Becoming Peaceful - Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach

05/18/2026

One of my favorite things to recommend to parents is something called Special Time.

It’s also one of the things that parents resist the most.

Not because they don’t love their children. Not because they don’t want connection. But because parenting is exhausting, modern life in 2026 is overstimulating, and the idea of sitting on the floor playing pretend for ten uninterrupted minutes can feel strangely impossible.

Trust me, I understand.

Read my latest Substack post for more.

One of my favorite things to recommend to parents is something called Special Time.

05/03/2026

When I was growing up, my mother was very easily triggered by nearly everything I did.

Ranging from she didn't like it or didn't agree with it or if it inconvenienced her or if I disagreed with her. Ad infinitum.

She would yell at me & shame me. Frequently, she would also hit me or slap me across the face - her signature move - while she said her signature phrase, "How dare you!"

Everything was a sign of disrespect to her.

I was just being a kid.

As a parent, I am always so flabbergasted when my teen does the things which led to my mother's rage.

As in, how could this have been such a big deal to her.

Tonight, I realized my teen had taken my fine tooth comb out of the shower & I needed it.

Many years of therapy, lots of inner work and ten years of coaching other parents have helped me heal.

But nothing heals me as much as moments like this.

"Honey, can you bring my comb you borrowed?"
"Oh sure, Mama. Sorry about not putting it back."
"Thank you. Love you."

04/30/2026

San Diego folks!

Mother's Day is coming up so let me know if you want me to send this to your family or better yet, treat yo' self as my dear friends on Parks and Rec say.

Seriously, Deanna is a gifted massage therapist and I leave every session feeling like an improved version on myself in multiple ways.

04/28/2026

I teach that self regulation is the most important part of being a peaceful parent. I would argue it’s the key to all relationships - close and distant. If we cannot navigate our own emotions and responses to our children, our partners, and the world, how on earth can we expect our children to?

Having said that, if you grew up in a family like I did, every day I continue to unlearn old ideas and coping skills. Learning to stay regulated is my life’s work and it takes daily effort on my part.

I can help. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation on my website: www.BecomingPeaceful.com

04/27/2026

Do you ever find yourself in a debate with your child? It's often over something silly but we get triggered and want to let them know what's right!

Here's some words to use!

04/24/2026

After spending 30 minutes coaxing my exhausted 8th grader out of bed, I made them breakfast and just looked over at the table where they were eating and saw this.

I would have been screamed at for doing this and told I was being disrespectful or something bizarre like, "You're damaging the furniture!"

But instead, I started cracking up and asked to take and post a picture.

It's a Friday after a long, hard week living in 2026.

Find whimsy wherever you can.

04/20/2026

I have been piloting a Divorced Mom's support group for the past few months and am ready to open it up to new members!

The group is one hour-ish once a month on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. PST.

Donation only.

If you are interested in joining, send me a DM for more info!

04/05/2026

This might look like I've given up my career as a social worker and a parenting coach to become an action movie hero. But I'm just on a much needed family vacation.

Once I return, I'll be opening up my books to five new coaching clients. You can reach out to me via my website to snag a spot.

03/25/2026

My teen attended this amazing two week summer camp last year and had me sign them up the day to registration went live. Improv is a great way to build self-confidence, flexible thinking skills, working with others, and is a total blast.

If you are in San Diego, check it out!

NCT San Diego presents our summer improv & sketch comedy camp for teens ages 13–18. Build confidence, sharpen performance skills & create an original show!

01/25/2026

If you are feeling powerless, here is a tangible way to help. You can buy a gift card online from an immigrant owned restaurant in Minneapolis and donate it to Neighorhood House who is helping feed folks who are afraid to leave their homes.

Here’s how you can partner with us to support immigrant families during this crisis. Volunteer: We’ve received many comments and messages about volunteering for our new Basic Needs Delivery Service. […]

01/24/2026

Let’s talk chores. Or taking care of our home as I call it. The word “chores” is too loaded for me.

We all live in our home and we all take part in keeping it clean. One of the keys is starting young so that it is just a normal expectation. If you haven’t done that, it’s never too late to start.

First, lower your expectations. Your child will not clean anything as well as you can or even as well as they can the first several times. Second, teach them how to do it. Do it alongside them the first time. Teaching them then having them show you. Next, have them make a list of the tasks in order and complete them with supervision. Finally, they’ll be able to do them on their own. I always encourage my daughter to take before and after pictures to see the difference her efforts make.

Oh! And don’t expect them to be excited to do their job. No one is ever excited to clean a toilet but with encouragement, empathy, and the satisfaction of a job well done, it will get easier next time. Such a good reminder we are raising human beings who will one day have their own bathroom to clean.

I am Lisa Howe, MSW, Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach. If you need help to figure out how to gain cooperation when it comes to helping out around the house or just in general, reach out.

www.becomingpeaceful.com