The Stories We Don’t Tell Our Kids — And Why Sharing Them Changes Everything - Ep#161

What if your most imperfect, unpolished, didn’t-go-as-planned stories are actually the greatest gift you can give your adult children? After a health scare made her ask hard questions about what she’d really prepared her daughters for, Joanne McHugh sat down and wrote it all out — the career stumbles, the life detours, the things she wished someone had told her. In this conversation, we explore why real stories connect more than advice, how authenticity transforms your relationship with your adult kids, and what happens when you finally stop pretending life is all sunshine and butterflies.In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverWhy a health scare became Joanne’s daring moment — and the promise she made to herself when the results came back cleanHow she wrote a book of real stories from her own young adulthood and surprised her three daughters with it on Valentine’s DayWhy storytelling connects where direct advice creates resistance (and eye rolls!)The difference between positive psychology and toxic positivity — and why it matters for how we prepare our kids for adultingHow being vulnerable with your adult children can shift your relationship from parent/child to something closer to friendshipThe one permission question that can change any conversation with your kids, your partner, or your friends(Stay to the end!) Joanne answers one more question after we thought we were done — about oversharing, how to decide what to tell your kids, and why you’re always the editor of your own storyAbout Joanne McHughJoanne McHugh is a mom of three daughters and the creator of Things Your Mom Should Have Told You — a weekly newsletter and blog where she shares real, honest stories from her own life to help young adults navigate the things nobody warned them about. What started as a private book for her girls became something she knew had to be shared more widely.Resources & Links MentionedThings Your Mom Should Have Told You (Joanne’s newsletter & blog) HEREShift for Moms — From Fixer to Coach HEREConnect with JodiWebsite: jodisilverman.comInstagram: @jodi_silvermanMoms Who Dare Facebook CommunitySend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! 🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HEREI can't wait to meet Subscribe to my Substack HEREStep into the Dare On Circle HERE