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Delight in Parenting with Dajana Yoakley

Delight in Parenting with Dajana Yoakley

By: Empowering parents with peaceful & playful strategies to bring the delight back into parenting. 'Delight in Parenting with Dajana Yoakley' is your guide to a thriving family life.
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 Welcome to Delight in Parenting Podcast. Let's into the essence of peaceful, playful and emotionally intelligent parenting, where I share the insights, expert advice & research, and support necessary to transform your parenting approach from struggling to delighting. Say goodbye to conflict and embrace cooperation, creating a more joyful home environment. Join me as we embark on a path to deeper connection and more peace & play within our families. I'm excited to connect and share this journey with you through each episode!

delightinparenting.substack.comDajana Yoakley Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships
Episodes
  • 64. The Success Skills Your Teen "Actually" Needs: Executive Function, Self-Compassion, and Future-Ready Skills

    64. The Success Skills Your Teen "Actually" Needs: Executive Function, Self-Compassion, and Future-Ready Skills
    Oct 2 2025
    Ever wondered why your teenager seems completely capable of planning an elaborate gaming strategy but can’t seem to organize their homework for the week?What if I told you that the disconnect isn’t about laziness or defiance—but about how their developing brain handles different types of motivation and executive function, and there are specific ways you can support them without taking over?I recently spoke with Will Kirsop, an education leader and founder of Many Roads, where he coaches teenagers and young adults to discover their purpose and thrive. With degrees in both commerce and psychology from top Australian universities, Will works day-in and day-out with teens navigating the complex terrain of academics, identity, and the transition to adulthood.If you’ve ever felt that time-crunch anxiety as your teen gets closer to graduation, or wondered how to help them develop the skills they’ll need to succeed independently, this conversation will give you practical tools grounded in what actually works with teenagers.Will’s approach focuses on three interconnected areas: helping teens identify what genuinely engages them (flow states), building both metacognitive awareness (thinking about thinking) and executive function skills (the actual capacity to plan and execute), and cultivating self-compassion as the foundation that allows teens to take risks and learn from mistakes.In this practical conversation, Will shares specific strategies you can implement starting this week. You’ll discover:* How to help your teen identify flow states—those moments when they lose track of time in deep engagement—and why recognizing these patterns matters for both academic success and future direction, whether it’s surfing with friends, writing essays, or building Minecraft worlds* The weekly planning system using Google Calendar or physical planners that gives teens ownership while providing structure, including how to negotiate realistic schedules when they suggest two hours of gaming before homework and why educating them about dopamine spikes works better than controlling* The Pomodoro Method adapted for teens (25-minute focused study sessions with 5-minute breaks) and Professor Marty Lobdell’s “Study Less, Study Smart” technique—a five-phase approach to reading textbooks that primes the brain before diving into detailed content* The three components of self-compassion and why research shows teens with higher self-compassion set mastery learning goals, demonstrate greater resilience, and maintain curiosity—plus why modeling your own executive function struggles teaches more effectively than appearing perfect* What the World Economic Forum’s 2025 survey reveals about critical future skills, with motivation, self-awareness, and critical thinking ranking above technical knowledge—and why the biggest currency for the future is the ability to learn itself, especially as AI changes what skills we’ll needWill vulnerably shares examples from his coaching practice, including the student who discovered that “the hard part isn’t studying—it’s figuring out what to study,” and how having a clear plan created profound relief during a stressful exam period. He demonstrates how to have conversations about screen time and homework that empower teens to make informed decisions rather than simply complying with rules.Most importantly, he challenges us to move beyond the countdown mentality of “only X years left before they’re on their own” to recognizing that each teen’s journey is unique. The skills that matter most aren’t about memorizing content—they’re about learning how to learn, thinking critically about information, and developing the self-compassion that allows for risk-taking and growth.Ready to help your teen build genuine executive function skills while honoring their developing autonomy? This conversation will give you specific starting points for supporting them right where they are, not where you wish they were.To learn more about Will Kirsop:https://www.manyroads.co/Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe
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    46 mins
  • 63. Why Your Child's Back-to-School Meltdowns Aren't About Defiance (And What They're Really Trying to Tell You)

