“NO! I don’t want to!” Opposition from our kids, we experience it all the time. It makes sense they don’t want to do everything we want them to. However, when they refuse, it often creates a power struggle which we see as a reflection of bad parenting. 

Lynn and Justin are no strangers to this struggle. In today’s episode, Claire Lerner, a social psychotherapist, author and child development specialist, shares tips to handle those stressful moments of opposition from our children. 

In our Parenting Story of the Day, Ginny Luther was at her wits-end with her defiant son but was able to turn things around in a surprising way.  

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube. 

Claire Lerner / IG / FB / LinkedIn

Claire is a child development specialist with over 35 years of experience working with children and families. Trained as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, she began her career as a child and family therapist and was asked to lead the parenting education work at Zero to Three. For over 20 years, Claire led the organization’s effort to translate the science of early childhood for parents and professionals—to empower them to nurture children’s development through resources and training on a wide range of topics including: early brain development, positive parenting, and understanding and coping with challenging behaviors. 

Ginny Luther   

Ginny is the author of “Blue Star Grit: A Mother’s Journey of Triumph and Tragedy Raising a Defiant Child into an Exceptional Leader.” Since 1994, she has been the proud owner and operator of Peaceful Parenting LLC, a successful business whose mission is to help create peace within families and classrooms. Ginny is also certified by the International Network for Children and Families to provide communication courses, seminars and workshops that promote cooperative, healthy relationships between adults and children.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products – including the Float High Chair featured in this episode – at https://www.munchkin.com 

Use the CURRENT CODE STROLLERCOASTER15 for 15% off regular-price items! (expires 4/13/25)

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest  

Trees For the Future