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

    2d ago

    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

    51 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Dr. Jill Biden: The Hardest Moments No One Saw (The Untold Story of the White House Years) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today Jay sits down with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden where she pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary journey of love, profound loss, and unrelenting public scrutiny. After first rejecting a young senator's marriage proposal five times, she and husband President Joe Biden ultimately built a family rooted in fierce loyalty and unwavering devotion. Jill shares what it takes to navigate life’s hardest moments - from the unimaginable grief of losing her son Beau to cancer, to her son Hunter's battle with addiction, to her husband's ongoing health struggles and heartbreaking political exit. Jill’s story highlights the radical power of staying present, and the impact of making a conscious decision to always choose joy no matter where you are in life.  In this episode you'll learn: How to Move Forward After Major Life Changes How to Cultivate a Lasting Marriage How to Instill Confidence in Those Around You How to Advocate for Your Health How to Navigate Loving Someone Through Addiction How to Survive Unimaginable Grief As you navigate your own journey, remember to lead with compassion and be kind, because we never truly know the hidden struggles behind someone else's smile. In her new book, View from the East Wing: A Memoir, Jill shares her White House experiences for the first time, in her own words. You can order here: https://bit.ly/ViewFromTheEastWing  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty 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 Intro 01:26 A New Life Trajectory 06:39 Saying “No” Five Times  08:03 Lessons in Independence 09:56 Building Loving Relationships 15:08 A Blessing in Disguise 17:17 "My Husband Is Not Dying" 19:26 Grieving Loved Ones 21:18 A True Partnership 23:01 Redefining Your Role 23:53 The Weight of the World 25:32 Practicing Radical Presence 26:16 "We Won!" 27:50 Life’s Greatest Gift 31:52 Beyond the Classroom 32:31 The Health Gap 36:06 Panic in the Green Room 38:04 "I Had No Choice" 40:06 The Morning After 42:20 Alternate Realities 44:08 A Cruel Diagnosis 45:31 Strength in the Storm 46:12 An Unimaginable Loss 48:55 Learning to Live With the Pain 50:55 The Intervention 52:42 Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction  54:38 Jill on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://joebiden.com/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DrJillBiden/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drbiden  X | https://x.com/DrBiden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 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.

  3. 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

    46 min
  4. When Teens Turn to Drugs: What Parents Need to Know - Brenda Zane

    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

    51 min
  5. Why Smart, Loving Parents Still Lose It (And What That Tells Us) - Cassidy Freitas

    Jun 2

    Why Smart, Loving Parents Still Lose It (And What That Tells Us) - Cassidy Freitas

    Mom Needs a Moment: Moving From Parenting Reactivity to Self-Trust with Dr. Cassidy Freitas Why do the parents who care the most often feel the most shame when they lose their temper? In this episode, Hunter talks with licensed marriage and family therapist and author Dr. Cassidy Freitas about the deeply human moments of parenting—when we react in ways we wish we hadn’t, and the shame that can follow. Dr. Cassidy explains what’s actually happening in the nervous system right before we snap, why knowing the “right” parenting tools doesn’t always mean we can access them in stressful moments, and how understanding reactivity as nervous system wisdom can help parents move from shame toward self-trust. You’ll also learn how slowing down and creating space—or “margins”—in your life can help regulate emotions, break reactive cycles, and strengthen connection with your kids. If you’ve ever thought, “I know better… so why did I react like that?” this conversation will help you understand yourself with more compassion. In This Episode You’ll Learn Why parents who care deeply often experience the most shame after losing it What’s happening in the nervous system just before parenting reactivity Why parenting tools can disappear under stress How triggers can be useful information rather than personal failures The role of “internal parts,” stress, and personal history in parenting moments How modern parenting advice can erode parents’ trust in their inner knowing What repair looks like—not just with your child, but within yourself A Few Powerful Takeaways Reactivity is nervous system wisdom—not personal failure. Parenting requires space to reflect, not just strategies to apply. Self-compassion is essential for breaking cycles of shame and reactivity. Resources Mentioned Mom Needs a Moment by Dr. Cassidy Freitas Visit Dr. Cassidy: https://www.drcassidymft.com Follow Dr. Cassidy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcassidy About the Guest Dr. Cassidy Freitas is a licensed marriage and family therapist, host of the Holding Space podcast, and author of Mom Needs a Moment. She helps parents move from reactivity and shame toward self-trust, compassion, and deeper connection with their children. 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

    50 min
  6. Let Them Grow: Why Kids Need Independence - Lenore Skenazy

    May 26

    Let Them Grow: Why Kids Need Independence - Lenore Skenazy

    What happens when we stop hovering and start trusting our kids a little more? In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter talks with Lenore Skenazy — president of Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids — about why childhood independence is becoming one of the most important parenting conversations of our time. After a media firestorm erupted when she allowed her 9-year-old son to ride the subway alone, Lenore became a leading voice advocating for kids’ freedom, resilience, and confidence. Together, Hunter and Lenore unpack the cultural fear driving overprotective parenting, the rise in childhood anxiety, and the growing movement to normalize age-appropriate independence again. They explore how programs like The Let Grow Experience help families break the worry cycle, why “reasonable childhood independence” laws are spreading across the country, and how small acts of freedom can transform both kids and parents. This conversation is hopeful, practical, and deeply empowering for any parent wondering how to raise capable, confident kids in a fear-filled culture. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why childhood independence is directly connected to confidence and mental health How overprotection can unintentionally increase anxiety in children What “reasonable childhood independence” laws actually protect Why today’s world is statistically safer than many parents think How the Let Grow movement helps families break the fear cycle Age-appropriate ways to start building independence Why small risks are essential for resilience and growth How parents themselves often change through the process of letting go About Lenore Skenazy Lenore Skenazy is the president of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience. After becoming known as “America’s Worst Mom” for letting her 9-year-old ride the NYC subway alone, she wrote Free-Range Kids and became a national voice for childhood freedom and reasonable risk-taking. Resources Mentioned Let Grow Website The Let Grow Experience (Schools Program) Four Weeks to a Let Grow Kid Lenore’s TED Talk (2025) Key Takeaways Independence is not neglect — it’s preparation for adulthood. Kids build confidence by doing hard things without constant intervention. Anxiety often shrinks when competence grows. Parents’ fears are understandable, but many are culturally amplified rather than statistically grounded. Children need chances to solve problems, make mistakes, and experience responsibility. Small moments of independence can transform family dynamics. 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

    45 min
  7. Breaking the Dopamine Cycle - Michaeleen Doucleff

    May 19

    Breaking the Dopamine Cycle - Michaeleen Doucleff

    What’s really happening in your child’s brain when screens, sugar, or shows feel impossible to take away? In this powerful and grounding conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD—author of Dopamine Kids and Hunt, Gather, Parent—about how modern parenting has become deeply entangled with dopamine, and what families can do to restore balance without shame, punishment, or power struggles. Drawing on neuroscience, anthropology, and real-life parenting experiments, Michaeleen explains why kids aren’t “addicted” or broken—and why parents aren’t failing. Instead, we’re all navigating a dopamine-saturated environment that no human brain evolved for. This episode offers compassionate insight and practical tools to help parents reduce overwhelm, create calmer homes, and support kids’ emotional regulation—starting with small, realistic changes. In this episode, we discuss: How Michaeleen first recognized her daughter’s intense attachment to a show—and what dopamine taught her about it Why kids melt down when screens or treats are removed (and what’s actually happening neurologically) The invisible ways modern life overstimulates kids’ brains—beyond just screen time What parents often notice first when dopamine levels normalize How our own phone habits shape our kids’ nervous systems The smallest, kindest first step families can take to reduce dopamine overload Why changing microenvironments (like cars, bedrooms, and dinner tables) can have outsized emotional payoffs The power of replacement over deprivation Why “Tech Sabbaths” work—and how to introduce them without turning them into battles One crucial mindset shift to approach kids’ screen or food obsessions with more compassion 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

    55 min
  8. The Ripple Effect of Teaching Mindful Parenting

    May 14 ·  Bonus

    The Ripple Effect of Teaching Mindful Parenting

    What if the hardest parts of your parenting journey could become the very thing that helps other families heal? In this heartfelt mini-episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields shares the vision behind the Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification — a transformative training designed for parents, therapists, coaches, educators, and helpers who feel called to support families in a deeper way. Hunter explains why this program starts with your own inner work first: mindfulness, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and breaking reactive patterns. From there, participants learn how to confidently lead mindful parenting groups, workshops, and courses using a complete ready-to-teach curriculum. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why mindful parenting must be embodied, not just taught How the certification supports both personal healing and professional growth What’s included in the training and curriculum The ripple effect of helping parents respond instead of react Why the world needs more grounded, compassionate parenting leaders right now Whether you dream of becoming a parenting coach, want meaningful work supporting families, or simply feel called to share what’s helped you most, this episode is an invitation to explore what’s possible. Learn more about the Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification at Mindful Parenting Teacher Certification Program If this episode resonates, follow the podcast and share it with someone who feels passionate about helping parents and children thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    7 min
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4.8
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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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