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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:

190. Silencing Shame & Enjoying your Kids with Sharon Johnson Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Shame is a universal human experience no one is immune to, especially in motherhood where it feels like there’s a right and a wrong way to do everything, yet no matter what you do, you can’t win!

How do you break free from the shame cycle?

My guest today, Sharon Johnson, is a mother to six who creates social media content focusing on motherhood, mental health, getting older and finding oneself, and healing after years of trauma and crisis.

Sharon kicked motherhood off by being absolutely swallowed by shame - so much so she didn’t even realize it.

Tune in to hear her story of deconstruction and leaving the LDS church, adopting her niece and nephew, managing her bipolar and depression, and the true pride she’s able to feel now in saying she in fact IS the parent her kids need.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The viral post of hers where the internet called her a bad parent, horrible mother, and threatened to call CPS
How Sharon's relationship with shame has evolved and what mattered most
The importance of building open and honest relationships with teens so we can discuss difficult topics and build trust

DON'T MISS-

How much more she actually enjoys motherhood and her kids now and why

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //

Rhett McLaughlin's (of Rhett and Link) house analogy clip from their podcast, Ear Biscuits

Rhett's Spiritual Deconstruction - full episode 226 of Ear Biscuits (2/3/2020)

// CONNECT WITH SHARON //
Podcast: Wake Her Up

Tiktok: @Sharon.a.life

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/Apply

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

189. Intentionally Indulge Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

What do bad mornings, clingy birthday parties, fighting playdates and candy on the way home from school all have in common?

Instead of doubling down to invite the meltdown or giving in to avoid it… there’s a better way!

These are all situations where you, as the parent, can intentionally indulge. Tune in to learn how.

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

Ways to shift from being reactive to proactive, getting one step ahead of your child
Why “intentionally indulging” works so well
How to compromise to get more cooperation in the long run

DON'T MISS:

A practical way to help your “slow to warm up” child be successful at a chaotic birthday party

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Follow me on TikTok for “Advice Column Answers” - @‌thatparentcoach

// CONNECT WITH DANIELLE //
Website: parentingwholeheartedly.com
IG: @‌parent_wholeheartedly
APPLY: parentingwholeheartedly.com/apply

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

188. "I can figure this out" with Marli Klaus Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

My guest today, Marli Klaus, is a mom of three, a pediatric sleep consultant, and a trainer and mentor for other sleep consultants as the owner of The Cradle Coach and The Cradle Coach Academy.

I’ve known Marli for several years and had the chance to work with her family last winter!

In our conversation, Marli shares very openly and honestly about her fears for her son, the way she dreaded pickup, the heartbreaking effect on her other kids, the determination she felt to figure it out herself, and the guilt for clearly failing him somehow.

I hope you see yourself and your family in Marli’s story and find hope.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Why Marli *couldn't* figure it out all by herself
What her husband needed to hear & experience that made all the difference
What she would go back & tell herself now

DON'T MISS-

Why sleep is so underrated yet so important

// CONNECT WITH MARLI //
Website: www.thecradlecoachacademy.com
Instagram: @thecradlecoach & @thecradlecoachacademy

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/Apply

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

187. 7 Ways to Beat the Bedtime Blues Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Most strong-willed kids struggle with sleep, so if bedtime feels like neverending pulling teeth at your house, join the club!

While I'm always going to advocate for nuance and individualization, confidence comes from having a diverse set of tools in your backpocket, so this episode is here to help you have a few more "tricks" up your sleeve.

Here's to a shorter bedtime routine for the kids and more time for revenge bedtime procrastination for the adults! :)

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

Why you might need to rethink TV time before bedtime
How to embrace your "dread" + commiserate with your child
The script to say when you leave their room

DON'T MISS:

What to do when they're acting like your old drunk college roommate

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Mighty and Bright - Kids' Daily Routine Chart
Honeybee & Friends Bedtime Stories

// CONNECT WITH DANIELLE //
Website: parentingwholeheartedly.com
IG: @parent_wholeheartedly
APPLY: parentingwholeheartedly.com/apply

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

186. 90% less Tantrums in 3 Months with Heather + David Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Heather and David, parents from the Midwest, take us along in their journey of parenting their strong-willed five-year-old daughter.

Just a few months ago, they were drowning; overwhelmed by her tantrums, feeling like parenting was heartbreaking, stressful, and defeating more days than not.

NOW, they are parenting with hope, optimism and confidence, let alone 90% less tantrums overall!

Tune in to hear the things that were hard to admit, why they believe they benefitted so much from this work, and the nuggets and takeaways they want every listener to learn alongside them.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The moment Heather knew they needed help
How David began to relate to his daughter in new ways
The mindset shifts that led to a quick turnaround

DON'T MISS-

The challenges of being in a field like Heather's (speech language pathology in an elementary school) where you *SHOULD* know how to do this & struggle at home with your own child

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/Apply

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

185. Going Beyond Good Intentions Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Can you imagine setting a New Years resolution, watching healthy living content and going to a class where they teach you why you should exercise and expecting to lose weight without ever working out?

NO! We know getting stronger requires taking action.

In the same way, working on your parenting requires implementation, not just intentions.

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

Ways immersive learning experiences transform parenting skills
Why it's impossible to grow stronger while "malnourished" and what to do about it
The role of structured support in achieving parenting goals

DON'T MISS:

How to pour gasoline on your good intentions to *actually* become a stronger, more confident parent

// CONNECT WITH DANIELLE //
Website: parentingwholeheartedly.com
IG: @parent_wholeheartedly
APPLY: parentingwholeheartedly.com/apply

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

184. Stop your Child from Lying to You Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Today's episode is a rare treat. I had a fantastic coaching conversation with a parent of a 4 year-old around an ongoing problem at their house around not listening and not telling the truth when asked about it, and I have her permission to share it with you here!

Listen as she shares more of the background into this particular moment as well as her concerns around the behavior, then tune in to hear what I recommended to her (and anyone else who can relate!)

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Insight into the developmental shifts happening at this age
What to STOP doing in the future when faced with this behavior
What TO do to prevent this situation from happening again (that does not include punishment)

DON'T MISS-

Perspective that will give you a sigh of relief

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @‌parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.

Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/apply

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

183. Change the World from your Couch with Cynthia Levin Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

From “I can’t change the world. I’m just a mom” to “I can change the world because I’m a mom!'

Cynthia Levin is the author of “From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started.” A non-partisan activist working across a variety of issues, she coaches volunteers of all ages to build productive relationships with members of Congress.

In our conversation she laid a realistic roadmap for the average mom to get involved where it matters most to her; starting small and leveling up in small amounts of discomfort.

She summed up our conversation with a really powerful quote I’ll be thinking about for years to come.

Be sure to follow this episode up with ACTION!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

3 common myths about advocacy
Surprising benefits of getting your kids involved over time
Reasons why moms are uniquely qualified to do this work

DON'T MISS-

Tangible examples of how advocacy actually makes a difference

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //

Organizations you can get involved with, in no particular order:

The ONE campaign - to create a more Just & Equal world
CARE - Fighting Global Poverty & World Hunger
MomsRising - Building a more Family-Friendly America
SUNRISE - End the Climate Crisis
Moms Demand Action - for Gunsense in America
RESULTS - ending poverty in US and globally
Bread for the World - Christian based hunger advocacy
UN Foundations Shot@Life - global vaccines

// CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA LEVIN //
Book : From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started.
Website: www.changyit.com
Instagram: @‌ccylevin

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @‌parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/Apply

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

182. 5 Top Tips for Making Weekends Easier on Everyone Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

If all your weekend plans seem held hostage by your strong-willed child’s mood, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I name the extra challenges you face on the weekend and specific strategies to tackle them for good, unlocking actual freedom and possibilities to be spontaneous or just enjoy each other and relax!

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

Why what we think we want isn’t what we actually want
Two goals to go into every weekend with
How to stop power struggles before they start

DON'T MISS:

Powerful realizations a client shared that transformed her mindset

// CONNECT WITH DANIELLE //
Website: parentingwholeheartedly.com
IG: @‌parent_wholeheartedly
APPLY: parentingwholeheartedly.com/apply

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

181. Breaking Free of Society's Expectations with Erin Spahr, LCPC, LCMHC, PMH-C Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

How can we create a more equitable world that supports motherhood?
My guest today, Erin Spahr, is a licensed therapist, mother, feminist, podcast host, and maternal mental health advocate. She uses a feminist lens in her work with mothers in her private practice and strives to help mothers free themselves from oppressive societal expectations and find more self-confidence and self-compassion.

Our conversation today spans cultural conditioning, matriscentric feminism, internalized patriarchy, and feminine rage. We cover what feminism is not, how the patriarchy shows up on a daily basis and affects men too, and tangible next steps on how to reset and forge ahead trying to raise kind, accepting kids.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

How feminism isn’t necessarily “equal to be fair”
The stage of feminism that’s needed most today
What to do with your feminine rage in the years to come

DON'T MISS-

A simple, yet radical way to fight back today

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Matricentric Feminism by Andrea Riley
Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood by Minna Dubin
Song: Labour by Paris Paloma

// CONNECT WITH ERIN SPAHR //
Instagram: @‌feminist.mom.therapist
Feminist Mom Podcast: www.feministmompodcast.com
Private Practice Website: www.erinspahrtherapy.com (available to folks in North Carolina and Maryland)
Inclusive Provider Directory: www.inclusiveproviders.com

I believe in you + I'm cheering you on.
Come say hi! I'm @‌parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.
Apply to work together: parentingwholeheartedly.com/Apply

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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