97 Parenting Is a Work in Progress With Reesa Morala

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.comSupport Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and even the best-prepared parents find themselves learning, adapting, and sometimes messing up along the way. In this episode, I sit down with Reesa Morala, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to talk about what it really means to navigate parenting challenges, embrace the learning process, and give yourself grace along the way.We dive into the reality of parenting differences, handling guilt and shame, and why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with your child’s emotions, or just wondering if you’re getting it “right,” this episode will remind you: Parenting is a work in progress, and that’s okay.Key Takeaways:✅ It’s normal for parents to have different parenting styles—what matters is how you communicate and find common ground.✅ Guilt and shame are common, but they don’t make you a bad parent—learning and growing do.✅ Even therapists and parenting experts mess up! The key is how you repair and move forward.✅ Self-care makes you a better parent, not a selfish one.✅ Curiosity (instead of assumptions) can improve communication with both your partner and your child.✅ Kids mirror what we model—showing them how to manage stress and emotions helps them learn to do the same.Episode Highlights & Timestamps:[00:00] – Welcome[02:00] – Reesa introduces herself and shares her background as a therapist and parent[05:00] – The challenge of different parenting styles and why communication is key[10:00] – Even parenting experts mess up! Why it’s about progress, not perfection[12:00] – The importance of self-awareness: Noticing when you’ve fallen off track[17:00] – Dealing with guilt and shame as a parent (and why it’s never too late to grow)[20:00] – Why prioritizing your needs actually benefits your kids[25:00] – When one child feels easier to parent than another (and how to handle it)[30:00] – The power of tagging in your partner and asking for help[35:00] – What self-care really looks like (hint: it’s different for everyone)[38:00] – How dance parties, coloring, or playing in the mud can be self-care[42:00] – Making small shifts: Adding instead of taking away[45:00] – Teaching kids emotional regulation through curiosity and collaborationResources Mentioned:🔗 Reesa’s Website & Group: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com🔗 Reesa’s Podcast: Listen to Reesa’s Cooking & Parenting Conversations: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats 💻You can Follow Reesa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embrace.renewal.therapy/ Work With Me:📌 Join The Support Circle: A monthly membership for parents navigating big emotions. Get strategies, support, and community. Join here: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/ 📌 1:1 Coaching: Need personalized guidance? Book a free 30-minute consultation. Schedule here! https://tidycal.com/andi1/starttheconversation If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent who needs to hear this! 🎧💛