Parenting Without Power Struggles

Author: Susan Stiffelman

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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Language: en

Genres: Health & Fitness, Kids & Family, Mental Health

Contact email: Get it

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3:46 "I Didn't Mean to Say That!"
Friday, 20 February, 2026

In this episode, Susan explores why we sometimes react in ways that don't match our intentions. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems, she encourages parents to view those moments as protective parts taking over—and reminds us that our steady, wise Self is never far away. How understanding your own parts helps you respond more calmly to your child's activated parts. Why intellectual understanding (attachment, neuroscience, regulation) isn't always enough in charged moments. A simple in-the-moment reframe that creates space for your steadier "captain" self to return. Visit this page for transcript