Parenting Through Connection with Megan

Megan

Welcome to “Parenting Through Connection” with Megan Lachance, a podcast where we dive into the real struggles and complexities of parenting with honesty, hope, and practical strategies. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of raising kids while juggling life’s demands, you're not alone. Each episode explores both sides of the parenting journey: managing stress and societal expectations, and building strong, meaningful relationships with your children. We’ll talk about the tough stuff; the things people don’t want to talk about or try to hide yet everyone experiences, the moments of feeling stuck and the times when parenting doesn’t feel like the dream you imagined…the ‘hidden’ parts of parenting that results in yelling, anger & sometimes even rage. Through relatable stories, mini coaching sessions, and actionable tips, Megan will help you break through the barriers that keep you feeling stuck, offering support and encouragement to help you find balance. Parenting doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Let’s normalize the challenges, let go of shame, and discover ways to enjoy the journey while strengthening your connection with your kids. So tune into “Parenting Through Connection” for a dose of hope, real talk, and the support you need to thrive as a parent.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 26: Building Emotional Awareness with the RAIN Method

    What if the moments we feel the most overwhelmed as parents are actually invitations to understand ourselves more deeply? In this episode of Parenting Through Connection, I share the power of emotional awareness in parenting and how learning to recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture our feelings can completely shift the way we respond to our kids, and to ourselves. Instead of reacting from stress, I explore how we can build a more intentional, compassionate approach that strengthens connection, even in the hardest moments. Here’s what I get into: Managing our behaviour vs. actually understanding our emotionsUsing the RAIN method as a simple, practical tool to help pause and respond instead of react in overwhelming momentsWhy pushing emotions away actually fuels more reactivityWhat your hardest parenting moments might be revealing underneath the surfaceHow building a habit of self-compassion can prevent emotional build-up and create more ease in your day-to-day parentingPlease share this episode with a fellow parent who could use it. Remember that every small moment of awareness leads to deeper connection and the key is to take things one moment at a time.  If you’d like to go deeper in building emotional awareness, check out my Making Sense of Emotions Guide.  Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    14 min
  2. MAR 31

    Episode 25: The Simple Shift That Can Diffuse Power Struggles With Kids

    Power struggles are something almost every parent experiences, and if you’ve ever found yourself in a back-and-forth battle with your child, you are not alone. In this episode of Parenting Through Connection, I share how these moments, while exhausting and frustrating, are also an opportunity to look a little deeper at what’s really going on beneath the surface. Often, it’s not just about the request itself, but about a deeper need for control, autonomy and feeling heard. When we begin to understand that, we can shift out of opposition and into collaboration. Instead of focusing on shutting things down, we can start approaching these moments in a way that reduces tension, strengthens connection, and still allows us to hold the boundaries that matter. In this episode, I explore: Why power struggles happen and how they are rooted in nervous system responses and a need for controlHow quickly saying “no” can escalate stress for both you and your childA simple but powerful shift from shutting down requests to exploring what skills are needed to make them possibleHow this approach helps your child feel heard while still maintaining clear and consistent boundariesReal-life examples like bedtime and screen time, and how to turn those moments into opportunities for growth and learningWhy collaboration reduces the “us vs. them” dynamic and strengthens your relationshipHow this strategy builds long-term skills, responsibility, and independence in your childIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent who might be feeling stuck in those power struggles right now! My Boundaries That Bond Guide Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    13 min
  3. MAR 17

    Episode 24: Looking Beneath Behaviour: The 5 Domains of Stress

    I’m a firm believer that the behaviours that challenge us most in parenting are actually signals asking for something deeper to be seen. In this episode, I explore a powerful shift in perspective that can transform how we understand both our children and ourselves. Instead of focusing solely on the behavior itself, I unpack the idea that stress is often the real story underneath our reactions. Drawing from Stuart Shanker's self regulation framework, I share how recognizing what’s happening beneath the surface can help us move from being frustrated and closed off, to open and connected.  In this episode, I explore: The stress that hides beneath the surface of our actionsHow biological stress like hunger, fatigue, and sensory overload can push kids (and parents) past their limitsHow cognitive overload from school, schedules, and constant demands can impact behaviour and focusThe impact of social stress from friendships, family dynamics, and the pressure to belongWhat pro-social stress looks like when children want to do the right thing but don’t yet have the skills to navigate itWhen we start looking at behaviour through the lens of stress rather than judgment, parenting begins to feel less reactive and more compassionate. If this perspective resonates with you, leave a like and share this episode with a fellow parent. Join my Regulated Parent Reset Books to support you on your parenting journey Mentioned in this episode: The 5 Domains of Self-Regulation Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    13 min
  4. MAR 3

    Episode 23: How to Parent from Values Instead of Fear

    Fear is inevitable, but it doesn't have to run your life or dictate your parenting style. In this episode of Parenting Through Connection, I explore how fear quietly slips into our reactions and how we can shift out of survival mode into something steadier, more grounded, and aligned with the parent we truly want to be. This conversation is about noticing our fear with compassion and choosing connection instead. Keep listening as I discuss: How fear pushes us toward control, urgency, and quick fixes instead of connectionWhy fear-based parenting may create obedience in the short term but does not build internal skills like regulation, accountability, or trustHow parenting from fear erodes our confidence and leads us through a cycle of second guessing ourselves and outsourcing our instinctsIdentifying our top parenting values so we can respond with consistency and emotional safety rather than reactivityPractical ways to pause in hard moments, recognize fear as a signal, and intentionally choose alignmentIf this conversation resonated, I invite you to share it with another parent who may be stuck between fear and connection, and explore the resources linked below to help you define your parenting values and build deeper self-trust. You don't have to do this alone. Access my FREE parenting resource: How to Parent From Values Not Fear Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    11 min
  5. FEB 17

