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. 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)

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Jun 23

    [Encore] Executive Functioning: The brain skills behind your kid's "lazy" or "difficult" behavior (with Carrie Bonnett)

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide When your child can't get started, loses everything, or shuts down, it's easy to blame attitude. But what looks like "lazy" or "defiant" behavior might actually be related to executive functioning. In this episode, executive functioning coach Carrie Bonnett and I break down the brain skills behind your child's struggles at school and at home, and what you can actually do about it. You'll hear: What is "executive functioning," and why is it so important?The language shift that changes how you - and your child! - interpret their difficultiesWhy your struggles as a parent might actually be an assetHow to help your child build the skills they need to navigate daily life with more easeWhere to start when everything feels like a battle RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 FREE from Carrie: Task Initiation Toolkit 👉 Episode 22: The Superpower Every Parent Has (And How to Use It for Good) ABOUT CARRIE BONNETT Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher, lifelong list-maker, and Executive Function coach based in Bend, Oregon. She works with students and families around the country using a practical, no-shame, brain-first approach that empowers students to thrive, helps parents and teachers better support them, and gives adults tools to stay on top of all that life requires. In addition to coaching, Carrie creates digital resources, including her signature course Get the Brain on Board and a series of No-Shame Guides for Parents. She also provides brain-based workshops and trainings for parents, teachers, and other professionals. And she is an adjunct instructor at the University of Portland, where she supports early-career teachers. 👉 Website: www.carriebonnett.com 👉 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).

    [Encore] Executive Functioning: The brain skills behind your kid's "lazy" or "difficult" behavior (with Carrie Bonnett)

  8. Jun 16

    [Encore] Raising securely attached kids in single-parent families, with Aurisha Smolarski

    A fan favorite — back for the summer! But first... 🌟 Get your free printable meltdown guide at parentingwithconnection.com/guide 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 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 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 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] Raising securely attached kids in single-parent families, with Aurisha Smolarski
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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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