Best Barely Great Advice Podcasts (2025)

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5 Sneaky Ways You’re Still Trying to “Fix” Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Feelings (Without Even Realizing It!) 14:20

2M ago14:20

14:20

You know your child’s emotions aren’t something to fix—but in those overwhelming moments, it’s easy to fall into sneaky habits that quietly send the message, “Let’s make this feeling go away.” Especially with highly sensitive kids, the urge to soothe or solve can show up even when you’re trying your best to hold space. In this episode, we’re unpack…

1
Parenting Reflections: What It Looks Like in Real Life to Co-Regulate Through Big Emotions (Hint: It's Not Always Simple or Pretty, and You're Still Doing a Great Job!) 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

Co-regulation with highly sensitive kids is powerful—but it can get really messy. In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to stay grounded when your child is overwhelmed, pushing you away, and drowning in big emotions. I’m sharing a personal story from a recent parenting moment that reminded me how connection often starts in the mes…

1
When Someone in the Family Is Struggling—Here’s How to Talk to Your Highly Sensitive Child About Hard Dynamics (Without Shame or Blame) 21:24

2M ago21:24

21:24

When a family member is struggling—or no longer part of the picture—it can be hard to know how (or if) to talk about it with your child. But with highly sensitive kids who notice everything, silence often feels heavier than the truth. In this episode, we’re exploring how to gently and honestly talk about tough family dynamics in a way that feels su…

1
Parenting Reflections: The Toughest Parenting Moment I’ve Faced in a Long Time—What Went Right, What I Did Wrong, & How I Moved Forward With My Highly Sensitive Child 17:12

3M ago17:12

17:12

Some parenting moments feel impossible—and in this episode, I’m sharing one of the hardest I’ve had in a long time. It was a perfect storm of exhaustion, overwhelm, and a tough transition for my oldest, who’s struggling with the shift to middle school. When a big emotional explosion hit right at dinnertime, I didn’t handle it perfectly—but what hap…

1
Has Your Sensitive Child Been Diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Here's Why I Don't Believe in That Diagnosis (& What’s Really Going on With “Defiant” Kids) 19:28

3M ago19:28

19:28

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of those labels that can feel heavy and confusing—especially if you’re parenting a highly sensitive child who seems to check all the boxes. But what if the real issue isn’t defiance at all? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on with kids who show ODD symptoms and why so many sensitive…

1
Parenting Reflections: Kate's Transformation: From Overwhelmed, Co-Parenting Single Mom Facing Daily 90-Minute Meltdowns to a Calm, Confident Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child 19:44

3M ago19:44

19:44

Kate was at her breaking point. As a single parent navigating co-parenting while carrying most of the parenting load, she felt completely overwhelmed—especially when her highly sensitive daughter was having 90-minute meltdowns every single day. Daycare pickup was a battle, and nothing she tried seemed to help. She knew something had to change, but …

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The Real Reason You Keep Yelling at Your Highly Sensitive Child (Even When You Don't Mean To)—and the Game-Changing Shift That Will Break the Cycle for Good 13:10

3M ago13:10

13:10

You try so hard to stay calm, but somehow, the yelling keeps happening. You regret it, swear it won’t happen again—yet the next day, there it is. Sound familiar? The truth is, the real reason you’re yelling isn’t what you think. In this episode, we’re getting to the root of those big reactions. I’m breaking down the hidden “traps” that keep parents…

1
Parenting Reflections: When I Yell or Lose My Patience as a Parent to a Highly Sensitive Child—The #1 Thing That Heals It All (And Works Anytime, No Matter When the Mess-Up Happens!) 15:56

3M ago15:56

15:56

We all mess up as parents—it’s inevitable. No matter how much we read, learn, or try our best, perfect parenting doesn’t exist (trust me, I’ve checked!). But here’s the good news: there’s one simple yet powerful thing we can do that truly changes everything, no matter how big or small the mistake. In this episode, we’re talking about the most impor…

