logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
11m 56s

Why Don’t My Kids Listen?

MICHELLE KENNEY, M. ED
About this episode

Ever feel like every request turns into a battle with your kids? You ask them to put their shoes on, help with chores, or even just sit down for dinner, and instead of cooperation, you get resistance or silence. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the big question: What if their refusal has less to do with defiance and more about how they FEEL about the relationship?


Today, I tackle why our kids may not cooperate and how it relates to our connection. I explore how common parenting techniques, like punishments and rewards, often backfire, creating distance instead of understanding. If we shift our approach, it can transform daily interactions with our kids, bringing more peace and cooperation into our homes without resorting to punitive measures.


In This Episode:

  • Why do kids refuse to listen or cooperate
  • Defiance or disconnection, what’s really happening?
  • The negative effects of punishments and rewards
  • How to use empathy and play to encourage cooperation
  • Adjusting expectations for more harmony at home


🔗 Interested in our 1:1 Coaching? Book a Discovery Call with one of our team now


💌 Enjoy today’s episode? Please share it with a fellow parent or leave a rating and a review.


📖 Check out my book UNPUNISHED!


Follow Peace and Parenting:

YouTube: @peaceandparentingla

Instagram: @peaceandparenting

Facebook: @peaceandparentingla

Peace and Parenting Facebook Group



Want to join The Yelling Cure Event: https://peaceandparentingla.com/the-yelling-cure

Our Sponsors:
* Birdwatching enthusiasts check out Feathersnap: https://www.feathersnapcam.com/
* Check out ByHeart.com/podcast and use my code PEACE for a great deal: www.byheart.com/podcast
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code PEACE for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out Knorr: knorr.com
* Check out Lil Critters: www.lilcritters.com
* Need a new plant for your home? Check out the Palmstreet App: https://i.palmstreet.app/tjja/peace


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Jun 2025
Remembering My Connected Parenting Partner and Grandfather, Papa
Today's episode comes with a heavy heart as I share a very personal update. My beloved father, Papa, recently passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. For those who knew him or followed my posts, you know he was my steadfast parenting partner and confidant, truly embrac ... Show More
11m 21s
Jun 2025
Ditch the Punishments and Rewards and STILL Get Cooperation [Fan Favorite]
Do you ever feel like you're constantly battling your kids, trying to "make" them do what you want? Are you tired of using punishments or rewards, but unsure how else to get them to listen? If you're longing for a deeper connection with your child and a more peaceful home without ... Show More
12m 30s
Jun 2025
Why Demanding Respect From Your Kids Isn’t Working [Fan Favorite]
What does real respect between parents and children truly look like? Have you ever wondered why your kids sometimes seem “disrespectful,” or whether expecting automatic respect is helping or hurting your relationship? Let’s dive into what it means to nurture mutual respect withou ... Show More
12m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
The 3 Parenting Skills That Shape Future Communicators
If you're a parent, there’s nothing more important than teaching your kids how to communicate — how to handle a "no," how to disagree without disrespect, and how to show kindness even when it’s hard. That’s what this episode is all about. I’m sharing a few key lessons from my own ... Show More
20m 4s
Sep 29
How do we build resilience in our kids without being harsh or overprotective
Send us a textDo you ever hear your child say things like, “I’m such a bad kid” or “I’ll never be good at this” and your heart sinks because you don’t know what to say?You’re not alone. And this episode is about to change the way you respond.Today, I’m sitting down with award-win ... Show More
50m 41s
Sep 15
How to connect with a child that shuts you down (without losing your cool)
Send us a textThis episode will change how you see your child’s moods and how you respond to them.If you’ve ever tiptoed around your child in the morning, worried the “wrong” cereal bowl or shirt will set off a meltdown, this conversation is for you.Joining me is Dr. Alex Reed, p ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 2025
Can We Raise Good Kids Without Punishing Them?
If you've lost your cool with your kids and fallen into yelling, threats, timeouts, or other punishments, you’re not alone. This week, Dr. Becky explores the complex topic of punishment in parenting, and addresses the skepticism surrounding the idea of raising well-behaved childr ... Show More
22m 3s
Sep 22
The Science of How Discipline and Punishment Impact a Child’s Brain Differently
Send us a textParents, this one is big.Today we’re breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don’t want to.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell, sp ... Show More
29m 21s
Jan 2025
Episode 65- Parenting Strong-Willed Children: It's All In The Delivery With Special Guest Maysaa Fahour
Send us a textParenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys, and no one understands this better than Coach Maysaa—a mom of four, a former primary school teacher, and a certified Conscious Parent Coach. Trained under the renowned Dr. Shefali, Maysaa specializes i ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 2025
The Big-Hearted Way To Prevent Power Struggles - altogether!
Power struggles with toddlers can feel exhausting—but they don’t have to be inevitable. In this episode, I’ll share simple, big-hearted ways to prevent battles before they start. Learn how to give your child a sense of control, offer the right kind of choices, and use playfulness ... Show More
12m 53s
Sep 9
Should I Praise My Kid?
Praise always feels good in the moment. But does it build confidence that lasts? In today’s episode, Dr. Becky shares some surprising research on praise - and what it tells us about how to affirm our kids in more effective ways. You’ll learn exactly what to do to build your kid’s ... Show More
35m 13s
Sep 10
🎙️ Why “No” Doesn’t Work—And What to Say That Actually Does
Why does “no” stop working with toddlers—and what should you say instead? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why “no” becomes background noise, what to say that actually works, and how small language shifts can transform power struggles into cooperation. You’ll learn: Why t ... Show More
9m 38s
Apr 2025
2565: [Part 1] Ungrateful Child - 5 Ways to Combat Entitlement in Kids by Jen of This Time of Mine on Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2565:Jen of This Time of Mine highlights the growing issue of entitlement in children and the subtle ways it can show up in ... Show More
9m 28s