Enrollment starts with a free, 30-minute, Discovery Call.
(No obligation, promise.)
Single parent your strong-willed child
without losing your mind OR crushing their spirit!
The SingleParentology™
Lab
Small-group coaching for single parents of strong-willed kids under 12
with Dr. Gila
Single mom
Psychologist-turned-coach
Jai-certified parent coach
Certified Clini-Coach®
If you’re reading this page, I know you take this parenting gig seriously.
You love your kids deeply, and you desperately want a strong connection with them and a peaceful home.
⛔ There's just one small GINORMOUS problem ⛔
Everything feels like a battle.
You feel like you...
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Walk on eggshells trying not to trigger a meltdown or get into a power struggle.
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Don’t want to use time-outs or punishment, but you don’t know what to do instead. And you’re worried that without them, things will be totally out of control.
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Hear parenting advice and think, “…and then what?? What do I do when that doesn’t work?!”
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Are determined to “do better,” but you still feel overwhelmed and confused.
You snap, yell, make threats, and cringe as your own parents’ words come out of your mouth.
And then, when the dust settles........
..…you’re left with an all-too-familiar guilt hangover, lying awake wondering if you’re broken and unfixable and failing at the job that matters most to you.
You feel depleted and defeated.
Sometimes you find yourself thinking, “Can I just tag someone else in?”
I get it. Single parenting a strong-willed child is hard.
Legitimately, understandably, hard.
And let’s face it: Society doesn’t make it any easier.
Hi, there. I’m Dr. Gila*
(*pronounced with a hard “G” and rhymes with “tequila.” (And no, I’m not a Gila Monster!))
Here's what I know:
Being a single parent isn’t exactly what you dreamed of, hoped for, or expected for yourself.
Sometimes, you feel guilty and worried about how being raised by a single parent affects your kids.
And it’s even more overwhelming when your child is “strong-willed.”
Maybe you’ve even cried on the bathroom floor, terrified that there’s something horribly wrong with your kid, your parenting, or both.
Here's the GOOD news:
You’re not broken.
You’re not failing.
And your kids aren’t “screwed.”
They’re damned lucky to have you by their side, doing the work and showing up for them, day after day, perfectly imperfect and wholeheartedly devoted to being the parent they deserve.
Even better?
YOU are your child’s best asset.
You CAN do it on your own.
AND you’re not alone.
I know how you feel,
because I’ve been there myself.
Let me paint a picture for you:
My 4 year old had been screaming and raging for over 2 hours.
Two. Fucking. Hours.
I don’t swear often, but this? This warrants swearing.
I leaned against the closed door and slid down to the hardwood floor.
I felt like a deflated balloon. I had nothing left.
My son’s father had moved several states away a few months earlier, when we separated. Since then, the previous flashes of strong-willed resistance in my 4yo had blossomed into daily, intense power struggles and, well…we were both struggling through them.
Can you relate?
That day marked the beginning of my parenting quest.
I already had a PhD (in psychology and neuropsychology, no less!). But while all my fancy degrees and training were helpful, it turns out they weren’t enough to get me through a hurdle harder than defending my dissertation: Single parenting an emotionally wounded, strong-willed child.
So, I “made a PhD" out of it.
➡︎ I read the books.
➡︎ I took the courses.
➡︎ I watched the webinars.
➡︎ I scoured the interwebs.
➡︎ I consulted the experts.
Most importantly, I got to know my son and myself better than I ever imagined.
Honesty is one of my top values, so I’m not going to lie:
👎🏻 That was not his last 2+-hour meltdown, or my last time deflated on the floor.
👎🏻 Progress has not always been linear. (Thanks, covid.)
👎🏻 Every day is not a steady stream of unicorns and rainbows.
BUT, things have gotten SO. MUCH. BETTER.
I now recognize my son’s “strong will” as being one of his many strengths, and I have developed the skills and tools to be the parent he needs and deserves.
Everything has shifted as a result.
And now, I’m passionate about helping other single parents find their mojo, empowering them to harness their - and their children’s - strengths to build strong, healthy relationships that endure.
Which is why I created...
The SingleParentology™ Lab
Discover the art & science of single parenting with connection, not perfection...
...so you can parent with confidence and clarity, based on your values and vision (even if it's different from how you were raised!).
