When Your Child is Afraid to Choose (and You Are Too)

Inside, Albiona explores:Why kids (and adults) get stuck in "right vs. wrong" thinkingWhat to say when your child spirals after a choiceWhy avoiding decisions won’t help build confidenceWhy “holding boundaries” isn’t the same as shutting kids downHow we confuse calm with control—and what to do insteadWhat it looks like to guide without rescuingShe also shares stories from her own classroom teaching days and real coaching conversations with parents—and gets honest about the discomfort that comes with letting our kids struggle a little (while we stay close).Resources & Links:Book a Free Discovery Call with Albiona (1:1 Coaching) - https://www.theparentingreframe.com/coaching She’s accepting new clients in 2026 — book before Dec 31st to lock in 2025 pricing.Follow Albiona on Instagram - https://instagram.com/theparentingreframeJoin Albiona on Substack for reflections on parenting, inner growth, and nervous system tools - https://theparentingreframe.substack.com/Loved this episode?Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear: it’s okay not to have all the answers.We’re all learning how to parent others—and ourselves—with more grace and less shame. Until next time,The Parenting Reframe Team 🤎 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From surviving 9/11 to launching multiple category-defining companies, Miki shares how one day shifted her relationship with life, purpose, and doing work that actually matters.This conversation weaves through:What it means to create from soft power instead of hustle cultureHow nature is the ultimate parenting teacherWhy modern parenthood needs a new paradigm—and how HERO Diapers is leading the chargeWhat she teaches her son about resilience, creativity, and emotional strengthThe 3 key questions she asks before starting any new ideaAnd how she's learned that true leadership means owning your humannessWhether you're raising a child, launching a product, or reimagining how you move through the world… this one will stay with you.Resources & Links:Follow Hero Diapers on Instagram - https://instagram.com/herodiapersLearn more about the Hero Diaper + “New Paradigm Parenting” movement - https://herodiapers.com/Get Miki’s books: Do Cool Sht and Disrupt-Her* - https://www.mikiagrawal.com/booksFollow Miki on Instagram - https://instagram.com/mikiagrawalLoved this episode?Don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with a fellow parent or creative. You never know who’s one reframe away from a massive life shift.Want ongoing parenting support from Albiona?Book a free discovery call (https://www.theparentingreframe.com/coaching) to see if 1:1 coaching is your next best step. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re parenting a tween or teen and find yourself thinking,“They’re old enough to know better — why are we still having these battles?”...this episode is for you.Behavioral pushback. Eye rolls. Explosive transitions. Power struggles over iPads, phones, and homework. When our big kids act out, it’s easy to tell ourselves it’s personal—and that they should just “do better.” But that story? It’s keeping you stuck in a pattern that exhausts everyone involved.In this episode, Albiona uncovers one of the most common reframes she shares with parents of tweens and teens—and why learning to anchor yourself (instead of arguing back) is the shift that creates real change.She covers:What to do when your child’s behavior feels deliberateHow “they should know better by now” becomes a parenting trapWhy many parents escalate with their kids (and how to step out of the spiral)The phrase to stop saying (and what to do instead when emotions run high)How to set boundaries and hold compassion (without giving in again)Plus:Why overexplaining and lecturing rarely workHow small shifts—like setting limits quietly and clearly—change everythingA concrete example of how one parent solved morning chaos without yellingWhether your child is 9 or 16, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your role as the anchor, not the mirror, when emotions rise.Resources & Links:Book a Free Discovery Call with Albiona → https://calendly.com/albiona324/discovery-call Want real-time parenting strategies personalized to your child and your triggers? Albiona’s currently enrolling for 1:1 coaching in early 2026. This 12-week container gives you the tools, support, and calm you’ve truly needed.Learn more + schedule your free call: https://calendly.com/albiona324/discovery-callFollow Albiona on Instagram → @theparentingreframeWatch the viral video this episode was based on → https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrNwRwbV/If this episode hit home:Please subscribe, rate, and review the show. Then send the link to a friend who's struggling with their tween or teen. It might be the exact reframe they needed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What You’ll LearnWhy your child’s defiance isn’t disrespect — it’s communication.How to shift from “fixing your child” to regulating yourself first.The power of posture and tone: why sitting down and lowering your voice changes everything.How to stop over-talking, over-teaching, and over-correcting — and what to do instead.Ways to parent as a team, even when one parent is more reactive.How to reframe strong-willed behavior as a