Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali
This is not your typical parenting podcast. It is a podcast about raising the parent as much as it is about raising our children. Join Dr. Shefali, the pioneer of conscious parenting, New York Times bestselling author, clinical psychologist, and Oprah’s favorite parenting expert, as she engages in raw and heartfelt conversations with parents in real time. Dr. Shefali tackles everyday parenting challenges by offering conscious tools and strategies to raise empowered and resilient children. She helps parents overcome obstacles that get in the way of creating authentic connections with their kids. No matter what struggles you have, you will...
Am I Helping My Child or Trying to Fix Him?
On today’s episode, a mom opens up about her 11-year-old son’s struggles with weight, anger, and self-image. She wants to help, but worries that her constant efforts to push and guide him may inadvertently be dimming his light.
Dr. Shefali digs deep into what’s beneath these struggles and offers guidance to help this mom support her son, strengthen their connection, and give him room to become himself.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to www.drshefali.com/podcast. You ca...
The Father Wound You Didn’t Know You Had
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali explores father wounds with licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, author and podcast host Terri Cole.
Terri explains how many women, especially high-achieving women, may be carrying a father wound without even realizing it. That wound can come from a father who was absent, abusive, emotionally unavailable or simply unable to give the connection and support a child needed.
She shares that a father wound does not always come from something dramatic. In her own life, it was less about a major event and more about emotional neglect and what was mi...
How Do You Survive Grief and Find a Way Forward?
On today’s episode, we explore how to navigate grief, especially the unimaginable loss of a child — one of the most heartbreaking experiences a parent, grandparent or family can endure.
Dr. Shefali is joined by New York Times bestselling author Dr. Laura Berman, who experienced the devastating loss of her son firsthand. She opens up about what happened, how social media played a role in his death, and what she has learned through the grieving process. Dr. Berman shares how she found a way forward through unimaginable pain and why she is now committed to helping other pare...
Why Are Kids Aging So Fast?
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali welcomes Dr. Will Cole to explore why children are facing health challenges once more commonly associated with adults—from diabetes and autoimmune conditions to hormonal concerns, digestive issues and mental health struggles. Dr. Cole shares his perspective on accelerated biological aging, what may be contributing to these challenges and steps parents can take to support their children’s well-being. A functional medicine practitioner, pioneer in functional medicine telehealth, New York Times bestselling author and father of two, Dr. Cole draws on his new book, Heal Your Cells, to help parents better understand their own he...
Are We Doing Too Much for Our Kids?
On today’s episode, we dig deep into overparenting with Dr. Siggie Cohen, a renowned child development specialist and parenting expert.
Dr. Siggie explains how, with the best intentions, parents may actually be holding their kids back by doing too much for them. We overtalk, overlecture, overprotect, overaccommodate and overdo almost everything, which can lead to helplessness, weaker coping skills, fragility and increased anxiety. It’s an important conversation about when helping our kids becomes too much help, and how we can give them the space and confidence to handle more on their own.
As pare...
Can You Really Have it All? Marriage, Kids, Careers and Staying Happy
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with power couple Erin Lichy and Abe Lichy to ask a question so many couples wrestle with: Can you really have it all?
Erin, known from The Real Housewives of New York City, is a mom of four and an entrepreneur. Her husband, Abe, is an attorney, entrepreneur and podcast host. Together, they open up about what it really takes to balance marriage, parenting, careers and a very full life.
They talk about how they keep intimacy alive, how they discipline their kids, what triggers them, how th...
Raising Conscious Daughters: The Blueprint Behind Dr. Shefali’s New Book
On today’s episode, we’re digging deep into what it takes to raise conscious daughters. Girls today are facing pressures that can feel unprecedented, including anxiety, self harm, body image struggles, constant comparison and the pressure to be perfect. So many may look okay on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside.
Dr. Shefali’s new book is a blueprint for parents, filled with strategies, tools and techniques to help us understand what our girls are experiencing and how we can better support them.
It’s about raising daughters who know their worth, trust th...
Raising Conscious Sons: My New Book and What Boys Need From Us Now
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali dives into her new book, Raising Conscious Sons, and the urgent need to rethink how we are raising boys today.
Kids are facing more pressure, anxiety and uncertainty than ever, while parents are often left feeling overwhelmed, stressed and unsure of what to do. Dr. Shefali created this book to give parents a clear, powerful and practical blueprint for helping their sons become resilient, confident, emotionally connected and truly empowered.
She breaks down the core principles every parent needs to know, from building self-worth and emotional strength to helping bo...
How to Parent a Strong Willed Child
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with international parenting coach Mary Van Geffen, who specializes in helping mothers raise strong willed, or as she calls them, “spicy” children.
As the mother of a spirited child herself, Mary understands just how humbling and triggering parenting can be. Dr. Shefali also shares her own experience raising a strong willed child and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Together, they discuss why these children often experience bigger emotions, challenge routines and expectations, and require a different approach to parenting. Mary explains how parents can stay c...
Stop Trying to Fit in
Dr. Shefali sits down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Habits & Hustle podcast host Jennifer Cohen for a conversation about confidence, resilience, and becoming your most empowered self. Jennifer shares the inspiration behind her book, Bigger, Better, Bolder, and explains why she is passionate about giving women practical tools to build confidence and take action. She also reflects on her experience as a working mom, feeling like the black sheep in many mommy groups because her career didn’t fit the expectations of the traditional stay at home mom.
As a mother, Jennifer believes that children learn by wa...
Why More Parents Are Choosing Homeschooling ?
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali is joined by two moms and founders of Mindful Mantas to explore the world of homeschooling. They share their personal journeys as mothers and entrepreneurs, and explain what inspired them to create a different learning path for their children. The conversation covers the pros and cons of homeschooling, the importance of recognizing that every child learns differently, and how one founder’s own experience with ADHD helped her better understand her child and create a more supportive learning environment.
Dr. Shefali and the founders discuss why homeschooling is not the right fit...
How to Protect Your Child During Divorce
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with clinical social worker and author Erica Komisar to talk about one of the most difficult experiences a family can face: divorce.
Drawing from decades of experience working with children and families, Erica explains how attachment, anxiety, depression, and early childhood experiences can shape a child’s emotional well being. She also shares why the parent child relationship becomes even more important during a divorce.
Inspired by the many families she has helped, Erica wrote The Parent’s Guide to Divorce to give parents the tools to nav...
A Mother’s Awakening: From Fear to Conscious Parenting
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with an extraordinary mother who shares her incredible journey of navigating her son’s serious illness. It’s a deeply moving conversation about enduring unimaginable suffering while transforming grief and trauma into courage, empowerment, and dignity.
Together, they explore how conscious parenting begins with the relationship we have with ourselves. This mother’s story reveals her evolution from a traditional parenting approach rooted in fear and control to one guided by awareness, presence, and self-awakening. As she transformed herself, she discovered a new way of showing up for her son and...
Parenting Beyond the Diagnosis
On today’s episode of Parenting & You, Dr. Shefali sits down with a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, only to discover later in life that she, too, had the same diagnoses.
She shares how she learned to set healthy boundaries, navigate impulsive behaviors, and support her daughter while managing her own challenges. By sharing her personal story, she hopes to help other families, break down the stigma surrounding neurodiversity, and remind parents that neither they nor their children are defined or limited by a diagnosis.
This is an inspiring conversation about un...
Advocating for Your Child at School
On today’s episode of Parenting & You, Dr. Shefali focuses on parents whose children are struggling in school, whether it’s academic challenges, emotional difficulties, attention issues, or simply adjusting to the classroom. Many parents find themselves overwhelmed trying to navigate schools, communicate with teachers and principals, and advocate for the support their child needs.
Joining Dr. Shefali is Karen Meyer Cunningham, a nationally recognized special education advocate and mediator who was inspired by her own experience navigating the school system with her child who has a disability. This practical and empowering conversation is filled with valuable insi...
Why Won’t My Child Grow Up?
