Becoming Peaceful - Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach

Do you ever find yourself in a debate with your child? It's often over something silly but we get triggered and want to let them know what's right!

Try this, and let us know what happens!

This is just fantastic! What would you add?

One of my favorite things to recommend to parents is something called Special Time.

It’s also one of the things that parents resist the most.

Not because they don’t love their children. Not because they don’t want connection. But because parenting is exhausting, modern life in 2026 is overstimulating, and the idea of sitting on the floor playing pretend for ten uninterrupted minutes can feel strangely impossible.

Trust me, I understand.

Read my latest Substack post for more.

The Case For Special Time One of my favorite things to recommend to parents is something called Special Time.

When I was growing up, my mother was very easily triggered by nearly everything I did.

Ranging from she didn't like it or didn't agree with it or if it inconvenienced her or if I disagreed with her. Ad infinitum.

She would yell at me & shame me. Frequently, she would also hit me or slap me across the face - her signature move - while she said her signature phrase, "How dare you!"

Everything was a sign of disrespect to her.

I was just being a kid.

As a parent, I am always so flabbergasted when my teen does the things which led to my mother's rage.

As in, how could this have been such a big deal to her.

Tonight, I realized my teen had taken my fine tooth comb out of the shower & I needed it.

Many years of therapy, lots of inner work and ten years of coaching other parents have helped me heal.

But nothing heals me as much as moments like this.

"Honey, can you bring my comb you borrowed?"
"Oh sure, Mama. Sorry about not putting it back."
"Thank you. Love you."

San Diego folks!

Mother's Day is coming up so let me know if you want me to send this to your family or better yet, treat yo' self as my dear friends on Parks and Rec say.

Seriously, Deanna is a gifted massage therapist and I leave every session feeling like an improved version on myself in multiple ways.

I teach that self regulation is the most important part of being a peaceful parent. I would argue it’s the key to all relationships - close and distant. If we cannot navigate our own emotions and responses to our children, our partners, and the world, how on earth can we expect our children to?

Having said that, if you grew up in a family like I did, every day I continue to unlearn old ideas and coping skills. Learning to stay regulated is my life’s work and it takes daily effort on my part.

I can help. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation on my website: www.BecomingPeaceful.com

Do you ever find yourself in a debate with your child? It's often over something silly but we get triggered and want to let them know what's right!

Here's some words to use!

After spending 30 minutes coaxing my exhausted 8th grader out of bed, I made them breakfast and just looked over at the table where they were eating and saw this.

I would have been screamed at for doing this and told I was being disrespectful or something bizarre like, "You're damaging the furniture!"

But instead, I started cracking up and asked to take and post a picture.

It's a Friday after a long, hard week living in 2026.

Find whimsy wherever you can.

I have been piloting a Divorced Mom's support group for the past few months and am ready to open it up to new members!

The group is one hour-ish once a month on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. PST.

Donation only.

If you are interested in joining, send me a DM for more info!

This might look like I've given up my career as a social worker and a parenting coach to become an action movie hero. But I'm just on a much needed family vacation.

Once I return, I'll be opening up my books to five new coaching clients. You can reach out to me via my website to snag a spot.