Good Enough Parenting

Family play therapist and childhood mental health expert Carley Aroldi hosts "Good Enough Parenting," the podcast where not so perfect parents tune in to be reminded that our kids are gonna be ok, even if we don't always know what we're doing! Listen in for tips on using brain-based play therapy techniques to create more calm, connection and cooperation in your family life.

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Good Enough Parenting

Stop "Shoulding" On Your Kids!

January 22, 2025 • Carley Aroldi, LPC, IMH-E ® • Season 2 • Episode 4

Happy New Year! We made it to 2025. And if the first few weeks are any indication, it looks like we might be in for a bit of a bumpy ride.

Which is why I open this month’s “Good Enough Parenting” episode with the reminder that tapping into things that bring us joy is not a luxury as parents – it’s a necessity for your family’s well-being. Whether it’s catching a movie, meeting up with a friend or simply savoring a quiet coffee, prioritizing things that fill your cup isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

To start my year, I indulged in a favorite tradition: seeing a Broadway show solo. This time, it was Our Town—front row and close enough to get spit on by Jim Parsons (yes, it was worth it).

Watching those turn-of-the-century moms yell for their kids to come to breakfast reminded me of something important:

Some parenting struggles are timeless (like kids not listening the first, second, or third time).
And parents losing their cool? Yeah, that hasn’t changed in 125 years either.

In this month’s episode, we’re diving into:

✨ How to stop “shoulding” all over yourself and your kids.
📺 Proven strategies for managing transitions (like turning off YouTube without tears).
🌱 Why letting go of unrealistic expectations frees you to trust that your kids will grow toward the light—in their own messy, beautiful ways.

Here’s to a year of realistic expectations, more joy, and a whole lot of good enough.

To get Carley’s free video teaching you 4 play therapy techniques you can use TODAY to calm your emotional child and bring joy and freedom back to family life click here!
http://www.paceparent.com/play

And follow her @CarleyCounsels on FB & IG!