Real World Peaceful Parenting

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith delves into the transformative power of defining family values. Through relatable examples and personal stories, Lisa shares why family values are essential for creating a unified approach to parenting and fostering a sense of purpose and connection in your home. Discover how establishing clear, actionable values provides a lasting framework for decision-making and guides your kids toward developing their own internal compass. Plus, Lisa offers practical steps to start defining your family values tonight! What You'll Learn: Why Family Values Matter – Learn how family values create a guiding compass that everyone in the family can follow, making expectations clear and meaningful. Parenting with Purpose – Understand how values simplify decision-making and reduce conflicts by aligning with what truly matters to your family. Creating Consistent Guidelines – See how breaking down big values into daily actions can guide behavior and bring structure. Building Your Kids’ Internal Compass – Discover how values help children build their own decision-making skills and self-discipline, even when you’re not around. Getting Started with Family Values – Learn a simple exercise to define and outline your core family values tonight. Practical Examples from Lisa’s Family – Hear about Lisa’s own family values and how they’ve shaped her parenting journey, providing a real-world look at peaceful parenting in action.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith addresses the common challenges parents face when dealing with their children’s big emotions, especially anger. Building on last week's theme of diving below the surface, Lisa shares five practical scenarios that parents encounter daily, each illustrating how to respond with empathy and understanding. Lisa also provides actionable phrases to help parents get curious, not furious, enabling deeper connection and calmer communication with their children. This episode empowers parents with a toolkit for navigating tough emotional moments, guiding both parent and child toward a more peaceful relationship. What You'll Learn: The Power of Connection Phrases – Learn specific phrases to help your child feel understood and calm in emotionally charged moments. “Pause and Probe” Technique – Discover how to pause, breathe, and explore what emotions might be under the surface of your child’s behavior. Real-Life Scenarios – Five common parenting challenges with step-by-step responses to foster empathy and avoid escalation. Understanding the “Iceberg of Behavior” – Why what’s visible (like anger) is often only a small part of what your child is experiencing emotionally. Building Emotional Intelligence Together – How practicing empathy and understanding fosters emotional growth for both you and your child. Practical Tools for Real-Life Parenting – Techniques for shifting from reaction to understanding, helping to create a calmer, more cooperative household.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith explores a transformative approach to handling anger in parenting. Guided by Eckhart Tolle’s wisdom, “Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath,” Lisa explains how to look beyond the surface of your child’s outbursts to understand the vulnerable emotions hidden below. With real-life stories and actionable insights, Lisa shares how getting “curious, not furious” can create breakthroughs in connection and emotional growth for you and your child. What You'll Learn: The "Curious, Not Furious" Approach – Learn how adopting this mindset can uncover your child’s true feelings behind their anger. The Iceberg Model of Anger – Discover why anger is only the tip of the iceberg and how diving deeper reveals vulnerable emotions. Practical Techniques for Emotional Connection – Explore actionable strategies to identify and validate your child’s emotions. Real-World Examples of Compassionate Parenting – Hear relatable stories of parents navigating anger to build stronger bonds. Self-Reflection Practices for Parents – Understand your own reactions to anger and what underlying emotions you might be shielding. Building Emotional Intelligence in Children – Help your child develop emotional resilience by teaching them to manage and communicate their feelings.  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith breaks down seven essential co-regulation techniques that every parent should know. By incorporating these strategies into your daily interactions, you can help your child manage their emotions, foster emotional intelligence, and create a stronger bond between you and your child. From empathy to shared breathing exercises, Lisa provides practical tools for navigating those challenging parenting moments with calm and connection. What You'll Learn: What co-regulation is and why it's a powerful tool for helping children manage emotions. How to use empathy and active listening to create emotional connection and calm during tough moments. The power of shared breathing exercises to reduce stress for both parent and child and align emotional states. Why validating your child’s feelings without judgment is crucial for building trust and emotional openness. The importance of modeling self-regulation so your child learns how to handle emotions effectively by watching you. How holding space for your child’s emotions helps them feel seen and supported without needing to fix or change their feelings.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives deep into the power of emotional intelligence and how it can revolutionize your parenting approach. Learn the core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and more—and discover actionable steps you can take to create a connected and cooperative home environment. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode provides the tools to help you foster emotional intelligence in both yourself and your children for a lifetime of resilience and healthy relationships. What You'll Learn: What emotional intelligence is and why it is crucial for peaceful parenting. How to model self-awareness and emotional regulation for your children. Practical strategies to create a safe space for kids to express their feelings. The importance of empathy and how to validate your child’s emotions without judgment. How to use storytelling and perspective-taking to teach emotional intelligence to kids. Key behaviors emotionally intelligent parents practice to foster strong connections and emotional resilience in their families.  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives deep into the transformative power of emotional intelligence in parenting. Learn how to recognize, understand, and manage both your emotions and your child's, creating a home environment built on connection and growth. Lisa shares practical strategies to build emotional intelligence for yourself and your children, with real-life examples and actionable tips to start using today. What You'll Learn: What emotional intelligence in parenting really means and why it's essential. The five core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Practical ways to model emotional awareness and regulation for your children. How to teach your kids empathy, open communication, and emotional resilience. The importance of self-care for parents in maintaining emotional intelligence. Specific tools like emotional coaching and mindfulness practices to start using today.  

