Think Like A Negotiator When Your Child Misuses Substances, with Cathy CiothThink Like A Negotiator When Your Child Misuses Substances, with Cathy Cioth
Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction
Brenda Zane and Cathy Cioth discuss how tactical empathy and negotiation skills can aid parents dealing with children misusing substances, inspired by Chris Voss's techniques.
21:15•16 Oct 2025
Think Like a Negotiator: Parenting Tips from Hostage Negotiation
Episode Overview
- Apply business negotiation skills to parenting.
- Use tactical empathy to understand your child's motives.
- Separate emotions from strategic decision-making.
- Create a plan for handling substance misuse challenges.
- Build genuine connections through strategic communication.
“It's not me, but I need to start to understand your motives.”
How do individuals turn their lives around after addiction? In this episode, Brenda Zane chats with Cathy Cioth about the unexpected parallels between hostage negotiation and parenting a child struggling with substance use. Drawing from Chris Voss's book, 'Never Split the Difference,' the conversation highlights how tactical empathy and negotiation skills can be surprisingly effective in understanding and communicating with your child.
Cathy and Brenda explore the importance of approaching these challenging situations with strategy rather than emotion, helping parents step back and assess their child's needs without taking things personally. The idea is not to treat your child like a business deal but to use these techniques to foster genuine understanding and connection. You'll hear how these approaches can transform chaotic situations into opportunities for growth and healing.
Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed or just curious about new strategies, this episode offers a fresh perspective on navigating these difficult waters. So, are you ready to think like a negotiator?
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