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Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali

Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali

How to Parent a Strong Willed Child

Sep 8, 2026 · 33m

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On this episode

About this episode

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 calm, kind, and firm while raising confident, resilient children. This conversation…