Delight in Parenting with Dajana Yoakley

Have you ever watched your child completely fall apart over something that seemed so small — and found yourself thinking, “What just happened? Why is this so intense every single time?”It’s completely normal to feel confused, exhausted, and honestly a little defeated when your child’s reactions feel so out of proportion to the moment. You’re doing your best, and yet you walk on eggshells through every transition, every no, every ordinary Tuesday. I know it’s hard when you love your child so deeply and still feel like you’re constantly one wrong move away from a full-blown meltdown.There’s actually a really important reason these kids experience the world the way they do — and it has nothing to do with bad parenting or a broken child.In my latest episode, I sat down with Megan Robertson, founder of New Leaf Parent Coaching and a certified Peaceful Parenting coach. Megan works specifically with families of kids ages 4 to 8 who would be described as deeply feeling, highly sensitive, or explosive — and she came to this work the same way so many of us did. Through her own family.She thought parenthood would be rainbows and butterflies. It wasn’t. Her daughter struggled intensely with big feelings, and the family spent a lot of time and money trying to “fix” the child — until Megan realized the child wasn’t the one who needed fixing. What needed to change was the way the whole family understood what was happening, and how they responded. That shift changed everything. And she’s been helping other families find that same shift ever since.What I love about the way Megan explains deeply feeling kids is how clearly she separates them from kids who just have a hard time sometimes. Sound familiar? Have you noticed that validating your child’s feelings in the moment sometimes makes things worse, not better? That’s actually not a failure on your part. Megan explains that for deeply feeling kids, the feeling itself puts them in a state of perceived threat — they don’t just feel frustrated, they go straight to “I am a bad kid,” and from there, their nervous system responds like survival is on the line. That’s why the behavior can look so extreme.She also introduced something that stopped me in my tracks — the concept of the shame spiral that deeply feeling kids get caught in, and how our instinct as parents to either make the behavior stop or teach a lesson in the moment is the exact wrong move for these particular kids.So what do we actually do? Megan walks us through the three-part framework she uses with families:In the moment of dysregulation, less is more. Your only job is to stay calm and keep people safe. Any words you say are more for you than for your child at that point. She talks about what that looks like practically, including when a child is physically aggressive.Hours outside the moment, you build skills — but indirectly. One of my favorite strategies she shares is what she calls emotional vaccination: preparing your child for a difficult feeling before it arrives, and doing it in a way that makes them feel like they’re not alone in it. You’ll want to hear the specific example she gives, because it’s something you could try tonight.And then there’s the connection piece, which I know can feel impossible when you’re running on empty and honestly feeling some resentment toward a child who seems to reject every overture you make. Megan is so real about this, and she offers the most doable, low-effort way to start building connection back — even when you have nothing left to give and even when your child pushes you away.We also got into something that I think every parent of a deeply feeling child needs to hear: you are not broken, and neither is your child. Megan says that every single parent she works with has found some specific reason that it’s their fault their child is this way. Every one. And responding from that shame keeps us from responding in the ways that actually help. We talked about how to start offering yourself the same compassion you’re trying to give your child — because the two really are inseparable.I promise you this conversation will bring you clarity, and maybe even some relief, about why your child is the way they are and what you can actually do about it.🎙️ Click below to listen to the full episode.To learn more about Megan Robertson and New Leaf Parent Coaching:https://www.newleafparentcoaching.comhttp://www.newleafparentcoaching.com/delight Before you go — something is coming up on May 28th that I really want you to know about.If sibling conflict is making you feel like a full-time referee in your own home — the constant bickering, the fighting over nothing, the tattling that echoes through every room — I’m hosting a free live workshop just for you.I’ll walk you through what’s really going on underneath all that sibling rivalry, why kids get stuck in those patterns, and exactly what to say and do in those moments so you can stop managing the drama and start helping your kids actually work things out.It’s completely free to attend, and I’d love to see you there.👉 Register for the Sibling Workshop — May 28thConnect with Dajana Yoakley Delight in ParentingStep #1: Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide.Step #2: Connect With The FREE Facebook Community.Step #3: Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

