How much distress tolerance do you and your children have?
Joanna Hardis joins me in this episode to discuss distress tolerance, or the ability to handle emotional discomfort without letting it control behavior or Relationships. In this exciting conversation we talk about the idea of “microdosing” discomfort—practicing small, manageable moments of challenge to gradually increase resilience. We also talk about the difference between emotional regulation (managing intensity) and distress tolerance (accepting discomfort).
Joanna Hardis, LISW-S, a Cornell graduate and cognitive behavioral therapist, helps parents build resilience and distress tolerance in her clinical practice. Be sure to grab a copy of her new book, Just Do Nothing (for Parents): How to Parent Better by Doing Less
Want to take your parenting journey to another level? Book your complimentary connection call now!
March 26, 2026
Episode 318
How to Parent Better By Doing Less – The Power of Distress Tolerance with Joanna Hardis
About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.
As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We’d Love to hear from you! Complete the Guest Application form here.
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed is a Vermont based Early Childhood Educator, Collaborative Parenting Coach, and the founder of Core4Parenting,. She is the passionate mastermind behind the Collaborative Parenting Methodology, a birth-to-five, soul and science based framework that empowers parents to maximize their child’s early learning while raising fantastic human beings who succeed in school and life.
While teaching preschool and Kindergarten, she noticed her students knew their ABC’s and 123’s, but struggled with their social, emotional, and interpersonal skills. At drop off, parents would say, “We’re so glad that you are their first teacher”, but she knew she wasn’t -- their parents were! This realization led to her professional pivot as an online Early Childhood Parent Educator and Coach.
Cara has embraced her role as thought leader and fierce advocate for Pandemic parents raising the COVID Generation (GEN-C).
Through keynotes, teacher training, and her podcast, Transforming the Toddler Years, she’s teaching the 5 Executive Functioning Skills kids need to navigate our ever-changing world.
Cara has Bachelor degrees in American Sign Language (ASL) and Linguistics and a Master’s degree in Education. She lives in southern Vermont with her two nearly grown-and-flown daughters and a husband who is her biggest cheerleader. Ready to raise world ready kids who change the world? Visit www.caratyrrell.com/bio to begin your Collaborative Parenting journey!