I’m back, and I’m coming in honest.

After losing my dad last year, I stepped away from the podcast, my work, and the pressure to keep performing as a parent. In this return episode, I reflect on what three months of cocooning taught me about grief, self-preservation, and the impossible standard we hold ourselves to as parents.

If you've ever pushed through a hard season while secretly falling apart, this one's for you.

Whether you're navigating loss, a life transition, or just a really hard week, this episode is a reminder that your well-being isn't separate from your parenting. It is your parenting.

In this episode, we cover:

👉Why you can't be a great parent when you're running on empty

👉The difference between pushing through and taking care of yourself

👉What your kids are actually learning when they watch you struggle

👉How listening partnerships help parents carry the emotional weight

👉Why prioritizing yourself isn't selfish, it's the whole point

Your child isn't "being bad", they're trying to tell you something. In this episode, I break down the five real reasons children misbehave and why the punishments, time-outs, and consequences you've been relying on are actually making behavior worse.

You'll learn my step-by-step framework for responding to any behavior with both connection and limits, plus three quick wins you can start using today. If you're stuck in the yelling-guilt-repeat cycle and nothing seems to work no matter how hard you try, this is the episode that changes everything.

Want an opportunity to get your parenting questions answered by Michelle? Join us live this Thursday at 9:30 am PST

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📖 Check out my book: UNPUNISHED

Today's episode comes with a heavy heart as I share a very personal update. My beloved father, Papa, recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. For those who knew him or followed my posts, you know he was my steadfast parenting partner and confidant, truly embracing connective parenting and becoming an incredible grandfather to my girls. In this tribute, I'll share a eulogy I wrote for him, celebrating his vivacious spirit, fierce determination, and profound transformation later in life.

This episode is not only a heartfelt farewell to an extraordinary man but also an announcement that I'll be taking a break from the podcast and social media to grieve and navigate this new chapter with my family. I am so grateful for your continued listenership and hope you'll check out some of our more than 400 previous episodes.

Thank you for being part of the Peace and Parenting family. I'll see you all very soon.

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📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!

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