Can Play Help You Discipline Without Yelling, Punishment, or Power Struggles? with Adriane Thompson, EP 166

Send us Fan MailCan play actually be a form of discipline?In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Adriane Thompson, certified parent coach and founder of Raising Kids With Purpose, about how play can help parents connect with their children, support emotional regulation, teach important skills, and make difficult parenting moments feel a little lighter.Adriane works with families raising children who may be neurodivergent, highly emotional, strong-willed, or deeply sensitive. She encourages parents to move away from simply asking whether a behavior is “working” or “not working” and instead consider an important idea:Behavior is communication.Together, Dori and Adriane explore: • Why discipline can be thought of as teaching rather than punishment• Why connection can make it easier for children to access the skills parents are still helping them develop• Why using play doesn't mean no boundaries or letting inappropriate behavior go• Why some adults may feel uncomfortable with play because of their own childhood experiences• How play can continue to support connection with older children and teensAdriane also reminds parents that difficult behavior may be connected to an unmet need or a lagging skill.And for the parent who likes the idea of playful parenting but has no idea where to begin, Adriane offers one very simple first step:About Adriane ThompsonAdriane Thompson is a certified parent coach and founder of Raising Kids With Purpose.Her work combines brain development, emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, attachment, boundaries, and play to help families better understand the needs and skills underneath children’s behavior.She works with families raising children who may be neurodivergent, highly emotional, strong-willed, or deeply sensitive, helping parents build greater connection while teaching the skills their children are still developing.Connect with Adriane ThompsonWebsite:https://raisingkidswithpurpose.comSchedule a conversation with Adriane:https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/chat/Instagram & Facebook:@raisingkidswithpurposeAbout Dori DurbinDori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast.She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends.https://www.doridurbin.com/Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families?The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed.You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication.Join and participate for free:https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/clubIntro for TDP (version 2)