Your Parenting Long Game

For many of us, validating your child's feelings can lead to a child getting even more upset. Validation isn't necessarily wrong... but for many sensitive children, it isn't what they're actually looking for. I'll explain why "naming emotions" often increases Yuck, and what children really need instead. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why validation can unintentionally make some sensitive children feel more alone • The one word many parents add that completely changes the message they're sending • A simple shift that helps your child feel truly understood so they can process their Yuck more easily -- FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support  

What if your child's biggest struggle isn't that they have big emotions...but that those emotions keep taking over? When children feel powerless against frustration, disappointment, or anxiety, our instinct is often to teach them coping strategies. Often the missing piece is helping them feel like they're in charge of the process instead. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why many kids reject coping strategies and how we accidentally make that more likely • A simple shift that helps children want to build resilience instead of feeling pressured to change • How to plant seeds that help your child gradually take power back from their "Yuck," even if they're not ready today FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Get support from Rachel  

Parenting can feel like one long tug-of-war between the child who needs you right now, the child who's waiting for you, and the growing list of things that still need to get done. And when everyone's needs seem important, it's easy to feel like no matter what you choose, someone is losing out. The good news is that we can use these moments to help build children's resilience rather a belief that we're not there for them. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why trying to figure out who needs you most in a specific moment isn't the best strategy to use • How we teach children who can't immediately get our attention that they're still important (and capable) • A simple question to ask yourself when multiple children need you at the same time and you can't do everything at once -- FREE WORKSHOP: When Your Child Focuses on the Negative: How to respond without feeding the negativity or making things worse FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Get support from Rachel  

Summer is around the corner, which means there's a good chance you're about to hear a lot more complaints about being bored. And maybe you've heard that boredom is good for your child. (Spoiler: It is!) But what if you're not seeing your child do those positive things that they're "supposed to do" when they're bored? In this episode, Rachel explores why some children experience boredom very differently than we realize, why "go find something to do" is often harder than it sounds, and how parents can help kids build the ability to handle boredom without becoming their source of constant entertainment. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why boredom often leads to negative behaviors long before it leads to creativity • What may actually be happening inside your child's nervous system when they say "I'm bored" • A simple strategy for helping children learn how to handle boredom more independently  

When your child argues, pushes back, or keeps insisting that something is "not fair," it's easy to believe the goal is to stop the behavior, explain better, or finally get them to understand. But what if the more you try to "win" the moment, the more influence you actually lose? In this episode, Rachel shares why emotionally attuned parents often get pulled into over-explaining, why logic rarely works once a child is emotionally flooded, and the powerful shift that helps children calm down without you having to overpower the moment. In this episode, you'll hear: • The reason arguments often keep going long after your child already knows the answer • What children learn in moments of intensity • What emotional confidence looks like in real-life hard moments -- FREE WORKSHOP: When Your Child Focuses on the Negative: How to respond without feeding the negativity or making things worse FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Get support from Rachel

When you're exhausted and your child suddenly wants to connect, it can create a painful internal tug-of-war: part of you desperately needs rest, while another part worries that saying "not right now" could damage the relationship or shut your child down emotionally. The good news is that it is possible to consider both your child's needs and your own when making decisions in these situations. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why emotionally attuned parents often feel torn between connection and their own needs • How to stop fighting yourself internally during hard moments • Practical examples of how to respond, regardless of how you decide to handle the situation --  FREE WORKSHOP: When Your Child Focuses on the Negative: How to respond without feeding the negativity or making things worse FREE RESOURCE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Get support from Rachel  

When you've gone through the same hard moments with your child over and over — bedtime battles, pushback around limits, meltdowns when it's time to leave something fun — it's easy to start bracing before anything has even happened. You may find yourself already tense, already exhausted, already expecting the reaction before you even say a word.The reaction you're having makes more sense than you may realize… and it is possible to make a shift that takes less energy and increases your influence with your child. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why we naturally start dreading certain situations before they even happen • Why bracing for your child's reaction can unintentionally reduce your influence • A simple but powerful shift that helps you stay steadier, reduce escalation, and lead through hard moments with more confidence --  FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support FREE WORKSHOP: When Your Child Focuses on the Negative: How to respond without feeding the negativity or making things worse *Registration link to come  

When your child pushes back on something they've already done many times (like a simple routine or going to the same place every week), it can be confusing... and draining. When the same resistance shows up again, it's easy to wonder why nothing is sticking…or why it feels like you're back at the beginning every single time. But what's driving that reaction isn't what most parents assume, and until you see what's actually going on underneath, these patterns tend to repeat. In this episode, you'll hear: • What's actually happening in those moments when your child resists something they've already done before • Why getting through an experience once doesn't mean your child can handle it the next time • The key shift that changes how you approach these moments so they don't keep repeating in the same way -- FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support

When your child keeps arguing after you've already said no, it can feel exhausting and personal. You've explained your reasoning, you've made a thoughtful decision… and yet they keep pushing. It's easy to interpret that as disrespect or manipulation. But what's actually happening in those moments is less about defiance than you think. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why kids continue to argue even when they already know the answer (and why it's not just about trying to change your mind) • A steadier, more effective approach that allows your child to regulate while you hold your boundary • How these moments are really opportunities to build your child's ability to tolerate discomfort so the arguing decreases over time -- FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support  

When kids say or do things that feel rude or disrespectful in the middle of a big reaction, it can leave you feeling stuck: Part of you knows they're overwhelmed, but another part is thinking, "I can't just let this go." That tension is real. And it makes sense, especially if you were raised to believe that every negative behavior needs a consequence. But what looks like "bad behavior" in these moments is often something deeper....and responding only to the behavior can miss the actual problem. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why your instinct to give a consequence makes sense, but often backfires • What's really happening for your child in those intense moments • A more effective way to respond that helps your child take responsibility and build the skills they need to handle these moments differently next time FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support  

Sometimes our kids react as if we're being harsh, saying things like "stop yelling at me"... even when you're not yelling at all! When that happens, it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even discouraging. But what looks like an illogical reaction is often not even about what you're saying (or how you're saying it). Instead, it's about what's going on for the child. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why kids with big emotions are likely to interpret neutral or helpful input as criticism or pressure • Why our automatic reactions make sense, but don't work • The simple way to respond differently in the moment so that things defuse more quickly (and you build long-term resilience) -- FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support

When a fun moment unexpectedly turns into a child's unhappiness or even rude behavior, it can leave us feeling confused, frustrated, and even a little defeated. But what looks like an "overreaction" is often the result of a child's nervous system quietly working overtime... and we weren't aware of it! In this episode, you'll hear: • What's really happening beneath the surface when kids go from excited to unhappy so quickly • How repeated moments like this can shape the way children see themselves (as "too much" or incapable) • Simple ways to reduce these reactions --  FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support

When a household feels like it's constantly one reaction setting off another, it can seem like everyone is triggering everyone else. But what looks like chaos on the surface is often a chain reaction happening inside each person's nervous system. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why emotional escalations in families happen • How these interactions can slowly erode both a child's confidence and a parent's belief in themselves • What actually helps break the cycle --  FREE: Does your child have a narrow zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support

Many of our kids, when they do something wrong, will immediately point the finger: "He started it" or "It wasn't my fault." In those moments, it can easily look like they're being selfish or refusing to own their behavior. But what appears to be deflection is often driven by something different happening underneath the surface. In this episode, you'll hear: • What blaming is actually a sign of • How trying to correct this behavior can unintentionally chip away at a child's belief in themselves • Why helping children build tolerance for uncomfortable feelings allows them to take responsibility more naturally --  FREE: Does your child have a low zone of tolerance? Talk to Rachel about getting support   

When a child won't get dressed in the morning and moves slowly, ignores you, or seems resistant, of course you'll feel frustrated and pressured, especially when you're already running late! But what looks like defiance or laziness is often something different. In this episode, you'll learn what's actually happening underneath this pattern and how your response impacts both your child's self-esteem and your own confidence as a parent. In this episode, you'll hear: Why repeated assumptions around "simple" tasks can chip away at a child's belief in their capability How to hold firm limits while communicating respect, so boundaries strengthen rather than shame How protecting your own nervous system protects your child's confidence --  FREE: Does your child struggle with the skill of task initiation? Get support from Rachel  

When a child won't go play on their own and whines, complains, or refuses to leave you alone, of course you'll get frustrated with their resistance! But what looks like refusal is often something different. In this episode, you'll learn what's going on beneath this behavior and what you can do about it. In this episode, you'll hear: Why difficulty starting play, homework, or chores is not a motivation issue What starting new tasks requires cognitively, and why many kids get stuck before they even begin Why clarity about the missing skill leads to faster progress than guessing or pushing harder --  FREE: Determine whether your child struggles with this skill Work with Rachel

When our kids melt down, snap back, or seem resistant, it's easy to think, "This is bad. I need to make this stop." But when we see our child's behavior as a threat, our nervous system gets pulled into the struggle too, and everyone stays stuck longer. The real shift that shortens hard moments doesn't come from controlling behavior. It comes from changing the meaning we give it. In this episode, you'll hear: Why your child's negativity or resistance is a sign of discomfort, not defiance How the story you tell yourself about your child's behavior determines whether situations escalate or resolve What you need in order to help kids' behavior improve more quickly --  Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

When our kids aren't listening, we often default to talking more in an attempt to be more clear...more firm...more persuasive. But as we know, our EXTRA words often don't lead to better results. Fortunately, the solution to motivating more responsibility in our kids takes less energy, not more. In this episode, you'll hear: Why a child's "not listening" may not be a listening problem What to say and do so that your child is more likely to do things they don't feel like doing What YOU likely need in order to implement this strategy --  LIVE PLANNING SESSION: When Emotions Control Your Home: Build Your Plan to Calm Emotional Storms (When Nothing Seems to Work) Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

As parents, we want to be a steady, positive influence...someone our child trusts, listens to, and feels safe with. But in the hardest moments, that influence often slips away, not because we don't care or aren't trying, but because our child's reactions pull us into doubt, urgency, or over-accommodation. In this episode, I explain why influence breaks down under pressure, and how rebuilding it starts with balancing confidence and connection. In this episode, you'll hear: Why confidence without connection can lead to shame, power struggles, and self-doubt in kids How connection without confidence can actually increase anxiety and resistance What it sounds like in real life to hold firm limits and care about your child's experience so both of you feel safer and more capable -- LIVE PLANNING SESSION: When Emotions Control Your Home: Build Your Plan to Calm Emotional Storms (When Nothing Seems to Work) Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel  

Most parents don't realize that the hardest moments aren't hard because you don't know what to do... They're hard because your child's behavior is directly impacting your energy, your time, or your sanity. In this episode, I'll break down why that matters more than you think, and how to reclaim your sense of control without needing your child to change first. In this episode, you'll hear: The hidden ways your child's behavior affects your ability to stay regulated Why struggling in these moments doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong The simple 3-step process that helps you feel more grounded and effective How to support your child's needs and your own so things start to shift more quickly -- Live Planning Session: When Emotions Control Your Home: Build Your Plan That Finally Brings Peace Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel  

YOU rarely get acknowledged for the emotional load you carry, especially when raising kids with big feelings. In this episode, I'm going to point out some of the things you likely do — even if you don't notice them, and even if you don't do them perfectly! In this episode, you'll hear:  A piece of the invisible emotional load you carry that rarely gets noticed How your imperfect effort strengthens your child's confidence and safety What your child would thank you for if they had the words A simple way to finally give yourself credit for the things you do that truly matter -- The checklist: Notice what you're doing Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

https://rachel-bailey.com/365It's incredibly exhausting to feel like a broken record, constantly reminding your kids to get ready, start homework, or get off of their device. And these constant reminders, or "micronags," can reduce your influence and impact your relationship. Fortunately, there is another way to motivate more responsible behavior. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why micronagging becomes the default, even when we don't want to do it The real reason kids don't follow through the first time, and why it isn't defiance Three practical steps to replace reminders with systems that actually work -- Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

When your child rolls their eyes, snaps "You're so annoying," or yells "Whatever!", it's natural to jump in with, "Don't talk to me that way!" or "That's unacceptable." You want to teach them to be respectful... but those reactions usually only make situations worse. In fact, the best thing to do when your child is disrespectful is to do less.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why doing less is not "letting them get away with it" and not the same as being weak, passive or permissive How to stay grounded and model regulation instead of reacting to your child's Yuck with your own When and how to address disrespect so that your child learns that it's not acceptable... and so they can actually respond differently in the future --  Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

