The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast | Matrescence | Relationship after baby | Motherhood life

Struggling with Self-Criticism as a Parent? 6 Steps to Overcome Parental Guilt and Shame (Mom Guilt | Dad Guilt) | Episode 16

Do you have a voice in your head telling you are not enough?

Do you, too, have these days where you feel like you are failing at parenthood?

Are there days that you feel you were not cut out to be a mom; not cut out to be a dad?

In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the struggle of facing our inner critic, especially as parents.

If you've ever questioned your abilities, felt overwhelmed by parental guilt and shame, or wondered if you're doing enough, you're not alone.

Join me as I share my personal experience of overcoming guilt and shame as a parent, and discover practical strategies to validate and normalize your emotions.

Learn how to recognize and dissociate from the critical voice, practice self-compassion, and focus on the present.

Find out why it's okay to have bad days and how to turn them into opportunities for growth and connection.

This episode is packed with insights and tips to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood, reclaim your balance, and embrace your true self.

Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that promises to offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of solidarity.

 

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Resources and Links Mentioned

> FREE Self-Connect Calendar

> (Re)Discover Your Identity in Motherhood [waitlist]

> Get in touch with me (Instagram; website; e-mail)

 > Leave a Podcast Review HERE 😀

> FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting”

> Join our community on Facebook: Parenthood and Relationship Group

 

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JOURNALING EXERCISE:

1. Write down what your inner critic tells you.
2. consider how it may be trying to protect you from something (e.g. failure, loss of love/acceptance) by being so harsh
3. Thank your inner critic for its efforts and tell it that it is no longer needed.
4. Respond to the harsh comments with compassion, like you would with a friend who is being hard on her/himself. 

 

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Find the full transcript HERE.

 

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🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

From "It Takes a Village" to Raising Children Alone (How rigid parenting may be contributing to parental burnout) | Episode 15

Remember when we had a village to support us in our parenting journey?

Do you, too, wonder how the tables have turned so that we are now shamed for wanting help from our kin, being told that "It's our child, so it's our responsibility?" and "You chose this."?

How did we go from "it takes a village to raise a child" to parenting in isolation?

Based on a post and its respective comments on Facebook, I discuss how societal and cultural shifts toward individualism have led to the near-extinction of our support systems and the community previous generations enjoyed as parents.

However, I also note how we, too, may have inadvertently pushed our village away, rejecting help and support even when it is offered, due to fear, generational trauma, rigid parenting, and egoism, thus leading to parental burnout.

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Find the full transcript HERE.

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.

#ittakesavillage #parentingjourney #motherhoodislonely #selfsufficiency #independence #whereisthevillage

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Relevant Resources:

Motherhood Identity Intensive (waitlist)
Join the 8-Week Program and Rediscover Yourself!

1. Rediscover your identity
2. Become confident as a mom
3. Get centered and model self-regulation to your child(ren)
4. Follow a proven process
5. Join a like-minded community

FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting”

Journaling Prompt Questions: Find them in fuchsia pink within the full transcript HERE.

Liking this? Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

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LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

• Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
• Join our community on Facebook: Parenthood and Relationship Group
• Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more: markellakaplani.com
• E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

6 Strategies for Debunking the Super Mom Myth | Redefining Success & Balancing Motherhood | Episode 14

Do you constantly wonder how to be the perfect mother? Has it become your life’s mission to balance motherhood and career? Or are you a stay-at-home mom feeling the pressure to be perfect because you don’t “do it all?”

In today’s episode, we debunk the Supermom myth by:

• Exploring historical perspectives on motherhood
• Uncovering how media has shaped our maternal expectations
• Unraveling the reasons behind the overwhelming pressure many mothers feel today

I also share 6 strategies for balanced motherhood to help you redefine success and find genuine fulfillment.

Let’s put an end to the comparison culture that fuels guilt and inadequacy in mothers. Discover mindful parenting techniques, insights into navigating the Supermom trap, and an introduction to Internal Family Systems therapy for your self-healing journey.

Learn how to overcome the Supermom expectations, embrace imperfection, and build a support network for mothers that celebrates simplicity and self-compassion.

Find the full transcript HERE.
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🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.
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#SupermomMyth #MotherhoodUnplugged #ParenthoodPodcast #BalancedMotherhood #MaternalExpectations #MindfulParenting #RedefineSuccess #MomLifeStruggles #BreakTheSupermomMyth #MomSupportNetwork #SelfCompassion #RealMomLife #OvercomingMomPressure #ParentingJourney #AuthenticMotherhood

Resources mentioned in the episode:

RECONNECT to Yourself! Visit markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar to get a gentle guide that helps you nurture your relationship with yourself daily with tiny actions that respect your busy schedule and mental load!

