Ever feel like nothing works when your child lashes out—no matter how calm you try to be or how many consequences you give?

Friend, you're not alone. And you're not doing it wrong. This episode is for every parent who's felt worn down by rude words, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior from their child—and is craving a better way. A way that actually works and feels good in your heart.

In this episode, we’re digging into three common mistakes that loving parents often make (through no fault of their own) when trying to manage tough behavior in kids ages 5–12. We’ll shift the lens from “my child is being mean” to “my child is missing a skill or struggling with a need”—and that shift changes everything.

You’ll hear how one simple principle—all feelings are allowed, but not all actions are—became a total game-changer for one mom I worked with. We’ll explore what it looks like to hold firm boundaries without shame or yelling, and instead respond with tools that build your child’s emotional regulation and confidence.

You'll also learn about a favorite strategy called “Bugs and Wishes,” which helps kids say what’s bothering them without name-calling, aggression, or defiance. And we’ll talk about how to break free from the exhausting “cuckoo cycle” of commands and consequences, and step into something so much more sustainable.

These are Positive Parenting Strategies that work—not just in the moment, but long-term. They help you raise respectful, emotionally healthy kids while also enjoying your role as a parent again.

So if you’re ready to bring more connection, cooperation, and calm into your home... press play. Let’s take a deep breath together and explore a path forward that’s full of kindness, clarity, and confidence.

This is Sustainable Parenting—where you can be both gentle and firm, and finally feel more joy and ease in everyday parenting.

✨Want more?

1) Use this link for a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.

2) Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.

3) Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

Do you ever lie awake at night feeling like you're failing your children?

You’re not alone. Many parents—especially those practicing Gentle Parenting or raising a neurodivergent child—carry the weight of perfectionism and self-doubt. In fact, research shows a staggering 78% of mothers believe they aren’t doing enough for their kids.

But what if the idea of perfect parenting is actually getting in the way of connection?

This episode of the Weekly Podcast brings a truth that might just set you free: According to Circle of Security research, you only need to “get it right” about 30% of the time for your child to develop secure attachment.

That’s right—30% is an A+ in the world of Positive Parenting and Calm & Peaceful Parenting.

When I first discovered this as a mom myself, I wept with relief. After years of chasing parenting tips & tools, reading books, and trying to end the yelling, this one truth released so much pressure. Suddenly, I could lean into simple parenting strategies that actually created more joy in our family time—even during tantrums or power struggles with my toddler.

Even more powerful? Research by Donald Winnicott on the “good enough mother” shows our imperfections benefit our kids. Just like trees need wind to grow strong roots, our children need manageable challenges to develop what I call their “struggle muscles.” These tough moments—whether it’s a meltdown, resistance, or a burst of anxiety & emotions—are part of how they grow resilience.

That’s why gentle discipline isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying connected through imperfection. As Dr. Jane Nelsen once told me: “The one thing parents need to do differently is stop trying to be perfect.”

If you’ve been craving real talk, science-backed insight, and encouragement in a short episode format, this one’s for you. Subscribe to the Weekly Podcast for more gentle parenting ideas, and join us next week as we unpack what many parents misunderstand about their child’s anger and rudeness.

Ready to take the next step toward parent-child connection and more peace in your home? Check the episode notes to schedule a one-on-one session with me or one of my trained parenting coaches.

You are already doing more than enough. Let's make parenting feel lighter—together.

✨Want more?

✨ Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

✨ Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

✨ Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

Why do kids seem to save their biggest meltdowns for home?
You watch them stay polite and calm at school or during a family gathering—but the moment they’re back with you, it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly, there’s whining, power struggles, or a full-blown tantrum. If you’ve ever wondered why they hold it together for others but fall apart with you, this short episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast offers clarity, compassion, and simple parenting strategies that work.

This weekly podcast is here to support you with real-life parenting tips & tools—so you can bring more calm & peaceful parenting into your daily routines and truly enjoy your family time.

In this episode, we unpack what’s going on beneath your child’s after-school meltdowns and explore how anxiety & emotions often build up until they feel safe enough to release them—right when they’re back with you.

You’ll walk away knowing:

• Why your child’s toughest behaviors often show up with the person they feel safest with—and how that connects to parent-child connection
• What might be missing in your expectations (are they too high… or too low?) and how this impacts power struggles, especially with toddlers
• Three practical and gentle parenting strategies to reduce tantrums, end the yelling, and make transitions feel easier

We also touch on tools from past episodes that are especially helpful if you're raising a neurodivergent child or want more support with gentle discipline:
🌟 Episode 42: Why Typical Strategies Don’t Work with Neurodivergent Kids
🌟 Episode 115: Why Yelling Works—and What to Do Instead

If you’re looking for positive parenting ideas that are doable, supportive, and rooted in connection, this episode was made for you.

✨Want more?

✨ Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

✨ Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

✨ Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.