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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:

148. Caregiving, Aging, + the Sandwich Generation with Michele Magner Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Many parents today find themselves in the sandwich generation where stress, guilt and burnout is real.
My guest today, Michele Magner, has earned her MBA and Master's certification in gerontology and is a Gerontology PhD student at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She's a certified life coach, certified dementia practitioner, and certified conscious aging facilitator and an adjunct professor in the fall of 2024.
As an experienced family caregiver with many years in the senior living industry, she understands the challenges that you are facing as you care for those you love.
Our conversation included dissecting how we are managing stress, how core values play into our capacity and integrity, why it's okay to fill your cup just for you, and the difference between making promises and making plans.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Michele's vulnerable example of "failing" her daughter and the powerful realizations she took from it
The 3 "C's" all caregivers need
The Importance of bringing your kids into hard conversations

DON'T MISS-

Fascinating research around the relationship between chronological age and subjective age, and its effect on aging

// CONNECT WITH MICHELE MAGNER //
Website: www.michelemagner.com
Instagram: @inspiredcaring
LinkedIn: Michele Magner

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

147. The 3 Types of Parents of Strong-Willed Kids Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Which one are you? Which one is your partner?
Not only does the second half of your parenting life begin when you understand you're parenting a strong-willed child, but your self awareness sky rockets when you realize you're a Worrying Warrior.
Your next step is to evaluate whether you're parenting with a "Just tell me what to do" parent or an "It is what it is" parent.
In this episode, I break down each of these three parenting approaches, the motives behind their actions, and wedge of divide that grows between parents that feel they need to overcompensate for the other.

IN THIS EPISODE, I SHARED...

How to identify your parenting style
The long term ramifications of you + your partner parenting from opposite ends of the spectrum
The foundation to build from and move forward with

DON'T MISS:

How Chelsy and Matt found common ground

// 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

146. Life After Divorce with Paige Dempsey Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what life after a divorce would even look like?

Today's guest, Paige Dempsey, is an anti-anxiety Dating and Relationship Coach for women.

In Paige’s words, she got married late and divorced early. She’s been a step mom, mom of a child with her ex, and a solo mother by choice. At the same time as her and her husband were separating, her best friend was diagnosed with cancer. She felt like she was just getting by.

In this episode, Paige holds nothing back as she narrates her thoughts and feelings both inside and outside of her marriage. She shares how she believes divorce can strengthen the kids’ experience of and relationship with their fathers, the mindset she used to move forward without fear, and the patterns she sees in her dating clients.

This episode is for you if you’ve wondered what’s on the other side of a divorce, been intimidated by leaving or dating again, or just hope to glean wisdom for your current relationships!
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

How Paige decided getting a divorce was the right decision
Why Paige and her Ex get along now better than ever
The difference between therapy and coaching

DON'T MISS-

Paige's timeless dating advice, especially if you're on the apps

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE//
UnF*ck your Brain podcast - Kara Loewentheil

Ep. 121 of Failing Motherhood - Solo Motherhood by Choice - 9/12/23

// CONNECT WITH PAIGE DEMPSEY //
Website: www.paigedempseycoaching.com
Instagram: @datingcoachpaige
TikTok: @datingcoachpaige

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

145. Don't Insist on an Apology Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Say you're sorry. "I'M SORRY! GAAHHH!!" they ROAR from the other room.
Lessons were learned, right?
Often when parenting strong-willed kids, the messages we're trying to send, the skills we're trying to model and the lessons we're trying to teach get lost at sea in a battle of control and BIG emotions.
Instead of checking the box to make ourselves feel better, I'm breaking down why I don't insist my kids apologize and what we do instead.

IN THIS EPISODE, I SHARED...

Why especially strong-willed kids struggle so much with the vulnerability of apologizing
What choices you have in how you react that doesn't let them "get away with it"
The way my kids ask each other for forgiveness and forgive the other.

DON'T MISS:

What to say when they shut down the choices you offer

// 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

144. "I Should WANT to do This": The Challenges of Playing with our Kids with Sara Olsher Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever thought these things while attempting to play with your kid(s)?

I’d rather be doing something else.
I should want to do this.
This is boring. OR This is too much.
I feel guilty bc of how much I hate this.
This is not fun. This is not easy. How do I get this to stop?

You’re not alone, and my guest today, Sara Olsher is going to share a brutally honest take at the real life challenges and guilt associated with play and quality time as a parent.

Cancer survivor, divorced single mom of one, author-illustrator and founder of Mighty and Bright, Sara has a credible and honest take on these challenges as well as a unique, creative solution.

We know we’re supposed to spend quality time with our kids. We also know it’s quite often much easier said than done.

In our conversation we take the time to name the obvious realities of being bored, overstimulated or doing it wrong as well as the real dynamics that make it even more challenging like being a single parent, having multiple kids, having a chronic illness, and being neurodivergent or just being under so much stress.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Why we believe it’s a crime that your mental health as a parent is not a consideration with most expert advice of what’s best for kids
How 1:1 time prevents negative behaviors
The critical components to make sure play together ACTUALLY fills their cup

DON'T MISS-

Our beef with playing "The Floor Is Lava" :)

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE//
Sara's previous episodes:
Ep. 37- Talking about Hard Things - April 13th, 2021
Ep. 51 - Kids’ Mental Health at Home - October 26th, 2021

Time Timer Apps
// CONNECT WITH SARA OLSHER //
Website: MightyandBright.com
Instagram: @mightyandbrightco
SPECIAL TIME CARDS: https://mightyandbright.com/products/special-time-cards
Enter code: failingmotherhood for 10% off
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

143. How TO (and NOT to) Use Timers with Strong-Willed Kids Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Have you found using timers at your house to be HIT or MISS?
Either it helps tremendously or meltdowns ensue? What gives?
I'm breaking it all down on today's episode- both the DO's and DON'T's so you understand exactly what's needed to make your use of timers as effective as possible.
Not only do I share key insight into reducing whining, clinging, and complaining, but visual timers are your friend, and it's all about semantics so your child sees the "what's in it for me" factor!

IN THIS EPISODE, I SHARED...

My go-to recommendation for keeping kids at the dinner table longer
Ways to make transitions to bedtime or leaving the park so much easier
How to leverage a timer during play / quality time

DON'T MISS:

Whether or not you should be making "deals" with your child

//MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE//
7.5 inch Timer
3 inch Timer
Time Timer Apps
// 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

142. ENOUGH: Overcome Self-Doubt and Find Self-Compassion with Relationship Expert, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Happy Valentine's Day! This episode is guaranteed to help you tap into more self-love.
I'm talking to Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, psychologist, couples therapist, and relationship expert. She's the host of the podcast, "I'm not your Shrink", and author of "I Didn't Sign Up For This".
Tracy starts by sharing her frustration with a family ski event not going according to plan. As we dove into our conversation, a theme quickly emerged around feeling not enough, and how our core beliefs about self-worth influence how we parent and interact with partners.
Tracy breaks down tangible ways we can level up our communication style in our partnerships, as well as how to become more of a friend to ourselves.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The 4 negative communication styles + how to ask for feedback
3 Questions to ask yourself to become more self-aware
How meeting our own needs models healthy behavior for our kids

DON'T MISS-

The 2 C's required to access self-compassion
How Tracy has reframed how she sees her strong-willed child

// CONNECT WITH DR. TRACY DALGLEISH //
Instagram: @drtracyd
Book: I Didn't Sign Up for This
Podcast: I’m not your Shrink
Website, Be Connected Course: DrTracyD.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

141. Entrepreneurship, Having a 4th + Fighting for My Marriage with Steph Pellish Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Whether you’re trying to decide whether to have another child, hoping to salvage your marriage, on your way to creating or owning your own business, or are just desperate to not feel so alone without family support - this is your episode.
Steph Pellish is a wife, a mom of 4, owns 2 businesses, and has always been a dreamer with big ideas. After feeling lost and lonely, Steph has built a community of entrepreneurial women who come together regularly to grow, learn, support and collaborate with each other.

In this episode, Steph chronicles her reckoning with wanting to have a 4th child, having that child 6 weeks before lockdown, and her husband telling her 6 weeks later that things weren’t working.
In the most relatable of ways, she shares the journey into healing she went through personally and in their marriage to come back stronger, while finding the support she deserved.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

The clarity Steph needed when deciding whether or not to have a 4th child when she and her husband didn't see eye-to-eye
What it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur
The importance of finding like-minded women, not just the other moms who happen to be in the play groups

DON'T MISS-

What people kept telling her when she was struggling that made her feel crazy!

// CONNECT WITH STEPH PELLISH //
Instagram: @thriving_through_motherhood
FB Group: Motherhood, Life, & Business Coaching - with Stephanie Pellish
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

140. Challenging Common Fears When Raising Strong-Willed Kids Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

What if it's not what you think it is?

Two weeks ago I listed the 11 most common fears/challenges experienced by parents of strong-willed kids. In this episode I address each one.
The work is in NOT letting these fears take hold of the way you parent, but rather gain awareness and understanding while you get to the bottom of what's really going on.
Listen to that episode first, then circle back here for the freedom to zoom out and let some fears go entirely.

IN THIS EPISODE, I SHARED...

Why conflict should be embraced, not feared
A reason to relax if you're the *least* preferred parent currently
Insight that will help let new perspective in

DON'T MISS:

An illustration to help you imagine how your child might feel at the end of everyday

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE//
Part 1 - Ep. 138 - The 11 Most Common Challenges of Parenting a Strong-Willed Child
Ep. 108 - Break the Cycle
// 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

139. Make More Mom Friends with Emily Siegel Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Do you wish you had more mom friends? You're not alone.
Unfortunately villages don't just happen. They're created!
Today’s guest, Emily Siegel, is a friendship mentor, podcast host, working mom of two adorable little boys, and the leader of The Connected Mom Life Community. She helps busy moms create the circle of friends they crave because she firmly believes we weren’t made to mom alone, and she’s on a mission to see that we stop trying.
In our conversation she highlights the three most common misconceptions moms believe that hold them back from the relationships they'd love, how to make friendships *stickier* and whether or not it's okay if our spouse is our main source of connection in this season.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

Why making mom friends feels harder than dating
The comment to make to test the waters and see if a potential friend is a "safe" person
How to fit friendship into your life as a busy mom by making the most of the time you have

DON'T MISS-

Emily's fail proof pick-up line to get a mom's number

// MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE//
Laura Tremaine
// CONNECT WITH EMILY SIEGEL //
Website: TheConnectedMomLife.com
Instagram: @theconnectedmomlife
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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