by Kirk Martin | Jul 16, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Q: Why won’t my kids be responsible for themselves? A: Because they don’t have to. Because YOU always are. Many of you, out of good hearts and good intentions, actually do WAY TOO MUCH as a parent. Yes, I really believe this. It’s actually working...
by Kirk Martin | Jul 14, 2016 | Calm Parenting
I often get asked, “How did you change from this anxious, screaming, control-freak Dad and husband into the calm guy?” Here are the two indispensable qualities it takes to change: (1) Humiliation. Nothing is more humiliating than sitting in a therapist’s...
by Kirk Martin | Jul 12, 2016 | Calm Parenting
No matter what happened today, I know you love your kids and want the best for them. Even though you might not feel like it sometimes, you are a good mom! Read it until you believe it: You are a good mom! You are NOT a bad mom if: Your child doesn’t brush their teeth...
by Kirk Martin | Jun 26, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Want your kids to open up to you more and be responsible for themselves? Try these two apologies. (1) “I want to apologize to you. When you come and tell me something about your life, I tend to create too much drama and make it a bigger deal than it is. And I bet that...
by Kirk Martin | Jun 20, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Some of you have adopted or fostered children. Some were abused, some abandoned in orphanages. Many are angry, many have attachment disorders (RAD). No one will ever really understand the struggles you face. Friends will tell you that you just need to discipline...
by Kirk Martin | May 30, 2016 | Calm Parenting
I am a skeptical guy, like you or your husband. I always thought, “If my kids and spouse would just do what I expect, everything would be fine!” Everyone had to walk on eggshells around me. Until this moment with my son happened. Watch this short video...
by Kirk Martin | May 4, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Here is one simple action step that can turn a power struggle into a learning opportunity. If you respond to an upset person by getting upset yourself, you have perpetuated the cycle. But the moment you sit down and calmly say, “I’d like to listen to what...
by Kirk Martin | Mar 22, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Did you know that your kids get five important needs met by playing video games? Screens provide immediate stimulation, predictability in an uncertain world, ownership, social interaction (not the way we want it, but they do connect this way)….and confidence....
by Kirk Martin | Mar 12, 2016 | Calm Parenting
Step back so your kids can step up. When we control our kids or micromanage them, we rob them of the satisfaction that comes from making good decisions on their own or developing the internal resources to learn from bad decisions. When we step back, it gives our kids...
by Kirk Martin | Feb 21, 2016 | Calm Parenting
You’re trying to cook dinner, help the other child with homework, have a rare conversation with your spouse, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment. But you hear the siblings escalating in the other room. There’s drama and the emotional fire is growing. So you...