    63. Why Your Child's Back-to-School Meltdowns Aren't About Defiance (And What They're Really Trying to Tell You)
    Sep 4 2025
    Ever wondered why back-to-school season feels emotionally overwhelming, even when you've checked all the boxes on your preparation list?What if I told you that your child's September meltdowns and resistance aren't about defiance or poor adjustment—but are actually their nervous system responding to a major life transition, and you might be unknowingly adding fuel to the fire?My guest, Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Master Certified Coach and co-founder of Impact Parents, has spent over 15 years supporting parents of what she calls "complex kids"—children with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and other challenges that make everyday parenting feel anything but everyday.If you've ever felt like you're walking into a battlefield during school pickup, or wondered why traditional discipline seems to backfire with your child, this conversation will completely shift how you understand what's really happening during transitions.Elaine's work focuses on helping parents move from director mode to collaborator mode with their children—particularly those who present as neuro-spicy, explosive, or shut down. Drawing from her coaching expertise and personal experience raising three complex kids, she provides practical tools to understand the hidden dynamics driving behavior.In this eye-opening interview, Elaine reveals how we can support our children's transition challenges while building stronger relationships in the process.You'll discover:* Why safety and trust are the foundation for all cooperation—and how your child's definition of "feeling safe" might be completely different from yours* The powerful shift from "ask, don't tell" that immediately communicates respect for your child's developing autonomy* How to recognize when your expectations don't match reality—and why that gap is where most triggers and explosions happen* The surprising truth about why pushing harder during resistance actually undermines your authority instead of building cooperation* How to decode your child's behaviors as communication rather than defiance—including why your child might need to complain for 10 minutes every day after school* The difference between prevention and management during emotional dysregulation—and when to let the meltdown run its course versus intervening* Why transitions are harder for everyone than we give ourselves credit for, and how to expect and prepare for heightened emotions weeks before they happen* The simple but profound perspective shift that changes everything: moving from "they're being difficult" to "they're having difficulty"* How to break the stimulus-react-react cycle that keeps families stuck in power struggles and disconnection* Why focusing on the parent's inner work is actually the most effective way to help your child succeedElaine vulnerably shares her own journey from an overwhelmed mom of three challenging kids to discovering the power of a coaching approach. She shows us how treating our children as whole human beings rather than problems to be fixed creates the foundation for genuine cooperation and lasting change.Most importantly, she challenges us to move beyond asking "How do I get my child to comply?" to asking "How can I support them where they are right now?" This shift changes everything about how we approach parenting challenges.Ready to move from back-to-school chaos to confident connection? This conversation will give you the coach-approach tools to support your child's emotional world while strengthening your relationship in the process.To learn more about Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Impact Parents:https://impactparents.com/https://impactparents.com/podcast Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe
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    44 mins
  • 62. The Science of Safety: Why Your Child's 'Difficult' Behavior Isn't About Defiance

    62. The Science of Safety: Why Your Child's 'Difficult' Behavior Isn't About Defiance
    Aug 21 2025
    Ever wondered why your child's explosive behavior keeps happening, even when you use all the "right" consequences and rewards?What if I told you that your child's meltdowns and resistance aren't about defiance or manipulation—but are actually their nervous system's way of saying "I don't feel safe right now"?My guest, Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, a behaviorist and sensory specialist who works at the intersection of trauma, neurodiversity, and nervous system regulation, has spent years discovering that traditional behavior management approaches often make things worse, not better.If you've ever felt lost trying to help a child who seems to explode over the smallest things, or wondering why school pickup feels like walking into a battlefield, this conversation will give you a completely new lens for understanding what's really happening.Dr. B's practice focuses on helping parents shift from managing compliance to co-creating safety and regulation with their children—particularly those who present as oppositional, anxious, or withdrawn. Drawing from neuroscience research and evidence-based interventions, she provides practical tools to understand the underlying needs driving behavior.In this eye-opening interview, Dr. B reveals how we can support our children's developing nervous systems while building stronger relationships in the process.You'll discover:* Why safety is the foundation for all healing—whether your child has experienced trauma, is neurodivergent, or is simply struggling with nervous system regulation* The powerful "stance of safety" that immediately communicates to your child's nervous system that you can keep them safe and help them co-regulate* How to recognize when your child is "stuck" in resistance and what's actually happening in their brain during these moments* Why pushing harder when they're stuck actually undermines your authority instead of encouraging cooperation* The science behind why proprioceptive input (like carrying heavy things or walking upstairs) can be your secret weapon for helping kids reset their nervous systems* How to use transitions strategically to help eliminate behaviors that drive you crazy—like Dr. B's genius approach to ending her son's endless burping* The early warning signs that your child's difficult behavior might actually be their nervous system protecting them from overwhelm* Why hydration, sleep, and movement aren't just "nice to have" but are actually fundamental to your child's ability to regulate and cooperate* How to read your child's body language to know when they're approaching their limit—including the meaning behind "whites above or below the eyes"* Practical strategies for back-to-school season that help prevent the inevitable overwhelm and meltdownsDr. B vulnerably shares her own journey from having a child who was asked to leave three different daycares to discovering the power of understanding sensory needs and nervous system regulation. She shows us how early intervention made all the difference—and how her son eventually exited special education services by sixth grade because he had developed the skills he needed to thrive.Most importantly, she challenges us to move beyond asking "How do I get my child to comply?" to asking "How do I help my child feel safe enough to cooperate?" This shift changes everything about how we approach parenting challenges.Ready to move from constant battles to genuine partnership with your child? This conversation will give you the neuroscience-backed tools to support their developing nervous system while strengthening your connection.Parenting overwhelmed kids is exhausting, and you’re normal if you feel drained, burnt out, and overwhelmed yourself when dealing with them. Join us on the FREE upcoming Self-Compassion for Peaceful Parenting summit to learn strategies to calm your triggers, soothe yourself mid-storm, and repair when things blow up. Click here to register for your free ticket. To learn more about Dr. B:https://www.thebehaviorbootcamp.com/ Connect with Dajana YoakleyDelight in ParentingStep #1 — Get the 3 Steps to Reset Your Nervous System FREE Guide or book a FREE 20 minute consult.https://www.delightinparenting.comhttps://www.delightinparenting.com/book-onlineStep #2 — Learn More about my signature online course: “Raising a Resilient Child”. https://www.delightinparenting.com/courseStep #3 — Connect With The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/delightinparentingfreeStep #4- Follow me on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/delightinparenting/https://www.facebook.com/delightinparentingcoaching/https://www.youtube.com/@DelightinParentinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/delightinparenting/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit delightinparenting.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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