As parents, so many of our decisions in the moment are focused on keeping the peace, calming the meltdown, protecting our nerves. But while that might reduce drama in the short term, it often prevents our children from developing the confidence and resilience they need for long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn why discomfort is essential for growth and how to respond in those hard moments without rescuing, over-explaining, or giving in. In this episode, you'll learn: The hidden ways we unintentionally block our child's resilience by avoiding discomfort Why discomfort is not dangerous, but necessary, for developing confidence and emotional strength A new way to respond when your child is upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed so they learn "I can handle hard things" -- Free resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

Have you ever wondered how your child can spend hours building a virtual world… yet when you ask them to do any daily task, they act like it's torture? In this episode, I explain the REAL reason your child resists everyday tasks and why it has nothing to do with laziness, disrespect, or lack of motivation. Once you understand how the brain responds to stimulation and Yuck, you'll be able to shift from fighting your child's resistance… to understanding it and leading them through it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your child's brain sees boring tasks as "dangerous" and actively avoids them The difference between motivation strategies and activation strategies and why one works while the other backfires What you can start doing immediately to help your child cooperate more easily (and build confidence at the same time) --  Free cheat sheet: Helping Kids With Daily Tasks Free quiz: The "Everyday Routines" Quiz: What's Your Style? Other free resources to support you as you're raising a child with big emotions Work with Rachel  

http://rachel-bailey.com/361When our kids resist, melt down, or push back, our instinct is to get them to calm down or cooperate...fast. We talk more, repeat rules, and try to convince them to "get it together." But the more urgent we become, the more our kids resist and the harder everything feels. Fortunately, there a quick shift can help you respond more effectively, and in a way that you don't regret.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why urgency fuels kids' resistance (and why it's so hard to stop being urgent in the moment) How to recognize when your own fight-or-flight response is taking over A simple shift that helps you slow down so that you can regain influence and your child can calm down more quickly -- FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Other free resources to support you as you're raising a child with big emotions Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

When our kids are upset, we often suggest strategies to help them calm down or manage tough situations—like taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or breaking down assignments into smaller steps. But when those strategies don't instantly erase the discomfort, both kids (and parents!) often conclude that "nothing works." In this episode, you'll learn: How to assess whether a strategy really "works" or not (so kids stop insisting that nothing works!) A powerful exercise you can try with your child to help them build tolerance for discomfort Simple ways to introduce the idea of tolerance in everyday situations (like chores, screen time, or schoolwork) -- FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Other free resources to support you as you're raising a child with big emotions Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel  

When you're raising a child with big emotions, it's natural for an "easier" sibling to get less of your time and attention. But a more flexible child may pay a quiet price -- giving in to avoid conflict, hiding their feelings, or believing they matter less. Chances are, you've noticed that but aren't sure what to do.  Fortunately, a few small shifts can make a big difference in how they view themselves (and will can make you feel less guilty).  In this episode, you'll learn how to: Spot the signs that an "easier" child is struggling Show them that they matter (even if you've told them and it hasn't helped) Help them learn to stand up for themselves -- FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Other free resources to support you as you're raising a child with big emotions Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

If you're raising a child with big emotions, you know how draining it can be when they melt down, argue, refuse to cooperate, or fall apart after the smallest setback. It's easy to assume these behaviors are defiance, disrespect, or laziness… but most of the time, they're actually signs that your child is missing something that you can provide! In this episode, you'll learn: The two main sets of skills kids with big emotions often lack How to recognize behaviors that signal a missing skill rather than misbehavior Why addressing missing skills reduces drama now and builds your child's long-term confidence and self-esteem --  FREE WORKSHOP: Stop Working So Hard to Get Your Kids to Calm Down Other free resources to support you as you're raising a child with big emotions Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

