Have you ever caught your child lying, sneaking treats, or getting defensive over a simple question? You’re not alone! In this episode, Lisa dives into why kids become defensive, how their nervous system reacts to perceived threats, and what parents can do to break the cycle of power struggles. Instead of creating distance with frustration and criticism, Lisa shares practical strategies to build trust, encourage honesty, and foster open communication—without losing your authority.

What You'll Learn:

• Why kids become defensive and how their nervous system reacts under pressure.
• How your emotional regulation as a parent sets the tone for honesty and connection.
• Key phrases that help kids feel safe enough to open up.
• The difference between reactive parenting vs. responding with curiosity.
• How to address tough situations (lying, sneaking, arguing) without triggering more defensiveness.
• A powerful mindset shift that will transform the way your kids respond to you.

Do you find yourself saying “no” all day long? Before Lisa discovered peaceful parenting, she was caught in the same cycle—until she came across one simple question that changed everything: Is it dangerous, or just inconvenient? In this episode, Lisa shares real-life examples of how shifting from automatic "no’s" to thoughtful responses can help you build trust, foster cooperation, and create more opportunities for connection with your kids. Get ready to rethink your approach and start saying “yes” in a way that works for both you and your child!

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between saying “no” for safety versus saying it out of convenience.
• How pausing before reacting can transform your relationship with your kids.
• Practical ways to set boundaries without shutting down your child’s requests.
• Why thoughtful “yeses” help build responsibility and cooperation.
• How to shift from reacting with control to responding with connection.
• A simple two-part homework exercise to start changing your parenting approach today.

Do you ever feel like your home’s emotional temperature is boiling over? Whether it’s a toddler meltdown, a sibling fight, or a teenager slamming their door, these heated moments can leave parents feeling frustrated, helpless, or reactive. In this episode, Lisa shares seven game-changing habits that will help you regulate your family’s emotional climate, reduce yelling, and create a home where all emotions are welcomed and processed in a healthy way. Learn how to model calm responses, validate feelings, and teach your kids real-world emotional intelligence. This is your playbook for creating more peace and connection—starting today!

What You'll Learn:

• How to recognize and regulate your child’s emotional temperature before things escalate.

• Why co-regulation is the key to raising emotionally resilient kids.

• The 7 powerful habits that help families navigate big emotions without yelling.

• The neuroscience behind why kids struggle with self-regulation—and what parents can do to help.

• How to teach coping strategies, encourage problem-solving, and set limits without punishment.

• A simple action step to start improving emotional regulation in your home today.

In this episode, Lisa shares the transformative power of front loading—a proven strategy to help parents and kids navigate challenging situations with calm and confidence. Through engaging stories, actionable examples, and real-world tips, Lisa shows how preparation can set the stage for smoother transitions and stronger connections. Learn how to stay cool under pressure, help your child build resilience, and set your family up for success in everyday moments and beyond.

What You'll Learn:

• Why front loading is a game-changing strategy for avoiding stress and meltdowns.

• How front loading helps both parents and kids build confidence and capability.

• Real-world examples of front loading for common parenting challenges like bedtime, school mornings, and family gatherings.

• The neuroscience behind why dysregulated kids struggle to comply—and how preparation can help.

• How front loading reduces decision fatigue and helps parents stay calm and consistent.

• Three steps to start practicing front loading in your family today, including a powerful exercise to identify your family’s top stress triggers.

In this eye-opening episode, Lisa Smith shares a powerful story from her own parenting journey that transformed how she understood children’s behavior. Discover why your child’s dysregulation isn’t defiance but a result of their brain being overwhelmed. Lisa breaks down the science of dysregulation across different ages, explains the key signs to watch for, and provides actionable steps to move from chaos to connection. Whether your toddler is melting down or your teenager is slamming doors, this episode will give you the tools to handle these moments with compassion and confidence.

What You'll Learn:

• Why dysregulation isn’t about defiance but your child’s brain being overwhelmed.

• How to recognize the early signs of dysregulation in toddlers, school-aged kids, and teenagers.

• The critical difference between correcting behavior and connecting with your child.

• Why traditional discipline methods often fail in moments of dysregulation.

• Two key steps to transform your reactions: noticing patterns and tracking your responses.

• How to begin helping your child regulate their emotions for better cooperation and trust.

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Smith shares a transformative parenting moment that reshaped her approach forever. Reflecting on how children absorb and mirror our actions, Lisa reveals the profound influence parents have as their children’s first teachers. With personal anecdotes and actionable insights, she guides listeners on how to model empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re breaking generational patterns or building intentional habits, this episode is your roadmap to fostering deeper connections with your kids and shaping their future.

What You'll Learn:

• Why you are your child’s most influential teacher and what they absorb from you daily.

• How focusing on connection over correction leads to better emotional intelligence and resilience.

• The importance of modeling behaviors like empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving.

• How to identify and break generational patterns you don’t want to pass on.

• Why being intentional about your actions and words creates lasting positive impact.

• A simple three-step exercise to reflect on your parenting and set intentional goals.

In this special episode, Lisa Smith welcomes the new year by reflecting on the incredible progress made by parents in the Real World Peaceful Parenting community. Lisa shares inspiring stories of transformation, practical tips to stay regulated, and the powerful “Oxygen Mask Principle” that shifts how you parent – one small step at a time. If you've ever struggled with keeping parenting resolutions or felt drained by the day-to-day, this episode is the perfect guide to realigning with your peaceful parenting goals in 2025.

What You'll Learn:

• How small, intentional shifts can transform your parenting (without needing grand resolutions).

• The “Oxygen Mask Principle” and why prioritizing your emotional well-being directly benefits your kids.

• Simple daily practices that help regulate your emotions and prevent burnout.

• How to create a Peaceful Parent Action Plan to handle the most draining parts of parenting.

• Why self-compassion and repair (not perfection) are the heart of peaceful parenting.

• The power of identifying your “parenting why” and how it grounds you during challenging moments.

In this episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith dives deep into the critical moments when a storming parent meets a storming child. Sharing relatable examples and practical strategies, Lisa shows you how to resist frustration, move past triggers, and get curious—not furious—when your child’s behavior challenges you. Discover the magic of "scuba diving" to uncover the feelings and needs beneath the surface, transforming moments of disconnection into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection.

What You'll Learn:

• Recognize Triggers and Respond Intentionally – Learn to take a deep breath, pause, and resist judgment when emotions run high.

• Get Curious, Not Furious – Replace reactive thoughts with curiosity to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.

• Scuba Dive, Don’t Snorkel – Uncover the unmet feelings and needs that drive challenging behaviors like grunts, meltdowns, or withdrawal.

• Shift Perspective – Understand that big emotions often have nothing to do with you; they’re your child’s way of processing struggles.

• Play Detective – Ask powerful, connection-building questions like, “What’s going on?” to create space for your child to share.

• Transform Storming Moments – Learn how choosing connection over reaction fosters trust, cooperation, and deeper parent-child bonds.