Encouraging Our Kids to Stand Up for Themselves

Encouraging Our Kids to Stand Up for Themselves

Author: Michelle Kenney, M. Ed October 24, 2024 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 get it right the first time?


Today on Peace and Parenting I dive head first into a topic many parents wrestle with: Can we truly let our children stand up for themselves if we always require them to be respectful? Parenting is messy, and kids need space to make mistakes as they learn important life skills. By giving them a safe place to practice expressing themselves, especially when it’s uncomfortable for us, our children can grow into empowered, confident adults.


In This Episode:

  • Kids learning to stand up for themselves
  • The balance between free will and respect
  • Why it’s okay for kids to “get it wrong”
  • Allowing space for self-expression and mistakes
  • Parenting from a place of empathy, not control
  • How to be a safe space for your child’s growth


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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
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