The Masterful Parenting Podcast - Heal Your Childhood and Parent Better Through Relational Parenting

What if becoming a better father could actually make you a better leader? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Jeff Hittner, executive coach and founder of Ambitious Dads, to explore what happens when fathers stop seeing career and family as competing priorities and start recognizing fatherhood as one of the greatest leadership opportunities they have. After interviewing more than 200 fathers, Jeff identified six “dad gaps”—common areas where ambitious men can struggle to show up as the fathers and leaders they want to be. We unpack what these gaps reveal about modern fatherhood and why closing them can transform not only a dad’s relationship with his children, but also the way he leads at work and in life. We also talk about some of the biggest fears dads carry about parenting—from the fear of failing their children to the pressure to provide, succeed, and somehow be fully present at home while building a career. In this episode, you’ll discover: The 6 Dad Gaps Jeff identified through his research with more than 200 fathers Why fatherhood can be the ultimate leadership lab How becoming a better dad can make you a more grounded and effective leader The fears and pressures many ambitious fathers quietly carry Why work and family don't have to be competing worlds How dads can learn to lead with greater alignment, presence, and intention If you’re a dad who wants to succeed professionally without missing what matters most at home, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what leadership really means. Connect with Jeff Hittner 🌐 Ambitious Dads💼 Jeff Hittner on LinkedIn About Jeff Hittner Jeff Hittner is an executive coach and the founder of Ambitious Dads. After interviewing more than 200 fathers, Jeff saw the same challenge again and again: ambitious men feel pulled between two lives—the career they’re building and the family they don’t want to miss. Through the Ambitious Dads Podcast and his coaching practice, Jeff helps fathers stop treating work and home as competing worlds. His work gives men the tools, frameworks, and community to lead as the same man in every room: one man, one engine. By treating fatherhood as the ultimate leadership lab, Jeff helps men become more grounded, more capable, and more aligned leaders everywhere. Ready to become the calm, connected, intentional parent you want to be? Join my FREE Parent Training and discover the biggest reason you react the way you do—and the simple shift that can transform the way you parent. 👉 Join the FREE Parent Training: https://annealvares.systeme.io/masterfulparenting And if this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Masterful Parenting Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a dad who needs to hear this conversation. — Anne AlvaresParent Coach | Trauma-Informed Parent Coach | Author | Educator | Mom of Two #MasterfulParenting #Fatherhood #DadLife #Parenting #ModernFatherhood #IntentionalFatherhood #ConsciousParenting #PositiveParenting #ParentingTips #DadLeadership #Leadership #ParentingAndLeadership #WorkingDads #AmbitiousDads #FatherhoodJourney #BeABetterDad #ParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #FamilyAndCareer #WorkLifeBalance #PresentParenting #ConnectedParenting #ParentingSupport #TraumaInformedParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #ParentingGoals

If you’re a loving parent who sometimes finds yourself yelling at your child—and then immediately feels guilty—you are not alone. ❤️ In this episode of the Masterful Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Devora Segall, LCSW, a therapist, certified DBT practitioner, parenting coach, and mother of ten, to talk about one of the most common struggles parents face: how to stop yelling and respond differently when we feel triggered and overwhelmed. Why do so many loving mothers end up yelling at their children, even when they desperately want to parent differently? Devora and I explore what happens beneath the yelling, what parents can do in the moment when they feel their emotions escalating, and how understanding our triggers can help us move from reacting to responding. We also talk about how to set firm boundaries and expectations without sacrificing connection, because respectful parenting doesn’t mean having no boundaries—and calm parenting doesn’t mean never feeling frustrated. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience working with children and families, Devora shares practical tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and parenting strategies that parents can actually use in real life. In this episode, we discuss: Why loving mothers can still lose their temper and yell What happens when we become triggered or overwhelmed Practical strategies for regulating ourselves before we react How to respond instead of react Setting boundaries without threats, punishment, or constant yelling Building cooperation while maintaining connection Breaking the cycle of yelling, guilt, and frustration Creating calmer, more connected relationships with our children If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell anymore, but I don’t know how to stop,” this episode is for you. About Devora Segall Devora Segall, LCSW, is a therapist, certified DBT practitioner, parenting coach, and mother of ten. She helps overwhelmed mothers break the cycle of yelling, guilt, and frustration so they can build calmer, more connected relationships with their children. She is the author of The Peaceful Parenting Solution and combines evidence-based DBT tools with practical parenting strategies to help parents manage big emotions, respond rather than react, and create more cooperation at home. Connect with Devora Parenting AudioDevora Segall CoachingDevora on LinkedInDevora's Facebook Parenting Community 🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Masterful Parenting Podcast and discover practical ways to stop yelling, regulate your reactions, and build a calmer, more connected relationship with your child. And if you’re ready to understand why you get triggered in the first place and learn how to respond differently, I invite you to explore my Masterful Parenting resources and coaching. Remember: You don’t have to be a perfect parent. You can learn, repair, reconnect, and choose differently. Anne Alvares Parent Coach | Trauma-Informed Parent Coach | Author | Educator | Mom of Two Masterful Parenting — Heal Your Past. Transform Your Parenting. Change the Future. ******************************************************************************* Anne Alvares is a parent coach, educator, author, and the founder of the Masterful Parenting Program, known for helping families build stronger, healthier relationships through relational parenting and healing from childhood wounds. Background & Experience Anne has over 20 years of experience working with families as a school counsellor, teacher, and parent coach. She has spent 15+ years supporting teens and their parents, giving her deep insight into emotional development and adolescent challenges. She’s also a mother of two, bringing firsthand parenting experience to her work. Her Story & Approach Anne’s coaching is shaped by her personal healing journey—she grew up experiencing childhood pain, including abuse, controlling parenting, and being parentified. This inspired her to heal those pattern

