I became a parent coach because of Donald Trump

Ceara Deno, MD • February 2, 2021
Schedule A Free Call

I became a parent coach because of Donald Trump

I became a parent coach because of Donald Trump. 


In fairness, I wanted to be a parent coach for a while, since my older son was in preschool, but I hadn’t done anything about it before November 9th, 2016.  


It was the shock of seeing a man who publicly bullied and ridiculed opponents get elected that I motivated me into action. 


I guess those life coaches are right after all. Life doesn’t happen TO YOU; it happens FOR YOU.  


I realized I had been complacent. I realized the world needs more voices to speak out in defense of respect and kindness. I realized there is still so much more work to be done to make this the world I want to live in.


***********

Why parent coaching?


1.) I believe that treating others with respect and kindness is the most honorable, compassionate way to live. 


2.) I believe children learn respect and kindness when parents model these qualities in the ways that they listen to, respond to, and talk to their children. 


3.) If we want a kinder, more peaceful, just, respectful world, parents can’t bully, shame, or reject our children, and then expect them to treat others peacefully and respectfully


4.) I believe that if every child had unconditional love, acceptance and understanding, the world would be a much more loving, peaceful, just, compassionate place. 


**********


I became convinced that the goal of controling our children’s behavior with time-outs or bribes or punishments was too short-sighted a goal.


The real goal should be to raise peaceful, healthy, compassionate adults. 


And in order to raise peaceful, healthy, compassionate adults, first parents need to aspire to be peaceful, healthy, compassionate adults themselves.  And then they can model this to their children.  


And thus began my peaceful, conscious parent coach journey. 


I am so grateful to Donald Trump for this. If he hadn’t been such a bully, I might not have been pushed to peaceful action.  


Thanks to him I found a more peaceful, respectful way of parenting, and for that I am eternally grateful.  



By Ceara Deno, MD December 8, 2025
Learn the common signs of an empath child and how to understand their deeply sensitive, emotionally attuned nature. A clear guide for parents and caregivers.
By Ceara Deno, MD December 1, 2025
Learn simple, connection-based corrections that help highly sensitive kids feel understood, supported, and more confident with big emotions.
By Ceara Deno, MD November 19, 2025
Discover why children labeled as “too sensitive” or “difficult” often grow into resilient, compassionate, and determined adults. Learn how your big-feeling child’s challenges today can become their greatest strengths tomorrow.
By Ceara Deno, MD November 10, 2025
Feeling disconnected from your child doesn’t mean you’ve lost them. Learn why disconnection is often a sign of overwhelm—especially for highly sensitive kids—and how to rebuild connection with calm, curiosity, and compassion.
By Ceara Deno, MD October 27, 2025
Discover why lectures don’t build frustration tolerance in kids—and what actually does. Learn how calm, humor, and modeling teach emotional resilience.
By Ceara Deno, MD October 14, 2025
Sometimes the most loving response is saying less. Learn how quiet calm helps your child regulate better than words ever could.
By Ceara Deno, MD September 29, 2025
Have you ever noticed how something as simple as leaving the playground, turning off a tablet, or getting ready for school can spark big resistance—or even a meltdown? For many children, especially those who are highly sensitive or deeply feeling, transitions are some of the hardest moments of the day. It’s not because they’re being “difficult”—it’s because their brains and nervous systems experience change differently. The good news: once you understand why transitions are so challenging, you can respond with empathy and tools that make them easier. Here are 5 common reasons transitions are tough for your child—and what you can do to help. 1. They’re Deeply Engaged in the Moment Highly sensitive kids often immerse themselves fully in what they’re doing—whether that’s reading, building, or playing. Being asked to stop feels like being pulled out of a world they love. How to help: Give gentle warnings before the change. Try: “Five more minutes of play, then it’s time for dinner.” Using a timer or visual countdown can help them prepare. 2. Their Brains Need More Time to Shift Gears Transitions require mental flexibility, which can be harder for sensitive nervous systems. Switching from one activity to another i s like changing lanes on a crowded highway—it takes time. How to help: Use consistent signals to cue transitions, such as a special song, a picture schedule, or a fun countdown routine. 3. Transitions Can Feel Like a Loss of Control Children often feel like transitions are imposed on them. That lack of control can trigger pushback or power struggles. How to help: Offer simple choices so they feel empowered. For example: “Do you want to brush teeth first or change into pajamas first?” 4. They Anticipate Stress in the Next Activity If your child expects the next step to be boring, stressful, or less enjoyable, they may resist leaving the current activity. How to help: Empathize first: “It’s hard to stop playing, I know.” Then, ease the shift with something to look forward to: “Want to bring your toy to the car so it feels easier?” 5. Their Nervous Systems Feel Every Shift More Intensely Highly sensitive kids notice and react to even small changes in environment, energy, and routine. What feels like a tiny shift to you may feel overwhelming to them. How to help: Keep routines predictable when possible. Create comforting rituals—like a goodbye hug, a special handshake, or a silly phrase—that help anchor them during transitions. The Takeaway Transitions are about more than just moving from one activity to another—they involve emotions, expectations, and a sensitive nervous system. With empathy and small adjustments, you can turn transition battles into moments of connection. 💛 Parenting a highly sensitive child isn’t easy—but it’s also filled with opportunities to build trust, closeness, and resilience. If you’d like more guidance on making daily challenges like transitions smoother, I’d love to support you. I offer one-on-one parent coaching tailored to families raising deeply feeling kids. Schedule a free call with me here.
By Ceara Deno, MD September 16, 2025
Struggling with meltdowns and power struggles? Discover “Parenting Highly Sensitive and Spirited Kids Without Losing Your Mind," an 8-week group coaching program for parents of highly sensitive kids to build calm, confidence, and connection at home.
By Ceara Deno, MD September 8, 2025
Learn how to support your anxious or sensitive child without pushing, rescuing, or power struggles. Discover practical tips to help them build confidence and face challenges with courage.
Silhouetted group of people with arms raised at sunset.
By Ceara Deno, MD August 18, 2025
Parenting a defiant child, explosive tween, or argumentative teen? Discover 6 powerful success stories of families who went from daily battles to harmony with parent coaching.
More Posts