Explore every episode of the podcast The Peaceful Parenting Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talking with Kids about Global Crisis with Desireé B. Stephens: Episode 205 | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:48:57 | |
You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, OR— BRAND NEW: we’ve included a fully edited transcript of our interview at the bottom of this post. In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I have a conversation with Desireé B. Stephens about her 10 conscious steps to talking to kids about global crisis. **If you’d like an ad-free version of the podcast, consider becoming a supporter on Substack! If you already ARE a supporter, the ad-free version is waiting for you in the Substack app or you can enter the private feed URL in the podcast player of your choice. You can find the private feed URL for the ad-free version in your Substack account settings under “manage subscription”. Know someone who might appreciate this post? Share it with them! We talk about: * 7:30 What inspired Desiree to write about talking to kids about global crisis * 9:50 1- Start with consent not control * 12:30 How to rest, reset, resist * 15:00 2- Ask, don’t assume * 16:34 3- Name the reality, not the details * 20:24 4- Honour their hidden hives * 24:00 5- Let them see your grief with boundaries * 28:00 6- Link emotions to actionable compassion * 31:00 7- Revisit, don’t one and done * 35:00 8- Build their critical consciousness * 39:00 9- Co-creating boundaries for when it’s too much * 42:00 10- Root it all in relationship, not rhetoric Resources mentioned in this episode: * Screen Free Audio Book Player https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/yoto * The Peaceful Parenting Membership https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/membership * Concious Parenting for Social Justice Collective https://parentingdecolonized.com/join-the-collective/ * IG post: Conscious Steps to Talking with Kids about Global Crisis with Desiree B Stephens * https://desireebstephens.bio/digitalproducts Connect with Sarah Rosensweet: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/ * Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup * YouTube: Peaceful Parenting with Sarah Rosensweet @peacefulparentingwithsarah4194 * Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com * Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting * Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter * Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php xx Sarah and Corey Your peaceful parenting team- click here for a free short consult or a coaching session Visit our website for free resources, podcast, coaching, membership and more! >> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, "Weekend Reflections" and "Weekend Support" - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in the spring for a third year). All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others. In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything’ session. Our sponsors: YOTO is a screen free audio book player that lets your kids listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts and more without screens, and without being connected to the internet. No one listening or watching and they can’t go where you don’t want them to go and they aren’t watching screens. BUT they are being entertained or kept company with audio that you can buy from YOTO or create yourself on one of their blank cards. Check them out HERE Interview Transcript: Talking with Kids about Global Crisis with Desireé B. Stephens: Episode 205 Sarah: Today's guest is Desiree B. Stephens, and we are going to be talking about 10 Conscious Steps to Talking with Kids About Global Crisis. With everything that's going on in the world right now, it's so important to know how to effectively talk to our kids about what's happening and to help them become social change-makers, rather than wanting to turn away from everything scary. I loved this conversation with Desiree. I was inspired by her and the work that she does, and I thought it would be a great overlap to have her come on and talk to us about this topic. On her Instagram, she asks the question: Ever wonder how decolonization and whole self-healing can transform our world? She and I would both agree that adding conscious parenting—or peaceful parenting—to that is really important. It's one way we are changing the world. Slowly, yes, but still changing the world. Hey Desiree, welcome to the podcast. Desiree: Hello. How are you, Sarah? Sarah: Good. I'm so glad! We’ve crossed paths a couple of times, but we've never really sat down to talk. I’m so glad to have this opportunity. Desiree: I am as well. Sarah: So, tell us about who you are and what you do. Desiree: Okay. Well, my name is Desiree B. Stephens, and I used to open up on TikTok and say, I pathologize whiteness as a system. What I do is believe in dismantling systems through somatic and trauma-informed practices and education. We work on removing shame spirals and touching on the root of the oppression that intersects us all. Sarah: Awesome. I found you—well, I knew you from Yolanda Williams—but I also came across an article you wrote on Substack that someone forwarded to me. That’s what we’re going to be talking about today. But I was also looking at your Substack, and you write about everything from parenting to history, decolonization, and politics. You cover a lot of really interesting topics. I encourage everyone to check it out—we’ll link it in the show notes. The article that really piqued my interest was titled 10 Conscious Steps to Talking with Kids About Global Crisis. This is something I get asked about a lot, and honestly, I’ve never felt like I had great answers. Now you do! So I’m excited to hear about your steps. I think conscious parents are really struggling with this right now. I know I am, both personally and as a professional. My kids are older, so they have a little more understanding—not that it makes it easier, but at least they can use logic a little bit more. Whereas little kids are like, but why? You opened your article with the line: The world is burning and our children are absorbing the smoke. How do we talk to them about war, injustice, genocide, climate collapse, and economic fear? Just a few light dinner table topics, right? So what inspired you to write this? And then let’s get into your ten steps. Desiree: What inspired me was simply that I am a conscious parent. I think we’ve all traversed different parenting styles over the years. I’ve been parenting since I was 17 years old. My youngest just started first grade, and over the years I’ve always had conversations with my children about what’s happening in the world. I think where parents struggle is that it’s innate to want to protect our children. Protection often looks like insulation. But in this current climate—having parented through the ‘90s and now parenting kids who have access to the entire world—it doesn’t matter if we talk about it or not. They’re going to find out. They can get on TikTok, and parental controls don’t stop that. So I asked myself: how can I do this in a trauma-informed way? How can I honor their bodies? Because, like you said, we can’t logic our way through colonization, genocide, starving people, or climate collapse. None of it makes sense. What we can do is trust what our kids are feeling, what they’re going through, and what they’re hearing from friends. So I began sitting down with them and asking: What did you hear about today? How did that make you feel? Where did that show up in your body? Our bodies tell us something. If they say, “My tummy hurt,” that’s anxiety. For example, if a child hears about a school shooting, then suddenly doesn’t want to eat and complains of a stomach ache, they’re not sick—they’re anxious. I can’t tell them, You’re safe, there’s a security guard at school. That doesn’t erase their fear. So the question is: how do we process those feelings and help them engage in social justice within a framework that makes sense to them—usually, the home? Sarah: That’s such a good point—that none of it makes sense, and that the fear is real. I love that one of your steps is asking them what they already know. But before that, you have a step that I think is so important: start with consent, not control. Can you talk about that? Desiree: I believe in consent in all things. We often talk about consent in the context of sex—like, don’t touch me here, that’s my no-no square. But consent is much broader. A touch on the shoulder could be the lead-in to inappropriate