Many kids with big emotions have big reactions when things don't go their way. They may yell, slam doors, roll their eyes, or even say disrespectful things when they are upset. And while it's natural for parents to think that our children are choosing to be rude or defiant, something else is actually happening instead. In this episode, you'll learn:  What's going on in the brain that explains why Yuck behaviors are not a conscious choice Why this is NOT an excuse for negative behavior How kids can learn to handle their "Yuck Urge"… and how this builds their confidence rather than eroding it --  FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Other free resources Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

You've heard how important it is to have a strong connection with your children. But when we are raising kids who are anxious or sensitive, sometimes our attempts to connect with them are more about fixing a problem than about making a genuine connection… and they feel that! The good news is, one little change can improve your influence and help your child handle their uncomfortable moments with less stress (for them) and less exhaustion (for you). In this episode, you'll learn:  What genuine connection looks like and sounds like How this strong parent-child connection SAVES you energy  A simple metaphor to help you remember how to make this type of connection in the moment -- FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Other free resources Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

A new school year can bring excitement, but for kids with big emotions, it may also bring worry, "what if" questions, and knots in the stomach. As parents, we want to jump in with reassurances, solutions, or distractions, but those attempts -- which are actually signs of our anxiety -- often increase our kids' Yuck. Fortunately, a simple strategy can help us center ourselves so we can support our children more effectively.    In this episode, you'll learn:  Why we need to regulate ourselves before we try to help our kids  Simple actions we can take reduce their anxiety (and our discomfort with their discomfort) What our children need in order to handle their transition to school with confidence, even when we're not there to help --  FREE RESOURCE: "Discomfort is not dangerous" printable FREE RESOURCE: Understanding the Yuck Curve Join Rachel's Facebook group Work with Rachel

Let's be honest: Raising a child with big emotions can take a lot of energy. Dealing with resistance, dramatic reactions, and everything else in your life can be exhausting, so it's natural to lose your patience (and, unfortunately, your influence). This episode shares a specific strategy to stay calm and keep your influence… even when it's taking longer for your children's behavior to improve than you'd like.   In this episode, you'll learn:  The 3 main reasons kids don't do what we ask Why we tend to lose our cool when there is a setback in our child's progress A simple technique to help you stay calm and supportive rather than resentful of your child's behavior  -- Resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel Join Rachel's Facebook group

Having a strong relationship with our kids is a huge priority for many of us. So when we're setting limits or addressing our kids' big emotions, we usually approach them in a nice (or what we think is "respectful") way. Unfortunately, many kids won't listen – or feel confident – when we're being so nice. So how can we raise kids who follow limits and can handle hard feelings… without ruining our relationship?  In this episode, you'll learn:  What it really means to "respect" your children  One question you can ask yourself when you're struggling to influence your children  What simple quality leads to long-term security and healthier self-esteem for your kids (and less guilt for you) -- Join Rachel's Facebook group Resources to support you as you're raising children with big emotions Work with Rachel

Often when our kids refuse to do what we ask, it can seem like they are being deliberately defiant or strong-willed. But often in these situations, our kids are having a hard time with something beyond their control…and our frustration with them only makes things worse. Fortunately, when you take a closer look at what is really going on for a "strong-willed" child, you can see what they really need in order to feel and act more positively.  In this episode, we'll look at several real-life situations from the dual perspectives of a child and parent. You'll learn:  Why children with big emotions display more "strong-willed" behavior What's really happen when a child is acting resistant or defiant  How we can can spend less energy addressing this behavior and expand their ability to handle things not going their way in the future  -- FREE RESOURCE: Know what to do when YOUR child displays strong-willed behavior Join Rachel's Facebook group

It's natural to want to help a child when you see that they're upset. But sometimes our attempts to soothe their big feelings and calm them down actually makes things worse, leaving us feeling confused and helpless. Ironically, doing less in those situations – not saying much! – actually does more to make the situation better.   In this episode, you'll learn:  What happens when we do and don't try to make our child feel better  How to handle a child who questions why we're not doing more  How this simple strategy sets kids up to be more resilient in the long run --  FREE RESOURCE: How to help someone when they're "in Yuck" (on the Yuck Curve) Join Rachel's Facebook group  

