
The #1 simple way to strengthen connection using gentle discipline and kindness.
3 real-life examples of how to use this strategy to bring more calm confident parenting into your home.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

21. The #1 Way to Start Enjoying Time With Your Kid Again

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Are you worried that you’re destined to feel annoyed with your child for at least five more years?

Do you start the day happy, only to find yourself spiraling into anger or frustration before lunchtime?

Have you caught yourself thinking, “Can’t he just be happy and enjoy all the effort I’m putting in? I’m trying so hard.”

Friend, I’ve been there. Big time. And after a lot of trial and error, wasted time, and countless mistakes (lessons), I discovered that one simple shift changed everything.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m sharing how to get kids to listen with less yelling and more connection, using positive parenting strategies that actually work. You’ll learn a shortcut to more joy at home and see how calm confident parenting is possible—even on the hardest days.

Plus, as promised, here’s the chart of age-appropriate chores for kids:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/chores-for-children

✨Want more?

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

20. 3 Ways to Create Calm, Cooperative Mornings and Stop Meltdowns

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do you end the morning saying, “How did that turn into such a sh%$t show?"

You might head into each day with the best of intentions—only to find yourself nagging, coaxing, and finally yelling just to get everyone out the door.

If you’re longing for calm parenting tips that actually work, this episode is for you. I’ll share positive parenting strategies and practical tools for parenting without yelling—so mornings can feel more cooperative and connected.

I know you want to be a gentle mama, but sometimes it feels like you’re bouncing between gentle mom and monster mom when your kids just won’t listen. That’s where calm confident parenting tools can make a huge difference.

It’s time for 3 key tools that can dramatically shift the morning chaos into smoother, kinder routines.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

3 easy steps you can start today for calmer mornings.
How to ease the chaos before the day even begins.
How to get kids to listen and cooperate—without nagging or yelling.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

19. The Quick Fix for School Drop-Off Anxiety

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Whether it’s preschool or elementary school, drop-offs can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. If you’ve felt frustrated with your child’s separation anxiety, you’re not alone.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I share a simple model rooted in positive parenting strategies that helps you stay patient, supportive, and create a safe space for your child to work through their feelings.

For our anxious kiddos, these 3 easy steps can turn those tough school mornings into calmer moments—helping you practice gentle discipline while also raising resilient kids.

💫 Remember, it’s okay for kids to feel nervous—it’s a natural part of growing up.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

What to do before, during, and after difficult drop-offs
How to support your child’s separation anxiety with calm parenting tips
What sensory tools can smooth transitions and build confidence

✨ If you’re working on raising confident kids while practicing kind and firm parenting, this episode will give you the guidance you need.

Here's the BOOK I mentioned in the episode: The Kissing Hand

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

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✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

18. How to Handle Public Tantrums Without Embarrassment

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Have you been avoiding public places, turning down playdates, or skipping social gatherings because you’re worried your child might throw a tantrum in front of others?

This episode is for you, my friend.

✨ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

What’s been missing in your approach to handling public tantrums using positive parenting strategies
How to plan for the worst and still hope for the best with calm parenting tips
How to apply this tool in real-world situations so you can practice parenting without yelling

When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you tuning in, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @Sustainable_Parent_Coach!

And while you’re there, follow me on Instagram for daily solutions on the most common parenting challenges—helping you move toward calm, confident parenting and the path of sustainable parenting.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

17. 3 Mistakes That Make Gentle Parenting Backfire and How to Fix Them

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like you’re drowning, trying to:
✔️be more patient
✔️respond in a calm and kind manner
✔️validate aaaaaaaaall your kid’s big feelings.

And all the while, you’re TIRED and FRUSTRATED?!

Have you lost sleep wondering, “Am I just doing gentle parenting wrong?”

It’s not you, my dear—I promise. The problem is that a lot of parenting advice out there gets some things really wrong.

As a licensed clinical professional counselor, I’ve been teaching families positive parenting strategies, gentle discipline, and calm parenting tips for over 20 years. And after studying secure attachment for decades, these are the

3️⃣ things I desperately want every parent to know

if they want to practice parenting without yelling while still being kind and firm.

When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway! Take a screenshot of you listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @Sustainable_Parent_Coach.

