Brain Based Parenting

Cal Farley's

 Brain Based Parenting, The Boys Ranch Podcast for families.   We all know how hard being a parent is, and sometimes it feels like there are no good answers to the difficult questions families have when their kids are struggling.   Our goal each week will be to try and answer some of those tough questions utilizing the knowledge, experience, and professional training Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch has to offer.Contact us: email  podcasts@calfarley.org   To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=TTo Apply:https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch:https://www.calfarley.org/Music:"Shine" -NewsboysCCS License No. 9402

  1. JAN 27

    Love And Curiosity: Super Powers for Parents

    Send us a text Love doesn’t mean letting everything slide—and control doesn’t equal respect. We unpack how unconditional love and everyday curiosity can turn power struggles into connection, accountability, and growth, especially when kids are stressed, withdrawn, or pushing limits.  We dig into practical tools you can use tonight: “tell me about it” questions that replace assumptions, “I notice” statements that show you’re tuned in, and the ten‑second pause that stops a blow‑up before it starts. You’ll hear how to set firm boundaries without losing warmth, how bedtime debriefs become mini after‑action reviews, and how small repairs after a misstep build more trust than perfect parenting ever could. We also tackle harder realities—what curiosity looks like in under‑resourced homes, how to handle feedback from school without shaming your child, and why unconditional belonging doesn’t cancel consequences. Along the way, we explore moral imagination—helping kids consider other viewpoints, own their part, and choose better next time. When families lead with love and curiosity, kids don’t just behave when watched; they internalize values and carry them into adolescence and adulthood. Expect fewer sneaky workarounds, more honest conversations, and a home your kids choose to return to. d. Contact: podcasts@calfarley.org To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=T To Apply: https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/ For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch: https://www.calfarley.org/ Music: "Shine" -Newsboys CCS License No. 9402

    39 min
  2. JAN 20

    How Routine, and Clear Expectations, Turn Chores Into Life Skills

    Send us a text What if chores weren’t a battle but a doorway to belonging, responsibility, and real-world readiness? We sat down with residential care pros and veteran house parents to talk about turning “do your chores” into a family culture where kids feel valued, learn practical skills, and discover that contribution is part of who they are. From toddlers placing napkins to teens owning laundry and kitchen resets, we map a simple path that trades power struggles for predictable routines and steady growth. We break down the pillars that make chores stick: clear expectations, visible routines, and side-by-side coaching that shows kids how, not just what. You’ll hear why rotating tasks matters for skill building, how to keep standards specific without nitpicking, and what to say when motivation tanks. We cover flexible structure for busy sports seasons, tying privileges to responsibilities without threats, and using natural consequences—like no clean clothes if laundry isn’t done—to teach without becoming the bad cop. Along the way, we share stories from group homes and family life, including the moment consistency finally stopped the “stall so they’ll do it” cycle. If you’re starting late, we’ve got you: host a family meeting, own past inconsistency, and start small with two or three priorities everyone can see and do. The goal isn’t perfect bedsheets—it’s growing self-efficacy, time management, and pride in a job done right. Those habits translate directly to first jobs, college living, and healthy relationships where people carry their weight. Practical, compassionate, and grounded in real experience, this conversation gives you scripts, systems, and mindset shifts to make chores work long term—without sacrificing the relationship that matters most. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more families can find brain-wise tools that actually work. Contact: podcasts@calfarley.org To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=T To Apply: https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/ For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch: https://www.calfarley.org/ Music: "Shine" -Newsboys CCS License No. 9402

    32 min
  3. JAN 6

    Counter Aggression: How Power Struggles Break Relationships And What To Do Instead

    Send us a text Ever feel the urge to “match” your child’s intensity and show who’s in charge? That reflex has a name—counteraggression—and it’s quietly wrecking connection at home. We unpack why power struggles feel so tempting, how mirror neurons pull us into escalation, and what it actually takes to set firm, respectful boundaries without losing your cool. We get practical: the subtle red flags of counteraggression (including sarcasm and the cold shoulder), the pride and fear that justify “teaching a lesson,” and the long-term cost when kids learn to walk on eggshells. You’ll hear simple moves that work under pressure—front-loading your mindset with a mantra, using tag-team handoffs with your partner, stepping away when hijacked, and using curiosity to understand what just changed in the room. We share moments we blew it, why repair matters more than perfection, and a phrase that instantly diffuses baiting: “We’re not talking about that.” You’ll also learn how to model healthy conflict in everyday life—from a frustrating cashier to a tough work call—because your kids are always watching how you treat people who get it wrong. We talk through sincere apologies that rebuild trust (“I owe you an apology for…”) and why consistent, calm limits beat winning the argument. Expect practical scripts, relatable stories, and a hopeful reset: you can stop the spiral without becoming permissive. Ready to trade power struggles for steady leadership? Press play, subscribe for more brain-based parenting tools, and share your toughest trigger or go-to de-escalation line in a review. Your story might help another parent find calm today. Contact: podcasts@calfarley.org To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=T To Apply: https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/ For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch: https://www.calfarley.org/ Music: "Shine" -Newsboys CCS License No. 9402

    46 min
  4. 12/30/2025

    Creating Calm Part 2: Practical Tools For Anxious Kids

    Send us a text Predictability isn’t boring when you’re raising an anxious or easily overwhelmed child—it’s a lifeline. We walk through how structure lowers the brain’s threat response, why surprises often backfire for kids with trauma histories, and how to build a simple regulation schedule that targets the toughest moments of the day. You’ll hear concrete examples from home and classroom life, including how a two-minute pre-class check-in turned a dreaded period into a manageable one, and why short, well-timed breaks restore focus faster than pushing through. We compare daily routines with regulation schedules and explain how to spot a child’s arousal pattern—when they spike into restlessness or sink into dissociation—so you can match the right tool at the right time. From crunchy vs. chewy snacks to chair push-pulls, breath work, walks, rocking, and DIY fidgets, we share a toolbox that respects sensory preferences and honors the fact that one size never fits all. You’ll also learn to read nonverbal cues—posture, breathing, eye contact, pace of speech—to catch dysregulation early and intervene before behaviors escalate. Travel and chaotic seasons don’t have to break your stride. We offer front-loading strategies, visual lists, and small rituals that add predictability on the go, plus a reminder that proactive minutes on the front end save hours on the back end. If you’re a tired parent or educator, consider this a warm nudge: you’re not alone, and modeling your own regulation is one of the most powerful lessons you can give. If these strategies help your family regain calm and connection, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so more caregivers can find practical, trauma-informed support. Contact: podcasts@calfarley.org To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=T To Apply: https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/ For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch: https://www.calfarley.org/ Music: "Shine" -Newsboys CCS License No. 9402

    22 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

 Brain Based Parenting, The Boys Ranch Podcast for families.   We all know how hard being a parent is, and sometimes it feels like there are no good answers to the difficult questions families have when their kids are struggling.   Our goal each week will be to try and answer some of those tough questions utilizing the knowledge, experience, and professional training Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch has to offer.Contact us: email  podcasts@calfarley.org   To Donate: https://secure.calfarley.org/site/Donation2?3358.donation=form1&df_id=3358&mfc_pref=TTo Apply:https://apply.workable.com/cal-farleys-boys-ranch/j/25E1226091/For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch:https://www.calfarley.org/Music:"Shine" -NewsboysCCS License No. 9402