sign of strength and leadership in development.Why connection — not compliance — is the foundation of real discipline. Key TakeawaysCalm isn’t passive; it’s anchored leadership.Your child’s behavior is not a reflection of your worth.Connection before correction always creates more cooperation.Every strong-willed child is asking: “Can I trust you to stay calm when I’m not?” About Kirk MartinFounder of Celebrate Calm and host of The Calm Parenting PodcastHas helped over 1 million families bring peace and connection into their homesKnown for his practical tools, humor, and grounded wisdom👉 Learn more at celebratecalm.com👉 Follow Kirk on Instagram @calmparentingpodcast Continue the Work with AlbionaPurchase The PARR Journal — a guided tool to help you pause, acknowledge, respond, and reflect.Join Albiona’s free live PARR Workshop over Zoom when you purchase your journal.Learn more at theparentingreframe.comFollow on Instagram @theparentingreframe👉 Click here to purchase your journal and save your workshop spot. Favorite Quote“I realized I needed my son to behave so that I could behave. Once I learned to control myself, everything changed.” – Kirk Martin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode, Albiona explores one of the most common parenting struggles — reactivity. Whether you find yourself yelling, shutting down, or feeling guilty after the fact, this episode offers a powerful shift.Albiona walks you through her four-step PARR Process — Pause, Acknowledge, Respond, Reflect — to help you regulate your emotions, understand your triggers, and respond with more presence and connection.She also shares how journaling transformed her parenting and how the PARR Journal can help you do the same.✨ Purchase The PARR Journal and save your spot for Albiona’s free live PARR Workshop over Zoom.Click here to order your journal and join the workshop.Follow @theparentingreframe on Instagram or visit theparentingreframe.com to learn more.Albiona’s email address: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Albiona Rakipi dives deep into one of the most common (and emotionally triggering) parenting challenges: separation anxiety. But this isn’t your typical advice—this is a powerful reframe.You’ll learn why children protest when you leave, why dragging out your goodbye actually makes things harder, and how your own guilt might be sending the wrong message—even when you mean well.Most importantly, this episode gives you practical, loving strategies to help your child build self-trust, navigate hard feelings, and develop resilience, while giving yourself full permission to live a full, joyful life.Whether you’re heading to work or heading to dinner with friends, this episode reminds you: your joy is not selfish—it’s vital.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why separation anxiety is not “bad behavior,” but a growth edgeThe #1 mistake parents make when saying goodbye (and how to fix it)What your child actually needs in those tough emotional momentsHow to build a "bridge" between separation and safetyWhy your self-trust is the foundation for your child’s regulationHow to reframe “mom guilt” when you choose something just for youThe link between predictability and reduced anxiety in kidsThe critical difference between empathy and enmeshmentReal-life scripts and object-leaving strategies to ease transitionsWhy calm isn’t the opposite of anxiety—self-trust isQuotes to Remember:“The opposite of anxiety isn’t calm—it’s self-trust.”“Every time you go back in a panic, you’re telling your child they can’t handle hard things.”“Your child doesn’t need you to sacrifice everything—they need you to model wholeness.”“Joy begets joy. When you honor your needs, your kids benefit too.”Resources Mentioned:Substack Paid Parenting Community: https://albiona.substack.com/subscribeBook a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/albiona324/discovery-call Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe key differences between consequences and punishmentsWhy kids need consequences to feel safe and learn boundariesHow punishments often come from a place of reactivity and dysregulationThe role of natural consequences (like forgetting a water bottle) and logical consequences (thoughtful parent responses)Why the boundary itself often is the consequenceHow to implement breaks/resets (instead of timeouts) to help kids regulateThe importance of creating safe struggles to build resilienceWhen redirection works best (and why it backfires with older kids)Scripts and phrases you can use to give your kids autonomy while holding limits Resources & LinksExplore coaching and parenting support at The Parenting ReframeBook a free discovery call to see if 1:1 coaching is right for your family Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this warm conversation Tembi and Albiona cover:How From Scratch began — writing personal grief into a story that reaches others, and how that book later became a Netflix limited series. (Simon & Schuster)What “re-nesting” means (replacing the idea of an “empty nest” with a more generative, whole concept) and practical ways parents can prepare emotionally for children leaving home. (People.com)The creative process Tembi uses: listening, journaling, & exploring different art forms; writing as a practice to slow down and make meaning. (tembilocke.com)Concrete