And while you’re there, follow along for more daily solutions on raising resilient kids and bring more calm confident parenting into your home. 🌿

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

16. The One Mistake to Avoid When Your Kid Lies or Steals

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Have you ever caught your child stealing or lying?

It can feel so embarrassing and confusing—you may wonder, “Why would my child do this?!”

Here’s the truth: it’s very normal for kids to test out this kind of behavior. And as parents, our reaction matters a lot. Jumping in with lectures or scolding often makes things worse, not better.

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll walk you through the KEY parenting mistake to avoid in these moments and explain the 3️⃣ reasons why it doesn’t work. You’ll also hear practical positive parenting strategies you can use instead—approaches rooted in gentle discipline and kind and firm parenting.

✨ By the time you finish listening, you’ll understand:

Why “neck-up” parenting doesn’t work
How the young child’s brain learns best when it comes to lying and stealing
Tangible, calm steps to take the next time your child makes this choice

This is your chance to add more calm parenting tips to your toolbox and move toward positive parenting that builds connection while raising resilient kids.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

15. 3 Phrases That Get Your Kids to Listen on the First Try

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wished there was a magic button you could press to finally get your child to listen?

Few things are more exhausting than having to:

Repeat yourself over and over
Nag and remind all day long
Argue back and forth
Or feel ignored completely

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there’s hope. This week, I’m sharing calm parenting tips rooted in positive parenting strategies that make a big difference.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

The cycle parents often get stuck in when trying to “make” kids listen—and how to break free
How to shift your energy from frustration to using effective phrases that actually encourage cooperation
The 3 steps I teach families that improve listening while still raising confident kids

If you’ve been looking for a gentler, more effective way to guide your kids, this episode is for you.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

14. The Quickest Way to End Bedtime Battles

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like you’ve done everything to help your kids stay in bed at night?

If bedtime means sitting with your child for an hour when you just want to rest, catch up on chores, or enjoy some time with your partner, you’re not alone.

You’re working hard to offer comfort and connection, but you might also be running on empty. In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, you’ll discover a solution rooted in positive discipline—kind and firm parenting that helps you set limits while still nurturing your child.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

What’s really behind the bedtime struggle.
How to set up a calmer, shorter, and more effective bedtime routine.
How other parents are handling this challenge with calm confident parenting tools.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

13. How to Teach Kids Gratitude So They Don’t Act Entitled

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do you ever wonder, “Why does my child act so ungrateful? Am I raising a spoiled brat?”

Parenting without yelling can feel nearly impossible when entitlement shows up. But here’s the truth: giving your kids more things doesn’t always lead to gratitude. In fact, it can sometimes backfire. If you’ve been giving from a place of love but still feel stuck, you’re not alone—and there is a calmer path forward.

Inside this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, you’ll discover gentle discipline tools and calm confident parenting practices that nurture responsibility while growing gratitude. These positive discipline approaches will help you in raising confident kids who appreciate—not expect—what they receive.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The key equation that creates entitlement in kids.
Practical steps to prevent entitlement at home.
Positive parenting strategies to help kids feel grateful.
Activities that build resilience and responsibility.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

12. Why Fault Finding Keeps Kids Fighting

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Are you struggling with sibling rivalry or constant arguments between your children?

It’s easy to lose your cool and end up punishing the child YOU THINK is at fault. But there’s a calmer way forward.

I know you want parenting without yelling, yet when the bickering drags on, patience runs thin. The good news? With positive parenting strategies, you can step back, guide with gentle discipline, and let your kids build problem-solving skills that boost their confidence and resilience.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

How it affects your child when you use the “F-word” (even unintentionally)
Calm parenting tips to use when kids are bickering
Why letting them solve conflicts on their own is a powerful tool for raising resilient kids

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

11. How to Survive the Newborn Stage Without Losing Sleep or Your Marriage | Dr. Gabe McCormick

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0600

On a scale of 1–10, how much overwhelm or anxiety have you felt in this chapter of life, with a baby at home?

Has it started to affect your marriage or steal some of your joy?

You’re not alone. This was the MOST challenging period of parenting for me—and it’s something many parents I work with experience too.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3️⃣ calm parenting tips that will help you stress less and feel more confident in this early stage of family life. Think of this as the foundation for sustainable parenting—tools that can carry you through without yelling, resentment, or burnout.

