Show Notes
Can I repair my relationship with my child after losing my temper and yelling? If you’ve ever lost your temper, yelled at your kids, and immediately wondered, Did I just damage my relationship with my child? this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what to do after you yell at your child, how to apologize without over-explaining or making excuses, and why the way you handle the moments after you lose your cool can make a meaningful difference. We’ll also talk about parenting guilt, what real parent-child repair looks like, and how to take responsibility for your behavior without getting stuck in shame or defensiveness. If you’ve ever asked yourself: How do I apologize to my child even though they were pushing every one of my buttons?
What can I do to change the way my child experiences me after a high-tension moment?
How do I tailor my repair approach for a young child versus an independent teenager?
…this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn: How to deliver a clean, effective apology without conditional statements, and why you should save the "how do we fix this next time" conversation for a completely separate moment.
How children sense when the household atmosphere resets to safety, warmth, and a reassuring "we're still us" connection after going through a moment that felt hard.
Tailoring your repair strategy—whether that means offering a hug to a toddler, shooting hoops side-by-side with a school-aged kid, or giving a teenager space until they're ready to check back in.
Real relationship repair isn't about being a perfect parent, it's about stepping up as a calm and intentional leader in your home. Practicing consistent repair creates a foundation of trust that carries into their adulthood, transforming everyday mistakes into powerful lessons in empathy and resilience.
Watch the show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571
Resources: Start here: Fight Free Parenting Course Join the Yell-free Parenting Facebook Group Read Sue's book, Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck Connect with Sue on Instagram at @AskMomParenting
More from Ask Mom Parenting with Sue Donnellan
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What surprising emotional sign indicates an immediate suicide risk in teenagers? In this episode, we're diving into the new and groundbreaking Harvard-led research that changes how parents should watch for adolescent suicide risk signs. I explain why sudden agitation, restless energy, and intense outbursts (rather than just quiet sadness) can be a critical short-term warning signal during a mental health crisis. I'm breaking down how to spot these out-of-character behavioral spikes so you can step in safely and effectively. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Why is my usually calm teenager suddenly exploding over tiny, minor inconveniences?
How do I get my teenager to talk to me without pushing them away? In this episode, I unravel the real reasons behind teen distance, from biological brain shifts to the way we react as parents. I share practical ways to reconnect, including ditching the dramatic sit-downs, choosing more casual settings, and prioritizing truth over immediate correction. We’ll look at how small shifts in communication can help rebuild genuine trust with your adolescent. And I’ll leave you with one challenge: create just one moment this week with your teen where you bring zero agenda. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Why does my teenager shut down or pull away every time I try to talk to them?
Is your kid good with money, or just good at getting money from you? In this episode, we dive into the right way to give kids money and the crucial lessons about value that most kids never learn. From turning back rubs into earning opportunities, to the ever-changing going rate for picking up dog poop, to using Whole Foods cookies to teach spontaneity and generosity, I’m sharing practical ways to help kids understand how money actually works so they can become more financially capable along the way. If you’ve ever asked yourself: How do I stop handing out money just because it’s Friday? What’s the difference between routine family expectations and value-added earning? How can I teach my kids about spending choices and investing before they hit their 20s? …this one’s for you.
What if the key to motivating your child is to stop trying to motivate them? The reality is that motivation grows when kids learn one simple truth: What I do now affects what I get later. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on why trying to manufacture ambition in your kids will drive you crazy, and how shifting the structure around them puts responsibility squarely in their hands.I am sharing practical examples from setting up a family structure where responsibilities come first to using a child's dream to anchor daily habits. I break down how to handle power struggles, screen time battles, and constant nagging without lecturing, so you can help your child build true accountability. If you’ve ever asked yourself: How do I get my kid to care without having to invent a new lecture every week? What can I say instead of "get off your game and do your homework" to avoid an argument? How do I step back and hand responsibility over when it's so much faster to just do it myself? …this one’s for you.