I tried and tried to come up with a great summarizing title for this episode. But the truth is it holds such a variety of goodness, one title wouldn’t suffice.
Since you’ve already heard Kirk Martin (from CelebrateCalm) help us stop yelling, lecturing and power struggles. And specifically address strong-willed children, sibling rivalry and back-to-school stress . I figured you trusted his advice and we could do a bit of jumping around.
Personally, this week Kirk helped me address the challenge of parenting solo, when my husband travels. If you have a husband who works a lot or leaves for long trips I hope you gain new ideas for getting your kids to help carry the heavier household burden.
If you’ve been listening to my episodes with Kirk, hopefully you’ve seen a change in your anger level. If so, you may need help repairing damage caused from years of yelling. In this episode, he shares ways to rebuild trust. . .starting with yourself.
Then a conversation on being a “lawn mower parent” (which I’d never heard of before) led us to focus on some practical tips for managing strong-willed kiddos.
Lastly, we learn how to help our first born, perfectionist children. The ones who don’t take risks because they fear failure. And the question we should be asking at the dinner table. And what we shouldn’t be saying as a form of encouragement.
As always, Kirk helps me understand a little bit more how my tone matters. One of these days it’s gonna click. . . 😉
What we chat about:
- The stress of solo parenting.
- Developing family traditions when dad travels.
- The importance of self care.
- How to repair a relationship after a pattern of harsh parenting.
- Ways we can be a “lawn mower parent”.
- What a strong-willed child needs.
- How to help the perfectionist child.
- What to ask at family dinners and what not to say.
- How to change your tone to be engaged but not owning
Connect with Kirk:
Site :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Podcast
Links Mentioned:
- Email Newsletter–top 10 free newsletters (check out #6!!)
- Live (free) Workshops
- CDs/DVDs
- 1-888-506-1871–Toll Free Number for Frustrated Parents
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.
My question was answered today! I was so excited! I’ve been listening to your podcast loyally for a few months now and it has been a game changer for me, Heather. I learned about Kirk from your podcasts and I love listening to him as well!! SO much so that I went over and listened to all of his podcast too!! Thank you so much for what you do. You are touching the lives of many! xx <3
so curious to know which question of yours was answered? (Thank you for your sweet encouragement!) blessings!!!
9 year old (oldest) perfectionist child!
I loved Kirk’s theory of the “lawnmower parent”; sometimes we have to be willing to let our kids stumble over a divet or kick up a rock – trusting that God will provide them His Grace … certainly better than we ever could.
Heather – I also love the notion of the “lawn chair parent” and (despite being buried under in Snowy Upstate NY) look forward to implementing this more literally in, oh, four to five months, or so.
Be well and God Bless!
ha! yes, that term was a new one to me but totally resonated. So good for me to keep in mind with these strong-willed boys I have. And bless you with all that snow. My youngest was asking when we would get snow. He was quite sad to hear it would be in the 60s and 70s this week. . . 😉