behavior. Most children who are harmed are hurt by someone they know, who has built trust. So for me, consent extends to all things—including conversations. That ties into the second step, which is: What have you heard? But it begins with consent: Would you like to talk about this today? How are you feeling? Do you have questions? It lets them lead and make a choice. Because sometimes, even I don’t want to talk about it. Sometimes I just want to eat dinner or relax, not think about the world burning. And if I feel that way, surely they do too. Sarah: You know what I love about that? I think of my oldest child, who’s 24 now. From day one, he carried this existential angst. He cares so deeply about everything we’re talking about, but he’s always had a hard time putting it down. As he was growing up, I kept saying, It’s amazing that you care so deeply and you go to protests, but you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. That’s such an important lesson—and it’s embedded in your idea of starting with consent. Desiree: Exactly. Right now, I’m in what I call a season of rest, reset, resist. On my Substack, I’ve been writing lessons on these themes: two on resting, two on resetting, and two on resisting. There’s no way this work can be sustainable if we live in constant crisis. If we only focus on the terror, we lose the joy. But joy and rest are also acts of resistance. They are resilience. For example, in my work on decolonization, I remind people that these systems have existed for thousands of years. And yet—we’re still here. That should bring joy. It’s proof of resilience. White-bodied people who are new to anti-racism work or activism often burn out quickly. They go to every march, every meeting, until they’re exhausted. And I ask: When are you just going to take a walk? When are you going to gather with friends and celebrate? This doesn’t have to feel like an emergency all the time. That sense of urgency is one of the pillars of supremacy culture. Not everything is urgent. We’re still here. Sarah: Yeah. Desiree: And that’s why it’s so important to balance. Otherwise, kids end up feeling crushed under the weight of global crisis, on top of their own developmental changes. Sometimes the best response is: Okay, baby, breathe. Sarah: Yes. And so, by starting with consent, you give them the choice to say, Tonight I’m just going to play video games, even if there was a school lockdown earlier that day. Desiree: Exactly. That’s fine. Because later is coming. These conversations are not going away. Activism has to be sustainable. You have to know your capacity. Not everyone can march. Some people write emails. Some people color with their kids and talk about it during that time. That’s valid too. Sarah: I love that. Desiree: Coloring with your kids, reading children around the world books, talking about culture—these are beautiful, simple ways to weave in social justice. It doesn’t have to be violent or traumatizing. Sarah: Yes—because if you traumatize people, they shut down. And then nothing gets done. So, your second step is ask, don’t assume. Ask them what they’ve heard, what they know, and how they feel. And your third step is name the reality, not the details. Tell us about that. Desiree: This changes with age. I have children from adulthood down to six years old. So, for example, when my kids ask about expensive sneakers, I explain: They cost $3 to make, using child labor. That’s why I won’t pay $300 for them. That’s naming the reality—without overwhelming them with traumatic details. Similarly, with Gaza, I don’t need to show my kids graphic images of starving babies. That’s traumatizing. The reality is enough: This is happening. People are suffering. Children don’t need trauma dumps. We can speak clearly without overwhelming them. For a younger child, it could be as simple as: Some leaders are hurting people, and some people are standing up to stop it. Sarah: Right. And you use examples at home too, like play-fighting among siblings. One child steps in and says, That’s too rough. That’s social justice on a small scale. Desiree: Exactly. Small examples at home translate to global understanding. We can show kids that standing up for others matters. And then we help them find their own capacity—whether it’s writing letters, talking about it, or making a video. Sarah: Yes. And if you just pour out trauma, kids will shut down. Desiree: Exactly. Sarah: So step four is honor their hidden hives. What does that mean? Desiree: Kids have their own communities, their own secret lives. Online especially, they connect globally—with Palestinian friends, Jewish friends, Congolese friends, kids in red states, kids with MAGA parents. Their reach is global in a way ours never was. So, honoring their hidden hives means respecting that their conversations matter. Ask: What are you and your friends talking about? What do they think? Don’t dismiss them as “just kids.” They often understand more than we do. Sarah: Yes! I remember being dismissed by adults as a child, and how frustrating that felt. I had real thoughts and opinions. That’s a kind of adult-centrism, and I know that’s a theme in your work. Desiree: Exactly. Center kids in their own lives. What matters to them matters—just like what matters to us in our friendships. Sarah: Okay, now step five: Let them see your grief, with boundaries. This is a hard one for me. I cry easily when talking about these topics, but I don’t want to traumatize my kids. Desiree: But why do we think crying is traumatizing? Sarah: I guess I worry that if they see me overwhelmed, they’ll feel overwhelmed too. Desiree: The opposite can also happen. If you never let them see you grieve, they may feel they have to hold it in as well. Our parents and grandparents grew up in eras of war, enslavement, displacement. They learned to “button it up” and carry on. They raised us to believe there’s “no crying in baseball.” But my parenting journey has been about humanizing myself. I don’t want my kids to only realize I’m human after I die. If they see me cry about a world in crisis, that teaches them it’s okay to feel deeply too. Now, the boundary is important—we don’t completely fall apart in front of them. They still need to feel safe. If a parent collapses emotionally, kids may feel like they have to take care of the parent. That’s the line we don’t want to cross. Sarah: Yes—that’s exactly what I was worried about. Desiree: Right. So we want to find that balance of communal care. We take care of each other here, right? Let’s set aside a moment for grief. How are you feeling? What are you grieving today? What made you feel sad? What made you feel displaced? What made you feel unheard, unseen, unloved? Let’s get into that. Let’s feel that for a moment. And then — what could feel different? What could we all do better as a community? This made me feel bad when you said that. I share with my kids: “When you don’t do X, Y, and Z, it makes me feel like you don’t care about what I think. And that hurts me.” Right? I don’t want to be a parent who just seems angry. I want to be clear that I’m hurt. That hurt my feelings. And I love you so much, I care about you so much, that your feelings matter to me — but I also want to matter to you. And that, for me, is communal care. Sarah: You mentioned a couple of sentences back about “what can we do,” which links nicely into your next step: link emotions to actionable compassion. There’s that Mr. Rogers quote about whenever anything bad is happening, look for the helpers. And research shows that when you have big emotions without feeling like you can do anything, that’s when kids (and adults) turn cynical. So maybe you could give us a couple of examples. You already mentioned going to marches and emailing. But what are some other things you’ve done with your kids, or that you’ve seen other people do with their kids, that connect emotions to actionable compassion? Desiree: Well, again, it all ties together. What’s your capacity? What are you able to do that’s long-term and sustainable? When the George Floyd protests were happening, my eldest was outside. She said, “Absolutely not. I’m not going to march, I’m not going to take risks.” I said, “Okay, but how do you feel? Do you feel like you’re making a difference?” She started going out with water and sandwiches. That turned into a nonprofit — Feed the Revolution. Donations poured in. We even had to get a storage unit for all the water and dry goods. That’s linking compassion and passion with actionable steps. It was something she could do safely. And that’s how you bring in community care. Other people couldn’t march, but they could bring food, bring water, or look for the helper. With kids, it might look different. If they have a Discord group, maybe they can have a conversation once a week: What are your thoughts on this? How do you feel? That’s activism too. Sharing, course correcting, letting people know, “Hey, that was harmful. Can we do better?” So: What are you feeling? What do you have the capacity for? What’s sustainable? And what can we do? Sarah: And you mentioned even some quiet things, like coloring with your kids, learning about kids around the world, lighting a candle at home, making art for peace, or helping someone locally. Even helping actions that aren’t tied to a “cause,” but are just about kindness. Desiree: But that is the issue, right? Because then you start raising helpers. The other day, we had some leftover curry. My son Kira said, “I don’t want any more… but can we box it up and give it to somebody?” I said, “I love that. Great. Let’s microwave some rice, put it in a container, and go outside to share it.” So now he’s learning about not wasting food, about climate collapse, about taking care of community. And people often think it has to be big. “Oh, you need to feed 50 people.” But you fed one. That matters. Sarah: Even if it’s just your next-door neighbor who doesn’t cook much — bring them some food. Desiree: Or the burned-out parent who’s doing all the caretaking. How nice would it be to say, “Hey, I got dinner for you. I know you’ve already fed your kids. Let someone take care of you.” That shows your children you can make a difference without it having to be huge. The fatigue comes from feeling like we need to combat everything at once. That’s overwhelming, and overwhelming leads to burnout. Sarah: Right. Desiree: Liberation isn’t one-and-done. It isn’t a single conversation. It’s a practice, a relationship, a rhythm. You’re modeling that the truth takes time, and we don’t have to rush. Sarah: I love that. It’s like conversations about sex, right? You don’t have one talk and then you’re done. You keep talking as kids grow and change. Desiree: Exactly. When I talk about liberation work and decolonization, it’s about creating a culture shift. None of us like to feel lectured to. Making it conversational changes everything. It becomes about solution-finding: there’s a problem, what’s the solution, what are the steps? That teaches kids that even if a problem can’t be completely eradicated, we can do something. Harm reduction matters. How can we create less harm and do more good? Sarah: And it leaves space for thought and choice. For example, my daughter’s iPhone screen broke. She wondered if she should just buy a new phone. I told her, “I’m not going to judge you, but my value is: fix what’s still good.” It might not be the most practical or cheapest option, but it feels better ethically. So we talked. And then she made her own decision. Desiree: Yes, exactly. It’s harm reduction again. And you gave her the choice — you didn’t say, “Absolutely not.” Sarah: Right. Desiree: That’s powerful. Sarah: Okay, so your next step is build their critical consciousness. This means inviting them to go deeper — asking questions like, “Who benefits from this system? What would fairness look like? What do you wish adults would do differently?” Desiree: Yes. The safest place to practice that questioning is at home. But that’s hard in a hierarchical society. Sarah: Right, you’re like, “Question other people, not me!” (laughs) Desiree: Exactly. But raising reflective rebels — kids who can think critically, even with us — is essential. We even did this around bedtime. My kids didn’t want a set bedtime. I explained why rest matters. Then we co-created a boundary: “Okay, stay up as late as you want, but you have to get up happily, on time, and not be dysregulated at school.” It lasted less than two weeks! They realized for themselves that lack of sleep doesn’t work. That’s better than me saying “Because I said so.” They learned through experience. Sarah: That’s such a good example of co-creating boundaries. What does that look like in the context of activism and social justice? Desiree: It’s about recognizing reality. Not everyone is open to these conversations, especially because they’re kids, and also because they’re Black and neurodiverse. They need to know when to call me in, and when to stand firm with a respectful “no.” For example, my kids don’t do homework. I don’t want them indoctrinated into an 80-hour work week. They come home to rest, play, and have a balanced life. That’s our boundary. Sarah: Yes, that’s so good. Desiree: And finally, root it all in relationship, not rhetoric. If I don’t trust you, I won’t have conversations with you. Punitive parenting “works,” but only out of fear. The opposite of fear is radical love. Our kids need us to see them as human beings and build real relationships with them. That includes repair when we mess up. Restoration is key. Sarah: Yes. Desiree: Parenting is inherently hierarchical, and that creates a power imbalance. It can be abusive if we’re not conscious of that. So our goal is to shift from power over to power with. That’s how we raise kids who believe in communal power — and who grow up ready to change the world. Sarah: I love that. That’s a hopeful place to stop. Thank you so much. Desiree: Thank you. Sarah: One last question I ask all my guests: if you could go back to your younger parent self, what advice would you give? Desiree: Parent the child in front of you. That’s the best advice I ever got. Don’t parent from your own trauma. Sarah: Beautiful. And where can people find you? Desiree: My Substack is desireebstephens.com — that’s Stephens with a PH. I also co-host Parenting Decolonized with Yolanda, and we run a parenting support group. I’ll share those links. Sarah: Perfect. We’ll put all of that in the show notes. Thank you again. Desiree: Thank you. Sarah: We’re all out here trying to change the world. Slowly, but sustainably. Desiree: Absolutely. >> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, "Weekend Reflections" and "Weekend Support" - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in November for the 3rd year!) All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others. In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything’ session. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| "I'm not going to school!" School Avoidance and Anxiety with Lynn Lyons | 30 Aug 2025 | 00:53:36 | |
This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is my fourth interview with anxiety expert Lynn Lyons! We discuss how to handle school avoidance, including: how to figure out the root cause of school avoidance, how anxiety works including physical symptoms, and how to teach parents and children how to handle anxiety when it inevitably shows up. We talk about: 4:31 Finding the root cause to school avoidance 7:00 Using “home days” when kids need a break 9:00 Normalizing needing breaks, rather than pathologizing 11:40 Emotionally based school avoidance- includes anxiety and depression 16:00 How anxiety can cause physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches 23:03 Teaching kids and parents to tolerate uncertainty 30:00 Why techniques to “get rid” of worry don’t work 32:00 How to talk back to worry 48:13 How to handle “The Moment of Goodbye” when dropping kids off Resources mentioned in this episode: Three Skills to Protect Our Kids’ Mental Health with Lynn Lyons https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode35/ Membership Q&A – How to Help Anxious Kids in Real Life Scenarios with Lynn Lyons https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode45/ How Anxiety Shows Up in Our Parenting and What to Do About It with Lynn Lyons https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode-99-how-anxiety-shows-up-in-our-parenting-and-what-to-do-about-it-with-lynn-lyons/ Lynn Lyon’s podcast Flusterclux https://www.flusterclux.com/episodes/ Lynn’s website https://www.lynnlyons.com/ Connect with Sarah Rosensweet Support us on Substack: https://sarahrosensweet.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Hey Parents, Stop Talking! Episode 197 | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:39:33 | |
In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, Corey and I cover eight different times when parents tend to talk too much to their kids! We discuss times when you can make minor tweaks such as when kids are engrossed in play or when we are giving kids directions. As well as major changes we can make such as not talking at all when kids are completely dysregulated or upset. 1, 2, 3, STOP TALKING!
We talk about: · 2:20 Stop talking when kids are engrossed in play · 4:17 We don’t have to make it a teachable moment · 7:52 Giving unnecessary directions to our kids · 10:33 Problems with praise · 13:00 The Zone of Regulation as a guide for when and when not to talk · 24:00 Over explaining ourselves when setting limits · 28:00 Avoiding safety chatter · 30:45 Stop talking when kids have a problem
Download the episode transcript HERE
Resources mentioned in this episode:
· Coaching with Sarah or Corey · Our Peaceful Parenting Membership · Podcast about not making it a teachable moment · https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/five-reasons-stop-saying-good-job/ · Podcast about cultivating nonchalance
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 122: All Things Sensory Processing Disorder with Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:47:05 | |
In this episode, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill join me to talk about all things sensory processing disorder. Rachel, COTA/L, AC and Jessica, COTA/L are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and the hosts of the popular podcast, All Things Sensory. Their podcast, digital courses, YouTube, and blog on Harkla.co covers topics related to sensory processing disorder, special needs, parenting, and topics related to child development and health.
With over 9 years of clinical experience, Rachel and Jessica are on a mission to help parents, educators, and therapists raise strong and confident children, no matter their abilities. They are passionate about taking clinical topics (such as Sensory Processing Disorder, primitive reflexes, sensory diets, and more) and breaking them down in a way that is actionable for anyone to benefit from.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 121: How To Raise Kids Who Aren't Jerks with Melinda Wenner Moyer | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:48:16 | |
In this episode, Melinda Wenner Moyer joins me to talk about her book, and a range of topics around bullying, raising kids that aren’t selfish, and how to help our kids develop self esteem.
Melinda Wenner Moyer is a science journalist based in Cold Spring, New York. She's a regular contributor to The New York Times, a contributing editor at Scientific American magazine, and a faculty member in the Science, Health & Environmental Reporting program at NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Her first book, How To Raise Kids Who Aren’t A******s, was published in July 2021 and won a gold medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards.
Melinda was the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Science Journalism award from The Society for Personality and Social Psychology, the 2019 Bricker Award for Science Writing in Medicine, and her work was featured in the 2020 Best American Science and Nature Writing anthology.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 120: Supporting Neurodivergent and BIPOC Parents and Children with Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:46:29 | |
In this episode, we dive into the world of neurodivergent parenting with Jaya and Priya. We explore their backgrounds and the vital work they do in this space, shedding light on the essence of neurodivergence. They share their motivations behind writing "Parenting at the Intersection" and discuss challenges they face as neurodivergent parents. We also delve into themes like normalizing emotional overwhelm, the link between parenting, supremacy, and capitalism, and empowering individuals to navigate external influences. Plus, discover hidden wisdom within children's behaviors and practical strategies for tough moments, all while receiving heartfelt advice from our guests to their younger parent selves.
Priya Saaral is a mama, a play therapist, and a parenting coach in the Greater Seattle area. She also identifies as neurodivergent and a first-generation immigrant settler. Her work is centered on helping young people and parents find their voice and their playful spirit amidst personal and structural adversity, seeking to be seen and to belong. Priya herself was in this space too, and her own experiences of strength and hardship motivated her to help all children feel seen and heard as valuable human beings in society, and as agents of change. When she's feeling playful, you may likely find her engrossed in a jigsaw puzzle, on the wrestling mat with her son, or replenishing her cup by exploring South Indian Classical and Jazz music forms. Jaya Ramesh is a cis, immigrant, neurodivergent woman of color, who holds caste, class, and education privileges. She currently resides on the unceded lands of the Duwamish peoples. Jaya's passions revolve around creating liberatory healing and learning spaces while actively working to disentangle from and dismantle systems of oppression. She identifies herself as a truth-teller and facilitator, driven by a deep passion for unlocking the stories waiting to be shared, both within herself and among others. In her private practice, Jaya supports BIPOC and neurodivergent individuals in cultivating more authentic and nourishing relationships. She shares her life with her partner of 18 years, and together they are raising two neurodivergent children and a puppy. Jaya's interests encompass reading novels, practicing vipassana meditations, challenging herself with strenuous hikes, indulging in long naps, passionately singing 80's tunes at karaoke, preparing elaborate dinners, and taking leisurely strolls with her family. Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Priya and Jaya
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 119: Coaching with Jessica: Making Stressful Mornings Easier | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:47:23 | |
In this episode, I sit down for a coaching episode with Jessica, who is a mom of two. We talk about the morning chaos, which many of us can relate to, especially as we get the hang of new routines and back to school. She also shares about her own triggers, internal stress, and letting go of the fear of disappointing our kids.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 118: Raising Kids in the Era of Technology with Devorah Heitner | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:39:31 | |
In this episode, Dr. Devorah Heitner joins me to talk about raising kids in the era of technology, and different tools and strategies to implement, all while continuing to respect their privacy. Dr. Heitner is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her book on navigating Privacy and Reputation with kids and teens, Growing Up in Public will be out in 2023 with Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Devorah’s Books
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 117: Raising Lifelong Learners - At Home or At School with Julie Bogart | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:46:55 | |
In this episode, Julie Bogart joins me to talk about homeschooling: the positives, the challenges and advice for parents looking to potentially homeschool their children. We also discuss learning in general. You’ll want to listen to this whether you homeschool or send your kids to school! Julie Bogart is the creator and proprietor of Brave Writer, an online writing and language arts program. She holds a deep passion for writing, a genuine affection for children, and a strong appreciation for parents. Julie sees her involvement with these three aspects as a fortuitous and delightful convergence of her affections, which she experiences on a daily basis.
In her earlier professional journey, she invested time in the realm of professional writing, engaging in activities such as editing, ghostwriting, and freelancing. However, as her children approached the stage of transitioning from pencil control to self-expressive writing, Julie's inclination shifted towards coaching. This transformation was driven by her recognition that she found the most fulfillment in guiding and facilitating the emergence of original thoughts in others. Resources mentioned in this episode:
Julie’s Books
Connect with Julie
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 116: Work, Parent, Thrive: Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm and Grow Connections with Yael Schonbrun | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:47:25 | |
In this episode, Yael joins me to talk about her new book, as well as how to feel less guilty and overwhelmed in your parenting. Yael Schonbrun is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, and author of Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like too Much). We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Yael
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 115: When Your Kid Hates School | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:17:23 | |
In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question whose eight year old daughter hates school. As some parts of the country are going back to school now, we are all getting ready to start that season again. Listen in for tips on how to navigate this question and support your kiddo through this challenging moment.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Calm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:33:47 | |
Today we have a different kind of conversation for you. It’s not an episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast but instead it’s an episode of the Calm the Chaos Podcast hosted by my friend Dayna Abraham.
She will share everything you need to know about surviving challenging behavior from your kids, as well as her four step Ride the Storm Plan that can help you survive the eye of the storm and remain calm during your kids' challenging behavior.
Dayna is the founder of the Calm the Chaos® Framework, best-selling author of The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day and founder of the popular blog, Lemon Lime Adventures.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Dayna Abraham
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 114: Needs and Boundaries for Parents and Children with Sonali Vongchusiri | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:48:22 | |
In this episode, Sonali Vongchusiri joins me to discuss needs and boundaries for both parents and children. In traditional parenting, we are taught that the needs of our children come after our own needs – but what if they can both co-exist together? Sonali is a parent guide and the founder of the beloved Raising Your Strong-Willed Child series. She possesses a unique style that incorporates her own experiences as a sensitive, high-needs child who later became a parent to a highly sensitive, strong-willed child. Sonali combines heart-centered and empowering parenting approaches to help parents become aware of the underlying challenges causing unrest in their relationships. Her true passion lies in supporting parents to rediscover trust, connection, confidence, and delight in themselves and their bond with their child. We talk about:
Highly sensitive and intuitive, Sonali finds breaking through barriers to be enjoyable. She believes in the wisdom and presence of both children and parents during their interactions. Originally from the US with Indian origin, Sonali now resides in Bangkok. Her albinism gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to see people in ways they might not see themselves. Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sonali
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times with Melinda Wenner Moyer: Episode 196 | 28 May 2025 | 00:43:05 | |
This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is a conversation with journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book Hello, cruel World Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times. This is Melinda’s second time on the podcast, and this time we cover what the research says about teaching kids self-compassion, managing tech use, preventing addiction, achievement culture, and more!
We talk about:
Download the episode transcript HERE
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 113: Healthy Gaming with Dr. Alok Kanojia | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:48:31 | |
In this episode, Dr. Alok Kanojia joins me to discuss video games and healthy gaming for our kiddos. Dr. Kanojia is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in the intersection of technology x mental health. Also known as ”Dr. K” to millions of people on the internet, Dr. Kanojia is the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform that serves the gaming community. He has inspired millions of people with online content while overseeing the mental health coaching of thousands of young people. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert on video game addiction and most prominent mental health authority for young people. When he’s offline, he’s usually traveling, gardening, or grilling with his family.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Dr. Alok
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 112: Anxiety and Aggression with Karen Young | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:48:19 | |
In this episode, Karen Young joins me on the Peaceful Parenting Podcast to talk about co-regulation, anxiety, and aggression that sometimes comes to light within our kiddos. Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice. She has worked extensively with children, teens and families, and in educational and organization settings. She has lectured and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. Karen created Hey Sigmund, an internationally popular online resource, as a way to provide contemporary, research-driven information on the art of being human, and being with humans.
We talk about:
She is the author of four books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’, which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety. The books have been translated into a number of languages and have sold more than 180,000 copies worldwide. Karen lives in Australia and has two children and two stepchildren. Experience has taught her that people can do amazing things with the right information, psychology has something for everyone, jargon doesn’t, everyone has a story to tell, short bios are the longest to write, nobody has it all figured out and the best people to be around are the ones who already know this.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Karen
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| FREE WORKSHOP + LIVE Q&A – Peaceful Discipline: How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate Without Using Punishments | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:01:46 | |
I’m popping onto your podcast feed today to let you know I am hosting a *free* workshop on Thursday, July 27 at 8pm EST.
It’s called Peaceful Discipline: How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate Without Using Punishments and I would love for you to join me.
You can go and sign up for free at www.sarahrosensweet.com/freeworkshop.
If you can't make it live, I will have a replay available for you that you can watch later. If you’re there live, I will be answering all of your questions about discipline and how to get your kids to listen to you without using yelling, threats, bribes, punishment, all of those things that we don't want to use in peaceful parenting!
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 111: 8 Pitfalls of Peaceful Parenting and What to do About Them | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:28:29 | |
In this episode, I take you through the eight pitfalls of peaceful parenting that I have learned through my coaching and parenting years.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost in your own peaceful parenting journey, these pitfalls may be helpful in helping you reframe your mindset, find community, and validation in your feelings.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 110: Supporting Executive Function with Seth Perler | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:52:29 | |
In this episode, Seth Perler joins me to unpack executive function, what to be on the lookout for, and how to help parents become more aware of hidden red flags.
Seth Perler is an educational coach and advocate for students with executive functioning challenges, such as ADHD and learning disabilities. He offers coaching, resources, and strategies to help students improve their organization, time management, and study skills.
We talk about:
As you can read on his website, Seth Perler struggled with his own executive functioning challenges throughout his academic journey. He experienced difficulties with organization, focus, and productivity, which led to academic setbacks. However, he eventually developed strategies and techniques that helped him overcome these challenges and achieve success.
Seth Perler now shares his insights and expertise through his website, blog, coaching sessions, and online courses. His goal is to support students, parents, and educators in understanding and addressing executive functioning difficulties to unlock their full potential.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Seth
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 109: Building Community and The Unlikely Village of Eden with Emma Nadler | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:39:24 | |
In this episode, Emma Nadler joins me to talk about building compassionate relationships and community, especially as parents.
Emma Nadler is an author, speaker, and psychotherapist. In her private practice, she helps people better understand and tolerate emotions, build deeper relationships, and find meaning in life's challenges. She is passionate about transforming her own experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities into empathy, compassion, humor, and stories.
Her memoir, The Unlikely Village of Eden, is about learning to adapt and accept when life doesn’t go to plan, redefining community, and creating your own imperfect path.
We talk about:
PLEASE NOTE: Listening to this podcast in no way creates a client/therapist relationship with Emma Nadler. This is educational in nature. No legal, counseling, or other professional services are being rendered and nothing is intended to provide such services or advice of any kind. If you are having a mental health emergency, please contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also text or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Emma
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 108: How to Develop Better Communication with Your Kids with Linda Murphy | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:47:24 | |
In this episode, Linda Murphy joins me to discuss how to develop better communication between kids and parents. Linda is a speech language pathologist and RDI® Consultant. She co-founded Peer Projects Therapy From the Heart, a clinic in Beverly, MA dedicated to helping kids and families by using a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness. Linda has been working with individuals with social learning differences for over 25 years. We talk about:
She leads trainings on the topic of social learning, has authored Declarative Language Handbook, Co-Regulation Handbook, numerous articles, and co-authored the book Social Thinking and Me with Michelle Garcia Winner. Linda lives north of Boston with her husband and their two busy lovable boys.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Linda
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 107: Coaching with Beth: Blame, Shame and Wanting a More Peaceful Home | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:56:01 | |
In this episode, Beth joins me to talk about transforming our mindset around blame, removing the shame of parenting responses, and wanting a more peaceful home.
Beth is the mom of three kids, and her third child, Sophie, is one of our kids that we call “more” or “extra”.
