Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

Hunter Clarke-Fields
  • 4.8 (440)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

How do you raise kind, confident kids without losing your cool? How do you manage kids’ behavior, help them regulate their big emotions, AND stay grounded?  Mindful Parenting is here to help. I’m Hunter Clarke-Fields, former yelling, frustrated mom. Dealing with my anger drove me to find practical, compassionate parenting strategies to regulate emotions as well as mindfulness to bring peace to the chaos at home.  In each refreshingly honest episode you’ll come away knowing that you have permission to be human, you're not alone, and it won't always be this hard. If you've looking for conscious, positive parenting strategies and expert advice on issues like tech/screen time, ADHD, tantrums, teens, toddlers, and more, you’re in the right place. Join our community of parents changing generational patterns for a brighter future! https://www.mindfulmamamentor.com/

  1. 2d ago

    Are We Raising Picky Eaters? - Helen Veit

    Are We Raising Picky Eaters? Most parents today assume picky eating is just part of childhood. But what if it’s not? In this fascinating conversation, Helen Zoe Veit joins Hunter Clarke-Fields to explore the surprising history of children’s eating habits—and how modern parenting norms may be creating more picky eaters, not fewer. You’ll discover why kids in the 19th century ate a wide variety of foods, how the concept of “kid food” was invented, and the unexpected ways well-meaning advice from the past continues to shape how we feed our children today. If you’ve ever struggled with mealtime battles, short-order cooking, or worry about your child’s limited diet, this episode will completely shift your perspective—and offer a more grounded, confident way forward. What You’ll Learn Why picky eating may be more cultural than biological What children really ate in the 1800s (and why it matters) How “kid food” and marketing changed children’s diets The hidden impact of 1940s parenting advice on feeding kids Why accommodating picky eating can backfire How to help kids develop a broader palate—without pressure or power struggles ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS: How I Survived the Hardest Year of My Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Karl-Anthony Towns has spent his life chasing championships, but his greatest lessons came far from the basketball court. In this heartfelt conversation with Jay Shetty, he reflects on grief, faith, family, and the moments that shaped the man behind the jersey. From honoring his late mother's legacy to embracing God's timing, discovering purpose beyond success, and building a love rooted in friendship, this episode is a moving reminder that who you become matters far more than what you achieve. Sometimes the greatest victories aren't the ones the world celebrates, they're the quiet moments when you choose to keep moving forward with hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Visit: https://www.statefarm.com/  On Purpose is now Netflix and Spotify exclusive  http://www.netflix.com/onpurposewithjayshetty  https://open.spotify.com/show/5EqqB52m2bsr4k1Ii7sStc?si=33f7898fb334437c  JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:51 Winning an NBA Championship 00:03:13 What Comes After Your Biggest Goal? 00:06:12 Slowing Down to Celebrate 00:07:38 The Walk That Changed Everything 00:11:17 Choosing Calm and Forgiveness 00:14:48 Finding Peace in Quiet Moments 00:17:03 Everyone Sees the World Differently 00:18:42 Confidence Starts at Home 00:20:09 Losing Family During COVID 00:22:42 A Final Conversation with Mom 00:26:12 Letting Go with Love 00:27:23 Making Every Moment Special 00:28:50 "You Should've Drank More" 00:31:24 Feeling Her Presence Again 00:31:48 Living with Survivor's Guilt 00:34:05 Everyone Wants to Be Heard 00:35:51 When Therapy Looks Different 00:38:04 The Coach Who Changed Everything 00:39:53 A Love Story Over Uno 00:40:27 From Friends to Forever 00:41:32 What We Learned from Each Other 00:44:22 The Luckiest Bag in Basketball 00:46:09 Traded Without Warning 00:48:43 Feeling Welcome in New York 00:50:06 The Ultimate Courtside Stress Test 00:52:48 Bouncing Back from Failure 00:54:26 The Pre-Game Routine 00:59:12 Playing for the Dominican Republic 00:59:42 Carrying Your Country with Pride 01:01:28 The Moments People Remember 01:03:24 Karl Anthony on Final Five Episode Resources: YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlAnthonyTowns  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/karlanthonytowns/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/karltowns  X | https://x.com/KarlTowns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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  3. Jul 14

