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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
![Cultivating Self-Compassion as a Parent: Overcoming Perfectionism and Parental Guilt [Cultivating Compassion in Parenthood Series] | Episode 19](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog18408003/episode_19_thumbnail_yj5xxf_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Do you find that though you may be quite good at comforting friends, you are very harsh on yourself and your perceived parental failings?
Might you possibly be carrying the belief that if you are hard on yourself for your shortcomings, you are helping yourself improve?
If the weight of perfection and high expectations has got you down in parenthood, you are not the only one.
Being a perfectionist is one thing.
Being a parent and a perfectionist is a whole different ballgame. |
Motherhood and fatherhood are calling you to transform; to learn a different path toward self-improvement - one that involves self-compassion at its core.
In today’s episode, you will
- learn practical techniques to cultivate self-compassion, even amidst the challenges of parenthood
- explore common barriers like perfectionism, parental guilt, and societal expectations — and how to overcome them
- understand the importance of mindfulness in parenting and how to incorporate simple, parent-friendly self-care practices into your daily routine.
Whether you're a new parent or navigating the complexities of raising children, this episode offers valuable insights to help you nurture yourself and those you love.
Don't miss out on the tips and tools to create a more compassionate and fulfilling parenting journey.
🔗 Tune in now and share with other parents who might benefit!
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Resources and Links Mentioned
> FREE Self-Connect Calendar|
> FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child
> (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:
Pick one of the suggestions that I made, whether that be the self-connect calendar (markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar), whether it be a meditation with a body scan or mindful breathing, whether it's taking a walk, practicing self-forgiveness, etc… take one of these and write how you're going to be implementing it in your journal.
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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.
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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
![The Power of Compassion in Parenting: Nurture Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Children [Cultivating Compassion in Parenthood Series] | Episode 18](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog18408003/episode_18_thumbnail_8edcm6_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed with guilt, feeling like you’re too hard on yourself as a parent or partner? Trust me, you’re not alone.
In this first episode of the special August series on Cultivating Compassion in Parenthood, we break down what compassion is, its benefits, and how to take baby steps in developing it more authentically.
We’re not just talking about compassion for others, but for yourself, too.
Imagine what it would feel like to have that harsh inner critic embrace you, to give yourself a break, and to truly nurture the relationships that mean the most to you.
In this episode, I share personal stories, practical tips, and a whole lot of heart about how compassion can soften the edges of those tough parenting days.
We’ll explore how being kinder to yourself can ripple out and transform your relationships with your partner and your kids.
Parenting isn’t about being perfect—it's about showing up with love, even when things get messy.
So grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfy, and let’s chat about how you can embrace compassion and make your journey a little lighter, a little kinder, and a whole lot more fulfilling.
You deserve this!
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Resources and Links Mentioned
> FREE Self-Connect Calendar|
> FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child
> (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
JOURNALING EXERCISE:
Take your journal and write down something that you did today that was a proud parenting moment or something that was compassionate toward yourself or someone else.
This will help you start to notice those positive and beautiful things that happen throughout the day.
Our brain has the tendency, it's its natural tendency, to focus on the negatives. Through this exercise, we retrain it so that it can start to focus on the positives as well.
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.
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Are you struggling with mom guilt or dad guilt and finding it hard to be kind to yourself even though you are kind to other parent friends?
In this episode, I dive deep into:
🔹 The roots of parental guilt and why it persists
🔹 How societal expectations shape our self-image
🔹 The powerful role of the inner critic and how it formed
🔹 Practical steps to embrace self-compassion
🔹 The journey of reparenting and inner child healing
Tune in to uncover the profound impact of self-compassion on your parenting journey and learn how to healthily lower the volume of your inner critic.
Your children deserve the best version of you, and so do you!
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Resources and Links Mentioned
> FREE Self-Connect Calendar|
> FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child
> (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
____________________________________________________
JOURNALING EXERCISE:
Write a letter to your inner critic and express your gratitude for the fact that it had to play this harsh role in order to make sure that you are well off, that you are accepted, that you're part of the tribe, that you survive.
And then in a second paragraph, tell your inner critic that you forgive them for having to be this harsh with you, for using this strategy in order to get through to you, even though it was very painful.
And then recognize how painful it may have been for your inner critic to have to take on this role and end the letter with the main theme being that your inner critic can let go of this role now; that they can be who they want to be, that they can contribute to your well being in a different manner because they no longer have to protect you in this way.
Let them know that you are stepping up as the healthy adult to reparent and protect your inner child and that your inner critic doesn't have to step in. Reassure it that you're there. Explain how you're going to do things differently and welcome the inner critic in your life in a different capacity this time.
Now this is a profound exercise and it is very, very impactful, but you're not going to see results overnight. So take it one step at a time. Start noticing the little things that your inner critic is able to let go of. Note them down, and continue journaling. And in time, as you keep at this, you're going to see how your inner critic's voice will gradually lower and lower.
____________________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________________
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
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
> (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:
- Write down what your inner critic tells you.
- consider how it may be trying to protect you from something (e.g. failure, loss of love/acceptance) by being so harsh
- Thank your inner critic for its efforts and tell it that it is no longer needed.
- 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.
--
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
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!
- Rediscover your identity
- Become confident as a mom
- Get centered and model self-regulation to your child(ren)
- Follow a proven process
- 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!
-
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
-
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
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.
_____
#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!
- Get centered and model self-regulation to your child(ren)
- Follow a proven process
- 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!
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
_____
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
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.
—
#ParentingAdvice #PositiveParenting #NewParents #ParentingBooks #ParentingStress #InformedParent #TraumaInformedParent #Parenthood #MarkellaKaplani #TrustYourInstincts #SelfConnect #ParentingJourney
***Resources mentioned in the episode
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.
—
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 guides, calendars, courses, 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
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
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!
-
Go listen to the BLISSFULLY BOLD Podcast - host: Gavie Remaly
-
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.
—
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
Markella Kaplani
Psychologist | Parenthood & Relationship Coach
The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast offers a deep exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges of becoming a parent.
Diving into topics like matrescence, patrescence, and the loss of identity, this podcast is designed to provide holistic, compassionate insights for those looking to navigate the complex dynamics of parenthood and relationships.
With weekly episodes focused on personal growth, overcoming parental guilt, and strengthening family bonds, it invites you, the listener to join a supportive community dedicated to personal and relational fulfillment.
Let's (re)connect to ourselves, our partners, our children, and each other!