This week, I'm doing something a little different: Instead of picking the topic myself, I'm answering parents' questions. These questions demonstrate challenges that many of us face behind closed doors — and I'm sharing practical ways to handle them with more confidence and calm. In this episode, you'll learn:  How to respond to two specific situations as a connected and confident Leader Parent  What to do when children respond negatively to positive feedback Why kids with big emotions frequently complain of being bored but resist any suggestion you make  -- FREE RESOURCE: How to raise children with big emotions with HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM Join Rachel's Facebook group

When we're raising children with big emotions, it can be exhausting trying to handle their behavior, moods, and attitudes along with everything else on our to-do list. Sometimes we lose our cool and say things that we regret… Other times, we find ourselves being too permissive just to avoid a meltdown. However, one simple phrase can help you find a consistent balance and become a more powerful positive influence, even in the hard moments! In this episode, you'll learn:  How to balance connection and confidence, so your kids want to follow your lead How to use this phrase in a variety of situations (with real-life examples) The long-term effects of this approach, including how it affects them and how it affects you!  --  FREE RESOURCE: How to raise children with big emotions with HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

When we're raising kids with big emotions, we often learn how to navigate their behavior, moods, and attitudes to avoid meltdowns and dramatic moments. But sometimes, even when we're doing everything "right," our children's behavior can throw us a curveball --  crying for seemingly no reason, refusing to do something they wanted to do, or getting disproportionately angry over a small inconvenience. These situations can leave us frustrated, confused, and powerless to help. In this episode, you'll learn:  What we need to understand about our kids' confusing behavior  Why specific reactions often make them more upset How to spend less energy addressing frustrating and confusing behavior  -- FREE EVENT: "The Negativity Reset" for a more positive summer (no live participation required) Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

Many kids with big emotions seem to default to negativity—even after a day full of fun and connection. When we witness their lack of positivity, we often think things like, "Why can't they just be happy?" or "Why are they acting so spoiled?" We feel frustrated that their mood can derail the whole family's energy, and we feel helpless to do anything about it. But we are not helpless!  In this episode, you'll learn: Exactly kids focus on what went wrong, even when so much went right How we keep ourselves stuck in a cycle of negativity – and a simple way to break free A quick plan that takes less energy and helps you respond with calm leadership when the negativity shows up Plus, you'll hear more about a free event, The Negativity Reset, where you'll learn exactly how to respond when your child is stuck in a negative loop—without rescuing, overexplaining, or letting it ruin your summer. -- FREE EVENT: "The Negativity Reset" for a more positive summer (no live participation required) Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

Many children with big emotions also struggle with anxious thoughts. When our child feels scared, nervous, or overwhelmed, our first instinct is usually to reassure them that everything will be okay. But what if we are actually making it HARDER for them to feel better in the moment and build resilience for the future?  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why, in our defense, we're wired reassure our children when they feel anxious  What happens in our kids' brains when we reassure them (and why they often feel more anxious after we try to help) Three things our children with big emotions actually need to regulate their nervous system --  Join the "Daily Lift" for daily encouragement for $1 Resource: Understanding Yuck and the Yuck Curve Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

When we see our kids struggling with things like schoolwork, or friend drama, or dealing with a teacher they don't like, we often offer suggestions to help them get through those situations more easily. But what should we do when our children give short or snarky responses to our genuine attempts to help?  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why kids are so resistant to our suggestions, even if they know they're good ones What we almost always do that makes the situation worse How to respond to this type of attitude so that you maintain your positive, powerful influence (and they don't get away with anything!)  --  Join the "Daily Lift" for $1 Free summary of (and examples from) this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

People who have big feelings have many strengths. They understand other people really well and often have very strong, meaningful relationships. But there are also potential downsides to having big emotions, like having a hard time making decisions, feeling different from friends and family members, and feeling bad about themselves. Fortunately, there is something that we can do as parents to help our kids with these struggles, while strengthening their resilience and self-esteem.   In this episode, you'll learn:  What it was like for me growing up as a highly sensitive person in a family that didn't feel things as strongly Two common side effects of having big feelings What we can do to help our kids handle their discomfort in healthy ways and build their confidence rather than eroding it -- Join the "Daily Lift" for $1 FREE RESOURCE: Fostering Resilience Without Sacrificing Self-Esteem Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