    How To Be Happier - Gretchen Rubin

    Hunter talks to Gretchen Rubin about How To Be Happier. Some big takeaways from this episode include: 1. Make easy changes first — go for the low hanging fruit 2. How do you respond to expectations (inner and outer)? Answer this question BEFORE you try to change a new habit. 3. How to draw boundaries and when to simply stop doing something Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. How do you change bad habits and create good habits? How can you be happier every day? Author Gretchen Rubin has made a science of these subjects and shares her wisdom on this podcast. She pushes back against some commonly held beliefs like, “the middle path is always best,” and “give what you want to receive.” Gretchen will tell you why these are NOT always good ideas. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How To Be Happier - Gretchen Rubin

  4. Jul 7

    The Words That Shape Your Child - Cara Tyrell

    What if the way you speak to your child is shaping not just their language—but their identity? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Cara Tyrrell, linguist and early childhood educator, about how intentional language can transform your relationship with your child—from birth and beyond. They explore the powerful difference between communication and language, why emotional safety is the foundation for learning, and how small shifts in your everyday words can build connection, confidence, and resilience. If you’ve ever wondered whether you are saying the “right” things, this conversation offers a grounded, practical reframe. It is not about saying more. It is about saying what matters. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why communication and language are not the same—and why both matter How using full, natural sentences supports early language development What permission-based language is and how it helps children regulate emotions Why emotional safety is essential for learning, exploration, and connection How quality of communication matters more than quantity The role of silence in supporting language development How everyday phrases can shape your child’s identity and inner voice Simple ways to shift from control-based to connection-based communication Why it is never too late to repair and rebuild your relationship with your child How neuroplasticity supports growth for both parent and child Key Takeaways Your words have weight, and your presence matters even more Children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and accepted Language can support or undermine a child’s sense of self Connection is the foundation for cooperation and learning Parenting is a process of becoming, not just achieving outcomes ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host of the Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jun 30

    Your Calm Is Your Child's Best Drug, with Hunter Clarke-Fields

    This is from Hopestream: Parenting Kids Through Addiction & Mental Health with Brenda Zane. Hunter Clarke-Fields was a painter. She had a graduate degree in art education, a high school teaching job, and what looked from the outside like a creative life. What nobody could see was that she was white-knuckling her way through it, cycling between intense highs and pits of despair she could not explain, having panic attacks in the hallways before she had any tools to handle them. She reached for yoga, then for books on mindfulness, and read about it for years before she finally, at 27, sat down and actually tried. She set a timer for 10 minutes and sat there thinking the whole time. She was certain she was doing it wrong. But two months in, she looked back and realized she had not fallen into a single pit. Not one. For someone who had been cycling into darkness every couple of weeks for most of her adult life, that was not a small thing. It was everything. And it sent her down a path she never expected, one that eventually turned her into the Mindful Mama Mentor, a podcast host, a mindfulness teacher, and the bestselling author of Raising Good Humans. Hunter now teaches mindfulness to parents all over the world, with over 20 years of meditation practice behind her and two daughters who, she will freely admit, grew up slightly allergic to the whole thing.  I wanted to have this conversation because I think mindfulness gets written off as vague or soft, and Hunter makes it anything but. She explains what is actually happening in your brain when you blow up at your kid, why longer exhales are not just a cliche, and what she calls the Three R's, a framework so simple you will remember it in the worst moment. She also says something about feelings being like toddlers that I keep coming back to.  If you have ever thought that mindfulness is not for you, or that you are too far gone to start, this one is for you. You'll learn: Why Hunter spent two months certain she was meditating wrong. The part of mindfulness most people skip that changes everything. Her Three R's for the moments you most want to lose it. What she says feelings are like, and why it reframes everything. The one thing she would tell a struggling parent to try today. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hunter Clarke-Fields website Raising Good Humans Book Mindful Mama Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Your Calm Is Your Child's Best Drug, with Hunter Clarke-Fields

  6. Jun 23

    Creating Rules Kids Will Follow: A Guide for Parents - Wendy Snyder

    Most parents underestimate the power of changing their approach—it's not about strict rules or punishments, but about reconnecting through compassionate discipline. Wendy Snyder and Hunter Clarke-Fields dive into how shifting from control to connection transforms your relationship with your children and creates a peaceful, respectful home. Discover the hidden influence of your nervous system patterns, and how unlearning them is the secret to lasting change. You'll hear real stories of mistakes turned lessons, like the police station scare that failed—and what worked instead. Wendy shares her groundbreaking framework: Rules plus relationship equals respect—an approach that empowers kids to learn, cooperate, and trust without force. We break down practical tools to set firm boundaries with love, manage parent's own emotional triggers, and foster resilience in strong-willed children.  If you've ever felt like you're failing or wonder if parental honesty can coexist with discipline, this episode offers hope—and a blueprint for a family legacy rooted in respect, peace, and joy. Perfect for parents ready to ditch shame and control, and those committed to raising confident, compassionate kids while honoring their own well-being. Whether you're just starting this journey or looking for fresh inspiration, these stories and strategies will empower you to create lasting change. Wendy Snyder is a certified parenting coach, known for her work on compassionate discipline and high-will kids. She's the author of Fresh Start Your Family, dedicated to transforming family life—one gentle boundary at a time.Transform your parenting. Reclaim your connection. And get ready for a family dynamic you’ll love into your elder years. Don’t just survive parenting—thrive with respect and resilience. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Creating Rules Kids Will Follow: A Guide for Parents - Wendy Snyder

