Connect Method Parenting

Welcome back to Andee Reads Between the Lines—the series where I read my book Connect Method Parenting out loud and pause to riff, reflect, and spill the real-time truths you won't find on the printed page.In this episode, we're kicking off Part One of the book—and we're not easing in. We're diving headfirst into the deep end of tradition, behavioralism, and the parenting frameworks we think are helping us... but actually aren't.Here's what's inside:

Okay friends, confession time: I'm sitting here in my black hoodie, glasses on, looking like I just rolled out of bed (because let's be real, I kinda did), and I'm about to do something that might be brilliant or might be totally chaotic. Plot twist: I'm rereading my entire book on the podcast and calling it the I Andee Reads Between The Lines Series. Like, live. With all my current thoughts. And possibly some tangents about how I'm thinking about CMP right now. Here's What Went Down: Started with that gorgeous John Roedel poem that makes me cry every. single. time. Then I dove into reading my book's intro and had to pause because my 17-year-old daughter gave me a card last night that said "I know I can talk to you about anything and you'll always listen" and NOW I'M CRYING AGAIN. (Sorry, I'll pull myself together. Maybe. Probably not.) The Big Takeaways: Corrective parenting = Playing slots in Vegas (you might win occasionally but you're definitely losing overall) Connect Method Parenting = Smart pension fund investment (boring metaphor but CONSISTENT GROWTH, baby!) You already have everything you need inside you (I'm not being woo-woo, I promise, I just know you're AMAZING!!!!) What's Coming Next:Part 1: Get Ready to Go Against Tradition (aka why everything you learned about parenting might be backwards)Part 2: Understanding Your Own Behavior (spoiler: it's not actually about the kids

Hey hey, friends! It's Andee, and today's episode is a little different—think of it like a sneak peek, a love note, and a call to reimagine how you parent—all wrapped into one.After a 5-hour IKEA run...someone please tell me why that place is both magical and exhausting. I decided to release this episode instead of what I had originally planned. I felt a tug to share this 10-minute excerpt from the Listening Lab workshop I taught earlier this week.Why? Because the feedback I got after teaching it made me stop in my tracks. This was a deep dive into the real, research-backed heart of Connect Method Parenting - attachment theory, emotional maturity, and how to lead with strength and softness.In this little preview, you'll hear why:Togetherness is more essential than food and water (for real—it's neuroscience, not fluff),Why you're a gardener, not a sculptor (so much freedom here!), andWhat it really means to choose closeness in the chaos (even when they're tantrum-ing at max volume).If you've ever wondered what's underneath the Connect Method Parenting approach—or why your child's behavior is more about connection than correction—this is your sign to listen in.And if this snippet resonates, the full workshop is packed with even more goodness. You can grab it here: https://cmp.works/listenWishing you sunshine, secure attachment, and at least one moment of peace today. You've got this, and I'm cheering you on.xo, AndeeNext Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast My Book: https://cmp.works/1xs My IG: https://cmp.works/ista

Let's be real for a second… Tantrums are loud. Messy. Embarrassing. And if you're anything like me, they've probably made you question your entire parenting strategy more than once. But what if a meltdown isn't something to “fix” or “stop”? What if it's actually your child's nervous system waving a white flag saying, “This is too much—I need help.” In this episode, I'm breaking down the real reason behind tantrums, emotional outbursts, and “off-track” behavior—and how to show up with calm, confidence, and connection (instead of panic, bribes, or shame). Here's what we'll cover: Why your child's meltdown is NOT a parenting failure (yours or theirs)What's actually happening in your child's brain and body during a tantrumHow to respond without rushing in to fix, stop, or distractWhy frustration is a necessary part of emotional developmentA grocery store tantrum story that will make you feel instantly less alone

Hey hey!!!Let's rip the Band-Aid off: you're not exhausted because you're doing it wrong. You're exhausted because you've been sold a lie. A big one. In this episode, we're going all in on the hidden belief that keeps moms stuck in burnout: 

Your kids have selective hearing, right? Like, they can hear a candy wrapper from three rooms away but somehow can't hear "please clean your room" when you're standing RIGHT THERE? Here's the thing nobody's telling you: The reason your kids won't listen has NOTHING to do with your volume, your consequences, or that fancy reward chart you spent 3 hours making on Pinterest. (I see you, crafty parent. I've been there. Mine had glitter. SO much glitter.) The real reason? Brace yourself... They don't feel heard. By YOU. I KNOW. I KNOW. Your brain just went "But Andee, I'M the one talking to a brick wall here!" Stay with me, this is where it gets good. In this game-changing episode, I'm spilling ALL the tea about: Why that mom who came to me with a grunting 14-year-old is now getting hour-long heart-to-hearts (no, really!)The mortifying moment my kid said "Mom, I just need you to listen" and changed EVERYTHINGThe backwards solution that sounds bananas but actually works (science says so!)How I went from Lecture Queen to Actually-My-Kids-Tell-Me-Stuff MomBut here's the kicker...When YOU master listening first? Your kids start WANTING to hear what you have to say. Like, voluntarily. Without bribes. Without threats. Without you turning into Scary Mommy Voice™. Wild, right?Quick story time: Remember when I told you about interrupting my kid after 18 seconds? (Eighteen! Seconds! The researchers weren't wrong, y'all.) Well, after implementing what I'm teaching in The Listening Lab, that same kid - now an adult, tells me EVERYTHING. The good, the bad, the "Mom, don't freak out but..."And I don't freak out. Because I learned The Thing.This workshop is your jam if:You've said "How many times do I have to tell you?!" in the last 24 hoursYour kids' eyes glaze over the second you open your mouthYou're SO over being the Nagging Parent™You're ready to try something that sounds backwards but actually worksWhat you're getting:One simple tool (just ONE! Because who has brain space for 47 steps?)90 minutes that'll change how you show up foreverMy "Three L Method"The secret to becoming the parent your kid WANTS to talk toThe deets:

You know those moments when your kids are going at it—screaming, grabbing, storming off—and you're standing there thinking, “WHAT is even happening right now?” Been there. More times than I can count. In today's episode, we're talking all about sibling rivalry, emotional outbursts, and how to respond in a way that actually helps—not just in the moment, but long-term. I'm breaking it down into three parts: The Foundation: Why connection is the real cure for conflict—and how sadness (yes, even those bedtime tears) is a sign that things are actually working.In the Moment: What to do when kids are fighting, melting down, or just generally acting like small emotional tornadoes. (Spoiler: Teaching a lesson mid-meltdown doesn't work. And it's okay. There's a better way.)After the Storm: How to revisit things after the emotions have settled and help your child grow their emotional muscles in ways that stick.I'll share stories from my own family (yes, including the time my kid knocked over the baby in a car seat

What do you do when the sticker charts work… but they don't feel right? In today's episode, I'm inviting you behind the scenes of a real coaching call with a brave, thoughtful CMP parent who's wrestling with something we all face: the tension between loving connection and firm limits—especially when it comes to bedtime, behavior charts, and consequences that seem to work (but don't sit well in your gut). We talk about what to do when your child comes out of their room twenty times after lights out, how to set firm limits without flipping into frustration or giving in, and why rewards and consequences often miss the mark (even when they look effective in the short term). If you've ever felt torn between being the calm, connected parent you want to be, and just wanting your kid to stay in their room already—this episode is for you. Inside, you'll hear us explore:How to hold boundaries from compassion instead of controlWhy developmental insight changes everything about "consequences"The sneaky ways we think we're doing “nothing” when we're actually doing the most important workA new lens for sticker charts, bedtime resistance, and behavior at schoolHow to be the “tuning fork” that helps your child feel safe and settle (even if you're tired and done)This is real-life parenting in action—messy, meaningful, and full of the kind of nuance that doesn't make the parenting books. Come listen in. I think you'll feel seen, inspired, and ready to set limits with more love and less fear. xo, AndeeListening Lab → https://cmp.works/listen Join me for The Listening Lab ($11) and watch your kids actually WANT to listen.

Your kids have selective hearing, right? Like, they can hear a candy wrapper from three rooms away but somehow can't hear "please clean your room" when you're standing RIGHT THERE? Here's the thing nobody's telling you: The reason your kids won't listen has NOTHING to do with your volume, your consequences, or that fancy reward chart you spent 3 hours making on Pinterest. (I see you, crafty parent. I've been there. Mine had glitter. SO much glitter.) The real reason? Brace yourself... They don't feel heard. By YOU. I KNOW. I KNOW. Your brain just went "But Andee, I'M the one talking to a brick wall here!" Stay with me, this is where it gets good. In this game-changing episode, I'm spilling ALL the tea about: Why that mom who came to me with a grunting 14-year-old is now getting hour-long heart-to-hearts (no, really!)The mortifying moment my kid said "Mom, I just need you to listen" and changed EVERYTHINGThe backwards solution that sounds bananas but actually works (science says so!)How I went from Lecture Queen to Actually-My-Kids-Tell-Me-Stuff MomBut here's the kicker... When YOU master listening first? Your kids start WANTING to hear what you have to say. Like, voluntarily. Without bribes. Without threats. Without you turning into Scary Mommy Voice™. Wild, right? Quick story time: Remember when I told you about interrupting my kid after 18 seconds? (Eighteen! Seconds! The researchers weren't wrong, y'all.) Well, after implementing what I'm teaching in The Listening Lab, that same kid - now an adult, tells me EVERYTHING. The good, the bad, the "Mom, don't freak out but..." And I don't freak out. Because I learned The Thing. This workshop is your jam if:You've said "How many times do I have to tell you?!" in the last 24 hoursYour kids' eyes glaze over the second you open your mouthYou're SO over being the Nagging Parent™You're ready to try something that sounds backwards but actually worksWhat you're getting:One simple tool (just ONE! Because who has brain space for 47 steps?)90 minutes that'll change how you show up foreverMy "Three L Method"The secret to becoming the parent your kid WANTS to talk toThe deets:

Your child just slammed their door (again), and every parenting book on your shelf is screaming "CONSEQUENCE!" But what if the secret to cooperation isn't control—it's curiosity? 

Okay. Deep breath. Can we get REAL for a sec?

I've never been more excited to share an episode with you! Today, I'm revealing the extraordinary results from our 2024 Connect Method Parenting study that followed 237 parents through the 8-Week Parenting Pivot program.In This Episode:Numbers That Made Me Cry Happy Tears:133% overall average improvement across all parenting metrics100% success rate - EVERY single participant reported meaningful positive change4.8 out of 5-star program ratingSpecific Transformations We Tracked:Listening without yelling: 113% improvement (from 3.2 to 6.8/10)Handling challenges calmly: 109% improvement (from 3.5 to 7.3/10)Thought control: 204% improvement (from 2.3 to 7.0/10)Parenting confidence: 100% improvement (from 3.8 to 7.6/10)Connection with kids: 75% improvement (from 4.8 to 8.4/10)Real Behavioral Changes:78% went from daily yelling to weekly or less71% reported better cooperation from their kids65% experienced more physical affection with their children52% saw improved sibling relationships43% heard "best day ever" comments from their kids (this one wasn't even something we asked about!)The Three Phases I Discovered in the Data:Weeks 1-3: Awareness - When parents start recognizing their patternsWeeks 4-6: Implementation - The messy middle where real change happensWeeks 7-8: Integration - New patterns becoming the new normalAbout Joining the Pivot:Investment: currently $200 (normally $499)Scholarships available - email me at scholarship@connectmethodparenting.comSign up at: https://cmp.works/pivotWhy This Study Matters So Much to Me: After spending 5+ years transforming my own parenting (because I didn't have these tools), I was determined to prove that parents don't need years to change. This study validates everything I believe: parenting transformation is possible, measurable, and can happen FAST with the right support.My Favorite Quote from This Episode: "You're not broken. You're not a bad parent. You're a good parent with a bad pattern. And patterns can change."The Unexpected Ripple Effect: Parents kept telling me the tools were affecting:Their marriagesTheir sleep qualityTheir work performanceTheir relationships with in-laws One mom said: "This isn't just Connect Method Parenting, it's Connect Method Living!"My Promise to You: This program has transformed 100% of participants who showed up and did the work. Not 99%, not most - EVERYONE. Your family won't be the first exception.Let's Connect:Join the Pivot: https://cmp.works/pivotNeed a scholarship? Email: scholarship@connectmethodparenting.comFollow us on IG @ConnectMethodParenting journey for more conscious, connected parenting supportPlease share this episode with every parent you know who's struggling. Share it with anyone who thinks they're failing. Because this isn't just data - it's hope. It's proof. It's the beginning of a parenting revolution.Thank you for being part of this movement. Every time you choose connection over control, you're changing the world.With so much love and excitement, Andee ❤️❤️Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast My Book: https://cmp.works/1xs My IG: https://cmp.works/ista

Today I'm announcing something that has me SO EXCITED - The No Yell Summer Implementation Experience --> https://cmp.works/implementIn this episode, I'm sharing:✨ Why having a perfect parenting plan isn't enough (and what you actually need to create lasting change)✨ The truth about why we revert to yelling even when we know better - and how to rewire those reactive patterns for good✨ What makes the Implementation Experience different from every other parenting program you've tried✨ How 8 weeks of support can transform not just your summer, but your entire family legacy✨ Real talk about the investment (financially and emotionally) and why this work is worth every penny and every momentHere's what you need to know:You know that gap between the parent you want to be and the parent you are on your hardest days? That's exactly what we're closing this summer. The No Yell Summer Implementation Experience takes you from having beautiful intentions to actually living them out - even when your toddler is melting down in Target or your teenager is pushing every button you have.This isn't just about stopping yelling (though that's a beautiful side effect). This is about becoming emotionally regulated from the inside out, healing your own childhood wounds, and raising children who feel truly seen and valued.What's included:Full 8-Week Parent Pivot 12 weeks of LIVE coaching calls with me Private community in the CMP App for daily supportYour copy of the Connect Method Parenting bookAll replays and resources in your private podcast feedTwo important notes:If you're in League, you already got the No Yell Summer Workshop free - this is your next step to actually LIVE what you learnedHaven't done the workshop yet? You can still get the NO YELL Summer Workshop and join us!The bottom line: Information without implementation is just inspiration. You can have the most beautiful parenting plan in the world, but without support, without accountability, without someone walking alongside you - those plans stay pretty ideas instead of becoming your lived reality.Your children are waiting for the parent you're becoming. Let's become her together.Ready to transform your summer and your family?

AKA: Why I Once Tried to Drive My Kids to Disneyland to Avoid Unpacking Boxes (Spoiler: It Didn't Work)Okay, so...remember when you decided to start that new workout routine and Day 3 felt like your muscles were staging a full-on rebellion? That's EXACTLY what the first 8 weeks of transforming your parenting feels like. Except instead of sore quads, it's your entire nervous system going "WAIT, WHAT ARE WE DOING?!"Here's what we're diving into today:

I NEEDED to record this episode because I keep having these conversations with parents living in Procrastination Purgatory, and I'm like "HELLO, I SEE YOU BECAUSE I WAS YOU!"Remember promising yourself you'd stop yelling "tomorrow"? And tomorrow came and went?So I'm diving into why our brains sabotage our parenting goals. There's actual science behind the "yell now, feel guilty later" cycle. (It's called delay discounting.)

We're not talking about having a better routine or stricter chore charts (though hey, no shame if those help!). We're talking about your capacity—your emotional, mental, physical, and energetic ability to keep showing up for your kids… even when the house is wild, everyone's hot, and the snack requests haven't stopped since 7:12 AM.✨ Here's what we explore in this episode:What capacity actually is (and why it's the #1 thing affecting your parenting)Why summer drains you faster—and what research says about stress and structure lossWhat happened the summer I lost my mind (Sharpies, goats, pink cowboy boots… you'll see)The truth about yelling (spoiler: it's not a discipline problem, it's a capacity problem)How your child's behavior is information, not evidence that you're failingWhat Alfie Kohn, Dr. Neufeld, and Gabor Maté teach us about connection-based parentingWhy rewards, punishments, and “perfect summers” backfire5 ways to start building more parenting capacity right nowHow to shift from "survival mode mom" to the parent you actually want to beWe'll also talk about what it looks like to create your own Summer Parent Identity—the version of you that leads with presence, play, and calm (instead of reactivity and guilt).☀️ Because summer doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs you—regulated, resourced, and rooted in connection.NO YELL Summer Workshop details --> https://cmp.works/summer• Create a summer plan that works for YOUR family • Learn how to respond to meltdowns with connection (not correction) • Feel confident no matter whatAll for just $7, plus you get lifetime access.Can't wait to help you make this your calmest, most connected summer yet!Andee Martineau Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast My Book: https://cmp.works/1xs My IG: https://cmp.works/ista

Okay, story time. Day TWO in our brand-new Arizona house. 100+ degree heat outside. Moving boxes EVERYWHERE. And my boys? They decided this was the PERFECT moment for an indoor blanket ride across our hardwood floors.You know exactly where this is going, right?

Oh heyyy there, fellow parent-people struggling through the beautiful chaos! In this episode, I spill ALL the tea about how that nasty little voice in your head (you know the one that's all "you're failing at this parenting gig") isn't just making YOU feel like garbage—it's actually rewiring your kid's emotional thermometer too!

This episode is for all of us who've ever thought, “Wait...who am I even being right now as a parent?”

If you've ever thought,“I shouldn't feel this way...” “I should be happier…” “Good parents don't feel so frustrated…” this episode is for you.In today's episode, I'm diving into the messy-but-magical world of emotional regulation and why—those uncomfortable feelings you're trying to stuff down are actually your parenting superpower in disguise.I share my own journey from emotional avoidance to acceptance (including that time I almost took my kids to Disneyland just to escape dealing with my feelings—true story!), and why understanding your own emotions is the secret sauce to helping your children manage theirs.In this episode, you'll discover:Why the "50/50 rule" of emotions changed everything for meThe science behind why feeling your feelings actually makes them LESS powerfulMy step-by-step process for moving from emotional reactivity to responsePractical ways to use your triggers as teachers instead of tormentorsHow emotional acceptance creates deeper connections with your kidsRemember, you don't need to be emotion-free to be an amazing parent—you just need to know how to ride the waves without drowning. And I'm here to be your emotional lifeguard!

Hey hey, beautiful people! ✨Oh. My. Goodness. So picture this: I'm on a call with this mom (let's call her Sarah) who's completely stuck in the yell-guilt-repeat cycle (sound familiar, anyone?

For decades, discipline was shaped by behavioral science—rewards, punishments, and timeouts were seen as essential parenting tools. But the research has moved on. Have we?In this episode, we trace the evolution of parenting science—from Skinner and Watson to Porges and Siegel—and explore why many of the most common strategies today (like timeouts) may be as outdated as smoking on an airplane.Inside the episode:

In today's episode of the Connect Method Parenting Podcast, I'm diving headfirst into the messy, confusing, absolutely necessary world of figuring out what to tolerate in your relationships with your kids (and honestly, everyone else in your life). Because let's face it - we're all walking that tightrope between doormat and dictator DAILY.Here's what we're unpacking today:• The "Compassionate Alpha" approach - that magical middle ground between permissive pushover and authoritarian tyrant (spoiler alert: both extremes come from the same place of fear!)• My "Seen and Heard Sandwich" framework that starts with Connection and ends with Bridge - your step-by-step guide for handling everything from epic Target checkout meltdowns to homework battles• Why "accepting" your child's behavior is NOT the same as "condoning" it (say it with me, people!)• The traffic circle of frustration (thanks Dr. Neufeld!) and why our job isn't to punish the attacking energy but to help our kids move from mad to sad• My embarrassingly real Target story involving two toddlers, a public meltdown, and a stranger's birth control commentary (I literally abandoned my cart and fled)• The mind-blowing concept that "their behavior is information" - they're not trying to ruin your life, they're communicating something!Remember: You teach people how to treat you by what you tolerate. But tolerating your child's emotions doesn't mean letting go of boundaries - it means showing up with both compassion AND firmness.Whether you're dealing with eye-rolling teens or cookie-demanding toddlers, this episode is your permission slip to stop trying to "win" the power struggle and start winning the relationship instead.DM on IG @connectmethodparenting about YOUR tolerance dilemmas - I read every single one while contemplating whether I should have that last cookie in my fridge (Dollar Cookie Day, you are my weakness!).Stay boundaried but beautiful!xo AndeeNext Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast My Book: https://cmp.works/1xs My IG: https://cmp.works/ista

Ever send a text you regretted THE SECOND your thumb hit "send"?

So here's the deal—I've been low-key obsessed with creating this geeky-but-life-changing episode about the SEEing Framework that has COMPLETELY rewired how I parent. And listen, when you've had six kids in eight years like I have, you need all the mental frameworks you can get!Here's the mind-blowing data point that sent me down this rabbit hole: Dr. Neufeld's research shows that 95% (!!!) of kids' problem behaviors were never actually intended. NINETY-FIVE PERCENT, people! I used to be the correction queen, y'all. I had more sticker charts than Target's office supply section. In this episode, I break down my SEEing Framework that's basically the ultimate parent hack:

Today, we're diving into something that's been buzzing in my mind lately—what I call The Acceptance Shift Model. This isn't just a concept I teach; it's something I've lived through in my own parenting journey. And let me tell you—it changes everything.Here's the truth bomb:When we argue against reality, we lose 100% of the time.Acceptance gets a bad rap. A lot of us think it means giving up, being passive, or saying, “Sure, just keep tantruming forever.” But nope. That's not it at all.True acceptance is one of the most active, intentional shifts we can make as parents.In this episode, I share:A dinner-date disaster turned transformational moment (yes, I literally covered my mouth mid-convo

From desperate bathroom floor journaling to parenting transformation - this is the system that saved my sanity...So here's the scene: Me, sliding down my bathroom door, desperately clutching a journal, trying not to ugly-cry because bedtime felt like scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. Been there? That rock-bottom moment? TOTAL GAME-CHANGER. I started asking myself three stupidly simple questions:What worked today? (took me like 20 minutes to find ANYTHING

I recorded this as part of a five-day training I did for my League of Extraordinarily Connected Parents (which, by the way, is the BEST group of humans ever), and halfway through planning it, I thought, "Wait! EVERYONE needs to hear this!"What You're About to Discover:I'm spilling ALL the tea about the three MASSIVE mistakes I used to make as a parent (and sometimes still catch myself making because, hello, I'm human!). These are the sneaky little thought patterns that absolutely DESTROY our connection with our kids:The "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" Complex – Oh my goodness, I was QUEEN of this one! That mental loop of "they should have known better" or "they could have done this differently" that runs through our heads? It triggers our kids' nervous systems INSTANTLY. I share a story about getting pulled over by a police officer who taught me the most incredible lesson about setting boundaries without shame. Game. Changer.The "Please Just Listen!" Desperate Energy – Remember when my kids were little and I'd literally cross my fingers hoping they'd cooperate that day? That graspy, needy energy is REPELLING our kids! I share this wild story about a street performer who attracted HUNDREDS of people without begging anyone to listen. What if we could parent like THAT?The "I Can't Figure This Out" Self-Doubt Spiral – This one hits deep. That voice that says it's too late, we're not patient enough, we can't change? It's a LIE. I unpacked what true self-confidence really means (hint: it's not what you think!).Here's the crazy part – I didn't even realize how these thought patterns were RUNNING MY LIFE as a parent until I started questioning them. Our thoughts create our emotions, which fuel our actions... and then we wonder why we keep getting the same frustrating results!I challenge you to ask yourself:Where am I "shoulding" my kids today?Where am I being graspy and desperate for cooperation?Where do I doubt my ability to change?Connection over correction, always. ❤️Let's do this parenting thing differently, AndeeNext Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

So you know that gut-punch feeling when someone says they don't like you? Or when your sweet little angel screams "I HATE YOU!" during a tantrum? Talk about emotional whiplash! Today I'm diving into this ultra-relatable parenting challenge in this episode, and trust me - it's the pep talk we all desperately need.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeWhy someone saying they hate you is actually NEUTRAL until you decide what it means (mind=officially blown, right?!)The exact thought patterns that turn your kid's tantrum words into your emotional meltdown (spoiler: we're doing it to ourselves, guys!)My embarrassingly real story about former friends who—quite literally—couldn't stand me anymore (and how it transformed me from a people-pleasing pretzel into the parent I am today)The STEER method that will SAVE YOUR SANITY the next time your sweet angel looks you dead in the eyes and says they wish they had a different mom (been there, bought the t-shirt!)Episode Highlights[00:02:30] My humbling journey through friendship breakups and what they taught me about unconditional love (it was the BEST awful experience of my life!)[00:08:45] The life-changing realization: someone saying "I hate you" is just... words. That's it! (Mind. Blown.)[00:13:20] Why your kids are 100% allowed to have their opinions about your parenting—even when those opinions make you want to hide in the pantry with chocolate[00:17:40] How to use STEAR when your 8-year-old is staging a full rebellion against bedtime (complete with dramatic declarations about your parenting abilities!)[00:22:15] The secret science of mirror neurons and why you FEEL your kid's emotions (but don't actually have to absorb them—hallelujah!)[00:27:50] The counterintuitive trick: feeling COMPASSION for your tiny dictator when they're mid-meltdown (sounds impossible—I promise it's not!)[00:32:10] The ultimate parenting superpower: being totally okay when your decisions make your kids temporarily despise you Connect Method Parenting FTWWhen your child screams "I HATE YOU!" during a tantrum, it's not actually about you. It's about THEM and their big feelings that they don't know how to handle yet. But here's the magic: when you stay regulated instead of diving into the emotional dumpster fire with them, you're teaching them something INCREDIBLE about emotional regulation.Remember: The moments when your child likes you least are often the moments they NEED you most! ❤️

Ever catch yourself thinking about what LOVE really means in our parenting journey? Because WOW - I had so many thoughts swirling around this week that I just HAD to share with you all!In this episode, I'm diving DEEP into unconditional love and lovability (and trust me, this one's a game-changer for both you AND your kiddos).What We're Unpacking Today:Why love is ALWAYS the best option (and feels SO much better than frustration!)The mind-blowing truth: your lovability is ABSOLUTE (not dependent on anyone else!)My step-by-step framework for having those tricky conversations without everyone melting downThe surprising connection between loving others unconditionally and finally loving YOURSELFWhy it's not our children's job to make us feel good (this one hit me like a ton of bricks when I first realized it!)My Favorite Moment From This Episode:"If I have to choose between feeling frustrated or loving, loving feels SO much better. Learning how to choose that intentionally is everything."Remember when I talked about that lightbulb moment I had lying in bed? "You can either be right or you can love. You really can't do both right now." That changed EVERYTHING for me!The Connect Method Way:Drop into curiosity instead of criticism (game-changer!)Focus on understanding, not being rightCreate safety in YOUR nervous system firstGet clear on just the facts everyone can agree onIdentify what you're both making those facts meanBrainstorm solutions together without rehashing the problemHere's the beautiful truth: Your relationship with your child is simply your thoughts about them. That's it! And YOU get to choose those thoughts! How powerful is that?!

So today's episode is ALL about a concept that might sound super depressing at first glance, but is actually one of the most powerful tools we have for emotional growth. I'm talking about encountering futility - yep, that word you probably haven't tossed around since your college philosophy class (if ever)!What Is Futility Anyway?

Remember my infamous "baby powder blizzard of 2007"? That moment when my toddlers created what felt like the apocalypse in our playroom, and somehow—miraculously—I didn't lose my mind? That was my pivot point, and I'm sharing exactly how you can create these pivots in your own parenting journey.What You'll Learn:Why the traditional "correction" approach to parenting backfires (even positive rewards can dampen intrinsic motivation!)The mindset shift from being a "sculptor" of your children to being their "gardener"My 5-step process to transform your parenting style and create lasting connectionHow to understand your own mind and identify the thought patterns sabotaging your parentingThe science behind why consequences don't work (and what actually does)Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

In this episode, we're exploring the concept of "Regret Growth" - a transformative approach to handling those moments of parental regret that so many of us experience.Key Takeaways:Regret Growth vs. Regret Spiral: Discover the crucial difference between using regret as a catalyst for positive change versus getting trapped in cycles of shame and self-judgmentWhy most regret is unproductive: Learn why dwelling on past mistakes rarely leads to meaningful growth and often keeps us stuckThe three-step Regret Growth cycle:Awareness: Acknowledging the ping of regret without judgmentAcceptance: Understanding you were doing your best with what you had in that momentAccountability: Taking responsibility and creating a plan to do better next timeThe Regret Forecast: A powerful exercise to imagine what you might regret 10 years from now, helping you prioritize what truly matters todayWhy growth doesn't come from guilt: Understanding that beating yourself up over past parenting moments doesn't lead to positive changePowerful Quotes:"A man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams." - John Barry Moore"Growth doesn't come from guilt. It comes from choosing to move forward with intention.""Let your past mistakes inform you of how to do better. But never let your past mistakes define you."This episode is perfect for any parent who has ever found themselves ruminating over a difficult moment with their child, wishing they could go back and handle it differently. Turn those moments of regret into opportunities for profound personal growth!Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

In this juicy episode, I am spilling ALL the tea about why failure isn't just normal—it's your secret parenting superpower!

