We’re Dermatologists—and Moms: Here’s How We Parent Without Losing It

We spend our days helping you love the skin you’re in—but after clinic hours, we’re just like you: moms trying to keep little humans fed, rested, and (mostly) meltdown-free.
That’s why we were so excited to sit down with Lisa Bunnage, parenting expert and founder of Bratbusters, to learn how calm leadership—not nagging or guilt—can transform family life. If you’ve ever wished for fewer tantrums and more connection, this one’s for you.

Lisa—founder of Bratbusters Parenting—joins us this week with the kind of no-nonsense, big-hearted advice that makes you want to high-five your future self. From taming meltdown marathons to sidestepping guilt traps, her philosophy is clear: Calm leadership builds confident, resilient kids (and keeps you from hiding in the pantry with a bag of chips).

Highlights you won’t want to miss:

  • How to set clear expectations without micromanaging

  • Why you should never negotiate with a tantrum (but always reconnect after)

  • Practical scripts to replace the old “use your words” standby

  • Her famous behavior board—an accountability game-changer for parents and kids alike

Parenting is never easy, but it can feel lighter—and a lot more joyful—when you stop trying to control every moment and start modeling calm, confident leadership.

🔍 Episode Highlights + Timestamps

00:04:30 – The Power of Calm Leadership: Lisa explains why kids crave calm, consistent leaders—not best friends.

Benefit: Learn how calm authority diffuses drama and builds trust.

00:18:20 – The Bratbusters Behavior Board: A step-by-step walkthrough of Lisa’s free tool for clear rules and fair consequences.

Benefit: Get everyone on the same page without shouting matches.

00:35:10 – The Dinner Table Dilemma: How to stop the endless getting up, chasing, and reminders at meals.

Benefit: Create peaceful mealtimes with a simple routine and zero nagging.

00:51:45 – Tantrum Tactics That Actually Work: Why ignoring the storm—and rewarding the calm—is the secret sauce.

Benefit: Help kids self-regulate without shame or power struggles.

01:12:00 – Bedtime Battles: Lisa’s process to get kids to stay in bed (even the Houdinis).

Benefit: Reclaim your evenings with fewer bedtime negotiations.

01:26:40 – Screens and Phones: A Sensible Approach: How to introduce screens without losing your sanity.

Benefit: Teach healthy tech habits early—no constant policing required.

01:45:00 – Why Connection Trumps Perfection: Lisa’s favorite compliment from a teen she mentored.

Benefit: Remember what really matters: helping your kids like themselves.

A Little Takeaway

If you’ve ever worried that being a calm, consistent leader would make you the “boring” parent, Lisa’s approach will reassure you: kids respect boundaries and adore the grown-ups who set them.

Ready to parent with more clarity (and a lot less guilt)?

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🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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See you next week, beauties 💖

—The Skin Deep MDs

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