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Parenthood and maintaining a healthy relationship are ambitious endeavors. Being fully aware, you armed yourself with all the latest books, articles, podcasts, and resources, committed to being present and strong for your family. Yet, despite embracing every piece of advice and strategy in your search for reassurance, there are times you find yourself wondering why the harmony, connection, and closeness you envisioned seem out of reach. If this rings true, let me tell you: it’s not you! It’s what they didn’t tell you. The parenting guidance and strategies we read online lack depth. They hardly ever address the transition into parenthood and the profound impact this has on our identity, partnerships, and ability to show up as the parent we wish to be for our children. But guess what? We’re about to turn that around. Hi there, I’m Markella Kaplani. A clinical-counseling psychologist, a parenthood and relationship Coach, a matrescence coach and facilitator, a former special educator, and a parent myself. In my 15+ years in counseling and coaching, I know this to be true: once a parent is truly supported, not only through being given techniques to overcome parenting challenges, but on a personal and relational level, then the entire family can thrive. So, welcome to the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast! Here, we learn to grow individually, normalizing and validating the processes of matrescence and patrescence (i.e. struggling with identity, mom guilt, dad guilt, postpartum rage, work-life balance, etc). We also grow together by unraveling how parenthood affects marriage and what stands in the way of following the actionable parenting strategies that we know are helpful. So, if you’re feeling ready, let me hold your hand while we tackle intriguing, yet difficult topics, with compassion and curiosity. Interested to know more? - Reach out via email at info@markellakaplani.com with your questions, and - Visit www.markellakaplani.com to access FREE resources and check out ways to work with me personally. Let’s do this! --- 🔎 Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship? FIND OUT NOW! https://www.markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz 🖥 Reconcile the ’old’ identity with the ’new’ Grab your FREE Matrescence Mini-Course https://www.markellakaplani.com/videoseries 👥 Join our Circle: www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/ 🤝 Would you like a more personalized touch? I can offer Parenthood and Relationship Coaching. info@markellakaplani.com www.markellakaplani.com Book an introductory session to explore our chemistry and whether I am the right fit for you: http://tidycal.com/markellakaplani/intro-session
Episodes
![Feeling Lost After Kids? How to Rediscover Yourself in Parenthood | Matrescence | Patrescence | Ep. 47 | [Rediscover You Series 1/3]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog18408003/episode_47_thumbnail_300x300.png)
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
You know that moment—you’re cleaning up after your kids, scrolling on your phone, and suddenly it hits you: “Who even am I anymore?”
Maybe you used to have hobbies, dreams, and interests. But now, your whole identity seems wrapped up in being a parent. You love your kids, but… where did YOU go?
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. This parenthood identity crisis is more common than we talk about. And the truth? It’s not your fault.
🎙️ In today’s episode, we’re diving into:
- What exactly is matrescence and patrescence (aka the massive identity shifts that happen when we become parents)
- The hidden reasons behind postpartum identity crisis and why so many moms and dads feel like they’ve disappeared
- How to stop feeling like you’re losing yourself in parenthood
- The difference between parental guilt and true self-sacrifice—and how to release the shame
- How to start rediscovering yourself after parenthood in small, guilt-free ways
It’s so easy to get stuck in survival mode—especially if you’re a stay-at-home parent feeling unfulfilled or struggling with the transition to parenthood. Maybe you thought you’d naturally “figure it out,” but instead, you’re feeling lost, exhausted, and like you don’t even recognize yourself anymore.
But here’s the thing: You are more than “just a parent.”
🌿 So, how do we start reclaiming YOU?
✅ Shift your mindset—Parenthood and identity CAN co-exist. You don’t have to choose between being a great parent and being you.
✅ Rebuild your confidence—Finding purpose outside of parenthood doesn’t mean you love your kids any less.
✅ Let go of the guilt—Overcoming guilt and shame starts with recognizing that self-care isn’t selfish.
✅ Take small, intentional steps—Whether it’s a parental transformation or simply making time for yourself, it’s about reconnection, not reinvention.
Parenthood changes you. That’s inevitable. But losing yourself completely? That’s not a requirement.
So, if you’re feeling lost as a parent, struggling with balancing parenthood and career, or just wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.
💌 I’ve also put together a free guided journaling exercise to help you pinpoint what’s missing and start reclaiming YOU today. You can grab it through my newsletter—I’ll share the details at the end of the episode.
🎧 Hit play now, and let’s start the journey back to YOU.
#parenthoodidentitycrisis #feelinglostasaparent #rediscovery #matrescence #patrescence
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📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!
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Full Transcript HERE.
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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
👉 Link to my Newsletter
👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
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