In this special episode, Lisa Smith welcomes Stephanie Drake and Arthur Meyer, the comedic masterminds behind the hit web series ABC Parenting. They dive into the power of humor in parenting, how to connect with kids through laughter, and why it’s okay to laugh at the chaos of parenthood. Whether you're dealing with everyday challenges or just need a fresh perspective, this episode will leave you smiling and ready to embrace the joy (and humor) of raising kids. What You'll Learn: Why humor is a powerful tool for emotional connection with your children. How laughter can help you navigate tough parenting moments and create stronger bonds. The importance of balancing humor with boundaries and discipline. Real-world examples of using humor to diffuse difficult situations, from bedtime struggles to meltdowns in public. The significance of self-regulation as a parent and how humor can keep you grounded. Why it’s essential for parents to laugh at themselves and not take everything too seriously in their parenting journey.  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives into the complexities of reactive anger in children. Joined by Hive member Dina, Lisa coaches her through the challenges of helping her 9-year-old daughter navigate intense outbursts of frustration and anger. Learn how to go beneath the surface of anger to uncover and address the deeper emotions at play. This episode is packed with actionable insights for fostering emotional resilience and empathy, ensuring your child feels seen, heard, and supported in moments of emotional turbulence. What You'll Learn: The underlying emotions behind reactive anger and how to help your child recognize them. How to hold space for your child’s emotions, allowing them to feel safe expressing their frustration and disappointment. Practical steps for moving beyond reactive anger, guiding your child to articulate their deeper feelings. Why empathy and validation are powerful tools in building emotional intelligence and resilience in children. How everyday disappointments can trigger larger emotional storms and how to guide your child through these moments. The importance of helping children tolerate life’s frustrations without turning to anger, leading to long-term emotional growth.  

In this special episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith hands over the reins to Hive member Neil, who interviews her with real-life parenting questions. Covering everything from handling money conversations with kids to how peaceful parenting principles apply to pets, this "Ask Me Anything" episode offers deep insights and practical advice for parents looking to transform their relationships with their children. Whether you’re a Hive member or a first-time listener, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that can help you become a more peaceful, present, and connected parent. What You'll Learn: How to handle big decisions like whether to have another child using a process that reduces anxiety and stress. The key differences between peaceful, dominant, and permissive parenting and why setting rules helps kids feel safe and secure. How to apply peaceful parenting techniques to pets, ensuring consistency in how you show up as a leader. The importance of healing your own childhood wounds and how it affects the way you parent. How peaceful parenting impacts all relationships, not just the one with your kids, but with your partner, colleagues, and friends too. Lisa’s personal influences and top book recommendations, from Victor Frankel to Byron Katie, that shape her coaching style and philosophy.  