✨ By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:

A new mental mindset that makes room for more ease.
How to support your spouse (and ask for support in doable ways).
Why these 3 steps are essential in early parenting—so you don’t lose your marbles or your marriage.

⭐ Want to hear more from Dr. McCormick & Flora McCormick, LCPC?

Join the wait list for their upcoming course! Casually, we think of it as, "The Dad course".

Officially, it's called "How to Meet in the Middle: Winning more, with kindness & firmness at the SAME time."

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

10. How to Turn Kids’ Boredom Into Creative Screen-Free Fun

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0600

No matter how much technology kids get, it often feels like they always want more.

When it comes to keeping kids entertained without screens, there’s a simple but powerful approach that helps families enjoy more connection—and less struggle.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

A fresh perspective on the power of boredom (and why it’s a good thing).
Positive parenting strategies to encourage play and creativity without relying on technology.
Calm parenting tips that make it easier to set limits and support more tech-free fun.

If you’ve been looking for gentle discipline tools that work and bring more ease into your days, this episode will give you a roadmap for raising resilient kids—without constant battles over screens.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

9. Insider Secrets to Being a Calm Confident Mama

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Do you end the day asking yourself, “Why can’t I be as calm as other mamas?”

You may be aiming for gentle discipline, but end up bouncing between gentle mom and monster mom when the kids just won’t listen. It’s frustrating and exhausting.

It might be time for a small but powerful shift. With the right calm parenting tips, you can stop the cycle of yelling, guilt, and stress.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

You are not alone.
2 Key tips to being that calm mama you always wanted to be.
Helpful self-talk to give yourself a much-needed break.
How to respond (rather than react) with positive discipline when behavior feels overwhelming.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

8. The Secret to Raising Confident Kids

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Want to raise confident kids without second-guessing yourself?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll share a KEY secret that makes all the difference when it comes to raising confident kids—and it’s simpler than you might think.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Why compliments and praise don’t work the way we hope.
How to grow your child’s confidence by focusing on just one word.
Practical action steps you can use this week to support calm, confident parenting and help your child thrive.

If you’ve been looking for positive parenting strategies that actually stick—without yelling or constant power struggles—this episode is for you.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

7. How to Stop Sibling Fights Without Yelling

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Do sibling battles feel like they’re taking over your home?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll share 3 tips to help you:

Ease jealousy when a new sibling arrives,
Promote teamwork and problem-solving, and
Break the cycle of constant sibling conflict.

We’ll explore how gentle discipline and positive parenting strategies can shift your home from chaos to connection.

By the end, you’ll learn:

How to decrease jealousy when a new baby joins the family.
A simple shift to reduce sibling fights and poking.
How to guide your kids toward healthier ways of solving conflicts.

If you want to learn more, check out our "How to Get Kids to Listen" course - that's offered in partnership with the Authentic Institute of Montessori.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

6. How to Earn Your Child’s Respect by Making a Clear Plan

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wished there was a magic button you could press to make your child instantly respect you?

Few things test your patience more than talkback, storming off, or flat-out defiance, especially when you’re trying to stay calm and use positive parenting strategies.

This week's episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’m sharing tools that bring more calm and connection into your home and help you step into kind and firm parenting.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The endless cycle you may be trapped in doing what you "think" you’re supposed to be doing.
How to shift from damage control to true prevention with sustainable parenting.
The magic “P” word that will change the way you approach gentle discipline and raising confident kids.

If you’ve connected with this episode, leave a review and share your biggest takeaway with me. And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow me on Instagram @Sustainable_Parent_Coach and join our Facebook Community! Ready to dive into sustainable parenting? Check out our FREE 30-Minute Workshop Here!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

5. How to Stay Calm With Young Kids During Tantrums and Power Struggles

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Are you guilty of using the “P” word?

It’s not what you think—rather than only trying to be “patient” with your kids, what if you leaned into your power as a parent?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, we’re unpacking what it really looks calm confident parenting. You’ll learn how to make patience sustainable, while also discovering positive parenting strategies that help you guide your child with kindness and firmness.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Why the golden retriever routine is a lost cause with your child.
How to uncover patience by embracing your power, using gentle discipline instead of yelling.
Calm parenting tips to help you be less reactive in tough moments—and why that shift can mean the difference between major frustration and a major breakthrough.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

4. How to Calm a Meltdown in 30 Seconds or Less

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

On a scale of 1–10, how much panic or anxiety do you feel when you imagine your child having a meltdown at Costco—or in the middle of the park?

Has that fear ever kept you from making plans with friends or family because you’re worried your child might cause a scene and leave you feeling embarrassed?

This episode will show you how to respond with calm confident parenting, so you feel equipped instead of overwhelmed. You’ll learn positive parenting strategies that help you navigate those public blow-ups with kindness, firmness, and confidence—without falling back on yelling or threats.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

The first response to your child’s upset that often lowers big emotions, resistance, or defiance.
How to empower yourself to handle those dreaded parking lot meltdowns with gentle discipline.
Why this simple two-step secret can transform your parenting journey and help you raise more resilient, confident kids.

⭐ Want to hear more from Dr. McCormick & Flora McCormick, LCPC?

Join the wait list for their upcoming course! Casually, we think of it as, "The Dad course".

Officially, it's called "How to Meet in the Middle: Winning more, with kindness & firmness at the SAME time."

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

3. Two Simple Steps to End Homework & Chore Fights With Your Child

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever felt like negotiating with your child is a losing battle? This episode is for you!

If you’ve been caught in a power struggle, you know the frustration when your child digs in and refuses to budge. It feels like a ticking time bomb, leaving both of you on edge.

The good news? There’s a calmer way forward. In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll share a simple two-step process that shows you how to get kids to listen while staying rooted in calm confident parenting. With these positive parenting strategies, you can restore balance in your home without yelling or giving in to endless negotiations.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Why we DON’T negotiate with terrorists!
How it takes two to tango.
The two keys to stepping back and evaluating the situation so you can make moves in the right direction!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

2. 3 Effective Consequences for Kids That Actually Work

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Go big or go home, right?

Not so fast. When it comes to consequences, bigger doesn’t always mean better.

This week, we’re sharing the secret to positive discipline that actually works—consequences that are effective, sustainable, and don’t leave you burned out. These are the kinds of strategies that make parenting without yelling possible and help you build connection while still holding boundaries.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

⭐Why going big with consequences may be hurting YOU as a parent.
⭐How to shift the child-parent struggle into healthy communication through gentle discipline.
⭐The secret to creating meaningful, impactful consequences that bring more peace into your home.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

1. How to Break Free from the Gentle Mom Monster Mom Cycle

Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Are you worried you might be ruining your child…

Do you find yourself trying gentle discipline for a while, only to feel frustrated when it doesn’t seem to get kids to listen—so you snap?

In this episode of Sustainable Parenting with Flora McCormick, I’ll share 2️⃣key ways to break free from the “gentle mom, monster mom” cycle. You’ll learn how calm confident parenting can bring more ease and empowerment into your days, so you no longer feel stuck in shame or guilt.

We’ll unpack an important truth that can erase the heavy guilt many parents carry, and I’ll walk you through one powerful step that helps you stop reaching “the end of your rope.”

And here's a BONUS pdf guide for you on 3 keys to Getting Kids to Listen —packed with positive parenting strategies you can use right away.

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨

Trailer | Welcome to the Sustainable Parenting Podcast!

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0600

Are you tired of power struggles, whining, and tantrums with your kids? Does it seem no matter what you do, they just. won't. LISTEN?!

Friend, you are not alone. I have been there. And I can't wait to share with you the pathway to more joy and ease, getting kids to listen in a way that is still loving, kind and connected.

Welcome to Sustainable Parenting.

Here we bridge the gap between gentle parenting and harsh discipline, so you can parent with kindness and firmness at the same time.

In this podcast, we share simple transformational shifts, so you can finally be the calm, confident parent you always dreamed you'd be.

With my master’s degree in counseling, being a mom of 2 young kids, and 12 years of experience coaching and mentoring parents internationally, I have found the secrets to being a calm confident parent.

These 15 min. episodes will drop each Wednesday and boil down parenting theory and psychology into bite-size strategies that are easy to understand and implement, and for that reason...finally feel sustainable. Season 1 starts MAY 17th!

✨Want more?

✨JOIN me in an upcoming event: https://sustainableparenting.com/events

✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.

✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