Interested in learning more about what gentle parenting is but don't know where to start? Start here! I found that there was a ton of information about what gentle parenting is but not enough about what it LOOKS like. In this episode, I use personal anecdotes to describe what gentle parenting looks like in contrast to "old school parenting". Also, as promised, I've linked some resources to help you on your gentle parenting journey.  My favorite child therapist and gentle parent, Maggie Nick can be found on Instagram and Facebook @parentingwithperspectacles Some of my favorite books on the subject are: Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/positive-discipline_jane-nelsen/245880/?resultid=5fcf6ea0-ba61-4a5c-adf9-7999a0fed31a#edition=4363138&idiq=3896086 And How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/how-to-talk-so-kids-will-listen--listen-so-kids-will-talk-by-elaine-mazlish-adele-faber/250147/?resultid=178e840a-5e5b-47ed-bf9c-0f3c0f1657f4#edition=6738097&idiq=4350449 Here is my blog post about this topic with in text citations via links to other helpful sites with more information on this subject.  *Note: I do briefly mention themes of drugs, sex, and alcohol in reference to teenage house parties in this episode.*

The Inner Critic is a fancy name for that voice in your head that loves to put you down for your mistakes or poor choices. It's that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you feel shame or guilt over something you did or didn't do. In this episode, we'll explore the Inner Critic's origins and how we can combat it when it inevitably shows up.  As promised, here's a link to my blog post on The Medium about this topic as well as the link to where to buy the book "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering From Childhood Trauma". 

A shame spiral typically happens when we've made a mistake or poor decision and find ourselves overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or unworthiness. This usually includes an extended period of rumination where we question why we did what we did and begin berating or belittling ourselves over our past choices. Tune in to hear some strategies for how to pull yourself out of this cycle. 

In this episode, I'll discuss how our parents’ parenting led to the coping skills, personality traits, and maladaptive thinking patterns we experience in adulthood.  I'm NOT bashing parents in this episode, I promise! I am hoping to simply raise awareness about how we became who we are today so we can use this knowledge to find healing and become better versions of ourselves.  Happy healing!