ideas listeners can use right away: short daily rituals (15–45 min), journaling prompts, scheduling “pre-planned joy,” somatic self-care, and negotiating new family rhythms like weekly check-ins.A deep look at Someday, Now — why Tembi created an immersive audio experience (ambient Sicily soundscapes plus narration), and what she hopes listeners will feel after they finish it: that there is possibility, love, and room for transformation even in endings. (Audible.com)Resources & linksTembi Locke — official site / about & book resources. (tembilocke.com)From Scratch — publisher page (Simon & Schuster). (Simon & Schuster)Someday, Now — Simon & Schuster audio page (audio edition/details). (Simon & Schuster)Someday, Now — Audible audio listing/preorder. (Narrated by Tembi Locke; release details & preorder.) (Audible.com)Tembi Locke on Instagram (announcements & behind-the-scenes). (Instagram) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe inspiration behind Kids These Days and why Dr. Dobud and Dr. Harper felt compelled to write it.The three frameworks of the book: interference, intervention, and ideology—and how they’re shaping modern childhood.Why blaming phones and social media is an oversimplification of a much bigger picture.The concept of digital integration vs. digital interference—and how parents can approach technology more thoughtfully.How to foster resilience and mastery in kids without overstepping or over-fixing.The overlooked power of gratitude, generosity, and noticing what’s working in our kids.Why boundaries paired with empathy create the conditions for true growth.A reframe for parents: shifting from control and fear to presence, connection, and curiosity.Resources & Links🌟 Preorder Kids These Days by Dr. Will Dobud & Dr. Nevin Harper: kidsthesedaysbook.comConnect with Dr. Will Dobud on social media and at outdoortherapycentre.comLearn more about my work with parents: The Parenting ReframeFollow me on Instagram and TikTok for more parenting information⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more parents can discover these conversations.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I’m back for another solo episode today after a little bit of a summer break. I gathered some of your most common questions from my workshops, coaching sessions, and social media comments. In this episode I’m walking you through a few of the struggles that share a common thread and giving insight into what makes these things difficult for parents and how to work through them.Kids Who Don’t Like LosingThere are a lot of triggers for parents that come along with having a child who doesn’t like to lose which can cause eggshell parenting.When your child struggles to deal with something like disappointment or frustration, the answer is always that they need to experience it more often.Your reaction to their emotions as a parent is so important. Staying regulated in the moment will help deescalate the situation.Lectures don’t work. You’re helping them learn the life skill of tolerating frustration and managing the emotions that come with the frustration. Public OutburstsWe sense all of the people in a public situation and it usually feels much more judgmental in our minds than it actually is because of insecurities. When our ability to parent is tethered to our child’s behavior, it makes things very difficult.Make an action plan and practice getting cooperation at home so your child is prepared when you do a test run in public. Set your kids up for success so you aren’t trying to complete tasks when they’re already over tired, hungry, etc.PARR This was created for anyone who needs to work through managing their own emotions and reactions. Pausing is an important reminder that we can take the time to slow down and not make rapid fire decisions in the moment.Always reflect on “what does my child need at this moment?” You know your child best and can better understand their needs when you have paused.When Your Kids Don’t ListenWe rely on the idea that if our kids have the knowledge, they will react or behave appropriately. This simply isn’t true because their brains aren’t developed in this way yet.Kids are wondering “what happens when…” and they are curious what the outcome will be on the other side of their behavior. Once they know the action that is paired with your language is consistent, they will start listening better.We need to remember kids are simple and we usually overcomplicate things.Resources: Getting Your Kids to Listen the First Time You Ask Workshop: https://www.theparentingreframe.com/shop/p/getting-your-kids-to-listen-the-first-time-you-ask Four Reaction Types Podcast Episode: https://theparentingreframe.simplecast.com/episodes/beyond-good-or-bad-the-3-parental-reaction-blueprintsSchedule a free call about my 1:1 coaching, Reclaim Your Calm - https://www.theparentingreframe.com/coachingBe sure to sign up for my Substack newsletter for longer and more specialized parenting content: https://albiona.substack.com/ I hope you found this episode helpful; for more parenting tips, check out my website and blog for more information. https://theparentingreframe.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparentingreframe/Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theparentingreframe  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.