Sara’s relationship with her strong-willed child was “transformed”!
“Working with Dr. Gila has been life-changing!
Before, I felt frustrated, hopeless, and in despair. Now I feel empowered and confident. And my relationship with my strong-willed child has been transformed.
Dr. Gila is gentle, honest, kind, and thoughtful. I never felt judged, and always felt validated and supported. Her coaching is hands-on, with practical guidance I can immediately use with my child.
I am truly grateful that Dr. Gila came into my life.”
With The SingleParentology™ Lab, you'll…
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Understand yourself & your child better, including brain development, and individual and evolving needs and strengths.
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Have a toolbox full of practical strategies and skills to get you through hard parenting moments.
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Handle big, intense feelings (theirs and yours!) without compromising connection.
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Empower your child with skills and tools that help them handle life’s challenges, now and in the future.
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Parent with confidence and clarity, based on your values and vision (even if it's different than how you were raised).
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Have a more peaceful home, with less conflict and fewer power struggles, tantrums, and meltdowns in your family.
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Giggle, snuggle, and actually enjoy parenthood (at least some of the time!).
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AND build strong, healthy relationships with your kids (and with yourself!)
Most see meaningful shifts within the first 1 to 2 months!
Find YOUR Parenting Voice in
The SingleParentology™ Lab
NEED ALL THE DEETS? (Of course you do!)
Here's everything included
9 Months Access:
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Weekly*, small-group calls
Weekly* Zoom coaching calls to ask questions, get support from Dr. Gila and the community, and learn and practice new skills for communication and emotion regulation. (*Calls are not held on some weeks due to holidays and school breaks.)
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30-minute, 1-on-1 strategy call with Dr. Gila
This private, 30-minute coaching call during your first weeks in the program will ensure you start on the right foot, and help you tailor the program to your unique needs.
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Private online community
You’re not in this alone! This is your special spot for venting, celebrating wins, asking questions, and finding your new single parent tribe. This. Is. GOLD.
Lifetime Access:
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Online portal of learning modules
Develop a deeper understanding of your and your child’s needs, strengths, and challenges, and learn practical tools for staying grounded and regulated, supporting your child in hard moments, and building the relationship you want and you both deserve.
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Options for every learning style.
Video. Audio. Transcripts. Mix and match to fit your lifestyle and learning style.
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Workbooks, journals, trackers, and guides.
All the tools you need to apply lessons to your beautifully unique family.
BONUSES
14-day refund policy
Not your vibe? No worries. If you try it out and decide this program is not for you, I’ll refund your money, in full, within the first 14 days after enrollment. All I ask is that you complete a feedback form to help me improve the program for the future.
Free access to all of my products and courses
During your 9 months in The SingleParentology™ Lab, you will have free access to any products and courses I currently offer.
Discount on all future products and courses
Graduates of The SingleParentology™ Lab receive insider discounts on all future products and courses (excludes those specifically designed for graduates).
LIMITED TIME BONUS!
🎉 3 additional 1-on-1 calls! 🎉
For a limited time, enjoy three additional 30-minute, quarterly 1-on-1 calls with Dr. Gila for an added boost of private support!
“I am so grateful to have Dr. Gila in my corner and in my head!
I’ve been able to bring more love, positivity, respect, and playfulness into my interactions with my kids.
And I’ve been able to weather and bounce back from the less ideal interactions without feeling as demoralized.”
— Lauren, Single parent by choice
The SingleParentology™ Lab starts
July 31, 2024
Apply today.
(You deserve it!)
PAYMENT PLAN:
9 Monthly Payments of:
$350
OR Save >$150
When You Invest In Full:
$2,997
Questions you might be wondering before saying “Heck Yes!
(aka FAQ's)
Is The SingleParentology™ Lab right for me?
I’m so glad you asked! No program is the right fit for every parent, including this one. Below are some things to consider.
The SingleParentology™ Lab IS right for you if you:
✔︎ Are a single parent. This includes widowed, divorced, separated, never married, single parent by choice, and everything in between.. (If you’re not a single parent but sure as s**t feel like one, see below.)
✔︎ Have a child or children under 12 who are strong-willed, spirited, or “spicy.” (Not sure? No worries. Submit your application and we’ll hop on a call to discuss together.)
✔︎ Want to use, or are open to learning about, connection-based, non-punitive parenting methods.
✔︎ Are comfortable participating in a small group setting, and offering and receiving support to/from other single parents. (Not sure? No worries. Submit your application and we’ll hop on a call to discuss together.)
✔︎ Desperately want a stronger connection with your kids, but you’re not sure how to make that happen and/or you can’t stop snapping and “losing it.”
The SingleParentology™ Lab IS NOT right for you if:
❌ You believe people of a particular race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, body shape/size, physical or mental ability, or other broad category are inherently inferior.
❌ You or your child currently use self-harm (e.g., cutting) strategies, or actively thinks about hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
❌ You or your child have a history of trauma, or currently have significant levels of depression, or anxiety, and have not done, or are not currently participating in, therapy.
❌ You are committed to using spanking, or other forms of punishment or time outs.
❌ You would prefer in-person coaching support.
❌ You are looking for a “quick fix.”
Still not sure? Let’s hop on a Zoom call to figure it out together.
What age kids is this appropriate for?
While most of the concepts and strategies taught in The SingleParentology™ Lab can be applied to any parent-child relationship, the program is most appropriate for parents of kids under 12.
I’m not sure if my kid is “strong-willed.” Can I still join?
If you’re not sure, I recommend you submit an application and we’ll hop on a call to discuss together. I promise to be honest if I think the program is not the right fit
Is your program appropriate for parents of neurodivergent kids?
Short answer: Yes!
Longer answer:
The truth is, many kids who show “strong-willed” tendencies are neurodivergent in some way. So yes, the program is absolutely relevant and appropriate. Having said that, the program does not have a strong emphasis on parenting nonverbal, and/or severely autistic children. If you’re not sure, I encourage you to submit an application and we can hop on a call to discuss more. I promise to be honest if I think the program is not the right fit!
My child has big, explosive tantrums/meltdowns/rages. Will this program help?
Short answer: Yes!
Longer answer:
A lot of “strong-willed” kids have big feelings and a hard time expressing them in healthy ways. You are not alone! And I know that when you’re living in a constant state of fear that your child will “explode,” it’s hard to do the deeper work (or anything, really!). This is why I make sure to address this very issue early in the program, so you have an in-the-moment plan for those really tough moments, plus some strategies for reducing how often they happen, STAT.
Why just single parents?
I am a very inclusive person and would love to help EVERYONE! So, why did I decide to create a program specifically for single parents?
Lots of reasons, but here’s the main one:
I vividly remember scrolling through Instagram one day shortly after I launched my coaching business. Within the span of 5 minutes I stumbled on three posts/reels that seemed like guilt zingers for single parents.
That wasn’t their intention at all, but it was the effect, nonetheless.
Since then I’ve noticed more instances like that, not just on social media, but also elsewhere: Well-meaning parenting experts offering beautifully supportive and informative resources, but whose content can sometimes feel alienating or triggering for single parents.
Things like: the importance of modeling a healthy marriage; the value of having an involved father; the challenge of “solo parenting” when your spouse travels; and recommendations to “just tag your partner in” when you’re overwhelmed.
And it’s not just the risk of feeling alienated or triggered. There is also a lack of content that specifically addresses the unique challenges - and gifts! - of single parenting.
Why?
Because most parenting experts have a partner. That is their lived experience, and they are generously and vulnerably sharing and coaching from that vantage point. (As they should!)
That’s why, as a single mom in the parent coaching space, I’ve become increasingly passionate about filling this gap by creating safe and supportive spaces specifically designed for single parents that:
❌ DO NOT trigger the very familiar, nearly universal feelings of fear, worry, and/or guilt about raising kids in a single-parent home (or in two, in the case of shared custody).
✔︎ DO specifically address some of the unique challenges faced by many single parents.
✔︎ DO empower single parents to embrace and lean into some of the beautiful advantages of being a single parent.
✔︎ DO help single parents feel - and be! - less alone on this often lonely journey.
I’m married, but I sure as s**t feel single most of the time! Can I join?
As someone who felt like a single parent even when I was partnered, I can completely relate!
If this is you, please submit an application and let’s discuss. I am considering a few options for supporting parents in this situation.
Is it better to do a group program or to work with you 1-on-1?
Here’s the beauty of The SingleParentology™ Lab small-group experience: You get individualized support from me PLUS community support from other single parents in the same boat as you. AND it’s less than half the price of 1-on-1 coaching with me. Honestly? That’s a win-win-win in my book.
I genuinely believe that there is a magic and power to the small-group experience that ADDS to the value of my teaching and coaching. It really is the best of both worlds.
Having said that, if you’re not comfortable in a group program, or if I think you would be better served by 1-on-1 coaching, I do have a couple of 1-on-1 spots available.
Why is this self-paced with 9 months of live support?
My goal is to get you the transformation you want and that you and your child(ren) deserve.
Boy, do I wish I had a magic wand! But, of course, I don’t. (Womp womp.) So, I’ve designed this program to truly set your family up for success. Because you deserve it!
The program materials are self-paced because every family, and every parent, is different. I don’t want anyone to feel stressed or pressured, or to feel that they are “behind” or “failing.” That is the opposite of what I want for you, and what I believe will be helpful for you.
As for the program length, I want to make absolutely sure that you have enough time to not only finish all the modules, but to really practice and get support implementing everything you’ve learned.
And what I know from working with clients is that progress is not always linear or consistent. In other words, most clients see powerful shifts in their parenting, their children’s behavior, and their relationship with their children within 1 to 2 months (or less!), but then run into some challenges down the road, with different situations, times of the year, etc.
Will it take 9 months to see results?
Short answer: No!
Longer answer:
I’ve designed the program to ensure you start seeing shifts quickly. (Typically within the first 1 to 2 months (or sooner!).) The reason I offer 9 months of hands-on support is to make absolutely sure that you have enough time to not only finish all the modules, but to really practice and get support implementing everything you’ve learned.
I barely have time to pee! How will I have time to do the program?
I hear you! You are definitely not alone there!
I seriously wish I had a magic wand that could make everything better for you without putting in any time. (Wouldn’t that be amazing?!)
Alas, I don’t. So, the reality is that it is going to take some time.
BUT I want you to know three important things:
1. One major benefit of this program is that it streamlines what is otherwise an overwhelming and time-consuming process of researching, experimenting, trouble-shooting, and problem-solving.
2. This work will most likely free up more time than it takes up!
Imagine if…
➡︎ it didn’t take an hour to get your kid to brush their teeth.
➡︎ you had an entire weekend without a tantrum or meltdown.
➡︎ you didn’t stew in guilt and shame for hours before falling asleep.
I mean really, what will you do with all that time?!
▶︎ I’ve designed the program to fit into your life as easily as possible.
Here are a few ways I’ve done that:
✔︎ Lessons are all available via private podcast, in addition to videos.
✔︎ Group calls are recorded so you can watch the replay if
you miss it.
✔︎ Support is available in between calls in the online Slack community.
✔︎ You have 9 months of access to the live support, and lifetime
access to the materials, so you can go at your own pace.
I really don’t think I can afford that kind of investment.
This is the part where I’m “supposed” to tell you that money is a mindset, you’re worth the investment, and if it’s really a priority you will find a way to make it work.
But I’m not going to do that. (Sorry, biz coaches!)
If you are struggling to pay the rent and get groceries, please do not join this program. Take care of your family’s basic needs, and come back when it’s more doable.
If you’re not struggling with the basics, but really aren’t sure you’re ready to invest in something like this, I hear you. And I get it.
This is one of those blessings and curses of single parenting: It’s totally up to you. You are the only person who really knows if investing this money is worth it right now.
At the end of the day, the benefit of joining needs to outweigh the financial stress it puts on you. Because if you’re so consumed with financial stress that you can’t focus on the program, you won’t see the results you deserve.
But here’s the other thing I’ll say:
I find that this question often has less to do with whether you can technically afford it, and more to do with whether you believe and trust that it will work. Because if it really did transform your family life, I’m betting it would be worth way more than the price. (Especially with the current founding members’ price!)
If that’s the case, I have two suggestions:
▶︎ Check out some of my free resources, and/or reach out to me via email, DM, or by scheduling a free discovery call. “Taste-test” my approach, vibe, and expertise, to get a better feel for whether this is an investment worth making.
▶︎ Remember: There’s a 14-day refund policy
I know that diving into this is a leap of faith. I know you are entrusting me with the most important relationship in your life. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I am committed to living up to the honor.
What if I don’t agree with your advice and recommendations?
My job and my goal is to support you on your own path, not to pull you along on mine.
Yes, there are specific tools and strategies I will teach you, and yes, my knowledge and experience can help you with this process. But I am not a prophet, and what I say is not doctrine. You are the expert on your family, and my goal is to empower you to find your own parenting voice.
Since you’re a psychologist and a neuropsychologist, can you figure out if my kid has ADHD, PTSD, autism, a learning disability, an anxiety disorder, etc?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer:
While I am a psychologist and neuropsychologist, I am not serving as your psychologist or neuropsychologist when I work with you as a coach.
Coaching is not therapy, and I can’t offer clinical assessment or treatment when working with someone as a coach.
This means I can’t and won’t diagnose you or your child with a clinical disorder (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD), and I can’t and won’t try to treat a clinical disorder.
Coaching can be done in combination with therapy, and, when appropriate, I would be happy to support you as a coach while you're working with someone else for therapy.
Since you’re a psychologist, can you figure out if I have PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc? And can you help me recover from these?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer:
While I am a psychologist and neuropsychologist, I am not serving as your psychologist or neuropsychologist when I work with you as a coach.
Coaching is not therapy, and I can’t offer clinical assessment or treatment when working with someone as a coach.
This means I can’t and won’t diagnose you or your child with a clinical disorder (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD), and I can’t and won’t try to treat a clinical disorder.
Coaching can be done in combination with therapy, and, when appropriate, I would be happy to support you as a coach while you're working with someone else for therapy.
Why do I need to “apply”?
It’s important to me that everyone who joins The SingleParentology™ Lab is a good fit for the program. That's why I meet with every potential participant on Zoom before they sign up for the program, so that we can both make sure this is a good fit.
I am committed to ensuring you get the support you deserve, and the support that will meet your family’s needs. If that’s not this program, I want you to know up-front so that you can invest your time and money in a program that is a better fit.
I’ve tried other parenting courses/programs and still feel stuck. Will this one work for me?
Honestly? The answer to this depends on what didn’t “work” for you when you tried other programs.
I can tell you that many traditional parenting programs don’t “work” for strong-willed kids, and many programs also don’t take into account the unique needs and challenges of single parenting.
I can also tell you that The SingleParentology™ Lab is jam-packed with actionable, realistic tools and resources at a pace that isn’t overwhelming, and includes a really special and supportive community.
AND I can tell you that not every program is the right fit for every parent. Including this one.
If you’re really not sure this will work, let’s schedule a call to chat about what might get in the way, and whether it’s worth diving in. (I chat with all applicants after reviewing their application anyway, but am happy to schedule a call before you decide whether to apply, if you’d prefer.)
What's your fave ice cream flavor?
Thanks for asking!
Seriously, though, if you have a question I haven't answered yet, please feel free to reach out and ask!
(Oh, and my current fave is mint chocolate chip. Mmmm.)
MAKE NO MISTAKE:
Your child’s greatest asset is…YOU
You’re a loving, devoted, good parent. You wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t.
And your kids are damned lucky to have you.
I know that can feel like a lot of responsibility.
Honestly? It is.
It’s also a powerful opportunity.
If you’re still reading this page, I know you feel like something needs to change.
And I know that you absolutely CAN make that happen.
No matter what your childhood looked like;
No matter what your adulthood looks like;
YOU absolutely have the power, the ability, and the opportunity, to create the family life that you want and deserve.
Could you do it on your own, piecing together advice from Instagram, podcasts, and the pile of books collecting dust on your nightstand?
Maybe.
But why make it harder for yourself?
I’ve been there, desperately scouring the Interwebs for answers, looking for the little glimmers of insight and golden nuggets of wisdom that actually applied to my situation, trying to figure out how to make it work for my own family, and crying in the dark when I felt like no one understood.
It doesn’t have to be like that.
Consider this your permission slip to take the shortcut.
...To gift yourself the treasure map instead of making one yourself.
...To get the support and the community that you deserve.
Because yes, you deserve it.
And so do your kids.
© Copyright Gila Z Reckess, PhD LLC, 2024. All Rights Reserved.