Parenting Without Power Struggles

Follow Parenting Without Power Struggles
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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 will feature conversations with guests including Dr. Jane Goodall,…

Susan Stiffelman


    • Sep 17, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 139 EPISODES

    4.7 from 262 ratings Listeners of Parenting Without Power Struggles that love the show mention: spanking, thank you susan, parenting, parents, saving, children, thank you thank, calm, life changing, books, warm, immediately, love hearing, mom, felt, kids, grateful, support, thoughtful, women.


    Ivy Insights

    The Parenting Without Power Struggles podcast is an excellent resource for parents seeking guidance and support in their parenting journey. Hosted by Susan Stiffelman, this podcast offers valuable insights, practical advice, and a wealth of resources for parents looking to improve their communication and connection with their children. The focus on the parent's perspective and self-reflection resonates deeply with listeners, making it a relatable and safe space for learning and growth.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Susan's vast knowledge, experience, and connections to other professionals in the field. She brings in a wide variety of brilliant guests who provide unique perspectives and valuable insights on parenting. The conversations are engaging and informative, leaving listeners with new perspectives and ideas about parenting. Additionally, Susan provides great resources and book suggestions from her guests that further enrich the learning experience.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the non-judgmental approach taken by both Susan and her guests. They acknowledge that parenting can be challenging, but they offer practical solutions without judgment or shame. This creates a safe space for parents to learn and grow without feeling criticized or overwhelmed. The episodes are filled with empathy, understanding, and encouragement, which makes them highly relatable to parents who may be struggling.

    One potential downside of this podcast is that some listeners may find it repetitive if they have already read Susan's books or listened to previous episodes. While repetition can be helpful for reinforcement, it may not provide new information for those already familiar with her work. However, even for repeat listeners or readers of her books, there are always nuggets of wisdom to be gained from each episode.

    In conclusion, The Parenting Without Power Struggles podcast is an invaluable resource for parents seeking support in their parenting journey. Susan Stiffelman's expertise combined with her empathetic approach creates a safe space for learning and growth as a parent. With insightful conversations, practical advice, and a wealth of resources, this podcast is a must-listen for any parent looking to improve their communication and connection with their children.



    Search for episodes from Parenting Without Power Struggles with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Parenting Without Power Struggles

    3:14 The Work and Parenting with Byron Katie

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 10:49


    In this episode, Susan shares an excerpt from a past session with Byron Katie, whose self-inquiry method, The Work, has deeply influenced her parenting approach. Katie's process helps parents question and shift stressful beliefs to improve their relationships with their children. Susan invites listeners to join her class with Katie to learn more about these transformative techniques. https://go.susanstiffelman.com/byron-katie-class-podcast

    3:12 Helping Kids Become Resilient Adults With Julie Lythcott-Haims

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 42:53


    In this episode, Susan talks with Julie Lythcott-Haims about the challenges of parenting, particularly as children transition into adulthood. They discuss the ways in which parents' roles evolve as their children grow, and the importance of parents modeling healthy adult behavior for their children. Julie describes the ultimate goal of parenting as raising independent and resilient adults who can thrive on their own. https://susanstiffelman.com/julie-lythcott-haims-young-adult-podcast/

    3:12 Restless and Fidgety Kids with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 16:46


    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 natural developmental needs. Susan suggests practical strategies for parents and schools to support children, such as incorporating brief movement breaks and providing tools for fidgeting. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-fidgety-kids

    3:11 Attachment Instincts with Gabor Mate, MD

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 13:09


    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, emphasizing the need for parents to maintain primary attachment with their children. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/gabor-mate-podcast-episode

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 25:15


    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 explore the importance of slowing down in today's fast-paced world, the need for rest as a sacred act, and the significance of mental and emotional well-being. Robyn shares practical tips and anecdotes to prioritize self-care and embrace a more mindful approach to life. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/robyn-posin-podcast-episode

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 12:22


    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. Dan also explains the concept of neuroplasticity, offering hope that parents can reshape their brains to become more integrated and resilient. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-generational-healing

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 19:49


    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 addressing these struggles and the need for  vulnerable discussions with partners. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-new-baby

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 27:07


    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 and role-plays a scenario to help this parent communicate for effectively with their kids. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/boundaries-two-houses-podcast

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 22:02


    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 express fears while remaining clear and relaxed. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/helping-child-travel-podcast

    3:5 Parenting a Young Adult with ADHD

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 26:20


    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

    3:4 Exploring Ancestral Anger with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 21:04


    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 the build up of rage when it makes its next appearance with her child. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/podcast-ancestral-anger

    3:3 Support for a Struggling Middle Child with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 22:27


    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

    3:2 Helping Kids Take Medicine with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 24:22


    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 medical care they need. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/taking-medicine-podcast

    3:1 Coaching With Susan: Encouraging Friendly Sibling Interactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 21:35


    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 child. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/coaching-podcast-friendly-siblings

    2:11 Catching Your Breath

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 14:40


    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

    2:10 Five Principles of Parenting with Aliza Pressman

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 23:53


    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 is a natural part of being human. http://pages.susanstiffelman.com/aliza-pressman-podcast-episode

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 23:53


    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/

    2:8 Learning to be Captain of the Ship

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 16:16


    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/

    2:7 Helping Kids Cope With Frustration

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 15:09


    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/

    2:6 Setting Screen Time Limits

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 15:05


    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/

    2:5 Jack Kornfield & Trudy Goodman: Being Present

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 9:56


    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 that all will enjoy!

    2:4 Dr. Tina Bryson, Responding to Limits

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 10:08


    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.

    2:3 Tiffany Shlain Summit Preview: Tech Shabbat

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 9:38


    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.

    2:2 Dr. Anna Lembke Summit Preview: Dopamine and Screen-Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 9:35


    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.

    2:1 Contingent Communication with Dan Siegel

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2023 9:11


    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.

    1:111 Calming the Chaos with Dayna Abraham

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 27:47


    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/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 13:14


    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/

    1:110 Nurturing Children's Expressiveness with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 14:05


    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/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 15:57


    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/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 42:10


    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. 

    1: 107 Raising Healthy Teens With Dr. Lisa Damour

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 38:15


    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/

    Raising Sensitive Children with Susan Stiffelman, MFT

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 15:15


    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/

    1:105 When Children Are Aggressive

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 13:42


    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/

    1:104 Making Long Term Change with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2023 15:28


    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/

    1:103 When Kids Don't Like Team Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 11:59


    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/

    1:102 Creating a Family Mission Statement with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 11:56


    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/

    1:101 Climbing Hills Instead of Mountains with Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 16:46


    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/

    1:100 When Children Are Anxious

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 22:02


    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 and build resilience. https://susanstiffelman.com/when-children-are-anxious-podcast-episode/

    1:99 The Value of Parent Education with Amy Knobler

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 22:19


    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/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 16:09


    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 talks with Heather Turgeon, MFT about the why's and how's of good sleep practices. https://susanstiffelman.com/heather-turgeon-podcast-episode/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 15:17


    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 us when they're hurting. https://susanstiffelman.com/when-kids-say-im-fine-but-theyre-not/

    1:96 Parenting With Integrity With Martha Beck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 34:12


    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/

    1:95 Parenting With ADHD In The Mix

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 19:14


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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 36:07


    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 in helping children cope with sensory overwhelm, frustration, and disappointment. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-mona-delahooke/

    body brain parenting delahooke brain body parenting
    1:93 The Power of Your Voice with The Brothers Koren

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 17:01


    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 miss! https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-brothers-koren/

    1:92 Making Sense of Challenging Behavior with Elaine Halligan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 37:35


    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 misbehavior. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-elaine-halligan/

    1:90 The Parental Brain With Dr. Rita Eichenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 39:31


    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/

    Why Rage Happens With Susan Stiffelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 13:55


    1:89 Reframing ADHD With Dr. Ned Hallowell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 19:06


    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 their own lives in positive ways. https://susanstiffelman.com/podcast-episode-ned-hallowell/

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 31:13


    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 about disappointing others by saying “No”, you'll hear some great suggestions in this conversation. https://susanstiffelman.com/debbie-reber-rest-podcast-episode/

    1:87 Preventing Substance Abuse In Kids With Jessica Lahey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 35:19


    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/

    Claim Parenting Without Power Struggles

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel