The Parenting Reframe

Raising Strong-Willed Kids Without Losing Your Cool: A Conversation with Kirk Martin

Episode Summary

In this episode, Albiona sits down with Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of The Calm Parenting Podcast, for an honest and practical conversation about raising strong-willed kids and staying connected in the process.

Episode Notes

What You’ll Learn

• Why your child’s defiance isn’t disrespect — it’s communication.
• How to shift from “fixing your child” to regulating yourself first.
• The power of posture and tone: why sitting down and lowering your voice changes everything.
• How to stop over-talking, over-teaching, and over-correcting — and what to do instead.
• Ways to parent as a team, even when one parent is more reactive.
• How to reframe strong-willed behavior as a sign of strength and leadership in development.
• Why connection — not compliance — is the foundation of real discipline.

Key Takeaways

• Calm isn’t passive; it’s anchored leadership.
• Your child’s behavior is not a reflection of your worth.
• Connection before correction always creates more cooperation.
• Every strong-willed child is asking: “Can I trust you to stay calm when I’m not?”

About Kirk Martin

• Founder of Celebrate Calm and host of The Calm Parenting Podcast
• Has helped over 1 million families bring peace and connection into their homes
• Known for his practical tools, humor, and grounded wisdom

👉 Learn more at celebratecalm.com
👉 Follow Kirk on Instagram @calmparentingpodcast

Continue the Work with Albiona

• Purchase The PARR Journal — a guided tool to help you pause, acknowledge, respond, and reflect.
• Join Albiona’s free live PARR Workshop over Zoom when you purchase your journal.
• Learn more at theparentingreframe.com
• Follow on Instagram @theparentingreframe

👉 Click here to purchase your journal and save your workshop spot.

Favorite Quote

“I realized I needed my son to behave so that I could behave. Once I learned to control myself, everything changed.” – 

Kirk Martin