

Parenting The Adlerian Way
Alyson Schafer
Join internationally acclaimed parenting expert Alyson Schafer every Monday as she answers your parenting questions. Without judgement and backed with easily understandable theory and research, she’ll offer up actionable solutions you can implement immediately. Alyson puts the “sense" back into "common sense parenting" with her warm, inspiring and informed Adlerian approach. Alyson is the author of three best selling parenting books with HarperCollinsCanada including; “Breaking The Good Mom Myth” “Honey, I Wrecked The Kids” and Ain't Misbehavin’” and the go-to expert for national media outlets.Send Alyson your parenting question to alyson@alysonschafer.com with #AskAlyson in the subject line or to @alysonschafer on any of her social media platforms. Questions will be answered anonymously. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 33min
207: The Importance Of Showing Our Children That Work Is Joyful
This is a must-listen episode if you are a working parent. I spoke with Bree Groff, the author of the book “Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)”. Her mission is to illuminate the need for parents to model a positive attitude about being a working parent and the role work has in our life because our children are watching very closely. She reminds us that “when you overwork, your kids pay the price. It’s one thing for you to willingly overwork and pay the price yourself, it’s quite another to take the payments for it out of someone else’s bank account.” You can find her book here: Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously).**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 2025 • 47min
206: How The Icelandic Art of Intuition Known As Innsaei Can Transform Your Parenting
This was a fascinating conversation with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir whose TED talk, documentary and book have opened our eyes to a new concept of what intuition is, and how and why we need to plug into its potential. She shares her personal story of working at the UN after the war in Kosovo and the disconnection she felt along with her journey back to the Icelandic concept of Innseai. In this episode we discuss parenting with innsaei: intuitive listening, how to model emotional openness, the need to create space for stillness, foster creative freedom and connecting our kids and ourselves with nature. Listen to Hrund’s TED TalkCheck out her documentaryHer book Innsaei: Heal, Revive and Reset with the Icelandic Art of Intuition **********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
205: Parenting Q & A with Alyson Schafer
Q1. Should my 18yr old son who is going into the trades and starting a paid 20mo apprenticeship be charged rent while living at home?Q2.15 yr old boy with major truancy issues for the past three years. How do I handle?Q3. Toddler who has experienced trauma has outbursts and bangs their head. **********Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Check out more free parenting advice on my blog at www.alysonschafer.com Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive a free “Home Responsibilities by Age” checklist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2025 • 37min
204: Raising Generous Kids Through Charitable Giving
In this episode, I’m joined by John Bromley to explore how we can foster social awareness and generosity in our children through charitable giving.We dive into the concept of a charitable allowance—a practical way to teach kids how to give with intention and empathy. John shares insights on how parents can equip children to become thoughtful givers by involving them in the giving process from an early age.We also discuss:the power of modeling generosity as a parent.why recognition and feedback are key when kids show (or miss) opportunities to be generous.practical ways to nurture empathy and social interest in everyday life.Join us for a thoughtful conversation about raising kids who care about others—and are empowered to make a difference!Connect with John here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearecharitable/mycompany/ https://x.com/wearecharitable https://www.instagram.com/wearecharitable/ **********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2025 • 46min
203: Help For Those Who Have Trouble Making and Enforcing Boundaries!
Are you too kind? Are you a nice person who has trouble setting boundaries in your relationships, including with your children? If that is you, then check out this episode. I interviewed Jennifer Febel who is the author of “How to Set Boundaries (without feeling like a d*ck)”. She and I talked about what a boundary actually is, and the hurdles we need to overcome in order to set and enforce them. Jennifer shares the beauty of their purpose as well as how to start by delving into your own self-discovery. You can find Jennifer’s book here: How to Set Boundaries (without feeling like a d*ck) You can learn more about Jennifer and her services at:www.btgwellness.com**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2025 • 27min
202: “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World” With Dr Jean Twenge
Dr Twenge’s latest book is a must read for parents who are overwhelmed by managing their children’s tech. We discuss the research behind the 10 rules she outlines in her book, as well as how to address the likely pushback from your kids, and the pragmatic action steps for implementation. This book is just what every family needs. Dr Twenge also shares about the new digital landscape and the hurdles that she and other parents face in managing kids, and she also offers a clear path forward. Do not miss this episode! Dr Jean’s Twenge’s book “Ten Rules for Raising Kids In a High-Tech World” can be found here:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/10-Rules-for-Raising-Kids-in-a-High-Tech-World/Jean-M-Twenge/9781668099995OR https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Raising-Kids-High-Tech-World/dp/1668099993Follow Dr Jean Twenge here: www.JeanTwenge.comX.com @jean_twenge**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2025 • 27min
201: Parenting Q & A with Alyson Schafer
Q1. Boy/girl twins placed in the same class and already bickering over what the teacher said, who’s following the teacher’s instructions better etc… Q2. Teen athlete is not eating breakfast or lunch, not enough water, and then throwing off the evening schedule by eating right after school. Q3. Child in daycare is potty trained, eats everything and very co-operative, but at home they have accidents, are a picky eater and won’t listen. **********Looking for more Adlerian wisdom? Check out The Daily Adler NewsletterDo you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Check out more free parenting advice on my blog at www.alysonschafer.com Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive a free “Home Responsibilities by Age” checklist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
200: Celebrating My 200th Episode With Canadian Comedian Jessica Holmes and Her Fearless Journey To Overcoming Depression and Becoming A Mental Health Advocate!
Jessica Holmes is an internationally recognized comedian who has opened for such big names as Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and Jerry Seinfeld. Yet, she still struggled with depression. In this episode she courageously tells her story and shares how we can all be aware of the grips that depression can have and ways to cope and overcome it. An inspiring conversation!www.Jessicaholmes.com IG @happyfunholmesFB https://facebook.com/HappyFunHolmes LinkedIn: Jessica Holmes **********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 18, 2025 • 27min
199: “The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn” With Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie
Parenting infants is a high demand job, and the single most important thing new parents can do is to establish a deep emotional bond. In this episode Dr Joanna and I discuss how exactly to go about that, as well as the things that can get in the way. We talk about maternal mental health, father bonding, breast vs bottle, bed sharing and much more! To get a copy of her book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn Listen to her podcast here: “Pediatrics on Call” Follow her on social media at:IG @jopargalinkiemdLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-parga-57133923/And her website is: www.jpbelinkiemd.com**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 8, 2025 • 40min
198: Giving New Grads and Young Adults The Support They Need To Launch and Thrive
We often overlook the important transition from having been a student your whole life, to addressing the question of “what’s next?”. This is a time of self-discovery like never before. Hillary Spiritos joins me on the podcast to talk about this unique phase of life and her “Bat Outta Hell” coaching company with her model and method for helping this cohort challenge themselves to look deep and see if the choices they are making are from their authentic selves that is blossoming or are they still following the pressure of parents, peers, and society. A fascinating conversation!Learn more about her coaching programs on her website:Website: https://batouttahell.net/ Follow her on social media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bat.outta_hell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bat.outta_hell**********Thank you to FeedSpot for selecting “Parenting the Adlerian Way” as the #1 parenting podcast in Canada!Do you have a parenting question for me? Send it to hello@alysonschafer.com and I’ll answer (anonymously) on an upcoming Q&A podcast.Sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.alysonschafer.com and receive my “Responsibilities By Age” pdf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