We know setting limits for our children is an important part of parenting. But kids with big emotions often have over-the-top reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation. How can we handle their reactions effectively when we are exhausted by their rudeness, disrespect, and negotiations?  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why children have big reactions to reasonable limits What we're doing as parents that often makes it worse How we can help our kids handle discomfort when things don't go their way (without losing our influence!)  -- Join the "Daily Lift" for $1 FREE RESOURCE: Defuse dramatic situations by understanding the Yuck Curve Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

It's natural to want to do a "good job" as a parent. We want to be attentive, be calm when our kids are having a difficult time, teach them all the skills they need to know in life…and it's easy to be really hard on ourselves when we don't do all of those things well. The good news is, our kids don't need parents who never make mistakes -- they actually need us to be imperfect!  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why it's hard for us to accept that our imperfections make us better parents Four reasons we MUST be imperfect to raise great kids What we should spend our energy on, instead of trying to be good at everything  --  JOIN THE "DAILY LIFT" + WEEKLY "GET UNSTUCK" CONVERSATION FOR $1 Summary and examples from this episode Transcript for this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

If you are raising a child or children with big emotions, you probably deal with a lot of drama throughout the day: anxiety, resistance, disrespect…maybe even your child speaking negatively about themselves. The good news? There are a lot of strategies that can help. The bad news? There are a lot of strategies that can help. And often because there are a lot of these strategies that can help, you may feel so exhausted and run down that you don't know which strategies to try first or what your next step should be.  This episode includes:  What keeps us feeling stuck and unable to move past our overwhelm The first step we need to take to get unstuck -- and why it doesn't take any extra energy! How one simple shift can help us find more lightness inside and more peace in our homes  JOIN THE "DAILY LIFT" (+ WEEKLY "GET UNSTUCK" CONVERSATION) FOR $1 Transcript for this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

If you are raising children with big emotions, you are probably used to their big reactions when they are tired, hungry, or overstimulated. But sometimes children have big reactions even when there is no obvious reason, leaving us feeling confused and like we have to walk on eggshells around them.   In this episode, you'll learn:  What is going on when our kids act overly irritated or annoyed but it isn't clear why  How to recognize what I call "energy mismatches" (with examples) What we can do to help our kids have fewer big reactions -- and more confidence and healthy self-esteem --   Transcript of this episode FREE RESOURCE: Summary of this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

We know how important it is to be a powerful positive influence with our children. But becoming one sounds daunting at times -- especially with everything else we have to juggle on a daily basis. The good news is, we can increase our influence easily, just by adding two little words to our vocabulary!   In this episode, you'll learn:  What a "powerful positive influence" is, and what happens when you are one Two qualities every powerful positive influence has Two "magic" words that show our kids we care, we are consistent, and we can handle their big emotions --  Transcript of this episode FREE RESOURCE: Summary of this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

Children with big emotions often struggle with transitions: Getting out of the house in the morning, stopping what they're doing to go to the dinner table or to get ready for bed. They may even resist leaving the house when they have something fun to do, like a birthday party! When nothing seems to motivate them, we can feel confused and frustrated. Fortunately, there is something that we can do to help our children with transitions, and it's easier than you might think. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why transitions are difficult for our children (it's not just that they don't feel like going to the next thing) Why traditional strategies like logic and rewards don't work for children with big emotions Two things we can do to make transitions easier for our kids (and us!), with real-life examples -- Transcript of this episode FREE LIVE Parenting "Power Hour" FREE RESOURCE: Summary of this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab

When our children react strongly to disappointment or frustration, we often feel like we need to cater to their needs or give in to keep the peace. And then we worry that our child's big emotions will keep them from learning how to handle the inevitable challenges they'll face in life! Fortunately, even children with big feelings can learn to handle obstacles effectively.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why feeling strongly is strength -- and why it's important we don't teach our children to hide their emotions  Why we don't have to cater to our children to prevent hard feelings…and how to empower them instead  A Long Game Parenting strategy that helps kids and parents learn how to respect negative emotions without being controlled by them (with several practical examples) -- FREE LIVE Parenting "Power Hour" FREE RESOURCE: Summary of this episode Join Rachel's Facebook group The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab