You know that moment when your kid is in meltdown mode, you’re barely holding it together, and before you can stop yourself "Just go to your room and think about what you’ve done!" flies out of your mouth? 

We’ve ALL been there.

But time-outs don’t actually teach emotional regulation. They teach kids that their big feelings are too much, that they have to handle them alone, or that they just need to get better at hiding their struggles.

In this episode, I chat with Gen Muir, parent educator, obstetric social worker, mum of four, and the person I wish had been whispering in my ear when I first became a parent. Gen has worked with over 40,000 parents, helping them navigate tricky behaviours and big emotions using connection-based parenting strategies that actually work. And she’s here to break down why time-outs aren’t the magic fix we were told they were - and what actually helps. 

PLUS we've put together a free Kit on Handling Big Emotions & Time-Ins. Download HERE.

We’re covering:

• Why time-outs don’t work - especially for neurodivergent kids 
• What’s actually happening in your child’s brain when they’re sent away
• How disconnection leads to more behaviour struggles (not fewer!)
• The skills kids really need to handle big feelings and how to teach them
• How to set firm, loving boundaries - without feeling like they’re running the show
• What to do when a meltdown makes the whole house feel like a war zone

Resources Mentioned: 

Gen Muir - website and Instagram 

Little People, Big Feelings by Gen Muir

Brick [not affiliated] 

Beyond the Chaos Podcast

Sibling Rivalry S2 Ep 4 with Gen Muir on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 

ADHD Mums Facebook Group

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Topics Covered in This Episode

ADHD parenting, timeouts, emotional regulation, meltdowns, parenting strategies, neurodivergent kids, ADHD kids, discipline alternatives, gentle parenting, conscious parenting, parenting without punishment, time-in strategies, behaviour challenges, parenting support, ADHD emotions, sensory regulation, co-regulation, parenting neurodivergent children, big feelings, ADHD discipline, neuro-affirming parenting, setting boundaries, sibling rivalry, parenting expert advice, Gen Muir, ADHD Mums podcast, ADHD struggles, emotional resilience, parenting without shame, connection-based parenting, time-outs

Mentioned in this episode:

A Mum’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Diagnosis and Helping Others ‘Get It’

A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’