When Consequences Stop Working

Every parent reaches a point where the consequences that once worked suddenly seem to have no effect. In this episode of What Do We Do Now? from AMFM Healthcare, host Robin Lovell sits down with two experienced clinicians to help parents understand why that happens and what to do instead.

Robin is joined by Ashley Peña, Vice President of Outpatient Operations for Mission Connection at AMFM Healthcare and a licensed clinical social worker who works closely with teens, young adults, and families. Also joining the conversation is Erika Marquez, a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and nervous system regulation, with extensive experience helping adolescents and families build healthier patterns of connection.

They talk about the difference between defiance and emotional dysregulation, why consequences often lose their effectiveness when a child is emotionally overwhelmed, and how parents can respond in ways that support both accountability and the parent-child relationship. They also cover co-regulation, consistency, parenting across different households, and practical strategies parents can begin using today.

Tune in to hear how small shifts in your approach can strengthen connection, build accountability, and create lasting change.