  7. Jun 16

    MPI: Summer, Separation & Growing Up: Helping Kids Thrive While Letting Go - Chris & Hunter

    Summer brings more than sunshine and vacations—it brings change. Whether your child is heading to camp, navigating more freedom with friends, learning new responsibilities, or preparing for college, summer often reminds us of a truth that's easy to avoid during the busy school year: our children are growing up. In this special summer conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields and Chris Willard explore how mindfulness can help parents navigate transitions with greater ease, courage, and trust. They discuss why letting go can feel so difficult, how overprotection can unintentionally undermine children's confidence, and what research says about raising capable, resilient kids. Together, they dive into the parenting paradox: our job is to build strong attachment, but our goal is eventual independence. In this episode you'll learn: Why transitions feel difficult for both children and parents How mindfulness helps us navigate uncertainty and change The surprising science behind autonomy, competence, and connection How to support independence without sacrificing safety Why boredom is often the gateway to creativity and resilience Practical ways kids can become contributors at home How to handle homesickness, separation, and mixed emotions Why summer is the perfect season to practice flexibility The difference between healthy guidance and controlling behavior How simple family rhythms can create calm during less structured months Plus, Hunter and Chris discuss summer routines, family vacations, camp jitters, teenage freedom, and the often-unspoken grief parents experience as children grow more independent. Because raising confident kids isn't about holding on tighter—it's about learning when and how to let go. Resources Mentioned Self-Determination Theory (Edward Deci & Richard Ryan) Maria Montessori's work on independence and competence Mindfulness practices for parenting through transitions Have you ever struggled with letting go as your child grows? Share this episode with a parent who could use a little support this summer. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jun 9

    When Teens Turn to Drugs: What Parents Need to Know - Brenda Zane

    When a tween or teen experiments with drugs or alcohol, many parents spiral into fear, shame, and self-blame — wondering Where did we go wrong? and What do we do now? In this deeply honest episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Brenda Zane, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and co-founder of Hopestream Community, about parenting through teen substance use — without shame, disengagement, or outdated “rock bottom” thinking. After nearly losing her son to two fentanyl overdoses in three days, Brenda brings both lived experience and evidence-based insight to this conversation. She explains why substance use is often a response to emotional pain, nervous-system overload, or unmet needs — not bad parenting — and why parents remain one of the most powerful protective factors in a child’s recovery. Together, they explore how fear can push parents toward control or avoidance, what actually helps teens open up, and why mindfulness may be one of the most effective prevention tools we have. This episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope for parents who feel scared, exhausted, or alone — and a reminder that connection is never wasted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why tweens and teens experiment with drugs or alcohol The emotional, social, and neurological risk factors parents should watch for Why you are not the cause of your child’s substance use — and why that matters Common (loving) parenting patterns that shut down communication Why shame and self-blame undermine a parent’s effectiveness Evidence-based approaches that work without “rock bottom” thinking How boundaries and natural consequences support growth Why science and kindness outperform disengagement How mindfulness helps parents stay regulated in terrifying moments What gives real hope — even after crisis or overdose ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    When Teens Turn to Drugs: What Parents Need to Know - Brenda Zane
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About

How do you raise kind, confident kids without losing your cool? How do you manage kids’ behavior, help them regulate their big emotions, AND stay grounded?  Mindful Parenting is here to help. I’m Hunter Clarke-Fields, former yelling, frustrated mom. Dealing with my anger drove me to find practical, compassionate parenting strategies to regulate emotions as well as mindfulness to bring peace to the chaos at home.  In each refreshingly honest episode you’ll come away knowing that you have permission to be human, you're not alone, and it won't always be this hard. If you've looking for conscious, positive parenting strategies and expert advice on issues like tech/screen time, ADHD, tantrums, teens, toddlers, and more, you’re in the right place. Join our community of parents changing generational patterns for a brighter future! https://www.mindfulmamamentor.com/

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