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. 4d ago

    2.4 Raising Kids Who Share the Mental Load (with Sam Kelly)

    Sick of feeling like the only one in your home who notices or does anything? Carrying the whole mental load leaves you tapped out and resentful, but getting your neurodivergent or "strong-willed" kid to share any of it can feel impossible. This week, I'm talking with Sam Kelly about her "Notice and Do" approach to raising kids who understand and share the mental and physical load, at a pace that works for them. You'll hear: What "notice and do" means, and why noticing is its own skill to teachHow teaching kids about the mental load can break the cycle of moms carrying it all, and raise kids who become equal partnersSimple first steps, and smaller starting points for kids who need a slower paceWhat to do with the resentment when you’re still doing almost everything RELATED RESOURCES: ⭐️ Sam's book: "Notice and Do: Raise Capable Kids, End Motherhood Burnout, and Lighten Your Mental Load" ⭐️ Sam's audio course: Little Cycle Breakers ⭐️ Dr. Gila's Free Short Meditation for Single Parents ABOUT SAM KELLY Sam Kelly is a mental health professional and parenting coach. She teaches busy, overwhelmed moms how to break the cycle of motherhood burnout and share the mental load of managing a home with the whole family by empowering kids to be proactive household contributors. Her first book, Notice and Do, releases today, October 20th. 👉 Website: hellosamkelly.com 👉 IG 👉 Free resource: Notice & Do Free Guide ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ❤️ 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ **Affiliate disclaimer: This episode may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a financial benefit if you decide to buy something, at no extra cost to you. We only share products and services we genuinely believe will help you on your parenting journey. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.** ©️ 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).

    2.4 Raising Kids Who Share the Mental Load (with Sam Kelly)

  2. Oct 13

    2.3 Can You Really Parent Without Control? (With Vivek from Meaningful Ideas)

    Parenting without control might sound radical. Or maybe you love the idea but can’t picture it holding up when your kid needs a blood draw or can't turn off the iPad. I'm diving into it this week with Vivek Patel of Meaningful Ideas, including how his Non-Coercive Collaborative Parenting (NCCP) approach applies when the parenting stakes feel high. In this episode, you'll hear: Vivek's answer to the question, "“Do you just let your kid run into the street?”How to prepare your kid for a blood draw or medical test they’re dreading.The secret to screen-time without the struggles.Why “how do I get my kid to brush their teeth?” is the wrong question.The five-second self-compassion practice you can do in the middle of the dishes.Why Vivek tells parents to “go FECK yourself” (it’s kinder than it sounds). RELATED EPISODES: 👉 12. Screens: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything, with Ash Brandin ABOUT VIVEK Vivek Patel of Meaningful Ideas is the founder of Non-Coercive, Collaborative Parenting (NCCP). The ideas he shares have been used by thousands of families to create more harmony and connection in their homes. He has written more than 500 parenting articles and created over 300 videos over the past 15 years of doing this work. Vivek cares deeply about empowering parents to develop more harmonious relationships with their kids using a powerful approach based on Communication, Connection, and Collaboration. He is also best friends with his 29 yr old. 👉 Website: www.Meaningfulideas.com 👉 YouTube | FB | IG 👉 Free resource: Guiding Without Controlling ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ❤️ 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).

    2.3 Can You Really Parent Without Control? (With Vivek from Meaningful Ideas)

  3. Oct 6

    2.2 Raising Resilient Kids

    Is it true what they say? "Kids are resilient; they'll be fine!" We're diving into that very question in today's episode, plus three essential steps for supporting your child through challenging times. In this episode, you'll hear: What resilience actually is2 key ingredients for building resilienceCommon myths and mistakes parents make when supporting kids through hard times3 things you can do today to help you raise resilient kids (without "losing your cool" or crushing their spirit) NOTE: This episode is a replay from my popular guest webinar on this very topic, hosted by Fresh Starts Registry － a fabulous divorce support network full of resources for any stage of divorce. Related resources: ⭐️ Fresh Starts Registry: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/ ⭐️ Free resources from Dr. Gila: parentingwithconnection.com/freshstarts Related episodes: 🎙️ 2. Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents 🎙️ 6. 2 Reasons You Can't "Calm" Your Way Out of the Hard Stuff 🎙️ 7. Why Kids "Lose It": What's Beneath the Big Behaviors ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ❤️ 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).

    2.2 Raising Resilient Kids

  4. Aug 18

    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

  5. Aug 13

    [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).

  6. 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)

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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