I want to tell you about a moment I remember so clearly from early in my own parenting journey.My son was melting down — fully, completely falling apart — over something that seemed so small to me. And everything in me just wanted it to stop. So I moved in with my most calm, firm mom voice: “Stop. Take a breath. You need to calm down right now.”And you know what happened? He got louder. More dysregulated. More out of reach.I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought staying firm and redirecting was the answer. And yet every time I tried harder to get him to stop, the meltdown got bigger. I felt like I was failing him — and honestly, like I was failing myself.Have you ever been there? That awful feeling of watching your child fall apart and knowing that everything you’re doing isn’t working?It’s completely normal to feel that way. Most parents do. And it’s not because you’re doing something wrong — it’s because nobody gave you the information you actually needed.What I eventually learned — and what changed everything in our home — is that when a child is in the middle of big feelings, their nervous system is in protection mode. And you cannot force a nervous system out of protection mode. The more you push for calm, the more it pushes back.What works is something that feels almost counterintuitive at first: staying present instead of pushing. Moving toward your child with “I see you, I’m here” instead of “stop, calm down, listen.” Not because you’re giving in — but because safety is what actually allows the nervous system to settle.I made a short video this week that walks you through a hands-on exercise so you can feel this difference in your own body — not just understand it in your head. I promise it’s worth a few minutes of your time.Watch it here: And if you watch that video and something in you says “yes — this is exactly what’s happening in our house” — I want you to know there’s a place to go deeper.My course, How to Help Your Child with Big Feelings and Challenging Behavior, is open for enrollment right now, and it closes Thursday at midnight.This is where you go beyond the concept and actually learn what to do and what to say in the real moments — when your child is overwhelmed, when things are escalating, when you’re exhausted and you just don’t know what to try next. You’ll learn how to understand what’s happening beneath your child’s behavior, how to regulate your own nervous system so you can show up the way you want to, and how to respond in ways that actually help — not just in the short term, but over time.I want to be upfront with you — I’m not sure when I’ll offer this course again in this format. If this feels like your window, I’d love to support you on the inside.You can learn more and enroll here: https://www.delightinparenting.com/course2026Enrollment closes tomorrow at midnight.You are not broken. Your child is not broken. You just need the tools — and I have them ready for you.With hope, DajanaP.S. Even if the course isn’t the right fit right now, go watch the video. The exercise alone will give you something tangible to try the next time things start to escalate. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Emilie Delworth, founder of The Peaceful Mother and a child development specialist with nearly two decades of experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, shares practical, science-backed tools for understanding why your child struggles to calm down — and what they actually need from you in those hard moments.Understanding Why Your Child Can’t Calm DownEmilie explains that most of us were raised to suppress our feelings — “stop crying,” “you’re fine,” “just get over it.” That messaging taught us to disconnect from our bodies, and many of us are now parenting from that same disconnected place without realizing it. The result? When our children fall apart, we fall apart right along with them.She also reframes what it means to raise a sensitive child. If your child feels things deeply and struggles to pull themselves back together, that is not a problem to fix. “To be sensitive means they’re more able to really read what’s going on for them,” Emilie says. A child who learns to process feelings — rather than suppress them — becomes more resilient, not less.What Your Child Actually NeedsEmilie recommends these strategies:* Stay regulated yourself. Your calm nervous system is contagious. You don’t have to be perfect — just present. “As long as you, the parent, are staying regulated, your child’s nervous system is going to mirror that.”* Hold space without fixing. Sitting nearby, rocking them, keeping them safe — this is co-regulation, and it’s more powerful than it looks.* Practice the tools daily. Body-based techniques like rubbing hands together for heat, gentle vagus nerve massage under the ear, and slow tongue circles shift the nervous system out of fight-or-flight. Two to five minutes a day builds the habit before you need it in a hard moment.* Model it out loud. Try saying, “I’m frustrated too — I’m going to take some slow breaths. Want to join me?” Let them come to you.