What if it’s actually possible to raise kids without the endless cycle of tantrums?

No yelling matches. No bribes at the checkout line.Just calm, connection-based parenting — even when big emotions show up.

In our last episode, we talked about an 'emotional hunger' — what’s really going on beneath a tantrum, and why our children sometimes act out just to feel seen, safe, and connected.

In the next episode, I’m going to take you a level deeper — into a story I’ve never really shared before.

It’s the story of how I discovered a gentle, connection-based approach that meant my own kids grew up without the typical tantrum battles.

See you in the next episode!

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00:00 Is Tantrum-Free Parenting Even Possible?

00:06 No Yelling, No Bribes—Just Connection-Based Parenting

00:14 Recap: Emotional Hunger and What’s Beneath Tantrums

00:24 A Story I’ve Never Really Shared Before

00:32 How My First Child Avoided Typical Tantrum Battles

00:43 My Second Child… and the Same Surprising Results

00:54 Realizing This Wasn’t Luck—It Was a Mindset Shift

01:05 The Shift That Changed Everything (Coming Next Episode)

01:18 For Every Parent Walking on Eggshells… This Is for You

01:32 This Might Change How You See Big Emotions Forever

01:46 Join Me Next Time for the Full Story

02:00 A Reminder: Every Tantrum Is a Call for Connection

02:10 You’ve Got This—See You Next Episode

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights.

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

🎙 Thanks for tuning in, and I will see you next time!

Wondering how to deal with tantrums — especially the ones that explode in public? The Tantrum TRUTH is that your child isn’t misbehaving; they’re signaling a deep emotional hunger they can’t put into words.

Discover the simple parenting shift that turns overwhelming moments into connection instead of chaos.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

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1️⃣ Tantrums aren’t misbehavior — they’re unmet emotional hungers.

Children melt down when their nervous system feels overwhelmed, starved for connection, certainty, or significance.

2️⃣ Public meltdowns aren’t “performance tantrums.”

They’re primal survival signals—your child’s way of saying, “I can’t find you, and I need your calm.”

3️⃣ Negative attention still meets an emotional hunger.

Even yelling gives a child eye contact, intensity, and certainty—reinforcing the tantrum cycle without meaning to.

4️⃣ The real parenting shift is connection over control.

When you pause, attune, and meet the need beneath the behavior, the storm settles faster and trust grows stronger.

5️⃣ Emotional needs are ancient and hardwired.

Every tantrum reflects a basic human truth: children thrive on connection, presence, and felt safety—not perfection.

00:00 The Whole Foods Moment Begins

00:18 The Cry That Stops the Store

00:42 A Mom Holding It Together

01:05 Slowing the Moment Down

01:20 Welcome to the Anya Garcia Show

01:45 My Journey from Law to Homeschooling

02:22 Why Parenting Feels Overwhelming

02:46 You Don’t Need More—You Need Alignment

03:15 Your Child’s Limitless Potential

03:33 Back to the Waiting Child

03:56 “Mom… how long?”

04:18 From Waiting to Whining to Meltdown

04:45 “Stop it right now”—The Moment of Locking Eyes

05:03 Hidden Emotional Needs Being Met

05:27 Not a Bad Kid. Not a Bad Mom. A Human Needing Connection

05:50 The Nervous System Truth Behind Tantrums

06:12 Tantrums Are Communication, Not Misbehavior

06:32 The Parenting Shift: Control to Connection

06:55 The Emotional Hunger Beneath Tantrums

07:17 The 3 Emotional Hungers: Connection, Significance, Joy

07:47 When All Three Needs Are Missing

08:12 Why Kids Escalate to Get Needs Met

08:38 Why Negative Attention “Works” for the Brain

09:02 The Tantrum Cycle and Why It Repeats

09:23 Your Child Isn’t Testing You—They’re Reaching for You

09:47 Emotions Are Not Enemies—They Are Messengers

10:10 Introducing the Tantrum Tamer Workshop

10:36 Tools You’ll Learn Inside

11:00 Why Your Child Needs Attunement, Not Perfection

11:22 Final Reminder: Connection, Not Correction

11:45 Closing: Breathe, Connect, You’ve Got This

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

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• Robbins, T. (2001). Awaken the Giant Within. Free Press.
• Edmeades, E. (2018). The Human Diet: The Foundation of WildFit. WildFit Publishing.
• Neufeld, G., & Maté, G. (2006)....

Learn a powerful parenting shift and discover why tantrums aren’t bad behavior. They are an outcry for an unsatisfied primordial emotional hunger.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The Tantrum TRUTH: What Your Child Is Really Asking For

00:18 Why Tantrums Aren’t Bad Behavior

00:48 The Hidden Emotional Hunger Behind Every Meltdown

01:25 The Whole Foods Story That Changed Everything

01:58 Final Takeaway: Connection Over Control

Stop saying “GOD JOB!” to your child! Here’s why that kind of praise might actually be hurting kids' confidence.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

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For years, research has shown that the way we praise our children shapes how they perceive themselves — and it can make or break their self-confidence. Empty praise can limit a child’s growth mindset, while small shifts in our words can help them build confidence that truly lasts.

