Empowering Children: Why Obedience Doesn't Keep Kids Safe

Empowering Children: Why Obedience Doesn't Keep Kids Safe

Author: Michelle Kenney, M. Ed April 21, 2026 Duration: 18:34
Most of us were raised to believe that obedient children are safe children. I take on that myth head-on in this episode, because the reality is the opposite. Kids who can't say no at home can't say no to a bully, a coach, or anyone who crosses a line. In this episode, I walk through the steps to raise children who can advocate for themselves without becoming disrespectful. Interested in learning how to balance parenting and technology? Join my Plugged in Parenting seminar on April 29-30: https://peaceandparentingla.com/event-understanding-kids-technology Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You know the principles of gentle parenting and value attachment, but the day-to-day reality of raising kids can leave those ideals feeling just out of reach. If you’re exhausted by cycles of yelling, shame, and frustration, and you’re searching for a practical, grounded alternative that still provides clear boundaries, you’ve found a thoughtful space to explore. Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments is hosted by Michelle Kenney, M. Ed, who brings her perspective as a former teacher, counselor, certified parenting coach, and a mom of two teenagers. She also openly shares her own journey as a recovering yeller, making her guidance deeply empathetic and real. In this podcast, Michelle moves beyond theory to discuss the actual application of peaceful parenting. Conversations focus on dismantling the urge to punish and replacing it with connection-based strategies that actually work during tough moments. You’ll hear honest discussions about setting limits with respect, navigating emotional outbursts (both yours and your child’s), and fostering a home environment rooted in cooperation rather than control. Each episode aims to provide actionable insights that help you build a calmer, more respectful family dynamic, one conversation at a time. It’s a resource for anyone ready to parent in a way that feels better, honors the relationship, and genuinely moves away from punitive measures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Peace and Parenting: How to Parent without Punishments
Podcast Episodes
How to Respond When Our Kids Are Defiant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:44
Are you fighting an uphill battle with your child's “defiance”? What if defiance wasn’t something to squash but an invitation to connect? Today, I’m turning the traditional parenting playbook on its head and exploring ho…
Case Study: Is Perfectionism Killing Your Parenting Joy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
What if the journey to better parenting starts with accepting our imperfections? In this week's episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with one of my listeners as we explore the emotional process of reparenting ourselv…
Encouraging Our Kids to Stand Up for Themselves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
Episode Description:Are you torn between teaching your child to stand up for themselves and maintaining respect? It’s a struggle many of us face, but what if we allowed our kids the space to practice—even if they don’t g…
Case Study: How to Handle Co-parenting After Divorce [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:06
What happens when the family you imagined doesn’t turn out the way you planned? How do you navigate single parenting while ensuring your children thrive in both homes? Today is a heartfelt episode where I sit down with B…
Is Your Strong-Willed Child Struggling with Aggressive Behavior? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
Is your child acting out, biting, or hitting their sibling despite your best efforts? What if the problem isn’t defiance but disconnection? Today I talk about a family I worked with recently who struggled to raise a stro…
Case Study: How Unschooling Helps Create Independent Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:29
Are you tired of the traditional school system stifling your child’s natural curiosity? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to trust your child to lead their own learning journey?Today, I am joined by Leah McDer…
Why Restricting Social Media Could Be More Dangerous Than You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:17
Are you worried about your child’s safety on social media? It's easy to jump to the idea of banning electronics, parties, or risky behaviors altogether, but do restrictions really protect them? Today i open up a can of w…
Case Study: How to Respond When Your Child Withdraws [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
How do you handle it when your child withdraws in tough moments? We've all been there, right? We want our kids to open up about their feelings, but we’re faced with silence or resistance. This can leave us feeling helple…
What My Daughter Really Thinks About My Parenting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:54
Have you ever worried that being "too soft" might set your kids up for failure in the harsh realities of life? Or maybe you’ve heard that using connection instead of consequences will spoil your children. Today is a spec…
Case Study: Struggling with Boundaries? This Should Help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
Ever feel like you’re stuck between what you know is best and what your instincts tell you to do in the heat of the moment? You’re not alone! Today I am tackling a battle many parents face, choosing connection over conse…