* Let the feeling move through. Emotions are meant to come in and flow out. Rushing to stop the crying short-circuits the process. Feel it, receive it, release it.Emilie reassures parents: “You’re kissing your kids’ boo-boos, rocking them when they’re upset, holding space when they’re sad — all of those things are really, really powerful.”Your child doesn’t need you to fix the meltdown. They need you to stay with them through it — and you’re already more capable of that than you know.Want to hear more from Emilie, including every practical tool and how to use them with even your most resistant child? Listen to the full podcast episode.To learn more about Emilie Berkman: https://www.thepeacefulmother.comConnect with Dajana Yoakley Delight in ParentingStep #1: Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide.Step #2: Book a FREE 20 minute parent coaching consult with Dajana.Step #3: Connect With The FREE Facebook Community.Step #4: Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your teenager? You see them struggling, so you offer a perfectly reasonable solution—maybe a walk or some deep breathing—only to have them roll their eyes, snap at you, or retreat further into their room.I recently sat down with Sophia Vale Galano, a licensed clinical social worker and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. Sophia has spent over a decade working with adolescents and noticed a recurring theme: parents are deeply concerned about the rising tide of teen anxiety, but they are often stuck at the “what now?” phase.Sophia’s inspiration for her work came from a standing-room-only talk she gave at a local high school, where she realized that while the dialogue around mental health is growing, parents are still searching for a practical “blueprint” to navigate these difficult years. In our conversation, she reveals why our most “helpful” instincts as parents are often the very things that cause our teens to shut down.Why Your “Help” Might Be Making Things Worse* The Mask of Hostility: Understand why your teen isn’t going to tell you they feel “anxious” and why their worry often manifests as moodiness, angsty behavior, or even hostility.* The “Fixer’s” Trap: Discover how jumping straight into solutions can accidentally confirm your teen’s deepest fear—that they aren’t competent enough to handle their own life.* Normal Worry vs. Concerning Anxiety: Sophia shares the specific “how often and to what extent” framework that helps you decide when to give them space and when it’s time to take a much closer look.* The Power of the 2-Minute Window: Learn why a five-minute conversation that feels “too short” to you is actually a massive victory in the eyes of a teenager.Stop Guessing and Start ConnectingThe shift from being a “fixer” to a “collaborator” doesn’t happen overnight, and your teen likely won’t thank you for it right away. However, Sophia explains how this subtle change in your approach builds a critical foundation of trust that will eventually allow them to come to you with the “big” stuff—like relationships, sex, and substance use.Ready to stop the power struggles and start building resilience in your teen?Listen to the full conversation to hear Sophia’s specific “blueprint” for opening the door to communication when your teen wants to slam it shut.To Connect with Sophia:* Visit Sophia’s Website:http://www.sophiagalano.com/* Get the Resource: Sophia’s book is available on Amazon and major bookstores.Connect with Dajana Yoakley Delight in ParentingStep #1: Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide.Step #2: Book a FREE 20 minute parent coaching consult with Dajana.Step #3: Connect With The FREE Facebook Community.Step #4: Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, spatula in hand, feeling like you’re about to lose it because your child just pushed away the dinner you spent an hour making... again?What if I told you that the stress you’re feeling at mealtimes isn’t really about the rejected broccoli—and there’s a way to transform your dinner table from a battlefield into a place of connection without giving up on nutrition?I recently spoke with Katie Kimball, a former teacher, two-time TEDx speaker, and mom of four who’s helped thousands of families through her Kids Cook Real Food program (recommended by the Wall Street Journal as the best online cooking class for kids). Katie specializes in helping parents navigate the exhausting world of picky eating while keeping their sanity—and their relationship with their kids—intact.If you’ve ever felt your blood pressure rise when your child declares they “hate” everything on their plate, or wondered why mealtimes feel more like hostage negotiations than family bonding, this conversation offers a completely different approach that’s grounded in research and real family experience.Katie’s approach centers on understanding three fundamental truths about family meals: we eat for nourishment, yes, but also for pleasure and community—and no one aspect is more important than the others. When you understand this, everything about how you approach picky eating changes.In this eye-opening conversation, Katie shares specific strategies you can implement starting tonight.You’ll discover:* Why forcing the issue at dinner actually sabotages your child’s ability to