Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

Dr. Gila
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Single-parenting in a world that’s not designed for you or your beautifully complex kid? Now, there’s a podcast that is! Welcome to Single-Parenting with Connection, NOT Perfection: Your go-to source for science-backed, heart-centered support that honors your messy reality. Join me, Dr. Gila, single mom and psychologist-turned-coach, for relatable stories, inspiring interviews, and practical tools to help you stop walking on eggshells and start actually enjoying parenthood. It’s the support you crave, without the emotional landmines. (And I promise I’ll never tell you to “just tag your partner in”!) Whether you’re divorced, widowed, single mom by choice or single dad by choice, or somewhere in between — or if you just feel like you’re doing it all on your own — you’re in the right place. Go to parentingwithconnection.com for free resources. 

  1. 1d ago

    2.1 - Back-to-School Tips with Scotti Weintraub

    Back-to-school season is here! And for parents of complex kids, the new notebooks and backpacks often come with a side of anxiety and angst. This week I'm joined by Scotti Weintraub, host of the Unlocking School Success podcast, to talk about tips for setting you and your kids setting up a thriving new year. You'll hear: The low-lift inventory that tells you more about last year than any report card (and why your kid is the best source)How to reach out to a new teacher so it lands as partnership, not a list of demandsThe tip that keeps you from firehosing the teacher on day oneHow to send that email even when part of you is scared of being "that parent"...and more. RELATED EPISODES: 🎙️ 34. Supporting Your Neurodivergent Learner at School and at Home (with Dr. Emily King) 🎙️ 25. Strength-Based Parenting & Schooling for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids (with Sam Young) ABOUT SCOTTI Scotti Weintraub, MA, founder of Reframe Parenting, is a parent coach, school navigator, problem-solver, and podcast host. Parenting her own 2 teens has taught her about unexpected things like anxiety, ADHD, learning disabilities, and the exhausting process of advocating with schools. She helps other parents through the noise, understand what their child’s needs really are, and finally feel confident walking into school conversations that used to feel impossible. 👉 Website: www.reframeparenting.com 👉 Podcast: Unlocking School Success 👉 IG | Threads 👉 Free resource: The School Support Superpower Quiz ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ❤️ Enrollment is open for Coaching Circles! Only 3 spots per Circle. 👉 parentingwithconnection.com/circles ❤️ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    2.1 - Back-to-School Tips with Scotti Weintraub

  2. 6d ago

    [Encore] Supporting Your Neurodivergent Learner at School and at Home (with Dr. Emily King)

    An encore episode, just in time for back-to-school season! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide ********************* If you can't reach 'em, you can't teach 'em. That's true whether we're talking about math class or tying shoes. No one knows this more than Dr. Emily King, a school psychologist, child psychologist, and author of the upcoming book The Neurodivergent Learner. In this episode, we dig into why the system was never really designed for kids like yours, and what that means for you at home and at school. You'll hear... Why your kid struggles in traditional school systemsWhat skill readiness actually looks like, and how to stop pushing at the wrong momentWhy kids lose skills they already have, and when to worry vs. waitHow to talk to your child's teacher in ways that actually move things forwardWhy academic achievement and "success" are not the same thing RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 The Neurodivergent Learner (available for pre-order) 👉 Learn with Dr. Emily, on Substack (30-day free trial) RELATED EPISODES: 🎙️ 25. Strength-Based Parenting & Schooling for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids (with Sam Young) 🎙️ 28. Executive Functioning: The brain skills behind your kid's "lazy" or "difficult" behavior (with Carrie Bonnett) ABOUT DR. EMILY Dr. Emily King is a Child Psychologist and former School Psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent children and teens for over 20 years. Dr. Emily hosts the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, and is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators. Dr. Emily’s new book, THE NEURODIVERGENT LEARNER, is available for pre-order. 👉 www.learnwithdremily.com 👉 Substack | Podcast 👉 Instagram | Facebook | YouTube ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

  3. Aug 4

    [Encore] The 3 Kinds of Boundaries (And Why Mixing Them Up Makes Parenting Harder)

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide Boundaries! Parents talk about this A LOT. But are we actually talking about the same thing? In this episode, Dr. Gila breaks down the three distinct concepts that get lumped together into the term "boundaries," and why getting clear on the difference isn't just semantic. In this episode: The difference between boundaries, limits, and expectations...and why it matters.The key ingredients for boundaries that work.How to increase cooperation without compromising connection.What to ask yourself when you're not sure whether to "hold a boundary." Related resources: ⭐️ Episode 7. Why Kids "Lose It": What's Beneath the Big Behaviors ⭐️ Episode 9. Power Struggles with Neurodivergent Kids: Beyond the Battles, with Dr. Danika Maddocks ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    [Encore] The 3 Kinds of Boundaries (And Why Mixing Them Up Makes Parenting Harder)

  4. Jul 28

    [Encore] Parent burnout: Radical shifts to survive and thrive, with Amanda Diekman

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    [Encore] Parent burnout: Radical shifts to survive and thrive, with Amanda Diekman

  5. Jul 21

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

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

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

  6. Jul 14

    [Encore] Power Struggles with Neurodivergent Kids: Beyond the Battles, with Dr. Danika Maddocks

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide 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 Dr. Gila and her 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    [Encore] Power Struggles with Neurodivergent Kids: Beyond the Battles, with Dr. Danika Maddocks

  7. Jul 7

    [Encore] Being Playful When You're Running on Fumes, with Mia Wisinski

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide If the idea of “being playful” with your kid makes you want to crawl into a cave, this episode is for you. In this episode, Dr. Gila talks 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. You'll hear: 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    [Encore] Being Playful When You're Running on Fumes, with Mia Wisinski

  8. Jun 30

    [Encore] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide 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, Dr. Gila shares her signature framework for understanding emotion regulation. 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. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved 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).

    [Encore] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents
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5
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18 Ratings

About

Single-parenting in a world that’s not designed for you or your beautifully complex kid? Now, there’s a podcast that is! Welcome to Single-Parenting with Connection, NOT Perfection: Your go-to source for science-backed, heart-centered support that honors your messy reality. Join me, Dr. Gila, single mom and psychologist-turned-coach, for relatable stories, inspiring interviews, and practical tools to help you stop walking on eggshells and start actually enjoying parenthood. It’s the support you crave, without the emotional landmines. (And I promise I’ll never tell you to “just tag your partner in”!) Whether you’re divorced, widowed, single mom by choice or single dad by choice, or somewhere in between — or if you just feel like you’re doing it all on your own — you’re in the right place. Go to parentingwithconnection.com for free resources. 

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