Lazy Parenting with Stephanie Kennedy
by Stephanie Kennedy
Kids who get up and dressed in the morning by themselves, make their own lunches, empty the dishwasher, wash their own clothes, feed the pets AND make their own dinner?!? Is this a dream or could it possibly become your REALITY?!?Stephanie is a mom of four, a former high school math and science teacher, the owner of 2 business and the founder of the #lazyparenting community. On this podcast she digs deep into the concept and strategies behind lazy parenting to help you raise happy, joyful, kind, empathetic and passionate adults who, above all else, are good humans.
Episodes
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93. 5 Tiny Things You Can Do Today to Feel Closer To Your Kid
You don't need a parenting overhaul. You need five tiny things, and you could do all of them today! In this episode, Stephanie talks about the small, specific habits that made the biggest difference in her relationship with her kids. From how you look at them when they walk through the door to...
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92. Is This Their Fear…or Mine?
As our kids get older, the things they’re ready to do get bigger. And somehow, our control over those things gets smaller. Which can be terrifying. In this episode, I’m talking about something I’m still learning: how to separate what my kids actually need from me from what would simply make me…
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91. I Was The Mom With All The Rules
I was the mom with all the rules. No sleepovers. No violent video games. No food upstairs. No phones until Grade 8. No social media until I thought each kid was ready. Read the book before you watch the movie. And there were plenty more. Looking back, I can see that those rules came from all…
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90. Their Grade Is Not Your Report Card
There is a version of parental involvement in your child's education that starts as support and quietly becomes something else. Something that stops feeling like help and starts feeling, to your kid, like you do not quite trust them. In this episode, Stephanie talks about where that line is. And...
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89. Stop being your kids reminder
Did you brush your teeth? Do you have your water bottle? Don't forget your lunch. If those sentences came out of your mouth this week, this episode is for you. In this episode, Stephanie talks about the moment she asked about homework and got back one word: obviously. And what that word told her...
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88. Stop Doing School Mornings for Your Kids
Back to school is a reset. But most parents use that reset to ask the wrong question. Instead of asking how to make mornings run more smoothly, ask: what could my child take over this September that I was doing for them last year? In this episode, the real, not polished, origin story of Lazy...
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87. Be The Difficult Parent
Difficult because you love them enough to be the problem. In this episode, Stephanie talks about what it really means to be the difficult parent. The one who asks what movie they're showing before every sleepover. The one who picks their kid up at night instead of letting them stay. The one whose...
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86. What Really Matters
Every parent wonders eventually — will any of this actually matter? Stephanie asked her two oldest children — aged 23 and 24, both university graduates living independently — seven questions about their childhood. What did we do that you didn't appreciate then but are grateful for now? What…
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85. How Readers Are Really Made
Wondering how to raise a reader? Worried about graphic novels, reluctant readers, or kids who just won't sit still long enough to finish a chapter? Trying to figure out whether screen time is killing your child's love of books — or whether your son who only reads Diary of a Wimpy Kid even counts…
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84. This Is How We Do Things Here
87% of people sleep with their phone in their bedroom. In Stephanie's house, that number has always been zero. In this episode Stephanie talks about the one technology decision she and Chris made as parents that she would make again without hesitation: no screens in the bedrooms. Ever. And what…
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83. Get in the Water
Forced family time. The Sunday walk nobody wanted to go on. The car ride with no phones. The trail that seemed too long and the snacks that ran out and everyone who came home closer than when they left. In this episode, Stephanie talks about one of the most underrated things she did as a parent —...
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82. There Are No Magic Fairies in This House
Chores. Nobody's favourite topic. But possibly the most underrated parenting tool in the whole toolkit. In this episode Stephanie makes the case that chores are not really about having a clean house. They are about belonging. About raising kids who understand that families are not hotels, that...
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81. How To Step Back Without Letting Go
Last week we talked about getting out of our kids' way. This week is about how to actually do that — without abandoning them. It's called scaffolding. And it turns out it's something most parents are already doing instinctively. This episode is about making it intentional. From setting up a…
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80. Getting Out of Their Way
Every parent who has ever quietly reloaded the dishwasher, laid out their child's clothes, or helped just a little too much with that school project — this one is for you. In this episode, Stephanie talks about the most common way parents accidentally get in the way of their kids building...
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79. Competence Creates Confidence
Every parent wants confident kids. But what if confidence isn't something we can give our children? What if it isn't built through praise, encouragement, or constantly telling them how amazing they are? In this episode, I share why I believe confidence is actually built through competence. From...
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78. Raising Capable Kids
What does it really mean to raise a capable kid? In this episode, I revisit the idea that has been at the heart of Lazy Parenting since the very beginning. Looking back now with adult children, university graduates, and a teenager about to enter her final year of high school, I share what I've...
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77. Let's Catch Up
After a four-year break, Lazy Parenting is back. In this episode, I share where I've been, what I've learned watching my kids grow into young adults, and why I believe helping parents raise kids who can handle life is more important than ever.
