Your Parenting Long Game

Often when our kids refuse to do what we ask, it can seem like they are being deliberately defiant or strong-willed. But often in these situations, our kids are having a hard time with something beyond their control…and our frustration with them only makes things worse. Fortunately, when you take a closer look at what is really going on for a “strong-willed” child, you can see what they really need in order to feel and act more positively.  In this episode, we’ll look at several real-life situations from the dual perspectives of a child and parent. You’ll learn:  * Why children with big emotions display more “strong-willed” behavior * What’s really happen when a child is acting resistant or defiant  * How we can can spend less energy addressing this behavior and expand their ability to handle things not going their way in the future  -- FREE RESOURCE: Know what to do when YOUR child displays strong-willed behavior [https://rachel-bailey.com/strong-willed-micro-steps-in/] Join Rachel’s Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RachelBailey/]

It’s natural to want to help a child when you see that they’re upset. But sometimes our attempts to soothe their big feelings and calm them down actually makes things worse, leaving us feeling confused and helpless. Ironically, doing less in those situations – not saying much! – actually does more to make the situation better.   In this episode, you’ll learn:  * What happens when we do and don’t try to make our child feel better  * How to handle a child who questions why we’re not doing more  * How this simple strategy sets kids up to be more resilient in the long run --  FREE RESOURCE: How to help someone when they're "in Yuck" (on the Yuck Curve) [https://rachel-bailey.com/yuck-curve] Join Rachel’s Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RachelBailey/]

This week, I’m doing something a little different: Instead of picking the topic myself, I’m answering parents’ questions. These questions demonstrate challenges that many of us face behind closed doors — and I’m sharing practical ways to handle them with more confidence and calm. In this episode, you’ll learn:  * How to respond to two specific situations as a connected and confident Leader Parent  * What to do when children respond negatively to positive feedback * Why kids with big emotions frequently complain of being bored but resist any suggestion you make  -- FREE RESOURCE: How to raise children with big emotions with HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM [https://rachel-bailey.com/self-esteem] Join Rachel’s Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RachelBailey/]

When we’re raising children with big emotions, it can be exhausting trying to handle their behavior, moods, and attitudes along with everything else on our to-do list. Sometimes we lose our cool and say things that we regret… Other times, we find ourselves being too permissive just to avoid a meltdown. However, one simple phrase can help you find a consistent balance and become a more powerful positive influence, even in the hard moments! In this episode, you’ll learn:  * How to balance connection and confidence, so your kids want to follow your lead * How to use this phrase in a variety of situations (with real-life examples) * The long-term effects of this approach, including how it affects them and how it affects you!  --  FREE RESOURCE: How to raise children with big emotions with HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM [https://rachel-bailey.com/self-esteem] Join Rachel’s Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RachelBailey/] The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab [https://rachel-bailey.com/join/]

When we’re raising kids with big emotions, we often learn how to navigate their behavior, moods, and attitudes to avoid meltdowns and dramatic moments. But sometimes, even when we’re doing everything “right,” our children’s behavior can throw us a curveball --  crying for seemingly no reason, refusing to do something they wanted to do, or getting disproportionately angry over a small inconvenience. These situations can leave us frustrated, confused, and powerless to help. In this episode, you’ll learn:  * What we need to understand about our kids’ confusing behavior  * Why specific reactions often make them more upset * How to spend less energy addressing frustrating and confusing behavior  -- FREE EVENT: "The Negativity Reset" for a more positive summer (no live participation required) [https://rachel-bailey.com/negativity-reset/] Join Rachel’s Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RachelBailey/] The Leadership Parenting Academy and Success Lab [https://rachel-bailey.com/join/]