EPISODE · Sep 7, 2026 · 28 MIN
#537 | "I Did the Best That I Could" is NOT A Viable Excuse
from Evolve Ventures · host Emilia Smith & Bianca Thomas
Send us Fan Mail“I did the best I could” can sound like an explanation, but when it is used to avoid accountability for real harm, it can leave adult children questioning their own reality for years.In this episode, we unpack why “I did the best I could” is not always a viable excuse, especially when a parent refuses to acknowledge, repair, or change harmful patterns. Emilia and Bianca explore how entire family systems can reinforce denial, why the sibling who speaks up is often labeled the problem, and what happens when maintaining a relationship requires you to repeatedly betray your own truth. They also discuss what future parents can do differently by practicing accountability, apology, emotional attunement, and the willingness to keep bettering their best.Here's a related episode that builds on today's conversation: #529 | The Truth About Wanting Them to Apologize - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/529-the-truth-about-wanting-them-to-apologize/id1511831621?i=1000781645317 Learn more about:🤝 Out of the Mud (OOTM) - "Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable (Even When You Want It)" - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IykObX8eR7ixJaQ-qqZogw#/registration📆 Evolve Group Coaching - https://evolveventurestech.com/evolve-group-coaching/📽️ Insightful films. Meaningful growth. Join our Evolve Movie Club - https://forms.gle/bBZUbFEeD2ijypCT7🌱 The #YouDoYou Therapy Program gives you support when and how you need it. No pressure. Just real help. Start your free 7-day trial today - https://buy.stripe.com/fZe8Avdfx8bW9gcfZcConnect with Emilia, Bianca & the EVOLVE VENTURES Community:Website: http://www.evolveventurestech.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/evolveventures/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EvolveVenturesTech (Public Page) Evolve Ventures Society (Private Facebook Group) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/457130589193794 Emilia's IG - https://www.instagram.com/evolvewithemilia/ Emilia's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvewithemilia Bianca's IG - https://www.instagram.com/evolvewithbianca/ Bianca's TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@evolvewithbianca?_t=8gq3wqu4fAx&_r=1Connect with Emilia from Evolve Ventures for FREE: https://calendly.com/emiliasmith/free-evp-communityconnectShow notes: 0:00 Why “I Did the Best I Could” Isn’t Enough 01:19 The Excuse Adult Children Keep Hearing 02:29 There Actually Are Resources for Parenting 04:13 When Family Members Defend the Dysfunction 07:00 Why Siblings Stay Silent 09:20 The Physical Cost of Family Dysfunction 11:40 When the “Problem Child” Is Actually Getting Help 14:30 You Either Get the Truth or Your Family 15:04 Choosing Truth Over the Family System 19:34 How to Become a Different Kind of Parent 21:30 Bettering Your Best 23:28 What Adult Children Need to Hear 23:47 When Refusing Accountability Causes Real Harm 25:28 “Doing Your Best” Is Not a Free Pass 26:10 Where to Go Next 26:35 Out of the Mud + Evolve Updates ***Leave them a 5-star review if you felt their energy, became inspired, or felt the value was added to your life in your EVOLUTION.(Stay tuned for this coming Monday's episode!)
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Send us Fan Mail “I did the best I could” can sound like an explanation, but when it is used to avoid accountability for real harm, it can leave adult children questioning their own reality for years. In this episode, we unpack why “I did the best I could” is not always a viable excuse, especially when a parent refuses to acknowledge, repair, or change harmful patterns. Emilia and Bianca explore how entire family systems can reinforce denial, why the sibling who speaks up is often labeled th...
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#537 | "I Did the Best That I Could" is NOT A Viable Excuse
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