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When Parenting Hacks & Scripts Fail and You’re Stuck in the Meltdown Cycle with Your Sensitive Child—Here’s The Missing Piece You Need to Create Real Connection 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

You’ve read all the parenting hacks, tried the scripts, and followed the expert advice—but somehow, things still aren’t clicking with your sensitive child. The meltdowns keep happening, the challenging behaviors don’t seem to change, and the connection you’re working so hard to build still feels shaky. So what’s missing? In this episode, we’re digg…

1
Parenting Reflections: How I Stopped Asking "What’s Wrong?"—& Started Creating Safe, Low-Pressure Moments for Real Conversations With My Sensitive Child 15:20

3M ago15:20

15:20

Sometimes, the best conversations with our kids happen when we’re not asking direct questions—when we create space for them to open up on their own terms. Recently, I found the perfect low-pressure moment with my son, and what he shared with me was something I never would’ve gotten from a sit-down heart-to-heart. In this episode, I’m sharing how I’…

1
Are You Stuck in Survival Mode? 3 Sneaky Signs You’re Burnt Out Parenting a Highly Sensitive Child (And How to Break Free!) 20:36

3M ago20:36

20:36

Ever feel like you’re just getting through the days instead of actually living them? Like you’re running on fumes, reacting to every meltdown, and collapsing into bed without even remembering half of what happened? If so, you might be stuck in survival mode—and trust me, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into 3 sneaky, but ever-so-pre…

1
Parenting Reflections: My Daughter’s Magical Birthday Ended in a Bedtime Meltdown—Here’s How I Stayed Grounded and Kept the Right Mindset (Without Unhelpful Thinking!) 16:50

3M ago16:50

16:50

Birthdays are pure magic—but if you have a highly sensitive kid, you know all that excitement has to come out somewhere. My daughter just had the best Frozen-themed party, playing with her cousins and soaking up every special moment. But then… bedtime hit. And one tiny thing (a blanket not laying just right) led to a full-on meltdown. In this episo…

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Why Your Sensitive Child Keeps Hitting (Even When They Know It’s Wrong) – & The #1 Game-Changing Shift to Gently Curb Aggressive Behaviors at Home 22:09

4M ago22:09

22:09

When your kid hits, it’s so easy to go straight to, “No hitting! Hitting is bad! We don’t do that!” But what if I told you that reaction might actually be making things worse? Yep, even though we’re trying to stop the behavior, we could be amplifying it without even realizing it. In this episode, we’re breaking down why kids hit, why they often alr…

1
Parenting Reflections: Emily’s Breakthrough: How the Right Parenting Framework Helped Her Family Move Beyond Yelling & Spanking to a Peaceful, Connected Home 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

Emily and her husband were stuck in a cycle of yelling and physical punishment—approaching parenting from completely different perspectives. She wanted a more connected approach, while he believed discipline meant spanking. It felt impossible to get on the same page, until they took a leap of faith: an 8-week commitment to no spanking. What happene…

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"Why Is My Child Suddenly Talking Like a Baby?!" What Makes Baby Talk So Triggering (& How to Respond to Your Sensitive Child to Support Healthy Development!) 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

When your highly sensitive child starts using baby talk, it can throw you off. Is this a setback? Anxiety? Something bigger? In this episode, we’re digging into what’s really going on, why it can feel so triggering, and how to shift your perspective so you see it as a window into your child’s emotional needs—not something to “fix.” This topic comes…

1
Parenting Reflections: How I Navigated a Sibling Struggle on the Way to School—And the Game-Changing “Reset” Shift That Turned It Around 17:12

4M ago17:12

17:12

It was one of those mornings—the kind where sibling arguments escalate, patience runs thin, and you’re stuck in the moment with no easy way out. On a walk to school, tensions were high between my boys, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t handle it well at first. But then, I made an intentional shift, one that changed everything. And here’s the thing: these…

