Podcast
Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments
Hosted by Michelle Kenney, M. Ed · EN
Are you sick of parenting with the ideas of yelling and shame and looking for something that feels better, is different, but still has a sense of boundaries and limits?
Welcome to Peace and Parenting! Michelle is a former teacher, counselor, certified parenting coach, mom of two teens, recovering yeller, and perfectionist who parents without using punishments altogether. And guess what? It works! On this show, you’ll learn the how behind having kids who are entirely UNPUNISHED but who are also successful, kind, loving, and know how to follow directions.
Once a week, Michelle shares her insights and expertise on connective parenting through solo episodes and interviews with experts and other struggling parents. If you have exhausted all other options and don't know what to do next, this could be the parenting strategy you've been searching for.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Phone Problem Isn't Your Kid's, It's Yours
1w ago00:21:33Tap to summarizeFor years in my own house, my ex-husband and I were both deep tech people. From the moment we woke up until we went to bed, there was some kind of screen running. Phones at the dinner table while the kids played next to us. And then I would turn around and try to set screen-time rules for my daughters, and wonder why nothing was working. The truth is, the most powerful screen-time intervention you have isn't what you do with your child's phone. It's what you do with yours.In this episode, I'm walking you through the full framework for raising screen-smart kids without the daily power struggle. You'll hear the moment with my daughters that finally made me change how I parented around tech, why scarcity-based rules ("no phone until you…") create more obsession instead of less, and the exact transition language I use so kids can put a device down without a meltdown. If you've ever felt like you're losing the screen-time battle, I want you to hear this one before you take another phone away.Feeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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What Yelling Actually Does to Your Child (And How to Stop)
2w ago00:26:37Tap to summarizeI was a yeller. Not a "lost it once or twice" yeller, a full-on, scream-in-my-two-year-old's-face yeller. I shamed my oldest daughter. I became her first bully, without meaning to and without wanting to. And I want to share that with you not because I'm proud of it, but because I know how many parents are sitting in that same place right now, exhausted and ashamed, swearing tonight will be different and then losing it again at bedtime.In this training, I'm walking you through what I had to learn before any of it could change, including the brain science that genuinely scared me into doing the work. You'll hear what yelling actually does to your child's developing brain, why control parenting (bribes, threats, punishment) always backfires, the five daily connection pillars I built into our family rhythm, and a complete in-the-moment toolkit for the seconds before you lose it. And I'll share the one secret tool I gave my own daughters that kept me more accountable than any book or coach ever could.Feeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Stop Playing Referee: How to End Sibling Fights Without Picking a Winner
3w ago00:28:25Tap to summarizeMy daughters fought constantly when they were little, and I tried everything. I separated them. I punished them. I lectured. I bribed. I yelled. Nothing worked, not really. It would stop for twenty minutes and we would be right back at it. What finally changed everything wasn't a new consequence, it was a completely new role.In this episode, I'm giving you that role. I'm walking you through the full 12-step Sibling Rivalry Protocol I teach inside the Peace and Parenting Community: the exact framework I used to stop being the judge and jury in my house and start being the coach. We'll cover why your instinct to figure out "who started it" is actually extending the fight, why comforting the child who caused the hurt is the move most parents skip, and the makeup story from my own home that took me about two hundred repetitions to get right. Stay with me on this one, the shift is bigger than it sounds.Feeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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The 10-Minute Mom: Why Quality Beats Quantity Every Time
Apr 2800:18:30Tap to summarizeI have lost count of how many moms have told me they feel like they're failing because they don't have enough time. They're at work all day, running between activities, exhausted by 8pm, and convinced that if they could just carve out a few more hours, they'd finally feel like the mom they want to be. I want to challenge that belief in this episode, because it's quietly costing you the connection you already have access to right now.The truth is, you don't need more time. You need to stop wasting the windows you already have. In this training, I'm sharing the 10-Minute Mom framework I teach inside the Peace and Parenting Community: a simple structure of three daily connection windows that takes ten minutes total. I'll walk you through the research, the traps that are stealing your presence (the phone vortex, the task takeover, and fixer mode), and the exact words I use with my own daughters.Feeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →Empowering Children: Why Obedience Doesn't Keep Kids Safe
Apr 2100:18:34Tap to summarizeMost of us were raised to believe that an obedient child is a safe child. I believed it too, for a long time. But the truth is the opposite, and it took me years of parenting and coaching to really see it. A child who is trained to always comply, who learns that disagreement equals punishment, who can't say no at home, is not going to suddenly find their voice when a peer pressures them or an adult crosses a line. They freeze. They give away their lunch. They attract people who take advantage of exactly that.In this episode, I'll walk you through the steps to raise kids with a real internal compass, not blind obedience, and not disrespect, but something much stronger than both. If you've ever worried about whether your child can advocate for themselves when you're not in the room, this one's for you.Feeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →You Can't Parent From Empty
