Does summer break feel like more chaos than calm? If your child struggles with focus, emotional control, or follow-through—especially without the structure of school—this episode is here to help.

Today I’m joined by Leslie Josel, a leading expert on executive functioning and student success. Together, we’re diving into what summer looks like for kids with executive function challenges—and more importantly, how you can set your child up for success with calm, doable strategies that actually work.

If you’re craving a summer with less nagging, fewer meltdowns, and more peace, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What executive functioning really means—and why it matters over summer
• Why your child’s struggle with structure isn’t about laziness or defiance
• Easy ways to build a summer schedule that reduces stress (not adds to it)
• How to increase your child’s independence without constant power struggles
• Encouragement and strategies to help you feel confident and capable this summer

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Leslie Josel at Order Out of Chaos
• Download your free Calm Connection resource at CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Join the Parenting With Personality Facebook Group

☕ So grab your coffee and tune in—because yes, you can have a calmer summer with the right tools in hand.

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

Ever feel like you want to stay calm, respond with empathy, and be the steady one in the storm...but your child is screaming, you’re overstimulated, and you’re about to snap?
You’re not alone, and there’s a reason it feels so hard. In this episode, we’re digging into what’s happening in your brain (and your child’s), and what it really takes to parent with empathy in the middle of emotional chaos.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The surprising reason empathy disappears when your child is melting down
• What your nervous system is doing without your permission
• A powerful mindset shift about what empathy actually is
• One simple phrase that keeps you grounded during emotional outbursts
• Why taking care of yourself is the missing link in responding with empathy

This one is full of hope, practical strategies, and honest encouragement for the moments you feel like you’re falling short.

Listen now and take the next small step toward parenting with more calm, confidence, and connection.

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

DMDD, ADHD, and anxiety… oh my! If those letters feel like your everyday life and you’re constantly trying to decode what’s really going on behind your child’s big emotions—this episode is your roadmap.

We’re breaking down what’s actually fueling those emotional explosions, how these diagnoses often overlap, and why your go-to parenting responses might not be working (through no fault of your own!). Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple, heart-centered framework that helps you respond with more calm, connection, and clarity—even in the toughest moments.

Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join me—we’re going there!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The surprising ways anxiety, ADHD, and DMDD can look the same on the outside
• Why traditional discipline strategies often backfire with emotionally intense kids
• What your child’s meltdown is really trying to communicate
• A real-life story of how one powerful pause changed everything
• A practical framework (H.E.A.R.) to help you respond with empathy and effectiveness

Want more support? Learn more about the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com or book a free call using the link below!

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

Does the thought of a family vacation leave you feeling more tense than excited? If you’re parenting a highly sensitive or emotionally intense child, even the idea of travel can bring up anxiety, dread, and a fear of public meltdowns. But what if you could take a vacation that builds connection while managing the emotional dysregulation—without sacrificing your sanity?

In this episode, I’m sharing real-life strategies and calming tools we’ve used in our family of nine to make vacations work—even with kids who struggle with transitions, big feelings, and emotional dysregulation. From packing hacks to powerful mindset shifts, this is your go-to guide for traveling with more peace and less chaos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why vacations are extra hard for emotionally intense kids
• How to prevent meltdowns with simple planning strategies
• Tools to create calm and connection while traveling
• What to do during a meltdown to support your child
• One powerful question that can change the tone of your entire trip

If you’ve ever ended a trip feeling more exhausted than when you started, this episode is for you. Let’s turn the chaos into connection—one small step at a time.

Get your seat in the Calm Connection Parent Coaching Program starting soon. Visit CalmConnectionParent.com

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

CalmConnectionParent.com/resource

In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into the topic of emotional dysregulation and how you can help your child manage overwhelming emotions to calm down. If you’ve ever faced the challenge of meltdowns, tantrums, or outbursts, this episode is for you.

We’ll explore what emotional dysregulation really is, the science behind it, and how to respond when your child’s emotions take over. Plus, we’ll share 10 effective strategies to help your child calm down in the moment, and proactive steps you can take outside of those high-stress moments to set them up for emotional success.

You’ll walk away with practical tools to not only manage emotional storms but also build a deeper connection with your child, even through the toughest emotional moments.

If you’re ready to shift your approach and support your child’s emotional growth, hit play and let’s get started!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Understanding Emotional Dysregulation: Emotional dysregulation can lead to meltdowns, making it harder for children to manage intense emotions.
• The Science Behind It: Intense emotions can override a child’s ability to think clearly, impacting their behavior.
• Top 10 Calming Strategies: Simple strategies can help you support your child when emotions are overwhelming.
• Plan Ahead: Proactive steps can help reduce the likelihood of emotional outbursts in the future.
• Reinforce Connection: Strengthening the emotional bond after a meltdown can support long-term emotional growth.

Wrong link was shared: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource (not resources-plural)

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

What if a pet could be more than just a companion for your child? For children with heightened emotions or emotional dysregulation, pets can be a lifeline—offering more than just cuddles but playing a crucial role in helping them navigate the emotional ups and downs of everyday life. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about Sparkles, the cat who was not just a pet, but an emotional support animal for one of our children. Together, we’ll explore the profound impact that emotional support animals can have on children’s well-being and how they can help soothe the storms of their intense emotions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Role of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): How pets, especially for emotionally intense children, can provide emotional grounding and regulation when no one else can.
• The Unbreakable Bond Between Pets and Children: The deep connection that can form between a child and their pet, and how this bond supports emotional growth.
• The Science Behind Emotional Healing: How interacting with animals can help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting overall emotional well-being.
• Supporting Grief and Loss: What to do when a child experiences the loss of a pet who has been an emotional anchor, and how to help them process their grief.
• The Benefits Beyond Cuddles: Why having an emotional support animal might be more critical for highly sensitive children than you think, and the life-changing support they offer.

CalmConnectionParent.com

CalmConnectionParent.com/VIP

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

Get Your FREE Ticket to the Calm Connection Parenting Summit

If your child melts down, shuts down, or struggles to find the words to explain what’s wrong—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re joined by play expert and counselor Deborah Woods to explore how play can become one of the most powerful tools for connection—especially when your child’s emotions feel too big for words.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present—and a little playful.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why play is a powerful connector for emotionally intense children
• How play helps kids feel safe, seen, and soothed
• Simple ways to build connection without adding stress
• What to do if play feels awkward or unnatural as a parent
• How just 30 minutes a week can begin to transform your relationship

🎧 Listen now and discover how playful presence can bring peace back into your home.

Attend the Calm Connection Parenting Summit Free! Enroll Here!

Deborah's FREE Resource: Resources for Parents | Moms & Dads & Kids | Play Therapy

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...

What if your child’s meltdowns aren’t just about behavior—but a cry for less?
Less stimulation. Less pressure. Less chaos. If your sensitive or emotionally intense child seems to unravel in the hustle and overstimulation of everyday life, this episode will hit home.

This week, Jami sits down with parenting coach, writer, and mom of four, Jenna Michael, for a conversation every overwhelmed parent needs to hear. Jenna’s upcoming book Let’s Choose Less is all about simplifying home, schedule, and expectations—and today, she’s sharing how doing less can actually create more calm, more connection, and more emotional safety for your child.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why less clutter and fewer commitments help sensitive kids regulate
• What overstimulation really looks like in emotionally intense children
• How simplifying your home and routines reduces emotional meltdowns
• What it means to align with your values instead of cultural pressure
• Small, powerful shifts you can make today to create more calm at home

✨ If you’ve been waiting for someone to say it’s okay—even better—to do less, this is your episode. Let’s choose less… and experience more of what really matters.

Learn more about Jenna’s coaching at yourpurposefulparenting.com
Check out her new book Let’s Choose Less
🎉 And don’t forget to grab your spot at the Calm Connection Parenting Summit! Summit takes place May 13-16.

• Learn more about the Calm Connection Coaching Program at CalmConnectionParent.com
• Get the resources mentioned at: CalmConnectionParent.com/resource
• Book a call to find out more about Calm Connection Coaching Program.
• Join our online Facebook support group: Parenting With Personality Group
• Find out more about the APP or Book: ParentingWithPersonality.com
• Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store

*** This podcast and host will not offer medical advice, nor is it intended to take the place of counseling, medical intervention, or treatment. Jami Kirkbride is hereby operating as a parenting coach and will not diagnose or treat clients. Please consult a doctor, medical professional, or mental health provider to meet your immediate and ongoing needs.

#parenting #highlysensitivechild #adhd #dmdd #parentcoaching #child anxiety #se...