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/CallinghomeTAKEAWAYS: -Emotional immaturity is a leading cause of estrangement. -Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining relationships. -Apologizing to children can strengthen parent-child relationships. -Recognizing boundary violations is crucial for emotional health. -Parenthood can trigger unresolved childhood issues. It's important to empower children to express their needs. -Flexibility in boundaries is necessary as families evolve. -Repairing relationships after conflict is vital for connection. -Cultural norms influence how boundaries are perceived in families. -Therapy can help individuals navigate complex family dynamics.CHAPTERS: 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/
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34. Reconnecting as Partners: Nurturing Intimacy and Talking Sex with Kids with Dr. Lisa Paz
How can couples sustain intimacy and connection after becoming parents while also fostering healthy, open conversations about sexuality with their children?Dr. Lisa Paz (@drlisapaz) returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to explore the complexities of maintaining a romantic partnership amid the demands of parenthood. They explore the emotional and mental load that often falls on women, the importance of intentionality in scheduling intimacy, and the critical role of communication in sustaining a fulfilling relationship.Beyond partnership dynamics, the discussion shifts to the crucial topic of guiding children’s sexual development. Dr. Paz and Evelyn emphasize the need for ongoing, open conversations about anatomy, consent, and healthy sexuality—equipping parents with the tools to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for these discussions.Learn more about Dr. Lisa Paz: https://www.drlisapaz.com/Explore her courses & training: https://www.drlisapaz.com/courses/ Takeaways:✔ Transitioning from parent to partner requires conscious effort.✔ Scheduled intimacy can strengthen connection and satisfaction.✔ Women often enter intimacy from a state of neutrality.✔ Self-pleasure plays a role in women’s sexual wellness.✔ Carving out time away from children helps preserve a couple’s identity.✔ Open, ongoing discussions about sexual development foster a healthy understanding.✔ Using anatomically correct terms normalizes conversations about bodies.✔ Parents should be the primary source of information on sex and relationships.Chapters:00:00 Navigating the Transition from Parent to Partner06:02 Creating a Headspace for Intimacy12:02 Reconnecting as Partners After Kids18:43 Prioritizing Connection in Relationships28:50 Establishing Open Communication About Anatomy and ConsentSubscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889☑️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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33. From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Lessons in Motherhood and Leadership with Zoe Rapoport
How do you navigate the intersection of motherhood, career, and self-care while maintaining a strong sense of identity?Zoe Rapoport, a licensed psychologist and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, joins Evelyn Mendal to explore the multifaceted challenges women face in balancing motherhood, career, and self-care while remaining true to their authentic selves.Zoe offers profound insights into the complexities of assertiveness, the pressures of societal expectations, and the journey of rediscovering identity, particularly after becoming a mother. They discuss the art of setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing self-care without guilt, and modeling healthy behaviors for children in an age shaped by the influence of social media.👉Learn more: Rapoport Psychological Services 🌐https://www.rapoportpsychological.com/Zoe Rapoport Consulting🌐https://zoerapoportconsulting.com/ ✅Follow Zoe: @zoerapoport1360 @zoerapoportconsulting☑️https://www.instagram.com/zoerapoportconsulting👉Takeaways:➡️Women often grapple with assertiveness across various aspects of life.➡️Rediscovering identity is a key focus for many mothers.➡️Societal pressures can overshadow personal desires.➡️Intentional boundaries are crucial for self-reconnection.➡️Mothers frequently experience guilt when prioritizing their needs.➡️Modeling balance and boundaries benefits children.➡️Social media can negatively affect self-worth and expectations.➡️Assertive communication is essential in relationships and parenting.▶️Chapters:00:00 Empowering Women: A Journey into Leadership06:07 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Self-Discovery13:45 Modeling Healthy Boundaries for Kids18:38 Navigating Social Media and Self-WorthJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889☑️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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32. From Control to Connection: Motherhood Insights for High Achievers with Priya Rednam-Waldo
How can high-achieving women balance control with connection, joy, and self-care in motherhood?Priya Rednam-Waldo, a mother of 4, licensed therapist, CEO and coach, joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to share her expertise in guiding women through this transformative life stage of motherhood. Priya delves into the unique challenges high-achieving women face, from the pressure to excel in parenting to managing cultural expectations and anxiety. She highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, embracing individual parenting styles, and fostering a supportive community. With a focus on self-care and redefining success, Priya reminds parents that every family’s path is both unique and valid.Learn more about Priya’s work: https://priyarednamwaldo.com/Follow along @priyarednamwaldo https://www.instagram.com/priyarednamwaldo/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/ 👉Takeaways-High-achieving women often struggle with the transition to motherhood due to control issues.-Parenting is not just about achievements; it's about connection and joy.-Cultural pressures can lead to anxiety in parenting, making it feel like a performance.-Finding joy in small moments is crucial for a fulfilling parenting experience.-It's important to prioritize self-care to manage the mental load of parenting.-Every parent has a unique style that should be embraced and respected.-Community support is vital for navigating the challenges of parenthood.▶️Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Parenthood00:58 Priya's Journey: From Military to Maternal Mental Health04:35 The Control Dilemma in Parenthood09:11 Cultural Pressures and Achievement in Parenting13:20 Creating Meaningful Moments with Children18:30 Understanding and Managing Parental Anxiety22:54 Balancing Mental Load and Family Time27:00 Embracing Individual Parenting Styles30:41 Finding Community and Support in Parenting34:12 Rediscovering Joy in ParenthoodJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
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31. Divorce Isn’t the End: Helping Kids Thrive in Two Homes with Michelle Dempsey-Multack
How can parents in high-conflict co-parenting prioritize their child’s well-being?
Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to discuss how divorcing or divorced parents can navigate challenges while prioritizing their child’s well-being. Together, they address common fears, like whether divorce will “mess up” kids, emphasizing that it’s not the divorce itself, but parents’ actions, that shape a child’s long-term health and happiness.
Drawing on her personal experience as a child of divorce and a co-parent, Michelle highlights the power of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and focusing on the child’s needs over personal conflict. The conversation explores managing emotions during the divorce process, supporting children’s feelings, and cultivating critical thinking skills to help kids process their experiences. They also share strategies for maintaining neutrality in co-parenting, navigating high-conflict situations, and empowering parents to focus on what they can control.
Takeaways
Parents often struggle with their emotions affecting co-parenting.
Children's feelings about divorce are valid and should be acknowledged.
It's crucial to support children's relationships with both parents.
Healing from past trauma is essential for effective co-parenting.
Children need to learn critical thinking skills to navigate their feelings.
Validating children's feelings helps them process their experiences.
Parents should avoid projecting their feelings onto their children.
Managing discomfort in children is a key part of parenting during divorce.
Consistent support from one parent can help children thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Divorce Coaching and Co-Parenting
06:04 Emotional Impact of Divorce on Co-Parenting
11:58 The Role of Ego in Co-Parenting Dynamics
18:03 Supporting Children Through Divorce
23:52 The Importance of Validating Children's Feelings
30:03 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-Parenting
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