Minimalist Moms Podcast

Is your child deeply emotional, stubborn and seemingly immune to traditional parenting advice? In this episode, Diane sits down with parenting coach Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One, to explore how to raise intense, big-feeling kids without crushing their spirit - or losing yourself in the process.Mary shares tools for staying calm during explosive tantrums, choosing connection over control, maintaining firm boundaries, and avoiding burnout when parenting feels relentless. If “gentle parenting” hasn’t worked in your home, this conversation offers a compassionate, realistic alternative rooted in calm, kindness, and confidence.Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Previous Episode: How to Stop Mom Rage: Calming Strategies Every Parent Needs | Jessie Ereddia (EP420)Connect with Mary:WebsiteInstagramBook: Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed KidQuiz: Are You a Spicy One?About