Why are so many teens struggling with anxiety, low confidence, and a lack of purpose? In this powerful episode of the Masterful Parenting Podcast, Anne Alvares sits down with James McLamb, founder and CEO of Generation Youth and widely known as America's Youth Coach, to explore how parents can help their teens thrive in today's chaotic, digital world. From constant social media comparison to growing pressure to fit in, today's teens face challenges unlike any previous generation. James shares practical strategies for helping young people develop a strong sense of self, build healthy relationships, and discover meaningful purpose—three essential foundations for lifelong resilience. Together, Anne and James discuss why resilience isn't something children are simply born with—it's something parents can intentionally nurture through connection, encouragement, and guidance. If you're raising a teenager or preparing your child for the challenges ahead, this conversation will give you practical tools and renewed hope for helping them become confident, resilient adults. In this episode, you'll learn: Why so many teens struggle with resilience today. How social media impacts self-image and confidence. Why a healthy self-image influences every decision a teen makes. How parents can strengthen their teen's emotional resilience. Practical ways to help teens build healthy relationships. How to help your teen discover purpose, direction, and meaningful goals. Why connection matters more than perfection in parenting adolescents. Connect with James McLamb 🌐 Generation Youth: https://www.generation-youth.com 📖 Ignite 30-Day Journal Series:https://ignite30days.com 🎙️ Generation Youth Podcast:https://www.generationziglar.com/podcast/ 📝 Substack:https://jamesmclambauthor.substack.com/ 📚 Book: Tomorrow's Youthhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2KQJ8W 📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationziglar/ Call to Action If today's conversation encouraged you, don't keep it to yourself! ✅ Subscribe to the Masterful Parenting Podcast so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Watch the full interview on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. 💙 Join the Healed Parent Community, where parents are learning to heal their childhood triggers and build stronger, healthier relationships with their children. 🎁 If you've ever found yourself reacting instead of responding, join my FREE LIVE Parent Training: "The Biggest Reason Parents React—And the Simple Shift That Changes Everything." You'll also receive my FREE Triggered to Regulated Parent Reset when you register. 📖 Grab a copy of my book, Heal Your Childhood: Reclaiming Your Worth, Voice, and Future, and begin your own healing journey. **************************************************************************************** Anne Alvares is a parent coach, educator, author, and the founder of the Masterful Parenting Program, known for helping families build stronger, healthier relationships through relational parenting and healing from childhood wounds. Background & Experience Anne has over 20 years of experience working with families as a school counsellor, teacher, and parent coach. She has spent 15+ years supporting teens and their parents, giving her deep insight into emotional development and adolescent challenges. She’s also a mother of two, bringing firsthand parenting experience to her work. Her Story & Approach Anne’s coaching is shaped by her personal healing journey—she grew up experiencing childhood pain, including abuse, controlling parenting, and being parentified. This inspired her to heal those patterns and not repeat them with her own children. Her mission is to help parents understand how their own childhood experiences influence their parenting, and to guide them in building confidence, connection, and emotional awareness. What She Teaches Anne specializes in: Relational Parenting: Prioritizing connection and understanding over control. Healing from childhood pain so