As Montessori educator Mark W. Berger reminds us, children don’t need our approval — they need the space to discover their own mastery. In this episode, you’ll learn what really happens in a child’s mind when they’re praised for effort instead of results, and hear real examples of what to say instead to nurture independence and pride.

So, if you ever wondered why Montessori parents don’t say “Good job,” tune in and discover how shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset changes the way you praise — and how it can transform your child’s confidence from the inside out.

1️⃣ Praise isn’t always helpful. Saying “Good job!” shifts focus from a child’s effort to our approval, teaching them to seek validation instead of self-motivation.

2️⃣ Confidence comes from competence. Real confidence is built when children experience mastery through doing, not from constant praise or applause.

3️⃣ The brain rewards progress, not praise. Dopamine spikes when kids overcome challenges—not when they’re told they did well.

4️⃣ Montessori wisdom matters. As Mark W. Berger reminds us, children don’t need more praise—they need more practice, space, and trust to discover their own mastery.

5️⃣ Shift your words, shift their mindset. Replace “Good job!” with phrases that notice effort and independence—like “You kept trying!” or “You did it all by yourself.”

00:00 Why “Good Job” Isn’t the Praise You Think It Is

00:48 The Real Problem With Praise and Approval

01:26 Welcome to The Anya Garcia Show

02:05 From Courtrooms to Conscious Parenting

03:02 Why Confidence Comes From Competence

03:58 The Science of Praise and Motivation

04:45 Montessori Wisdom From Mark W. Berger

05:42 Adrian’s Story and a Moment of Mastery

06:32 What to Say Instead of “Good Job”

07:18 Final Thoughts and Parenting Takeaway

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

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• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
• Berger, M. W. – Montessori Educator Insights on Intrinsic Motivation and Mastery.
• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985)....

Ever wonder how your words impact your child’s worth? In this episode, I share the SECRET language shift that rewires how kids see themselves — and how you, as a parent, can speak life into their identity every single day.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

1. How language programs your child’s inner voice (and how to change it)
2. The phrases that lower worth vs. the ones that build belief
3. How to speak life into your child’s identity — even on tough days

Whether you’re a mindful parent, homeschooling mom, or simply seeking clarity in how you speak to your kids, this video will help you shift your words and elevate your parenting mindset.

1️⃣ Language Shapes Identity — The words we choose don’t just describe our children; they define them. Every phrase becomes part of their inner story.

2️⃣ Intent Over Habit — “Good job” feels positive, but it teaches kids to seek approval instead of trusting their own inner compass. Lead with presence, not praise.

3️⃣ Labels Become Limits — A single word—lazy, messy, bossy—can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Speak to potential, not performance.

4️⃣ Words Build Worlds — “You’re just a mom” shrinks you. “You’re raising world-changers” expands you. The language we use with ourselves sets the tone for how we parent.

5️⃣ Speak Life, Not Expectation — Every word is a building block of confidence, connection, and identity. Choose them like they matter—because they do.

00:00 The SECRET Language That Builds a Child’s Worth

00:25 Why Words Matter More Than You Think

01:12 How Everyday Language Shapes a Child’s Worth

02:45 Common Phrases That Lower Self-Worth

03:50 The Language SHIFT That Builds Identity

04:50 How to Speak Life Into Your Child

05:30 Final Takeaway: Words That Heal, Not Hurt

Because every word you say writes part of your child’s story. Choose them with care — and watch who they become.

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights.

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

🎙 Thanks for tuning in, and I will see you next...

Are we asking our kids the wrong questions?

In this parenting mindset episode, Anya reveals the TRUTH about how one simple shift in the questions we ask can nurture happier, more confident children. Discover how embracing today—not chasing someday—can transform your parenting, homeschooling, and family connection.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

1. Why asking “What do you want to be when you grow up?” might be the wrong question— and how shifting your focus to who your child is today creates a deeper connection and joy.
2. What neuroscience says about your child’s brain development— including why the prefrontal cortex isn’t ready for big life decisions (and what that means for teens and toddlers).
3. How to release the pressure of “preparing” and embrace the power of presence— so you can nurture confident, happy kids without rushing their becoming.

📚 The Day They Asked Us the Big Question

I was six, sitting in a wooden chair with my feet dangling and my heart racing, when the teacher looked up and asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Around me, little voices called out answers like “doctor” and “astronaut,” rehearsed dreams borrowed from picture books and parents.

But in that moment, all I could think about was recess, sunshine, and the thrill of just being—right here, right now.

So I answered, “Happy.”

The teacher blinked, a little confused, and said, “I don’t think you understood the assignment.”

But deep down, even at six, part of me wondered if maybe she didn’t understand life.

1️⃣ Presence Over Pressure — A child’s worth isn’t in who they’ll become, but in who they already are today. Start there.

2️⃣ Brains Need Time — The prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed until the mid-20s. Expecting teens to choose their future is like asking a seed to bloom on demand.

3️⃣ Questions Shape Identity — “What do you want to be?” focuses on doing. Try asking, “Who are you becoming?” instead—it invites connection and self-trust.