develop a healthy relationship with food—and how research shows that kids who eat family dinners more than twice a week do better academically than those who spend more time on homework (yes, really)* The “Lead with Your Ace” strategy that uses your child’s natural hunger to your advantage—putting vegetables out first with zero competition and zero pressure while maintaining what Katie calls your “poker face” (no excited cheerleading, just casual placement)* How getting your kids in the kitchen transforms their relationship with food completely, because when they chop those carrots themselves, suddenly they’re invested—plus why teaching them to use sharp knives now prepares them for the bigger risks they’ll face as teens* The critical difference between praising the food (”This is so good!”) and praising the effort (”You worked so hard on this recipe—I can smell the cinnamon you added”), and why one builds confidence while the other creates performance anxiety* Why your stress at the dinner table literally affects your child’s digestion, making it harder for them to absorb nutrients even when they do eat—and how lowering the pressure paradoxically leads to better nutritionKatie vulnerably shares how she discovered that family dinners protect kids from risky behaviors more effectively than almost any other family practice. Strong bonds with adults—the kind built over shared meals without pressure—are what keep kids safe as they navigate adolescence.She also reveals a powerful reframe: you can’t actually force a child to eat respectfully (unlike putting their shoes on for them). Once you accept this limitation, you stop trying to control what you can’t control and start focusing on what you can—the atmosphere, the offerings, and your own emotional state.Most importantly, she reminds us that we’re not just feeding our kids today. We’re teaching them how to have a relationship with food for their entire lives. And that relationship is built not through force or pressure, but through modeling, patience, and removing the friction that makes everyone dread coming to the table.Ready to stop the mealtime battles and start using food as a bridge to connection rather than a source of conflict?This conversation will show you exactly how to lower the temperature at your dinner table while still nurturing your child’s body and spirit—because it turns out, the two aren’t separate at all.To learn more about Katie Kimball & Kitchen Stewardship:https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered why your teenager seems completely capable of planning an elaborate gaming strategy but can’t seem to organize their homework for the week?What if I told you that the disconnect isn’t about laziness or defiance—but about how their developing brain handles different types of motivation and executive function, and there are specific ways you can support them without taking over?I recently spoke with Will Kirsop, an education leader and founder of Many Roads, where he coaches teenagers and young adults to discover their purpose and thrive. With degrees in both commerce and psychology from top Australian universities, Will works day-in and day-out with teens navigating the complex terrain of academics, identity, and the transition to adulthood.If you’ve ever felt that time-crunch anxiety as your teen gets closer to graduation, or wondered how to help them develop the skills they’ll need to succeed independently, this conversation will give you practical tools grounded in what actually works with teenagers.Will’s approach focuses on three interconnected areas: helping teens identify what genuinely engages them (flow states), building both metacognitive awareness (thinking about thinking) and executive function skills (the actual capacity to plan and execute), and cultivating self-compassion as the foundation that allows teens to take risks and learn from mistakes.In this practical conversation, Will shares specific strategies you can implement starting this week. You’ll discover:* How to help your teen identify flow states—those moments when they lose track of time in deep engagement—and why recognizing these patterns matters for both academic success and future direction, whether it’s surfing with friends, writing essays, or building Minecraft worlds* The weekly planning system using Google Calendar or physical planners that gives teens ownership while providing structure, including how to negotiate realistic schedules when they suggest two hours of gaming before homework and why educating them about dopamine spikes works better than controlling* The Pomodoro Method adapted for teens (25-minute focused study sessions with 5-minute breaks) and Professor Marty Lobdell’s “Study Less, Study Smart” technique—a five-phase approach to reading textbooks that primes the brain before diving into detailed content* The three components of self-compassion and why research shows teens with higher self-compassion set mastery learning goals, demonstrate greater resilience, and maintain curiosity—plus why modeling your own executive function struggles teaches more effectively than appearing perfect* What the World Economic Forum’s 2025 survey reveals about critical future skills, with motivation, self-awareness, and critical thinking ranking above technical knowledge—and why the biggest currency for the future is the ability to learn itself, especially as AI changes what skills we’ll needWill vulnerably shares examples from his coaching practice, including the student who discovered that “the hard part isn’t studying—it’s figuring out what to study,” and how having a clear plan created profound relief during a stressful exam period. He demonstrates how to have conversations about screen time and homework that empower teens to make informed decisions rather than simply complying with rules.Most importantly, he challenges us to move beyond the countdown mentality of “only X years left before they’re on their own” to recognizing that each teen’s journey is unique. The skills that matter most aren’t about memorizing content—they’re about learning how to learn, thinking critically about information, and developing the self-compassion that allows for risk-taking and growth.Ready to help your teen build genuine executive function skills while honoring their developing autonomy? This conversation will give you specific starting points for supporting them right where they are, not where you wish they were.To learn more about Will Kirsop:https://www.manyroads.co/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered why your child's explosive behavior keeps happening, even when you use all the "right" consequences and rewards?What if I told you that your child's meltdowns and resistance aren't about defiance or manipulation—but are actually their nervous system's way of saying "I don't feel safe right now"?My guest, Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, a behaviorist and sensory specialist who works at the intersection of trauma, neurodiversity, and nervous system regulation, has spent years discovering that traditional behavior management approaches often make things worse, not better.If you've ever felt lost trying to help a child who seems to explode over the smallest things, or wondering why school pickup feels like walking into a battlefield, this conversation will give you a completely new lens for understanding what's really happening.Dr. B's practice focuses on helping parents shift from managing compliance to co-creating safety and regulation with their children—particularly those who present as oppositional, anxious, or withdrawn. Drawing from neuroscience research and evidence-based interventions, she provides practical tools to understand the underlying needs driving behavior.In this eye-opening interview, Dr. B reveals how we can support our children's developing nervous systems while building stronger relationships in the process.You'll discover:* Why safety is the foundation for all healing—whether your child has experienced trauma, is neurodivergent, or is simply struggling with nervous system regulation* The powerful "stance of safety" that immediately communicates to your child's nervous system that you can keep them safe and help them co-regulate* How to recognize when your child is "stuck" in resistance and what's actually happening in their brain during these moments* Why pushing harder when they're stuck actually undermines your authority instead of encouraging cooperation* The science behind why proprioceptive input (like carrying heavy things or walking upstairs) can be your secret weapon for helping kids reset their nervous systems* How to use transitions strategically to help eliminate behaviors that drive you crazy—like Dr. B's genius approach to ending her son's endless burping* The early warning signs that your child's difficult behavior might actually be their nervous system protecting them from overwhelm* Why hydration, sleep, and movement aren't just "nice to have" but are actually fundamental to your child's ability to regulate and cooperate* How to read your child's body language to know when they're approaching their limit—including the meaning behind "whites above or below the eyes"* Practical strategies for back-to-school season that help prevent the inevitable overwhelm and meltdownsDr. B vulnerably shares her own journey from having a child who was asked to leave three different daycares to discovering the power of understanding sensory needs and nervous system regulation. She shows us how early intervention made all the difference—and how her son eventually exited special education services by sixth grade because he had developed the skills he needed to thrive.Most importantly, she challenges us to move beyond asking "How do I get my child to comply?" to asking "How do I help my child feel safe enough to cooperate?" This shift changes everything about how we approach parenting challenges.Ready to move from constant battles to genuine partnership with your child? This conversation will give you the neuroscience-backed tools to support their developing nervous system while strengthening your connection.Parenting overwhelmed kids is exhausting, and you’re normal if you feel drained, burnt out, and overwhelmed yourself when dealing with them. Join us on the FREE upcoming Self-Compassion for Peaceful Parenting summit to learn strategies to calm your triggers, soothe yourself mid-storm, and repair when things blow up. Click here to register for your free