Do Less Parenting

Bonus 5: Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely

Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely Robyn talks with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely about anxiety, behavior, and how parents can stay calm and steady without getting pulled into power struggles. In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen McNeely and Kirk Martin for a conversation that brings together both the emotional and behavioral sides of parenting anxious kids. Kristen returns with her dual background in therapy and behavior, and Kirk brings his perspective from the Calm Parenting approach, which focuses on staying grounded and connected even in the middle of hard moments. We talk about what it actually looks like when kids are overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling with anxiety, and how easy it is for parents to get pulled into those moments. This conversation focuses on what it means to stay calm without shutting down, and how to respond in a way that helps your child feel safe while still holding boundaries. Throughout the episode, we explore how behavior and anxiety often overlap, especially for kids who are already more sensitive or reactive. We also talk about how parents can shift out of power struggles and into a more steady, confident role that supports long-term growth. If you’ve ever felt like your child’s reactions pull you into frustration or conflict, this episode will help you step back and see another way forward. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how calm, consistent responses can change the tone of your home and help your child build confidence over time. Shared Resources:  * Kristen McNeely’s Website [https://kristenmcneely.com/] * Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered [https://www.instagram.com/childhood.empowered/] * Kirk Martin’s Website [https://celebratecalm.com/] * Kirk Martin’s Calm Parenting Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calm-parenting-podcast/id1281790712] * Follow Kirk Martin on Instagram @calmparentingpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/calmparentingpodcast/] * Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/courses/parent-cohort] * Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtheanxiouschild/]  * Parenting the Anxious Child Membership [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/bundles/membership] * Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources [https://www.theanxiouschild.com/]

Bonus 4: Anxiety and Behavior, How to Understand What Your Child Is Really Showing You with Kristen McNeely

Anxiety and Behavior, How to Understand What Your Child Is Really Showing You with Kristen McNeely Robyn and Kristen talk about the connection between anxiety and behavior, and how parents can respond in ways that support both emotional and behavioral needs. In this episode, I’m joined again by Kristen McNeely, and I’m so glad she’s back because this is a conversation so many parents need. Kristen brings both a therapy background and a behavior background, which makes this discussion especially helpful when we’re trying to understand what’s really going on with our kids. We talk about something that comes up all the time for parents. When a child is struggling, it can be hard to tell what’s anxiety and what’s behavior. And more importantly, how do we respond in a way that actually helps? Kristen shares how these two things are often deeply connected, especially for kids who are anxious or who may also have ADHD. Throughout the episode, we explore how looking at behavior alone can miss the bigger picture, and how focusing only on emotions can leave parents without clear tools. This conversation helps bring those two pieces together so parents can feel more confident in how they respond in real time. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to handle your child’s reactions, this episode will help you step back and see things more clearly. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what your child’s behavior might be communicating and how to support them in a way that feels both grounded and effective. Shared Resources:  * Kristen McNeely’s Website [https://kristenmcneely.com/] * Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered [https://www.instagram.com/childhood.empowered/] * Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/courses/parent-cohort] * Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtheanxiouschild/]  * Parenting the Anxious Child Membership [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/bundles/membership] * Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources [https://www.theanxiouschild.com/]

Bonus 3: Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa

Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa Robyn talks with Lizzie Assa about boredom, play, and how stepping back helps kids build creativity, independence, and confidence. In this episode, I’m joined by Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of But I’m Bored, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of doing less parenting. Lizzie shares her perspective as a mom of three and someone who deeply believes in the power of play and giving kids more space to figure things out on their own. We talk about boredom, something so many parents feel pressure to fix. When kids say “I’m bored,” it can feel like we’re supposed to jump in with ideas, solutions, or entertainment. But Lizzie explains why boredom is actually an opportunity. It’s often the starting point for creativity, problem-solving, and independence. Throughout the episode, we explore how stepping back, talking less, and resisting the urge to constantly engage allows kids to take more ownership of their time and their ideas. Lizzie shares how this approach has played out in her own home and why doing less doesn’t mean being disengaged. It means being intentional about when we step in and when we allow space. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of entertaining your kids or solving boredom for them, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that your child doesn’t need more from you in those moments. They need more room to discover what they’re capable of on their own. Shared Resources:  * Follow Lizzie on Instagram @theworkspaceforchildren [https://www.instagram.com/theworkspaceforchildren/] * Lizzy’s Website [https://www.workspaceforchildren.com/] * Lizzy’s book But I’m Bored [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4QDZKHT/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_NGNF6EK2995GQV35GGAC?linkCode=ml1&linkId=e251d692f19eee13974aa6a1605d8fb6&tag=theworkspac09-20] * Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/courses/parent-cohort] * Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtheanxiouschild/]  * Parenting the Anxious Child Membership [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/bundles/membership] * Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources [https://www.theanxiouschild.com/]

Bonus 2: Do Less Fighting Over Routines: Building Healthy Dental Habits That Stick with Emily Krausz

Do Less Fighting Over Routines: Building Healthy Dental Habits That Stick with Emily Krausz Robyn talks with Emily Krausz of Pediatric Dental Mom about kids’ dental health, parenting habits, and how to balance structure without power struggles. In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Krausz, the voice behind Pediatric Dental Mom on Instagram, for a conversation that every parent can relate to—how do we take care of our kids’ health without turning it into a constant battle? Emily shares her unique perspective as a mom who has spent years immersed in pediatric dentistry through her family, and how that has shaped the way she approaches daily routines with her own kids. We talk about the mental load that comes with knowing “too much” as a parent. When you understand the long-term impact of things like brushing, snacking, and habits, it can feel like everything matters all the time. Emily shares how that awareness has led her to create clear, non-negotiable routines around dental care, while still navigating the realities of parenting young kids. Throughout the conversation, we explore how structure and consistency can actually reduce stress—for both parents and kids. Instead of constantly negotiating or reacting in the moment, having clear expectations around things like brushing teeth can take the pressure off. If you’ve ever found yourself in a nightly struggle over brushing, snacks, or routines, this episode offers a grounded way to think about it. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being clear, consistent, and intentional in the areas that matter most. Shared Resources:  * Follow Emily on Instagram @pediatricdentalmom [https://www.instagram.com/pediatricdentalmom/] * Emily’s Guides & Links [https://msha.ke/pediatricdentalmom?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio] * Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/courses/parent-cohort] * Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtheanxiouschild/]  * Parenting the Anxious Child Membership [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/bundles/membership] * Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources [https://www.theanxiouschild.com/]

Bonus 1: Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha

Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha Robyn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha about the overlap between anxiety, autism, and ADHD, and how parents can support neurodivergent kids while still encouraging growth and independence. In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha for a conversation that many parents have been asking about. One of the most common questions I receive is whether the SPACE model works for kids who also have autism or ADHD. Hannah brings an important perspective because she works right at the intersection of anxiety and neurodivergence. We talk about how conversations around autism and ADHD have become a major topic in parenting and clinical spaces. Some approaches focus heavily on accommodating children’s needs, while others emphasize helping kids stretch beyond their comfort zones. Hannah helps unpack what this tension actually looks like for families and how parents can think about support and growth at the same time. Throughout the episode, we explore how anxiety often shows up alongside neurodivergence and why understanding that overlap matters. Hannah shares insights from her work doing psychological testing and supporting kids with both anxiety and developmental differences. If you’re parenting a child who is neurodivergent, anxious, or both, this conversation offers a thoughtful way to approach the challenge. It’s not about choosing between accommodation and independence. It’s about finding a balance that helps your child feel understood while still building confidence and capability over time. Shared Resources:  * Follow Dr. Hannah on Instagram @itsdoctorhannah [https://www.instagram.com/itsdoctorhannah] * Dr. Hannah’s website [https://www.samahapsychology.com/] * Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/courses/parent-cohort] * Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtheanxiouschild/]  * Parenting the Anxious Child Membership [https://parentingtheanxiouschild.thinkific.com/bundles/membership] * Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources [https://www.theanxiouschild.com/]