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76. Talking with our kids about the war in the Ukraine
From Covid to the Freedom Convoy to now, the war in Ukraine, our children have been inundated with some very hard things in 2022. We have to address these topics with our kids. We need to check-in and make sure they are ok. Today I share some ways, those of us who might not know where to start or...
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75. Your parenting questions answered - not listening or going to bed without a fight!
Today we continue the topic of proactive parenting vs reactive parenting and how the 3 big ideas of Lazy Parenting can be used to combat the challenges of getting our kids to listen to us and getting our kids to bed. Thank you for hanging out with me today! I love these daily chats and hearing…
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74. Your parenting questions answered - screaming, backtalk and whining.
Today we continue the topic of proactive parenting vs reactive parenting and how the 3 big ideas of Lazy Parenting can be used to combat bad behavior. Thank you for hanging out with me today! I love these daily chats and hearing from you as to how they are helping. Don't forget to DM me on...
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73. Proactive vs reactive parenting and calming the chaos is your home.
Confession time - I used to be a yeller. I yelled as a coach when I was a teen working with children and then I yelled as a parent at my kids. My temper has always gotten the best of me. So how did I end up with 4 kids and never having to raise my voice at them through their tweens and teens?…
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72. Do this and I promise your relationship with your tween or teen will get better!
Today I have a challenge for you. A challenge that if you take, I can guarantee your relationship with your tween or teen will be shaken up for the better! It might be hard...but I believe in you. You can do it. The payoff will be HUGE! And, I want to hear all about it! You can leave me a voice...
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71. There will be challenges for our kids as they re-enter the world after lockdowns. Scaffolding can help!
It's been TWO years! Two years since some of our children have been in school, back to their sports, back to their friends, and back to their pre-pandemic life. Expecting them (& ourselves) to just jump back in is foolish. Some of our children haven't been around anyone other than us! Today I…
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70. Phones and our kids. Are they (& us) addicted? Part 2/2
Today is part 2 of a discussion around our phones and how we and our family use them. The conversation moves into HOW to bring up the topic of phone addiction and compulsive behavior with our family. How do we communicate so that they hear what we have to say and don't get defensive and shut…
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69. Phones and our kids. Are they (& us) addicted? Part 1/2
Our phones are an important and vital part of our lives. I get it! And they are important to our kids as well. But, let's take an honest look at HOW we are using them. Today I dive deep into this topic and share some ideas I heard from one of my internet mentors, Chalene Johnson. I describe in...
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68. Ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your kids today and every day!
Hey, Lazy Parenting podsquad! Today is Valentine's Day and I am sharing some easy and quick ways to show love to your kids today and every day! Be sure to check out my Valentine printables HERE Thank you for hanging out with me today! I love these daily chats and hearing from you as to how they…
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67. Are "Acts of Service" Your Child's Love Language? Part 4/4
Today is the last episode in the series on LOVE and how do we know that our kids know we love them? If you haven't yet listened to episode 64, be sure to go back and listen to that one first. I go over the key idea of unconditional love and why it is such an important piece of this conversation....
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66. Is "Quality Time" or "Gifts" Your Child's Love Language? Part 3/4
Today I am continuing the series on LOVE and how do we know that our kids know we love them? If you haven't yet listened to episode 64, be sure to go back and listen to that one first. I go over the key idea of unconditional love and why it is such an important piece of this conversation. Today I...
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65. Is "Physical Touch" or "Words of Affirmation" Your Child's Love Language? Part 2/4
Today I am continuing the series on LOVE and how do we know that our kids know we love them? If you haven't yet listened to episode 64, be sure to go back and listen to that one first. I go over the key idea of unconditional love and why it is such an important piece of this conversation. Today I...
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64. Do your kids KNOW that you love them? Part 1/4
Valentine's day is coming up next week and I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about love and our kids. If I were to ask you if your child feels loved, I am sure you would say 'yes". But, how do you know this? Like, really, HOW do you know this? This week I want to talk about the...
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63. Getting your kids to listen - BONUS TIPS
Wrapping up the series on "how to get your kids to listen to you" today with TWO bonus tips! Thank you for hanging out with me today! I love these daily chats and hearing from you as to how they are helping. Don't forget to DM me on Instagram, come follow along on TikTok or send me an email. I…
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57. "Attitude of gratitude"
Positive thinking and gratitude have gotten a lot of negativity in various corners of the internet. But the truth is that we as humans are hard-wired to hold on to the negative and miss the positive. That's why there is so much out there about how a gratitude practice CAN help! Today's phrase is…
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62. Getting our kids to listen by saying yes to "Yes" and no to "No"
If you struggle with getting your child to listen to you and do as you ask, it is likely that there are some bad habits that are going on in the house. And by bad habits, I do mean your bad habits. Listen, I will always tell it straight. If we as the parents don't take responsibility as the…
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61. Getting our kids to listen with fewer words
This series will give you some concrete tips and strategies on getting your child(ren) to listen to you the first time you ask. We have talked about how CONNECTION is the first step in getting your kids to listen to you and yesterday I talked about a step many of us forget. Today we talk about…
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60. Getting our kids to listen by repeating back what we ask.
This series will give you some concrete tips and strategies on getting your child(ren) to listen to you the first time you ask. Yesterday we talked about how CONNECTION is the first step in getting your kids to listen to you. Today we move on to step #2. Thank you for hanging out with me today! I...
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59. Getting our kids to listen by getting their attention
The first in a series on "How to get your kids to listen"! We've all been there, asking our child to do something and them not answering, not acknowledging us, not doing as we asked and the result is often us blowing up and yelling at them. This series will give you some concrete tips and...
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58. "Do what's right, no matter what." Teaching our children integrity.
Today's phrase is "do what's right, no matter what" and I know, that if you are a listener here on the show, you agree with me that this is pivotal to teach, to model and to reward in our kids if we want them to grow up into amazing adults who are making a difference in the world. And I don't…
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56. "Dumbledore" and building a better relationship with your child through secret code words
The "X-Plan" went viral a few years back when a father shared his way of keeping his teen safe and providing them an 'out' when and if they ever found themselves in a tricky situation. The original article can be found here…
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55. "Be a goldfish"
Teaching our children the difference between the 'little things' and the 'big things' is an important part of being their parent. Today's phrase can be used as a gentle reminder to them when they need it. If you loved today's episode, please click 5 stars and write a review! Join our…
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54. "Move with purpose"
We have all been there, right? Trying to get out the door and we've asked our child to hurry up and put their shoes on, or we have been walking to an appointment and our child stops and picks a stick off the ground or to jump in a puddle or to pick lint off of their coat! Or maybe you are looking...
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53. "That's a bummer" part 2/2
To be resilient means that we need to be able to handle stress. Learning how to handle stress is something we all need to be better at, including our kids. Stress is a guarantee in life and when our kids get older and the stressor becomes bigger we need to ensure they have the coping skills to be...
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52. "That sucks" part 1/2
There is a saying that "Life isn't fair" and perhaps you have had to say that to your child, maybe multiple times during this pandemic. All of our kids got so many things taken away from them over the past 3 years. Maybe your child had to miss out on the 1st year of the college experience, or...
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51. "Different families, different rules."
Chances are you have had your child tell you "Anna gets to play Minecraft, why can't I?" Or "Charlie gets to stay out till midnight why can't I?" Or "Everyone else gets to go to sleepovers! Why can't I?" Today I give 5 tips on how to stay true to your family rules and values. If you loved today's...
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50. "Was it an accident?"
Our kids mess up. They do. Some of them, every day. How do we respond when they drop a plate in the kitchen? Fall off the monkey bars at the playground? We can't expect our kids to learn to take chances, take calculated risks, try new things if they are worried about your reaction when they fail…
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49. "Try Again"
We have all been there, lecturing our kids with a long-winded explanation about what they did wrong or how they could do it better. Today I share the next short parenting phrase to add to your toolbox! And it works like magic helping us keep our cool and addressing the behaviour we want less of.…
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48. "You get what you get, and you don't get upset"
We have all heard the parenting mantra of "you get what you get and you don't get upset" or "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit". The idea behind this phrase is likely frustrated parents who are "done" with their children always wanting things their way and as a way of telling the...
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47. "Asked & Answered"
"Mom! Where's my jacket? "In the dryer." "Mom! Where's my jacket?" "IN THE DRYER!" "MOM! Where's my jacket?" "Are you *#$*ing kidding me?!?!? IT'S IN THE DRYER!!!!" All our kids are guilty of this...asking us the same darn question OVER AND OVER AGAIN! Today I share a phrase that can help end…
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46. Why is your child misbehaving?
Your child has temper tantrums, they have an emotional outburst that is disruptive or hurtful or destructive, they don't listen, they talk back, they argue with everything you ask of them....sound familiar? We all have had these moments with our kids. This is normal. What is most important is…
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45. If you take credit for the good, you have to take credit for the bad
Today we are talking about being the very best version of ourselves if we want the same for our kids. You have all experienced it, that moment when you first see your child mimic something that you do or say. It might be catching your little one playing with a doll or stuffie and using the same...
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44. Why saying NO to your child isn't working.
We all do it. Multiple times a day. We say "No" to our kids for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes it works and many times, it doesn't. Today we talk about why saying NO may not be the best strategy and what may really be the reason behind your NO. Let's have some real talk and see if we can…
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About this show
Kids who get up and dressed in the morning by themselves, make their own lunches, empty the dishwasher, wash their own clothes, feed the pets AND make their own dinner?!? Is this a dream or could it possibly become your REALITY?!?Stephanie is a mom of four, a former high school math and science teacher, the owner of 2 business and the founder of the #lazyparenting community. On this podcast she digs deep into the concept and strategies behind lazy parenting to help you raise happy, joyful, kind, empathetic and passionate adults who, above all else, are good humans.
Hosted by
Stephanie Kennedy