Podcast Episode 363: Beyond Meltdowns: How the Double Empathy Problem Changes Parenting Forever
“Why is my kid always the one melting down, ignoring me, and making everything 10x harder?”
If you’ve ever whispered this to yourself in the middle of a grocery store standoff—or shouted it in your head while your child flat-out refuses to put on pants—you’re not alone. And no, you’re not a bad mom. You’re not raising a bad kid either.
Here’s the thing: what if your “difficult” child isn’t trying to be difficult at all? What if the way they react, resist, or shut down is actually how their brain processes the world?
In this episode, we talk about a powerful concept called the double empathy problem. It flips the script on how we understand our kids—especially the ones who constantly push our buttons—and gives us a fresh lens that might change everything.
We don’t dish out judgment or one-size-fits-all parenting tips. What we do offer is a real conversation that could help you feel less frustrated, more connected, and maybe even enjoy parenting a little more (yes, even when your kid is melting down about nothing… again).
If you’re feeling stuck, defeated, or just plain tired of yelling—this is your sign to hit play.
You’re not alone, and this perspective might be exactly what you need!

In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:
- Why the double empathy problem changes everything about how we connect with our kids.
- How meltdowns are usually a sign of overwhelm—not manipulation.
- What’s really going on when your kid “ignores” you (hint: it’s not about disrespect).
- How shifting your perspective helps you build more patience and a stronger bond with your child.
Resources We Shared In This Episode:
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Read the transcripts HERE
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