Apr 1400:12:55Tap to summarizeI’m back, and I’m coming in honest.After losing my dad last year, I stepped away from the podcast, my work, and the pressure to keep performing as a parent. In this return episode, I reflect on what three months of cocooning taught me about grief, self-preservation, and the impossible standard we hold ourselves to as parents.If you've ever pushed through a hard season while secretly falling apart, this one's for you.Whether you're navigating loss, a life transition, or just a really hard week, this episode is a reminder that your well-being isn't separate from your parenting. It is your parenting.In this episode, we cover:👉Why you can't be a great parent when you're running on empty👉The difference between pushing through and taking care of yourself👉What your kids are actually learning when they watch you struggle👉How listening partnerships help parents carry the emotional weight👉Why prioritizing yourself isn't selfish, it's the whole pointFeeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Why Your Child Misbehaves And What To Do
Apr 700:24:16Tap to summarizeYour child isn't "being bad", they're trying to tell you something. In this episode, I break down the five real reasons children misbehave and why the punishments, time-outs, and consequences you've been relying on are actually making behavior worse.You'll learn my step-by-step framework for responding to any behavior with both connection and limits, plus three quick wins you can start using today. If you're stuck in the yelling-guilt-repeat cycle and nothing seems to work no matter how hard you try, this is the episode that changes everything.Want an opportunity to get your parenting questions answered by Michelle? Join us live this Thursday at 9:30 am PST🔗 Interested in our programs or coaching? Book a free Discovery Call today.🌟Explore and Join our Peace and Parenting Community📖 Check out my book: UNPUNISHEDFeeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →Remembering My Connected Parenting Partner and Grandfather, Papa
Jun 2600:11:21Tap to summarizeToday's episode comes with a heavy heart as I share a very personal update. My beloved father, Papa, recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. For those who knew him or followed my posts, you know he was my steadfast parenting partner and confidant, truly embracing connective parenting and becoming an incredible grandfather to my girls. In this tribute, I'll share a eulogy I wrote for him, celebrating his vivacious spirit, fierce determination, and profound transformation later in life.This episode is not only a heartfelt farewell to an extraordinary man but also an announcement that I'll be taking a break from the podcast and social media to grieve and navigate this new chapter with my family. I am so grateful for your continued listenership and hope you'll check out some of our more than 400 previous episodes.Thank you for being part of the Peace and Parenting family. I'll see you all very soon.========================🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupFeeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →Ditch the Punishments and Rewards and STILL Get Cooperation [Fan Favorite]
Jun 2400:12:30Tap to summarizeDo you ever feel like you're constantly battling your kids, trying to "make" them do what you want? Are you tired of using punishments or rewards, but unsure how else to get them to listen? If you're longing for a deeper connection with your child and a more peaceful home without resorting to control, you're in the right place. Today, I’m exploring a crucial distinction: the difference between boundaries and limits, and consequences and punishments.Many of us were taught that discipline means punishment, but "discipline" actually means "to teach." I want to show you that you can have clear limits and boundaries in your home without enforcing them through external motivators like rewards or consequences. Instead of asking, "How do I make my kids do X, Y, or Z?" we need to ask, "Why aren't they choosing to do it?" We'll explore how to approach your child's behavior with curiosity, considering disconnection, unrealistic demands, or their natural desire for autonomy. When children feel good about their relationship with you and the home environment, they are much more likely to follow limits because they want to, not because they fear punishment. If you're ready to redefine discipline, embrace connection, and cultivate cooperation in your home without punishments or rewards, hit play!In This Episode, We Cover:👉 The true meaning of discipline👉 Setting limits without consequences👉 Asking "why" instead of "how to make"👉 Fostering connection, not obedience👉 Cultivating an internal moral compass👉 Embracing curiosity about behaviorAs I mentioned, my sweet dad has recently passed away. Your continued listening and understanding mean the world to me. In his memory, and as promised, I wanted to share this episode from when he came on the show to discuss Connected Grandparenting with me. Thank you for your support during this time.==========🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupFeeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →Why Demanding Respect From Your Kids Isn’t Working [Fan Favorite]
Jun 1900:12:22Tap to summarizeWhat does real respect between parents and children truly look like? Have you ever wondered why your kids sometimes seem “disrespectful,” or whether expecting automatic respect is helping or hurting your relationship? Let’s dive into what it means to nurture mutual respect without demanding compliance.Today, we revisit one of our most popular topics: the true nature of respect in parenting and how embracing connection over control transforms our family relationships. There is a commonly held narrative that tells us kids “should” respect adults. I used to crave compliance from my daughters, thinking that made me a good parent, only to learn firsthand that genuine respect can’t be forced. It’s cultivated.In This Episode, We Cover:👉 The difference between respect and compliance👉 How parent/child relationships mirror other relationships👉 Why respect must be given to be received👉 The impact of punishments and rewards on respect👉 Setting limits with connection, not control👉 Ways to nurture reciprocal, lasting respect at homeAs I mentioned, my sweet dad has recently passed away. Your continued listening and understanding mean the world to me. In his memory, and as promised, I wanted to share this episode from when he came on the show to discuss Connected Grandparenting with me. Thank you for your support during this time.==========🔗 Interested in group or 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call today.💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!Follow Peace and Parenting:YouTube: @peaceandparentinglaInstagram: @peaceandparentingFacebook: @peaceandparentinglaPeace and Parenting Facebook GroupFeeling called to bring this work to other parents? Our Coaching Certification Program trains you to do exactly that. DM me CERTIFICATION on Instagram for details.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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