Hello and welcome to Calm Connection Parenting! I’m your host, Jami Kirkbride—mom of seven, parenting coach, professional counselor, and wrangler of big emotions.
If you’re raising a highly sensitive child with intense emotions, challenging behaviors, or a "spicy" personality, and wondering if you’ll make it through without losing your mind, you’re not alone!
Around here, we’re all about real-life parenting, sprinkled with a little humor and a whole lot of patience. So, grab your coffee (trust me, you’ll need it), and join me as we explore tips, stories, and faith-based strategies to help you bring more calm and confidence into your chaotic days.
Ready to learn some practical tips and effective strategies to move from overwhelmed and stressed to calm, confident and blessed! Let’s do this!
23-- Parenting A Child with Mental Health Challenges: Navigating Emotional Dysregulation and Finding Hope
Season 1 · Episode 23
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • Duration 37:19
Parenting a child with mental health struggles is not a battle anyone prepares you for. In fact, it can feel like you're fighting a war—and sometimes, you don’t even know if you're winning. I’m sharing our personal journey today and the five pitfalls that nearly every parent in this situation faces. But more importantly, I’m giving you hope: There are truths that can guide you through the hardest days, and no matter what you're feeling, you’re not failing. Let’s dig into how you can navigate this journey with strength and grace, even in the toughest times.
In this episode, you will learn:
The Emotional Toll: The hidden struggles of parenting a child with mental health challenges.
Internal Conflicts: Navigating the conflicting emotions and doubts many parents face.
Guilt and Overwhelm: Understanding common pitfalls in the parenting journey.
Self-Care Matters: How prioritizing your well-being helps you show up for your child.
Finding Hope: Practical tips for giving yourself grace during tough times.
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.
22-- How Sensory Processing Disorder Impacts Highly Sensitive and Emotionally Dysregulated Kids: Our Family's Story
Season 1 · Episode 22
Thursday, March 20, 2025 • Duration 34:51
What if everything you thought you knew about parenting needed to be reimagined? When we started understanding sensory processing issues in our child, it felt like so many things clicked into place. Today, I’m sharing a deeply personal chapter of our parenting journey. As parents of a highly sensitive and emotionally intense child, we faced struggles that we didn’t fully understand until we discovered sensory processing issues.
In this episode, l'll walk you through how our family came to understand the impact of sensory overload, and how it changed the way we parented and connected with our child. From emotional outbursts to seemingly defiant behavior, we uncovered the underlying causes of our child's struggles and found practical ways to support him. If you’ve ever felt lost or overwhelmed while parenting a child with big emotions, this episode is for you. Tune in for insights, strategies, and a little hope from a family who’s been there.
In this episode, you will learn:
Recognizing the Hidden Struggles: Understanding what was really going on beneath the surface was a game-changer for us.
The Connection Between Emotions and Sensory Overload: We learned how our child’s emotions weren’t always what they seemed.
The Power of Family Support: Navigating this journey required us to lean on each other and get professional guidance.
Small Changes, Big Impact: A few simple adjustments made a world of difference for our child and our family dynamic.
Shifting Our Perspective: The key to better parenting was seeing things from our child’s point of view.
13-- What You Need to Know: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support for Parenting DMDD
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 • Duration 34:23
Does your child seem to experience emotions on overdrive—outbursts that can be shocking, irritability that feels constant, and meltdowns that leave everyone drained? Parenting a child with these challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re shedding light on Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a condition that might explain these intense behaviors. Together, we’ll uncover how you can better understand your child’s struggles and begin taking steps toward calm and connection in your family.
In this episode, you will learn:
What is DMDD? A closer look at this often-misunderstood childhood condition and how it impacts behavior and emotions.
Spot the Signs: Learn to recognize the patterns of emotional dysregulation and meltdowns that might point to DMDD.
Understanding the Diagnosis: We’ll talk about how DMDD is diagnosed, the criteria used, and why it’s important to differentiate it from other conditions.
Finding Support: Discover the tools, resources, and strategies that can help your child thrive—and support you as their parent on this challenging journey.
This episode is here to provide the clarity, encouragement, and practical insights you need to better navigate your child’s emotions and behaviors. Let’s walk this path together!