ticket. To learn more about Dr. B:https://www.thebehaviorbootcamp.com/ Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered why you keep exploding at your kids despite reading every parenting book and knowing exactly what you "should" do?What if I told you that if you're neurodivergent or raising neurodivergent kids, traditional parenting advice isn't just ineffective—it can actually make you feel more ashamed and overwhelmed because it ignores how differently your nervous system works?My guest, Lauren O'Carroll, completely shifted my understanding of what neurodivergent parents actually need during our raw and honest conversation. As a certified peaceful parenting coach who has ADHD herself and is raising two neurodivergent children, Lauren knows firsthand the impossible position many parents find themselves in—desperately wanting to co-regulate with their kids but lacking the nervous system capacity to do so.In this vulnerable interview, Lauren reveals why the "just regulate yourself first" advice feels so impossible for ADHD parents and what actually works instead.You'll discover:* The "double negative" that neurodivergent families face: kids who need more co-regulation paired with parents who have less capacity to provide it* Why consuming more parenting information can actually make your regulation worse when you're already overwhelmed* How anger needs to move through your body—and Lauren's go-to strategy* The crucial difference between accepting where you are versus condoning harmful behavior* Why community with other neurodivergent parents isn't just nice to have—it's essential for your nervous system health* Specific somatic techniques that work when traditional "take deep breaths" advice failsLauren vulnerably shares how she went from being "a walking encyclopedia" of parenting knowledge to finally finding tools that actually worked for her reactive nervous system. She reminds us that if you're listening to parenting podcasts, "that is proof that you're a good parent"—even when you're struggling.Most importantly, she challenges the myth that neurodivergent parents are somehow broken, showing us instead how to work with our wiring rather than against it.Ready to stop fighting your nervous system and start supporting it? This conversation will give you permission to parent in a way that actually fits your brain—and find the community support you've been craving.To learn more about Lauren O'Carroll's work:https://www.instagram.com/positivelyparentingtogether/https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach/https://www.facebook.com/groups/myparentvillage https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting/ Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered why your son seems to shut down emotionally right when you're trying to help him process his feelings?What if I told you that the cultural messages about masculinity start affecting our boys as early as age four or five—and that most parents are completely unaware of how deeply these harmful expectations have already taken root?My guest, Dr. Daniel Ellenberg, completely shifted my understanding of raising emotionally healthy boys during our powerful conversation. As founder of Strength with Heart men's groups and former president of the American Psychological Association's division on men and masculinities, Daniel has spent over 40 years helping men and boys connect with their full emotional range.In this eye-opening interview, Daniel reveals how we can raise more compassionate and vulnerable boys while changing the culture of masculinity from within our own homes.You'll discover:* Why boys as young as five start getting shamed for showing vulnerability—and how one father beautifully responded when his son was called a girl at school* The crucial difference between "strength with no heart" and "strength with heart"—and why both extremes harm our boys* Why Daniel believes the term "toxic masculinity" is actually harmful messaging that makes boys feel attacked for their identity* How parents often unknowingly trigger their own unresolved emotions when their sons show vulnerability* The importance of genuine curiosity over criticism when connecting with your teen—specific scripts included* Why community building among parents is essential for counteracting harmful cultural influences* How to monitor content consumption without becoming the "screen police"* Practical ways to help boys understand and express anger without shaming them or encouraging aggressionDaniel vulnerably shares his own insights about how parents need to do their own emotional work first, because "the best thing you can do as a parent is to be healthy." He reminds us that modeling vulnerability takes courage, but it's actually a pathway to deeper connection—not weakness.Most importantly, he challenges the false choice between being "tough" or being "gentle," showing us how our boys can embody both strength and heart in an integrated way.Ready to help your son embrace his full emotional range while building genuine confidence? This conversation will give you the tools to support him in becoming the kind of man the world desperately needs.Before we wrap up, I want to share something with you. Just last week, a mom in my community