Hi Reader,

One of the most challenging things we face in parenting is when our kids just don’t listen.

If it happens once in a while, it’s manageable. But if it’s constant, it can turn into a daily struggle. We end up stuck in the cycle of asking for something, getting ignored, asking again and again, and still—nothing.

We try to be kind and patient, but it doesn’t seem to make an impact. Eventually, we get frustrated, lose our cool, and resort to yelling, threatening, or manipulating just to get them to listen. And sure, they might finally comply—but then we’re left feeling guilty, upset with ourselves, and disconnected from our kids.

I want to offer you a way out of that cycle.

Many parenting experts talk about regulating our emotions—pausing, taking a breath, calming down before we speak. And while that is important, the truth is: even if we stay perfectly calm, that alone won’t make our kids listen.

So what will?

My answer is something I call Embodied Authority.

If we ask our kids to do something, but deep down we don’t truly feel confident in our role as their authority—they feel it too, and they will not listen. If we hesitate when we ask, if we’re unsure about what boundaries to set, or if we believe that boundaries limit our child’s self-expression or diminish their freedom—we unconsciously communicate that uncertainty.

And kids respond far more to our body language than to our words.

So, how do we embody our authority? It starts with shifting the way we think about authority, our role as leaders in our children’s lives, and the purpose of boundaries.

To help you get started, I’ve created a free guide that walks you through three powerful mindset shifts. It will help you reflect on your current beliefs, start shifting them, and step fully into your role as a confident, grounded leader for your child.

I also dive deeper into this in today’s summer minisode—you can listen to it here.

With warmth, Efrat