No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Mental Load & Parenting Tips for Moms

What To Do When Your Kid Tells You To "Shut Up"

No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Mental Load & Parenting Tips for Moms

Show Notes

New here? Start with our Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood.

If you've ever tried gentle parenting and still wondered what to do when your kid says shut up to you, this episode is for you.

When your kid tells you to shut up, your face gets hot and your brain can go blank. In this solo episode, I explain what is usually going on underneath those words and walk you through five calm steps for kids third grade and up, plus an easy adjustment for younger kids. You'll also hear why your own triggers matter and why you deserve the same pause you give your kids.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why "shut up" usually means overwhelm or a need for more say, not disrespect

The question that gets you further than "what do I do?": what happened right before

Five calm steps for kids third grade and up: let the shock land, get quiet and don't tower, name it and leave, take the time you need, and come back to repair

How to adjust for younger kids with a simple "I need to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back"

How to work with your own triggers and why you deserve a tap out

Resources mentioned in this episode

The Happy Home Ladder

No Guilt Mom Inner Circle

The Best Mom is a Happy Mom

Penn State study on harsh parenting and children's stress regulation

Laura Markham on parenting triggers (Today's Parent)

No Guilt Mom on Instagram (share your strategy on the five steps post)

NoGuiltMom.com

Follow the podcast on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Mental Load & Parenting Tips for Moms

Oct 22, 2026

If you've ever felt the weight of the mental load and wondered why you keep doing everything yourself, even when you're exhausted, this episode is for you.

Oct 20, 2026

If you've ever felt the weight of the mental load and wondered why you're the only one who notices what needs to be done around the house, this episode is for you.

Oct 15, 2026

If you've ever felt mom guilt after yelling and wondered why you yell at the same time every day, this episode is for you.

Oct 13, 2026

New here? Start with our Start Here playlist, five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood.

Oct 8, 2026

If you've ever struggled with mom guilt and wondered why you're so hard on yourself as a mom, this episode is for you.

See all episodes →