On today’s episode of Parenting & You, Dr. Shefali talks with a mother who says her 19 year old son seems stuck, falling behind, and not ready to launch into adulthood. She worries he isn’t becoming more independent and believes excessive screen time, phone use, and video games may be contributing to the problem.
She also wonders if her own overprotective parenting has unintentionally held him back. Dr. Shefali unpacks these challenges and offers practical insights to help this mother and other parents facing similar struggles raise confident, independent young adults.
If you would like to b...
Love Your Kids More Than the Conflict
On a new episode of Parenting & You with Dr. Shefali, Dr. Shefali explores separation, divorce, and co-parenting, and why children often struggle when parents become stuck in grief, conflict, and unresolved emotions. Joining her is Gabriella Palmieri, a family lawyer and author of The Collaborative Co-Parent. Together, they share their personal stories firsthand and offer practical advice on protecting children through separation, divorce, and healthy co-parenting. This is an honest, informative conversation for anyone navigating relationship conflict while putting their children first.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting...
Power, Presence & Parenting with Tracy Anderson
This is a repeat of an earlier episode. Dr. Shefali welcomes fitness and wellness icon Tracy Anderson, bestselling author and creator of the Tracy Anderson Method. For the first time, Tracy opens up to Dr. Shefali, sharing stories she has never told before about her unique parenting style, the heartbreak of losing both her children’s fathers, and the valuable lessons she has learned through it all. This powerful and honest conversation will inspire you to grow and show up more fully as a parent.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and rec...
Why Strong Willed Children Trigger Us
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali speaks with a mother struggling to parent a strong willed child and the emotional exhaustion, frustration, and self doubt that can come with it. Through the conversation, Dr. Shefali reveals how strong willed children often become mirrors, exposing our own triggers, fears, control patterns, and unresolved wounds.
Dr. Shefali shares how parents can create healthy boundaries without becoming overly controlling, overindulgent, or constantly rescuing their children from discomfort. She also opens up about her own personal experience raising a strong willed daughter and the powerful lessons it taught her about surrender, co...
The Pain Beneath Sibling Rivalry and Bullying
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali speaks with two mothers navigating deeply emotional parenting challenges. One mom opens up about the constant sibling rivalry between her three children and the tension it creates at home. The other shares the heartbreak of watching her child struggle with bullying, isolation, and the emotional pain that impacts the entire family.
Through compassionate guidance and powerful insight, Dr. Shefali helps both moms shift from frustration and fear toward awareness, growth, and transformation. Together, they explore how to foster deeper connection, emotional safety, and greater peace within the home.
If yo...
The Secret Struggle of Modern Fathers
As we celebrate Father’s Day, Dr. Shefali sits down with Dominic Watts, mindful father, holistic coach, and author, for a powerful conversation about conscious fatherhood and the importance of presence in parenting.
Dominic shares how men rarely talk openly about what it truly means to be a mindful dad and why so many fathers struggle to stay emotionally connected in the chaos of everyday life. He discusses the practice of presence, developing continual awareness of both the inner and outer moment, and how deeper attunement with our children can transform the parent child relationship.
Do...
Why We Parent Like Our Parents
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali works with a mother who realizes she’s repeating the same painful parenting patterns she experienced in her own childhood. What once showed up between her and her parents is now resurfacing in the relationship with her children — and even affecting the dynamic with her partner.
As generational wounds, emotional triggers, and unconscious behaviors rise to the surface, Dr. Shefali helps her uncover the root of the cycle and recognize that healing begins with awareness. Through powerful insight and compassion, she shows this mother that she has the ability to break free f...
The Hidden Weight of Never Feeling Enough
On today’s episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with Rachel Hollis, mother of four and multiple New York Times bestselling author, for a deeply vulnerable conversation about healing, self worth, and conscious parenting.
Rachel opens up about her recent personal transformation and the lifelong struggle of feeling “not enough,” a wound that quietly impacted her relationships, family, health, and sense of self. Together, she and Dr. Shefali explore how unresolved childhood pain and the little girl within can unconsciously shape the way we parent, love, and live.
If you would like to be a guest on thi...
The Cost of Over Parenting
In today’s episode, Dr. Shefali talks to a mom who is dealing with her young child’s behavioral issues. What makes it even more challenging is that she is separated from her husband and feels the added pressure of navigating this on her own.
Dr. Shefali helps her and other parents explore different strategies and ways to show up as the conscious parents they want to be, especially when your co-parent has different philosophies.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to w...
Joss Stone: The Truth About Marriage After Kids
On today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by Joss Stone, a Grammy Award-winning artist, popular podcaster, and devoted mother of four. She shares a candid conversation about navigating her career while being a mother and a wife. Joss opens up about the challenges she and her husband face in raising their kids and staying on the same page, and offers insight on how to balance motherhood while still making time to stay connected and passionate in her marriage. Dr. Shefali answers some of her questions, and together they explore the idea of conscious parenting.
If y...
Are You a Fixer Parent?
In this episode, Dr. Shefali talks with two parents who, when children are struggling, instinctively try to fix the situation by talking too much, lecturing, or offering constant advice. What they don’t realize is that this approach can unintentionally shut their children down and disconnect them from their sense of self worth. Dr. Shefali guides these parents toward a more conscious approach, helping them learn how to truly support their children without overstepping so they can build deeper connection, trust, and emotional resilience.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive pa...
Showing Up for a Child Who Sees the World Differently
On today’s episode, we’re joined by a very special guest, Lisa Candera. She’s an attorney, life coach, and podcaster dedicated to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children with autism. Lisa shares her personal struggles and successes with her own son, offering insight on how to show up as more attuned, present, and grounded for your children.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to www.drshefali.com/podcast. You can also email us at [email protected] you’ve ever dre...
Stuck Between Two Parenting Styles
In today’s episode, Dr. Shefali speaks with a mom who is struggling to align with her ex-husband on parenting. As a mother of two young boys, she is trying to raise them with compassion, empathy, and healthy boundaries, while her ex-husband takes a more rigid, tough approach with fewer boundaries. Dr. Shefali addresses how common this dynamic is among parents and shares guidance on how couples can better co-parent, communicate, and work together while honoring both of their values. This conversation offers practical insight and support for navigating co-parenting challenges with greater understanding and intention.
If yo...
Why No One in Your House Is Sleeping
Having trouble sleeping or are your kids struggling to get a good night’s rest? Dr. Shefali is joined by Chrissy Lawler, a marriage and family therapist and founder of The Peaceful Sleeper. As a mom of four daughters, she brings both professional expertise and real life experience to her approach. Chrissy shares practical, compassionate strategies to help families get better sleep, from newborns to moms who are struggling to rest. She explains how to create healthier sleep habits and bring more ease into bedtime routines. This conversation offers simple techniques to help you and your children get more re...
I Thought I Was a Conscious Parent… Until I Wasn’t
Dr. Shefali is joined by her dear friend and mentor Barnet Bain, an Academy Award winning and Emmy nominated director. Barnet shares a deeply personal reflection on his journey as a parent, revealing how he believed he was practicing conscious parenting until his adult child left home. In that moment, he realized his love had conditions. Through this honest conversation, he explores what it truly means to embody unconditional love as our children grow into independence. He also discusses the inspiration behind his new book, How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World, offering insight into connection, compassion...
I Thought I Was a Conscious Parent… Until I Wasn’t
Dr. Shefali is joined by her dear friend and mentor Barnet Bain, an Academy Award winning and Emmy nominated director. Barnet shares a deeply personal reflection on his journey as a parent, revealing how he believed he was practicing conscious parenting until his adult child left home. In that moment, he realized his love had conditions. Through this honest conversation, he explores what it truly means to embody unconditional love as our children grow into independence. He also discusses the inspiration behind his new book, How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World, offering insight into connection, compassion...
Why Kids Resist Responsibility and How Parents Can Shift
Do you struggle to get your kids to take on more responsibility at home? In this episode, Dr. Shefali talks with parents who feel stuck when chores and responsibility become daily battles. She explores the hidden psychological patterns that can prevent children from stepping up and shares powerful mindset shifts to help parents foster independence without control or conflict. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, helpless, or exhausted by resistance at home, this episode offers relatable stories and practical insights to help you create lasting change in your parenting journey.
