Parenting coach Mary Van Geffen guides folks daily through the process of raising "spicy" kids. Want to really get her going? Talk about the societal pressure to be a "good" mom, and the many meaningless, artificial and external markers that indicate what success looks like for modern parents.
Mary unpacks and refutes every bit of that. I wish I could quote our entire conversation, but you'll just have to listen yourself.
We cover every Southern woman's weakness; the perpetual pleasers who seek her guidance; why the key to a happy home is in us, not our children; and (in an exercise that brings me to tears) how to create a relationship our grown children will rush home to each Thanksgiving.
You'll learn about being the calmest person in the room (yep, it's possible!), running stressful moments through the "babysitter test," and why a selfless martyr of a mom is no good for anyone.
So what DOES success look like in raising children? Mary's perspective may change your whole approach to parenting.
Resources mentioned:
Mary Van Geffen's website and Instagram
The Gottman Institute feeling wheel
Brittney Bolt, our Enneagram 7 guest, on being a surrogate for strangers
Meredith Jaggard, prioritizing herself and her marriage while parenting and kicking MS square in the teeth
Kate Morris, our intuitive eating expert, on bringing peace to the family table
Do Less by Kate Northrup
Try Softer by Aundie Kolber
Erin H. Moon's Instagram
Support But Not All At Once via our Patreon, where you can catch an hour-long update (and a metric ton of inspiration) from Meredith Jaggard, plus videos, giveaways, upcoming guest Q&As, and more.
As always, you can find Anne at hello@butnotallatonce.com and @butnotallatonce across social media platforms.
Thanks for being here, y'all! I'd love your thoughts, questions, ideas, and everything in between. You can find me at @ButNotAllAtOnce on social media or ButNotAllAtOnce.com.
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