BratBusters Parenting Podcast

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The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Lisa Bunnage is a Parenting Coach, mom and grandmother. Lisa is not a licensed psychologist or counsellor. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. For a full disclaimer, please visit bratbusters.com/disclaimer

Feeling Disrespected By Your Kids? Becoming a Calm Parenting Leader Oct 07, 2025

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#100 In this episode, Lisa is covering her perspective on what calm leadership parenting is. To kick off the podcast she shares the pool story, which is an example of what calm leadership means to her. From there she talks about the importance of building up your kids’ self-esteem, correcting bad behaviour in toddlers compared to kids, the importance of connecting with your kids, and why you need to give respect to get it.
Lastly, Lisa addresses six listener questions, covering how to parent a strong-willed 7-year-old after being a "pleasing parent," getting an 11-year-old to find her motivation, what to do when a 5-year-old says they hate you when they are angry, managing attitude from a 3-year-old, how much playtime is needed as a parent of a 5-year-old, and how to tell if you're a leader as a toddler parent.

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Choosing the Right Consequences For Your Family (Without Using Timeout) Oct 02, 2025

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#099 In this episode Lisa discusses consequences. She starts by outlining the BratBusters Behaviour Board including what can and can’t be included on this in her opinion. From there, she outlines five different scenarios which include kids refusing to brush their teeth, toddler tantrums when getting into a car seat, a 4-year-old throwing toys at their friend, a 5-year-old interrupting adults repeatedly, and a 7-year-old lying about doing their chores. In addition, she shares her thoughts on natural consequences, raising kids who aren’t entitled, and parenting without punishments or consequences.
Lastly, Lisa addresses seven listener questions, covering an 8-year-old who is not patient, what consequences to use when bad behavior is repeated throughout the day, how many times to repeat rules for kids, a 3-year-old acting out when their dad is traveling, a strong-willed 6-year-old getting ready for school, a 3-year-old recently saying "no" and having tantrums, and siblings fighting.

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Raising Confident Kids (Even if They’re Naturally Shy) Sep 30, 2025

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#098 In this episode Lisa shares her thoughts on raising confident kids. Throughout the discussion, she talks about the difference between self-esteem and confidence, how she would approach it if you have a shy kid, the idea of kids learning confidence by example, how she suggests shy parents approach raising confident kids, and teaching your kids a growth mindset.
Lastly, Lisa addresses six listener questions, covering a 3-year-old who is shy around new people and places, a toddler who is clingy with their mom, a 3-year-old who whines and clings to their mom when others are around, a 3-year-old who is very shy and doesn't share, raising self-driven independent thinkers, and codependency in 6-year-old twins.

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BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course

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Are You Afraid of Tantrums? Sep 25, 2025

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#097 In this episode Lisa discusses the topic of tantrums. The conversation includes if all kids have tantrums, do tantrums occur because kids feel safe to express themselves, does Lisa consider a tantrum to be bad behaviour, is the approach different for older kids, the difference between tantrums over wants compared to needs, Lisa’s approach to tantrums, parents’ behaviour changing due to tantrums, and navigating your own emotions during a tantrum.
Lastly, Lisa addresses six listener questions, covering a toddler's tantrums when you aren't playing with them, a toddler throwing a tantrum when not allowed to run away in public, a toddler who prefers dad over mom, a toddler having a tantrum when their instructions aren't followed, a 4-year-old who dislikes leaving places due to a fear of missing out, and a 4-year-old whose meltdowns include kicking and hitting.

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How to Show Vulnerability as a Parent Sep 23, 2025

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#096 In this episode Lisa discusses showing vulnerability as a parent, the importance of showing your kids you’re not perfect, crying in front of your kids, and setting realistic expectations of life.
Lastly, Lisa addresses five listener questions, covering how calm leadership looked in her home, an 8-year-old who struggles to sit still at school, an 11-year-old seeing their mom and stepdad separate and then get back together, a 13-year-old who is not motivated, and a child who is almost 12 who wants a phone because their friends have them.

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Bedtime Battles: Kids Won’t Stay in Bed, Routines, Monster Checks & More Sep 18, 2025

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#095 In this episode Lisa chats about bedtime battles by starting off the episode with her social media video on a 4-year-old who won’t stay in bed. Throughout the discussion she covers what she believes is a bedtime battle, bedtime routines, what she would do if the child is scared at bedtime, bedtime battles ending naturally, why bedtime can be so challenging, and the importance of meeting kids’ needs and managing their wants. Near the end of the episode Lisa and Amy also share a personal story of Amy falling out of bed.
Lastly, Lisa addresses four listener questions, covering a toddler who won't stay in bed, a toddler who calls out for mom and dad after bedtime, a 3- and 4-year-old who keep getting out of bed, and a 4-year-old who wants a snack in the middle of the night.

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Are Your Kids Controlling the Household? Why Your Reactions Matter Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

#094 In this episode Lisa discusses the importance of controlling the energy of the house and seeing things in a positive and cheery light as a parent. Throughout the discussion she also shares personal experiences with her mom and her own kids on this topic and why she believes calm leadership parenting is different from the authority style.
In this episode, Lisa addresses four listener questions, covering a 7-year-old who bosses around their younger sibling, children who constantly ask "why," parental preference for everyday tasks, and a 4-year-old who hates losing games.

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Courses:

BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course

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Fear-Based Parenting Methods That Backfire Sep 11, 2025

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#093 In this episode Lisa discusses fear-based parenting methods that she believes will backfire down the road. During the first portion of the discussion, Lisa shares her thoughts around warnings, countdowns, grounding, yelling, and spanking. After this she then shares how she approaches discipline for kids of varying ages and her thoughts on when parents regret having kids in the first place.
Lastly, Lisa addresses four listener questions, covering how to handle 4-year-old twins who are out of control, a grandparent who doesn't agree with your approach to toddler tantrums, not agreeing on parenting methods for a 6-year-old, and a toddler who is pinching, scratching, and hitting their younger sibling.

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Courses:

BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course

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Why Kids Shouldn't Feel Bad During Discipline Sep 09, 2025

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#092 In this episode Lisa discusses why she believes kids shouldn’t feel bad during discipline. In the conversation she touches on how she approaches discipline for toddlers compared to kids, the importance of being cheery as a parent, and why she suggests letting go of parenting guilt.
Lastly, Lisa addresses six listener questions, covering how to know when you're a leader, a 7-year-old who has the family walking on eggshells, a 3-year-old not following rules at the grocery store, using chores as consequences, whether the BratBusters Behaviour Board is accumulative, and teaching a 6-year-old gratitude.

Thank you for joining us!

Courses:

BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course

Learn More:

Podcast Questions:

Have a question you'd like to submit for a chance to be featured in an upcoming podcast episode?