Parenting Without Power Struggles

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 play and after-school activities. Their conversation also touched on the challenges of screen time, the benefits of self-care for parents, and the value of allowing children to contribute to family life and experience real-world interactions. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/lenore-skenazy-podcast

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 without fear of punishment. Susan and Delaney stress the power of presence, connection, and emotional safety as the bedrock of digital-era parenting. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/delaney-ruston-podcast

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

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 understanding matter more than "fixing" the anxiety itself. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/anxiety-maggie-podcast

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

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 and compassionate interactions. By integrating IFS principles, parents can step into a more centered, calm, and connected role with their children. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/tammy-sollenberger-podcast

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 relationships. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/why-kids-lie-podcast

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 their ADHD children to thrive. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/flip-the-script-adhd-podcast

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 share how sibling conflict can be an opportunity for children to develop crucial skills like empathy and self-expression. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/sibling-harmony

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 steady during challenging moments. https://susanstiffelman.com/handling-defiance-podcast-episode/