Parenting Matters

Episode 15: Overcoming Perfectionism: How to Encourage Risk Taking and Growth in Kids

Episode 15: Overcoming Perfectionism: How to Encourage Risk Taking and Growth in Kids Moving from "I Can’t" to "I’ll Try" In this episode, we explore the "perfectionism trap" and how our own praise might be accidentally stopping our kids from taking risks. Questions we answer: - How do I help my child keep going when they want to give up after failing at a physical task, like falling off a bike? - How should I respond when my child refuses to draw or try art because they don’t think they are "good" at it? - How do I re-engage a child who was previously "natural" at something (like puzzles) but now quits the moment it becomes challenging? How can I stop "over-functioning" for my child in daily tasks—like dressing or building—so they develop the resiliency to handle their own struggles? The Takeaway: Whether it's a bike ride or a "potty word" marathon, your child isn't looking for a "foolish" adult who can't be bothered—they are looking for a leader who loves them enough to set a limit. Are you struggling with a "mountain" that started as a "molehill"? Reach out and let us know. We'll try to answer on an upcoming episode! Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

Episode 14: Why You Should Never Ignore Behavior That You Don’t Like

Parenting advice often says to “just ignore it,” but what message does that actually send to a child? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of responding to challenging behaviors—from tantrums to those small but persistent habits that test every parent’s patience. Learn more about how ignoring certain behaviors can create confusion for children and why our reactions play a powerful role in shaping what they learn. We discuss being present during difficult moments, setting loving but firm limits, and helping children understand boundaries. We also talk about how kids observe adult reactions, why they test limits for reassurance, and how parents and caregivers can redirect behavior in ways that build confidence and emotional security. Finally, we discuss the role of socializing children—teaching them when certain language or behaviors are appropriate and how to navigate different environments. Explore our strategies to help you respond with clarity, connection, and intention—even in the most frustrating moments. In This Episode, We Explore: * What message does ignoring a child’s behavior actually send? * How do children learn from the way adults react to their actions? * Why can setting limits be one of the clearest ways to show love and care? * What might children feel when their tantrums are ignored? * Why do children test boundaries, and what are they really looking for in those moments? * When should parents address annoying behaviors instead of ignoring them? * How can redirecting behavior be more effective than simply tuning it out? * What does it really mean to socialize children and teach them appropriate language? * Why is it important to acknowledge every feeling—even difficult ones? * How do clear boundaries help children feel safer and more secure? Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast [https://earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast] Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: * Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. * Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

Episode 13: Not listening, not getting dressed and tantrums, oh my! - Our most common parenting questions answered

If your preschooler ignores you, refuses shoes, or collapses into a puddle the moment you say “no,” this episode is for you. We unpack why these behaviors happen, why they happen even more with a strong-willed child, and share practical strategies to help you get back your confidence and your joy in parenting. In this episode, we tackle three of the most common—and exhausting—challenges parents of preschoolers face: not listening, power struggles over everyday routines, and full-blown tantrums when the answer is “no.” Drawing from decades of professional experience and many personal parenting stories, we explore why these behaviors are not signs of “bad parenting,” but normal developmental phases—especially for strong-willed, spirited children. Through real-life examples like refusing to put on shoes, throwing snack wrappers on the floor, and melting down over yogurt before dinner, we break down practical, compassionate strategies that actually work. We discuss why repeating yourself undermines authority, how to set clear limits without punishment, and how calmly following through builds trust, self-esteem, and emotional resilience in young children. This conversation reframes “choosing your battles,” explains why giving in during tantrums backfires, and shows parents how to stay steady in the face of big feelings—without yelling, bribing, or threatening. Most importantly, it reminds parents that enjoying parenting is not only possible, but essential, even when raising a challenging child. If you’ve ever felt worn down by daily power struggles or unsure how to respond when your child tests limits, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and concrete tools to help you parent with confidence and calm. Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show!

Episode 12: And Mom and Dad Can Hardly Wait for School to Start Again

Rebecca and Belann dive into the complexities of sibling dynamics, especially the everyday challenges parents face around bedtime routines, discipline, and perceived fairness. Drawing on real-life examples and practical strategies, they explore how parents can respond with consistency, calmness, and clarity while strengthening sibling relationships. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the impact of parental presence, preparation, and communication on children’s behavior and emotional security. Covered in this episode: * Bedtime has been a total circus lately! One will be going to brush his teeth and then the younger one will decide to do a nudy run and then the older who was originally on task, will follow. They are starting to figure out they can team up against us!   * My younger sibling weaponizes being the youngest! She screams, gets away with things and I am often at a loss of how to discipline. * You never get Rosie in trouble, she’s your favorite-if I did that I would have been in so much trouble-why doesn’t she have a consequence? This episode offers thoughtful insights and actionable tools for parents navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of raising siblings. Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast [https://earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast] Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org [info@earlychildhoodmatters.org]. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: * Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. * Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

Episode 11: The Gift of Enough: What Children Teach Us About the Magic of the Holiday Season

Short Overview: Rebecca explores the beautiful (and sometimes jarring) contrast between Thanksgiving gratitude and the consumer rush of Black Friday and the holiday season. She reflects on how to nurture a spirit of thankfulness in young children, shares her family’s long-loved gratitude traditions, and offers gentle ways to shift the holiday focus from buying to truly being together. If you’re looking for a heart-forward, calmer holiday season and a thoughtful gift guide, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to create magic that lasts far beyond Christmas morning. Rebecca also breaks down her early childhood teacher approved approach to gift giving — including the play-based curriculum framework she uses to choose toys that last, spark creativity, and discourage materialism. From blocks and dramatic play to arts, outdoor toys, sensory materials, books, music, and experiences, she highlights meaningful gift ideas that grow with children rather than overwhelm them. Check out our 'ECM Approved' holiday gift guide here [https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/ecm-blog/2018/12/9/ecm-holiday-toy-guide-2018]. Full transcript here [https://parentingmatters.castos.com/episodes/episode-10-the-gift-of-enough-what-children-teach-us-about-the-magic-of-the-holiday-season].   Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast [https://earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast] Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: * Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. * Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!