How to Stop Yelling & Start Connecting With Your Kids with Amanda Rodriguez | Erie Wellness Podcast

Parenting can feel overwhelming fast. Why aren't my kids listening? How do I set boundaries without constantly yelling? What should I do when my child has a huge emotional reaction? And how do I stay calm when I'm already stressed myself? In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Rodriguez, a certified parent coach, former teacher, and mom of two based in the Erie/Boulder area who works virtually with families through her business, Unconditional Connections. We talk about how parents can better understand their children’s behavior, set loving boundaries, regulate their own emotions, and create stronger connections with their kids. Amanda works with parents who often know how they want to parent but struggle to put those tools into practice when real life gets messy. Throughout our conversation, we explore what's actually happening developmentally with young kids, why behavior isn't always as straightforward as it seems, and why children can handle something perfectly one day and completely fall apart over it the next. We also break down Amanda's "pregame, game time, and postgame" approach to parenting and why some of the most effective parenting happens before a challenging moment ever begins. Amanda shares practical ways to prepare kids for expectations, collaboratively solve problems, hold boundaries without losing connection, and respond when emotions are already running high. And because parenting isn't only about our kids, we talk about us, too—our triggers, our nervous systems, the expectations we place on our children, and what we can do when we're the ones about to lose it. In this episode, we cover: • How to set boundaries while maintaining connection • Why child development isn't always linear • Executive function and setting age-appropriate expectations • Why your child can do something one day and struggle with it the next • Amanda's "pregame, game time, and postgame" parenting framework • Navigating sibling conflict and big emotions • How parents' own experiences can influence their reactions • Practical ways to regulate yourself when you're getting overwhelmed • How role-playing can help parents prepare for challenging situations • What parent coaching actually looks like One of my favorite reminders from this conversation: Parenting isn't about getting it right every single time. Our children are still learning how to navigate their emotions, relationships, and the world around them—and we're learning right alongside them. Whether you're dealing with tantrums, sibling fights, bedtime battles, kids who don't seem to listen, or simply trying to yell less and feel more connected to your children, this conversation is filled with practical tools and reminders you can bring into your own family. The goal isn't perfect parenting. It's becoming more intentional about how we respond, getting curious about what our kids need, and building the kind of relationship we want to have with them for years to come. Connect with Unconditional Connections: Instagram: ‪@UnconditionalConnections‬ Website: https://www.unconditionalconnections.... Learn more about Banned Book Bingo: https://theplayedcorp.com/upcoming-ev... Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: Instagram Facebook YouTube Be a Guest on the Podcast Advertise on the Erie Wellness Podcast