In this powerful episode of the Connection Codes podcast, Tera and Phyllis sit down with trauma-informed coach Echo Hill Vetter to break open what happens when we let go of punishment and choose connection over consequence. Together, they unpack why punishing our kids “into good behavior” often fails — and how to replace control with curiosity, repair, and true partnership. Echo shares how dance and movement are medicine for kids’ big feelings and how parenting leadership really means supporting our kids from beneath, not controlling them from above. If you’ve ever wondered, “If I don’t punish, what do I do instead?” — this honest conversation shows the way forward.
Links and Resources:
Chapters:
- 00:00:00 - Welcome + Why This Conversation Matters
- 00:00:38 - Echo’s Raw and Real Parenting Story
- 00:01:10 - When Parenting Feels Like Constant Friction
- 00:01:24 - What It Means to Parent Through Trauma
- 00:03:21 - Why Culture Taught Us to Punish
- 00:05:04 - Dance, Movement & Emotional Survival
- 00:08:28 - The Truth About Traditional Parenting Struggles
- 00:09:22 - Choosing Connection Over Consequence
- 00:18:13 - Leadership Reimagined: Parenting from Beneath
- 00:21:40 - How Our Kids Mirror Us (Literally)
- 00:22:10 - What to Do When Kids “Act Out”
- 00:23:01 - Regulating Ourselves Before Reacting
- 00:23:25 - Is Talking Back Actually a Good Sign?
- 00:24:20 - Seeing the Need Behind the Behavior
- 00:27:27 - Real-Life Tools for Collaborative Parenting
- 00:28:57 - When Your Kid Is Wild (And Wonderful)
- 00:34:51 - Curiosity and Compassion: The Game Changers
- 00:36:13 - Echo’s Parting Encouragement to All Parents