1
The Invisible Mental Load of Parenting a Highly Sensitive Child – and 4 Shifts to Help You Lighten It 19:22

4M ago19:22

19:22

Parenting is more than just the obvious tasks—it’s also the invisible mental load that weighs us down. From remembering appointments to keeping track of snacks, homework, and emotions, it feels like there’s always something to manage. In this episode, I’m sharing how overwhelming this can be and how it often feels like we’re carrying it all in our …

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Parenting Reflections: Supporting My Highly Sensitive Child Through a Tough, Dysregulated Moment With a Simple (and Surprisingly Playful!) Approach 16:12

4M ago16:12

16:12

Some nights just feel impossible—especially for our sensitive kids. After a long, busy day, my almost 4-year-old was completely unraveling. She was overtired, overwhelmed, and had just hurt herself in the car. Every little thing was setting her off, and no matter what I did, the tears kept coming. In this episode, I’m sharing how I held space for h…

1
Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Your Sensitive Child (& 3 Shifts to Help You Parent More Effectively!) 16:30

4M ago16:30

16:30

Gentle parenting is often imagined as staying calm, speaking softly, and always keeping our cool—but that version of it just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. In fact, if you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle your way through frustration, you know it doesn’t help. Sensitive kids pick up on everything, and when we suppress our emotions, it can ac…

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Deal When You’re Super Triggered: Here’s How I Recovered From a Tough Parenting Moment & Used It to Build Emotion Regulation 14:26

4M ago14:26

14:26

We all have those moments—something small happens, and suddenly, we’re way more upset than we “should” be. For me, it was a dirty towel placed back in the clean pile, and I couldn’t shake the frustration. Even though I knew it wasn’t really about the towel, I felt stuck in my reaction, and it was pulling me away from the kind of parent I want to be…

1
The Truth About Meltdowns: Why They’re Not Just a Phase (& the Only Way to Truly Break Free from the Meltdown Cycle!) 17:18

4M ago17:18

17:18

Many parents assume their sensitive kids will eventually outgrow meltdowns—but what if that’s just not the case? Today we’re diving into why big feelings don’t just disappear with time and why trying to fix or reason kids out of their emotions doesn’t actually help. Meltdowns aren’t just overreactions to small stressors—they happen because kids hav…

1
Parenting Reflections: Brogan and Erik’s Journey: How They Went From Daily Meltdowns & Broken Furniture to a Thriving, More Connected Family (No More Walking on Eggshells!) 26:08

5M ago26:08

26:08

Brogan and Erik felt like they were walking on eggshells in their own home. Their 5.5-year-old son’s emotions ran the house—meltdowns turned into full-blown chaos, furniture was broken, and they felt trapped in a cycle of frustration and helplessness. The arrival of their younger son only seemed to intensify things, and by the time he was two, they…

1
What's the Difference Between High Sensitivity and Autism? Is My Highly Sensitive Child Neurodivergent? Understanding the Differences, Overlap, and Nuance to Best Support Your Sensitive Child 41:04

5M ago41:04

41:04

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person? Is it the same as being neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum? These are tricky and sometimes controversial questions, especially when raising sensitive kids. In this episode, we’re unpacking what sensitivity really means and why it matters for kids and adults alike. The thing is, labels aren’t …

1
Parenting Reflections: Why I Chose an Advanced Gymnastics Class for My Sensitive 3.5-Year-Old – Even Though It’s Not What Experts (Including Myself!) Typically Recommend 24:14

5M ago24:14

24:14

Why would I enroll my 3.5-year-old daughter in an advanced gymnastics class when everything I believe—and most experts agree—says that activities at this age should focus on fun and exploration? Today I’m sharing the story behind this decision and why I chose to go against the grain. This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t about pushing…

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Extracurricular Activities and Sensitive Kids: When to Push, When to Pause, and Why It’s Worth It 28:16

