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: @breathingspacepsychotherapy

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©2025 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).

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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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

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 entirely.

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 mentioned:

⭐️ 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 (aka TheGamerEducator)

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. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

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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JOIN THE WAITLIST

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

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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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

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:

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

If you’ve ever been scared by your child's aggressive behaviors, worried about what it means for their future, 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

Related resources:

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

⭐️ FREE from Tosha: The 10-Day Reconnect

⭐️ FREE from Dr. Gila: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The Single Parent's Guide to Understanding Challenging Behaviors

Connect with Tosha Schore:

Tosha Schore is a dynamic leader and globally recognized speaker and trainer dedicated to empowering parents and the professionals who support them. As the founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully and creator of the Out With Aggression program, Tosha has equipped thousands of parents and professionals worldwide with tools to transform challenging behaviors by fostering connection, confidence, and compassion in their relationships with children. She is also an author of

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).

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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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

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

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 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).