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. 6d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Aug 20

    Back-to-School with Intention: Setting Family Goals for a New School Year

    Before you jump into back-to-school schedules, rules, and to-do lists, I want you to set your goals and intentions for this school year. Because focusing on your mindset is what actually determines how this year will feel and how it all will go. In this episode, you'll learn: The back-to-school step you might be missing that makes a huge difference in how your year goesWhy mindset needs to come before logisticsExamples of thoughts you can use to feel the way you want to feelThe types of goals every family should set at the start of a new year If you don't decide on purpose how you want this school year to feel, the year will just happen to you. Instead of steering the ship, you’ll be reacting. But taking this 20 minutes with me to get clear on what you actually want will pay off all year long. Read the full show notes here. ------------------------------------ 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

  7. Aug 13

    Back To School: What the First Week Really Looks Like (and How to Survive It)

    The truth is, meltdowns, mood swings, sibling squabbles, and up-and-down social feelings are all completely normal during the first week of school. Back to school is a transition, and it isn’t always a smooth one. The week starts out pretty great. Your kid is excited, they have a good first day, and then within a few days they start falling apart over a granola bar or refusing to get in the car or suddenly saying they hate their teacher. And you're thinking, “Wait, what happened? Weren't we doing okay? What has changed?” Nothing has gone wrong. This is just what the first week of school looks like. You’ll Learn: 5 things to expect during the first week of school2 tools to help you get through back-to-school mornings and meltdownsWhy I don’t want you to deliver consequences in the morningHow to get through the back-to-school transition without losing your mind I'm walking you through what to expect, the top five challenges families face during back-to-school, and two tools that will help you get through the mornings and the meltdowns. Read the full show notes here. ---------------------------------------- Related Episodes:Episode 2.12: The CALM Break | Stop Yelling With This 4-Step Parenting ToolEpisode 190: Make Mornings Better with the Gentle HandoffEpisode 191: Eyeballs: A Simple Parenting Tool for Instant Connection Free Resource: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 6

    How to End Summer with Less Stress and More Joy

    The way to make the end of summer joyful instead of stressful is simple: stop trying to force your back-to-school routines into place early. Let go of the pressure to fix bedtimes, screens, and wake-ups this week, and spend these last days actually enjoying your kids instead. School itself will rebuild the routine for you within the first few days. You don't have to do it in advance. You'll Learn: Why you might be craving routine at this point in the summerWhat back-to-school and jet lag have in commonWhy forcing school routines early isn't worth itHow to savor the last days of summerMy favorite back-to-school tradition If your kids are heading back to school in the next week or two, there's a good chance you're counting backwards from the first day, feeling the instinct to get it all organized: earlier bedtimes, less screen time, earlier wake-ups, chores back on the list. In this episode, I make the case that even if you put in all that effort, it won't actually work - and it'll turn your last week of summer stressful instead of enjoyable. I'll walk you through what's actually worth doing before school starts, what to let go of, and why savoring this week matters more than prepping for it. Read the full show notes here. --------------------------------------- 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

See All (256)

Trailer

5
out of 5
33 Ratings

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
    256
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Darlynn Childress
  • Show Website
    Become A Calm Mama

You Might Also Like