12-- Parenting Through the Holidays: When Families Don't Understand the Struggles of Emotional Dysregulation and Challenging Behaviors
Season 1 · Episode 12
Thursday, December 5, 2024 • Duration 30:10
As the holidays approach, many parents of uniquely wired children feel the weight of family expectations and the pressure of navigating family gatherings. You want to enjoy the holidays and make memories, but instead, you’re dreading the judgment and misunderstandings from family members who just don’t get it.
If your child struggles with behaviors that others don’t understand — meltdowns, emotional outbursts, or intense reactions — it can feel isolating and overwhelming. You might find yourself constantly explaining, defending, or even avoiding certain situations to keep the peace.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing tools to help you navigate these challenging moments with confidence. You’ll learn a 4-step strategy that will help you:
✨ Feel — Acknowledge your emotions and gain clarity ✨ Accept — Embrace your child’s unique needs without shame ✨ Clarify — Communicate your child’s needs to your family ✨ Express — Set healthy boundaries and advocate for your child
These steps will help you approach family gatherings with confidence, reduce stress, and create understanding among family members. While you can’t change how others may view your child, you can control how you advocate and set boundaries.
If you’ve been dreading the holidays because you feel misunderstood, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical strategies to navigate this season with more peace, understanding, and confidence.
Listen now to gain the tools you need to make this holiday season smoother for both you and your child!
11-- Taking the Chaos Out of Christmas: 3 Practical Tips for Finding Peace and Calm for Parents
Season 1 · Episode 11
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 • Duration 29:29
Are you dreaming of a calm and joyful Christmas, but feeling frazzled rather than festive? Between juggling gift lists, family gatherings, and managing your child's emotions and behaviors, the holidays can quickly turn into Christmas chaos. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
In this episode, I’m sharing 3 practical tips to take the chaos out of Christmas and help you reclaim the joy and connection you’re longing for. Whether you’re managing meltdowns and challenging behaviors, balancing busy schedules, or just trying to create a meaningful season, these tips will help you approach the holidays with calm and intention.
✨ Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll cover:
How to align your holiday plans with your family’s unique wiring, personalities, and needs.
The magic of a “Family Holiday Huddle” to simplify, connect, and plan.
Why the smallest joys (like hot cocoa nights!) often matter the most.
How to use the “Powerful Pause” and the “Necessary No” to avoid holiday overwhelm.
🎁 Let’s trade the stress for more joy, connection, and a season that feels just right for your family’s needs. Tune in and make this Christmas the calmest one yet!
10--When Holidays Hurt: Managing Complicated Feelings and Emotional Dysregulation Amid the Festivities
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, November 21, 2024 • Duration 29:08
Does the holiday hustle make you feel more ‘bah humbug’ than ‘ho, ho, ho’? If so, you’re not alone! Holidays can be as full of emotions as they are with festive lights. So, if you’re looking for a holiday season that balances joy and the real feels, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about how to navigate holiday gatherings, embrace your own pace, and find little sparks of joy—even when holidays feel a little heavy.
In this episode, we’re diving into the emotions that often surface during the holiday season. While the world around us seems merry and bright, many of us feel the weight of stress, loss, parenting challenges, or unmet expectations. If the holidays feel more overwhelming than joyful, this conversation is for you. Learn how to prepare your heart with H-E-A-R-T!
Together, we’ll explore:
Why the holidays can feel heavier than they look—and how to lighten the load
Simple strategies to manage stress and emotional overwhelm this season
The secret to finding joy even when the festivities feel hard
A gentle reminder of what truly matters during the holidays
Tune in for heartfelt insights, practical tips, and encouragement to embrace the season with peace and purpose—even when holidays hurt.
9--Creating an Attitude of Gratitude: Strategies for Your Family Even When You're Battling Challenging Behavior and Emotional Dysregulation
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, November 14, 2024 • Duration 27:25
Is your family caught in a dreadful cycle of grumbles and entitlement?
Creating a family-wide attitude of gratitude can seem daunting, especially in the midst of big emotions and challenging behaviors. But it's entirely possible! Ready to take that step? Let's explore practical strategies to nurture gratitude within your family, so you can transform everyday moments into opportunities for appreciation and connection.
In this episode you will:
Recognize the unique obstacles that can hinder gratitude in sensitive children and learn effective ways to address them.
Explore actionable strategies to model and encourage gratitude, fostering a positive family atmosphere.
