
Ep: 227 Mastering Mayhem: Proven Strategies for Raising Strong-Willed Children (Anxiety, Tantrums, Behavior Issues)
02/16/24 • 45 min
Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Parenting Guru Dayna Abraham, author of the acclaimed book "Calm the Chaos," to unveil science-backed strategies for raising emotionally intense children. They delve into Dayna's personal journey, the triggers behind challenging behaviors, and her empathy-based approach to parenting. They emphasize the importance of managing meltdowns, fostering a harmonious family dynamic, and building rock-solid parent-child bonds as the foundation for effective guidance. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community support and parental self-care in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Your Child: Dayna dives into "Calm the Chaos," exploring the reasons behind tantrums, defiance, and emotional dysregulation. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate understanding and validation to effectively reach your child.
Five-Step Blueprint: Dayna unveils a proven five-step approach to handling challenging behaviors, including de-escalation techniques, energy management, and long-term solutions. Discover how to avoid power struggles and implement positive behavioral interventions.
Building Trust & Connection: The conversation underscores the power of active listening, open communication, and building trust for fostering positive parent-child relationships. Learn how to empathetically guide and support your child's emotional growth.
Our Guest:
Dayna Abraham is a trusted leader in the parenting community, boasting over a decade of experience as an award-winning, national board-certified educator. As the founder of Lemon Lime Adventures, a popular parenting site with over 41 million viewers in under seven years, she has demonstrated her exceptional ability to connect with and inspire audiences worldwide. Additionally, Dayna serves as the CEO of Calm the Chaos, a highly successful company offering her compassionate framework to support thousands of parents globally. Her impactful work has been featured in HuffPost, Babble, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, ADDitude Magazine, and Positive Parenting Solutions, further solidifying her esteemed reputation in the field.
Our Sponsors:
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/
From the Producer:
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Parenting Guru Dayna Abraham, author of the acclaimed book "Calm the Chaos," to unveil science-backed strategies for raising emotionally intense children. They delve into Dayna's personal journey, the triggers behind challenging behaviors, and her empathy-based approach to parenting. They emphasize the importance of managing meltdowns, fostering a harmonious family dynamic, and building rock-solid parent-child bonds as the foundation for effective guidance. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community support and parental self-care in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Your Child: Dayna dives into "Calm the Chaos," exploring the reasons behind tantrums, defiance, and emotional dysregulation. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate understanding and validation to effectively reach your child.
Five-Step Blueprint: Dayna unveils a proven five-step approach to handling challenging behaviors, including de-escalation techniques, energy management, and long-term solutions. Discover how to avoid power struggles and implement positive behavioral interventions.
Building Trust & Connection: The conversation underscores the power of active listening, open communication, and building trust for fostering positive parent-child relationships. Learn how to empathetically guide and support your child's emotional growth.
Our Guest:
Dayna Abraham is a trusted leader in the parenting community, boasting over a decade of experience as an award-winning, national board-certified educator. As the founder of Lemon Lime Adventures, a popular parenting site with over 41 million viewers in under seven years, she has demonstrated her exceptional ability to connect with and inspire audiences worldwide. Additionally, Dayna serves as the CEO of Calm the Chaos, a highly successful company offering her compassionate framework to support thousands of parents globally. Her impactful work has been featured in HuffPost, Babble, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, ADDitude Magazine, and Positive Parenting Solutions, further solidifying her esteemed reputation in the field.
Our Sponsors:
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/
From the Producer:
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

Ep 226: Unlocking Creativity & Curiosity in Kids: Fred Rogers' Timeless Wisdom with Gregg Behr & Ryan Rydzewski
Join us on Parenting Great Kids as we welcome Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, co-authors of "When You Wonder, You're Learning," to delve into the timeless lessons of Fred Rogers. Known for his iconic show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers' legacy extends far beyond his cardigan sweaters and piano songs. Discover how his teachings on nurturing creativity, curiosity, and care continue to shape generations of children. Embrace Fred's scientific principles of learning to create an enriching environment that fosters emotional and intellectual development in your kids. Learn from his enduring wisdom as we explore practical tips to deepen connections, ignite curiosity, and cultivate creativity in today's fast-paced world. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking to instill values that transcend time and inspire lifelong growth.
Our Guests
Gregg Behr an advisor to The Brookings Institution and The Fred Rogers Institute, and has been honored by President Obama, the Disruptor Foundation, ISTE, and AASA as an innovator and thought leader.
Ryan Rydzewski is an award-winning author and speaker. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, he taught elementary school in south Louisiana before earning an MFA in nonfiction writing from Chatham University. As a science and education reporter, his magazine stories focus on everything from schools to space travel to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and he regularly leads workshops for educators and parents.
Our Sponsors
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet: Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/
From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode

Ep.228: The Secret to Nurturing a Healthy Identity in Kids
In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker joins forces with Dr. Chap Clark, an expert in youth, family, and culture, to discuss the challenges kids face with identity and purpose in today’s culture. Dr. Clark draws on his deep understanding of adolescent psychology and emphasizes the importance of adapting parenting approaches and encouraging community and nonparental adult connections beyond the immediate family for children.
Throughout their discussion, Dr. Meeker and Dr. Clark stress the need for parents to actively build a nurturing environment that fosters their children's growth, curiosity, and sense of belonging. This episode serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to navigate the complexities of modern parenting, offering key insights and advice on how to support their children's journey toward becoming well-rounded individuals.
Today’s Guest
As a former pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, a professor and vice provost at Fuller Seminary, and a 15-year leader on Young Life staff, Chap Clark has given his life to the encouragement and empowerment of young people and those who work with and for them.
He equips organizations and individuals to have a greater understanding of millennials and Gen Z. Chap coaches, consults, speaks, trains and encourages communities, schools, parents, churches, and businesses in his roles with IML and Parenteen. He is also the author/co-author of 25 books, including the award-winning Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers, Sticky Faith, Deep Justice in a Broken World, and Adoptive Church.
Our Sponsors
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/
From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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