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Parenting Without Power Struggles

Parenting Without Power Struggles

Susan Stiffelman 100 Episodes Apr 9, 2026

Susan Stiffelman, a family therapist and parenting expert, hosts conversations with notable guests like Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Jane Goodall. The podcast offers advice on parenting without power struggles, drawing from her books and professional experience.

Episodes

1: 71 Encore episode: A Conversation With Dr. Kristin Neff Apr 9, 2026 31:01 In this conversation, Susan and Dr. Kristin Neff talks about the importance of cultivating both fierce and tender self-compassion, offering specific practices that parents can easily use when they're feeling overwhelmed, angry, or simply being hard on themselves. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-kristin-neff/
1:79 Co-Parenting with a Narcissist, with Dr. Ramani Durvasula Apr 2, 2026 40:53 In this episode, Susan talks with Dr. Ramani Durvasula, author of author of the new book, It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People, as well as the books Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Surviving A Relationship With A Narcissist, and Don't You Know Who I Am? How To Stay Sane In An Era Of Narcissism, Entitlement and Incivility. Susan and Dr. Durvasula discuss difficulties, grief
2:10 Five Principles of Parenting with Aliza Pressman Mar 25, 2026 23:53 Susan talks with Dr. Pressman about the five guiding principles for raising a good human: relationships, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair. They stress the importance of being a "good enough" parent, rather than striving for perfection, and emphasize that imperfection is a natural part of being human. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/aliza-pressman-podcast-episode
3:48 The Uncomfortable Path to Resilience Mar 17, 2026 15:12 Resilience isn't a trait kids either have or don't — it's something they build through repeated experiences of feeling hard emotions and getting through them, with a present and steady parent by their side. In this episode, Susan Stiffelman, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, and Dr. Laura Markham explore why our instinct to fix our children's disappointment can actually work against us — and what to do inste
3:46 "I Didn't Mean to Say That!" Feb 20, 2026 14:28 In this episode, Susan explores why we sometimes react in ways that don't match our intentions. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems, she encourages parents to view those moments as protective parts taking over—and reminds us that our steady, wise Self is never far away. How understanding your own parts helps you respond more calmly to your child's activated parts. Wh
3:45 Captain of the Ship Meets IFS Feb 13, 2026 14:25 In this episode, Susan is joined by Lisa Spiegel, author of Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children, for a conversation about how understanding our "parts" can transform our parenting life. They explore what it means to be Self-led, why you're not your anger (and your child isn't either), and how helping kids understand their parts builds confidence, compassion, and emotional resilience.    
3:44 When Kids Turn to Chatbots for Emotional Support Jan 28, 2026 15:00 In this episode, Susan explores how children are increasingly turning to AI chatbots not just for information, but for emotional reassurance — a shift that can quietly replace human connection. Drawing on insights from psychologist Dr. Zak Stein, she explains why real relationships, with their pauses, limits, and repair, are essential for healthy development, and how endlessly affirming bo
3:43 Sparks of Joy in Everyday Parenting Jan 16, 2026 13:08 In this podcast, Susan explores the quiet, everyday joy that often gets lost in the stress, demands, and constant pressures of parenting—and why these small moments of happiness are essential for both parents and children. Drawing on attachment theory, neuroscience, and Internal Family Systems, she explains how play, laughter, and lightness help regulate nervous systems, strengthen connection, and
3:42 ADHD, with Dr. Ned Hallowell Jan 9, 2026 12:31 In this episode, Susan and Dr. Hallowell share tips for talking with children about ADHD that emphasizes its benefits rather than using a "just try harder!" approach. ADHD is a trait both Susan and Dr. Hallowell share, and both see it as an asset that has made their lives better---with effective strategies and support.  Why ADHD is better understood as a trait, not a deficit The real dangers to w
3:41 Parenting With Less Drama and More Connection Dec 10, 2025 19:10 In this episode, Susan explores what power struggles really are, why they arise so instinctively, and how parents can step out of them by embodying calm, confident leadership. Drawing from decades of work with families, she illustrates how pushing against a child's demands—whether about rides, rules, or routines—creates a cycle of resistance, while responding from the grounded "Captain of the Ship
3:40 Raising Kids Who Can Handle Differences with Kelsey Blahnik Dec 3, 2025 22:32 Susan speaks with clinician and author Kelsey Blahnik about her new book The AND Way, a model that helps people navigate tension while staying connected across deep divides. Together, they explore how parents can raise children who are open-minded, compassionate, and capable of engaging respectfully with people who think differently. The episode encourages parents to cultivate respect, understandi
3:39 Raising Resilience: Parenting Without Rescue Nov 17, 2025 13:24 In this episode, Susan explores what resilience truly looks like in children and why it's essential for parents to allow kids to experience manageable frustration instead of rushing in to fix or smooth things over. She explains how a parent's instinct to rescue often comes from their own discomfort, and why doing our inner work is key to helping children develop the flexibility, confidence,

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