PODCAST · kids
The Parenting Lab (Help for the Healing Parent)
by Brittney Gonzalez
Join the conversation as we explore the art and science of parenting! As a Master-Certified Parent Coach, I'm here to guide you in your parenting - to heal, connect, regulate, and move forward with intention. You don't have to be stuck in a loop of yelling, conflict, and frustration! Yes, parenting is hard - but WHY? Let's dig into what's really going on, and transform your parenting from the inside out.
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57. I Have Nothing Left to Give
🧘🏼♀️Download Lab 5: Regulated - The Science of Safety & The Nervous SystemWhat do you do when you have nothing left to give… but people still need you?If you’ve ever felt emotionally depleted, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on empty in parenting, your relationship, or your life - this episode is for you.This week on The Parenting Lab, I’m sharing a more personal, unfiltered conversation about what it really looks like to show up when your capacity is low. Not how to push through. Not how to be more patient. But how to stay connected without abandoning yourself.We explore:Why “I have nothing left” isn’t actually the full truthThe two default patterns parents fall into (overriding vs. withdrawing)How your nervous system impacts your parenting capacityA new definition of “showing up” that’s sustainable and alignedWhat it looks like to stay present - even at 20% (or less)Because parenting isn’t about being at your best all the time.It’s about staying in relationship - even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or stretched thin.If you’re trying to break generational patterns, regulate your nervous system, and parent with more awareness and intention… this episode will meet you exactly where you are.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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56. Cycle Responsive Parenting: How Hormones Affect Motherhood | with Shara Jackson Harper
🍃 Click HERE to download your FREE Cycle Responsive Parenting Guide + Mood Tracker This week, I’m joined by women’s health and hormone expert Shara Jackson Harper to explore a topic so many moms experience - but rarely understand: why parenting can feel easier some weeks and so much harder during others.If you’ve ever wondered why you feel patient, playful, and connected one week… then overstimulated, irritable, exhausted, or reactive the next, this episode may bring the relief and validation you’ve been needing.We’re talking about hormones, the menstrual cycle, nervous system capacity, mood shifts, PMS, overstimulation, emotional regulation, and how all of it impacts motherhood.Inside this conversation, we explore:✨ How estrogen and progesterone shifts affect mood, patience, energy, and parenting capacity✨ Why some phases of your cycle make connection feel easier - and others make chaos feel unbearable✨ Why punishment and reactivity often increase when moms are depleted✨ How to parent with more awareness, compassion, and regulation through every phase of the month✨ Practical ways to reduce guilt, prevent burnout, and protect your peace✨ How to talk to your kids and partner about what you need without shameThis episode is for moms who feel inconsistent, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or confused by how differently they can feel throughout the month.You are not broken. You are not failing. You are cyclical.If you’ve been looking for a more compassionate, science-backed way to understand yourself as a mother, this conversation is for you.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyHow to work with Shara:Counseling | Instagram: @GrowthInHerSeasonsJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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55. How (And Why) to Stop Punishing
What if punishment isn’t actually teaching your kids… or anyone… anything? What if it’s quietly creating the very patterns you’re trying to change?In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re taking a deep, honest look at punishment - not just in parenting, but in our relationships and the way we treat ourselves.Because punishment isn’t just timeouts, taking away phones, or consequences. It shows up in the silent treatment, emotional withdrawal, harsh self-talk, and the belief that someone needs to feel it when something goes wrong.Drawing from nervous system science, relationship dynamics, and real-life parenting experiences, we explore:Why punishment feels so instinctive (and why it’s actually learned)The 4 hidden reasons we default to punishmentWhat punishment really teaches (hint: it’s not what we think)The critical difference between punishment and accountabilityHow to guide behavior, hold boundaries, and create change - without shame or fearWhy self-punishment may be the most damaging pattern of allIf you’ve ever wondered how to discipline without punishment, break generational patterns, or parent in a way that builds connection and responsibility - this episode will give you a completely new lens.Because the goal isn’t to make someone remember the pain…it’s to help them understand the impact. ♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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54. Treating vs Fixing vs Healing: Why Parenting Advice Only Goes So Far