If you would like to be a gu...
Why Kids Resist Responsibility and How Parents Can Shift
Do you struggle to get your kids to take on more responsibility at home? In this episode, Dr. Shefali talks with parents who feel stuck when chores and responsibility become daily battles. She explores the hidden psychological patterns that can prevent children from stepping up and shares powerful mindset shifts to help parents foster independence without control or conflict. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, helpless, or exhausted by resistance at home, this episode offers relatable stories and practical insights to help you create lasting change in your parenting journey.
If you would like to be a gu...
Mindfulness, Healing & Meditation: Parenting Through Change
In this powerful episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation and Ziva Kids, to explore how meditation and conscious parenting helped her navigate divorce while raising her young son between two homes. Emily shares how choosing herself was essential to becoming the parent she wanted to be, and how mindfulness supported both her healing and her child’s wellbeing. Together, they discuss emotional resilience, co-parenting after divorce, and practical tools to stay grounded and present through life’s biggest transitions.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and rece...
Mindfulness, Healing & Meditation: Parenting Through Change
In this powerful episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation and Ziva Kids, to explore how meditation and conscious parenting helped her navigate divorce while raising her young son between two homes. Emily shares how choosing herself was essential to becoming the parent she wanted to be, and how mindfulness supported both her healing and her child’s wellbeing. Together, they discuss emotional resilience, co-parenting after divorce, and practical tools to stay grounded and present through life’s biggest transitions.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and rece...
Becoming Your Parents? Breaking the Parenting Patterns You Swore You’d Never Repeat
Are you worried you’re becoming the parent your parents were? Many parents find themselves reacting in ways that trigger shame, guilt, and self-criticism, leaving them stuck in a painful spiral. In this episode, Dr. Shefali helps parents understand why these patterns show up and how conscious parenting can break the cycle. Through compassionate insight and practical awareness, she guides listeners toward releasing self-judgment and becoming the intentional, connected parents they truly want to be.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to www.dr...
Becoming Your Parents? Breaking the Parenting Patterns You Swore You’d Never Repeat
Are you worried you’re becoming the parent your parents were? Many parents find themselves reacting in ways that trigger shame, guilt, and self-criticism, leaving them stuck in a painful spiral. In this episode, Dr. Shefali helps parents understand why these patterns show up and how conscious parenting can break the cycle. Through compassionate insight and practical awareness, she guides listeners toward releasing self-judgment and becoming the intentional, connected parents they truly want to be.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to www.dr...
Letting Go of Shame: Co-Parenting and Conscious Growth
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Shefali features Miki Agrawal, a successful serial entrepreneur and bestselling author, who shares how her young son inspired her latest eco focused venture, a diaper innovation designed to help break down disposable diapers using fungi based technology. Miki also opens up about learning to co parent with her ex, creating emotional safety for her child, and working through shame and guilt along the way. Together, they explore conscious parenting, personal healing, and how embracing change can help families grow stronger.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and...
Letting Go of Shame: Co-Parenting and Conscious Growth
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Shefali features Miki Agrawal, a successful serial entrepreneur and bestselling author, who shares how her young son inspired her latest eco focused venture, a diaper innovation designed to help break down disposable diapers using fungi based technology. Miki also opens up about learning to co parent with her ex, creating emotional safety for her child, and working through shame and guilt along the way. Together, they explore conscious parenting, personal healing, and how embracing change can help families grow stronger.
If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and...
Breaking Generational Trauma and Making a Difference
In this powerful episode, Dr. Shefali is joined by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen for a raw and deeply moving conversation about childhood trauma, resilience, and healing. Brittany opens up about growing up as an at risk child raised by a mother struggling with addiction, sharing the pain, instability, and lasting emotional impact she continues to navigate today. She reflects on how the support of caring teachers and mentors became lifelines that helped change the course of her life. Now a mother of two and a leading voice for mental health and addiction reform, Brittany and Dr. Shefali explore how breaking...
