If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I need to be firmer,” “I need better consequences,” or “Why isn’t this working?”—this episode is for you.

So many parents come to parenting already exhausted, doing everything they were taught about discipline… and feeling like things are only getting harder. More power struggles. More yelling. More disconnection. In this episode, we gently challenge one of the most deeply ingrained beliefs many of us were raised with: that discipline is the key to raising well-adjusted kids.

Together, we explore why discipline feels so appealing when we’re overwhelmed, what traditional discipline actually teaches children beneath the surface, and why stopping behavior isn’t the same as teaching skills. You’ll learn how behavior is a form of communication—especially for teens—and why responding with control often shuts down the very growth and cooperation we’re hoping for.

We also unpack how discipline can unintentionally damage connection, why connection is the foundation for real influence, and what helps instead: relational guidance that sets limits with children, not against them. Finally, we look at the hard but freeing truth—this work isn’t about fixing kids, it’s about supporting parents and healing the parts of us that get activated in the hardest moments.

If discipline isn’t working, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your child is asking for something deeper: understanding, regulation, and relationship. Parenting isn’t about control—it’s about connection. And when kids feel connected, real change becomes possible.If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. This is exactly the work we do inside the Masterful Parenting Program—helping parents move from discipline and power struggles to connection, confidence, and calm leadership. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Thank you for being here, and for doing the brave work of parenting differently. 💛

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Do old childhood wounds show up in your parenting today? Do certain moments with your child trigger big reactions—leaving you feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or not like the parent you want to be?

You’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

I carried pain from my own childhood, and for a long time, it made parenting feel harder than it needed to be. But I learned something powerful: healing is possible—and when you begin that healing, parenting starts to feel different. You feel more energized, less reactive, more confident, and more able to truly enjoy your children.

Welcome to the Masterful Parenting Podcast. This is a space where we talk about healing your childhood wounds, building deeper connections with your children, and learning how to communicate in ways that help everyone feel heard.

You’ll also hear from special expert guests who share practical tools and insights to make parenting more supportive, intentional, and connected.

On the show, we explore topics like self-care for parents, bullying, building healthy relationships, parenting children with autism, protecting kids from cyberbullying, and so much more—because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but support makes all the difference.

Subscribe to the Masterful Parenting Podcast and join us each week.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@masterfulparenting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7 Day Launch for the Masterful Parenting Program

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/masterfulparenting

www.facebook.com/avalvares

Course:

https://annealvares.systeme.io/masterfulparentingcourse

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