Gain insights into daily practices that seamlessly integrate gratitude into your family's routine, enhancing emotional well-being.
Tune in to discover how small acts of appreciation can lead to big changes in your family's happiness and connection.
Download the Parenting With Personality APP on Google Play or Apple Store
8--From Stuck to Strong: Overcome Parenting Fears and Overwhelm with Faith and Connection
Thursday, November 7, 2024 • Duration 33:16
Have you ever muttered…“I don’t have what it takes." "It’s never going to be better." Sound familiar? You’re not alone! This week, join me and life coach Amy Wadlington as we dive into the limiting beliefs that hold many parents back—and discover how faith, connection, and community can change it all.
Ready for a fresh perspective and some heartfelt encouragement? 🎧 Grab a cup of coffee, and tune in for an episode that’ll uplift and inspire every parent feeling fearful or overwhelmed!
In this episode, you will:
Discover how a foundation of faith can help you find peace and resilience in parenting.
Uncover ways to move past the thoughts and fears that hold you back and embrace a more confident approach.
Learn practical steps for creating deep, trust-filled relationships with both your child and a supportive community.
Special guest: Amy Wadlington
Amy Wadlington is a Christian life coach who helps women move from feeling stuck to finding clarity and purpose. Creator of the "Breakthrough Blueprint," Amy empowers women to overcome negative thought patterns and embrace their God-given calling. As a single mom who raised two daughters—one with PTSD and the other with ADHD—Amy brings deep empathy and resilience to her work. Her story of faith and perseverance fuels her mission to guide women toward impactful, biblically led lives.
Where to Connect With Amy: Her Unraveled Life: http://www.herunraveledlife.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/amywadlington Free Community: http://www.amywadlington.com/community Free Resource: The Ultimate Guide to Go from Stuck to Empowered
7--10 Crucial Things Every Parent Needs to Know About ADHD and ADHD Symptoms
Thursday, October 31, 2024 • Duration 26:38
Have you ever looked at a child who just couldn’t sit still or focus and thought, ‘They must have ADHD’? What if I told you that’s only part of the story? ADHD is one of the most misunderstood conditions out there. For years, I believed the myths—until my own family’s journey showed me the truth.
ADHD isn’t just about kids bouncing off the walls—it’s about brain differences that affect everything from focus to social skills. If you’re ready to challenge what you think you know about ADHD, join me today as we uncover 10 crucial things you need to know. Whether you have a child with ADHD or know someone who does—you won’t want to miss this one!
In this episode:
Uncover surprising truths about ADHD beyond common stereotypes.
Explore the hidden challenges that families face in daily life with ADHD.
Learn about key co-existing conditions that often complicate ADHD.
Celebrate unique strengths ADHD children bring to the table, often overlooked.
Enjoy the information shared here, but don't stop there! If we are going to break down the stigma of mental health, we need to all do our part in spreading awareness. So think of a friend or family member who might enjoy this episode too...and share it! Whether you are trying to understand your own child or someone else's child, this information is crucial to know!
6--How to Use Personality to Parent Effectively: Navigating Your Child's Emotional Needs and Challenging Behavior
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 33:28
Ever feel like parenting is like solving a Rubik’s cube?
Your child’s personality might just be the missing piece that puts it all in place!
This week on Calm Connection, we’re unlocking the secrets to your child’s behavior by diving into their personality strengths, struggles, and emotional needs—and trust me, it’s a game changer. Whether your kiddo is a Noise Maker, Peace Maker, Plan Maker, or Rule Maker, you’ll discover some aha! moments to help make parenting a little more fun and a lot more connected!
Get ready for some real talk about those emotional needs we sometimes overlook and how meeting them can completely change the game for you and your kid. You’ll walk away with tips and tricks you can use to navigate those sticky moments—without losing your cool. Let’s make parenting a little more fun and a lot more connected!"
In this episode, you will:
Discover how your child’s personality type influences their behavior and what that means for your parenting approach.
Learn why understanding emotional needs is essential for reducing challenging behaviors and fostering better connections.
Get practical tips for using personality insights to navigate those tricky parenting moments with more confidence and calm.
**Resources Available: The episode promotes "The You Zoo" book for deeper insights into personalities, as well as the online personality course: Learning the Language of Your Child’s Heart— https://www.calmconnectionparent.com/learnthelanguage
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*** 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.
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.
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.
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.
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