530: How to Stay Calm When Your Child Isn’t

If you've ever lost your temper with your kids, this conversation is for you. Counselor Josh Thames shares practical tools to help moms stay calm, communicate more effectively, and respond with confidence, even when emotions are running high. Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, anxiety, or just big feelings, you'll walk away with practical encouragement you can use today.

Episode Recap:

Intro (0:00)

Josh is an LPC with a background in teaching (1:30)

Are we making parenting decisions out of fear? (5:18)

Remaining steady is critical, especially for parents of kids with ADHD (8:07)

How can I stay calm on crazy, back to school mornings? (10:22)

A practical illustration of what tasks are like for an ADHD brain (14:29)

How can I bring down the emotional climate in my home? (17:30)

Having kids who are wired differently is a really good thing! (20:11)

Scripture: Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

Discussion Questions:

1. Josh said our job is to be shepherds, not engineers. How does that change the way you think about your role as a parent?

2. When your child becomes emotionally overwhelmed, what usually happens inside of you? How can you become the calm your child needs?

3. Which parenting habit would make the biggest difference in your home this week: using more concrete language, planning better transitions, or slowing down your own reactions?

4. Josh reminded us that success isn't measured by our child's behavior on any given day. How would redefining success change the way you parent this week?

Resources:

- Connect with Josh: @joshthameslpc, thamescounseling.com

- Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR Conference registration today! https://birdsonawiremoms.com/soar

- Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!

- Become a WT+ Insider, boaw.mom/insider

Want More of This Conversation?

During Wire Talk+, Josh shares practical advice for connecting with teens who don't want to talk, helping kids navigate transitions, and learning how to stay calm when your own emotions start to rise. This extra conversation is full of real-life parenting wisdom you won't want to miss!

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