Are you constantly searching for better parenting strategies… but still finding yourself stuck in the same patterns?In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we explore the powerful difference between fixing, treating, and healing in parenting - and why true transformation doesn’t come from scripts or step-by-step solutions alone.We unpack how many parenting tools act like a quick “pill” - helpful in the moment, but often unable to address the deeper emotional, relational, and nervous system patterns underneath.You'll learn:The difference between fixing behavior vs. healing patternsWhy parenting scripts sometimes work - and sometimes don’tHow your own triggers and past experiences shape your parentingWhat healing actually looks like in real-life parenting momentsHow to balance strategies AND inner healing for lasting changeThis episode is for parents who want to:Break generational cyclesBuild stronger relationships with their childrenRespond instead of reactParent with more calm, connection, and confidenceBecause fixing changes behavior.Treating supports the moment.But healing transforms relationships.If you're ready to move beyond quick fixes and toward deeper, lasting change - this episode is for you!♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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53. Real Stories - Tessie & Dylan (Part 2)
Explore Coaching PackagesThis week is Part 2 of my conversation with my first coaching clients! We're talking with Tessie’s husband, Dylan - and I’m especially excited to share this perspective with you.In this episode, Dylan shares what it was like to step into coaching as a dad - including the skepticism he brought with him, the challenges their family was navigating, and the shifts he experienced as he began doing the work himself.We talk about triggers, communication, and the tension that can build when parenting styles differ. Dylan also shares how learning to slow down, reflect, and respond more intentionally changed not only his relationship with his kids, but his partnership with Tessie as well.I love this conversation because it offers an honest look at growth from a father’s perspective. It’s a reminder that this work isn’t about roles, pride, or blame - it’s about awareness, connection, and learning to show up differently for the people we love most.If you’ve ever wondered what coaching looks like from a dad’s point of view, this episode is for you. 💛♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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52. Real Stories - Tessie & Dylan (Part 1)
Explore Coaching PackagesThis episode is a special one. Today, I’m joined by Tessie - one of my very first coaching clients - as she shares her powerful journey through this work.In this conversation, Tessie opens up about where her family was before coaching, the challenges she faced as she began doing the deeper work, and the meaningful shifts that followed. We talk honestly about what it looks like to change patterns, regulate in hard moments, and build stronger, more connected relationships at home.You’ll hear real-life examples from Tessie’s family, the lessons that surprised her along the way, and the advice she now offers to parents who are just beginning their own healing and parenting journey.This episode is a beautiful reminder that change is possible - not because parenting becomes perfect, but because we learn to show up differently. 💛If you’ve ever wondered what coaching actually looks like in real life… this conversation is for you.Listen in as Tessie shares her story, her growth, and what’s possible when you commit to doing the work. ✨Then tune in for Part 2, where her husband Dylan shares his experiences and how coaching altered how he views fatherhood.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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51. The Truth About Triggers
👉🏼 Purchase Lab 5: Regulated 👈🏼In this episode, we’re rethinking one of the most overused - and misunderstood - words in the healing space: triggered. Because what if your child’s behavior, your partner’s tone, or the chaos of your day isn’t what’s causing your reaction… but simply revealing what’s happening inside of you?Using a powerful (and surprisingly clarifying) analogy, we break down the difference between the trigger and the mechanics - and why focusing only on what’s happening outside of you will keep you stuck in the same reactive patterns.You’ll learn:Why triggers aren’t the cause of your reactions (and what actually is)What’s happening in your nervous system when you “flip your lid”How chronic stress creates a “hair-trigger” responseSigns you’re being triggered in real timeThe connection between triggers and your inner childHow to shift from blame → responsibility (without shame)Practical ways to create a “trigger lock” and respond with intentionThis episode will help you stop feeling like you're at the mercy of your reactions - and start building the awareness, regulation, and capacity to respond differently.Because the goal isn’t to eliminate triggers...It’s to change what happens next.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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50. Growing Good Timber: A Metaphor for Resilience