In this part two of The Magic of Holding Space, Lisa Smith dives deeper into the transformative power of holding space for your children's big emotions. She provides a step-by-step guide to help parents create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where kids feel safe to express their feelings without fear of judgment or dismissal. Lisa shares eight actionable steps to help parents build connection, foster emotional intelligence, and encourage resilience in their kids, all while maintaining boundaries and staying calm in the heat of the moment. What You'll Learn: The 8 essential steps to holding space for your kids, including listening attentively and providing nonjudgmental support. How to stay calm and present during your child’s emotional storms without rushing to fix their problems. The importance of accepting all emotions and allowing your child to express big, messy feelings safely. Real-life examples of parents successfully applying these steps to foster emotional resilience in their kids. How holding space builds trust, strengthens relationships, and teaches kids emotional regulation. Practical self-care techniques to stay grounded and calm while navigating your child’s emotional outbursts.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith delves into the concept of holding space, a powerful parenting tool that fosters emotional safety, trust, and connection between parents and children. Lisa explains how holding space allows kids to process their emotions without judgment or dismissal, building their self-esteem and teaching them to trust their feelings. With personal stories, practical tips, and insight into why holding space is essential, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to create a supportive emotional environment for their children. What You'll Learn: What it means to "hold space" for your child and why it’s essential for emotional development. How holding space builds trust and strengthens the parent-child relationship. Practical techniques for staying calm and present during your child’s big emotions. How to label feelings and encourage emotional intelligence in your kids. The impact of breaking generational cycles of dismissing or fixing emotions, creating a new path for your family. Why it’s okay to get it wrong and how progress, not perfection, is the goal in learning to hold space.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives into the transformative power of parental energy and how the thoughts we allow to "rent space" in our minds directly shape our interactions with our children. Discover how your thoughts create feelings, which in turn lead to actions, and learn practical strategies to shift your energy to create a more peaceful and cooperative household. Lisa shares her personal experiences and provides actionable steps to help you harness your energy and transform your parenting approach. What You'll Learn: The impact of parental energy on the family dynamic and how it sets the tone for your household. How to recognize and reframe negative thoughts that affect your parenting. The domino effect: how thoughts lead to feelings, and feelings lead to actions. Practical strategies for shifting from negative to positive energy, including gratitude and affirmations. Real-life examples of how changing your thoughts can transform challenging parenting situations. Tips for setting daily energy intentions and conducting energy check-ins to maintain a positive parenting mindset.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, we’re exploring the common but challenging experience of after-school meltdowns. My goal is to offer a fresh perspective on these emotional outbursts, and encourage parents to see them as a compliment to their safe and supportive parenting. I’ll share practical tips to help you navigate these tough moments with calm and compassion, turning the chaos into an opportunity for connection and growth. By understanding the emotional "backpacks" that children carry and providing a safe space for them to unpack, parents can strengthen their bond with their kids and foster emotional resilience. What You'll Learn: How to shift your perspective on after-school meltdowns and view them as a compliment to your parenting Effective strategies to manage your own emotions and stay calm during your child’s post-school outbursts The importance of not taking your child’s behavior personally and recognizing that it’s about their experience, not your parenting Practical tips to create a consistent after-school routine that supports your child’s emotional needs How to become a safe space for your child to unpack their emotional "backpack" and strengthen your bond  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, we’re exploring the transformative concept of co-regulation and its vital role in creating a peaceful, connected family environment. I’m diving into the science and practical applications of co-regulation by sharing personal stories and client examples to illustrate how parents can use their calm presence to help their children navigate big emotions. Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums or supporting a stressed college student, co-regulation offers a path to deeper connection and emotional resilience. By learning to regulate your own emotions, you can model this essential skill for your children, fostering a secure and supportive family dynamic. What You'll Learn: What co-regulation is and why it's crucial for emotional development How co-regulation starts from infancy and continues through adulthood Practical tips for self-regulation as a parent to better support your child The long-term benefits of modeling co-regulation for your children How to recognize and address your own emotional triggers in parenting Real-life examples of co-regulation in action and its impact on family dynamics

