About this episode
Help me out! My book Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice comes out in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! Preorder now so you can get it first! Have you ever felt like talking to your kids is like speaking an entirely different language? You tell them to put on their shoes, and suddenly it’s like you’ve asked them to climb a mountain. Believe me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m breaking down why our kids don’t always seem to get what we’re saying—and spoiler alert, it’s not because they’re ignoring us. We’ll dive into the science behind how kids’ brains work, why they process the world differently from adults, and how we can adjust our approach to get through to them. I’ll share five creative hacks I use with my own kids—simple tools that help me communicate in a way they actually understand. If you’re tired of power struggles and tantrums, this episode is packed with practical tips that can make life a little easier (and a lot more fun). What You’ll Learn Why kids’ brains work differently I’ll explain how their brains are still under construction and why emotional reactions often take over. How to communicate in ways that work for them From using stories to simplifying language, you’ll learn how to meet your kids where they are. Five creative hacks for talking to your kids I’ll walk you through how I: Use iPad bugs to make screen-time transitions smoother. Play tooth detective to turn teeth brushing into a fun, nightly ritual. Talk to my kids’ bellies to encourage healthier eating choices. Sing instructions to make them stick (hello, Daniel Tiger fans!). Use puppets to make even tough conversations more approachable. Why This Matters I truly believe that how we communicate with our kids shapes not only their behavior but their emotional development and sense of connection. When we approach communication with playfulness and empathy, we’re not just avoiding meltdowns—we’re building trust and lifelong communication habits. This Week’s Challenge Try one of these hacks! Whether it’s rethinking how you handle screen time or singing through a tricky moment, I’d love to hear what worked for you. Resources I Mentioned The Whole Brain Child by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Daniel Siegel The Way of Play by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson Send us a text Support the show Links to help you and me: To support the Podcast, Subscribe on Substack Get Jon’s Top Five Emotional Regulation Games Get Jon’s Book Punishment-Free Parenting Preorder Jon’s Children’s Book Set My Feelings Free Follow Whole Parent on Instagram , Tiktok, Facebook , Youtube