#308 ‘Touched Out' or Tired of Tantrums? Here’s How We Still Show Up for Our Kids
Are you overwhelmed by your child’s clinginess, emotional meltdowns, tantrums, or constant need for attention?Do you want to be a calm, connected parent—but feel touched out, maxed out, and unsure how to respond without creating 'bad habits' in your children?In this episode, we respond to a heartfelt question from a listener who asked: “How do I support my children when they’re being emotionally needy—but I’m running on empty myself? My husband says I'm forming bad habits in my kids and wearing myself out.”She’s a devoted mom trying to show up with love—but when her child is falling apart, crying, throwing tantrums, or needing constant reassurance, she feels like she’s emotionally drowning. Her natural response is to set more boundaries for her children to protect herself from burnout -- but is the best approach when YOU are the person who's the adult?If you’ve ever felt stuck between your own limits and your child’s emotional needs, this conversation is for you.We explore how attachment parenting principles can help you stay emotionally grounded while building secure bonds—especially during challenging moments and phases. You’ll learn how your child’s clingy or intense behavior is actually a normal response to unmet emotional needs, and how to use those moments to deepen trust and connection instead of breaking your parent/child bond.We share practical ways to support your child’s emotional growth without sacrificing your own well-being. From real-life parenting tools to nervous system regulation strategies, this episode will help you build a peaceful, connected home—even when parenting feels messy.Whether you're raising toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged kids, these attachment parenting insights will empower you to create a strong foundation of safety, love, better behavior, and mental and emotional health now and into adulthood.✅ Your child’s desire for closeness is a sign of healthy attachment—not weakness or 'bad habits'.✅ Emotional meltdowns and tantrums are signs of unmet attachment needs, not power struggles.✅ When you regulate yourself, you help your child develop emotionally through co-regulation. Children can't self-regulate.✅ Attachment parenting leads to long-term confidence, independence, and resilience.✅ You can meet your child’s needs and protect your peace.Chapters00:00 The Key to Great Parenting10:02 The Importance of Truth in Parenting10:25 Navigating Parenting Challenges18:08 Understanding Attachment and Its Impact24:17 Building Strong Attachments for Better Outcomes31:20 Increasing Capacity as Parents36:45 The Complexity of Parenting39:31 Understanding Children's Emotional Needs42:48 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents45:39 Nutrition's Role in Parenting Effectiveness49:48 Prioritizing Childhood Development54:35 The Balance of Family Commitments59:15 Building Lasting Relationships with Children01:02:07 Strategies for Rebuilding Attachment01:06:48 Managing Parental Stress and Emotions🗣 “Attachment parenting is not about perfection—it’s about presence.”🗣 “When your child is falling apart, they need you to hold it together.”🗣 “Their behavior is communication—not defiance.”🗣 “You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be there.”🗣 “Connection is the soil where emotional resilience grows.”RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read MomsGreg's Recommended Reading List for Parents & YouthFollow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denningGet Rachel's Family Systems & ChartsJoin the 28-Day Challenge for MomsJoin the Family Life Coaching Workshop Series for busy momsJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/
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