From the very start, Marnesha is clear: when it comes to behavior, it’s never just about what the child is doing. “I start with emotions because emotions lead to so many other behaviors,” she says. “Yeah, so that’s always my starting point.” It’s a reminder that emotional regulation is the foundation for so many other behaviors, and when you address emotions first, you can start to manage and transform the bigger challenges that follow.
Marnesha also emphasizes how powerful it can be to combine therapy and behavioral coaching. “A lot of therapists, they process the history of what happened and how it’s affecting you. That’s why behavioral coaching and therapy in conjunction with each other is amazing. It does amazing work,” she shares. When you bring both approaches together, you get a more well-rounded approach to addressing behavior—and it can be truly transformative.
But there’s one key ingredient to all of this: vulnerability. Marnesha gets real about the importance of being open, especially as a parent. “Empathy comes from being able to be vulnerable,” she says. “How vulnerable are you willing to be for the betterment of your child? That’s a hard conversation to have with people, especially if there’s a guard up.” It’s a conversation many parents will recognize: how willing are you to open up and let others in when it comes to helping your child? Marnesha knows this can be a tough ask, but she stresses that vulnerability is necessary to make meaningful changes. “That’s why I tell people because you have to be vulnerable to allow me to come into your house and help.”
Her approach isn’t just about tweaking a child’s behavior—it’s about transforming the whole family dynamic. Marnesha believes that behavioral coaching isn’t just for kids with “big” behaviors; it’s something every child can benefit from. “Personally, I feel like every kid can benefit from behavioral coaching because it’s all about how to regulate your emotions, how to problem solve, how to have positive peer interactions,” she says. These are the skills that help kids thrive not just at home, but in school and in the world.
For Marnesha, it’s all about equipping families with the tools they need to create a nurturing and healthy environment for everyone. She’s clear that it’s not just about managing behavior in the moment—it’s about giving kids the life skills they need to succeed. And that means working together, as a family. “This is for the family, the family dynamic as a whole,” Marnesha tells parents. It’s a collaborative effort, where everyone is on the same team.
If you’re a parent looking for practical advice on how to manage behavior while nurturing emotional and social growth, this episode is a must-listen. Marnesha’s approach is all about real, tangible tools that you can use right now to make a positive difference in your family’s life.
The conversation on The Mama’s Den podcast is a reminder that setting your kids up for success is a journey that requires patience, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow together. Whether you’re facing challenges with your child’s behavior or just want to strengthen your family dynamic, Marnesha Hall’s insights are a powerful resource to help guide the way. Check out the full episode on The Mama’s Den now available on Black Love’s YouTube channel and all podcast streaming platforms.
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