Parenting Without Power Struggles

By Susan Stiffelman

What's Parenting Without Power Struggles about?

Susan Stiffelman is a family therapist, parent coach, and one of the country's premiere parenting experts, and the author of Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting With Presence (an Eckhart Tolle edition.)

Susan's podcasts feature conversations with guests including Dr. Dan Siegel, Janet Lansbury, Dr. Kristen Neff, Dr. Mona Delahooke, Glennon Doyle, Dr. Jane Goodall, Jack Kornfield, Martha Beck, and many others.

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Parenting Without Power Struggles episodes:

04.19.2024
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...
04.08.2024
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,...
04.02.2024
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...
03.13.2024
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....
03.05.2024
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...
02.27.2024
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...
02.20.2024
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...
02.13.2024
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
02.07.2024
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...
01.30.2024
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...
01.22.2024
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...
01.09.2024
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...
12.12.2023
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...
11.29.2023
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...
11.16.2023
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...
10.18.2023
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...
10.17.2023
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/
10.12.2023
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/
09.13.2023
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...
09.12.2023
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...
09.11.2023
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.
09.10.2023
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...
09.10.2023
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...
08.15.2023
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,...
08.03.2023
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...
06.15.2023
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/
06.08.2023
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/
04.30.2023
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...
04.21.2023
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...
03.22.2023
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...
02.27.2023
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/
02.08.2023
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/
02.06.2023
1:103 When Kids Don't Like Team Sports
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/
01.23.2023
1:102 Creating a Family Mission Statement with Susan Stiffelman
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/
01.11.2023
1:101 Climbing Hills Instead of Mountains with Susan Stiffelman
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...
12.05.2022
1:100 When Children Are Anxious
Susan explores how to help kids and teens who are anxious, worried or fearful. You'll learn the importance of being the calm, regulated Captain of the ship to help our kids confront anxiety and learn strategies to cope with fear...
10.19.2022
1:99 The Value of Parent Education with Amy Knobler
Susan talks with her long-time assistant, Amy, about the transformations they have witnessed in countless families through years of offering parent education. https://susanstiffelman.com/stiffelman-knobler-podcast-episode/
09.19.2022
1:98 The Importance of Sleep with Heather Turgeon, MFT
A child’s ability to stay regulated and manage impulses is closely tied to sleep, but try as they may to get their kids to bed, many parents face bedtime struggles night in and night out. In this great conversation, Susan...
09.15.2022
1:97 When Kids Say "I'm Fine," But They're Not
In this episode, Susan talks about why it can be hard for children to open up when they’re having a hard time, and how we can address our own concerns to make sure they know it’s safe to come to...
04.26.2022
1:96 Parenting With Integrity With Martha Beck
Martha and Susan discuss steps we can take to ensure our lives—including our parenting lives—are in integrity with our truest nature. An inspiring conversation about making small but significant changes to experience greater peace and joy every day. https://susanstiffelman.com/martha-beck-podcast-episode/
04.07.2022
1:95 Parenting With ADHD In The Mix
03.15.2022
1:94 Brain-Body Parenting With Dr. Mona Delahooke
Dr. Mona Delahooke joins Susan for an absorbing conversation about how to shift from simply managing a child’s difficult behavior to supporting their nervous system when they move toward dysregulation. Great information about the role of the brain and co-regulation...
03.11.2022
1:93 The Power of Your Voice with The Brothers Koren
This is a double-whammy of an episode, with words of wisdom about the power of our unique voices AND a performance of one of Susan’s favorite songs by The Brothers Koren: Abraham. An extra special treat you won’t want to...
03.09.2022
1:92 Making Sense of Challenging Behavior with Elaine Halligan
In this episode, Susan talks with Elaine Halligan about her personal journey of raising a neuro-atypical child. Elaine talks about maintaining a strong and loving relationship with your child, even through the challenges of identifying what might be fueling chronic...
03.02.2022
1:91 The Parental Brain With Dr. Rita Eichenstein
In this episode, Susan talks with Dr. Rita Eichenstein about the neurological and neurochemical changes that occur in the brain when adults become parents -- and how this understanding can enhance attachment and reduce parental stress! https://susanstiffelman.com/rita-eichenstein-podcast-episode/
02.01.2022
1: 90 Why Rage Happens With Susan Stiffelman
In this episode, Susan shares insights into what happens when parents feel rage or a sense of being out of control in the face of a conflict with our kids. It much more common that you think! https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-why-rage-happens/
01.10.2022
1:89 Reframing ADHD With Dr. Ned Hallowell
In this episode, Susan talks with Dr. Ned Hallowell about the stigma of the label of ADHD, and ways to reframe ADHD as a gift and trait, rather than a disorder or deficit. They also share how ADHD has impacted...
12.13.2021
1:88 Recognizing The Need For Rest: With Debbie Reber
In this episode, Susan talks with Debbie Reber about the habits and socialization that make it hard for us to take time to rest. If you have a hard time honoring your need to slow down or if you worry...
12.07.2021
1:87 Preventing Substance Abuse In Kids With Jessica Lahey
In this conversation, Jessica Lahey shares vital information about how to raise kids to understand what early substance use does to their developing brain, sharing practical tips for delaying experimentation while addressing curiosity and peer pressure. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-jessica-lahey/
11.02.2021
1:86 Farmer, Hunters and Adult ADHD with Susan Stiffelman
In this episode, Susan shares her own story of being diagnosed with ADD as an adult and her discovery that ADD-ish tendencies have unique advantages! https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-adult-add/

What's Parenting Without Power Struggles about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Parenting Without Power Struggles episodes:

3:12 Restless and Fidgety Kids with Susan Stiffelman

3:11 Attachment Instincts with Gabor Mate, MD

3:10 Rest Is A Sacred Act With Robyn Posin, PhD

3:9 Generational Healing with Dr. Dan Siegel and Susan Stiffelman, MFT

3:8 Coaching With Susan: Finding Balance with a New Baby

3:7 Coaching with Susan: Different Boundaries In Different Homes

3:6 Coaching with Susan: Helping a Child Prepare for Extended Travel

3:5 Coaching With Susan: Parenting a Young Adult with ADHD

3:4 Coaching With Susan: Exploring Ancestral Anger

3:3 Coaching With Susan: Support for a Struggling Middle Child

3:2 Coaching With Susan: Helping Kids Take Medicine

3:1 Coaching With Susan: Encouraging Friendly Sibling Interactions

2:11 Catching Your Breath

2:10 Five Principles of Parenting with Aliza Pressman

2:9 When A Child Is Reluctant To Go To School

2:8 Learning to be Captain of the Ship

2:7 Helping Kids Cope With Frustration

2:6 Setting Screen Time Limits

2:5 Being Present with Jack Kornfield & Trudy Goodman

2:4 Responding to Limits with Dr. Tina Bryson

2:3 Tech Shabbat with Tiffany Shlain

2:2 Dopamine and Screen-Time with Dr. Anna Lembke

2:1 Contingent Communication with Dan Siegel

1:111 Calming the Chaos with Dayna Abraham

1:110 Captaining the Ship Around Kids and Tech with Susan Stiffelman, MFT

1:110 Nurturing Children's Expressiveness with Susan Stiffelman

1:109 Homework Challenges with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

1:108 Parenting from a Global Perspective with Mei-Ling Hopgood

1: 107 Raising Healthy Teens With Dr. Lisa Damour

1:106 Raising Sensitive Children with Susan Stiffelman, MFT

1:105 When Children Are Aggressive

1:104 Making Long Term Change with Susan Stiffelman

1:103 When Kids Don't Like Team Sports

1:102 Creating a Family Mission Statement with Susan Stiffelman

1:101 Climbing Hills Instead of Mountains with Susan Stiffelman

1:100 When Children Are Anxious

1:99 The Value of Parent Education with Amy Knobler

1:98 The Importance of Sleep with Heather Turgeon, MFT

1:97 When Kids Say "I'm Fine," But They're Not

1:96 Parenting With Integrity With Martha Beck

1:95 Parenting With ADHD In The Mix

1:94 Brain-Body Parenting With Dr. Mona Delahooke

1:93 The Power of Your Voice with The Brothers Koren

1:92 Making Sense of Challenging Behavior with Elaine Halligan

1:91 The Parental Brain With Dr. Rita Eichenstein

1: 90 Why Rage Happens With Susan Stiffelman

1:89 Reframing ADHD With Dr. Ned Hallowell

1:88 Recognizing The Need For Rest: With Debbie Reber

1:87 Preventing Substance Abuse In Kids With Jessica Lahey

1:86 Farmer, Hunters and Adult ADHD with Susan Stiffelman