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What if the most powerful parenting tool you had… was a pause? In this episode, Wendy dives into one of the most life-changing skills a parent can learn, how to interrupt reactive patterns in the moment and choose a different way forward. If you’ve ever felt yourself snap, yell, or say something you wish you could take back, this conversation will meet you with both honesty and hope. Because reactivity isn’t a character flaw, it’s a nervous system response. And when you learn how to work with your body instead of against it, everything begins to shift. Wendy walks you through what it actually looks like to “hit the reset button” in real time, how to create space between trigger and response, and why this one skill can transform the way your kids experience you. This is about becoming a parent who leads with intention, even in the hardest moments. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/318⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠ Join Kate Northrup's Relaxed Money program 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your strong-willed child really “difficult”… or are they wired to lead? In this episode, Wendy and Terry continue walking through her upcoming book Fresh Start Your Family and unpack one of the most powerful paradigm shifts in parenting: seeing strong-willed kids as leaders in the making, not problems to fix. They talk about: Why culture praises “meek and mild” kids The difference between a true strong-willed child and a temporary power surge stage Why breaking a child’s will harms their spirit How to mentor strength with firm-and-kind leadership Through personal stories from raising their daughter Stella, Wendy and Terry show how the very traits that feel exhausting in toddlerhood often become courage, grit, and conviction in adulthood. If you’re parenting a child who pushes back, questions authority, or refuses to fold, this episode will help you reframe defiance as potential and raise your “cactus kid” with connection, confidence, and integrity. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/318⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠ 💰 ⁠⁠Save your seat ⁠⁠for Kate Northrup's FREE 3 Day Workshop - Good with Money - starting April 9th! 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the story you were told about sin… isn’t the whole story? In this deeply freeing conversation, Wendy sits down with author and faith leader Meredith Miller to explore one of the most tender, loaded questions many parents carry… Are kids born bad? Together, they unpack how traditional teachings around original sin and total depravity have shaped generations of parenting… and how we can choose a different path rooted in truth, compassion, and connection. This episode is an invitation to breathe again. To release fear. To trust what your heart has always known about your child… and yourself. If you’ve ever wrestled with faith, parenting, shame, or the desire to raise kids who feel safe in their goodness… this conversation will meet you right where you are. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/317⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ 💰 ⁠Save your seat ⁠for Kate Northrup's FREE 3 Day Workshop - Good with Money - starting April 9th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, Wendy sits down with Allison Rose to talk about what it really looks like to break generational cycles, heal from fear-based parenting, and create a more connected home. Allison shares how Fresh Start Family helped her move out of reactivity, pressure, and survival mode, especially while navigating chronic illness, financial stress, and parenting three young kids. Together, Wendy and Allison explore how nervous system healing, compassionate discipline, and learning to trust your inner voice can transform not just your parenting, but your whole life. They also talk about faith deconstruction, healing from high-control religious environments, and why choosing connection over control changes everything. If you’ve ever known the old way isn’t working, but needed hope that a new way is possible, this episode will meet you right where you are. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/316⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ for more info and links. 💰 Save your seat for Kate Northrup's FREE 3 Day Workshop - Good with Money - starting April 9th! 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt solo episode, Wendy shares what she’s been releasing in this Easter season, especially the lifelong pull of people-pleasing, shame, and trying to make everyone happy. She opens up about the deeper growth work that’s come with writing her new book, Fresh Start Your Family, and why this season has invited her to care more about what God thinks, what her own heart knows, and less about outside approval. Wendy also reflects on what’s giving her hope in a heavy and heartbreaking time. From powerful insights she received at a recent leadership retreat, to the work of humanitarian Lynn Twist, Sarah Bessey, Sharon McMahon, and Dr. Shefali, this episode explores what it means to stay awake, use your voice, and keep choosing integrity, courage, and compassionate leadership, especially when the world feels dark. This is a deeply personal conversation about rebirth, healing, faith, democratic parenting, and why the way we raise children truly does shape the future of humanity. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/315⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if one of the most powerful things we can give our kids is freedom from pressure? In this episode, Wendy sits down with veteran educator and homeschool mentor Julie Ross to talk about how to opt out of pressure-filled schooling, whether your kids are in homeschool, public school, private school, or somewhere in between. Together, they explore how fear, performance, and constant pressure can steal the joy from learning, and what it looks like to create an educational life that feels more peaceful, connected, and developmentally aligned. Julie shares wisdom from more than 30 years in education, including her experience as a public school teacher, private school founder, homeschool hybrid leader, curriculum creator, and homeschool mom of five. Wendy also shares her own story of choosing a lower-pressure path inside the public school system and how that shift changed the trajectory of her daughter’s school experience. Inside this conversation, you’ll hear: Why slowness and unstructured play are essential for healthy development How parental pressure quietly shapes the emotional climate of learning Why resistance doesn’t always mean something is wrong How to replace control with connection, creativity, and partnership What it looks like to trust your child’s pace without becoming permissive How to think more wisely about screens, technology, and real learning If school has become a source of stress in your home, this episode will encourage you to step back, breathe deeper, and remember that education doesn’t have to come at the expense of your child’s joy, mental health, or connection with you. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/314⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if one of the most important things we teach our kids is how to handle hurt...without hurting back? In this episode, Wendy and Terry unpack revenge misbehavior, one of the four mistaken goals of behavior taught inside Fresh Start Family and featured in Chapter 12 of Fresh Start Your Family. They explore what revenge behavior looks like in everyday family life, hitting, biting, attitude, eye rolls, harsh words, and why it so often comes from a child’s deep sense of hurt, unfairness, or disrespect. But this conversation goes deeper than parenting. Wendy and Terry also draw a powerful parallel between the revenge cycles we see in homes and the same power-over, hurt-back patterns playing out in culture, leadership, and politics. When families are taught that force, fear, punishment, and humiliation are the way to control behavior, those same dynamics don’t stay in the home, they ripple outward into the world. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: What revenge misbehavior really is and how to spot it Why punishment keeps hurt cycles alive instead of ending them The role of humility in breaking revenge patterns How strong-willed kids often react to disrespect and hypocrisy Why the way we handle conflict at home shapes the future of our communities and world If you’ve ever wondered how to stop the hitting, attitude, or emotional jabs without becoming harsh or permissive, this episode will help you understand the root cause, respond with strength and compassion, and raise kids who know how to handle hurt in a different way. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/313⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the reason you keep reacting in parenting isn’t a mindset problem… but a nervous system one? In this powerful conversation, Wendy sits down with nervous system specialist Carrie Montgomery to talk about how rewiring your brain and regulating your body can completely change the way you love, lead, and parent. They unpack: Why willpower isn’t enough when you’re in an emotional hijack What’s actually happening in your brain during reactive moments How nervous system repair creates real generational change Simple tools (like wall pushes and breathwork) you can use immediately If you’re tired of yelling, shutting down, or feeling out of control in hard moments with your kids… this episode will feel like hope. Because when you heal your nervous system, you don’t just change your reactions. You change your legacy. ✨ ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/312⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You want to grow. You’re reading the books. You’re learning new tools. And your spouse? Not so much. If you’ve ever felt like you’re parenting from two different playbooks under the same roof, this episode is for you. Wendy and Terry share their real-life journey of getting on the same page, what it looked like when one partner led the way, and how connection-based parenting transformed not just their kids, but their marriage. Inside this conversation, you’ll hear: Why one parent often goes first in the growth process How to invite a resistant spouse into learning without control or criticism The truth about “gentle” parenting and why firm-and-kind is not permissive How fathers especially benefit from prioritizing relationship What it really means to end generational cycles If you’re longing for unity, deeper connection, and less tension around discipline, there is a path forward, even if you feel like you’re walking it alone right now. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/311⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠⁠ ☀️ Ready for a weekend to refill your soul, reset your peace, and transform your home? You can still grab your ticket to Freedom to Be - March 14-15th, in sunny San Diego, CA . Use the code FREEDOM for $150 off your ticket at checkout! ⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/freedom⁠⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting a strong-willed child can feel intense, exhausting, and isolating, especially when your kid has big emotions, strong opinions, and a “justice-seeking” spirit that won’t quit. In this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy sits down with parenting coach and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about how to parent a “spicy one”, without losing your mind, your confidence, or their spark. You’ll learn how to set firm and kind boundaries, why repair matters more than perfection, and how simple shifts in your tone of voice, pace, and posture can change everything when your child pushes back. Mary also shares powerful mindset shifts from her new book Parenting a Spicy One, including the idea that your child isn’t your problem, they’re your curriculum. If you’re raising a strong-willed or “spicy” kid and you want more cooperation, less yelling, and a home that feels safer and more connected, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/310⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus⁠ ☀️ Ready for a weekend to refill your soul, reset your peace, and transform your home? You can still grab your ticket to Freedom to Be - March 14-15th, in sunny San Diego, CA . Use the code FREEDOM for $150 off your ticket at checkout! ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/freedom⁠ 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if nurturing a healthy, shame-free sex life could actually help us become calmer, more patient parents? In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Wendy Snyder is joined by Christian sex educator Carlie Palmer-Webb to explore the powerful connection between intimacy, nervous system regulation, and the way we show up for our families. Together, they unpack how harmful purity culture messages have left many adults disconnected from their bodies, their desire, and their sense of safety, and how healing our relationship with sex can ripple outward into our marriages and parenting. Carlie shares her personal journey growing up in purity culture, why so many women struggle with shame, pain, or obligation around sex, and how education, compassion, and curiosity can open the door to truly connected intimacy. Wendy reflects on how emotional and physical connection in marriage fuels patience, regulation, and resilience at home, especially for parents working hard to break generational cycles. This episode is a validating, hopeful invitation for couples to reclaim intimacy as something life-giving, empowering, and deeply supportive of the family legacy they’re building. ➡️ Head to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/309⁠⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌵 Raising a strong-willed cactus kid and need a little help? Grab my FREE 'Cactus Kids Survival Guide' today! https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/cactus ☀️ Ready for a weekend to refill your soul, reset your peace, and transform your home? You can still grab your ticket to Freedom to Be - March 14-15th, in sunny San Diego, CA . Use the code FREEDOM for $150 off your ticket at checkout! https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/freedom 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and claim your FREE Bonuses! ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if misbehavior isn’t defiance, manipulation, or disrespect, but communication? In this honest, reflective conversation, Wendy and Terry invite us to upgrade our parenting lenses and see our kids, and ourselves, more clearly. Using a powerful “lens” metaphor, they unpack how much of our reactivity is shaped by old conditioning, inherited beliefs, and unconscious power struggles, and how different everything feels when we remove the glare. Together, they explore why kids act out when needs go unmet, how power struggles form, and what happens when we stop trying to control behavior and start responding with curiosity, leadership, and connection. With real stories from their own family and 15+ years of lived experience, Wendy and Terry show how shifting our paradigm doesn’t just change our parenting, it changes our relationships, our nervous systems, and the legacy we’re building. If you’ve ever felt triggered, stuck, or unsure how to respond when emotions run high, this episode will help you slow down, see differently, and lead with confidence and compassion. Head to ⁠⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/308⁠⁠ for more info and links. 🌟The Fresh Start Experience membership is open for a limited time! Learn more about this full support parenting program at https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/jointoday 📕 Pre-order your copy of Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home and grab your FREE Bonuses! https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/preorder 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Threats might feel like they work in the moment, but they quietly erode trust, connection, and long-term cooperation. In this episode, Wendy and Terry break down why threats, bribes, and countdowns keep families stuck in power struggles, and what to do instead. They explore the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, why so many of us default to control without realizing it, and how a simple shift in language and leadership can completely change the tone of your home. You’ll learn Wendy’s favorite strategy for replacing threats with firm, kind guidance that actually teaches self-control, builds respect, and supports your child’s inner motivation, without fear, shame, or endless battles. A must-listen for parents who want calmer days now and stronger relationships long-term. Head to ⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/307⁠ for more info and links. 🌟 Save your seat for the⁠ Empowered Parenting Reset workshop⁠ happening Jan 28th! 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy and Terry explore how honesty, humility, and radical responsibility give parents the power to create real change at home. They share why breaking generational patterns starts with looking at our own reactions, not blaming kids, and how compassionate discipline builds trust, safety, and lasting connection. Through honest stories and practical insight, they show how becoming a calm, accountable leader helps your child feel safe coming to you when it matters most. A grounding listen for parents who want less reactivity and more peace, connection, and confidence. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/306 for more info and links. 🌟 Save your seat for the Empowered Parenting Reset workshop happening Jan 28th! 📕Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child! Head here to learn more! 👉⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/thrive 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy invites parents into a powerful reset, one that goes far beyond New Year’s resolutions. She explores how fresh starts are created through intention, nervous system safety, and the courage to imagine something better for your family. Wendy unpacks why misbehavior is often a signal, not a problem, and how breaking generational cycles begins with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface, for both parents and kids. You’ll hear how collective energy, community support, and regulation-first parenting can help you move from reactive patterns into more peace, joy, and connection at home. This episode is a grounding, hopeful reminder that it’s never too late to rewire old habits, rebuild trust, and create family dynamics that truly feel good. If you’re ready to reset your parenting approach and start the year with clarity and confidence, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/305  for more info and guest links. 📆 Save the date for my FREE workshop - The Empowered Parenting Reset - happening January 28. Mark your calendar bc you're not going to want to miss this... 📕Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child! Head here to learn more! 👉https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/thrive 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices