Build Family Connection

If a parenting tool isn't serving you, let go! Set it aside and try something new.

Don't wait until your problems become so big to start trying new ideas. Start now, when small changes can make a big impact.

We all ask questions as parents, but do you know the difference between a question full of curiosity versus fix-it, frustration, and fear? Listen in to hear the difference.

If you find yourself surveying the crowd or feel stuck making a deicison, here's another option for you.

You are awesome and didn't overreact or lose your cool. Nicely Done! So now what!? Listen in to this episode for some next steps when you have a kiddo who comes at you with BIG emotion.

Parents often think validating a child means they are weak or giving in, but that's no the case. In this episode I'm sharing a story about our dog that reminded us of what true validation looks like.

In this epiode we talk about the difference between pulling weeds and planting seeds in family relationships. Where are you spending most of your time, and is it paying off?

Find Michelle on Instagram @buildfamilyconnection

Website: www.buildfamilyconnection.com

Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one path to success for our kids. Each one of them is unique and will not fit into the same mold despite our best efforts! Stop comparing your kiddo to your neighbors and be the light that helps them find their own path to success.

When was the last time you stopped to think about how good you are? It's probably been a while. Even when you mess up, you are GOOD. And, your family needs this imperfect version of you-- not some idealic, perfect, wannabe creation that you carry around in your head.

If you aren't happy with where your family relationships are, then quit trying the same things over and over again. Listen in and get thinking about finding yourself you a better way.

The month of May is often a month of transition for families. In this episode, we talk about three things you can do to help smooth transitions of all sorts. 

Kids and teens want to do well in their lives. You've taught them about goodness and they want to be on a good path. They don't want to be forced there. This episode is about the invitation versus the demand.

When I was teaching last week a mom shared the idea of hot potato moments. This reframe is a great way to ease the stress of those times when our kids unexpectedly dump big information or events on us.

Mom, my lip is stuck in my zipper. WHAT!? Listen in for a great example of how we sometimes tackle hard problems.

Tired of getting blank stares when you try to share a valuable life lesson? Use pop culture or whatever tredn matters to your kids. In this episode I share a recent family experience and how we used it to guide value driven family discussions.

In this episode I share the background behind my new children's book "Little Bear's Re-Do," and how it can impact your family. 

To Order Your Copy: www.buildfamilyconnection.com/little-bear-book

Stop trying to make your kids stop fighting. Use your enegry to make true progress instead.

Do you ever get lost in the weeds of parenting and wonder if there is any progress? I'm here to tell you pulling the small weeds counts!

Do we need love or do we need consequences? Is it one or the other? Maybe there is another possibility and we are talking about it in this episode.

As parents we have been sold lies that get in the way of us moving forward as families and recognizing progress in our kids. Listen in and see if you have been led in astray.  

I crawled into bed the other night irritated and done with one of my kids. Here's what I learned.

Join Erika and I as we talk about the wide range of emotions you experience during times of uncertainty and how to navigate them.

You can find Erika on Instagram @erikabehunin 

Her website is www.erikascounseling.com

Join me and Erika as we talk about the skills you can develop to face uncertainty as a family.

Part 1 of 2.

You can find Erika on IG: @erikabehunin

Erika's Website: erikascounseling.com

When was the last time you spent time scrolling through your camera roll? In this episdoe we talk about how to use those photos and videos to strengthen your relationships.

In this episode we are talking about how the idea of "should" can blur our vision and hamper our steps towards progress.

Have you ever tried to approach a family member in a way that is usually successful, but it just doesn't work? Well, you're not alone. Today's episode is a quick note to self to keep trying when things don't seem to work in the way you expected.

Let's talk about intentional recovery time. When you are exhausted, overstimulated, stressed, or simply done with a bad day, do you have a plan to recover? 

"Look at what you've done!" Often we use this phrase in frustration, but let's stop and put it into practice as parents as we start this new year.

Let's talk about the power in thinking small AND making progress in our lives and relationships.

In this episode we talk about finding connection and warmth in an imperfect holiday season!

Sometimes we throw around the idea of a change in perspective lightly. In today's episode, I share a personal example of learning about perspective and how is reshaped my approach to a difficult situation.

Tis the season of gratitude, but what if you don't really feel grateful for life right now? You're not alone. This episode gives you another option to anchor in as you travel bumpy roads.

Do you know how to anchor yourself to your kiddos so that in a moment of stress or chaos you can keep your cool? Listen in to learn more about why anchoring matters and how to use it to your advantage.

6 practical ideas to stop the yelling. We're bringing the learning we've done in the last several episode together and putting them into practice.

What do you do once you recognize your red flags? This episode shares 3 things you can try once you know you're about to loose your cool?

If you're sick and yelling and want to really learn how to stop, this episode is for you. Today we're taking the data you've collected from the past two episodes and using it to make a personal list of red flags. 

We're continuing the conversation on what you need to consider if you really want to decrease the amount of anger and fight in your home.

If you're sick of failed attempts at trying to reign in your first reactions, this episode is for you. We are diving a little deeper into taming those blasts of energy that derail our best attempts.

Join me over on Instagram for practical suggestions @buildfamilyconnection.

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https://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/optin-bars/

We think our job as parents is to teach lessons and make the learning clear for our kids, but is that really what they need when they mess up? I've got a story for you from my favorite four year old that might change your perspective.

In this episode we learn how to offer choices in a way that benefit both us and the child. It's a critical piece of parenting that often gets left behind!

When we make assumptions about our kids, we might miss the most important part of the story. Sometimes we think we know exacty what's going on, BUT we don't. Listen in to more lessons from my favorite four year old.

Today we're talking about teamwork. Do you know how to work with your kids instead of unintentionally fighting against them to get what you want?

Listen in for ideas on how you can help things go right when you're met with resistance.

Sometimes without even realizing it, we get in our own way. Especially in how we parent. In this episode we talk about the importance of acknowledging our blindspots and making shifts. 

"From Conflict to Connection" begins Monday October 5

https://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/classes-page/

As a parent sometimes you'll have an idea that goes against "traditional" parenting methods. Don't be so quick to toss that idea out the window. A step towards connection may be your best bet!

FREE LIVE WEBINAR OCTOBER 5

https://livewebinar.pages.ontraport.net/

When someone is unkind, it's hard not to take it personally. As parents, we need to learn to change our perspective so we can keep our cool and make decisions with clarity.

Got a kids with crazy ideas?

Don't squash them quite yet!

Come listen to the power of diving into the creative and sometimes crazy world of our kids.

LINK TO FREE WEBINAR:

https://livewebinar.pages.ontraport.net/

Extracurricular demands are heavy on families. Let's talk about key elements to conisder when making decisions for your family.

Do you know what’s creating extra stress and worry for you as a parent?

The list could be long, but at the top is the false belief that you have to get it right to be good. 

In episode 124 I share about the great candy bar meltdown and how we can learn from it.

Let's get real about getting past the daily grin of family life and reclaim pieces of joy. Join Michelle for 4 tools you can try today.

Do you know what sucks the joy out of your day?

In this episode we talk about the importance of slowing down to pay attention to joy stealers so you can push back to reclaim the presence and calm you want.

Get weekly tips and upcoming class information by emailing,

michelle@buildfamilyconnection.com

Say hello and tell me where you're from.

Behavior shifts often come AFTER transitions and we as parents miss the connection. In this episdoe I share some words to try when you see a shift in behavior, but aren't sure what's going on.

Now that kids are back to school, you may feel limited on the time you have to build relationships. No worries! In today's episode I share a simple way to shift your conversations to create more connection and lightness with the limited time you have together.

Is the use of absolute language shutting down communication in your home? A few small shifts and a little intention can dramatically change the energy in your home.

Tired of the selfishness or entitlement you see creeping into your family? You are not alone!

If you have 2 minutes, you have time for a family kindness challenge. In this episode we talke about the simple process to help fight back against entitlement and selfishness.

It's hard to let our kids make mistakes. No one likes to watch someone they love stumble. And, our responsibility as parents is NOT to pave the way for our children. Let's talk about how and why this matters.

As parents you are asked to sort through a lot of information and make a lot of decisions. Sometimes the pressure to get things right becomes overwhelming. Join me on this episode for a different perspective and a few questions to help lighten your load.

What is your family practicing this summer? 

In between sports camps, theater classes, swim team and summer reading programs, can I invite you into a simple practice that will build the relationships in your home?

Join me for Episode  215 and let's think about the simple victories we experience every day.

Scrolling through social media, I see a lot of great suggestions about summer systems, chore charts, and plans to manage the time you have with your kids. We need these things to survive.

However, I have to ask, "Are we placing our focus on the areas that our going to serve us best?"

Let's stop trying to have a perfect summer and shift to a real summer- and a great one at that!

The expectations we hold onto surrounding our kids behavior set us up for failure. Let's talk about why it's helpful to lower our expectations as parents, and how that helps us make more progress.

If spending time together is creating and increase in conflict, know that you are not alone! In this episode we talk about shifting perspective and learning from our frustrations.

If your family is traveling this summer, don't forget this critical step. Prepare yourself mentally for bumps in the road or plans that don't work out the way you had hoped.

Often we look to our kids to place value on our parenting. Are they excelling? Did they get a good grade on a test? But what is the measure of a good parent? Is there such a thing? One common element is that all parents struggle. Especially the "good" ones.

Go to: www.buildfamilyconnection.com

to join our email community, or email Michelle at info@buildfamilyconnection.com

Few things make us more miserable than comparing our journey to another's. Today's episode addresses one area comparison sometimes sneaks up on us.

Is your parenting game stuck at the surface level? If so, join us for this episode to pause and consider the current focus of your parenting efforts.

Do you ever wonder if you are making any progress? If so, this episode is for you. Learning to trust the progress we make is a critical step in moving forward.

The month of May always brings a mixture of emotion for me. It's a time of the year that marks comings and goings. 

We get excited, celebrate, and I do my fair share of crying. In this episode we talk about how to navigate periods of transition in our families.

Today we are talking about how to use choices with your kids AND how your personal preferences matter in the family dynamic. 

Are you building a relationship of respect with your kids? In this episode we learn from an expert, a teenager, about the #1 secret they want you to understand in building a respectful relationship. 

When I ask parents to reconsider how they approach their teens, a common concern I hear is, “Well, am I just going to let them get away with it?” 

The answer is simple, “No.”

If you’ve ever wondered a similar thing, then listen in to episode 202. I think you’ll enjoy the discussion and shift in perspective.

Worried that your kids like their friends more than you? You are not alone! What if there was another option?

I recently asked a group of teens this question, “What do you wish your parents understood about being a teen today?”

Episode #201 highlights one of the most common responses I received about their friends. Here’s what they wish you understood better.

Celebrate with us!

4 Ways to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. 5 entries.

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Tag your friends. 1 entry for each friend. 

4. DM or email to be added to my email list. 20 entries. (1 email per person). 

In our 200th episode I share one small adjustment you can make as you lead your family. Asking two questions  will help you feel more confident, build relationships, and recognize progress along the way.

Celebrate with us!

4 Ways to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. 5 entries.

2. Share a podcast episode on your stories (don't forget to tag me so I am notified). 10 entries.

3. Go to Instagram. Comment on the post and tag your friends. 1 entry for each tag. 1 entry for each comment.

4. DM or email to be added to my email list. 20 entries. (1 email per person). 

michelle@buildfamilyconnection.com

IG: @buildfamilyconnection

In episode 199 I talk about fighting back against the feeling of overwhelm. Listen in for two managable ideas you can try to move throught the feelings of overwhelm.

We give our children a gift when we teach about emotion and offer a safe place to express what they are feeling.

In episode 198 of the podcast we talk about how to start validating your people. 

D you ever wonder if anxiety is a trend or if kids are claiming mental health issues just to get attention?

That's what we're talking about in this episode.

We don't have to spend all our time fighting social media. Listen in and learn how to use Instagram and other social media apps to build a relationship.

The idea that the growth and progression of our family will be a clean linear experience is failing you. 

We are all human. We make mistakes, shift our focus, and need permission to try again. We get to keep teaching. Our kids get to keep practicing. We all get to keep making mistakes.

In this episode, we talk about taking small re-focused steps to help our families grow.

When I think of all the times my kids have responded to me by yelling, being sarcastic, or even by being disrespectful, I cannot think of a single time that I improved the situation by demanding that their behavior stop. In this episdoe we talk about how we can respond to our kids and gain valuable information to parent better.

Not once.

Reseach tells us that when kids learn their family stories, their level of resliency increases. In this episode we talk about how to use family stories to our benefit.

Parents do not need to know or have all the answers to create a stable safe environment for their children.

In this episode I talk about 3 things you can do to navigate uncdertainty with greater confidence.

If you want something to change in your family, yes, you’re gonna have to work for it. Please don’t make the mistake of trying the same approach over and over again. Look at the problem from a new angle. Ask for an outside perspective. Have some fun in the process of problem solving. Whatever you do, try something new and don’t give up.

Do you have a tendency to ignore, brush off, or dismiss the random ideas your older kids share? Pay attention. If you initially feel like the child is sharing a bad idea, what is your response?

How we respond impacts how willing our kids are to share with us as they grow. If we are consistently shutting down their ideas or dismissing their perspective, will they come to us when they need to sort through a more important issue?

They might. They might not. We increase the odds if we show them that we are willing to LISTEN, LEARN, and ENGAGE. Today you might be talking about Minecraft or a stunt they tried at the skatepark, but tomorrow it could be something more impactful.

We do not have to lose the relationship we have with our kids as they get older. We do, however, need to let go of the idea that we get to control their world.  I know this is a difficult idea to accept. This reality is a piece of what makes parenting older kids so dang hard. 

You have a new role. A role that allows you to influence your child and build a stronger relationship in the process.

By teaching our kids to win, are we uninentionally teaching them to quit? That's the question we are discussing in today's epsiode.

Do you know your why?

In this episode, I share my why.  What are your hopes for your family, and how can I support you in this parenting journey? I would love to hear from you.

Do you like to be bossed around? Nope? Neither do your kids.  If we want more cooperation and less resistance, we can get there by offering choices. The more control a child feels they have, the less they have to fight for it.

Download Your Free Video:

3 Steps to Less Chaos

www.buildfamilyconnection.com

Did you know that assumptions, good and bad, can get in the way of a great relationship with your child?

When we make assumptions, we jump to conclusions and miss out on vital information that helps us parent our kids better.

Our first reaction matters. In this episode I peel back the layers on our initial reactions so that we can begin to tame the how we respond.

When we feel pain and discomfort in our relationships, we’re being given valuable information. Unfortunately, we often want to run from the pain and miss out on some great learning, but not this time.

STOP AND LISTEN!

For more tools, download a free 20 minute video 3 Steps to Less Chaos at

https://buildfamilyconnection.com/optin-bars/

Ignoring and dismissing the uncertainty in our lives doesn't make it go away. Today's episode offers you two tools you can use to decrease the stress and anxiety the unknown often brings into our families. 

We often fear that there is an invisible number of chances we have to try again in our family relationships. Have you ever wondered if you're getting close to maxing out? Listen in as we bust this myth and replace it with truth that will help you build relationships at home.

If you've ever looked around and wondered how you have failed so miserably, you're not alone. I remember a long stretch of time when I felt that way about my family. In today’s podcast episode, we’re talking about one step you can take away from the crushing weight of failure towards progress.

I’m curious. Is it easy or more difficult for you to connect with your kids-- especially the one who challenges you? For us, there is a lot of variation. Sometimes building a relationship is easy and sometimes we struggle more.

In today's we are talking about one barrier that might be getting in the way of strengthening relationships with your people. Listen in and please, share with a friend!