Hey there, amazing parents!!! Today's episode is ALL about the transformative power of the awareness, allowing, and wisdom process. I'm walking you through my signature STEAR and PEACE processes that have helped thousands of parents shift from correction-based to connection-based parenting. It's not about being perfect—it's about being present and compassionate with yourself first. Episode Highlights:STEAR Recap: How our thoughts about situations create our emotions, actions, and ultimately our results The Power of Awareness: Why looking at your thoughts is the essential first step to changing anything in your lifeThe Art of Allowing: Why most of us rush to change our thoughts before we've fully allowed and processed our emotions Wisdom-Based Change: How to make changes from a place of peace rather than panicThe Compassionate Witness: Becoming the observer of your thoughts instead of being identified with themRemember, lovelies: you can't skip the ALLOW step! That's where all the magic happens. And yes, it's the hardest part because it means FEELING those uncomfortable emotions. But trust me—I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt—it's worth it.Sending you so much love and support on your parenting journey! ✨xoAndeeNext Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

Let's get real for a hot second—ever feel like parenting is just one giant tug-of-war? (And somehow you're ALWAYS the one about to face-plant into the mud puddle, am I right?!)In today's episode, I'm diving into my "Dream Relationship Strategy" – the exact framework I've used to transform my relationships with my kids (including my son who's turning 24 this year—which is WILD because I'm pretty sure I'm still 24 myself!

So there I was, wide awake at 5:15 AM in FREAKING NEW ZEALAND (yes, we're still traveling—more on that later!) with this message practically BURSTING out of me. My body was like, "Andee, get up RIGHT NOW and talk to your people!" So here I am, messy bun and all, coming in hot with some truth bombs about parenting that literally changed my entire life.The Big Juicy Secret I Can't Keep Anymore:Who you're BEING matters waaaaay more than what you're DOING as a parent.Think about it—you could say "time to wake up" with the exact same words but completely different energy:Option A: Frazzled, irritated, rushing (we've ALL been there)Option B: Grounded, present, compassionateSame words, totally different result! And guess what? Your kids have these amazing things called mirror neurons that pick up your emotional vibe INSTANTLY. They're like little emotional WiFi receivers!

Okay, can we talk about something that's been LIVING in my brain lately? You know that feeling when you're absolutely POSITIVE you need to win an argument with your kiddo... and then suddenly realize that winning might actually be losing? Yeah, THAT.

Today's episode is basically what happened when years of parenting, and one very persistent thought about "hard days" collided into what might be the most important perspective shift I've ever had. Grab your favorite drink and let's dive into this game-changing conversation!

If you've ever found yourself googling "Is it normal for kids to fight 37 times before noon?" or "How to stop yelling when everything is LITERALLY ON FIRE" – I just dropped the survival guide we've all been desperately needing with this episode!What I'm Sharing In This EpisodeIn this workshop (which was SO good I just HAD to share it on the podcast!), I'm walking you through:

We're diving DEEP into what it really means to go all in - not just in parenting, but in life. And before you think "Oh great, another episode about trying harder" (I see you, I hear you), this is actually about something completely different.Remember Eddie the Eagle? That gloriously awkward British ski jumper who showed up at the Olympics having barely ski jumped before? His story completely blew my mind, and it's going to change how you think about commitment forever. Trust me on this one.In this episode, I'm sharing:Why resilience isn't actually a personality trait (thank goodness, right?)The real reason your "failures" might actually be your biggest winsMy slightly unhinged but totally effective $10,000 commitment challengeThe Mario Kart theory of parenting (yes, this is a thing, and yes, it's going to make so much sense)Plus, I'm getting super real about my own journey - including that moment I looked at my 2023 photos and had a total "oh honey" moment about my fitness journey. Because sometimes the best way to learn about commitment is to face-plant a few times along the way (metaphorically speaking... mostly).And for my League peeps - whether you're in Pivot or Mastery - you're going to love how this ties into everything we've been working on. And if you're not in League yet... well, let's just say March's Pivot 5.0 is looking pretty tempting right now!

Hey there, beautiful souls!

Ready for some real talk about that annoying roommate in your head called self-doubt? In this episode, we're getting cozy with our insecurities (but not TOO cozy - we're not giving them the comfy chair!) and discovering why that pesky voice of doubt might actually be your biggest cheerleader in disguise.✨ Key Takeaways:Why self-doubt is actually a growth signal (plot twist!)The "back of the bus" technique for managing your inner criticWhy "but what if it works out?" is your new best friendHow to turn self-doubt from your boss into your growth compassWhy your children are actually your personal coaches (surprise!)

Finding your parenting confidence is NOT about being perfect and more about embracing your inner 'I'm totally winging this but also kind of crushing it' energy. Today we're diving deep into the world of self-confidence.The "Not Enough" Trap:Why this thought is about as helpful as chocolate-covered broccoliThe moment I realized self-doubt was just being extra dramaticWhat Elon Musk and broken glass taught me about parenting (stay with me here...)The Wild Truth About Self-Confidence:You can't validate your kids if you can't validate yourself!Why Michael Jordan's training mindset is exactly what we need for parenting The French have it right: I HAVE frustration - NOT - I AM frustrated (oui oui, mes amis!)The Confidence Equation:Growth mindset = Self-confidence factoryFixed mindset = External validation hamster wheelWhy failure is just spicy feedback (and how to use it)Try This At Home: ✨ Start a "Why I'm Actually Awesome" list (even if it feels weird)✨ Practice French-style emotion-having (oui, you can)✨ Channel your inner confident penguin (they can't fly but strut anyway!)Keep being perfectly imperfect!Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

For everyone who's ever looked at their parenting journey and thought "This is... not what I expected" - this one's for you. Bonus points if you're currently listening to this while hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace! Quick question - ever had one of those moments where you're just living your life, and suddenly you find yourself crying over a scrapbook in a random Airbnb while having an existential parenting epiphany? No? Just me? Cool cool cool...

Hey, hey, my favorite parents!Have you ever found yourself caught in the "should have, would have, could have" trap with your kids? Or maybe you've hoped (or begged) they'd just listen this time—and felt that creeping frustration when they didn't? Yep, I've been there, too.In today's episode, we're diving into The Irresistible Parenting Protocol—the exact process I use to help parents move from chaos to calm and get their kids to want to listen (without bribes, threats, or ultimatums).I'm sharing the three parenting mistakes that might be sneaking into your daily routines and keeping you stuck in a loop of frustration. We'll explore how to replace them with easy, effective strategies that create connection—and results.What we're covering today:The sneaky parenting habits that feel helpful but actually trigger your kids' nervous systems (hint: this is why they shut down or push back).Why your energy matters more than your words—and how to shift from needy and graspy to magnetic and calm.How to set firm boundaries without guilt, shame, or "policing" vibes.You'll also hear about my run-in with a very kind police officer, a street performer who gathered a massive crowd, and how these real-life moments offer surprising insights for parenting. Trust me, this one's a goodie!Favorite Takeaway: Parenting starts in your brain. When we become aware of our thoughts and choose ones that serve us, everything changes. Connection is the secret sauce, and it's easier than you think.So grab your earbuds, hit play, and let's get into it. You'll walk away with actionable steps, a clearer perspective, and probably a laugh or two.Links & Resources:Grab my book, Connect Method Parenting, on Amazon: https://cmp.works/1xs✨ Let's connect: Follow me on Instagram @ConnectMethodParenting for daily doses of connection magic and parenting inspo!I can't wait to hear your takeaways—send me a DM on IG! Let's do this. ❤️Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

We've all had those moments where we put in so much effort, tried so hard, and still fell short. It's frustrating, humbling, and, let's be honest, sometimes it makes us want to give up. But what if those moments were exactly what we needed?In today's episode, I'm diving into what happens when life doesn't go as planned. Whether it's your personal goals or watching your kids struggle to achieve theirs, this topic is close to my heart because I've been there. (Oh, have I been there.) From learning to drive on the left side of the road to parenting through countless meltdowns, I've learned that those “not enough” moments are some of the most important of all.We're going to talk about why your best sometimes doesn't feel good enough—and what to do about it. Here's what we'll cover:What is “your best,” really? Breaking it down into four parts: skill, attitude, commitment, and resilience.Why failure doesn't mean you're falling short—it means you're growing.The secret to teaching your kids how to handle disappointment by modeling it yourself.How to close the gap between where you are now and where you want to be (without beating yourself up).Why the journey matters so much more than the destination.This episode is full of practical insights and personal stories to help you shift your perspective on failure—for yourself and for your kids. Because when we embrace the messy, imperfect process, we give our kids permission to do the same.A Favorite Takeaway from Today:“When we redefine failure as just another step in the process, it stops feeling like the end. It becomes part of what's making us.”Here's the thing: Parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, giving it your all, and knowing that even when it doesn't work out, you're still moving forward. It's about finding joy in the journey—even the messy parts—and helping your kids see that they can, too.Next Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast

Ever feel like you're caught in a parenting Groundhog Day? The tantrums, the fights, the endless messes... all while you're trying your hardest to hold it together?Same. In this episode, we're diving into something I call the SOS Method—a simple but powerful way to shift out of survival mode and into connection. We're talking about how to stay present when your brain wants to hit the eject button, why noticing what's actually happening changes everything, and how to ditch the self-judgment spiral once and for all.Here's what we're unpacking together:The magic of “This is what's happening”—why accepting the moment (instead of fighting it) changes how you show up.Why slowing down is the real parenting superpower.How to hold space for all your feelings (yes, even the messy ones like frustration or self-doubt).The sneaky connection between emotional triggers and your beliefs—and how to gently rewrite the ones that aren't serving you.My favorite tip for practicing calm before the meltdown happens Parenting isn't about fixing our kids or controlling every situation. It's about learning to stay steady—finding that calm center when the world (or your toddler) is spinning around you. And the good news? You don't have to be perfect to make this shift. You just have to be willing.So grab your headphones and let's dive in! You've got this, friend.Love,AndeeNext Steps: Leave a review if you've been enjoying the CMP Podcast