told me, "Dajana, I used to dread bedtime because I knew it would end in a battle. Now my daughter actually asks for our connection time together." What changed? She stopped trying to manage her child's emotions and started learning to regulate her own first. If you're tired of feeling triggered by your child's big emotions and want to create the calm, connected home you've been dreaming of, I'm starting a small group where we'll work through Dr. Laura Markham's Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook together over 6 weeks. Just 8 spots available, and I'll be there to guide you through every step. You can find all the details at https://www.delightinparenting.com/workbook-group. Your child is waiting for you to show up differently—this is how you learn to do it.To learn more about Dr. Daniel Ellenberg's work: Global Compassion Coalition: https://globalcompassioncoalition.org Men and Boys Compassion Coalition Rewire Leadership: https://rewireleadership.comConnect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

What if one simple shift could end the exhausting cycle of being your family's unpaid manager—while raising kids who actually want to help?I know you're tired. Not just physically tired from doing everything yourself, but emotionally exhausted from being the only one who notices the overflowing trash, the dirty dishes, the chaos that somehow becomes your responsibility to fix.You're tired of being the household CEO while everyone else gets to be employees who clock out. You manage the mental load, remember what needs doing, delegate tasks, and then still end up doing half of it yourself because it's easier than the battle.You're tired of feeling like a broken record—asking, reminding, nagging, negotiating. "Can you please put your dishes away?" becomes a daily drama. Getting anyone to pitch in feels like pulling teeth, and you start to wonder: "Am I raising future adults who will expect their partners to be their personal assistants?"The guilt hits hard too. You love your kids desperately, but you fantasize about having just five minutes to yourself without someone needing something. You want to connect with them, but you're too busy managing their lives to actually enjoy them.Sound familiar? You're not alone in this struggle, and more importantly—it doesn't have to be this way.Imagine if household tasks became natural collaboration time where you actually connect with your children, instead of resentful solo work that keeps you from them.Imagine if your partner and kids saw the work of caring for your home as shared responsibility, not "mom's job" they occasionally assist with.Imagine if you could raise children who become the kind of partners who notice what needs doing and do it—without being asked.This isn't fantasy. During my conversation with family systems expert Lori Sugarman-Li, she reveals exactly how families across the country are making this shift. Not through stricter rules or bigger consequences, but by changing something much simpler: the energy and language around how families care for each other.Her own teenagers voluntarily fold laundry and vacuum—not because they have to, but because they understand their role in creating the home they want to live in. No nagging required.The secret? It starts with one conversation that most families never have. And once you hear how to facilitate it, you'll wonder why no one taught you this years ago.Ready to stop being your family's unpaid manager and start building the cooperative household you've been dreaming of? Listen to this episode now to discover the exact framework that's transforming exhausted parents into connected families.To learn more about Lori Sugarman-Li’s work:https://ourhomeourpride.com/https://www.instagram.com/ourhomeourpride/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/https://www.pinterest.com/delightinparenting/https://medium.com/@delightinparenting This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever found yourself knowing exactly how you want to respond to your child's behavior, only to have all that wisdom fly out the window when emotions run high?You're not alone. Dr. Alissa Jerud, clinical psychologist and author of "Emotion Savvy Parenting," knows this struggle intimately—both professionally and personally.In this transformative conversation, Dr. Jerud reveals why even the most well-read parents still lose their cool (hint: it's not because you're failing). She vulnerably shares her own parenting moments that didn't go as planned, while offering practical, science-backed strategies to help you navigate emotional storms.You'll discover:* The ART framework that helps you Accept, Regulate, and Tolerate big emotions when they arise* The game-changing CARE technique that can reduce your heart rate by 50% in just 30 seconds (perfect for those "about to lose it" moments)* Why practicing these skills when you're calm dramatically increases your ability to use them when you're triggered* How to move past shame when you don't respond perfectly (because you won't—and that's actually good for your kids to see)Dr. Jerud compassionately reminds us that emotions are messengers, not emergencies. While we should welcome them, we don't have to let them drive our behavior with our children.Ready to transform how you handle those zero-to-sixty emotional moments with your kids? Listen to this episode now for practical skills you can start using today to parent more mindfully, even when big feelings threaten to take over.To learn more about Dr. Alissa Jerud’s Work:https://www.alissajerud.com/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/https://www.pinterest.com/delightinparenting/https://medium.com/@delightinparenting This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Parenting Strong-Willed Children: Insights from Kirk MartinKirk Martin, founder of CelebrateCalm.com and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, offers transformative advice for parents of strong-willed children, drawing from 25 years of experience and working with over 1,500 challenging kids.Understanding Strong-Willed ChildrenMartin explains that strong-willed children primarily feel misunderstood. "These are kids who value their autonomy and independence more than they care about consequences. And that's why consequences don't work," he says.Rather than seeing these children as difficult, Martin encourages parents to appreciate their independence and determination as future strengths.Practical Approaches That WorkMartin recommends several effective strategies:* Change your posture: "It's almost impossible to yell when you're sitting down," Martin points out.* Use a neutral tone: Strong-willed children respond better to confidence than sweetness or authoritarianism.* Match their intensity: Validate their frustration instead of minimizing it.* Create movement: "Motion changes emotion," Martin explains, suggesting activities that redirect energy.* Identify triggers: Focus on understanding what sparks meltdowns rather than controlling behavior.Martin reassures parents: "If you're listening to a parenting podcast, you're a good parent. So relax. You guys are doing a good job."Your strong-willed child isn't being difficult—they're navigating the world their way. By understanding their nature, you can transform challenges into connection.Want to hear more practical scripts and strategies from Kirk Martin? Listen to the full podcast episode for additional insights on parenting strong-willed children effectively.To learn more about Kirk Martin:https://celebratecalm.com/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/https://www.pinterest.com/delightinparenting/https://medium.com/@delightinparenting This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Ever feel like you've completely lost yourself in the chaos of parenting? Like your entire identity has been reduced to meeting your children's needs while yours keep getting pushed to the back burner?I recently sat down with Kate House from Live by Design for a conversation that might just change how you approach self-care as a parent. Kate, a behavior change specialist and top podcaster, began her own journey during the pandemic when she found herself at home with a two-year-old and a 10-month-old, feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected from herself.What she discovered was transformative: the relationship you have with yourself directly impacts the one you have with your children. "You can only give your kids what you have inside," Kate shared. If you want to give your children delight, patience, and presence, you must first nurture those qualities within yourself.But how do we actually make this happen when we're already overwhelmed? Kate suggests two practical approaches:First, start incredibly small—so small it almost seems pointless. Don't commit to training for a half-marathon if you haven't run in years. Instead, put on comfortable shoes and take a 10-minute walk. These small actions compound over time, creating significant positive change without overwhelming your already full schedule.Second, examine your calendar with a critical eye. Kate recommends asking yourself a polarizing question about each commitment: "Is this an opportunity or an obligation?" If something drains your energy rather than nourishing you, consider setting boundaries—which Kate frames as a "yes, no, yes sandwich" to make saying no feel more comfortable.The good news? This approach aligns perfectly with peaceful parenting. Just as we validate our children's feelings before setting a limit, we can acknowledge ourselves while still protecting our boundaries. As Kate puts it, "You don't have to feel guilty to take care of yourself."Want to dig deeper into creating intentional routines that honor both your needs and your children's? I'm excited to share that Kate has generously offered my readers free access to her Goals with Soul Summit—a $97 value that includes live coaching and practical guidance for setting aligned goals. Click on https://mskatehouse.thinkific.com/courses/the-goals-with-soul-summit-2024-all-access-pass and use discount code: delight. Remember, taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential to showing up as the parent you want to be.To Learn More About Kate House:https://mskatehouse.com/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/https://www.pinterest.com/delightinparenting/https://medium.com/@delightinparenting This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe