3:27 Holding Space for Big Feelings: A Conversation with Tracy Gillett
In this insightful episode, Susan is joined by Tracy Gillett of Raised Good for an honest conversation about parenting through meltdowns—those intense emotional storms that can shake both children and caregivers. They explore what’s really happening in a child’s brain during a meltdown, why these moments are developmentally normal, and how parents can show up with compassion rather than control. They also discuss the power of repair, the myth of perfect parenting, and how to trust your instincts even when they run counter to mainstream advice. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/tracy-gillett-podcast
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16:30
3:26 Meltdowns Are Not Misbehavior: A Nervous System Perspective
In this episode, I explore one of the most challenging aspects of parenting: children’s emotional meltdowns. But meltdowns are not signs of bad behavior—they're nervous system overloads signaling distress. I unpack the neuroscience behind these moments, the difference between tantrums and meltdowns, and why staying calm is more effective than trying to reason. You'll learn why emotional expression, especially crying, is essential for healthy development, and how your own regulation is key to supporting your child. https://pages.susanstiffelman.com/meltdowns-podcast
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15:55
3:25 Let Grow with Lenore Skenazy: Why Childhood Independence Matters
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
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34:04
3:24 Raising Digitally Resilient Kids With Delaney Ruston
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
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24:48
3:23 New Ways to Approach Anxiety
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 Â
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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