This week, I’m joined by the incredible Marissa Thompson, an Aussie, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and a mum to five neurodivergent kiddos.

She shares how emotional intelligence has completely changed her parenting and why so many neurodivergent children are being missed, dismissed, or even punished in schools - simply for being themselves.

We also dive into:

✨ The lens shift parents and teachers need to truly support neurodivergent kids (hello, Dr. Ross Greene!)

✨ Why the mainstream school system often fails kids emotionally and academically

✨ Why so many parents are turning to homeschooling (and whether it might be right for you)

✨ PDA: Pathological Demand Avoidance (or Persistent Drive for Autonomy!), what it is and how to parent a PDA kiddo

✨ How Marissa courageously navigates burnout as an ND family - such profound message in there.

This episode is packed with insights, eye-openers, and of course emotional intelligence at the heart of it all. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who wants to understand neurodiversity better, you neeeed this conversation in your life.

💡 Ready to rethink what’s possible for your child? Let's go.

Connect with Marissa here:

PDA Home Education AU: https://pdahomeedau.com/

***

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ok - big moment you guys. I’m excited (and somewhat embarrassed!) to share this special conversation with you—one that originally aired back in 2022 in my Facebook community Let's Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids.

Looking back, I can’t help but cringe! I was SO nervous and excited to be speaking with the universal expert on parenting, education, and human behaviour: Alfie Kohn.

Let’s just say I wasn’t as polished or professional as I am now… but the insights and wisdom? They’re just as powerful today as they were then.

Alfie Kohn, renowned author of Punished by Rewards, No Contest, The Homework Myth, and my personal favourite, Unconditional Parenting, (plus many others!) brings his groundbreaking research and passion for progressive education to this chat.

In this episode, we dive into:

🔍 Why rewards can be just as harmful as punishments for children.

💡 What people really mean when they say, "I want to motivate my child" (spoiler: it’s often about compliance).

🎭 The hidden problems with praise—especially those high-pitched, "good job!" moments.

🚫 The true impact of time-outs and forcible isolation on kids’ emotional well-being.

One of the most profound ideas we explored? The belief that we need to reinforce kids to behave a certain way. This comes from a hidden assumption that children aren’t naturally inclined to do well on their own—and it’s time we rethink that.

I’m so grateful Alfie agreed to let me share this conversation here on the podcast—it’s one you won’t want to miss.

***

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are We Training Kids to Perform? The Truth About Rewards, Behaviour & Connection with Megg Thompson.

We’ve all used them—sticker charts, gold stars, rewards for good behaviour. But what if these systems aren’t actually helping kids grow? What if they’re just training them to comply? (And then when we're not around, they stop "performing" because the motivation was never really theirs to begin with...)

In this episode, I sit down with Megg Thompson, a former Kindergarten teacher turned neuro-affirming Certified Behavior Consultant and Life Coach, to unpack the real impact of rewards and compliance-based parenting and teaching.

We dive into:

✨ Why kids "hold it together" at school but melt down at home

✨ The hidden problems with reward charts and behavior incentives

✨ Why compliance shouldn’t be the goal—and what to focus on instead

✨ How traditional discipline alienates neurodivergent and struggling kids

✨ What actually works to build cooperation, trust, and connection

Megg brings her signature humour and deep insight to a conversation that will challenge what you think you know about kids’ behaviour.

Also, she made me keep in the drunk-squirrel moments she and I had around 22-23 min mark - enjoy listening to us rack our brains when she lost her train of thought!

If you're ready to shift from power-over to partnership, ditch the rewards, and start building real, lasting connection with your kids—this episode is a must-listen.

Find Megg Thompson here:

http://www.instagram.com/meggthompsonbehavior

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5Q6ZPasX6ebCZ59ClM4qw

https://meggthompson.com/

***

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all want our kids to be emotionally intelligent, right? Buuut are we actually teaching it in a way that helps them thrive?

In this episode, I let loose a mini-rant (sorry not sorry) about some common myths and misconceptions that are sending mixed messages about emotions to our kids - without us even realising it.

🤔 We tell kids to “calm down” when they’re upset, but do we always model calmness when everything goes wrong?

🤔 We expect them to “use their words,” but are we showing them how?

🤔 The truth is, emotional intelligence isn’t just something we teach... it’s something our kids learn from us.

Join me as I share simple, powerful ideas that can help us guide our kids through big emotions, build REAL connection, and create a home where feelings are understood, not shut down.

No guilt, no pressure. Just an honest chat (aka rant) about how we can show up as the emotional leaders our kids need.

Let’s rethink the way we teach emotional intelligence - starting today. 💛

Share with someone you know might find this helpful or insightful!

Steph.

***

Welcome to the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting podcast,

I’m Stephanie Pinto. I’m an Aussie mum of 2, a best-selling author, international speaker and award-winning coach… And I love all things Emotional Intelligence and parenting.

Although we’re far from perfect as parents and our kids still have big emotions from time to time, meltdowns are few and far between.

Compassion, listening and problem-solving are our go-to strategies when things go sideways, and our home is a really nice place to be.

Oh and, our house is a punishment-free zone!!

We’re only able to do all of this because we’ve learnt to handle our own emotions, we understand our kids’ emotions and behaviour, and we work together to solve problems as a team.

If you have caught some of the episodes I've recorded with my husband Alex, go back to these episodes:

Ep 54: Parenting on the Same Page: My Husband’s Journey into Emotional Intelligence.

Ep 60: How We Failed As New Parents with Steph and Alex.

Ep 64: When Meltdowns Turn Physical - Handling Hitting, Throwing, Kicking, And Keeping Your Cool.

Follow me on Insta @emotionally.intelligent.parent

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are 130,000+ parents in the community! 🎉

https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I’m an award-winning Emotional Intelligence parenting consultant, best-selling author and international speaker. I’m also a paediatric anxiety therapist and I love helping kids, parents and educators use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a FREE 30 min consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to https://www.stephaniepinto.com/

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent/

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

FB Business: fb.com/stephaniepintoeqcoach

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting is always challenging, but doing it solo comes with its own set of unique hurdles that can feel utterly overwhelming at times.

In this episode, I chat with the amazing Dr. Gila - a single parent coach, psychologist, neuropsychologist, and a single mum who’s been through it all.

We dig into why single parents need supportive spaces (no one should have to do this alone) and explore the unique challenges and unexpected joys of raising kids solo.

Dr. Gila gets real about the pressure to be perfect and why letting go of that myth can be one of the best gifts you give yourself and your kids.

And let’s get into the buzzword of the moment: self-care. Dr. Gila introduces her practical “sink model” for managing emotions, showing us why it’s not about the one drop that overflows but the build-up that leads to it.

Learn how to spot when your sink is filling up and what true self-care looks like when you’re already stretched thin.

If you’re a single parent or know someone who is, this episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and the reassurance that you’re not in this alone.

We can tackle the messy, beautiful chaos of single parenting—together.

🩷🩷🩷 DR. GILA'S SINGLE PARENTING SUMMIT IS NOW LIVE! 10-12 Feb, 2025.

Your free ticket is here:

https://qnghcne02w.krtra.com/t/G34pWzhLgTrK

Web: www.drgilaparenting.com

Email: info@drgilaparenting.com

IG: www.instagram.com/drgila_parenting

FB: www.facebook.com/drgilaparenting/

Free resources:

• PDF GUIDE: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviours (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_tantrum_signup)
• AUDIO: Guided Meditation for Single Parents (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_meditation)
• VIDEO: What Every Parent Needs to Know When the S**T Hits the Fan. (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/3truths)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us were never taught how to handle our emotions... we were just told to "calm down" or "stop overreacting."

But here’s the truth: all emotions are okay, not all behaviour is. And as parents, the way we handle our emotions directly shapes how our kids learn to manage theirs.

Today on the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting podcast, I’m sharing 10 powerful lessons about emotions:

How to work with them instead of against them, how to stop stress from taking over, and how to develop the emotional intelligence you need to parent with confidence, calm, and connection. Stop taking things personally, stop believing there are bad emotions, and stop thinking your kids' emotions are out of control (even when it really seems like they are!)

Because let’s be real... if we don’t learn to handle our emotions, they’ll handle us. 🫣

🌟🌟🌟 I forgot to mention my upcoming Emotional Intelligence for People-Pleasers live class - it's in February, tickets via my Facebook Community, link below.

🎟️ Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WiQyUxynD/

I mentioned my Emotional Intelligence courses for parents and educators, here are a few of them:

1. Introduction to Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids
2. Supporting Anxious Kids
3. From Reactive to Responsive Parenting: Stop the Yelling with Emotional Intelligence
4. EFT Tapping: Overcoming Stress and Strong Emotions Rapidly
5. From Blowups to Balance: Supporting ADHD Kids

✅ All available at www.stephaniepinto.com/courses

***

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💪 Are some people just naturally more resilient? Or is resilience something we can actually build? And what if we’ve been thinking about stress and adversity all wrong when it comes to raising kids?

Today on the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Tim Curtis—former Aussie SAS Squadron Commander, resilience expert, and co-author of The Resilience Shield. Tim has spent years leading high-stakes military operations, consulting for the UN, and now helping people understand what actually makes us resilient.

And trust me, his insights will challenge everything you thought you knew. Sorry!

We speak about:

🛡 The science of resilience—how much is genetic, and how much can we change?

⚖️ Why kids actually need some stress and adversity to grow stronger

🚁 The downside of helicopter and bulldozer parenting

💡 The key factors that build resilience: mindset, social connections, and physical health

Also he’s given us all free access to his online resilience assessment you can take today!

Tim brings fascinating research, real-life stories, and game-changing insights on how to help both ourselves and our kids become more resilient.

If you want to raise strong, adaptable, and confident kids (and build your own resilience while you’re at it), this episode is a must-listen! 🎧✨

Find out more about Tim and his work at:

www.mettle.global

www.resilienceshield.com

www.linkedin.com/in/tim-curtis-64b8581

***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is emotional intelligence making kids “soft”? Or is it actually the secret to raising strong, resilient humans? 🤔

And here’s another big question — are some emotions “bad,” or do they all serve a purpose? Today’s guest is here to set the record straight— and he does it with brains, humour, and a whole lot of real talk!

In this wildly insightful (and surprisingly hilarious) conversation, I chat with Professor Marc Brackett, the founding director of Yale’s Centre for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel. We talk about:

🎭 Marc’s childhood & the mentor who changed his life

❄️ Why EI isn’t about raising “snowflakes”

🔬 What it means to be an “emotion scientist”

🏡 How parents can teach emotional intelligence—even if they weren’t raised that way

🔥 Handling your own emotions when your kids are losing it

Marc is real, funny, and super smart, and this episode will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about emotions.

Ready to dial up your emotional intelligence in 30 min with us? Let’s dive in! 🎧✨

Find out more about Prof. Marc Brackett, his webcast (here on YT!), emotions app, his renowned RULER method and more at:

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRA3Ffn23Cl8W4xyev6EGIw

Web: https://marcbrackett.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/marc.brackett/

🥳 And don't forget to check out my self-paced online Emotional Intelligence courses at www.stephaniepinto.com/courses

***

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

Or stalk me on the socials...

Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

FB: fb.com/stephpinto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.