5M ago28:16

28:16

Extracurricular activities can feel like a battle when your highly sensitive child resists joining. Should you push them to participate, or let them sit this one out? In this episode, we’re diving into why extracurriculars are so valuable for sensitive kids, even when it feels easier to back off. Big feelings like nerves, fear of failure, or overwh…

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Parenting Reflections: Surviving a 5-Week Break with My Highly Sensitive Kids: Tips, Tricks, and Moments That Got Us Through 20:54

5M ago20:54

20:54

Winter break with highly sensitive kids can feel endless, especially when snow days extend time at home or school breaks stretch on. With my kids in year-round school, we’ve been navigating a five-week break, and I wanted to share how we’re making it through. From cozy moments to screen time challenges, it’s been all about staying grounded and find…

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How to Handle Power Struggles with Your Sensitive Child (Without Getting Pulled Into the Tug-of-War!) 20:02

5M ago20:02

20:02

Power struggles with highly sensitive kids can be draining—but what if there’s a different way to handle them? In this episode, we’ll unpack why power struggles happen and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Hint: it’s less about “winning” or “losing” and more about understanding the underlying need for control. These struggles often arise …

1
Parenting Reflections: My Highly Sensitive Son Refused Soccer on Friday—Here’s How I Took a Step Back (& What I Learned About Connection) 20:12

5M ago20:12

20:12

Preparing for new activities with highly sensitive kids can be a rollercoaster of emotions—for everyone involved. This week, I’m sharing a personal story about getting my older boys ready for a soccer clinic they were excited to try. Despite their enthusiasm leading up to it, when the moment arrived, my oldest son completely refused to go. In that …

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Ditch “New Year, New You” Resolutions: 3 Simple Practices to Transform Your Parenting (& Life) Starting Today 31:06

5M ago31:06

31:06

New Year’s resolutions can feel like a recipe for burnout—big goals, grand gestures, and that all-or-nothing mindset that leaves us feeling defeated if we slip up. But what if we flipped the script and embraced a more sustainable, joyful way to welcome the new year? In this episode, we’re rethinking resolutions and trading the pressure for practice…

1
When Strangers, Family, or Friends Give Unsolicited Advice About How You’re Parenting Your Highly Sensitive Child: The #1 Mindset Shift You Need & How to Respond Confidently 28:50

6M ago28:50

28:50

It’s one thing to navigate the emotions of raising a highly sensitive child—but when someone else tries to parent your child or comments on how you’re handling things? That can feel downright triggering. Whether it’s a well-meaning family member, a friend, or even a stranger, these unsolicited opinions can leave you feeling judged, frustrated, or u…

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Parenting Reflections: The Holidays Aren’t Going as Planned—A Behind-The-Scenes Look at How I’m Handling It (& Why It’s Okay to Struggle When Everything Looks Perfect for Everyone Else) 27:28

6M ago27:28

27:28

The holidays are filled with magic, but they can also be incredibly challenging—especially when life doesn’t go as planned, and you’re parenting highly sensitive kids. Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what this season has looked like for my family. From battling sickness to missing a beloved annual show and falling behind on d…

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3 Tips for Smoother Holiday Gatherings with Your Highly Sensitive Child (Even When Meltdowns Happen) 21:04

6M ago21:04

21:04

Holiday gatherings can be full of joy, but for highly sensitive kids, they can also bring a whirlwind of emotions—whether it’s anxiety about social situations or sheer excitement that leads to overstimulation. If your child has ever melted down on the way to a holiday outing (or once you’ve arrived), you’re not alone—and there are ways to navigate …

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Parenting Reflections: Tanya’s Transformation: How a Single Mom of 3 Ended the Meltdowns & Healed Her Relationship with Her Highly Sensitive 10-Year-Old (Plus – Hear From Her Daughter, Too!) 26:54

7M ago26:54

26:54

Ever wonder how life-changing a shift in parenting can be? In this special episode, I sit down with one of my amazing clients and her highly sensitive daughter to share their inspirational story. This single mom of three was stuck in the meltdown cycle with her daughter, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. But through the Chaos to Connection prog…