4️⃣ Today Builds Tomorrow — Joyful, curious moments now are the real prep for the future. Recess matters. So do questions about bugs and block towers.

5️⃣ You’re Becoming Too — This journey isn’t just about raising kids—it’s about raising ourselves into more present, grounded, grace-filled humans.

0:00 – What if we’ve been asking the wrong question all along?

0:35 – A childhood classroom memory and the answer “Happy”

1:35 – Welcome to The Ana Garcia Show

2:00 – From courtrooms to homeschooling: my journey

3:00 – You don’t need more to be enough—alignment over perfection

3:40 – Okay, full disclosure… I said attorney

4:00 – The wisdom of John Lennon and a mindset shift

4:40 – Are we preparing too much and missing the present?

5:15 – That child in front of you—covered in paint and full of wonder

5:50 – Why we can’t expect high schoolers to have it all figured out

6:30 – Science says: the brain’s not ready for big life decisions

7:10 – The pressure teens face to choose, and what studies show

8:00 – What if we became protectors of their...

Ever feel like you’re chasing all the “right” parenting answers but still missing peace?

In this episode, inspired by Elon Musk’s favorite story of the Ultimate Question (and the answer “42”), we explore how asking better questions can completely shift your homeschool and parenting mindset.

Because sometimes the truth that changes everything isn’t a new answer—it’s a new way of asking.

🔗 Full Episode Details»

1️⃣ The Ultimate Question Lesson: From The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, we learn that even the “right” answer means nothing if we’re asking the wrong question — a truth that mirrors parenting.

2️⃣ Clarity Over Perfection: Like Elon Musk’s obsession with meaning, moms often chase perfect answers instead of pausing to define what truly matters in their family.

3️⃣ Presence, Not Pressure: The better question isn’t “Am I doing enough?” but “Am I being present?” — a small mindset shift that changes how we parent every day.

4️⃣ Reframing Creates Connection: Asking different questions in homeschooling or motherhood can turn stress into curiosity, helping you see your child with fresh eyes.

5️⃣ The Parenting TRUTH: Peace and purpose don’t come from knowing it all — they come from staying curious, asking better questions, and trusting your own rhythm.

0:00 – The Ultimate Question (and Elon Musk’s connection)

1:02 – What “42” really reveals about how we parent

2:35 – The mindset shift that changes everything

3:50 – How to start asking better questions today

• Adams, Douglas. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. London: Pan Books, 1979.

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights.

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

🎙 Thanks for tuning in, and I will see you next time.

What if you’ve been climbing the wrong mountain all along?

In this episode, Anya shares a moment of clarity from the middle of Seussville—yes, in the Cat in the Hat store at Universal Studios—where a quote from Alice in Wonderland sparked a powerful realization about homeschool, direction, and how easy it is to follow a path that was never meant for you.

Find out what Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Inuit, and the Maya families have in common. They may come from wildly different worlds, but each one teaches us something powerful about direction, trust, and choosing a path that’s truly your own.

So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misaligned, or unsure of your next homeschool step, this episode will meet you with compassion—and clarity.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

• Why “just getting somewhere” isn’t the same as choosing where you want to go—and how that mindset shift can change your homeschool.
• The powerful lesson homeschool parents can take from the Maya and Inuit—trusting observation over rigid structure.
• How to stop climbing someone else’s mountain—and start creating a homeschool rhythm that’s aligned with your values, not social media noise.

1️⃣ Clarity Beats Motion: Like Alice, we can wander endlessly if we haven’t defined where we actually want to go.

2️⃣ Not All Mountains Are Yours to Climb: Just because a homeschool path is popular doesn’t mean it aligns with your values.

3️⃣ Observation Is Powerful: From the Inuit to the Maya to Montessori—true learning starts with watching, not forcing.

4️⃣ Your Child Doesn’t Need More—They Need Aligned: More drills, tests, and trendy curriculum don’t equal better—alignment does.

5️⃣ You Are Not Lost—You’re Pausing: Feeling stuck might just be the moment before your greatest clarity. Trust the pause.

0:00 – One question that can change your week

1:12 – Standing in Seussville and feeling the chaos

2:10 – The Alice in Wonderland moment that hit me

3:05 – How we drift without a clear homeschool destination

4:10 – The cost of climbing the wrong “mountain”

5:30 – What I really wanted from homeschool

6:20 – You don’t need more stuff. You need a path.

7:10 – Why I created the MKAP™ Experience

8:15 – What the Inuit and Maya teach us about learning

10:00 – Observation over pressure: the Montessori connection

11:20 – Sarah’s story: when creativity meets the STEM “shoulds”

12:40 – The freedom of building your own rhythm

13:25 – If you feel like Alice—you’re not lost

14:10 – Clarity over comparison. Joy over perfection.

🔗 Full Episode Details Here»

🎯 Join MKAP™ EXPERIENCE. If you’re listening to this when the episode first comes out and you find that the MKAP™ EXPERIENCE isn’t currently open for enrollment, don’t worry! You can hop on the waitlist and be the first to know as soon as the doors open again, + the