• 28 | Defiant Behavior or Dysregulated Hearts? Why Emotional Regulation Comes Before Connection
    Jan 29 2026
    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide! Mama, • Do you ever walk away from your child thinking, “I made it worse,” and wonder why connection feels so hard? • Have you tried everything discipline charts, calm voices, new routines only to find your strong-willed or neurodivergent child still melting down? • Does your child’s defiant behavior leave you questioning your parenting, your patience, and sometimes even your faith? • Wish you could stay calm in the chaos instead of feeling dysregulated right alongside them? In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest mindset shifts in parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child...understanding that emotional regulation comes before connection. When meltdowns happen, it’s easy to see only the behavior the yelling, the refusal, the defiance. But underneath those moments is a dysregulated nervous system that’s asking for safety, not punishment. Together, we’ll unpack how your calm presence can transform those chaotic interactions into opportunities for healing and peace. You’ll learn why defiant behavior is often a sign of dysregulation, how your body and your child’s body communicate long before words, and practical faith-anchored ways to rebuild safety, emotional regulation, and genuine connection in your home. Whether your child struggles with ADHD, ODD, PDA, or ASD, this episode will help you parent from peace instead of pressure no more walking on eggshells, just steady grace and grounded faith. By the end, you’ll see that it’s not about fixing every meltdown; it’s about becoming the calm your child’s heart needs to find its way back to you. Faith Anchor “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (NIV) Even in moments of defiance or emotional chaos, His peace is what steadies you. As you anchor in Him, your presence becomes the safe place where connection begins again. Challenge of the Week: When tension rises, take one deep breath before you speak. Pray: “Father, help me anchor in Your peace before I reach for connection.” Let that pause become your bridge from dysregulation to calm, from reactivity to grace. Special Invitation: If this episode resonated if you’ve been longing for connection but just haven’t known how to get there then I want to invite you to something that’s going to help you take that first gentle step. There was a season when I felt like every day at home was another test I was failing. No matter how much I prayed or tried to stay calm, the meltdowns kept coming, and the connection I longed for felt like it was slipping through my fingers. And maybe for you, connection doesn’t even feel like something you want right now. Maybe you’re just praying for a peaceful day or a moment where no one’s yelling, crying, or shutting down. If that’s where you are, I see you. You’re not doing anything wrong for wanting calm before connection. It’s okay to admit that your heart feels tired. It’s okay if you need space to breathe before you can reach back out. That’s the heartbeat behind my Rebuild Connection with your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child Workshop. Because rebuilding peace isn’t about forcing closeness it’s about helping you feel safe and steady again so connection becomes possible. You don’t have to fix everything; you just have to take one gentle step toward peace. If this message speaks to your heart and you’re ready to begin rebuilding peace and connection in your home, I’d love for you to join me for the Rebuild Connection Workshop on February 10th at 7pm Central, where we’ll walk together through simple, faith-filled ways to respond with calm, restore peace, and rebuild connection with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child. You can save your spot today at www.amandacalfee.com/workshop I’d love for you to be there. Links & Resources • Join the Insiders List → https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list • Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ • Email → amanda@amandacalfee.com • Facebook Group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas • Essential Oils → Young Living Wishlist Disclaimer I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.
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    12 mins
  • Meltdowns Have You Weary? You Don't Have to Have it All Figured Out
    Jan 26 2026

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is ranked in the top 3% of podcasts worldwide!

    Have the meltdowns, tension, dysregulation and constant pushback left you weary, mama?

    If you’re parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child maybe navigating ADHD, ODD, PDA, or ASD it can feel like no matter how hard you try, peace keeps slipping through your fingers.

    If you’ve been craving calm in your home but connection with your child feels out of reach.

    This heartfelt message is for you, Amanda shares a personal invitation to her free live workshop Rebuild Connection with Your Strong-Willed or Neurodivergent Child happening Tuesday, February 10th at 7pm Central.

    It’s a faith-filled, practical hour designed to help you stop reacting, find calm in the chaos, and begin building connection again even in the middle of meltdowns or defiant moments.

    You don’t have to have it all figured out, mama. Peace is possible and it begins with one small step toward grace.

    Save your seat at www.amandacalfee.com/workshop

    Links & Resources:

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas Essential Oils: Young Living Wishlist

    Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.

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    3 mins
  • 27 | Parenting Through Dysregulation: Why Willpower Alone Won’t Bring Peace
    Jan 22 2026

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

    Mama,

    Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try to stay calm, you still end the day feeling exhausted and defeated? Are you tired of feeling like your strong-willed or neurodivergent child’s behavior determines your peace? Do you catch yourself snapping, shutting down, or overexplaining even when you know what you “should” do? Wonder why faith alone doesn’t seem to calm your reactions in the moment?

    Episode Highlights / Overview

    In this episode, we’re uncovering why trying harder isn’t bringing you more calm and what’s really happening inside your body when your child’s behavior sets off that stress response. You’ll learn how emotional regulation begins in your nervous system, not your willpower, and how understanding that changes everything about how you parent. We’ll talk about what dysregulation looks like, why your body moves into protection mode, and how to find peace again through simple, faith-centered regulation practices.

    This episode is especially for mamas raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child whether ADHD, ASD, ODD, or PDA who want to move beyond meltdowns and defiance and start building connection through calm. You’ll discover that peace isn’t something you earn; it’s something you return to when you slow down, breathe, and let the Father meet you in the chaos.

    Let this conversation remind you that you’re not failing you’re learning how to partner with how God designed your body so you can parent from peace, not pressure.

    Faith Anchor

    “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

    Stillness isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about surrendering control and trusting that His peace is already within your reach.

    Challenge of the Week

    This week, when you feel that familiar tension rising the clenched jaw, racing heart, or urge to react pause and whisper, “Father, help me release this pressure and receive Your peace.” Let that breath be your anchor, reminding you that calm isn’t found in trying harder but in returning to Him.

    Links & Resources

    Free Workshop: https://amandacalfee.com/workshop

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas Essential Oils: Young Living Wishlist

    Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.

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    9 mins
  • 26 | Finding Peace in the Chaos: What’s Really Going On Beneath the Meltdowns & Dysregulation
    Jan 15 2026

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

    Mama,

    Do you ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells bracing for the next meltdown or moment of defiance?

    Wonder why you react so quickly, even when you promised yourself you’d stay calm?

    Feel like no matter how hard you pray or try, peace still feels out of reach?

    Wish you could understand what’s really happening inside of you when you feel completely dysregulated?

    In this episode, Finding Peace in the Chaos: What’s Really Going On Beneath the Meltdowns & Dysregulation, we’re unpacking what’s truly happening inside of you when parenting feels overwhelming.

    When you’re raising a strong-willed or neurodivergent child, moments of defiance, meltdowns, or emotional intensity can leave you questioning your patience, your peace, and even your faith. But what’s really going on isn’t about failure it’s about dysregulation and the way your nervous system responds to constant stress.

    You’ll discover that your reactions aren’t a sign of weakness or lack of faith they’re signals from your body, designed by God, asking for safety and calm. We’ll talk about how to recognize those cues, practice emotional regulation, and rebuild connection with your child even when things feel chaotic.

    If you’ve been carrying the weight of everyone’s emotions and wondering why peace feels so hard to find, this episode will help you see that you’re not broken, your child isn’t broken, and peace is still possible — because it begins with anchoring your heart and body in God’s steady presence.

    Faith Anchor

    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

    John 14:27

    Even when your emotions feel dysregulated, God’s peace is constant. He doesn’t ask you to control the storm only to trust Him in the middle of it.

    Challenge of the Week:

    When things start to spiral this week, pause and ask, “What might my body be needing right now?” A deep breath, a quiet prayer, or a few moments of stillness may be the doorway back to peace.

    Links & Resources:

    Free Workshop: https://amandacalfee.com/workshop

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/

    Email: amandacalfeecoaching@gmail.com

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

    Essential Oils: Shop Young Living Favorites

    Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.

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    9 mins
  • 25 | Experiencing Post Holiday Defiance and Meltdowns? Here Are 5 Ways to Restore Peace
    Jan 8 2026

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

    Mama, Are you seeing more meltdowns or defiant behavior since as winter break wraps up?

    Does getting your strong-willed or neurodivergent child back into routine feel harder than you expected?

    Do you feel torn between wanting structure and needing rest for both of you?

    Are you wondering how to rebuild emotional regulation and connection when everything feels off track?

    In this episode, we’re talking about what happens after the holidays when routines are off, emotions are high, and peace feels hard to find. If your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, Autism, PDA, ODD, or ASD) has been struggling with transitions, defiance, or meltdowns lately, this conversation is for you.

    You’ll discover 5 gentle, faith-filled tips to help your family restore emotional regulation and rebuild rhythm without guilt or pressure. Together, we’ll talk about what’s really going on in your child’s nervous system, how to create safety through predictable rhythms, and how to anchor yourself in peace before responding to your child’s behavior.

    Whether your child is struggling to return to school routines or your home just feels dysregulated after the holiday chaos, this episode will remind you that nothing has gone wrong you’re simply rebuilding.

    Peace isn’t found in perfection, mama it’s found in presence.

    Faith Anchor

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

    When your child feels dysregulated, remember that rest isn’t just about sleep or stillness it’s about finding soul-level peace in His presence first.

    Challenge of the Week

    This week, choose one small rhythm to gently rebuild...maybe bedtime routines, consistent mealtimes, or a quiet morning moment with your child.

    As you do, pray:

    “Father, help me rebuild our rhythm with grace and patience. Let peace lead our home.”

    Sweet friend, you don’t have to rush to fix everything or prove you’ve got it all together. You are doing sacred work as you help your child rebuild peace one gentle step at a time.

    You’re not behind...you’re rebuilding, with the Father right beside you.

    Links & Resources

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/

    Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

    YL Essential Oils: Anchored Mamas Must Haves

    Seeking Scripture: https://seekingscripture.com/

    Disclaimer

    I am not a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. The information shared in this podcast, my coaching, and any Young Living recommendations are for educational and faith-based encouragement only. Nothing shared is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any physical or mental health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed therapist for concerns regarding your or your child’s health, emotions, or well-being.

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    9 mins
  • 24 | Seeing More Meltdowns & Defiant Behavior? Post-Holiday Encouragement for the Weary Mama
    Jan 1 2026

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

    Mama,

    Are you noticing more meltdowns, defiant moments, or tears since the holidays ended? Does your home feel a little “off” like everyone’s trying to find their rhythm again? Do you ever wonder if you’ve lost the progress you were making with your strong-willed or neurodivergent child? Wish you could believe that nothing’s gone wrong that this messy, dysregulated season is completely normal?

    Episode Highlights

    In this episode, Amanda offers gentle encouragement for the mama who feels weary and off balance after the holiday season. If you’re seeing more meltdowns or defiant behavior from your strong-willed or neurodivergent child, take heart this isn’t a setback. Breaks, vacations, and schedule changes can be incredibly dysregulating for kids with ADHD, ASD, PDA, or other neurodivergent traits and for you as a parent, too.

    Instead of rushing to fix the chaos or force structure back into place, Amanda invites you to pause, breathe, and remember that peace isn’t found in perfection it’s found in presence, emotional regulation and building connection. This short episode is a reminder that your child’s meltdowns and your own fatigue are signs of a nervous system seeking safety, not failure.

    You’ll walk away feeling seen, grounded, and reassured that you can approach this season with grace instead of guilt. You don’t have to fix everything right now you just have to stay anchored and let the Father restore your rhythm.

    Faith Anchor: “He makes the storm calm, so that its waves are still.” Psalm 107:29 (NKJV)

    Even when life feels chaotic and unsteady, God is the calm that holds you steady through the waves of transition.

    Challenge of the Week: When meltdowns rise or routines fall apart this week, pause for one slow breath and whisper, “Lord, thank You that peace doesn’t depend on my schedule You are my rhythm.” Let that truth anchor your heart in the middle of the mess.

    Links & Resources

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/insider-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

    Closing Encouragement

    Mama, nothing has gone wrong. The meltdowns, the messy mornings, the slow starts they’re simply part of the rebalancing that comes after busy seasons. You’re not behind. Take one gentle breath, rest in His peace, and remember: you and your child are learning to find calm together.

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    4 mins
  • 23 | Encouragement for the Holidays: Why Presence Matters More Than Meltdowns
    Dec 25 2025

    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide!

    Mama, Do Any of These Sound Like You?

    • Do the holidays leave you feeling emotionally drained instead of peaceful?
    • Does the pressure to “keep everyone happy” make you lose sight of what matters most?
    • Wish you could stay calm when meltdowns happen and actually enjoy your child in the moment?
    • Long for the reminder that your presence, not perfection, is what truly brings peace into your home?

    Episode Highlights

    In this heartfelt holiday episode, Amanda shares gentle encouragement for the mama whose holidays don’t look picture-perfect especially if you’re parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child is being defiant. The noise, the change in routines, and the expectations can feel like too much for both you and your child. But there’s hope.

    In this episode, you’ll be reminded that peace isn’t found in perfect plans it’s found in presence. You’ll learn how to breathe through the chaos, invite Jesus into overstimulating moments, and anchor your heart in truth even when meltdowns happen. Amanda helps you see that your calm is more powerful than control, and your steady presence can create connection and safety in ways words can’t for your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ADHD, ODD, PDA, ASD).

    If you’ve been craving rest, reassurance, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this season this short episode will feel like a deep breath for your heart.

    Faith Anchor: “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

    Even when the noise and chaos rise, His peace is already within you because His presence never leaves you.

    Challenge of the Week: This week, when emotions run high, pause before reacting. Take one slow breath and whisper, “Emmanuel ...God is with me.” Let that truth reshape how you show up grounded, calm, and fully present.

    Links & Resources

    Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/insider-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

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    5 mins
  • 22 | 4 Ways to Protect Your Peace When Family Doesn’t Understand Your Neurodivergent Child
    Dec 18 2025
    Parenting Beyond Meltdowns is Ranked in the Top 3% of Podcasts Worldwide.

    Mama, Have you ever walked into a family gathering already bracing for judgment about your child’s behavior?

    Do you find yourself explaining your parenting decisions again and again only to feel misunderstood or dismissed?

    Wish you could protect your peace when others gossip, criticize, or just don’t “get” your neurodivergent or strong-willed child?

    Are you praying for strength to forgive, move forward, and not let their opinions define your worth?

    Episode Highlights

    In this episode, we’re getting real about what it feels like when family doesn’t understand your strong-willed or neurodivergent child (ODD, PDA, ADHD, ASD) and how to protect your peace in the middle of that pain.

    Amanda shares a personal story of family rejection and how God gently turned heartbreak into healing. You’ll learn how to stay grounded in truth, regulate your emotions when conflict rises, and rebuild connection in safe, faith-filled spaces.

    Through heartfelt encouragement and practical emotional regulation tools, you’ll discover that being misunderstood doesn’t mean you’re unloved sometimes, it’s simply God’s protection over your peace.

    If you’ve ever felt unseen, rejected, or weary from trying to make others understand your child, this conversation will remind you that your worth isn’t based on acceptance it’s anchored in identity.

    Faith Anchor:

    “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

    When others push you away, the Father draws near. He sees your heart, your child, and your efforts even when others misunderstand.

    Challenge of the Week:

    If there’s a situation that still stirs up hurt, anger, or bitterness in your heart take it to the Father this week.

    Set aside a few quiet minutes and tell Him exactly how you feel. Don’t filter it or tidy it up. Just be honest.

    Then pray:

    “Father, I come to you with a heart ready to give this pain. Can you please show me how to see this through Your eyes. Help me release the weight of what I can’t control and anchor my heart in You.”

    Links & Resources: Join the Insiders List: https://amandacalfee.com/page/insider-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandacalfee/ Email: amanda@amandacalfee.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredmamas

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    18 mins