Stress is not a personal failure, it’s a human experience. Unfortunately, the message many of us are absorbing is that if we’re stressed, we must be doing something wrong. Today, I’m breaking down how stress actually works in the nervous system, why some stress helps us grow, why some stress starts to wear us down, and how the presence or absence of support is often the real difference between coping and burning out, especially in parenting.

In this episode, I explore:

• Why stress itself isn’t the problem and how the belief that it should be eliminated keeps parents stuck in shame
• Positive stress and why it’s essential for resilience, confidence, and growth
• How tolerable stress shows up in parenting seasons and why support, not strength, is what keeps it manageable
• The factors that turn stress toxic and why so many parents are living there without realizing it
• Why being “regulated” doesn’t mean calm, and what capacity really looks like in real life with kids

I hope this conversation helps you soften any self-blame. The next time you feel stressed, ask yourself: what does my system need right now? If you know a fellow parent who may need this reminder, send this episode their way. For additional support in your parenting journey, visit parentingthroughconnection.ca to access a library of resources as well as 1:1 coaching support. You don’t have to do this alone.

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Connect with Megan:
Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan

Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle

1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

As we move into a season that’s meant to feel magical, so many of us secretly feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, and unsure how to manage all the expectations. In this episode of Parenting Through Connection, I open up about navigating the holidays with compassion for both ourselves and our kids, and how boundaries can help us stay grounded, present, and connected to what truly matters.

Keep listening as I explore:

• Why the holidays feel so intense and how to notice the signs your capacity is maxed out
• What boundaries really are, and why they are not selfish, rude, or a punishment
• How to identify what truly matters to you this season, when making energy protecting choices
• What to do when guilt kicks in or others react emotionally to your decisions
• A practical mindset shift to help you stop carrying other people’s feelings as your own

The holidays don’t have to mean putting yourself last. When you honour your limits, you create space for the memories that really matter. If communicating boundaries feels especially hard, check out my Communication and Conflict Resolution Guide. Thanks for tuning in!

Support the show

Connect with Megan:
Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan

Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle

1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching

Aggression from our kids can feel like one of the most triggering parts of parenting. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a new way of seeing those explosive moments of hitting, biting, yelling, and throwing: not as signs of disrespect or failure, but as signals from a nervous system that’s overwhelmed and asking for safety. When we shift our approach from control to understanding, we can respond with steadiness instead of fear, leading our children by example to healthy regulation.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What hitting, biting, yelling, or throwing are actually signs of
• What is happening in a child’s brain and body during aggressive episodes, and why your logic, lectures, and reasoning can’t work in those moments
• How to regulate yourself so you can co-regulate your child
• What to say and do to set boundaries and release the built-up fight energy
• How repair after everyone is calm becomes the place where real learning and trust form

Remember that what matters most is returning to connection. Please share this episode with another parent who could use this reminder. If you would like deeper support on your parenting journey, visit parentingthroughconnection.ca for access to resources and 1:1 support.

Anger & Healthy Aggression Guide link: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/offers/cXyPgJt6/checkout

Support the show

Connect with Megan:
Website: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmegan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentingwithmegan

Rooted in the Middle program: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/rooted-in-the-middle

1:1 Coaching: https://www.parentingthroughconnection.ca/coaching