May 14, 2025
How to Parent Strong-Willed Kids Without Power Struggles
The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician MomAbout this episode
Do you have a strong-willed child? How do you know you have one? Are you approaching their behavior in a positive way? I have recorded a solo episode about strong-willed children and power struggles and I always enjoy it when I can chat with fellow parenting coaches about it. I welcome back Zack Kasabo who is a certified school counselor and parent coach. He was on the show before talking about how to encourage positive behaviors in kids without enabling them. We discuss: Misconceptions about strong-willed children and parenting strong-willed children The power of “mutual submission" The number one rule when addressing strong-willed children To connect with Zack Kasabo follow him on Instagram @coachkasabo , check out all his resources at https://coachkasabo.info/ We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! 00:00 – Modeling Cooperation 00:22 – Intro: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids 00:50 – Meet Zack Kasabo 02:28 – What Makes a Child Strong-Willed? 05:00 – Reframing Strong-Willed as a Strength 06:45 – The Problem with Labels 08:18 – Parenting Starts with You 09:44 – Breaking Generational Patterns 12:11 – Power Struggle Example: Clean Your Room 14:10 – Why Lectures Don’t Work 17:27 – Teaching Through Experience 20:21 – Start Before Grade School 22:02 – Don’t Ignore “Normal” Behavior 23:05 – Final Tips & Where to Find Zac 24:11 – Encouragement for Parents Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk . Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter ! And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices