S3E4 – Parenting Through Co-Parenting Struggles and Sibling Fights

Sep 26, 2025

In this episode, I answer a question from Barry in the UK about co-parenting struggles, sibling conflict, and feeling overwhelmed when kids fight. I share encouragement from another listener’s success story and then walk through Barry’s challenges step by step. Together, we look at how to stay calm, use reflective responses, set clear limits, and avoid falling into power struggles.

I also explain why kids often grasp for power and control when life feels uncertain, and how creating household rules, building consistent special time, and repairing after mistakes can make all the difference. Parenting isn’t about being perfect — it’s about having a plan, sticking with it, and trusting that connected relationships help kids grow into their best selves.

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Common Play Therapy References:
Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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