Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

How do you balance your child's need for connection with your own need for space, especially when there's no adult to "tag in"?
That's just one of the questions we explore in this conversation with Ali Miller, a Single Mom by Choice and an expert in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
In this episode, you'll hear:
✔︎ The three essential principles of NVC, and how they apply to parenting.
✔︎ An open, vulnerable conversation about the challenges of parenting solo, including guilt, blame, resentment, and the power of self-compassion.
✔︎ Real-time coaching around one of Ali's ongoing challenges: Supporting her daughter's need for connection without entirely sacrificing her own needs.
👉 If snapping and shame spirals are a challenge for you too, my free webinar on Feb. 4 is designed with you in mind. Click here to learn more.
ABOUT ALI MILLER, MA
Ali Miller is a Single Mom by Choice, or, as she likes to call it, Sole Mom by Design. She's also an expert in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a Couples Communication Coach, and a Marriage & Family Therapist. Ali helps parents level up their communication and conflict-resolution skills so they can stop the fruitless fighting and feel closer than ever.
👉 WEBSITE: https://www.alimillercoaching.com
👉 IG: @alimillercoaching
👉 FREE: Feelings & Needs Cheatsheets
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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).
Mentioned in this episode:
[RR] Webinar pre-roll
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FREE online webinar, Feb. 4
👉 Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (Even if You're on You're Own)
🔗 parentingwithconnection.com/webinar

What’s it really like to grow up in a single-parent home shaped by grief...and deep, enduring connection?
In this special episode, I’m joined by copywriting coach Marisa Corcoran and her mom, Rita Fratto — a real-life “Gilmore Girls” duo whose story offers a powerful glimpse into widowhood, single parenting, and the long-term impact on children as they grow into adulthood.
This is an honest, inspiring - and fun! - conversation about life's unexpected lessons, community, resilience, chosen family, and the everyday moments that build a secure, loving relationship over time, without pretending that single parenting is easy or light.
ABOUT MARISA CORCORAN AND RITA FRATTO
Marisa Corcoran and Rita Fratto hail from Syracuse, New York, and consider themselves the original "Gilmore Girls." 
Rita spent the majority of her career as the head of Senior Programs for The City of Syracuse as well as a Social Worker with Syracuse Housing Authority, all while being a widow and single mother. 
Marisa Corcoran is the creator of The Copy Chat and Copy Confidence Society, helping business owners uncover what to say (think: words on your website, emails, and more!) to magnetically attract your dream clients.
👉 WEBSITE: MarisaCorcoran.com
👉 IG: @Mtoni
👉 FREE: 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines
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FREE online webinar, Feb. 4 @12:30pm EST:
Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (Even if You're on You're Own) 
👉 Click here to register
_________________________________
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).

In the words of Julie Andrews:
🎶 Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start…
Tune in to hear Dr. Gila’s take on the first step to creating a more peaceful home, with less snapping, more snuggling, and the joy and ease you crave. She explains why parent self-regulation is such a powerful place to focus, especially for single parents in the thick of it.
Related resources: 
⭐️ [Episode 2] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents
⭐️ [Episode 6] 2 Reasons You Can't "Calm" Your Way Out of the Hard Stuff
⭐️ [DOWNLOAD] Short Guided Meditation for Single Parents (or Anyone who Feels Like One)
👉 Love the show? Please rate and review it so others can find it too. And remember to share it with your single-parent besties!
_______________________________
FREE online webinar, Feb. 4 @12:30pm EST:
Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (Even if You're on You're Own) 
👉 Click here to register
_________________________________
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).

In this solo episode, I share five truths I come back to again and again in my parenting and my coaching, especially with single parents who are carrying a lot and quietly wondering if they’re enough.
These are the truths I invite you to hold onto as we head into 2026, or whenever you need a grounding moment to exhale and re-center. And if that feels hard right now, I’m happy to hold them for you.
👉 Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please share with your single-parent friends. 
_______________________________
FREE online webinar, Feb. 4 @12:30pm EST:
Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (Even if You're on You're Own) 
👉 Click here to register
_________________________________
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).

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: @breathingspacepsych
_______________________________
FREE online webinar, Feb. 4 @12:30pm EST:
Less Snapping, More Snuggling: Why Parents "Lose It"...and How to Finally Break the Cycle (Even if You're on You're Own) 
👉 Click here to register
_________________________________
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