Parenting Without Power Struggles
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
4:8 Being Present with Disappointment: an IFS Perspective
In this episode, Susan explores what happens when our children are disappointed, upset, or frustrated — and why our instinct to fix, minimize, or rescue them from that feeling often does more harm than good. Using the example of a child upset about a not getting to wear a favorite shirt, she demonstrates what it sounds like to sit with a child's disappointment instead of steering them out of it, a
4:7 After the Anger: An IFS Look at Repair
In this episode, Susan explores what happens after Lawyer or Dictator mode has taken over and you've lost your cool. She explains why the goal isn't to stay serene all the time, and why genuine repair, done well, teaches a child that relationships can survive rupture. Susan breaks down the steps of effective repair like, and why a quick "I'm sorry, but..." doesn't count. How rupture followed by r
4:6 An IFS Look at Power Struggles: Captain, Lawyer, or Dictator?
In this episode, Susan connects Internal Family Systems to three modes she's taught for years: Captain, Lawyer, and Dictator. Using a real dinnertime example, she shows how a child's simple request can pull a parent from calm boundary-setting into defending themselves, and eventually into threats, once an old protective part takes over. What Captain-mode language sounds like across homework, s
4:5 Tormentor or Mentor? An IFS Reframe on Parenting's Tough Moments
In this episode, Susan unpacks Richard Schwartz's term "tor-mentor" — the idea that our children, in the moments they frustrate us most, are also mentoring us toward healing. Ordinary friction, like being ignored, can trigger reactions far bigger than the moment calls for, often knocking into old, buried wounds. Susan explains this isn't about blaming kids — it's about recognizing that the intensi
4:4 The Perfectionist, Controller & People Pleaser: Your Manager Parts Explained
Susan continues her Parenting Without Power Struggles series on Internal Family Systems, introducing "manager" parts. A healthy manager keeps life running smoothly, but when driven by old fears or insecurities, it can tip into perfectionism, control, or people-pleasing, often at a cost to our peace and our relationships. Susan explains why these parts formed, and why the path forward is curiosity,
4:3 Calming Rage With IFS: Helping Protective Parts Relax
Susan continues her Parenting Without Power Struggles series on Internal Family Systems, exploring how "firefighter" parts trigger intense reactivity, rage, and regrettable parenting moments. She explains that parents often fixate on what went wrong and overlook what went well — a result of the brain's survival-based negativity bias, which fuels shame and discouragement rather than change. Susan d
4:2 Blindsided by Rage: An IFS Look at Firefighter Parts
In this episode, Susan explores what Internal Family Systems (IFS) calls "firefighter" parts — protective parts that flood in with fast, intense reactions like rage, trying to put out old emotional pain, often at a cost to the relationship. She explains why these reactions aren't really about your child's behavior, and why healing them doesn't require your child to change first — usin
4:1 Calm, Confident, Clear: Anchoring to Your Wise Self
In this episode, Susan introduces the core idea behind Internal Family Systems and what it means for parenting: beneath our anxiety, anger, and overwhelm is a calm, confident "Wise Self" — the steady part of us that functions as the Captain of the ship for our kids. When our children act out, it's a protective part of us that takes over, not our true Self. Why our reactive outbursts ("I didn't me
1: 71 Encore episode: A Conversation With Dr. Kristin Neff
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
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
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
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!"
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
3:38 The Power of Storytelling with Rabbi Michael Zedek
In this episode, Susan connects with her longtime friend, Rabbi Michael Zedek, exploring the power of storytelling as a way to transmit values, resilience, and compassion to children and adults alike. Rabbi Zedek shares wisdom from his five decades as a spiritual leader, reflecting on how stories help people internalize lessons more deeply than lectures or rules ever could. Their dialogue touches
3:39 The Parent Brain with Dr. Rita Eichenstein
In this episode, Susan talks with neuropsychologist Dr. Rita Eichenstein about the parent brain—how becoming a parent literally reshapes the brain, rewiring it for empathy, resilience, multitasking, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Eichenstein and Susan explore how understanding these changes can help parents recognize parenthood as a distinct and profound stage of human development, and appreciate
3:37 Supporting Sensitive Kids with Dr. Judith Orloff
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Judith Orloff about the gifts of sensitivity, offering encouragment and insight for parents of these tender-hearted, deep feeling children and teens. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-judith-orloff
3:36 Parenting as a Path to Healing
In this episode, Susan explores one of the most powerful truths about parenting: that the most important thing we can do for our children is to work on ourselves. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Gabor Maté's insight and her training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Susan explains how our emotional state, unresolved wounds, and inner "parts" profoundly shape our children's sense of safety and connect
3:35 Nurturing Closeness With Your Kids
In this episode, Susan emphasizes the importance of emotional connection between parents and children, even amid the busyness of daily life. She reassures parents that deep closeness doesn't require elaborate outings or large chunks of time, but can be nurtured through small, intentional practices like sharing a genuine smile, creating five-minute rituals, repairing after moments of tension, and e
3:34 Threats vs. Boundaries: Set Limits That Build Connection
In this episode, Susan explores the important difference between threats and boundaries in parenting. Susan illustrates the contrast between threats and boundaries using real-life examples—such as homework, chores, and screen time. She highlights how shifting from reactive threats to steady boundaries strengthens trust and cooperation while giving children the security and clarity they need. https
3:33 Parenting After Divorce: What Kids Need Most
In this episode, Susan offers compassionate guidance for navigating the emotional complexities of parenting after divorce. Susan explores the importance of emotional presence, not perfection, as the foundation for helping children feel secure during and after separation. Susan encouraging parents to model emotional safety, welcome messy feelings, and repair ruptures in connection. She validates th
3:32 Helping Kids Thrive Through Real Connection
In this episode, Susan reflects on Derek Thompson's article The Death of Partying in the USA to explore a troubling trend: the steady decline of in-person socializing, especially among young people. Susan highlights the mental health risks this poses—not just for adults, but for children growing up in screen-based, solitary environments. Susan gently encourages families to prioritize connection in
3:31 Big Feelings, Tender Hearts: Supporting Sensitive Children
In this episode, Susan explores the unique needs and strengths of highly sensitive children. Susan explains that high sensitivity is a temperament trait—not a flaw—characterized by deep empathy, acute perception, and strong emotional responses. Acknowledging that parenting a sensitive child can be both exhausting and rewarding, Susan emphasizes the importance of providing a
3:30 Why Does Your Child's Behavior Make Sense?
In this episode, encourages parents to shift from reactive discipline to compassionate problem-solving by asking a simple but powerful question: "Why does this behavior make sense?" Susan illustrates how understanding the root causes of a child's actions can lead to more effective, connection-based responses. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcasts-why-behavior-makes-sense
3:29 Parenting from Your Calm Self: Less Yelling and More Connection
In this episode, Susan explors the roots of parental reactivity—those moments when we snap, yell, or shut down—and why they have less to do with our children's behavior and more to do with our own unmet needs, past experiences, and nervous system responses. Recognizing our triggers with compassion can open the door to healing, not just for ourselves but for our relationships with our kids
3:28 Keeping Your Cool In Stressful Moments
In this episode, Susan tackles a common parenting challenge: how to stay calm in the heat of conflict. Drawing on attachment theory, neuroscience, and mindfulness, Susan introduces two powerful tools—shrinking the moment and using a mental anchor word—to help parents regulate their own emotions and respond more constructively when their children resist limits. She invites listeners to a free webin
3:27 Holding Space for Big Feelings: A Conversation with Tracy Gillett
In this insightful episode, Susan is joined by Tracy Gillett of Raised Good for an honest conversation about parenting through meltdowns—those intense emotional storms that can shake both children and caregivers. They explore what's really happening in a child's brain during a meltdown, why these moments are developmentally normal, and how parents can show up with compassion rather than control. T
