The Japanese Way of Parenting with Lisa Katayama - 402

The Japanese Way of Parenting with Lisa Katayama - 402

Author: Pam Howard April 22, 2026 Duration: 52:11

What can Japanese parenting teach us about raising calm, capable kids?

This week, I'm talking with Lisa Katayama, author of The Japanese Way of Parenting: What It Taught Me About Raising Mostly Calm, Caring, Capable Kids.

Lisa was born and raised in Tokyo and now lives in Northern California. In our conversation, we talk about what stood out to her as she raised kids in the U.S. while drawing from the values she grew up with in Japan.

We discuss differences between American and Japanese parenting when it comes to independence, routines, choices, meals, cleanliness, self-care, and being on time. Lisa shares how Japanese culture often emphasizes structure, respect, and guiding kids in a way that helps family life feel calmer.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is that it's not about finding one right way to parent. It's about noticing what resonates and taking what works for you and your family.

Lisa also shares practical ideas from her book, including the concept of douzo, a gentler way to offer and share, and why making parenting more playful can shift the tone at home.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/402


Pam Howard brings a refreshingly practical voice to the often chaotic world of parenting with Less Drama More Mama. Drawing from her unique background as a Master Certified Life Coach, a licensed clinical social worker, and a former school counselor, she moves beyond theory to offer real, usable strategies for everyday family life. This isn't about achieving perfection; it's about replacing overwhelm with a sense of grounded confidence. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who truly gets it. Pam weaves together personal anecdotes from her own journey as a mom with anonymized case studies from her coaching practice, creating a relatable and insightful listen. You'll find specific life coaching tools and perspectives designed to transform those moments of feeling frazzled or disconnected into opportunities for calm and stronger bonds with your kids. The Less Drama More Mama podcast is a resource for any parent looking to cultivate more peace and less reactivity at home, covering topics that span child development, educational challenges, and personal growth. It’s a space where the focus shifts from simply managing behavior to understanding the underlying dynamics, empowering you to handle what comes your way with more grace and less guilt.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Less Drama More Mama
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