Parenting Without Power Struggles

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

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...

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...

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/

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 /

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/

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...

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/

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/

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/

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/

In this episode, Susan answers a question submitted by a parents about his son to play team sports, even though his son refuses. Many parents will relate to this question! https://susanstiffelman.com/team-sports-podcast-episode/

In this episode, you'll hear Susan talk about the benefits of creating a Family Mission Statement to get your new year off to a solid start. Even young children can participate in this attachment-building family activity! https://susanstiffelman.com/mission-statement-podcast-episode/

In this episode, you'll hear Susan role play a scenario with a child who's refusing to turn off the TV to take a bath, as she talks about the importance of taking on smaller parenting challenges to get better at coping with push back and disconnection. A great episode with lots of practical value! https://susanstiffelman.com/climbing-hills-instead-of-mountains-podcast/