What if resistance isn’t the problem—but the doorway?

In this episode of Chaos to Connection, Diane explores one of the most misunderstood dynamics in parenting: resistance. From chores and homework to “not listening,” resistance often triggers power struggles that leave both parents and children feeling disconnected and frustrated.

But what if resistance isn’t defiance at all?

Drawing from nervous system awareness, emotional leadership, and her own lived experience, Diane reframes resistance as self-protection, not misbehavior—and reveals how power struggles begin when a child’s resistancecollides with a parent’s unowned trigger.

This episode invites parents to shift from control to curiosity, blame to ownership, and reactivity to regulation—creating the conditions where responsibility, connection, and trust can actually grow.

In This Episode, You’ll Explore:

*Why resistance is not defiance—but protection

*How children’s resistance mirrors adult resistance (avoidance, procrastination, “I know,” shutdown)

*The hidden reason power struggles escalate: resistance meeting resistance

*How parents often react not to behavior, but to what the behavior triggersin them

*Why blaming children for our triggers dismisses their inner experience

*The difference between control-based parenting and curiosity-based leadership

*How boundaries can exist without power struggles

*Why staying with yourself when triggered is the real work of parenting

A Key Reframe from the Episode:

“Resistance is fear trying to keep us safe—and power struggles begin when resistance meets resistance.”

Reflection Questions for Parents:

What does my child resist most—and what might that resistance be protecting them from?

What gets triggered in me when my child resists?

Where might I be resisting their resistance instead of leading from regulation?

Connect with Diane:
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Join the conversation — share your takeaways or questions from today’s episode by sending me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I love hearing from you!

Work with Diane:
Diane Sorensen Coaching is where boundary work becomes thebridge from chaos to connection.
You’ll learn to transform your triggers, lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe, connected relationships built on authenticity, not approval.
Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH, and create the CONNECTED relationships you long for.

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272. From Control to Curiosity: Understanding Resistance in Parenting