3:26 Meltdowns Are Not Misbehavior: A Nervous System Perspective
In this episode, I explore one of the most challenging aspects of parenting: children's emotional meltdowns. But meltdowns are not signs of bad behavior—they're nervous system overloads signaling distress. I unpack the neuroscience behind these moments, the difference between tantrums and meltdowns, and why staying calm is more effective than trying to reason. You'll learn why emotional expression
3:25 Let Grow with Lenore Skenazy: Why Childhood Independence Matters
In this episode, Susan and Lenore Skenazy discussed the importance of childhood independence, free play, and responsibility, emphasizing the need to reduce anxiety in children by allowing them to take risks and make their own decisions. They explored the impact of cultural messaging and media on parenting practices, suggesting ways to promote resilience and social skills through programs like free
3:24 Raising Digitally Resilient Kids With Delaney Ruston
In this episode, Susan welcomes Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician, filmmaker, and creator of the Screenagers documentary series. In this powerful conversation, they talk about how to parent with compassion and confidence in the digital age. Delaney emphasizes the importance of the "safety first" approach: creating a home environment where children feel safe disclosing difficult online experiences wi
3:23 New Ways to Approach Anxiety
Anxiety in children isn't something to eliminate—it's something to understand. In this episode, we explore how anxiety shows up in the body and why it's actually a signal, not a flaw. You'll walk away with a new lens on your child's anxious moments—and a sense of what real support can look like. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/anxiety-podcast-2
3:22 Understanding and Supporting Anxious Children
In this episode, Susan explores the rising issue of anxiety in children and teens, emphasizing that anxiety is not a flaw but a signal that something feels unsafe. She discusses contributing factors like social media, academic pressure, and global uncertainty, and she encourages parents to co-regulate using tools like movement and breath work. She reassures parents that their presence and understa
3:21 Helping Kids Trust Their Inner Wisdom
In this episode, Susan explores the importance of helping kids tune into their own wisdom and instincts, so they can think for themselves with confidence. Susan shares practical strategies for fostering self-trust, including asking thoughtful questions and helping kids recognize how their body and emotions respond to different choices. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/inner-wisdom-podcast
3:25 Transform Your Parenting: Internal Family Systems with Tammy Sollenberger
In this episode, Susan welcomes licensed clinical mental health counselor and certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, Tammy Sollenberger, to explore how IFS can help parents navigate their emotional triggers and build deeper connections with their children. Tammy illustrates how understanding and embracing different parts of ourselves can transform reactive parenting into more mindful a
3:20 When Kids Lie: What It Means and How to Respond
In this episode, Susan explores why kids lie and how parents can foster honesty with compassion. She explains that lying is often a normal part of child development, driven by self-protection, avoiding consequences, or imaginative storytelling. Susan emphasizes the importance of modeling honesty and guiding children toward making amends, helping them develop integrity and trust in their relationsh
3:19 Flipping the Script on ADHD
In this episode, Susan challenges the traditional view of ADHD, reframing it as different brain wiring rather than a deficit. She explores how ADHD brains thrive on creativity and spontaneity while struggling with executive function and emotional regulation. She offers practical strategies to help ADHD children succeed and emphasizes the importance of co-regulation to allow parents to empower thei
3:18 Helping Siblings Navigate Conflict: With Dr. Laura Markham
In this episode, Susan shares an excerpt from her new class with Dr. Laura Markham on Sibling Harmony. They explore how parents can help their children navigate sibling rivalry and how to guide kids to resolve conflicts in healthy ways. Susan emphasizes the importance of parents staying calm and regulated, as children's behavior often stems from their parents' dysregulation. Susan and Laura also s
3:17 Handling Defiance In Kids
In this episode, Susan addresses a parent's concern about their seven-year-old child exhibiting rudeness, defiance, and emotional outbursts, especially when asked to do simple tasks. Susan emphasizes the importance of staying calm and regulated and not reacting from a place of personal frustration. She also touches on the importance of connection, understanding the child's needs, and staying stea
3:16 Wildfire Support For Parents with Dr. Laura Markham
This is a recording of a free session Susan hosted with Dr. Laura Markham on January 11, 2025 to offer immediate support to those affected by the wildfires in southern California. To subscribe to Susan's newsletter and receive updates about additional free support sessions, text NEWSLETTER to 310-905-8165 and follow the prompts. https://susanstiffelman.com/wildfire-support-podcast-laura-markham/
3:15 Are You Co-Parenting With A Narcissist?
In this episode, Susan discusses some of the signs that co-parenting struggles are due to narcissism, rather than more ordinary issues like hurt or resentment. She shares the kinds of questions she gets from parents who are co-parenting with a narcissist. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/are-you-co-parenting-narcissist-podcast
3:14 The Work and Parenting with Byron Katie
In this episode, Susan shares an excerpt from a past session with Byron Katie, whose self-inquiry method, The Work, has deeply influenced her parenting approach. Katie's process helps parents question and shift stressful beliefs to improve their relationships with their children. Susan invites listeners to join her class with Katie to learn more about these transformative techniques. https://go.su
1:83 Helping Kids Make Mistakes With Susan Stiffelman
In this episode, Susan talks about the importance of allowing our kids to make mistakes and gain resilience by recovering from them. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-helping-kids-make-mistakes/
3:13 Helping Kids Become Resilient Adults With Julie Lythcott-Haims
In this episode, Susan talks with Julie Lythcott-Haims about the challenges of parenting, particularly as children transition into adulthood. They discuss the ways in which parents' roles evolve as their children grow, and the importance of parents modeling healthy adult behavior for their children. Julie describes the ultimate goal of parenting as raising independent and resilient adults who can
3:12 Restless and Fidgety Kids with Susan Stiffelman
In this episode, Susan explores the challenges children face with restlessness, fidgetiness, and hyperactivity, particularly in the school environment. She emphasizes the importance of movement, play, and imagination in child development, noting that traditional classroom settings may not always accommodate natural developmental needs. Susan suggests practical strategies for parents and schools to
3:11 Attachment Instincts with Gabor Mate, MD
In this episode, Susan talks with Dr. Gabor Maté about attachment instincts, peer orientation, and the importance of parental presence in building a strong parent-child relationship. Dr. Maté explains how children's attachment to peers can affect their behavior and relationships, emphasizing the need for parents to maintain primary attachment with their children. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/
3:10 Rest Is A Sacred Act With Robyn Posin, PhD
In this episode, Susan talks with her friend and colleague, Robyn Posin, PhD. They discuss Robyn's book, "Go Only as Fast as Your Slowest Part Feels Safe to Go: Tales to Kindle Gentleness and Compassion for Our Exhausted Selves." They explore the importance of slowing down in today's fast-paced world, the need for rest as a sacred act, and the significance of mental and emotional well-being. Robyn
3:9 Generational Healing with Dr. Dan Siegel and Susan Stiffelman, MFT
In this episode, Susan talks with Dr. Dan Siegel on breaking dysfunctional patterns we've inherited from our own parents and grandparents. They discuss how early interactions with caregivers shape individuals and how tendencies and behaviors can be inherited through epigenetics. Dan also explains the concept of neuroplasticity, offering hope that parents can reshape their brains to become more int
3:8 Coaching With Susan: Finding Balance with a New Baby
In this episode, Susan coaches a new parent struggling to adjust to life with their 11-month-old baby. The parent expresses challenges in maintaining balance in their life after the baby's arrival. Susan emphasizes the importance of honest, open conversation in addressing these struggles and the need for vulnerable discussions with partners. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-new-baby
3:7 Coaching with Susan: Different Boundaries In Different Homes
In this episode, Susan coaches a parent whose kids have a hard time adjusting to the different rules and boundaries in their parents' two homes. Susan reassures this parent that boundaries help kids feel safe and secure in their attachment and role-plays a scenario to help this parent communicate for effectively with their kids. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/boundaries-two-houses-podcast
3:6 Coaching with Susan: Helping a Child Prepare for Extended Travel
In this episode, Susan helps a parent with an unusual dilemma: their family will be traveling for a year, and their young daughter is resistant to the idea. Susan discusses the importance of making it safe for the child to express fears while remaining clear and relaxed. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/helping-child-travel-podcast
3:5 Coaching With Susan: Parenting a Young Adult with ADHD
In this episode, you'll hear Susan talking with the parent of a forgetful, somewhat disorganized teen with ADHD without micromanaging. This conversation goes deep, looking at how our anxiety can muddy the waters of effective parenting. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-teen-adhd
3:4 Coaching With Susan: Exploring Ancestral Anger
In this episode, Susan talks with a parent who struggles with what she calls "ancestral anger" toward her preschooler -- a feeling of rage that stems from an unhealed part of her own childhood. Susan coaches this parent on handling the build up of rage when it makes its next appearance with her child. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-ancestral-anger
3:3 Coaching With Susan: Support for a Struggling Middle Child
In this episode, Susan talks with a parent who wants help supporting her middle child. Her 7-year-old daughter is struggling with the disappointment and frustration of being a middle child, so Susan uses a role-play to coach this parent on helping her child grieve the reality of her unchanging position in the family. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-middle-child
3:2 Coaching With Susan: Helping Kids Take Medicine
In this episode, Susan talks with Kelsey, who shares her experience with her assertive, expressive 7- and 9-year-old daughters. The conversation emphasizes the balance between respecting children's autonomy and fulfilling the responsibilities of a parent. They talk about how the daughters resist taking medicine and how Kelsey can acknowledge her daughters' autonomy while also ensuring they get the
3:1 Coaching With Susan: Encouraging Friendly Sibling Interactions
In this episode, Susan coaches a parent, "Marie," who discusses her large family, including two children on the autism spectrum. She's looking for advice on encouraging more friendly, positive interactions between her five children. Susan coaches Marie on managing children with high functioning autism, focusing on executive functioning, and emphasizing the unique strengths and challenges of each c
2:11 Catching Your Breath
In this episode, Susan shares her thoughts on navigating the holiday season, reflecting on the relentless pace of modern life, the challenges posed by technology, and the importance of taking time to recharge. Susan also talks about her personal practice of unplugging for several weeks and the positive impact it has on her well-being. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/catching-your-breath-podcast
2:9 When A Child Is Reluctant To Go To School
In this episode, Susan coaches a parent whose son is reluctant to go to school because his feelings have been getting hurt at recess. Susan offers a kid-friendly way to help her child take things less personally by looking at the Bad B's (negative beliefs) that fuel his insecurities. https://susanstiffelman.com/reluctant-school-child-podcast/
2:8 Learning to be Captain of the Ship
Susan responds to a parent's question about how to become the Captain of the ship if you grew up with permissive parents who gave you whatever you wanted, sharing important insights into making the shift to setting loving limits with kids. https://susanstiffelman.com/captain-podcast/
2:7 Helping Kids Cope With Frustration
In this episode, Susan answers a parent's question about a child's difficulty with disappointment. She emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself before setting limits to support children and shares tips to better help children cope with frustrating experiences. https://susanstiffelman.com/frustration-podcast/
2:6 Setting Screen Time Limits
In this episode, Susan talks about why setting screen-time limits can be so difficult, and why there's so much push back from our kids when it's time to unplug, sharing strategies for implementing healthy rules and routines. https://susanstiffelman.com/screen-time-limits-podcast/
2:5 Being Present with Jack Kornfield & Trudy Goodman
In this preview from the Tech-Wise Parenting Summit, Jack and Trudy remind listeners that being present and aware can help us engage with technology in healthy ways, rather than feeling drained and depleted, or turning to screens to hide from uncomfortable feelings. In the full summit interview, Trudy also walks us through a 7 minute Appreciation Body Scan, providing a calming, restful experience
2:4 Responding to Limits with Dr. Tina Bryson
In this preview clip from the Tech-Wise Parenting Summit, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson talks about the impression a child is left with when we react with anger to their angere over screen time limits, and how it influences their future willingness to come to us when they're upset.
2:3 Tech Shabbat with Tiffany Shlain
Susan shares a preview clip from a conversation with author and filmmaker Tiffany Shlain from the Tech-Wise Parenting Summit, discussing the benefits of a 24 hour weekly ritual of unplugging from technology.
2:2 Dopamine and Screen-Time with Dr. Anna Lembke
In this preview clip from the Tech-Wise Parenting Summit, Dr. Anna Lembke (author of Dopamine Nation) suggesting that rather than turning to screens and social media to lessen feelings of depression, online activities may actually generate depression in some instances when long-term tech use fuels reduced natural dopamine production in the brain.
2:1 Contingent Communication with Dan Siegel
Susan shares a preview clip from an interview with Dr. Dan Siegel from the Tech-Wise Parenting Summit. Dan and Susan engage in a short role play to demonstrate how conversations lacking in the many aspects of communication missing in online exchanges can lead to disconnection and misunderstanding.
1:111 Calming the Chaos with Dayna Abraham
In this conversation, Susan and Dayna talk about how important it is to understand that even if our child has behavioral struggles, they aren't broken and we aren't failing. They go on to discuss creating a plan for parenting storms, not taking things personally, and shifting our perspective. https://susanstiffelman.com/dayna-abraham-podcast/
1:110 Captaining the Ship Around Kids and Tech with Susan Stiffelman, MFT
One of the biggest power struggles parents have with their kids is around technology. In this episode, Susan talks about the importance of clarity as we set realistic routines around screen time, emphasizing the importance of being the "Captain of the ship" for our kids, to offer guidance and support. https://susanstiffelman.com/kids-and-tech-podcast/
1:110 Nurturing Children's Expressiveness with Susan Stiffelman
A parent whose son complains about her singing asks for advice about helping him be more comfortable with self-expression and using his voice. Susan shares some interesting ideas for how to approach the situation. https://susanstiffelman.com/nurturing-expressiveness-podcast/
1:109 Homework Challenges with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
In this excerpt of a class about homework with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, authors of The Self-Driven Child, Susan explores the anxiety parents often feel around their kids' unwillingness to take their school work seriously. https://susanstiffelman.com/stixrud-johnson-podcast-2/
1:108 Parenting from a Global Perspective with Mei-Ling Hopgood
Enjoy a fascinating conversation with Mei-Ling Hopgood about her adventures in parenting around the world, from raising her children in Argentina where bedtimes are often "flexible" to looking at how play, meals, and chores are approached in other cultures. A delightful discussion that may help parents feel a bit more flexible in their child-rearing practices. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-e
1: 107 Raising Healthy Teens With Dr. Lisa Damour
At a time when headlines are filled with dire warnings about the mental health of our adolescents, this information-packed session with Dr. Lisa Damour offers vital guidance for parents—including those with younger kids—about how to navigate the ups and downs that come with growing up. https://susanstiffelman.com/lisa-damour-teen-podcast-episode/
1:106 Raising Sensitive Children with Susan Stiffelman, MFT
Did you know that 15% to 20% of the population are highly sensitive people? Yet many parents struggle to understand their deeply feeling children. In this episode, Susan explains the trait of sensitivity and shares 3 of the most important things to keep in mind to help you nurture and support your sensitive child. https://susanstiffelman.com/raising-sensitive-kids-podcast-episodes/
1:105 When Children Are Aggressive
In this episode, Susan reassures listeners that aggressive behavior is common, and talks about some of the elements that often fuel a child's angry outbursts. She also addresses a few important ways we can reduce its frequency. https://susanstiffelman.com/aggression-podcast-podcast-episode/
1:104 Making Long Term Change with Susan Stiffelman
In this powerful episode, Susan talks about the underlying, invisible elements—often remnants of our own childhood-- that sometimes fuel our anger, frustration, or despair as we deal with the daily challenges of parenting. https://susanstiffelman.com/making-long-term-change-podcast-episode/
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