Why Parents Need Negotiation Skills More Than Ever - Attia Qureshi

Most parents don't think of themselves as negotiators—but according to negotiation expert Attia Qureshi, we're negotiating dozens of times every day. Whether you're discussing bedtime, dividing household responsibilities, navigating the mental load, or deciding whose career takes priority, negotiation is happening in the small moments that shape family life. In this conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Attia Qureshi, negotiation and influence expert, former MIT lecturer, adjunct professor at the University of Michigan, and co-author of Never Settle. Together, they explore how parents can approach difficult conversations with more mindfulness, clarity, and collaboration. Attia explains why many relationship conflicts aren't really about the surface issue, how people-pleasing and avoidance undermine healthy communication, and why one of the most important negotiations you'll ever have is the one happening inside your own mind. If you've ever struggled with resentment, unequal household labor, or asking for what you need without triggering conflict, this episode offers practical tools you can use immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why negotiation isn't about winning—it's about understanding interests and values• The hidden negotiations couples are having every day• How internal negotiation shapes your relationships• Why avoiding difficult conversations often creates bigger problems later• Practical language for discussing mental load and household responsibilities• How mindfulness helps you stay calm during conflict• Ways to advocate for your needs without becoming adversarial• Communication tools that strengthen connection and cooperation This episode will help you move from frustration and stalemate toward collaboration, understanding, and stronger family relationships. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices