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Failing Motherhood — Kids & Family
Failing Motherhood

If you’re riddled with mom guilt, your temper scares you, you’re terrified you’re screwing up your kids and are afraid to admit any of those things out loud….this podcast is for you. Hosted by Danielle Bettmann, parenting coach for families with 1-10-year-old strong-willed kids, Failing Motherhood is where shame-free vulnerability meets breakthroughs.
Every other week is a storytelling interview about one mom’s raw and honest experience of growth that leads to new perspectives and practical strategies and every other week solo episodes focus on actionable insight into parenting your deeply feeling, highly sensitive, *spicy* child.
Here, we normalize the struggle, share openly about our insecurities, and rally around small wins and truths. We hope to convince you you’re not alone and YOU are the parent your kids need. We hope you see yourself, hear your story, and find hope and healing.
Welcome to Failing Motherhood. You belong here!

UPDATE: 08/2026 – Applications are no longer accepted for Wholeheartedly CALM.

Copyright: © 2023 Failing Motherhood

Latest Episodes:

78. Untigering + Unschooling with Iris Chen Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Iris Chen is a recovering Tiger mother and founder of the Untigering movement. In her book Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent, she shares her journey and reflections on shifting away from parenting rooted in power to parenting grounded in partnership.
She's an American-Born Chinese who ended up with kids who are Chinese-born Americans. She's a peaceful parenting advocate, intersectional unschooler, anti-oppression activist, and deconstructing Tiger Mom.
In this episode, Iris shares how a workshop about brain science began a long journey to deconstructing everything she thought she knew about parenting, school, and even religion.
She began to move away from Tiger parenting which is based in control, which was the way she was raised and the culture she was surrounded by and began a process of re-parenting herself. She shows gratitude for her strong-willed firstborn, resisting her control and pushing her to learn and grow and find another path. She speaks to the regret of not learning it sooner, and how she was able to share her journey so publicly in her book without shame.
We also dive into a deeper conversation into her shift from getting all the accolades and awards and formal schooling to finding and loving unschooling as a family.
So wherever you're at in your reckoning or movement towards more positive discipline approaches, I know that you'll be able to find gems in this episode that will keep you going for years to come.
We covered...

how parenting and re-parenting are interconnected
why she recommends you "Aim to Fail"
how suffering from "good child syndrome" affected her growing up
what "a day in the life" of unschooling looks like
how there's truly no guarantees with any education approach

// CONNECT WITH IRIS CHEN //
IG: @untigering
Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent book
https://untigering.com/
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

77. Picky Eating Help with Jennifer Anderson (@kids.eat.in.color) Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietician that has a Master's of Science in Public Health. In 2017 she founded Kids Eat In Color (@kids.eat.in.color) a HUGE resource that helps children and families have better nutrition and mental health.
You will find her harm reduction lens with a focus on a parent's mental health and heavy dose of reality and humanity REFRESHING.
In this episode, we cover common misconceptions around food that she is working to debunk that make us feel like we're failing. She speaks to the big principles or best practices that can help guide you to feel more confident in the minefield of feeling like nearly every food is bad for you.
And most importantly, she wants you to know your best is exactly what your child needs.
Important questions answered:

Can picky eating be prevented?
Is family-style dining best?
Is picky eating a worldwide phenomenon?

DON'T MISS...

the 4 types of picky eating
when to seek professional help
how to take dessert of it's pedestal
what to do when your child won't pick from two options

// CONNECT WITH JENNIFER ANDERSON //
IG: @kids.eat.in.color
Is my child's picky eating normal? QUIZ - https://kidseatincolor.com/quiz/
https://kidseatincolor.com/
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

76. "Big Kid Bed" Sleep Struggles with Jessica Berk Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Everyone talks about how you'll never sleep when you have a baby. But no one was talking about the sleep struggles that happened when the kids get bigger...
...enter Jessica Berk, certified child sleep consultant for kids out of a crib!
After Jessica's daughter moved up to a "big kid bed" she felt like she had a newborn all over again! She knew she couldn't survive, so she decided to get certified as a child sleep coach through the Family Sleep Institute and spent the last 7 years perfecting a foolproof framework, the REST method, to turn toddlers into awesome little independent sleepers. She's successfully helped thousands of parents with even the most strong-willed kids get them to bed happily before 8pm and sleeping soundly for 10 to 12 hours through the night with no wakeups, in their own beds.
In this episode, I asked Jessica all the questions that come up for my clients. Why are they getting out of bed so often? What does sleep begets sleep even mean? How do you recommend paying off sleep debt when they're overtired?
We covered...