Beth is relatively new to Peaceful Parenting, and is a member of my Peaceful Parenting membership. She wanted some more help with making sure that she was on the right track with Sophie, and we worked together to find solutions and tools to the challenges she was facing.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 106: Breaking Kids Out of ‘The Man Box’ with Jonathon Reed | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:48:46 | |
In this episode, Jonathon Reed joins me to talk about ‘the man box.’ The man box is the way we limit boys and men - and our relationships with them- with a rigid view about masculinityWe also discuss how as parents we can support our boys, help them tap into their emotions and help them to develop emotional health and intimacy.
Jonathon is Youth Program Manager with a nonprofit organization called Next Gen Men, which means he does workshops and presentations at schools, trainings for teachers, a Discord server and a summer camp program all about supporting boys’ wellbeing and challenging gender-based violence.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Jonathan
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 105: Conscious Parenting with Domari Dickinson | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:38:48 | |
In this episode, Domari Dickinson shares her journey from traditional parenting to peaceful (or conscious) parenting. We explore the challenges and complexities of this transformative process, discussing practical strategies for repairing relationships and implementing conscious parenting principles in larger families.
We also talk about decolonizing the family's microsystem, and how to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for children. Domari also discusses her experience with unschooling.
Domari Dickinson is a parenting coach and mom of four who helps moms identify and break toxic parenting patterns. After working as an educator and instructional coach for over 15 years, Domari decided to use her teaching and curriculum design skills to create programs that provide parents with clear, easy-to-implement techniques to become more positive, purposeful, and effective parents.
We talk about:
Through her parenting programs, workshops, online challenges, and 1-on-1 coaching, Domari has helped countless parents across the United States navigate the everyday challenges of life with kids using proven, research-based strategies. She is passionate about building a community of women who are committed to challenging popular parenting norms as they groom their kids for success in a loving, peaceful, and respectful home environment.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Domari
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| My Unusual Suggestion for Big Feelings and Aggressive Meltdowns- Coaching with Charlotte: Episode 195 | 21 May 2025 | 01:00:21 | |
This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is a coaching call with Charlotte who has a 7-year-old, 4-year-old, and 3-year-old. We had an interesting conversation about when we are giving too much empathy to sensitive kids and all the nuance around having a more nonchalant attitude to big feelings. We also discussed self regulation challenges and how to set limits with little kids. We talk about:
Download the episode transcript HERE
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 104: Tips for Traveling with Kids | 31 May 2023 | 00:29:19 | |
In this episode, Corey and I discuss our best tips for traveling with kids.
We know that traveling with our kids can be challenging, and there are tips and mindset hacks you can adopt and use in your own travel journeys. We cover meltdowns, setting expectations, routines, emotional backpacks, and more.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 103: Playful Parenting with Lawrence Cohen | 24 May 2023 | 00:56:58 | |
In this episode, Lawrence Cohen joins me on the show to talk about how play and roughhousing can help you in your parenting. We talk about everything from why we need to be playful, to aggression, to calming our kids down, and incorporating more fun and play into our days. Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD, is a psychologist and the author of Playful Parenting and The Opposite of Worry. His newest book is Unplug and Play: The Illustrated Guide to Roughhousing with Your Kids, co-authored with Anthony Debenedet. We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Lawrence
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 102: Coaching with Samantha: Parenting Struggles with A Sensitive, Intense Child | 17 May 2023 | 00:53:12 | |
In this episode, Samantha, mom of two boys aged four and five, shares her journey of transitioning from traditional parenting approaches to Peaceful Parenting. She talks about how she struggles with her older son, who is more intense and requires a different approach.
Samantha talks about how hard it is for her to handle noise, conflict, sibling rivalry, and more.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 101: Mindful Parenting PLUS Kids and Sports with Oliver Levy | 10 May 2023 | 00:54:59 | |
In this episode, Oliver Levy joins me to talk about mindful parenting. Plus since he’s a sports coach and a sports dad, as well as a parenting coach, I asked him about the peaceful approach to kids and sports.
Oliver Levy is the Ceo and Founder of MPTK. He became a parenting coach in 2016. He became a retired yeller in 2017. He no longer yells or raises his voice at his children. He retired as a parent in 2019. He is now a mentor to his children. Both him and his wife are living their best lives as parents and they are just loving it. He has been married to his beautiful Queen Lisa since 2007. He has 3 children (ages 29, 14, & 11).
Oliver has been there, in the same shoes as parents who struggled with temper tantrums, kids not listening, whining, sibling battles, co-parenting battles, teenager issues and more.
We talk about:
The misbehaviors mentioned above caused him many challenges in his marriage. After having several meltdowns, and constantly yelling at home, he became determined to find a healthier, happier means of raising great kids without losing control.
This was the catalyst for developing Mindful Parenting Tools. He immersed himself in the study and principles of Adlerian Psychology and several child psychologists and parenting experts.
Oliver believes that trauma can affect kids when it comes to self-esteem, self-confidence, resilience, being respectful, taking responsibility and setting goals so they can create the life that they desire. He also believes that parents, teachers, sports coaches and other caregivers in the community must be equipped with modern-day parenting tools & strategies to avoid trauma in the home and in the community.
He is on a mission to equip 10 million parents with actionable steps so they too, can feel composed and confident when guiding their children to greater achievements with fewer frustration despite any past trauma.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Oliver
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 100: When Your Child Has a Preferred Parent (or Not) with Sarah and Corey | 03 May 2023 | 00:29:12 | |
In this episode, Corey and I sit down for a joint episode about when your child has a preferred parent (or not).
We talk about various ideas for sparking connection within your family unit, the normalcy of primary and secondary attachment, taking turns at bedtime, tips for bedtime routines, understanding how it feels to be the preferred parent, the importance of play, and effective communication as partners, and so much more.
**GIVEAWAY** To help celebrate hitting 100 episodes, from May 3 to May 17, choose a podcast episode that you love, screenshot it, share it, and tag me or send it to me. We will enter you into our contest to win either one year in our Peaceful Parenting membership, access to My Transform Your Family Life online course or private coaching.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 099: How Anxiety Shows Up in Our Parenting and What to Do About It with Lynn Lyons | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:51:04 | |
In this episode, Lynn Lyons joins me on the podcast to talk about anxiety and how it shows up in adults and in our parenting.
Lynn has been on the podcast twice before – be sure to check out the other two episodes linked below once you’re done listening to this one.
Our conversation today centers around her new book, The Anxiety Audit, and she gives us tangible tips to transform our relationship with anxiety starting today.
We talk about:
Lynn is a psychotherapist, author and speaker in Concord, New Hampshire. She has been in private practice for 28 years, and specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children.
She travels globally as a speaker and trainer on the subject of anxiety, its role in families, and the need for a preventative approach at home and in schools.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Lynn
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 098: Puberty Prep and Support for Kids with Dr. Rachael Gibson and special guest Sarah’s daughter | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:41:26 | |
In this episode, I have two special guests to talk about puberty and the changes our kids experience during this time.
