logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
14m 14s

Punishments Won’t Help Your Kid Prepare ...

MICHELLE KENNEY, M. ED
About this episode

Today, I tackle one of the most common concerns I hear from parents: Am I doing my kids a disservice by not using punishments and consequences? Many argue that without experiencing the "real world" of control and manipulation, children won’t be able to cope when they face it as adults. But is that really true?


I believe raising children with connection, empathy, and unconditional love doesn’t leave them unprepared for the real world, it actually makes them more resilient. Instead of learning to accept harsh treatment, my kids know how to walk away from it. They understand the value of boundaries, and they seek out relationships that nurture rather than control. Let’s redefine what it means to truly prepare our children for the world ahead. It’s not about toughening them up; it’s about teaching them to thrive.


In This Episode:

  • Why connection builds true resilience in kids
  • How gentle parenting prepares kids for the real world
  • The harmful myth of “necessary” consequences
  • Teaching children to walk away from toxic situations
  • Encouraging kids to expect kindness in relationships



🔗 Join my Connected Parent Mastermind, designed for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children, experience more love, and reduce frustration.


🔗 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

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
Nov 2024
3 Tips for Raising Strong-Willed Kids
In today's solo minisode I’m talking all about strong-willed kids. I’ve been talking a lot about this in my emails and on my social media lately because I know it’s a topic that many parents struggle with. Strong-willed kids are the ones that I like to call fair fighters - they’r ... Show More
19m 52s
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 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
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
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
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
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
Aug 15
2694: The Four Parenting Styles by The Gottman Editorial Team on Advice for Parents on Children's Emotional Growth
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 2694: The Gottman Editorial Team breaks down the four parenting styles based on emotional responsiveness, showing how each ... Show More
8m 25s
Feb 2024
2070: How to Get Comfortable with the Discomfort of Parenting by Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui with EricaLayne.co on Emotional Resilience
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 2070:Krista O'Reilly-Davi-Digui, in her heartfelt exploration with EricaLayne.co, delves into the raw and transformative jou ... Show More
9m 33s
Feb 2025
Compassionate Sleep Solutions with Eileen Henry, Episode 119
There are two major camps on getting babies to sleep through the night. These methods are hotly debated, and their oppositional ideas can leave parents feeling frustrated and confused. 1. Cry it out! - Deal breaker for many parents.2. Do whatever it takes, all day and all night l ... Show More
46m 59s