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, I’m getting into a hot topic that affects many of us as parents: conflict management. Joined by special guest and mother of two, Kris, we explore strategies for managing conflicts between ourselves and our children, as well as tools to help teach our kids how to handle conflicts on their own. I introduce a powerful framework called Empowered Conversations, designed to help both parents and children approach conflicts with confidence and clarity. By the end of this episode, you'll have concrete tools to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection within your family. What You'll Learn: How to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth rather than a battle to be won The importance of understanding your feelings and what you want before addressing a conflict Techniques to avoid catastrophizing and presuming the other person’s thoughts or feelings The role of reflective listening in resolving conflicts and improving communication Steps to implement the Empowered Conversations framework in your family interactions How to model healthy conflict resolution for your children Real-life examples of using these strategies to handle common conflicts at different stages of parenting  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, I dive into a topic that affects many parents: catastrophizing. I’ll explain what catastrophizing is, how it impacts your parenting, and most importantly, how to overcome it. By learning to manage our thoughts and emotions, we can respond to our children with calmness and clarity instead of fear and anxiety.  Join me as I share personal stories, practical strategies, and tips to break the habit of catastrophizing in order to create a more peaceful and balanced approach to parenting. In this episode, you will learn: The definition and impact of catastrophizing, and how it relates to parenting How to recognize when you’re catastrophizing so you can resist the urge The importance of staying present and focusing on the current moment Techniques to challenge and reframe catastrophic thoughts Coping skills to manage catastrophizing, including mindfulness and deep breathing Real-life examples of how catastrophizing manifests at different stages of parenting and how to address it  

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, I introduce a game-changing tool for parents: the simple phrase, "Tell me more." As a 16-year master certified parenting coach, I've seen firsthand how this powerful phrase can transform your interactions with your children, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings more openly. By using these three magic words, you can foster deeper connections, enhance communication, and create a safe space for your children to express themselves. Tune in to discover practical scenarios, tips for implementation, and the profound psychological benefits of this approach!   In this episode, you will learn:   How the phrase "Tell me more" signals genuine interest and validation to your child Practical scenarios for using "Tell me more" in everyday parenting situations The psychological impact of feeling heard and understood, including the release of oxytocin Tips for staying calm, avoiding judgment, and using active listening when employing this tool How "Tell me more" can strengthen relationships beyond parenting, including with partners, friends, and colleagues Real-life success stories from parents who have used this approach to improve their relationships with their children

Summer is here, and for many of you, that means travel planning. I know firsthand that vacationing with kids can feel like navigating a stormy sea. Last summer, my son Malcolm and I embarked on a London adventure before he left for college, and while this trip was by no means perfect, it highlighted how powerful trusting in the peaceful parenting process can be.    Join me on this episode as I share some of the most valuable lessons I learned on this trip, from the importance of undivided attention to revealing your true self to your kids.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/185

How often do you find yourself trying to reason with your kids when they’re upset? Why does it never work, and in fact, usually seems to make the storming worse? That's because only after you've made an emotional connection with your kids that you can guide them with logic and reasoning.    Join me this week to learn why the Connect THEN Redirect tool is a complete game-changer for your parenting. You’ll hear why the simple act of acknowledging your kids' feelings first makes a huge difference, and how practicing this tool helps you become the peaceful parent you want to be.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/184

Have you ever thought or said to your kids, “You’re so disrespectful?” I’ll admit that this was my go-to script before I found peaceful parenting.   The reality is that it’s dysregulating to believe that your children are being disrespectful intentionally. Listen in this week to hear how our understanding of respect has evolved over the years, and how to cultivate true respect: the kind where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://thepeacefulparent.com/183