First up is Rachael E. Gibson, PhD, MPH, MS, MEd (she/her/ella), the Senior Program Manager of AMAZE Education at Advocates for Youth. Dr. Gibson is an AASECT Certified Sex Educator based in Miami, Florida and Cape Town, South Africa and has taught comprehensive sexuality education all over the U.S. and the world.
Dr. Gibson talks about the specifics when it comes to puberty, the changes our kids go through on a physical, emotional and mental level, and how to help them navigate these changes as parents.
Our second guest is my teenage daughter, Maxine, who shares her experience getting her first period, going through puberty and having a ‘red party’.
We talk about:
Dr. Gibson has over 20 years of experience in the health and sexuality education field, and currently serves on the SHAPE National Health Education Council. Prior to joining the AFY/AMAZE team, Dr. Gibson was an Instructional Coach and Content Specialist in the NYC Department of Education, Office of School Wellness Programs. Dr. Gibson also spent 17 years as a secondary health education teacher in California and New York.
In addition to her work with AMAZE and AFY, she is an adjunct professor in Widener University's Center for Human Sexuality Studies. Dr. Gibson's research examines the interactions between teacher and learner identities. Her most current work titled Learner experiences of teacher gender: Associations among gender and comfort in the sexuality education classroom, offers recommendation for pre- and in-service teacher training that includes strategies for meeting the perceptions of students in affective and culturally responsive ways.
Dr. Gibson holds a B.S. in Health Science from the University of Arizona, an MPH from California State University, Long Beach, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the City College of New York, and a MEd and PhD from Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies. In her free time, she is an avid hiker, dancer, and traveler.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Dr. Gibson
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 097: When Parenting Is Hard- A Conversation With Parents Like You | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:54:52 | |
In this episode, we take a look inside my membership community, which is currently open for enrollment.
Our conversation is a beautiful example of the support, love, kindness and guidance that you will receive within this community. We focus specifically on the challenges we face as parents – from handling our ‘extra’ or ‘more’ kids, to grieving the parenting journey we thought we would have.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Free Peaceful Parenting Reset | 06 Apr 2023 | 00:02:29 | |
Hey y'all, I'm jumping in here today, which is not my usual day to be in your podcast feed because I have a couple questions for you…
How are things going with you in your parenting? Are you feeling calm and confident? Are you feeling connected to your kids?
If the answer to that question is, ‘I think it could be better, I think I could feel more calm, more confident, and more connected...’
Then you should sign up for my free Peaceful Parenting Reset starting on Monday, April 10th.
Every day, Monday through Friday, starting Monday, April 10th, I am going to be sending you an email with an assignment for the day – which only takes minutes to do.
If you’d like to join us, you can by going to www.sarahrosensweet.com/reset
If you're listening to this at a time when the reset has already passed, you can still sign up for the waitlist to be notified the next time we offer it.
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 096: When Your Child is Aggressive with Tosha Schore | 05 Apr 2023 | 01:00:40 | |
In this episode, Tosha Schore joins me to talk about what to do when your child is aggressive.
Most of us have been there – kids fighting over toys, hitting, sibling rivalry, or anger that seems to come out of nowhere. How do you handle it? Is there an effective way to deal with it?
Tosha is mom to three boys and an advocate for boys and their families. She is on a mission to create a more peaceful world, one sweet boy at a time by supporting you to care for yourself, connect with your boy deeply, set limits lovingly, and play wildly!
She brings a burst of energy and optimism to parenting, and is an expert at simple solutions to what feel like overwhelmingly complicated problems.
Through her online community and courses, Tosha helps break the isolation of modern parenting and lifts your confidence so you’re better equipped to face the challenges of raising young boys.
We talk about:
Tosha is the creator of all things Parenting Boys Peacefully, including “Parenting Boys Peacefully: A 10-Day Reconnect,” an online group experience shared by over 15,000 parents worldwide. She is also a trainer of Hand in Hand Parenting and co-author of “Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Challenges.” Tosha is also a frequent guest expert on podcasts and online and in-person conferences.
Oh! And if it makes you feel better, Tosha’s got some letters after her name…She holds a BA in Women’s Studies & Language Studies from UCSC, an MA in Applied Linguistics and a certificate in TESOL from UCLA, and is a certified trainer of instructors in Hand in Hand Parenting.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Tosha
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Single Parenting with Connection, NOT Perfection with Dr. Gila: Episode 194 | 14 May 2025 | 00:35:54 | |
This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is a conversation with Dr. Gila who is a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and peaceful parenting coach that specializes in supporting single parents. We discuss the unique challenges and blessings of being a single parent, as well as how being a single parent amplifies many aspects of the parental experience. We also cover encouraging research about attachment and how to let go of perfectionism.
We talk about:
Download the episode transcript HERE
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 095: How to Handle Your Kid Saying ‘I Hate You’ with special guest, Sarah’s teenage daughter | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:20:12 | |
In this episode, we’re answering how to handle when your child says ‘I hate you’.
Of course, when we’re on the receiving end of this, it can feel painful to hear, so how do we navigate it and what can we do about it?
This episode is inspired by my daughter, Maxine, who suggested I do this topic and share it with you. In fact, she joins me in the second half of the episode to share her perspective and what she wants parents to know.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 094: Peaceful Discipline with Sarah Moore | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:46:00 | |
In this episode, Sarah Moore joins me on the podcast to talk about what story teaching is, and why it’s important to focus on ‘play’.
We also touch on consequences, and natural consequences, when it comes to peaceful discipline.
We are also giving away a copy of Sarah’s new book. From March 22, 2023 to March 28, 2023, share a screenshot to your social media of you listening to this episode, tag me on either Facebook or Instagram, and be automatically entered to win.
Sarah R. Moore is the author of Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior and founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting.
As a Master Trainer in conscious parenting and Board Member for the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, she’s also a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a Mama.
We talk about:
With training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, improv comedy and play, her work supports parents and caregivers around the globe.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Moore
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 093: Coaching with Kate: How to Help Socially Anxious Kids | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:25:20 | |
This episode is a coaching call with Kate, the mom of 11-year-old James.
She initially reached out wanting some coaching around James’ tendency to be a bit socially anxious. As you’ll hear in our conversation, he was hesitant to talk to people in new situations and hesitant to speak out in class.
I coached Kate on some strategies that she could use to help James. When we have kids who are a little bit anxious or anxious at all, we as parents are the ones who are best situated to help them.
Be sure to stay until the end, as we check in with Kate two months later and hear how the strategies and suggestions went for her and James.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 092: After School Best Practices For A Smooth Routine | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:33:32 | |
After school can be a very difficult time! Our kids have full emotional backpacks, they’re hungry and cranky- hello, meltdowns!
How can we set ourselves up for success so that this overwhelming time of day can feel a bit easier? Corey and I give our best tips and strategies to navigate after school routines with ease!
We talk about the important role mindset plays, tips for ‘transition times’, homework, and much more.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 091: Keeping Kids Safe: Teaching Body Safety, Boundaries and Consent with Rosalia Rivera | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:38:07 | |
In this episode, Rosalia Rivera joins me to talk about teaching children about body safety, boundaries and consent. One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of empowering children with knowledge and tools to recognize and communicate boundaries. Parents can help their children understand the difference between safe and unsafe touch, and good touch/bad touch. When it comes to teaching children about consent, Rosalia suggests starting with modeling consent in everyday life. This can include asking for permission before giving a hug or sharing personal information. Additionally, parents can teach children about body literacy and the foundational blocks of sex ed in developmentally appropriate ways. Balancing a child's natural curiosity with their safety is a delicate balance. Rosalia shares some strategies that can help parents strike this balance effectively. She also talks about the importance of reinforcing 'stranger danger' and building strong relationships with children. Rosalia Rivera is a consent educator and child sexual abuse prevention specialist, sexual literacy advocate, TEDx speaker, Chair of SAGE (Survivor Advocates Globally Empowered) representing the BRAVE Movement, and the founder of CONSENTparenting™, the host of the AboutCONSENT™ podcast and creatrix of CONSENTwear™. She is also a CSA (child sexual abuse) survivor, turned thriver. She helps busy parents go from fearful and anxious to confident and empowered, about teaching their kids about body safety, boundaries, and consent to prevent sexual abuse.
We talk about:
As a CSA survivor and parent, from a family of survivors, she discovered how triggering it was to learn about abuse prevention when it was time to educate her own kids once she became a mother. Determined to break the intergenerational cycle of abuse, Rosalia dedicated herself to her healing so she could overcome the anxiety and triggers that kept coming up when learning about abuse prevention so she could teach her kids.
Rosalia is certified in the Canadian Centre for Child Protection® COMMIT TO KIDS® Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training Program and is a Certified Facilitator of the Stewards Of Children® Training by Darkness to Light, as well as OnWatch™.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Rosalia
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 090: Coaching with Mark and Kanae: Support Each Other as Partners and in Peaceful Parenting | 22 Feb 2023 | 01:03:22 | |
In this episode, Mark and Kanae, parents of two sons, aged five and three, join me to talk about the challenges they face together as partners in their relationship.
I first met Mark through my Transform Your Family Life Online Course (www.sarahrosensweet.com/parentingcourse), which is now open for enrollment and starts on Wednesday, March 1st. If you are listening to this episode after that, you can always get on the waitlist to be notified the next time it opens.
Learn how to transform your communication and your family life in this conversation with Mark and Kanae.
We go into:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| FREE WORKSHOP + LIVE Q&A – Peaceful Discipline: How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate Without Using Punishments | 16 Feb 2023 | 00:02:32 | |
I’m popping onto your podcast feed today to let you know I am hosting a *free* workshop on Wednesday, February 22 at 8pm EST -OR- Friday, February 24 at 12pm EST.
It’s called Peaceful Discipline: How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate Without Using Punishments and I would love for you to join me.
You can go and sign up for free at www.sarahrosensweet.com/freeworkshop.
If you can't make it live, I will have a replay available for you that you can watch later. If you’re there live, I will be answering all of your questions about discipline and how to get your kids to listen to you without using yelling, threats, bribes, punishment, all of those things that we don't want to use in peaceful parenting!
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 089: Listener Questions: Staying Calm, Entitled Kids, and Toddler Mischief | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:23:25 | |
In this episode, I answer 3 listener questions.
How do you stay calm when you were raised with hitting, yelling and punishing?
What do you say when your child has a negative attitude, even after a fun activity?
How do you stop a toddler from throwing food off the high chair?
So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and join me as we navigate the ups and downs of parenting and your most pressing questions.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 088: Supporting LGBTQ Kids with Celeste and Jen of Mama Dragons | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:44:26 | |
In this episode, Celeste and Jen join me on the podcast to talk about supporting LGBTQ kids, specifically if you’re part of a religion or way of living that does not affirm them.
Celeste is the executive director of Mama Dragons, which was created by Gina Crivello. Gina gathered a small group of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) mothers together as they navigated supporting their LGBTQ children in a culture that was not affirming.
Since then, Mama Dragons has grown to become a leader in affirming parent education and offers support to more than 9,000 members worldwide.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Mama Dragons
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 087: Coaching with Lian: How to Handle Swearing and Hitting | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:59:51 | |
In this episode, Lian joins me for a coaching call to discuss the challenges she’s facing with her four-year-old son.
Her son has been using swearing to communicate his frustration and big feelings. Lian also shares how his frustration often escalates from mean words to physical aggression.
I give her tips and strategies to help transform her son’s approach and behavior, and we make a plan for Lian and her husband moving forward. Be sure to listen in until the end to hear our check in.
We go into:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| ‘The Opt-Out Family’ Opting Out of Technology with Erin Loechner: Episode 193 | 07 May 2025 | 00:43:53 | |
This episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast is a conversation with Erin Loechner, author of the book The Opt-Out Family, How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't. We discuss how to go about limiting technology in your homes, how to deal with pushback from your kids, and all of the benefits. We talk about:
Download the episode transcript HERE
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 086: Bedtime Best Practices | 25 Jan 2023 | 00:56:30 | |
What are bedtime best practices?
We know how challenging bedtime can be, and in this episode, Corey and I give our best tips and strategies to navigate it with ease and a big dose of self compassion!
We talk about separation anxiety, how to be supportive partners to one another, creating bedtime and morning routines, and so much more.
We talk about:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 085: Repairing Your Inner Child with Dani Faust | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:34:49 | |
How do we repair our inner child? How is it similar (or different) from reparenting ourselves?
In this episode, Dani Faust joins me to talk about inner child work, its impact on our parenting techniques, and how to learn manifestation techniques to give you the life you truly desire.
Dani is a dynamic hypnotherapist, energy healer and intuitive mindset coach that is passionate about helping female entrepreneurs manifest their best lives and businesses. Her coaching blends brain science and positive psychology with spiritual mindbody practices like meditation, breathwork and reiki.
We talk about:
Dani also hosts the podcast, Manifest It, Sis! She holds multiple coaching and energy healing certifications, a BS in Health/Psychology and is pursuing an MS/EdD in Performance Psychology.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Dani Faust
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| 084: Coaching with Erin and Wade: Challenging Kids and Burned Out Parents | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:56:35 | |
In this coaching call with Erin and Wade, we discuss what to do when you’re feeling burnt out as a parent.
Erin and Wade are parents to ‘extra’ or ‘more’ children, each bringing their own set of quirks to the family dynamic. After years of challenging situations and not much support. Erin and Wade are burned out.
Be sure to listen to the end for our check in to see how the tips and strategies worked for them.
We go into:
Connect with Sarah Rosensweet
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe | |||