254: The Holiday Meltdown Survival Guide (Before It’s Too Late)
Holiday season = pressure cooker for kids and parents. In this episode, Lisa explains why behavior often spikes during gatherings and travel, and how to see meltdowns as communication from a dysregulated nervous system. You’ll learn a simple 3-question framework to decode what’s underneath the behavior, meet core needs without rewarding the meltdown, and hold clear limits with empathy. Expect practical language, real-life examples, and scripts you can use today for calmer celebrations and stronger connection.What You'll Learn:The “invisible backpack” of the holidays: how routine changes, sensory overload, social demands, and excitement drain kids’ regulation—even when they’re having fun.The 3-Question Framework to use in the moment:What might my child be feeling that they can’t say?What need is underneath this behavior?How can I meet the need without rewarding the behavior?How to validate and hold boundaries at the same time: say no to the behavior and yes to the feelings.Why not to take it personally: separating your worth from your child’s dysregulation so you can stay calm and lead.Support for strong-willed kids: extra strategies for autonomy, predictability, downtime, and planned breaks at events.Ready-to-use scripts for transitions like getting dressed for Grandma’s, leaving the party, or ending screen time—plus “signal plans” kids can use to request a quiet reset with you.
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31:07
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31:07
253: When Peaceful Parenting Feels Like Being a Pushover
In this episode, Lisa clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about peaceful parenting: that being kind means being a pushover. She shares the powerful “redwood tree” metaphor for holding firm, loving boundaries, walks through real-life examples from toddler to teen, and offers five key permissions every peaceful parent needs to confidently lead their family. If you’ve stopped yelling but feel like your kids are walking all over you, this conversation will help you reclaim your peaceful authority without sacrificing connection.What You'll Learn:Why peaceful parenting is not permissive parenting, and why strong limits are essential for your child’s sense of safety.The “redwood tree” framework for being rooted in your values, steady in your limits, and flexible with your child’s big feelings.How to validate your child’s emotions and still hold the boundary: the “both-and” language that changes everything.Why your child does not have to like or agree with your rules (and how their pushback is often a test of safety, not your failure).How to stop over-explaining and getting pulled into endless “why” battles while staying respectful and clear.Permission to adjust boundaries that are not working, step into calm leadership, and model the regulated, confident authority your kids are craving.
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33:11
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33:11
252: Beyond the Scoreboard: Raising Leaders Through Sports
Parent coach Lisa Smith welcomes Jason Holzer, co-founder of 4D Leaders, for a practical conversation on using sports as a training ground for life. They unpack how to build identity beyond wins and losses, why effort and emotional regulation matter more than trophies, and how parents and coaches can collaborate without eroding trust. You’ll hear concrete ways to handle post-game emotions, navigate playing-time conversations, and support your child’s confidence and autonomy. Whether your kid is a beginner or a varsity standout, this episode shows you how to lead with calm, connection, and clarity—on the sidelines and at home.What You'll Learn:Identity beyond results: How to separate who your child is from what the scoreboard says, and why focusing on effort, growth, and being a great teammate builds resilience.Regulation over reaction: Scripts and strategies for the car ride home—validate big feelings, ride the wave, and revisit skills later when everyone’s regulated.Smart coach communication: How to approach coaches with curiosity and respect, ask about standards for playing time, and keep the coach–kid relationship intact.Ownership and feedback: Ways to help your child earn opportunity, seek feedback directly from coaches, and build confidence through responsibility.Fun and flow matter: Why play, variety, and relaxation improve performance, and how to pair a relaxed body with best effort for that “in the flow” feeling.Be the fan they want: The golden question—“What kind of fan do you want me to be?”—plus how to update your approach as your child grows and preferences change.
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32:58
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32:58
251: Screen Time Boundaries That Stick
Screen-time fights aren’t really about screens—they’re about leadership. In this episode, Lisa breaks down why device limits feel so hard (hello, underdeveloped prefrontal cortex and dopamine loops), how we accidentally train kids to ignore us, and what to do instead. You’ll learn a simple, repeatable framework to set clear limits, hold them without overexplaining, and stay regulated while your child has big feelings. If you can lead calmly around screens, you can lead calmly around anything.What You'll Learn:Why kids can’t self-regulate screens (brain development + persuasive design) and why that matters for your limits.The leadership shift from proving you’re in charge to simply being in charge—firm and kind, not harsh or permissive.The 5-step Screen-Time Framework: set in advance, state calmly (don’t ask), acknowledge and hold with “and,” stop talking and follow through, stay regulated.The magic script that validates feelings while keeping the boundary: “I know you want to keep playing, and screen time is over now because time is up.”What to expect when you get consistent (extinction bursts, testing) and how to keep your cool through the storm.Two quick homework practices to change the pattern this week: a Boundary Audit and a one-boundary Practice Run.
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26:51
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26:51
250: Why You Stay Calm at Work But Lose It Over a Breakfast Dish (And How to Fix It)
Ever wonder why you can stay calm leading a team at work… but lose your cool when your 7-year-old won’t put her dish in the dishwasher?In this thought-provoking and heart-opening episode of Real World Peaceful Parenting, Lisa Smith sits down with Shawna Samuel, host of The Mental Offload, to explore the powerful parallels between leadership in the workplace and leadership at home.Together, they unpack why your child’s developing brain reacts differently than your colleagues’, why “getting curious, not furious” changes everything, and how to bring your most grounded, confident leadership self into your parenting — without sliding into command and control.This episode will challenge what you think leadership looks like at home, and leave you with a new vision for peaceful, powerful parenting.What You'll Learn:Why strong leadership at home starts with regulation, not controlHow your child’s developing brain and auditory system affect listening, focus, and complianceThe difference between dominant, permissive, and peaceful parenting — and how to find the balanceHow to use your power to come alongside your child instead of over or under themSimple leadership habits that strengthen connection, including the 5-minute after-work resetWhy connection is your 401k for parenting — and how small moments of presence pay off for years
Are you tired of yelling at your kids? Do you sometimes feel like they don’t listen or respect you? Do you feel like the worst parent EVER? You’re not alone, there is hope!Join Lisa Smith -- Mom, Master Certified Parent Coach, Author and Speaker -- as she helps turn frustrated parents -- who regularly default to yelling, threatening and punishing -- into peaceful leaders within their households. As a former dominant parent, she has found the path to Peaceful Parenting and is dedicated to helping other parents find their way too! But be warned, this is not a “foo-foo” podcast that’s going to tell you to let your kids do whatever they want without any rules or limitations. Each week Lisa will share the exact methods and step-by-step strategies she used to transform from an angry, controlling mom who was constantly upset with her son and husband, into a calm, confident, and connected leader in her home.To connect with Lisa visit https://thepeacefulparent.com/
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