Power Struggles Are a Control Problem (Not a Kid Problem) episode artwork

EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 15 MIN

Power Struggles Are a Control Problem (Not a Kid Problem)

from The Balanced Nest · host Anna Marie Madai

Why does everything turn into a power struggle? Why does your kid fight you on things that seem so small? Why does she refuse to do something she genuinely loves the second you ask her to do it?It's not defiance. It's control...or rather, the lack of it.In this episode I share a story about a girl who refused to ride her horse after a summer of back-to-back activities, and why from the outside it looked like defiance but from the inside it was the only thing in her day she actually got to decide. I talk about why kids today are more overscheduled and under-autonomied than any generation before them, what the nervous system actually needs to develop a healthy sense of self, and why power struggles are really just information about where agency has gone missing.I also share exactly how we run weekly planning meetings in our house with Josie (13) and Izzy (10), how Human Design shapes the kind of autonomy each of them needs, and the one thing you can try this week that will noticeably shift your family's dynamic.Plus the Rose, Bud and Thorn check-in we do at dinner — and why Josie walked out the door this morning with a list of business ideas for me.Come join the conversation in the Balanced Nest community on Skool — comment CONNECT and I'll send you the link. Run your free Human Design chart at balancednest.com.Your family is worth the work.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 4, 2026

Why does everything turn into a power struggle? Why does your kid fight you on things that seem so small? Why does she refuse to do something she genuinely loves the second you ask her to do it?It's not defiance. It's control...or rather, the lack of it.In this episode I share a story about a girl who refused to ride her horse after a summer of back-to-back activities, and why from the outside it looked like defiance but from the inside it was the only thing in her day she actually got to decide. I talk about why kids today are more overscheduled and under-autonomied than any generation before them, what the nervous system actually needs to develop a healthy sense of self, and why power struggles are really just information about where agency has gone missing.I also share exactly how we run weekly planning meetings in our house with Josie (13) and Izzy (10), how Human Design shapes the kind of autonomy each of them needs, and the one thing you can try this week that will noticeably shift your family's dynamic.Plus the Rose, Bud and Thorn check-in we do at dinner — and why Josie walked out the door this morning with a list of business ideas for me.Come join the conversation in the Balanced Nest community on Skool — comment CONNECT and I'll send you the link. Run your free Human Design chart at balancednest.com.Your family is worth the work.

PodParley-generated summary based on available episode metadata and transcript content.

NOW PLAYING

Power Struggles Are a Control Problem (Not a Kid Problem)

0:00 15:11

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Big Old Life: Heather Blackbird interviews people on planet earth. Heather Blackbird loves asking questions. This podcast is a learning experience. Join me, Heather Blackbird, as I talk to people about their lives. Frequency of new episodes is a little all over the place and I'm learning as I go. Big Old Life is a small way of talking about the vastness of life, one person at a time. If you are reading this or found this podcast it's probably because someone you know gave you a link to it. :) Explicit Tales Of A Superstar DJ The Insomniac Spun seemingly out of nowhere from her complacent life in the corporate world, turned seemingly overnight from 16-Hour shift work and into the life of a literally starving artist and working musician, The Protagonist navigates her supposed rise to fame and superstardom on a journey through spiritual awakening, coming-of-age, and intimate self-realization--guided by an omnipresent force and equipped with the power of love, magic, and music. {Enter The Multiverse.} [The Festival Project] The Festival Project, Inc.™ is a multidimensional multimedia platform which encompasses exploratory and artistic social personifications and expressions on cosmic theory, spirituality, growth, health & wellness, philosophy and theoretic dynamics in entertainment such as music, design, film, television, radio, dance and festival culture, art, fashion, literature, and science. The Festival Project™ and its subsidiary Non-Profit, The Collective Complex © aims to challenge modern artistic and philosop Explicit Bitcoin Is Dead Trey Carson Welcome to Bitcoin is Dead, the ultimate Bitcoin variety show where host Trey takes you on a journey through the ever-evolving world of Bitcoin. Each episode brings new personalities, fascinating locations, and insightful conversations with politicians, educators, and innovators shaping the future of Bitcoin. Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting your journey, tune in for thought-provoking discussions, unique perspectives, and a deep dive into the ideas and people driving the Bitcoin revolution. Explicit The Sacred +Profane Podcast nephtaragrace The Sacred + Profane Podcast is a provocative conversation dedicated to cementing a better future for all. We specialize in unpacking the nuances of what is considered sacred and profane, particularly focusing on sex, death, and all that pertains to the circle of life. Our aim in focusing on such ”taboo” subject matter is to demystify what is unconscious, bring to light what has been known for centuries as ”the occult,” and empower the rapid transformation that is occurring on the Planet. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Balanced Nest?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this The Balanced Nest episode published?

This episode was published on May 4, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Why does everything turn into a power struggle? Why does your kid fight you on things that seem so small? Why does she refuse to do something she genuinely loves the second you ask her to do it?It's not defiance. It's control...or rather, the lack...

Can I download this The Balanced Nest episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!