Today, you’ll discover how to stop feeling manipulated by your child or teen using four proven strategies.

This episode is a masterclass in understanding and managing emotional manipulation. You'll learn about the science behind why parents get caught in these cycles and, most importantly, how to break free.

Dr. Becca Ballinger shares the four key strategies you need to create a peaceful and connected family environment. After listening, you will know exactly what to do to handle your young person’s intense emotions, foster better communication, and build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

For more resources, click here for the podcast episode page and to download the episode guide. This guide includes a summary of the key points and a worksheet to help you implement the strategies discussed in the episode, making it easier for you to tackle emotional manipulation in your home.

Connect with Dr. Becca Ballinger:

• Follow me on Instagram for daily parenting tips
• Browse my library of free parenting resources
• Gain skills by taking my court-approved parenting and co-parenting classes
• Sign up for my newsletter to get each episode—and its accompanying free guide—emailed directly to you each Monday morning

And always remember, Friend, I believe in you. You’ve got this.

Summer's coming, and I know what you're thinking: How long until I'm secretly wishing for school to start again? This year, I want you to flip the script!

Summer isn’t just about avoiding the summer ‘brain drain’ or surviving until fall—it's your golden opportunity to focus on your child or teen's natural strengths, deepen family bonds, and create those picture-perfect memories -- all while enjoying a well-earned break from academic pressures. If you're wondering how to keep your child or teen off their screens and engaged this summer, then this episode is for you!

In today’s episode, I'm diving into how to transform those endless days of potential summer slump into a season brimming with growth, connection, and involvement. Here’s a sneak peek of what I'll cover:

[9:24] Using Summer To Develop Natural Strengths and Interests: Find out how those lazy summer days can become the perfect backdrop for your young person’s creativity and exploration. We’re turning the dreaded summer slump into a season of growth and self-discovery.

[22:46] Connect With Your Child or Teen This Summer: Dive into practical ways to deepen your connection with your child or teen this summer. Whether you’re strengthening your connection or building bridges, we’re all about making heartwarming memories and shared experiences.

[29:54] Setting Up A Successful Summer Routine: Discover the secrets to creating a summer routine that’s flexible enough to feel like a break, yet structured enough to keep everyone connected and engaged in worthwhile activities. It’s all about balancing enriching activities with the chill vibes of summer.

[40:44] Connect With Community This Summer: Learn why reaching out beyond your usual crew of close family and friends is crucial this summer. We’ll discuss how fostering community connections and diverse friendships can enrich your young person’s social skills and broaden their horizons.

Ready to turn this summer from standard to stunning? Press play now, and let’s kickstart a season you’ll never forget! And if today’s episode sparks joy or gives you that 'aha!' moment, consider spreading the love with a quick rating or review on your podcast app. Not only does it help our show, but it also helps other fabulous parents like you discover us.

For a complete rundown of today’s tips and links to all the resources, be sure to visit the show notes on my website at modernparentingsolutions.org/episode71.

Free Guides:

• Summer Schedule Planner Guide
• Help Your Child Find Their Passions and Interests

Blog Posts:

• Why Your Teen Needs a Summer Job
• 6 Steps to Encouraging a Resistant Teen to Get a Summer Job
• Yes! Your Child and Teen Needs a Summer Sleep Schedule! Here’s Why and How To Create One

Podcast Episodes:

• Episode #13: Why Your Teen Needs a Summer Job
• Episode #16: Yes! Your Child and Teen Needs a Summer Sleep Schedule! Here’s Why and How To Create One
• Episode #17: Challenging Parent-Child Relationship? Try These 6 Strategies To Improve This Important Relationship In Just One Summer
• Episode #38: Stay Sane This Summer: Summer Strategies For Parents That Build Positive Parent-Child Relationships, Encourage Independence, and Create Lifelong Memories
• Episode #42: How Establishing Family Routines and Rituals Can Help Modern Parents Overcome Overwhelm, Stress, and Disconnection

Ever feel like your discipline approach is more of a mess than a success?

Let's flip that script!

If you're worried about being ineffective, crushing your child or teen's incredible spirit, or if tensions are high - it's time to introduce some PEACE into your routine. My 5-point PEACE plan isn't just about keeping order; it's about empowering your young person with the tools they need to grow into an amazing adult.

What if you could discipline in a way that not only promotes good behavior but also brings out your child or teen awesome potential AND strengthens your bond with them?

Here's a snapshot of today's episode:

• [9:42] Passions, Values, and Beliefs (P): Discover how your personal passions, values, and beliefs shape every parenting decision, acting as a moral compass to navigate parenting challenges with confidence.
• [20:09] Empathy (E): Learn how practicing empathy in discipline shows your young person their feelings matter, nurturing their growth and strengthening your bond, even in tough moments.
• [26:00] Autonomy (A): Explore how autonomy, backed by self-determination theory, empowers your young person to make decisions driven by internal motivation, seeing the value in their actions beyond mere compliance.
• [32:13] Consistency (C): Understand how consistency acts as the glue of your discipline strategy, providing security and clarity that builds trust and sets clear expectations for your child or teen.
• [36:15] Educating Life Lessons (E): Realize how transforming every disciplinary moment into a teaching opportunity can impart vital life lessons, making discipline a constructive and educational experience that extends beyond mere correction.

The PEACE plan goes beyond traditional discipline. It’s designed to ensure that your approach doesn't just demand respect but inspires it, cultivating a relationship where your young person feels valued and understood.

To help you implement this transformative strategy, I’ve prepared two free resources: “Empower Your Parenting with PEACE: A Step-by-Step Guide to Effective and Loving Discipline” and the “50 Life Lessons Every Modern Kid Should Know by the Time They Graduate from High School” checklist. These guides are packed with actionable tips and insightful exercises tailored to fit your unique family dynamics.

Join me as we explore each facet of the PEACE plan, giving you the tools to not only manage behavior effectively but to enhance your relationship with your child or teen. Remember, I believe in you. You’ve got this!

FREE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

• Empower Your Parenting with PEACE: A Step-by-Step Guide to Effective and Loving Discipline
• 50 Life Lessons Every Modern Kid Should Know by the Time They Graduate from High School

CONTINUE YOUR PARENTING JOURNEY:

• Free Parenting Reseouce Library
• Court-Approved Parenting Classes
• Court-Approved Co-Parenting Classes