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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:

159. The Joke's on Us! Relatable Dads, Wholesome Advice with Kevin + Evan (@thedumbdads) Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Happy Father's Day, dads!
My guests today, Kevin + Evan, are two stay-at-home dad comedians trying to let parents know the struggle is normal and we’re doing better than we think.
You might already follow them as they’ve been featured on Good Morning America, Momsplaining with Kristen Bell, & Today and go viral often on TikTok and Instagram for bits like "Dad Press Conferences".

‌They’ve set out to be relatable dads that can poke fun out of the bizarre experience that parenting is, fight the stigma of the bar being on the floor for dads and give parents permission to laugh at themselves and their kids, knowing they’re not alone.

They say they're failing fatherhood, but I pull some great parenting perspective out of them inside this episode!
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Some of the most patronizing moments they've had as SAHD's
How they find the line of what to share online
How to add the Improv tool of "Yes, And" to your parenting toolkit

DON'T MISS-

Why they're already the parents they wish they were

// CONNECT WITH KEVIN & EVAN //
‎Dumb Dad Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Instagram: @thedumbdads
TikTok: The Dumb Dads

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

158. Is it all True? How to Live in the Gray in the Black+White World of Parenting Advice with Ryan Allen, LPCC-S, LPC (@preschooltherapy) Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Ryan Allen, LPCC-S, LPC, is a licensed therapist with a decade of expertise working with young children and their families. A parent of two young kids, Ryan creates free resources for nearly 1 million parents and child caregivers on both TikTok and IG, providing guidance and support to shift away from traditional punitive approaches towards fostering environments of mutual respect.

I intentionally bring up several controversial topics to get his thoughts.

Is it true....

That therapists are perfect parents?
That your pediatrician’s advice is the golden rule?
That kids grow out of behaviors?
That you shouldn’t say “good job”?
That you have to read to your kids every night?
That all it takes to extinguish a behavior is playing your cards right?
Is there such a thing as a naughty or bad kid?
If your child knows better and does it anyway, isn’t that manipulation? Shouldn’t you take it personally?
Do we need to fix a behavior right away or else it will get worse?

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER -

Two questions to ask yourself to actually stop a negative behavior
The insight that completely shifted Ryan’s professional approach
An alternative approach to the red/green/yellow clip charts

DON’T MISS:

What to do when behavior feels disrespectful

// MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE //
Beyond Behavior by Mona Delahooke
Dan Siegel books
Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn
No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury

// CONNECT WITH RYAN //
Tiktok: @preschooltherapy
Instagram: @preschooltherapist
Website: http://Preschooltherapist.com

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

157. They know better than this! May 28, 2024

Show notes

You're 100% right. They do know better. These are smart kids we're talking about here, nothing gets past them!

So, if that's true, why are they still hitting, pushing, screaming, or whathaveyou?

Explaining the rules for the 1,456th time isn't going to solve anything.

What will? Tune in with curiosity.

IN THIS EPISODE, I SHARE...

The truth behind two incredibly common misconceptions
The painful sting of regret that's oh, too familiar
How it feels when the tables have turned

DON'T MISS:

Why it's problematic to tell your child to "make good choices."

// 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

156. The Path to Stop Feeling Powerless in your Parenting with Laura + Mike May 21, 2024

Show notes

Today you get a true behind the scenes look at what parenting a strong-willed child looks like at someone else's house.

Laura and Mike are full-time working parents with 3 kids living in Minneapolis.

Just a few months ago, they describe what parenting felt like - powerless, volatile, unpredictable. They felt lost, with no toolkit and no shared understanding.

After sharing the barriers they had to overcome to get support, they narrate what really stuck with them through the work that they did on themselves through their time inside Wholeheartedly CALM, my 3 month group coaching program.

They both describe the feeling of empowerment they found through a lot of self reflection and just how amazing it feels to get to enjoy their kids more again. Their kids enjoy being enjoyed as well!

‌

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED…

The power of language - small tweaks have a huge impact on cooperation
Ways to take your power back as a parent, while empowering your child at the same time
The topic Laura + Mike truly appreciated having shame-free conversations about

DON’T MISS:

It matters more what we do than what we say

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

155. 5 Lessons in 5 years of Entrepreneurship May 14, 2024

Show notes

Failing Motherhood is 4 years old and Wholeheartedly is 5! We’re taking this opportunity to reflect on the last two years and the lessons I’ve learned - some easily, some the hard way.

Entrepreneurship is such a similar journey to parenting - you don’t know what you’re getting into exactly, it’s much harder than anticipated, it requires a lot of self-work and growth, and it’s riddled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. You have to take it one day at a time and make new decisions with every piece of new information.

Take these 5 Lessons into your current business, potential business idea, or parenting journey, and know that your confidence is everything!

‌

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

The Importance of “pruning” over innovating at this stage
What I attribute the consistent success of Wholeheartedly to
How to relate these lessons to your parenting

DON'T MISS:

Why “going viral” doesn’t mean what we think it does

‌// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Ep. #65: 3 Years In: Reflections on being a Solopreneur - Failing Motherhood

CALM + CONFIDENT: The Masterclass
www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/confident

‌
// 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

154. What EVERYONE Needs to know about Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman May 07, 2024

Show notes

‌Today’s conversation answers so many questions you’re likely too afraid to ask.
My guest today immediately makes uncomfortable topics comfortable, sensitive subjects approachable and speaks from so much experience, get ready to pull up a chair.

Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports combines the wisdom of 40 experts and all sorts of cheat codes to save time in all the logistics of raising a disabled child, including her own experience parenting a child with multiple disabilities.

Disability remains such a taboo topic, and there is so much to learn from Kelley. She shares what parents of disabled children wish we knew, as well as speaking hope and validation directly to parents of disabled children.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The most respectful terminology to use
How to handle when your child is curious and you don’t know the first thing to say
All the emotions that are normal to have when your child gets diagnosed

DON'T MISS-

Kelley pouring her heart out with ways to make your caregiver role sustainable while sharing validation and hope

// CONNECT WITH KELLEY //
Link to order the book: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports
Website: www.kelleycoleman.com
Instagram: @hellokelleycoleman

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Emily Ladau: https://emilyladau.com
Tiffany Hammond, aka Fidgets and Fries: https://www.fidgetsandfries.co
Elspeth, aka Neurodivergent Parenting: Think Outside the Box:
Neurodivergent Parenting: Think Outside The Box

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

153. 2 Mistakes Well-Intentioned Parents Make Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

This week we’re taking parenting tips from Hello Fresh!

In ways you may not have realized, being a parent is sort of like working in customer service. In our case, the customer isn’t always right, but the way we handle conflict may invite our child to ask for our manager! :)
Your goal as a parent is to build credibility and trust in your “brand” rather than bad reviews! As I reveal the two mistakes well-intentioned parents make, you'll be invited to reflect on your default reaction and formulate a balanced response instead.

In this episode, I share…

How to embrace conflict even when it makes you uncomfortable
Two different ways you can take feedback, criticism or complaints from your child
A quote that’s shaped every single day of my parenting

Don’t Miss:

How my missing package was handled by Hello Fresh (and whether I recommend them or NOT)‌

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Failing Motherhood is turning 4 years old!
Leave a Review for Failing Motherhood in Apple Podcasts, screenshot it before hitting SUBMIT, and send it to Danielle for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
DM: @‌parent_wholeheartedly

// 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

152. GLOW UP: Feel Better In Your Body Without Changing It Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

For the past 6 months I’ve had the opportunity to work on my relationship with my body- no procedures, no weight loss, no supplements, just selecting and being more mindful of how I’m dressing myself and how it makes me feel.

In today’s episode I break down what kicked off the journey, the milestones along the way, and the absolute game-changer that sealed the deal!

This episode is for you if you know your appearance has taken a back seat to your kids, and more self-love is on your list this season.

‌

IN THIS EPISODE I SHARED:

How I re-wrote the “unwritten rules” I used to dress myself
The stores I had luck with (and where I got burned!)
Takeaways I recommend to every mom

DON'T MISS:

The P.S. at the end that might be just what you need to hear

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE //
Colsie underwear from Target
CRZ Yoga brand on Amazon
Atolea Jewelry
Seasons of Color Omaha - Amanda Thiessen
IG: @seasons.of.color.omaha
// 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

151. What to do when they won't let it go Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is a little bit of a different, more special setup. I had a fantastic coaching conversation with a parent of a 3 1/2 year-old about a situation that they were dealing with around an irrational hyperfixation they just could not get over or let go of no matter what they tried!
Listen as I dive into this universal experience and offer some more context around these situations and what I recommend.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The critical step to salvaging your sanity in these moments
When to introduce the logic or reasoning
A counterintuitive game-changer I dare you to try!

DON'T MISS-

The lifesaver that is individualized feedback and support!

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

150. Do LESS and Feel BETTER: Saying Goodbye to Intensive Mothering and the "Perfect Mom" Myth with Erica Djossa Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Ever feel like you're doing it ALL and it's never ENOUGH?
My guest today, Erica Djossa is a registered psychotherapist, sought-after maternal mental health specialist, and the founder of wellness company Momwell. Erica is frequently featured in media publications and her popular Momwell podcast has over a million downloads.

Her book - Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More comes out TODAY (Tuesday, April 9th) and our conversation today highlights so much of the meaningful work inside it.

After she shares her "breakdown to breakthrough", Erica reiterates it’s not just us - MOMS ARE NOT OKAY. She introduces ideas like the motherload, our motherhood filing cabinet, and an activity called a Values Sort to help us become more conscious of the default patterns we've found ourselves in and how to dig our way out.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Where the myth of the "perfect mother" comes from
The 5 core beliefs of "intensive mothering" and what to replace them with
The measuring stick we should use to evaluate ourselves instead of blood, sweat and tears

DON'T MISS-

What it truly means to be a good mom

// CONNECT WITH ERICA DJOSSA //
Links to order the book: Ericadjossa.com
Website: http://Momwell.com
Instagram: @momwell

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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