How To Stop Being a Reactionary Parent

Every parent plays "roles". Some play the hero, some play the doormat, some play the drill sergeant. Other play the role of homework nagger, reminder, or social chair. Some play good cop... and others play bad cop. The problem? Sometime we choose poor roles! Most parents don’t even realize the role they’re stuck in—and their kids and the connection, are paying the price. In this episode, Sean pulls back the curtain on the roles we slip into when parenting gets hard, why those roles shape our kids’ future, and how to step into the one role your family actually needs: a strong, wise leader. Parenting isn’t theater. Your role matters. Choose wisely—or your kids will remember the part you played forever. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re tired of snapping, yelling, or punishing on autopilot—this episode is your wake-up call. Reactionary parenting doesn’t make you strong; it makes you predictable. Your kids know exactly how to push your buttons, and you’re giving away the steering wheel every time you blow up. Sean breaks down why parents get stuck in reaction mode, what it’s costing your family, and how to finally take your power back. This isn’t about being a “calm saint”—it’s about learning to lead with strength, not reactivity. Stop letting your emotions run the show. It’s time to parent like the adult in the room. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most kids toss out “I’m sorry” just to end the conflict—but that doesn’t mean they’ve actually taken responsibility. In this episode, Sean goes beyond the empty words and shows parents how to guide their kids into true accountability. Learn practical tools to teach your child what real responsibility looks like, how to repair relationships after conflict, and why genuine amends matter more than forced apologies. This is the episode every parent needs if they want to raise kids who own their mistakes, rebuild trust, and grow into emotionally intelligent adults. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s be real—some kids push every button. They argue, explode, ignore, and wear you down until you feel like giving up. In this episode, Sean calls it like it is and gives parents straight-up strategies for surviving and thriving with the most challenging kids. No sugarcoating. No fluffy advice. Just raw, proven tools to stop the chaos, reclaim your authority, and bring peace back into your home—even with the toughest kids on the block. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consequences don’t have to be a battle—or a punishment that leaves everyone feeling worse. In this episode, Sean shows parents how to use consequences the right way, so they actually work. With the right approach, consequences become tools that teach, guide, and help kids grow into wiser, more responsible people. You’ll walk away with practical steps to create consequences that stick—and confidence knowing you can handle tough moments without fear, guilt, or blowups. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean pulls no punches in this episode: School-issued Chromebooks are NOT helping our kids — they’re hurting them. From constant distractions, late-night screen battles, and the toxic pull of the online world, these laptops can wreck focus, fuel conflict, and damage family connection. Sean shares why parents are right to be frustrated, how these devices sabotage childhood, and what you can do to protect your kids and take back control of your home. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting isn’t about being perfect—and in this episode Sean unpacks the life-signs that you’re making progress as a parent. Sean shows you how to recognize the small victories that add up to big transformation. Whether you’re in the thick of tantrums, teenage pushback, or just daily parenting stress, this episode will inspire you to celebrate your growth and keep moving forward on the journey to becoming the parent you were meant to be. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many parents get stuck repeating the same old patterns—yelling, bribing, shutting down, or giving in. In this episode of The Sean Donohue Show, Sean reveals why those patterns keep showing up and what you can do instead to break free from them. If you’re ready to stop repeating what isn’t working and start building a new legacy for your family, this episode is for you. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you and your spouse see parenting completely differently? One of you is stricter, the other more laid back. One wants structure, the other wants freedom. In this episode, Sean dives into the challenges and opportunities of raising kids with a partner whose parenting style is VERY different from yours. He shares practical strategies to reduce conflict, build unity, and find a balanced approach that strengthens your marriage while helping your kids thrive. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sean flips the script and challenges parents to look inward. Parenting isn’t just about raising kids; it’s about raising yourself. Sean unpacks what it means to “parent yourself”—to heal, grow, and lead with emotional maturity so you can show up as the best version of yourself for your family. With practical tools, personal stories, and Sean’s signature humor, listeners will discover how self-leadership changes everything in the home. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to be a great parent, but I need to work on me first,” this episode is your roadmap. Go deeper with Sean at SaveMyFamily.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices