39. How to Parent from a Mindful Place with Dr. Alexandra Sredni, Psy. D., PLLC
Are you parenting on autopilot—or truly present with your child?Miami-based licensed psychologist Dr. Alexandra Sredni, Psy. D., PLLC, joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal for an honest and insightful conversation on the power of mindfulness in parenting. Together, they unpack how to shift from reacting to responding, why self-acceptance is key to accepting your child, and how our relationship with technology can undermine meaningful connection. From emotional regulation to modeling mindfulness and making space for repair, this episode offers practical strategies to slow down, be present, and raise emotionally aware children—starting with your own inner work.Learn more about Dr. Alexandra Sredni's practice: https://www.miamibeachtherapist.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness in Parenting02:59 The Journey into Mindfulness05:53 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Importance08:27 Mindfulness as a Tool for Parenting Challenges11:22 The Impact of Technology on Presence14:06 Reacting vs. Responding in Parenting16:59 The Power of Apologizing and Repairing Relationships19:56 Accepting Children for Who They Are22:44 Practical Tips for Mindful ParentingSTAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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38. Permission to Pause: Reclaiming Space for Yourself as a Parent
In this introspective solo episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendel shares a deeply personal story about taking an unexpected solo trip to Tel Aviv to visit her brother. With two kids, a full-time job, and the ever-present demands of daily life, Evelyn opens up about the internal and external resistance she faced simply for choosing herself—even just for a week.She unpacks the guilt many parents, especially mothers, carry around the idea of stepping away, and she challenges the myth of “martyrdom” in parenting—that being a “good” parent means being constantly available and self-sacrificing. Evelyn explores the origins of this belief and invites listeners to reflect on the damaging narrative that we must reach the point of burnout before taking care of ourselves.Using the metaphor of running on an empty gas tank, she offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to hit zero before you refuel. This episode is a call to action for all caregivers to give themselves permission to pause—not out of necessity, but out of self-respect and love.STAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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37. Importance of Community for Mothers with Mysha’s Marika Frumes
What if what you’re really missing in motherhood isn’t more advice — but true connection? Marika Frumes is the founder of Mysha, an intentional community built for modern mothers. What started as a small WhatsApp group during her pregnancy — born out of a need for honest, vulnerable conversation — has grown into a thriving network of women supporting one another through every season of motherhood. Marika and Evelyn discuss identity shifts, imposter syndrome, and the quiet loneliness that can come when your closest friends aren’t in the same life chapter. Marika opens up about the personal journey that led to Mysha’s creation, how she transformed isolation into community, and why meaningful connection doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with intention.Learn more about Mysha: https://myshapods.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Birth of a Community 02:45 Creating Connection Through Intentionality 06:07 Navigating Motherhood Together 09:11 The Power of Vulnerability 12:02 Asking for Help: A Common Struggle 14:57 Mothering Ourselves 18:01 Building a Supportive Network 20:55 The Importance of Community for MothersStay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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36. Parenthood: Redefining Yourself While Raising Others with Liliana Retelny
What if the discomfort you’re feeling isn’t a sign something’s wrong—but a sign that you’re finally getting closer to who you really are?Psychotherapist Liliana Retelny joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandelt to explore the often uncomfortable—but ultimately empowering—journey of self-discovery. Together, they dive into how parenting can trigger unexpected questions about identity, how anxiety often points to deeper unresolved wounds, and why therapy can be a gateway to a more authentic life. Liliana shares her insights from years in practice, unpacking how cultural and familial expectations shape us, and how letting go of perfection can lead to deeper connection—with ourselves and our children. This conversation is an invitation to embrace discomfort, ask big questions, and grow into the person you were always meant to be.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery02:54 Understanding Discomfort and Growth06:01 Parenting Challenges and Reflections08:52 The Impact of Parenting Styles11:51 Navigating Children's Individuality15:07 The Role of Fear in Parenting18:06 Encouraging Authenticity in Children20:59 The Weight of Parental Expectations23:51 The Importance of Personal Growth27:01 Embracing the Work of Self-DiscoverySTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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35. Parenting Through the Past: Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents
What happens when you realize the way you were parented is now affecting how you parent? Licensed therapist and author Whitney Goodman, LMFT (@sitwithwhit) joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandel to explore the challenges adult children face when navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of boundary violations, the patterns that persist across generations, and how becoming a parent can resurface unresolved childhood wounds. Whitney shares powerful insights from her clinical practice, offering guidance on reclaiming personal power, setting and adjusting boundaries, and working toward repair—even in the most complicated family dynamics. Learn more about Whitney's work: linktr.ee/CallinghomeCHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Estrangement05:01 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries 10:10 Recognizing Boundary Violations 21:33 Maintaining Healthy Relationships with ChildrenSTAY CONNECTED:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
Welcome to your home away from home for parenting support. As a child and parenting expert, I'm here to chat about all things child development, mental health (both parent and child’s), and parenting strategies based on science and preserving our critical human connection to our children.
South Africa