Become A Calm Mama

Darlynn Childress
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Become a Calm Mama is a parenting podcast where you learn practical parenting tools and strategies so you can stop yelling, feel more calm, and show up as the mom you want to be. If you’re a mom who ends the day feeling guilty about yelling, overwhelmed by your child’s big feelings, or unsure how to set limits without losing it, this podcast will help you parent with more calm, confidence, and connection. I know that you don’t just want better behavior from your kid. You want to feel capable, confident, and proud of how you parent. The good news is, you don’t have to stay stuck in a cycle of yelling, disconnection, and power struggles. Whether you’re dealing with toddler meltdowns, sibling fights, school struggles, bedtime battles, teen attitude, or your own guilt after yelling, you’ll learn how to handle hard moments without losing yourself in the process. Since 2015, I’ve taught my Connected Parenting Process to hundreds of moms (and dads!). When you apply this simple process to your tricky parenting moments, your kid’s behavior improves, your relationship with your child gets better, and you’ll actually enjoy motherhood (most of the time!). Listen each week for practical strategies so you can stop yelling, become a calm mama, and create the peaceful home you want. Darlynn Childress is the top parenting coach for moms who want to know exactly how to handle misbehavior and create a peaceful home. She is known for her practical strategies and a down to earth understanding of what it’s really like to be a mom raising kids in the 21st century.

  1. 5d ago

    Parenting Teenagers: Staying Connected While Supporting Independence

    Your teenager pulling away from you is normal, and it’s a sign their brain is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. In the teen years, your child’s job is to build an identity outside your family, and their brain is wired to care far more about social safety than physical safety or future success. Your job is to stay calm, be available but not needy, listen without fixing, and hold clear rules without lectures. The way you handle these years is what sets up a good relationship with your young adult later. You’ll Learn: Why your teen cares more about their friends than their grades (and why that’s developmentally right on track)Why your teen shuts down after school, and how to give them the decompression time they needHow to listen to your teen’s problems without rescuing, fixing, or falling apartWhy adolescence is like making a cake Parenting teens is so, so hard. But as a mom who is now on the other side, with young adult children I have a really good relationship with, I can tell you that a lot of what makes that relationship work now came from choices I made during the teen years. In today’s episode, I’ll help you understand what’s happening in your teen’s brain so you can give them the support they need and stay connected, even as you let go of control. Read the full show notes here. ------------------------------------ Related Episodes:The Parenting Teens Playlist on Spotify - A curated list of Become A Calm Mama’s teen-focused episodesEpisode 32: Adolescence & IdentityEpisode 84: Better Conversations with Teens & TweensEpisode 86: The Adolescent Brain Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  2. Oct 8

    How To Simplify Life as a Mom: Easy Routines and Family Rhythms (Encore)

    The simplest way to calm down your day is to decide in advance when each everyday task happens, cut down the number of choices your family has to make, and give your kids your full attention at the hardest transitions: wake-up, drop-off, pickup, and bedtime. In my house, that looked like easy ready-made breakfasts, no screens on school mornings, a small drawer of favorite clothes, lunchboxes on the counter right after school, the dishwasher run every single night, one sport at a time, and the same 5 to 8 dinners on repeat. In this episode, I’m sharing some of my own tried-and-true routines and rhythms for simplifying your daily life. This is not a to-do list or the way it's "supposed" to be done. It's how I created our daily routines, why I made those choices, and how they helped me establish a peaceful and easy rhythm for our home. You’ll Learn: Three key times of day when your kid needs your full attentionWhy it’s okay to let yourself off the hook sometimes (and ideas of what to let go of)How to adjust these rhythms to work for you and your family Your days will look different than mine did, and you definitely don’t need to use every tip I share here. I do hope you’ll get some ideas for how to structure your days and simplify your life. Start with one or two favorites, and take it from there! Read the full show notes here. --------------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 2.34: Stress-Free Mornings With Kids: The 3-Step Easy Morning RoutineEpisode 2.35: Bedtime Routine Falling Apart? Here's How to Set (and Hold) Bedtime LimitsEpisode 2.36: Screen Time Battles? Here's How to Set Effective Screen Time LimitsEpisode 2.37: Homework Struggles Solved: Afternoon Routines and Limits That Motivate KidsEpisode 2.38: How to Get Kids to Do Chores Without Nagging (Age-by-Age Guide)Episode 2.39: Peaceful Meals: How to Get Your Kids to Behave at the Dinner Table (Without Yelling) Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  3. Oct 1

    Peaceful Meals: How to Get Your Kids to Behave at the Dinner Table (Without Yelling)

