199: Helping Kids With Big Emotions: Why They’re Not Just “Acting Out”
Helping kids with big emotions starts with understanding what’s really driving them. Counselor Michelle Nietert joins Ron Deal to unpack why kids in blended families often struggle with grief, overwhelm, and divided loyalties—and how parents can respond without making things worse. On FamilyLife Blended, discover practical ways to become the calm, steady presence your child needs most.
Show Notes
About the Guest
Michelle Nietert
Licensed Professional Counselor of 25 years, Michelle Nietert, M.A., LPC-S is the best selling coauthor of the Managing Your Emojis, God I Feel Sad and God, I Feel Scared: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God series, Loved and Cherished, and the award-winning book for adults Make Up Your Mind.
She leads a team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in the Dallas, TX area. A popular speaker on topics regarding mental health, faith, and parenting, she is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including a weekly “Mental Health Monday” spot on Magic 104.1 in OKC and hosts the Raising Mentally Healthy Kids™ podcast.
She and her husband Drew have been married 20 years with two school aged children. Connect with Michelle at YourMentalHealthCoach.com and on Instagram or Facebook.
About the Host
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.