When You Feel Like You’re Failing as a Parent

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"What can I do when I feel like I’m failing as a parent?"The guilt, the overwhelm, the mental checklist of all the things that didn’t get done—and the ones you wish you had done differently. If you’ve ever ended the day wondering, “Am I even doing this right?”, you are so not alone.In this episode, Vanessa offers a gentle reframe to those tough moments, helping you shift from shame to self-compassion. She reminds you that parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, growing, and making the most of the moments that matter.TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why feeling like you’re failing often means you care deeplyHow to challenge harsh self-talk with grace and perspectiveThe importance of zooming out and seeing the big picture of parentingSmall reconnection moments that build lasting bonds with your childHow to focus on progress, not perfectionTAKEAWAY MESSAGE:Feeling like you’re failing doesn’t mean you are—it means you’re in it, you’re trying, and you care. Parenting is messy, imperfect, and full of learning curves. But in those hard moments, you’re still planting seeds of love, patience, and resilience that will last a lifetime.Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!Send us Fan MailSupport the showGRAB AN OFFER🎁 Free Resource: 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com/💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com/ABOUT MEI'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. I believe the people who give everything to everyone else deserve to stop surviving and start living intentionally.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speakingDISCLAIMERFree to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed...