Peaceful Parenting: Dealing with Tantrums

Most parents would not describe living with a toddler during Covid as peaceful, but there are ways to invite more calm into your home and limit the shouting. Host Jessica Rolph welcomes Psychologist Dr. Laura Markham to today’s episode. In her work as a coach with thousands of parents all over the world, Dr. Laura describes her approach as “peaceful parenting”. Who doesn’t want more of that? Learn why responding to tantrums with empathy can be a game changer.     Dr. Laura is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life, and now her latest book, The Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook: Using mindfulness and connection to raise resilient, joyful children and rediscover your love of parenting.   Key Takeaways: [1:35] How to be a peaceful parent during tantrums. [4:32] Teach your toddler that big feelings are not dangerous; show them they are safe. [5:45] How to let go of your concerns about being judged by others when your child is having a tantrum. [8:25] What does a peaceful parent do when a toddler hits? [12:12] When your child gets aggressive, demonstrate how to express feelings in a more acceptable way. [12:47] Dr. Laura explains why rough housing leads to the release of oxytocin. [14:46] Best practices for sharing peaceful parenting concepts with a spouse or other caregiver. [17:27] Why empathy is a cornerstone for peaceful parenting. [19:10] Why it’s important to acknowledge your child’s behavior as developmentally normal and realize this too shall pass. [20:11] Jessica revisits the highlights of her conversation with Dr. Laura.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Learn more about Dr. Laura at AhaParenting.com