    There are two simple concepts that solve almost every dinnertime struggle. The first is the Division of Responsibility in Feeding - giving the right responsibilities to the right people (hint: it’s not your job to make sure your kid cleans their plate). The second is using the Limit Setting Formula to set clear limits that turn mealtime chaos into a routine your kid can actually learn from. Dinner doesn’t have to be so dramatic. Today, I’ll help you create a dinner routine that gives less chaos and more peace, connection, joy, and ease. You’ll Learn: Common mistakes that parents make at dinner (and what to do instead)How to deal with picky eating, using the Division of Responsibility in FeedingWhat to do about the mealtime behaviors that are driving you nutsExample limits and scripts for common dinnertime problemsWhen to get professional help for your picky eater Read the full show notes here. ------------------------------------ Related Episodes & Resources:Episode 66: Peaceful Dinners & Picky EatersChild of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellyn SatterEpisode 2.34: Stress-Free Mornings With Kids: The 3-Step Easy Morning RoutineEpisode 2.35: Bedtime Routine Falling Apart? Here's How to Set (and Hold) Bedtime LimitsEpisode 2.36: Screen Time Battles? Here's How to Set Effective Screen Time LimitsEpisode 2.37: Homework Struggles Solved: Afternoon Routines and Limits That Motivate KidsEpisode 2.38: How to Get Kids to Do Chores Without Nagging (Age-by-Age Guide) Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  4. Sep 24

    How to Get Kids to Do Chores Without Nagging (Age-by-Age Guide)

    The fastest way to get kids to actually do chores is to stop reminding and start using a limit: "You're welcome to [the next thing] as long as [the chore is done]." Pick one or two age-appropriate chores at a time, connect each one to something that already happens next in your child's day (e.g. a snack, screen time, homework, going outside) and follow through calmly and consistently. In this episode, I’ll show you how to get your kid to do chores and how to build a habit that they can internalize so that doing their chores becomes automatic. I’m sharing an age-by-age breakdown of what's reasonable to expect from your kid, five common mistakes that keep chores from sticking, and exactly how to use the Limit Setting Formula so you're not nagging, bribing, or quietly doing everything yourself. You’ll Learn: The benefits of chores for kids (and for you)Age-appropriate expectations for choresCommon mistakes families make with chores, and how to avoid themHow to create a chore routine that actually works so you can stop reminding and nagging Read the full show notes here. ---------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 151: Giving Allowance to Teach Financial LiteracyEpisode 2.34: Stress-Free Mornings With Kids: The 3-Step Easy Morning RoutineEpisode 2.35: Bedtime Routine Falling Apart? Here's How to Set (and Hold) Bedtime LimitsEpisode 2.36: Screen Time Battles? Here's How to Set Effective Screen Time LimitsEpisode 2.37: Homework Struggles Solved: Afternoon Routines and Limits That Motivate Kids Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  5. Sep 17

    Homework Struggles Solved: Afternoon Routines and Limits That Motivate Kids

    Homework fights almost never come down to laziness or defiance. They come down to five specific causes - exhaustion, procrastination, perfectionism, low motivation, and disorganization - and each one has its own reason behind it and its own fix. The two tools that solve nearly all of them are the Connection Tool (for the in-the-moment big feeling) and the Limit Setting Formula for building a routine. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what’s actually going on with each behavior, and exactly what to say and do about it. You’ll Learn: Why rewards and sticker charts don’t actually motivate kids in the long term.Why procrastination, perfectionism, low motivation, and disorganization are emotional and structural issues, not character flaws (and why this is even more true for kids with ADHD)How to use the Connection Tool in the moment your kid is stalling or melting downHow to run a Coaching Conversation for repeat patterns like perfectionismReal examples of homework limits you can use tonight Read the full blog post here. ------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 2.34: Stress-Free Mornings With Kids: The 3-Step Easy Morning RoutineEpisode 2.35: Bedtime Routine Falling Apart? Here's How to Set (and Hold) Bedtime LimitsEpisode 2.36: Screen Time Battles? Here's How to Set Effective Screen Time Limits Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  6. Sep 10

    Screen Time Battles? Here's How to Set Effective Screen Time Limits for Kids and Devices

    Screen time battles usually come down to one thing: you don't have a plan, so you're making the same exhausting decision over and over, in the moment, while your kid is asking (again). The fix is to decide your rules in advance - which devices, what content, when, and for how long - based on what your kid actually needs rather than an arbitrary time limit. Then, use the Limit Setting Formula to communicate the plan: tell your kid what they can have, and the condition they need to meet to get it. Hold the limit, even through the meltdown that follows. Between the frustration that you're dealing with constant requests and decisions, confusion, and conflicting information, it’s no wonder you’re overwhelmed. There’s a lot of mental and emotional stuff going on - and it’s just one small piece of parenting. Today, I’m sharing best practices and how to create a tech plan for your own family. You’ll Learn:The 4 tech decisions you need to make When to allow screens (and why school days are the easiest thing to make a blanket rule)A simple, logical way to determine how much screen time your kid getsWhat to do when your kid melts down or won't turn it offHow to create your family’s tech and screen time plan Read the full blog post here. --------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 129: Screen Free MindsetEpisode 67: Screen Time Strategies Free Resources:Common Sense Media Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit!In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  7. Sep 3

    Bedtime Routine Falling Apart? Here's How to Set (and Hold) Bedtime Limits

    Bedtime routines usually fall apart for one of two reasons: There's no real structure, or there is a routine but it collapses the moment your kid pushes back. Commands and threats might get short-term compliance, but they don't actually teach anything. The fix is the Limit Setting Formula: tell your kid what they can have or do, and under what condition. Then hold it (even through the meltdown that follows). And when bedtime runs long because of a meltdown or stalling, follow up the next day with restitution or a natural consequence for the time and energy it cost you. If your family is struggling with bedtime, it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with you or your kid. It means that you're missing a parenting skill or need some more information. Some of parenting is intuitive, but there are also a lot of skills that you have to build along the way. You’ll Learn:The 2 totally solvable problems that are making bedtime chaoticWhy commands and threats backfire at bedtime (and what to do instead)How to use the Limit Setting Formula to set a bedtime limitWhat to do (and not do) right after you state the limitHow to follow up the next day with consequences and restitution In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a bedtime routine that actually feels doable and how to use clear limits and consequences when bedtime goes sideways. Over time, your child will internalize this new routine, so you can stop repeating, reminding, and yelling every night. Read the full show notes here. ----------------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 65: Sleep Struggles: Helping Kids Master Self-Soothing SkillsEpisode 5: Rethinking ConsequencesEpisode 4: Setting Limits That Work Free Resources:Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit! In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

  8. Aug 27

    Stress-Free Mornings With Kids: The 3-Step Easy Morning Routine that Works

    The three most important things you can do when you want easier mornings with kids are to create a to-do list, be honest about how much time you need to get it all done, and build out a simple timeline for your family to follow each day. Today on the podcast, I’m talking about the part of the day that trips up almost every family - the morning. I’ll walk you through my morning routine roadmap, a simple 3-step system to help you build mornings that actually get your kids out the door on time without stress. You’ll Learn:My simple 3-step system for smoother mornings with kidsHow to create your own morning routine roadmapWhy being on time isn’t the most important thingA sample morning routine and timeline5 tips for less stressful school mornings If you want less chaotic, more organized mornings, you’re in the right place! -------------------------------- Resources:Free Guide: Easy Mornings with KidsEpisode 192: The 5 Things: Easy Routines for KidsEpisode 191: Eyeballs: A Simple Parenting Tool for Instant ConnectionEpisode 190: Make Mornings Better with the Gentle Handoff Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Toolkit!In this free guide you’ll discover: ✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.) ✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!) ✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.) ✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!) Download the Stop Yelling Toolkit here Connect With Darlynn:Book a complimentary session with DarlynnLearn about the different parenting programs at www.calmmamacoaching.comFollow me on Instagram @darlynnchildress for daily tipsRate and review the podcast on Itunes

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About

Become a Calm Mama is a parenting podcast where you learn practical parenting tools and strategies so you can stop yelling, feel more calm, and show up as the mom you want to be. If you’re a mom who ends the day feeling guilty about yelling, overwhelmed by your child’s big feelings, or unsure how to set limits without losing it, this podcast will help you parent with more calm, confidence, and connection. I know that you don’t just want better behavior from your kid. You want to feel capable, confident, and proud of how you parent. The good news is, you don’t have to stay stuck in a cycle of yelling, disconnection, and power struggles. Whether you’re dealing with toddler meltdowns, sibling fights, school struggles, bedtime battles, teen attitude, or your own guilt after yelling, you’ll learn how to handle hard moments without losing yourself in the process. Since 2015, I’ve taught my Connected Parenting Process to hundreds of moms (and dads!). When you apply this simple process to your tricky parenting moments, your kid’s behavior improves, your relationship with your child gets better, and you’ll actually enjoy motherhood (most of the time!). Listen each week for practical strategies so you can stop yelling, become a calm mama, and create the peaceful home you want. Darlynn Childress is the top parenting coach for moms who want to know exactly how to handle misbehavior and create a peaceful home. She is known for her practical strategies and a down to earth understanding of what it’s really like to be a mom raising kids in the 21st century.

Information

  • Creator
    Darlynn Childress
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    259
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Darlynn Childress
  • Show Website
    Become A Calm Mama

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