the critical key to good sleep
debunking common myths + misconceptions around sleep
why toddlers get out of bed after bedtime
the 4 steps of her REST Method
how to get sleep back on track after the summer slide

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Bedtime Stories: Mrs. Honeybee
Toothbrush Stories: Mrs. Honeybee (Apple podcasts or Spotify)
Book: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
// CONNECT WITH JESSICA BERK //
IG: @awesomelittlesleepers
Awesomelittlesleepers.com
Save your spot in her next free Toddler Sleep Masterclass: www.AwesomeLittleSleepers.com/ToddlerMasterclass
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

75. Embrace your Expanded Identity with Casey James Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

There was so much about motherhood that they did not warn us about in that book What to Expect When You're Expecting. Many of us believed the myth or the expectation that a new baby or kids will fall into our life.
On today's episode, I'm interviewing Casey James, who shares her journey with postpartum depletion, her path of discovering her new identity through matrescence and redefining self-care.
Casey James is the founder of Thrive, a community driven resource for modern women and motherhood. Her experience reconciling her career-driven identity with the growth and healing motherhood provided challenged her to embrace her expanded identity.
At the end of the episode we both discuss whether you have to find, discover or create our new identities, what that takes and how to do it.
We covered...

the need to redefine self-care
having permission to take time for yourself
releasing the guilt of not having the energy to give her son what he needed
the power of knowing what to Google
how to embrace your new identity as a mom

// CONNECT WITH CASEY JAMES //
IG: @thryve_living
www.thryve.ca
Thryving Mother Podcast
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

74. Detaching Your Journey From Your Child's with Ann Kaplan Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

Today on Failing Motherhood, Ann Kaplan is here to share a truly vulnerable story. When her teen son dove head first down a path of substance abuse and depression, eventually requiring residential treatment, she felt like she had failed her son as a terrible mother, failed her other kids during that time, and failed professionally as a parenting coach to have a son in this position.
Over the past few years she's gone through a lot of growth, moved away from codependency and truly realized the power of the things she has taught for so long.
She's here to share what helped her heal through this hard time and the insight she's gleaned, including ways to reframe what is + isn't a "problem", the power of knowing "this is not about me" and what matters most.
Don't miss:

A big shout out to people pleasers
How to be judged without FEELING judged
The 4 types of Parenting + how to grow based on where you are
The importance of releasing guilt + shame
What it feels like to embrace your intuition

// CONNECT WITH ANN KAPLAN //
IG: @annkaplanparentcoaching
annkaplanparentcoach.com

I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

73. *NO JUDGMENT* Guide to Screen Time: Part 2 Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

You don't need more reasons to feel guilty for using screens.
You need insight so you feel confident that when you do use them, it's WITHOUT guilt.
In 2022, technology is a TOOL to use while parenting. I am here to help you make confident decisions about what's best for your kids and your family!
If screen time is affecting your relationship with your strong-willed child, take the action I recommend in this series to reduce the power struggles for good.
In Part 2 of this 2 part screen time series, I address...

How to transition off screens without a meltdown
How to reduce dependency on screens if that’s one of your goals
Why kids become obsessed with video games and why it might not be as bad as we might think

Included in this episode, I share what to say when turning the TV off that will gain cooperation, alternatives to screen time that don't disrupt your entire routine, and a resource if you are already struggling with video games at your house.

// Mentioned in the episode //
Spotify Premium - Family
Big Life Kids Podcast
Story Pirates Podcast
Audiobooks: Libby App - (log in with your library card)
Healthy Gamer GG - Youtube Channel
Course - Healthy Gamer Action Plan
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

72. Nutrition, Fitness + Hormones in Motherhood with Brooke Rozzie Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Today on Failing Motherhood, Brooke Rozzie is here to share how as a nutrition + fitness expert, equipping herself with more understanding of her hormones unlocked new levels of energy, clarity and patience in her motherhood.
Brooke Rozzie is a functional nutritionist and owns a women-based coaching company focusing on supporting women in feeling the best in their skin so they can show up their best in their life by aligning hormonal health prioritizing nutrition, movement, and lifestyle factors.
In this episode, she dives deep into the 4 phases of your cycle and what small nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle shifts to make in each. She shares what to address FIRST when needing to alter your hormones and how to communicate your needs + expectations with your partner.
Don't miss:

What blows her clients' minds the most
What you need to know if your cycle isn't 28 days
The difference in cycles between men + women
Simple, accessible lifestyle shifts to begin to implement

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women by Kate Northrup
// CONNECT WITH BROOKE ROZZIE //
IG: @brookerozzie
Podcast: The Power of a Woman
Book a Clarity Call
*FREE* CALM BIG EMOTIONS GUIDE
www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/emotions
*FREE* CHAOS TO CALM MASTERCLASS
www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/masterclass
// SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION //
wholeheartedly.as.me/call
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

71. *NO JUDGMENT* Guide to Screen Time: Part 1 Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

You don't need more reasons to feel guilty for using screens.
You need insight so you feel confident that when you do use them, it's WITHOUT guilt.
In 2022, technology is a TOOL to use while parenting. I am here to help you make confident decisions about what's best for your kids and your family!
If screen time is affecting your relationship with your strong-willed child, take the action I recommend in this series to reduce the power struggles for good.
In Part 1 of this 2 part screen time series, I address...

3 things to consider when deciding when to use screens
The screen time boundary/limit(s) I recommend
Why your child seems obsessed with asking for screens, how you’re inadvertently reinforcing it, and what to do about it

No one else is talking about this!
If you find it helpful, share it with a friend!
// Mentioned in the episode //
CommonSenseMedia.org
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

70. Raising Good Humans with Erin Hodgson Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

Erin Hodgson is a non-bio mom to her two boys with her wife, living in New Zealand. This episode felt like we recorded several episodes in one!
After a quick geography lesson on New Zealand, we dive into her plans of world-schooling in 2023.
I'm so glad I asked her how she met her wife, because you won't believe her story!
After sharing her experience inducing lactation to nurse her second son, as well as what it's like to be a family of two moms raising two boys, she shares what it means to her to raise good humans.
If you're wanting to become a more conscious parent, break generational cycles and think long-term about your idea of "success" for your kids, you will want to stay to the end!
She speaks to the guilt of wanting "more" and how the more we discover about ourselves overflows and improves our parenting.
In this episode, she shares...

The skills she feels can't be learned in a classroom
How to support our kids when the world they'll be in hasn't been created yet
Why she doesn't believe you're failing your kids and why you shouldn't think so either

// CONNECT WITH ERIN//
www.awakeningthewisewoman.com
IG - @awakeningthewisewoman
Podcast: SHE is Wise
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

69. Managing Social Media Use with Bryce Reddy Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

Bryce Reddy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in motherhood and parenting and a mom of 3 living in New England. She supports mothers and families on social media under the handle @mombrain.therapist.
Bryce's story includes infertility, postpartum depression, IVF, miscarriages and most recently, an unexpected 3rd child at 38.
Right away we dive into the highs and lows of what social media has offered parents in the last 5-10 years - a community, validation, advice and also - guilt, pressure, and addiction among many other things.
In this episode, she shares...

The expensive toy she got "influenced" into buying - Do you have it?
Insight into her weekly polls of 50K parents
Questions to ask yourself to moderate your own social media use

Follow her on Instagram to take part in the weekend polls, and join her Over the Influence Challenge to be more mindful of your relationship with your screen.
// CONNECT WITH BRYCE//
Over the Influence Challenge
Etsy Shop: Printables
Instagram: @mombrain.therapist
I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Write a Review & Share with a friend!

Send us Fan Mail over Text.

Support the show

START HERE:
CALM + CONFIDENT: THE MASTERCLASS
Master the KIND + FIRM Approach your Strong-Willed Child Needs WITHOUT Crushing their Spirit OR Walking on Eggshells
*FREE* - www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

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