Tired of yelling to get your child to listen? Feel like your only options are giving in or exploding? You're not alone — and this episode is for you.

In Episode 2 of From Tears to Talking, school counselor and mom of two Ashley Bell dives deep into one of the most common parenting and classroom challenges: how to set boundaries and enforce rules without yelling, shaming, or losing your cool.

You’ll learn how to use the 3 C’s of Boundary Setting — Clear, Calm, and Consistent — to create a home or classroom environment that’s safe, predictable, and emotionally supportive.

Whether you’re dealing with bedtime battles, screen-time struggles, or snack standoffs, this episode gives you practical, real-world tools to stay firm and loving at the same time.

Ashley shares:

✅ Why boundaries matter (even when kids fight them)
✅ How to be specific with your expectations
✅ The role of emotional regulation for YOU as the adult
✅ How consistency builds trust and decreases power struggles over time
✅ What to say (and not say) when your child pushes back

🎙️ Plus, this week’s free printable activity, the Stop & Go Choices Puzzle Craftivity, gives kids a hands-on way to sort behaviors we want to stop vs. behaviors we want to encourage using a fun traffic light metaphor.

This low-pressure learning tool makes it easy to teach self-control, emotional regulation, and respectful decision-making at home or school.

💬 Perfect for:

• Parents looking for positive tools
• Homeschool families needing social-emotional learning ideas
• Teachers and school counselors supporting behavior goals
• Anyone ready to stop yelling and start connecting

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• FREE Stop & Go Choice Puzzles Craftivity (coming soon)
• Watch on YouTube for a visual walkthrough (coming soon)
• Follow Ashley @mrsbellthecraftycounselor on Instagram

🎨 Download your FREE printable Stop & Go Choice Puzzle Craftivity here (coming soon)

Expand Your Toolbox: For even more engaging activities and resources, check out the expanded Stop & Go Choices Packet in The Crafty Counselor store or TheCraftyCounselorMB Etsy shop.

Learn more at mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com or www.fromtearstotalking.com

💛 Let’s go from chaos to connection—together.

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fromtearstotalking
Etsy: https://thecraftycounselormb.etsy.com
Website: https://mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com/shop/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbellthecraftycounselor/
https://www.instagram.com/fromtearstotalkingg/

Want More? Subscribe and never miss an episode! And if today's strategies helped you, please share this episode with a friend or colleague.

🌟 Up Next: Episode 3 – "When Kids Say Mean Things — How to Respond Without Losing It. "

Until then, stay calm, stay kind, and remember: firm and loving can exist in the same moment.

Are you ready to start the journey from tears to talking?!

Welcome to the very first episode of From Tears to Talking, the podcast dedicated to parents and educators who want practical solutions for navigating meltdowns, emotional outbursts, and challenging behaviors. Hosted by Ashley Bell—elementary school counselor, curriculum designer, children's book author, and most importantly mom of two—you’ll learn actionable strategies to transform chaos into calm, connected moments with your kids.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why emotional outbursts happen—understand the science behind meltdowns and why traditional discipline often falls short.
• A 3-Step Method to handle meltdowns effectively:
  1. Regulate – Help your child calm down first with practical strategies.
  2. Connect – Use empathy and understanding to reconnect with your child.
  3. Talk it Out – Build emotional intelligence by reflecting and problem-solving together.
• A relatable story of Ashley’s own parenting moment—the infamous block tower meltdown—and how calm connection made all the difference.

Bring this week’s lesson to life with our Calm Down Toolbox craftivity!

This fun, interactive activity helps your child identify and practice calming strategies in a tangible way.

🎨 Download your FREE printable Calm Down Toolbox Craftivity here

If you're a visual learner, check out the YouTube demo of this craftivity here --> (coming soon)

Expand Your Toolbox: For even more engaging activities and resources, check out the expanded Calm Down Toolbox in The Crafty Counselor store or TheCraftyCounselorMB Etsy shop.

🎧 New episodes drop weekly.

Learn more at mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com or www.fromtearstotalking.com

💛 Let’s go from chaos to connection—together.

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fromtearstotalking

Etsy: https://thecraftycounselormb.etsy.com

Website: https://mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com/shop/

TpT:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-bell-the-crafty-counselor

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbellthecraftycounselor/

https://www.instagram.com/fromtearstotalkingg/

Want More? Subscribe and never miss an episode! And if today's strategies helped you, please share this episode with a friend or colleague.

🌟 Up Next: Episode 2 – "How to Set Boundaries Without Yelling." Learn practical tips for setting limits effectively without raising your voice or losing your cool.

Stay calm, stay connected, and remember—your presence is powerful.

Are you ready to start the journey from tears to talking?!

Are you a parent, homeschooler, or educator looking for real, practical help with emotional outbursts, tantrums, or behavior challenges at home? You’re in the right place. Welcome to From Tears to Talking—the podcast that helps you turn tearful moments with kids into talk-it-out opportunities.

I’m your host, Ashley Bell—school counselor, mom of two, and creator of Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor. Each week, I’ll share step-by-step behavior strategies, calming tools, and a free hands-on craftivity that actually helps kids build emotional regulation skills. Whether you're dealing with tricky transitions, anger, or anxiety, this show gives you real solutions you can use right away.

✅ Subscribe now for:

• Emotional regulation tips for kids
• Behavior strategies for parents & homeschoolers
• Printable SEL activities and craftivities
• Counselor-approved parenting support
• Quick wins for meltdowns, defiance, and big feelings

🎧 New episodes drop weekly.

Learn more at mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com or www.fromtearstotalking.com

💛 Let’s go from chaos to connection—together.

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fromtearstotalking

Etsy: https://thecraftycounselormb.etsy.com

Website: https://mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com/shop/

TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-bell-the-crafty-counselor

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbellthecraftycounselor/

https://www.instagram.com/fromtearstotalkingg/