Raising the "Spicy Ones": Parenting Strong-Willed, Deeply Feeling Kids

Raising the "Spicy Ones": Parenting Strong-Willed, Deeply Feeling Kids

From Miracle Mama Podcast by Whitney Rowell

March 12, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

Whitney Rowell discusses parenting strategies for strong-willed, deeply feeling children with expert Mary Van Geffen.

Parenting doesn't always look the way we imagined. Some kids feel everything bigger, react louder, and require more from us as parents. In this episode of the Miracle Mama Podcast, Whitney sits down with parenting coach Mary Van Geffen , who specializes in helping moms raise deeply feeling, strong-willed children, what she lovingly calls "the spicy ones." Together they talk about: Why some kids need more from us than others How parenting a strong-willed child often requires emotional growth from us as parents How to stay calm during big emotional moments Setting boundaries without crushing your child's spirit Why feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you're failing If you've ever wondered "Is this normal?" or felt embarrassed, exhausted, or unsure if you're doing motherhood "right," this conversation will make you feel seen. Because sometimes the kids who challenge us the most are also the ones who will change the world. Connect with Mary Website: https://www.maryvangeffen.com Book: Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid Order here: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/parentingaspicyonebook Mary is an international parenting…

People in this episode

Host: Whitney

Guest: Mary Van Geffen

Topics covered

  • strong-willed children
  • parenting
  • emotional growth
  • boundaries
  • overwhelm in parenting

Keywords

  • parenting coach
  • emotional moments
  • child development

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid

Books & works: the Miracle Mama Podcast, Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid Order

More episodes of Miracle Mama Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Miracle Mama Podcast podcast page.