Ask Mom Parenting with Sue Donnellan

Authority vs. Influence (Why High Achievers Struggle With Parenting)

9 min · 6 mei 2026
aflevering Authority vs. Influence (Why High Achievers Struggle With Parenting) artwork

Beschrijving

Most high-performing parents approach parenting the same way they approach everything else in life… and it often backfires! If you’re used to leading, achieving, and getting results, it can feel confusing and frustrating when those same skills don’t seem to work at home. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest parenting disconnects I see: relying on authority and control instead of building influence with your kids. It might feel natural to expect quick compliance, but with kids, that approach often leads to resistance, power struggles, and more yelling. In my early parenting years I found myself constantly frustrated, expecting my kids to respond the way adults do… and realizing that approach was actually making things worse. In this episode I’ll walk you through the key shift that changed everything for me, plus how to move from short-term obedience to long-term connection, trust, and self-management. If you've ever asked yourself... * Why does my child listen at first but then go right back to the behavior when I’m not around? * How do I get my kids to listen without repeating myself or raising my voice? * Why does my child push back so much when I’m just trying to help? * How do I build respect without relying on fear or authority? * What actually works if control and pressure don’t? …then listen to this one for all the answers. The more you shift from control to connection, the easier it becomes to lead your kids in a way that actually works. Watch the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571] Resources: * Grab a copy of Sue's book, Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/lrcF2 ⁠⁠ [https://shorturl.at/lrcF2] * Learn how you can work with Sue at: http://askmomparenting.com/get-help [http://askmomparenting.com/get-help] * Connect with Sue on Instagram at @AskMomParenting: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/ [https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/]

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Alle afleveringen

28 afleveringen

aflevering Child Safety Tips: What Kids Need to Know About Secrets, Pressure, and Unsafe Adults artwork

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"Nice and safe aren't always the same thing." In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the realities of child safety, moving far beyond the outdated "stranger danger" speech. With the insight I gained from serving on a state grand jury for child sexual assault cases and what I've learned professionally about secrecy, grooming behaviors, and peer pressure, we're breaking down how you can empower your kids with practical, non-fear-based safety skills they can use for the rest of their lives. If you’ve ever asked yourself: * How do I teach my child to recognize unsafe boundaries without making them overly fearful? * What should I say to my kids about sleepovers and monitoring who else is in the home? * How can I encourage my child to trust their gut instinct over being polite to adults? …this one’s for you. True protection comes from building an open, non-judgmental circle of trust at home so your children always feel supported to speak up. By layering these safety skills into everyday, low-stakes conversations, you transform fear into lifelong empowerment. Resources * Watch the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571] * Join the Yell-free Parenting ⁠Facebook Group⁠: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yellfreeparentingforexhaustedmoms/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/yellfreeparentingforexhaustedmoms/]  * Read Sue's book, ⁠Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck: https://shorturl.at/lrcF2 [https://shorturl.at/lrcF2] * Connect with Sue on Instagram at @AskMomParenting: Instagraminstagram.com/askmomparenting [http://instagram.com/askmomparenting]

Gisteren38 min
aflevering Am I a Bad Mom? The Truth About Parenting Burnout! artwork

Am I a Bad Mom? The Truth About Parenting Burnout!

One hard moment doesn't define you as a parent, but burnout can make it feel that way. Have you ever gone to bed after a tough day with your kids and wondered if you're doing any of this right? In this episode, I'm talking about the moments that make so many parents question themselves, like the bedtime battles, the meltdowns, the yelling, the exhaustion, and the guilt that follows. When we're running on empty, it's easy to confuse a hard day with a parenting failure.   I'll share why parenting can feel so overwhelming, how fear and self-doubt can quietly take over our thinking, and what often gets mistaken for "bad parenting." Most importantly, we'll talk about what parents really need when they're stretched too thin and why the answer may be simpler than you think.   If You've Ever Asked Yourself... * Am I a bad mom or dad because I lost my patience today? * Why do I feel like I'm failing when my child is struggling? * How do I stop spiraling after a hard parenting moment? * Why does my child's behavior affect my confidence so much? * How can I tell the difference between burnout and actual parenting problems? * What should I do when I feel completely overwhelmed? * How do I keep one bad day from turning into a story about who I am? ...then listen to this one for all the answers.   Parenting was never meant to be perfect, and you don't have to carry the hard days alone!   Watch the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571]   Resources: * Learn how you can work with Sue at: https://www.askmomparenting.com/coaching/ [https://www.askmomparenting.com/coaching/] * Connect with Sue on Instagram at @AskMomParenting: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/ [https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/] * Grab a copy of Sue's book, Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/lrcF2 [https://shorturl.at/lrcF2]

24 jun 202623 min
aflevering Co-Parenting When It’s Messy: How to Keep Your Child Out of the Middle artwork

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When co-parenting, you can't control the other parent...but you can protect your child from getting caught in the middle!   Co-parenting can feel exhausting when you're trying to navigate different parenting styles, unresolved emotions, schedule changes, and the constant worry about how it all affects your child. In this episode, I'm sharing a different way to approach co-parenting when things feel messy, tense, or completely out of your control.   Rather than focusing on what happens in the other home, we'll talk about where your real influence lives and how creating stability, emotional safety, and consistency in your own home can make a bigger impact than you may realize. If you've ever felt caught between wanting to protect your child and wanting to prove a point, this conversation is for you. If you've ever asked yourself... * "How do I co-parent with someone who does things completely differently than I do?" * "What should I do when I disagree with what's happening in the other home?" * "How can I keep my child from feeling stuck in the middle?" * "Is it possible to co-parent well when communication feels difficult?" * "How do I protect my child's emotional well-being during a separation or divorce?" * "What should I do when my child comes home upset, overwhelmed, or confused?" * "How can I stay calm when co-parenting conflicts keep showing up?" * "Where should I focus my energy when I can't control the other parent?" ...then listen to this one for all the answers.   Creating a safe, steady home for your child doesn't require controlling someone else's parenting. It starts with leading your own home with confidence and consistency!   Watch the show on YouTube at ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571 ⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@askmomparenting571]   Resources: * Learn how you can work with Sue at: https://www.askmomparenting.com/coaching/ [https://www.askmomparenting.com/coaching/] * Connect with Sue on Instagram at @AskMomParenting: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/ [https://www.instagram.com/askmomparenting/] * Grab a copy of Sue's book, Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/lrcF2 [https://shorturl.at/lrcF2]

10 jun 202625 min
aflevering Gentle Parenting, Military Life & Raising Independent Kids | Conversation with Joy Alfred Brand artwork

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aflevering How to Help Your ADHD Child Before Medication artwork

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