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The Real Reason You’re So Exhausted: Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of the Holidays as a Parent to a Sensitive Child (& 3 Tips to Make This Season Feel Lighter!) 30:30

7M ago30:30

30:30

The holiday season is here, and while it’s full of magic and wonder, it can also feel like a whirlwind of to-dos, especially when you’re the one making it all happen. From gift shopping to planning gatherings to keeping traditions alive, the invisible mental load can quickly become overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll explore 3 simple and actionabl…

1
What to Do When Your Sensitive Kid Refuses to Say “Thank You”: 5 Tips for Building Real Gratitude (Without Forcing It & Causing a Meltdown!) 31:25

7M ago31:25

31:25

It can be tough when your child refuses to say "thank you" after receiving a gift or kind compliment. In those moments, it’s easy to feel the weight of judgment as a parent, wondering what others might think. But there’s more happening beneath the surface. Let’s unpack why these moments can be so overwhelming for your child—and why their reaction o…

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Parenting Reflections: How I Messed Up with My Oldest This Week (& How My Mistake Can Help You Avoid Getting Stuck in the Disconnection Cycle with Your Sensitive Child!) 19:14

7M ago19:14

19:14

We all have those parenting moments we’re not proud of—the ones where we lose our cool or miss the mark. So today, I’m opening up about one of mine. It happened just this morning with my oldest son, and let’s just say I didn’t exactly follow the advice I so often share with clients. I’m sharing this story because I know I’m not alone in these messy…

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“My Child is a Sore Loser!”: 3 Strategies to Help Your Sensitive Child When They Can’t Handle Losing 22:56

7M ago22:56

22:56

Losing is hard for any child, but for a highly sensitive kid, it can feel like the end of the world. If you’ve ever seen your child crumble after losing a board game or storm off the field after a tough match, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll share 3 practical strategies to help your child handle losing without feeling defeated or like they’…

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Parenting Reflections: 5 Things I’m Doing Right Now to Avoid Overwhelm, Support My Mental Health & Show Up as the Parent I Want to Be 15:02

7M ago15:02

15:02

Today I’m getting real about how I cope when the world feels chaotic. With recent events—especially the election and so much happening in our communities—overwhelm is all too easy to feel. Instead of letting the stress pile up, I’m sharing the 5 small but powerful things I do to keep my mental health in check, even when things seem out of control. …

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When Things Feel Stressful, Make Your World Smaller: Why Raising Resilient Kids Today Will Make a Better Tomorrow 23:32

7M ago23:32

23:32

This week, with all the election energy swirling around, I couldn’t help but think about the world our kids will grow up in—and how raising resilient children can truly make a difference. In times of collective stress and uncertainty, like what many of us are feeling right now, our kids will face a future that’s bound to be full of challenges. But …

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Parenting Reflections: Breaking the Disconnection Cycle: Hannah’s Story of Complete Transformation That Made Parenting ‘Wonderful’ Again 26:52

7M ago26:52

26:52

Hannah was a mom who felt stuck in an exhausting cycle of disconnection with her two young kids, especially her deeply feeling 4-year-old. Despite all her efforts, she struggled to create the peace and connection she so wanted in her home—and felt frustrated and overwhelmed in the process. In this episode, I chat with Hannah about her transformativ…

1
"My Sensitive Kid is Rude to Strangers!" -- How to Guide Your Child Through Public Encounters Without Tears, Screaming, or Embarrassment 18:38

8M ago18:38

18:38

We’ve all been there: you’re at the store with your highly sensitive child, and a friendly stranger says “hello” or asks a simple question. But instead of a polite response, your child might blurt out “no!” or “I don’t want to smile!” Inspired by a listener’s question, let’s dive into why these encounters can feel overwhelming for sensitive kids an…

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Parenting Reflections: My Sensitive Child Hit, Spit, and Called Me Names -- Here's Exactly How I Handled It to Build Lasting Emotional Resilience 16:44

8M ago16:44

16:44

We’ve all had those days when we’re pulled in every direction, leaving little time to connect with our kids. In this week’s episode, I share a personal win: the story of my 3.5-year-old’s meltdown after a day spent mostly apart from me. Between school, work, and conversations with others, I barely had a moment with her—until her emotions came pouri…

1
5 Ways You Might Be Shaming Your Sensitive Child Without Meaning to (& What to Do Instead!) 24:30

8M ago24:30

24:30

Ever feel like you’re saying all the right things, but your sensitive child still seems upset? Sometimes, without realizing it, our words or actions can bring up feelings of shame. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways we might be shaming our kids without meaning to—and why it’s more common than we think. We’ll explore the subtle phrases and habits t…

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Parenting Reflections: How I Use "Micro Connections" to Keep My Sensitive Kid Feeling Secure (Without Hours of Play) 25:22

8M ago25:22

25:22

Sometimes, it feels like we need to spend hours playing with our kids to fill their "connection cup"—especially when they're having a tough time. But what if there was another way? In this episode, I'm talking all about "micro connections"—those small but meaningful moments throughout the day that can make a big difference for your highly sensitive…

1
When the “Calm-Down Corner” Isn’t Enough: How Overusing Coping Skills Can Fall Short for Highly Sensitive Kids (& What Can Help Instead!) 19:11

8M ago19:11

19:11

We've all been there: trying to help our highly sensitive kids use coping skills, only to realize they’re still overwhelmed. In this episode, I’m sharing why coping skills don’t always work for sensitive kids—and how you might be using them wrong without even knowing it. It’s easy to fall into the habit of asking your child to use a coping skill to…

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Parenting Reflections: How I Realized My Sensitive Kid Was Overscheduled (& How to Find the Right Balance for Yours) 15:10

8M ago15:10

15:10

Let's talk about the challenges of overscheduling, especially when it comes to highly sensitive kids. Sensitive children need more downtime to unwind and regulate, and without it, they can quickly feel overwhelmed. But how do you find the right balance? I’ll share my own journey with my now 10-year-old son, who, after years of trial and error, has …

1
Why Transitions are So Hard with Sensitive Kids (& 3 Things You Can Do to Make Them Go More Smoothly) 14:49

8M ago14:49

14:49

Transitions can be challenging for all of us, but for highly sensitive kids, they can feel overwhelming and intense. In this episode, we dive into why transitions are so tough for sensitive children and how their emotions are magnified during even the smallest changes. It’s more than just shifting from one activity to another—it’s a full emotional …

1
Parenting Reflections: 3 Mistakes I Made as a First-Time Mom to a Highly Sensitive Child (& How You Can Learn From My Mistakes!) 15:00

8M ago15:00

15:00

Becoming a first-time mom is hard enough, but when you’re parenting a highly sensitive child, it’s a whole different ballgame. In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 biggest mistakes I made as a new mom to my highly sensitive child – and trust me, I’ve learned a lot from them! From trying to fix every meltdown to worrying too much about every little th…

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3 Reasons Validating Your Sensitive Child’s Feelings Isn’t Working (& the #1 Mindset Shift You Need!) 17:26

8M ago17:26

17:26

You’ve probably seen it all over social media – people saying that validating feelings just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. But is that really true? In this episode, we dive into why so many parents are frustrated with the idea of validation and why it often feels like it’s not working. Spoiler alert: It’s not about what you’re doing, but w…

1
Parenting Reflections: Anna & Josh’s Story: How They Broke the Meltdown Cycle and Stopped Walking on Eggshells, Rebuilding Peace and Connection in Their Home 35:12

9M ago35:12

35:12

Anna and Josh were really struggling with their highly sensitive middle daughter. Hour-long meltdowns and endless frustrations had taken over their lives. They spent their days walking on eggshells, constantly trying to calm her down without much success. After going through my Chaos to Connection program, they saw a remarkable shift. Their daughte…

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