Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

25. Strength-Based Parenting & Schooling for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids (with Sam Young)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:15:00 -0500

It’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle, whether at school or on the playground. Yet it's an all-too-common experience, especially for parents of bright and quirky kids.

Today's guest shares my determination to change that!

In this conversation with with Sam Young (aka “Mr. Sam”), founder of Young Scholars Academy, you'll hear about strength-based schooling, how to apply the principles at home in your parenting, and why this can be especially transformational for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kids.

RELATED RESOURCES:

👉 Young Scholars Academy (use code "DRGILA10" for 10% off!)

👉 Free Summer Camp Open House for Young Scholars Academy

ABOUT SAM YOUNG (aka "Mr. Sam")

Sam Young, M.Ed., is the Head of School at Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, virtual village that empowers gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent students to thrive!

Sam is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx presenter, keynote speaker, and a neurodivergent person himself, who has committed his life to supporting clever, quirky students to overcome the harmful deficit-based system and develop their superpowers, and lead strength-based, talent-focused lives!

👉 Website (use code "DRGILA10" for 10% off!)

👉 Facebook

👉 Instagram

👉 [FREE] The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Struggling and Start Living a Strength-Based Life

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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DISCLAIMER: All episodes of Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection) are for educational and informational purposes only. Although Dr. Gila is a licensed psychologist and certified coach, this podcast and the information discussed within the podcast do not constitute therapy, counseling, coaching, or other professional service, and are not a substitute for professional services including medical or psychological advice. Moreover, the views expressed on the podcast are those of the host and guests. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content.

Any use of this intellectual property owned by Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA) may not be used in connection with the sale or distribution of any content (free or paid, written or verbal), product, and/or service by you without prior written consent from Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA).

24. Mindfulness for Real-Life Parenting (with Hunter Clarke-Fields)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0500

Ever wondered what in the world "mindfulness" actually looks like? Or how to squeeze it into your day when you barely have time to pee?

This episode answers all of that...and more.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Hunter Clarke-Fields (aka the "Mindful Mama") for a practical, no-fluff mini masterclass on mindfulness for busy parents.

You'll hear:

What mindfulness really is (and what it’s not)
A realistic “minimum dose” of practice
Tiny ways to weave mindfulness into chaotic days
How mindfulness can help you through tantrums and meltdowns

About Hunter:

Hunter Clarke-Fields is the number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” host of the Mindful Mama Podcast, global speaker, Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Certification program. She has over 20 years of experience in meditation and yoga practices and has taught mindfulness to thousands worldwide.

👉 Website: https://www.mindfulmamamentor.com/

👉 Podcast: Mindful Mama Podcast

👉 IG: @mindfulmamamentor

👉 FB: @mindfulmamamentor

👉 Free resources

👉 Mindfulness course

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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23. Productivity Tips for Busy Parents

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0500

If you’re a single parent juggling two adults’ worth of responsibilities, this episode is for you.

In this conversation with Michelle Byrd of The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast, we talk about how to infuse productivity and joy into your day, and creating a rhythm that fits your family.

ABOUT MICHELLE BYRD:

Michelle Byrd is the host of a top ranked podcast for Christian working moms, The Busy Vibrant Mom.

Michelle provides working moms with the tools they need so they can have more time in their day and their week to pour into their families. She specializes in offering productivity hacks, time blocking, organizational systems, purposeful parenting, and time management tools.

⭐️ Get Michelle's Productivity Planner & Time Blocking Basics

⭐️ Website: www.byrdmichelle.com

⭐️ Podcast: The Busy Vibrant Mom

⭐️ IG: @thebusyvibrantmom

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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22. The Superpower Every Parent Has (And How to Use It for Good)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:45:00 -0500

There's a superpower every parent has, whether you want it or not. (Though sometimes, it can feel more like kryptonite!)

Tune into this episode to find out...

✔︎ What it is

✔︎ Why it's so powerful

✔︎ How to use it without being manipulative

✔︎ 3 specific ways to harness it for your and your child's good

Resources mentioned:

[Episode 2] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents
[Workshop] Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents Lose It, and How to Finally Break the Cycle
[Program] 💛 The Regulation Reset – a 12-week small-group program for single parents (enrollment ends February 14)

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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21. [BONUS] Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents Lose It, and How to Finally Break the Cycle

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:35:00 -0500

This bonus episode is a replay of my webinar, "Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (For single parents (and anyone who needs one))."

To watch the video of the replay, go to parentingwithconnection.com/webinar.

In this special training, you'll hear:

A common reason many single parents get stuck in the cycle of “snapping” at their kids, and then spiraling into shame.
3 Key ingredients for finally breaking that cycle.
My signature framework that helps my clients - and their kids! - understand their nervous system’s response to stress.
How this framework can help you finally be less reactive, and feel more capable of handling the tough moments in parenting (and life-ing) without “losing it” as often.

You'll also hear about The Regulation Reset - my 12-week, small-group program for single parents (and anyone who feels like one).

Enrollment is open through February 14. For more information, go to:

🔗 parentingwithconnection.com/reset

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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20. From Survival Mode to Steadier Ground after High-Conflict Divorce: Sara’s Story

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:15:00 -0500

What happens when you know how you want to handle your kids' big feelings and behaviors, but your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight?

In this episode, I’m joined by my client Sara, whose high-conflict divorce and custody battle left her struggling with the emotional and physical demands of life as a solo, working parent, and with supporting her kids through the emotional fallout.

Sara shares her journey from parenting in survival mode and "walking on eggshells" with her kids, to feeling more empowered, confident, and capable of handling the realities of solo parenting.

It's a candid, highly relatable story, with golden nuggets of insight and hope for parents navigating similar terrain.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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19. When "traditional" parenting advice and school strategies backfire

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:45:00 -0500

What do you do when “traditional” parenting and school strategies make things worse, and you're not sure what to do instead?

In this episode, I talk with Eric, dad to an awesome, autistic kiddo with a PDA profile, about what backfired for his family...and what actually helped.

You’ll hear:

How even unintended pressure can escalate kids with sensitive nervous systems
Why common behavior-based approaches can backfire.
What actually helps when a child is in fight-or-flight.
Why the most challenging, and most impactful, piece is managing your own reactivity as a parent.

While we talk specifically about PDA, the insights in this episode apply to any child whose nervous system escalates under pressure, and any parent who feels like their instincts keep backfiring.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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18. When There's No One to Tag in: Snapping, Self-Compassion, and Nonviolent Communication for Solo Parents — with Ali Miller

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:05:00 -0500

How do you balance your child's need for connection with your own need for space, especially when there's no adult to "tag in"?

That's just one of the questions we explore in this conversation with Ali Miller, a Single Mom by Choice and an expert in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

In this episode, you'll hear:

✔︎ The three essential principles of NVC, and how they apply to parenting.

✔︎ An open, vulnerable conversation about the challenges of parenting solo, including guilt, blame, resentment, and the power of self-compassion.

✔︎ Real-time coaching around one of Ali's ongoing challenges: Supporting her daughter's need for connection without entirely sacrificing her own needs.

👉 If snapping and shame spirals are a challenge for you too, my free webinar on Feb. 4 is designed with you in mind. Click here to learn more.

ABOUT ALI MILLER, MA

Ali Miller is a Single Mom by Choice, or, as she likes to call it, Sole Mom by Design. She's also an expert in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a Couples Communication Coach, and a Marriage & Family Therapist. Ali helps parents level up their communication and conflict-resolution skills so they can stop the fruitless fighting and feel closer than ever.

👉 WEBSITE: https://www.alimillercoaching.com

👉 IG: @alimillercoaching

👉 FREE: Feelings & Needs Cheatsheets

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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17. Raised by a Widow: Grief, Resilience, Community, and Connection — with Real-Life “Gilmore Girls” Marisa Corcoran and Mom, Rita Fratto

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

What’s it really like to grow up in a single-parent home shaped by grief...and deep, enduring connection?

In this special episode, I’m joined by copywriting coach Marisa Corcoran and her mom, Rita Fratto — a real-life “Gilmore Girls” duo whose story offers a powerful glimpse into widowhood, single parenting, and the long-term impact on children as they grow into adulthood.

This is an honest, inspiring - and fun! - conversation about life's unexpected lessons, community, resilience, chosen family, and the everyday moments that build a secure, loving relationship over time, without pretending that single parenting is easy or light.

ABOUT MARISA CORCORAN AND RITA FRATTO

Marisa Corcoran and Rita Fratto hail from Syracuse, New York, and consider themselves the original "Gilmore Girls."

Rita spent the majority of her career as the head of Senior Programs for The City of Syracuse as well as a Social Worker with Syracuse Housing Authority, all while being a widow and single mother.

Marisa Corcoran is the creator of The Copy Chat and Copy Confidence Society, helping business owners uncover what to say (think: words on your website, emails, and more!) to magnetically attract your dream clients.

👉 WEBSITE: MarisaCorcoran.com

👉 IG: @Mtoni

👉 FREE: 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines

👉 The Copy Confidence Society

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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16. The First Step to a More Peaceful Home

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In the words of Julie Andrews:

🎶 Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start…

Tune in to hear Dr. Gila’s take on the first step to creating a more peaceful home, with less snapping, more snuggling, and the joy and ease you crave. She explains why parent self-regulation is such a powerful place to focus, especially for single parents in the thick of it.

Related resources:

⭐️ [Episode 2] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

⭐️ [Episode 6] 2 Reasons You Can't "Calm" Your Way Out of the Hard Stuff

⭐️ [DOWNLOAD] Short Guided Meditation for Single Parents (or Anyone who Feels Like One)

👉 Love the show? Please rate and review it so others can find it too. And remember to share it with your single-parent besties!

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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15. Five Parenting Truths to Remember

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this solo episode, I share five truths I come back to again and again in my parenting and my coaching, especially with single parents who are carrying a lot and quietly wondering if they’re enough.

These are the truths I invite you to hold onto as we head into 2026, or whenever you need a grounding moment to exhale and re-center. And if that feels hard right now, I’m happy to hold them for you.

👉 Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please share with your single-parent friends.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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14. Nervous System First Aid: A Gentle Practice with somatic psychotherapist Meg Tobin

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This week's episode is a special gift to help you through the winter holiday season, or any other stressful season of your life.

Somatic psychotherapist, and my dear friend, Meg Tobin, LMHC, guides us through a tapping (EFT) tutorial and practice to soothe your nervous system, including modifications and suggestions to fit your unique needs.

If you’re brand new to tapping, this episode is a gentle, no-pressure introduction.

If you’ve tried it before and thought, “Yeah… not for me,” you might be surprised by how flexible and customizable it can be.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

A primer on what tapping (EFT) is, and how it helps you move through the prickly feelings.
How to use tapping to support yourself and your kids.
Simple modifications if tapping feels overstimulating or awkward.
The key to crafting personal affirmations that work.
A live, guided tapping practice for anyone feeling alone or unsupported.

Related resources:

⭐️ [Free gift from Meg] 5-Day Nervous System Reset (Use code: DRGILA)

⭐️ [Ep. 2] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

About Meg Tobin, LMHC:

Meg Tobin, LMHC, is a somatic psychotherapist and nervous system strategist who helps women reconnect with their bodies, release old patterns, and live from a place of deep inner safety.

Meg's work blends psychotherapy, somatic practice, and sacred journeying, including ketamine-assisted experiences, and transformational retreats in Puerto Rico and Ireland. Known for her real-talk wisdom and calming presence, Meg supports women through big life transitions, trauma, grief, burnout, and healing the parts of themselves that have been holding it all together for too long.

Meg believes healing doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real, honest, and rooted in the body.

👉 WEBSITE: https://www.breathingspacepsychotherapy.com/

👉 INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @breathingspacepsych

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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13. 10 Tips for the Winter Holidays and Break

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Winter break can bring joy, pressure, and a whole lot of overwhelm, especially for single parents.

This episode shares 10 realistic tips to help you navigate the holiday season with less stress and more connection. It focuses on why this time of year can feel harder, how to anticipate challenges before they spiral, and what actually helps when routines, emotions, and expectations collide.

You’ll hear:

How to set yourself and your child up for success
Ways to reduce power struggles and sensory overload
How to support big feelings without fixing or forcing
Why connection matters more than perfect plans
How to find glimmers of joy without chasing perfection

Related resources:

⭐️ Join the free Facebook community, also called, Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

⭐️ Download the free meltdown guide for single parents.

⭐️ Being Playful When You're Running on Fumes, with Mia Wisinski

👉 Love the show? Please rate and review it so others can find it too. And remember to share it with your single-parent besties!

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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12. Screens: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything, with Ash Brandin

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Stressed about screen time? (Who isn't?!) What you're about to hear might surprise you...and make this topic feel a lot less scary.

In this episode, I'm joined by Ash Brandin, EdS, aka TheGamerEducator and author of the bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family," for an eye-opening conversation that may just change how you think about screens.

You'll hear:

Why screen-time conflicts feel so charged, and the mindset shifts that instantly lower the temperature.
What most parents miss about their kids’ relationship with screens.
Why common screen-time strategies can backfire, and what works better.
Practical ways to build healthier tech skills without shame, fear, or power struggles.

Resources:

⭐️ Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family, by Ash Brandin

⭐️ The Burnt Toast Guide to Division of Responsibility, by Virginia Sole-Smith

About Ash Brandin

Ash Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family.

Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques.

Ash has appeared on podcasts including Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, and Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR.

Their bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family" debuted in August, 2025.

👉 WEB: thegamereducator.com

👉 IG: @thegamereducator

👉 SUBSTACK: thegamereducator.substack.com

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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11. Being Playful When You're Running on Fumes, with Mia Wisinski

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

If the idea of “being playful” with your kid makes you want to crawl into a cave, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m talking with Mia Wisinski from Playful Heart Parenting, who has a seemingly endless bucket of low-effort, high-connection ideas for sneaking silliness into the cracks of real-life parenting… even when you’re wiped.

In this episode:

Why play feels so hard for so many of us adults (including me!).
How to tap into even the tiniest spark of silliness when you're running on fumes.
Why playfulness can actually save you time, energy, and headaches.
Simple ideas you can try today...from your couch!

And yes… there will be fart noises. Consider yourself warned.

Related resources:

⭐️ FREE Play Break Bingo from Playful Heart Parenting

About Mia and Playful Heart Parenting

Mia is a theater educator, performer, songwriter, and more — but her favorite role by far is being Mommy to Zal and Novi, and “Mama Mia” (stepmom) to Aliya.

Mia is deeply passionate about play, creativity, and laughter. Since starting Playful Heart Parenting in 2023, she's connected with hundreds of thousands of parents who are looking to bring more lightness, humor, and connection into everyday life.

Her mission is simple: to help families create more joyful, meaningful moments through laughter — even on the busiest days and in the hardest seasons.

👉 WEBSITE: http://www.playfulheartparenting.com/

👉 INSTAGRAM: @playfulheartparenting

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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10. Is Gratitude Overrated?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Have you had "start gratitude practice" on your to-do list for years, or get eye rolls every time you try it with your kid?

You're not alone, my friend!

In this solo episode, I dig into why gratitude can be powerful, why it sometimes backfires, and what to do instead, especially for single parents raising spirited or neurodivergent kids.

You’ll hear:

✅ When and how gratitude practices help “train your brain” (and the key ingredient for success).

⚠️ Common pitfalls (think: toxic positivity) and barriers, and what to do instead.

🌱 Simple, realistic alternatives that create similar benefits.

💡 Practical ideas for you and your kids.

❤️ I also share a special message of gratitude for you, dear listener. So make sure you catch the end of the episode!

👉 Enjoying the podcast? I'd love if you'd share it with a friend or leave a quick rating or review. It truly helps the show reach more single parents (and anyone who feels like one!).

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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9. Power Struggles with Neurodivergent Kids: Beyond the Battles, with Dr. Danika Maddocks

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Why does your kid push back so hard, even over simple stuff? And how can you break free of these battles so life doesn't feel like a trek through molasses?

Power struggles may be the bane of your existence, but they're also a glimpse into your kid's brain. Join me, Dr. Gila, and my guest, Dr. Danika Maddocks, an expert in parenting gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) kids, for a deep dive into this incredibly common (and incredibly frustrating!) parenting challenge.

In this episode:

What power struggles are actually telling you about your child’s needs (and their nervous system).
Why gifted, 2e, and neurodivergent kids may push back harder and more often, even when they “know better.”
The common piece of parenting advice that often backfires, and what to do instead.
One small phrase that can defuse tension and model emotional flexibility.

Related resources:

⭐️ From Dr. Danika Maddocks: Reduce Power Struggles with Your Gifted/2e Kid

⭐️ From Dr. Gila: The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

About Dr. Danika Maddocks

Dr. Danika Maddocks is a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab. She helps parents let go of standard parenting advice – that doesn’t work and often makes things worse - and build a unique family life that actually works for their kid and themselves. Her approach is rooted in the neurodiversity paradigm and is informed by 15+ years of supporting gifted/2e families as a teacher, therapist, researcher, and consultant - plus personal experiences growing up gifted, recognizing her own twice-exceptionality, and raising a young gifted/2e kid.

👉 WEBSITE: https://www.giftedlearninglab.com/

👉 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/giftedlearninglab/

👉 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/giftedlearninglab

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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8. Aggression Reframed: 3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know, with Tosha Schore

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

If you’ve ever been scared by your child's aggressive behaviors, or hopeless that things will ever change, this episode is for you.

Join me for a chat with Tosha Schore about:

The 3 things every parent needs to understand about aggression in kids
What aggression is really telling you
How to interrupt the shame-and-secrecy cycle
A first step to help you feel less stuck and more connected

Resources:

⭐️ Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges, by Patty Wipfler and Tosha Schore.

⭐️ FREE from Tosha: The 10-Day Reconnect

Connect with Tosha:

Tosha Schore is dedicated to empowering parents and the professionals who support them. As the founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully, creator of the Out With Aggression program, and author of Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges, she has equipped thousands of parents and professionals with tools to transform challenging behaviors.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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7. Why Kids "Lose It": What's Beneath the Big Behaviors

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tantrums, and meltdowns, and rages...oh my! Big behaviors mean big stress for the whole family.

If you’re tired of walking on eggshells, wondering when and why your kid is going to "lose it," this episode is for you.

Dr. Gila breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when kids have big reactions, and how understanding those moments can transform the way you respond. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what your child’s behavior is trying to tell you, and what you can do to help when emotions run high.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

Why big feelings and big behaviors don't mean your child is a "bad kid"
What’s happening inside your child when big behaviors erupt
The simple mindset shifts that helps you stay grounded when things get hard
Three important things to know about strong-willed kids
Two things to work on so you can support your child, reduce big behavior episodes, and help them build the crucial skill of self-regulation.

👉 Download the free companion guide: The Single Parent's Guide to Understanding Challenging Behaviors.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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6. 2 Reasons You Can't "Calm" Your Way Out of the Hard Stuff

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

You’ve done the deep breathing and tried every self-regulation trick in the book...So why does single-parenting still feel so freaking hard?!

In this episode, Dr. Gila shares two often overlooked pieces of the puzzle, and why a parent's self-regulation, while essential, isn’t the whole answer (especially when single-parenting a strong-willed or neurodivergent child!).

Tune in to hear:

• The limits of self-regulation (and why that’s not your fault)

• How to find acceptance without giving up hope

• The missing “kid piece” that changes everything

Resources mentioned in this episode:

👉 Free guide: Tantrums and Meltdowns and Rages, Oh My! The Single Parent’s Guide to Understanding Challenging Behaviors.

👉 Episode 2: Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

👉 Episode 3: Parent burnout: Radical shifts to survive and thrive, with Amanda Diekman

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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5. Raising securely attached kids in single-parent families, with Aurisha Smolarski

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Can kids form secure attachments in single-parent families? Or are they..."screwed"?

In this compassionate conversation, I chat with therapist, mediator, and award-winning author, Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT, to answer the quiet fear that nearly every single parent has.

We unpack attachment theory and resilience (without the jargon!), and how to help kids feel safe and seen, even when co-parenting is hard or non-existent.

You’ll hear us explore:

What secure attachment really looks like (beyond buzzwords).
Whether a child needs two healthy parent relationships to thrive.
The effects of missteps in parenting.
How to validate your child’s experience without bad-mouthing the other parent.
The connection-building moments that move the needle most.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

⭐️ Dr. Gila's step-by-step guide to modeling the art of apology and repair with your kids.

⭐️ Aurisha's "What's Your Communication Style?" Quiz

Connect with Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT:

Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, mediator, and mother, with a clinical practice in Los Angeles, CA. She is the award winning author of Cooperative Co-Parenting for Secure Kids: The Attachment Theory Guide to Raising Kids in Two Homes.

As a co-parent herself, Aurisha is very familiar with the challenges faced by parents raising kids in two households. For more than 15 years, she has drawn on attachment theory and other modalities to help clients move from conflict to cooperation, make child-centered agreements, and create a secure co-parenting two-home family system. She has been featured in Vogue, Newsweek, Huffington Post, Parents, and the Divorce and Beyond Podcast among many other media outlets.

WEBSITE: http://www.cooperativecounselingcenter.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/coop

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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4. Communicating with a Difficult Ex, with Jill Kaufman

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex is exhausting, especially when you still have to coordinate about your kids. In this conversation, I’m joined by therapist and divorce coach Jill Kaufman, creator of Thriving Through Divorce and author of I’m Getting Divorced, Now What?. We talk about practical ways to lower the drama, protect your peace, and keep the focus on your child — starting with a simple, powerful framework for communication that actually moves things forward.

Connect with Jill Kaufman:

Jill Kaufman is a Therapist, Divorce Coach, Mediator & Co-parenting Expert. After going through her own difficult divorce, she made it her life’s mission to help others not have it so tough. Her book, online course and transformative group coaching program help parents navigate the overwhelming process of divorce both emotionally and strategically with less stress, more confidence and a greater sense of peace.

FREE Guide: 8 Guidelines for Supporting Kids Through Your Separation and Divorce Process

WEBSITE: www.divorcecoachjill.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoachjill/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jill.kaufman.353

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkaufman/

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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3. Parent burnout: Radical shifts to survive and thrive, with Amanda Diekman

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Parent burnout is real, and it’s not just about being tired. In this powerful conversation with Low-Demand Parenting author Amanda Diekman, we explore what parent burnout really means, and how to find your way back to yourself.

If you’ve been running on empty or wondering how to keep going when you’re already at your limit, this one’s for you.

Connect with Amanda Diekman:

Amanda is a late diagnosed PDA autistic adult, parent coach, and author of the book Low Demand Parenting, published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children, offering a variety of online courses. She is the host of Low Demand Parenting podcast. She lives with her husband and three neurodivergent children in an intentional community in Durham, NC.

WEBSITE: www.amandadiekman.com

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lowdemandamanda/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lowdemandamanda/

PODCAST: Low-Demand Parenting

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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2. Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Snapping at your kids more than you’d like? Or do they keep "losing it," with tantrums and meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere and leave you walking on eggshells?

In this episode, I share my signature framework for understanding emotion regulation (for both you and your child). It’s a simple visual and a powerful tool for kids and adults alike. And it just might change how you see yourself and your child.

For your free guide to understanding tantrums and meltdowns, go to www.singleparentingwithconnection.com.

And if you or your kiddo struggle to “keep your cool,” click here to book a call to learn how I can help.

If you found this helpful, remember to…

👉 follow the show,

👉 share with your single-parent besties,

👉 and rate and review it, so other deserving parents can find it too! ❤️

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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1. You Belong Here. ❤️ (Welcome + Season 1 Preview)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to your shame-free corner of the podcast world: A space for single parents (or anyone who feels like one) to feel seen and supported as you navigate this beautifully bumpy journey. Whether you're raising a strong-willed, spirited, or neurodivergent kid, or you're simply craving validation, guidance, and community, you're in the right place.

In this premiere episode of the podcast:

Discover what this podcast is (compassionate, science-backed support) and isn’t (control-based parenting tips, judgmental language, or “just tag your partner in” advice that doesn't fit your messy reality).
Meet me, Dr. Gila (rhymes with tequila), psychologist-turned-coach and perfectly imperfect single mom. I'll share a bit about my personal and professional journey, what I've learned, and why I decided to launch this show, just for you.
Hear foundational mindsets and messages to support your single-parenting journey.
Preview Season 1 topics (you're going to love it!).

I value your feedback, truly. Send questions and guest/topic ideas to hello@drgilaparenting.com

And if you love the episode and are excited to hear more, please

👉 follow the show,

👉 share with your single-parent besties,

👉 and rate and review it, so other deserving parents can find it too! ❤️

www.singleparentingwithconnection.com

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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0. Trailer: 🌱 Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection): The podcast for single parents (and anyone who feels like one).

👉 Divorced, widowed, solo by choice, partnered but doing it all yourself, or somewhere in between? You’re in the right place.

👉 Parenting a strong-willed, spirited, or neurodivergent kid? I’ve got you.

I’m your host, Dr. Gila (rhymes with tequila). I'm a single mom myself, a certified parenting coach, psychologist and neuropsychologist, and speaker and educator. And I'm deeply passionate about supporting single parents like you.

I know how messy and lonely this can feel, and the transformative power of community. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite you to listen in each week, for honest stories, science-backed, shame-free support, and practical tools to stop walking on eggshells and enjoy parenting more (at least some of the time!).

What to expect:

✨ Solo episodes with relatable stories + practical tips

✨ Expert interviews on co-parenting, burnout, power struggles…and more!

✨ Real stories from single parents who get it

🎧 New episodes drop on Tuesdays, starting September 30.

❤️ Subscribe and share with a friend who could use some compassion.

👉 Click here to sign up for updates and weekly inspo.

🗓️ Ready for personalized support? Book a consult.

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❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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