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Ever feel the urge to “match” your child’s intensity and show who’s in charge? That reflex has a name—counteraggression—and it’s quietly wrecking connection at home. We unpack why power struggles feel so tempting, how mirror neurons pull us into escalation, and what it actually takes to set firm, respectful boundaries without losing your cool.

We get practical: the subtle red flags of counteraggression (including sarcasm and the cold shoulder), the pride and fear that justify “teaching a lesson,” and the long-term cost when kids learn to walk on eggshells. You’ll hear simple moves that work under pressure—front-loading your mindset with a mantra, using tag-team handoffs with your partner, stepping away when hijacked, and using curiosity to understand what just changed in the room. We share moments we blew it, why repair matters more than perfection, and a phrase that instantly diffuses baiting: “We’re not talking about that.”

You’ll also learn how to model healthy conflict in everyday life—from a frustrating cashier to a tough work call—because your kids are always watching how you treat people who get it wrong. We talk through sincere apologies that rebuild trust (“I owe you an apology for…”) and why consistent, calm limits beat winning the argument. Expect practical scripts, relatable stories, and a hopeful reset: you can stop the spiral without becoming permissive.

Ready to trade power struggles for steady leadership? Press play, subscribe for more brain-based parenting tools, and share your toughest trigger or go-to de-escalation line in a review. Your story might help another parent find calm today.

Contact:
podcasts@calfarley.org

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For More Information about Cal Farley's Boys Ranch:
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Music:
"Shine" -Newsboys
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