Bonus 5: Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely

Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely about anxiety, behavior, and how parents can stay calm and steady without getting pulled into power struggles.In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen McNeely and Kirk Martin for a conversation that brings together both the emotional and behavioral sides of parenting anxious kids. Kristen returns with her dual background in therapy and behavior, and Kirk brings his perspective from the Calm Parenting approach, which focuses on staying grounded and connected even in the middle of hard moments.We talk about what it actually looks like when kids are overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling with anxiety, and how easy it is for parents to get pulled into those moments. This conversation focuses on what it means to stay calm without shutting down, and how to respond in a way that helps your child feel safe while still holding boundaries.Throughout the episode, we explore how behavior and anxiety often overlap, especially for kids who are already more sensitive or reactive. We also talk about how parents can shift out of power struggles and into a more steady, confident role that supports long-term growth.If you’ve ever felt like your child’s reactions pull you into frustration or conflict, this episode will help you step back and see another way forward. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how calm, consistent responses can change the tone of your home and help your child build confidence over time.Shared Resources: Kristen McNeely’s WebsiteFollow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empoweredKirk Martin’s WebsiteKirk Martin’s Calm Parenting PodcastFollow Kirk Martin on Instagram @calmparentingpodcastRobyn’s 6-Week Parent CohortFollow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild Parenting the Anxious Child MembershipSign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources