NTM 537: When They Dig Their Heels In: How to Stay the Steady One

In this episode, we discuss what to do when your child slams the brakes on; from “I’m not going to school” to daily battles over getting dressed or leaving the house. We explore how to stay grounded when their storms threaten to pull you in, how to use play and connection to move through resistance, and why your regulation is the most powerful parenting tool you have. We unpack what happens in your body when you feel backed into a corner, how to find your anchor, and the small moments of humour, affection, and attunement that can shift even the hardest days.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What’s really happening when your child resists…and why matching their frustration only fuels the fire
• How to stay anchored and calm when their emotions feel overwhelming
• Using playfulness to shift tension, reconnect, and move through sticky moments
• Finding micro-moments of humour and connection when you’re tired or touched-out
• Reframing play as a mindset, not another task on your list
• How your regulation invites theirs and makes co-regulation possible
• Holding the bigger vision for how you want moments like these to end, even when it’s hard
• Why there’s no “magic trick” to fix behaviour - but there is a way to lead with steadiness, warmth, and presence

Want support on this journey? Come join us inside Honey Club - where we melt these blocks together, one breath, one practice, one deep remembering at a time. Find out more at julietenner.love or visit: https://julie-tenner.newzenler.com/courses/honeyclub


Reach out to Bridget for 1:1 coaching - bridgetwood.life