HERself
As women and mothers of young children, it can be easy to compare ourselves to others. But your life isn't supposed to look like hers! Being your best self means standing firm in your decisions and always being willing to grow with a purpose. Are you wanting more ease in your marriage? Or more enjoyment as a parent? Are you looking for a strategy to the health challenges you have been facing recently? Do you feel like you have been staring at a stranger in the mirror since becoming a mother? Abby and Amy get vulnerable with topics around partnership, motherhood, health, and self improvement by interviewing authors, therapists, experts and everyday mothers. Our conversations will meet you with solutions and solidarity as you find a life path that feels aligned for you. If this sounds like you, hit play on your favorite episode title and make sure you're following the HERself podcast.
HERself
339: Greatest Hits: What to Do When the Script Doesn't Work with Claire Lerner
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this "Greatest Hits" episode we revisit one of our most impactful conversations with child development expert Claire Lerner. As parents who have personally navigated the challenges of raising children who don't respond to traditional gentle parenting approaches, we share how isolating and exhausting that experience can be and how Claire's expertise changed everything. Claire breaks down why some kids are simply wired differently, explains that challenging behaviors aren't manipulation but rather a need for boundaries and support, and offers practical strategies for helping children self-regulate. From rethinking timeouts to surviving big family gatherings, this episode is a must-listen for parents of strong-willed or highly reactive kids.
Key Topics Covered
- Why some children are "wired differently" and don't respond to gentle parenting.
- Understanding child behavior — why kids act out and what they actually need.
- Claire's concept of the "safe space break" as a modern alternative to timeouts.
- How to help children self-regulate during moments of aggression toward others.
- Managing big family gatherings and holiday triggers for highly reactive kids.
- How to talk to family members and teachers about your child's unique needs.
- The importance of community and reducing parental isolation and burnout.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Meet Claire.
Visit Claire's website.
LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase: drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF
HERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u
Let’s connect!
HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast
MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer
MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.