    Episode 22: What is the Vagus Nerve and Why it Matters with Parenting

    Today on Parenting Through Connection, we're diving into the vagus nerve, a game-changer in understanding how we handle stress, connect with our kids, and regulate our emotions. This might seem like a fancy term, but it’s really quite simple. Maybe you try to stay calm under stress, but your body takes over. This is a very common occurrence, especially for parents, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. In this episode, I’ll be going over why understanding the vagus nerve is integral for healthy emotional regulation and some practical tips you can incorporate today in order to stay regulated.  What you’ll learn in this episode: Why the vagus nerve is like your body’s stress switch, connecting your brain to your body and triggering either fight-or-flight or calm and connection Why your stress response, and your child's, can feel automatic and how you can break free from this cycleSmall daily practices to help you tone your vagus nerve and become a more present, patient, and empathetic parent Let's keep building our capacity to respond, not react, in the most challenging moments. This journey isn’t about avoiding stress, but learning how to navigate stressful situations with greater compassion and connection.  If you’re ready to go deeper in this work, check out my Understanding Your Nervous System Guide.  If you’re in need of 1:1 support, book a Nervous System Deep Dive Session with me here. Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    12 min
  6. JAN 13

    Episode 21: The Three Types of Stress and Why They Matter

    Stress is not a personal failure, it’s a human experience. Unfortunately, the message many of us are absorbing is that if we’re stressed, we must be doing something wrong. Today, I’m breaking down how stress actually works in the nervous system, why some stress helps us grow, why some stress starts to wear us down, and how the presence or absence of support is often the real difference between coping and burning out, especially in parenting. In this episode, I explore: Why stress itself isn’t the problem and how the belief that it should be eliminated keeps parents stuck in shamePositive stress and why it’s essential for resilience, confidence, and growthHow tolerable stress shows up in parenting seasons and why support, not strength, is what keeps it manageableThe factors that turn stress toxic and why so many parents are living there without realizing itWhy being “regulated” doesn’t mean calm, and what capacity really looks like in real life with kidsI hope this conversation helps you soften any self-blame. The next time you feel stressed, ask yourself: what does my system need right now? If you know a fellow parent who may need this reminder, send this episode their way. For additional support in your parenting journey, visit parentingthroughconnection.ca to access a library of resources as well as 1:1 coaching support. You don’t have to do this alone.  Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    13 min
  7. 11/25/2025

    Episode 20: Navigating Boundaries This Holiday Season

    As we move into a season that’s meant to feel magical, so many of us secretly feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, and unsure how to manage all the expectations. In this episode of Parenting Through Connection, I open up about navigating the holidays with compassion for both ourselves and our kids, and how boundaries can help us stay grounded, present, and connected to what truly matters. Keep listening as I explore: Why the holidays feel so intense and how to notice the signs your capacity is maxed outWhat boundaries really are, and why they are not selfish, rude, or a punishmentHow to identify what truly matters to you this season, when making energy protecting choicesWhat to do when guilt kicks in or others react emotionally to your decisionsA practical mindset shift to help you stop carrying other people’s feelings as your ownThe holidays don’t have to mean putting yourself last. When you honour your limits, you create space for the memories that really matter. If communicating boundaries feels especially hard, check out my Communication and Conflict Resolution Guide. Thanks for tuning in! Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    17 min
  8. 11/11/2025

    Episode 19: Why Kids Hit, Yell and Throw Things And How to Help

    Aggression from our kids can feel like one of the most triggering parts of parenting. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a new way of seeing those explosive moments of hitting, biting, yelling, and throwing: not as signs of disrespect or failure, but as signals from a nervous system that’s overwhelmed and asking for safety. When we shift our approach from control to understanding, we can respond with steadiness instead of fear, leading our children by example to healthy regulation.   Tune in to learn more about: What hitting, biting, yelling, or throwing are actually signs of What is happening in a child’s brain and body during aggressive episodes, and why your logic, lectures, and reasoning can’t work in those momentsHow to regulate yourself so you can co-regulate your child What to say and do to set boundaries and release the built-up fight energy How repair after everyone is calm becomes the place where real learning and trust formRemember that what matters most is returning to connection. Please share this episode with another parent who could use this reminder. If you would like deeper support on your parenting journey, visit parentingthroughconnection.ca for access to resources and 1:1 support. Anger & Healthy Aggression Guide link: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/offers/cXyPgJt6/checkout Support the show Connect with Megan: Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle 1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

    14 min

About

Welcome to “Parenting Through Connection” with Megan Lachance, a podcast where we dive into the real struggles and complexities of parenting with honesty, hope, and practical strategies. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of raising kids while juggling life’s demands, you're not alone. Each episode explores both sides of the parenting journey: managing stress and societal expectations, and building strong, meaningful relationships with your children. We’ll talk about the tough stuff; the things people don’t want to talk about or try to hide yet everyone experiences, the moments of feeling stuck and the times when parenting doesn’t feel like the dream you imagined…the ‘hidden’ parts of parenting that results in yelling, anger & sometimes even rage. Through relatable stories, mini coaching sessions, and actionable tips, Megan will help you break through the barriers that keep you feeling stuck, offering support and encouragement to help you find balance. Parenting doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Let’s normalize the challenges, let go of shame, and discover ways to enjoy the journey while strengthening your connection with your kids. So tune into “Parenting Through Connection” for a dose of hope, real talk, and the support you need to thrive as a parent.