Motherhood Identity Intensive (waitlist)
Join the 8-Week Program and Rediscover Yourself!

1. Get centered and model self-regulation to your child(ren)
2. Follow a proven process
3. Join a like-minded community
   
   

FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting”

Journaling Prompt Questions: Find them in fuchsia pink within the full transcript HERE.

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Liking this? Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

• Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
• Join our community on Facebook: Parenthood and Relationship Group
• Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more: markellakaplani.com
• E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com
  

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Overloaded on Parenting Advice? Why reading tons of books on how to parent causes more parenting stress | Episode 13

Are you constantly seeking the "perfect" way to parent?
📖 Do you find yourself trying to be the informed parent you envisioned but utterly confused with the conflicting advice you get from parenting books?

I know that I certainly looked to every expert book to get more familiar with positive parenting tips, in an attempt to appease any and all parenting stress I had as a first-time mom. 

But as much parenting advice as one can get, the stress of motherhood (and fatherhood) is REAL and oftentimes amplified when we get information overload and start to dampen our inner voice.

In today's episode, we dive into the potential pitfalls of overreading books on how to parent and how it can impact our confidence and joy in parenting.

More specifically, today we explore:

• The benefits and downsides of parenting books
• How to recognize if you're overreading 
• Ways to reconnect with your intuition by finding balance and trusting your instincts 
• Practical tips to balance informed parenting with self-trust

Find the full transcript HERE.

 

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.

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#ParentingAdvice #PositiveParenting #NewParents #ParentingBooks #ParentingStress #InformedParent #TraumaInformedParent #Parenthood #MarkellaKaplani #TrustYourInstincts #SelfConnect #ParentingJourney

***Resources mentioned in the episode

RECONNECT to Yourself!

Go to markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar so that you can get this gentle guide that will help you nurture your relationship with yourself every day with a tiny action that respects your busy schedule and your mental load!!

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Journaling Prompt Questions

Find them in fuchsia pink within the full transcript HERE.

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Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and Leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts
I appreciate it more than I can express in words!—

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LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for guides, calendars, courses, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Top 1 Reason for Fighting After Baby (Understanding the Deeper Roots of Arguments with Partner) | Episode 12

Ever felt sidelined by your partner after becoming parents? 🚸 
Do they no longer ask what you need or appreciate what you do? 💔
Does love feel taken for granted? 

In this episode of the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, we dive into why those little squabbles with your partner seem never-ending. 

🗣️ Why taking out the trash becomes a major fight when the real issue is much deeper. 

 

Tune in to learn:

- The real reasons behind your arguments 🧠

- How to recognize underlying guilt and fears 💡

- Practical tips to improve communication 💬

- The importance of empathy and compassion ❤️

🌟 Don't miss out! 
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for updates and more insights. 

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the Couples Communications Checklist
(or leave me a review on Apple and get it for FREE)

Find the full transcript HERE.

 

#Parenthood #RelationshipGoals #CouplesTherapy #Communication #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #Podcast #MarkellaKaplani #LoveAndParenthood #Empathy #SelfAwareness #HealingTogether

***Resources mentioned in the episode

 

Get your Checklist for Healthy Communication in Parenthood

OR -  leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot of the review, and e-mail me that screenshot at info@markellakaplani.com so that I can email it to you for free!

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Go listen to the BLISSFULLY BOLD Podcast - host: Gavie Remaly

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RECONNECT to Yourself!

Go to markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar so that you can get this gentle guide that will help you nurture your relationship with yourself every day with a tiny action that respects your busy schedule and your mental load!!

-

Journaling Prompt Questions

Find them in fuchsia pink within the full transcript HERE.

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Leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts

—

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Balancing Motherhood and Personal Goals: How to deal with mom guilt and find fulfillment | Episode 11

Does becoming a mom mean that we have to lose ourselves and our passions?

🎙️ For many of us who thought that our multi-faceted interests would fade as we stepped into motherhood on account of our deep love for our children, the fact that we can both want to be with them 24/7 while still yearning for the things that used to make us whole, can create intense internal turmoil.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

👉  The lingering need for personal goals, passions, & fulfillment outside of motherhood

👉 The societal norms that villainize this need, leading to mommy guilt and shame

👉 Gentle ways to re-discover our passions & how make time for them even if we feel like an overwhelmed mom

👉 The key role that our self-fulfillment plays in the healthy development of our children

 

Join me so that we can normalize being multi-layered and finding balance as a mom. 

Together we can take steps in the direction of overcoming mom guilt!

The reality of motherhood is very different than what the media and society have us believe. And it’s much more balanced and healthy like that! 

 

🎧 Listen now and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the free guide "Calm Parent, Calm Child"

 

#realmotherhood #momlife #honestmotherhood #findingbalance inmotherhood #findingbalance #matrescence #ParentingTips #SelfRegulation 

 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

 

Get your FREE Calm Parent, Calm Child guide

Go to markellakaplani.com/calmparentcalmchild to download this gentle guide that includes practical strategies to address toddler tantrums and self-reflection prompts to help you learn to self-regulate the next time your child experiences a meltdown.  

 

Communities and Programs to Get a Passion Project Up and Running

Greece: @artemis.gavriilidou

USA: @brainstorm_road

Australia: @deemaiseycoaching

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RECONNECT to Yourself!

Go to markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar so that you can get this gentle guide that will help you nurture your relationship with yourself every day with a tiny action that respects your busy schedule and your mental load!!

 

—

Journaling Prompt Questions

 

Find them within the full transcript HERE.

 

—

Leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts

—

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

How to deal with tantrums in toddlers by self-regulating | Gentle Parenting Tantrums | Episode 10

Dealing with toddler tantrums can feel overwhelming, but there are gentle, effective strategies to help. 

In this episode, we explore:

 

👉 Understanding the triggers behind an emotional meltdown

👉 The power of self-regulating

👉 Practical tips for calming both yourself and your child

👉 The role of co-regulation in managing tantrums and emotional development

 

Join me for expert advice on creating a peaceful home environment and nurturing your child’s emotional well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with toddler tantrums, don’t miss out on the special guide at the end of the episode! 🎙️

 

🎧 Listen now and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the free guide "Calm Parent, Calm Child"

 

#GentleParenting #ToddlerTantrums #ParentingTips #SelfRegulation #MindfulParenting

 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Get your FREE Calm Parent, Calm Child guide

Go to markellakaplani.com/calmparentcalmchild to download this gentle guide that includes practical strategies to address toddler tantrums and self-reflection prompts to help you learn to self-regulate the next time your child experiences a meltdown.  

 

RECONNECT to Yourself!

Go to markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar so that you can get this gentle guide that will help you nurture your relationship with yourself every day with a tiny action that respects your busy schedule and your mental load!!

---

Journaling Prompt Questions

1. Think about a recent time that your child had a meltdown. What was the situation? How did you feel in that moment? Write down everything that you remember about the incident. 
2. Identify your triggers. What were the main stressors for you at the time? Were you already feeling stressed or tired? Reflect on how these factors might have influenced your reaction. 
3. Assess your response. How did you respond to your child's meltdown? Were you able to stay calm or did you feel overwhelmed? Be honest with yourself and try to write without judgment. 
4. Explore the alternative responses. Let's think about how you might handle a similar situation in the future. What strategies could you use to stay calm and support your child better?
5. Self-compassion check-in. Write a few kind words to yourself, acknowledge the challenges that you're facing, and remind yourself that you're doing your best. What can you do to take better care of yourself and manage your stress?
6. Set a small goal. Based on your reflections set one small, achievable goal for the next week and commit to it. 

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Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Communication skills for couples: Navigating parenthood and parenting together | Episode 9

Parenthood and the responsibilities of parenting change us and define our relationship with our partners from the time we become parents.

This is not synonymous with having relationship problems after the baby.

In fact, this transformation that happens both within yourself and in the way you relate to your partner, can benefit you greatly - it can bring you closer together if you nurture your relationship.

 

And that is exactly what we talk about in this episode. More specifically, we discuss the

👉 common long term relationship problems that many couples face after having kids

👉 importance of keeping our relationship strong

👉 ways to recognize whether the distance between us is part of the process or becoming problematic

👉 communication issues that arise when we avoid the tough conversations

👉  10 realistic ways to reconnect with our partners

Have a listen and then make sure to 

🎙️ leave me a review

⬇️ download the Couples’ Communication Checklist (https://www.markellakaplani.com/coupleschecklist)

#couplegoals #RelationshipGoals #marriageafterbaby #happilymarried #parenthood #parenting #honestparenthood 

 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Journaling Prompt Questions

1. What I appreciate about my partner today __________.
2. How I felt supported this week __________.
3. Moments of connection I cherished __________.
4. What’s one thing that I love about our relationship?
5. What's a challenge we overcame together?"

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Get your Checklist for Healthy Communication in Parenthood

OR -  leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot of the review, and e-mail me that screenshot at info@markellakaplani.com so that I can email it to you for free!\

—

Get on the waitlist for the 8-Week Motherhood Identity Intensive (and get a chance to win a FREE spot!!!)

https://markellakaplani.com/identityintensivewaitlist

—

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com