🧘🏼♀️To learn more about your nervous system, download Lab Five: Regulated now! ✨Is your instinct to step in every time your child struggles? What if that very struggle is exactly what helps them grow stronger, more confident, and resilient?In this episode, we explore how resilience isn’t built by removing every challenge - but by learning to stay close while your child navigates frustration, disappointment, and difficult feelings. Inspired by Douglas Malloch’s poem “Good Timber” and real-world examples like the trees of Biosphere 2, we dive into the difference between rescuing and supporting your children, how their nervous system builds resilience, and why your calm presence matters more than fixing every problem.We also share practical strategies for:Helping children stay engaged with challenges without removing the learning opportunitySupporting emotional growth while avoiding overprotectionUnderstanding your own nervous system reactions and triggers as a parentWhether you’re parenting toddlers, school-aged kids, teens, or adult children, this episode will help you reframe struggles as growth opportunities - for both your child and yourself.Discover how to let the wind blow while helping your children grow strong roots and deep resilience.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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49. Writing to Heal: The Power of Journaling
✍🏼Download the Writing to Heal Mini-Lab!Journaling has a reputation.For some people, it feels natural and deeply healing. For others, it brings up images of teenage diaries, angsty poetry, or pages filled with emotions they’d rather not put into words.But what if writing isn’t about documenting your life…What if it’s a powerful way to understand it?In this episode, we explore the art and science of therapeutic journaling - and why writing can be one of the most effective tools for emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness.Research shows that intentional writing can do far more than help you “vent.” It can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, strengthen immune function, and help your brain process difficult experiences. When you put words to complex emotions, you activate the parts of the brain responsible for reflection and meaning-making - helping your nervous system move from overwhelm toward integration.In other words:Writing is a way of meeting yourself.In this conversation, we explore:The neuroscience behind journaling and why it helps the brain process difficult experiencesHow writing reorganizes memories and reduces emotional intensityWhy putting feelings into words helps calm the nervous systemThe connection between journaling, self-knowledge, and healthy self-esteemFour principles that make therapeutic writing effectiveThree powerful journaling methods you can try right awayWhether you’re someone who has journaled for years or someone who has always thought “journaling just isn’t for me,” this episode will help you see writing in a completely different way.Because the goal isn’t to create something polished or impressive.The goal is connection.When you slow down long enough to explore your inner world - without judgment - you create space for integration, resilience, and healing.✨ If you’d like guidance getting started, I’ve created a new Mini-Lab: Writing to Heal, with prompts and exercises for the three journaling practices discussed in this episode.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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48. Why Better Questions Matter More Than Better Answers
🙋🏼♂️❓🤔Download the FREE 100 Questions GuideMost parents are searching for the right answers. But what if the real power in parenting isn’t in having better answers - but in asking better questions?In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we explore how asking thoughtful, curiosity-driven questions helps children develop emotional intelligence, confidence, critical thinking, and internal problem-solving skills. You’ll learn why rushing to give answers can unintentionally create dependence and shut down communication - and how shifting to questions strengthens connection, autonomy, and trust.We also cover:Why answers can close conversations - and questions open themHow to build emotional intelligence and self-awareness in your childThe nervous system science behind curiosity vs. controlHow questions strengthen attachment and long-term connectionPractical examples of what to say in everyday parenting momentsHow to help your child develop confidence and internal authorityWhy this skill matters even more as your kids grow into teens and adultsThis episode is especially helpful for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy, confident, and self-aware kids - without relying on control, lectures, or constant correction.Because the goal isn’t to raise children who depend on your answers - It’s to raise children who trust their own ability to think.🎧 Listen now to learn why better questions matter more than better answers.Download the FREE 100 Questions Guide♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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47. Head, Heart & Hands: The Secret to Healthy Communication
Download Lab 6: WiredHave you ever felt unheard in your relationship - even when you’re trying so hard to communicate clearly?Do arguments escalate quickly, leaving you wondering why your partner (or your child) just doesn’t seem to get it?You’re both in the same conversation.You’re both in the same room.But you didn’t come through the same door.In this episode of The Parenting Lab, I’m sharing one of the most practical relationship frameworks I use with clients: Head, Heart, and Hands.Every relationship operates through three foundational channels:The Head (logic, understanding, perspective)The Heart (emotion, attachment, connection)The Hands (action, follow-through, repair)Most conflict doesn’t happen because we don’t love each other.It happens because we’re entering the moment through different doors.We’ll talk about:Why problem-solving can feel invalidatingWhy emotional reactions escalate conflictHow attachment patterns shape your default responseWhat happens when thinking, feeling, and action aren’t alignedPractical ways to improve communication in marriage and parentingThis episode blends the science of attachment and nervous system regulation with the art of communication and connection - so you can stop fighting the wrong battle and start building trust instead.If you’ve ever thought, “Why do we keep having the same fight?” - this framework will change how you see conflict, connection, and the people you love most.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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46. The Problem With Love Languages (And How to Actually Connect)
You’re speaking their love language.So why isn't it working?If you’ve read the books, taken the quizzes, and tried to love your partner or child “the right way” - but something still feels off - this episode is for you.In this thought-provoking conversation, we take a deeper look at one of the most popular relationship frameworks in pop psychology - The 5 Love Languages - and explore why speaking your partner’s or child’s love language might not be enough to create real emotional security.With Valentine’s Day around the corner and love language quizzes everywhere, it’s the perfect time to ask a harder question: What actually makes love feel safe?We’re diving into the powerful difference between love languages and attachment theory, especially in parenting and long-term relationships. You’ll learn why you can “get the behaviors right” - acts of service, physical touch, quality time, gifts, words of affirmation - and still feel disconnected. Because while love languages focus on what we do, attachment shapes how safe we feel.In this episode, we explore:The hidden limits of the 5 Love Languages frameworkHow attachment styles impact marriage and parentingWhy emotional safety matters more than grand gesturesThe role of nervous system regulation in secure relationshipsHow unresolved childhood patterns shape how we give and receive loveWhat kids are really learning about love by watching your relationshipThree practical anchors that build secure attachment at homeIf you’re interested in attachment parenting, emotionally healthy relationships, nervous system regulation, breaking generational patterns, or building deeper connection in marriage, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.Because secure attachment isn’t built in the highlight reel.It’s built in the hard moments - through responsiveness, repair, and regulation.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” but something still feels off, this episode will help you understand why - and what actually grows roots that last.🎙️ Let’s go deeper than love languages.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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45. Trauma-Bonding: When Pain Feels Like Connection
Download Lab 5: RegulatedHave you ever felt closest to someone during conflict, crisis, or emotional intensity - and strangely disconnected when things finally calm down?This episode explores trauma bonding through a nervous-system lens, looking at why stress, urgency, and emotional activation can feel like intimacy - and why peace can sometimes feel empty or unsettling instead of safe.Trauma bonding is what happens when connection forms under chronic stress. When closeness only shows up during hard moments, the body learns that pain, unpredictability, or emotional intensity equals love. Over time, calm can start to feel unfamiliar - or even threatening.In this episode, we unpack:• What trauma bonding really is (and what it isn’t)• How stress-based connection forms in families, friendships, and romantic relationships• The difference between secure attachment, enmeshment, and trauma bonding• Why calm can feel boring, empty, or disconnecting after years of intensity• How these patterns are passed down across generations• Why so many adults are creating distance from family - and what’s actually happening underneath• How to heal trauma bonds without cutting people off or abandoning relationshipsWe also explore how trauma bonding shows up in parenting - especially with adult children - and why being needed can quietly become part of identity. If pain has been how love was proven, healing can feel like loss, even when it isn’t.This episode isn’t about blame or labels. It’s about awareness, nervous system regulation, and learning how to stay connected without pain being the glue. Healing doesn’t mean losing depth or passion - it means redefining intimacy so it no longer costs your peace.If you’re navigating complicated family dynamics, intense relationships, or the discomfort that can come with emotional calm, this conversation will help you understand what your body learned about connection - and how to gently update it.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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44. Stop Trying to Stop Yelling: How to Quit Yelling at Your Kids (Without Willpower)
FREE How To Stop Yelling GuideDownload Lab Five: RegulatedIf you’ve ever promised yourself you’d stop yelling - only to find yourself doing it again hours (or minutes) later - this episode is for you.Yelling isn’t happening because you’re a bad parent, undisciplined, or doing something wrong. And the solution isn’t more self-control, better scripts, or “just staying calm.”In this episode, we’re unpacking the truth most parenting advice misses: yelling is a nervous system response to overwhelm, not a behavior problem...You’ll learn:Why yelling feels automatic - even when you desperately want to stopWhy willpower and “trying harder” actually make the cycle worseWhat’s really happening in your body before you yellThe hidden relational cost of yelling (and why it works in the moment but damages connection over time)How to regulate earlier so yelling no longer feels necessaryPractical tools for noticing triggers, pausing without abandoning, repairing after rupture, and building nervous system capacity day to dayWe’ll also talk about healing generational patterns, releasing shame, and why control without healing is just survival - not transformation.This episode isn’t about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding your nervous system, creating safety inside your body, and learning how to respond in ways that actually align with who you want to be as a parent.If you’re exhausted from trying to stop yelling…If you’re stuck in the yell→apologize→promise cycle…If you know there has to be a deeper way - This conversation is for you.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram / TikTok / YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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43. Parts Work for Parents: Meeting the Different Versions of You
Ever lie awake after a hard parenting moment thinking, Why did I react like that when I know better?If part of you wants to be calm and connected, but another part wants to shut down, snap, or walk away - you’re not broken. You’re experiencing inner conflict, and there’s a reason it shows up so powerfully in parenting.In this episode we explore Parts Work for Parents - a compassionate, research-informed framework rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) that helps make sense of why parenting can pull out versions of ourselves we don’t recognize or like. You’ll learn how different “parts” of you - protective Managers, reactive Firefighters, and tender Exiles - work together to keep you safe, even when their strategies create disconnection or shame.We talk about:Why parenting activates old emotional wiring, even when you’re doing “all the right things”How inner conflict is a nervous system response - not a parenting failureWhat Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles actually look like in real-life parenting momentsHow parts work reduces shame and helps you respond with more intentionSimple, practical ways to start noticing and working with your parts - without overanalyzing or fixing yourselfThis episode isn’t about becoming perfectly regulated or never getting triggered. It’s about learning how to understand yourself with more clarity, curiosity, and compassion so you can repair without self-attack and parent from a place of steadiness, not fear.If you’ve ever wondered why you can want two opposite things at once as a parent… this conversation is for you.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyJoin The Parenting Lab Facebook Group!For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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42. You Know Better… So Why Is It Still So Hard to Change?
Click HERE to access Lab Three: AlignedYou know better - so why is it still so hard to change? If awareness was supposed to make things easier, why does healing sometimes feel more frustrating than before?In this episode, we’re talking about the part of growth no one prepares you for: the discouraging middle, where you know what isn’t working but don’t yet feel different. The stage where you’re more aware, more intentional, and somehow still struggling.I’ll walk you through the four stages of competence and show you how this learning framework maps directly onto the healing process - especially in parenting and relationships. We’ll talk about why growth isn’t linear, why effort doesn’t mean failure, and how real transformation actually unfolds over time.If you’ve ever thought:• “I should be further along by now”• “Why do I still get triggered if I’ve done so much work?”• “What am I missing?”This episode will help you understand where you are in the process - and why it makes so much sense.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram/TikTok/YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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41. Your Parenting Vision: A Different Way to Begin the Year
What if the new year didn’t begin with pressure to fix yourself - but with permission to return to yourself?In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we explore a different way to begin the year by shifting from parenting resolutions to a deeper, more meaningful parenting vision. Instead of focusing on behavior change or perfection, this conversation invites you to slow down, release “fixing” energy, and reconnect with what you truly long for in your family and relationships.Together, we talk about why healing doesn’t happen on a calendar, why awareness is not a burden but an opening, and how vision - like physical sight - changes and refines as we gain clarity. You’ll learn how to access your parenting vision through regulation, emotional awareness, and intentional practice, rather than control or self-judgment. We’ll also introduce the guiding themes for the year ahead: regulation, clarity, relationship, safety, and healing.This episode is not about motivation or self-improvement. It’s about creating safety, honesty, and intention as you move forward - one gentle step at a time. If you’re feeling tired of striving, overwhelmed by “shoulds,” or unsure where to begin, this is a place to land.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram & TikTok @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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40. My Vision For You
As we close out 2025, I wanted to offer something different - not goals, not resolutions, not another list of things to fix - but a vision.In this final episode of the year, I want to share my vision for you as a parent and as a person. A vision rooted in healing, awareness, and the belief that meaningful change happens in small, gentle, everyday moments.We talk about what it looks like to release inherited parenting patterns, create deep felt safety for your children, trust yourself more fully, parent with confidence and clarity, access calm and regulation more often, and set boundaries that feel peaceful instead of heavy. We explore how parenting doesn’t just shape our kids - it shapes us - and how this journey becomes part of our own healing over time.This episode is reflective, grounding, and hopeful. It’s an invitation to pause, to notice how far you’ve already come, and to carry a softer, steadier vision of parenting into the new year.Thank you for being part of The Parenting Lab this year. I’m so grateful for this community - and I can’t wait for what we’re building together in 2026.✨ If you are enjoying The Parenting Lab, please follow the podcast and leave a review - it helps more parents find this space, and the healing and help they are looking for.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram/TikTok @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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39. 3 Quotes that Changed The Way I Parent
As we near the end of 2025, I've been spending some time reflecting on how far I've come in my parenting, so...In today’s episode, I’m sharing three quotes that genuinely changed the way I parent. Not in a dramatic, overnight way... more like those quiet little truths that settle in, speak to something real inside you, and slowly shift how you show up.We talk about:• Why gentleness is actually a form of strength, and how pairing peace with strength creates the kind of presence our kids trust. • Why kids listen so much better after they feel listened to, and how this one shift can dissolve half the power struggles in your home. • Why healing is an inside job, and why we can’t read, learn, or podcast our way out of the deeper work only we can do.This episode is honest, reflective, and full of the real-life moments behind these ideas - the places I got stuck, the things I didn’t know I needed, and the ways these quotes rearranged me as both a parent and a person.If you’ve been craving a little clarity, or just a reminder that growth is slow and beautiful and absolutely possible, I think this one will feel good!♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram/TikTok/YouTube @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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38. How to Holiday {Part Two}: Rituals & Traditions
🎄🕎✨In Part Two of How to Holiday, we move beyond boundaries and expectations and step into the heart of the holiday season: meaning.Together, we explore how rituals and traditions help anchor our kids, regulate our nervous systems, and bring us back to what actually matters. Instead of chasing “magic,” we talk about creating moments that feel aligned, sustainable, and emotionally true for your family - not anyone else’s.You’ll learn how to identify what’s meaningful, what’s draining, what’s worth repeating, and what can gently fall away. We’ll talk about intentional traditions, the quiet power of rituals, the difference between doing less and doing with purpose, and how to navigate the holidays when the season feels heavy or tender.This episode is an invitation to build holidays that feel grounded, human, connected, and deeply...yours.If you’re craving a calmer, more present, more aligned holiday season… this one’s for you!However you celebrate this time of year, I wish you peace, joy, and connection with the ones you love the most.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram: @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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37. How to Holiday {Part One}: Boundaries & Expectations
This week on The Parenting Lab, we’re kicking off a two-part series called How to Holiday - and Part One is all about the thing most parents struggle with the most during this season: boundaries and expectations.The holidays are beautiful, but they are also a lot. Extra noise, extra pressure, family dynamics, invisible labor, unspoken rules - all of it gets louder in November and December. And if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or quietly resentful during the holidays, you’re not alone… and you’re not doing anything wrong.In this episode, we walk through how to set boundaries with your partner, your kids, your extended family, and even yourself. We talk about capacity, communication, invisible labor, triggers, overstimulation, guilt, pushback, and all the emotional pressure that comes with creating “holiday magic.”You’ll learn:Why the holidays magnify whatever is already happening in your family systemHow to identify your real capacityHow to align with your partner before the season picks upWhat kids need most during overstimulating holiday routinesHow to handle extended-family expectations, guilt, and old patterns.Support for solo parents navigating this season without a partnerAnd we wrap up with a vision for what intentional holidays can look like - and a sneak peek of Part Two, where we’ll explore rituals, values, and meaningful traditions.If you’re tired of surviving the holidays and want to start shaping a season that actually feels good, this episode is your roadmap.Happy Holidays!♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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36. How to Get the Most Out of Parent Coaching (and Any Transformational Parenting Work)
For access to the courses in The Parenting Lab Transformed Series, visit TheParentingLab.orgParenting is the only job we’re expected to know how to do - with absolutely no training. We’re handed children, a lifetime of conditioning, and an endless list of responsibilities… and then we wonder why it feels so hard to parent with intention, patience, and emotional regulation.In this episode of The Parenting Lab, I'm taking you behind the scenes of parent coaching - what it actually is, what it isn’t, and how to get the most out of any transformational parenting work you choose to do.You’ll learn:• What parent coaching really looks like (and why it’s so powerful)• What coaching is NOT, including what to expect if you’re used to therapy or quick-fix parenting tips• Three ways to work with me depending on your time, access, and resources• Five essential practices that help you transform your parenting from the inside outThis episode is for any parent who wants to understand themselves better, show up with more intention, and break the cycles that no longer feel aligned. Whether you’re in coaching, taking a Parenting Lab course, or simply listening with purpose, this work can be life-changing - but only if you engage with it.If you’re ready for clarity, groundedness, and deeper connection with your child (and yourself), this episode will guide you there.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram: @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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35. Parenting Burnout: 6 Signs You’re Burning Out (And How to Recover)
Are you burned out in your parenting? In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re exploring the six types of burnout in parenting - mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and reconnection burnout - and the subtle ways they show up long before we realize we’re running on empty.You’ll learn how to recognize the early signs of burnout, why it’s not a reflection of failure but of effort, and how to find your way back to peace, presence, and purpose as a parent.We’ll talk about:How burnout really shows up in parentingWays to move toward wholeness and energyHow to notice the smoke before the fire - and interrupt burnout before it breaks you downIf you’ve been feeling disconnected, depleted, or “off” in your parenting lately, this conversation will help you reclaim your energy without guilt and remember that you’re allowed to rest, too.✨ Listen now to start finding your way back - not in a “fix yourself” kind of way, but in a come-home-to-yourself kind of way.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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34. Connection Before Correction: Why 'Help First, Teach Later' is Better Than Lecturing
If you’ve ever tried to teach your child a lesson while they were melting down - and wondered why it didn’t work - this episode is for you. 💛We’re unpacking one of the most powerful shifts in parenting: help first, teach later. Because here’s the truth: you cannot comfort and correct at the same time. When emotions are high, your child’s brain can’t learn. What they need in that moment isn’t a lecture - it’s connection.In this episode, I’m sharing:Why we feel the urge to “teach in the moment” (and how it backfires)What happens in your child’s brain during dysregulationHow to respond with empathy without “letting things slide”Real-life examples of what help first, teach later looks likeHow connection builds lasting trust - and makes your words land laterThis simple but profound mindset shift will change how you show up as a parent, and how your kids experience safety, accountability, and love.✨ Because connection isn’t the reward for good behavior - it’s the foundation for growth.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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33. Love is the Easy Part: What Really Makes Relationships Last
We say “love” all the time - I love my kids, I love my dog, I love sushi. But is love really enough to sustain our closest relationships?In this week’s episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re exploring a truth that might surprise you: love is the easy part. What’s harder is how we live that love out. From truly knowing the people we care about, to allowing growth and change, to challenging and holding others accountable - real love takes work.We’ll dive deep into why boundaries are an act of love, how to stay connected through change, and what it looks like to practice love through curiosity, honesty, and repair.Whether you’re parenting, partnering, or simply trying to love the people in your life more intentionally, this conversation will help you move beyond “I love you” or "I hope they know I love them," into the everyday actions that make love last.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why love is abundant - but not always enoughWhat it really means to know someoneHow to let people (and yourself) grow and changeWhy healthy boundaries protect love, not block itHow challenge, repair, and forgiveness deepen connectionIf you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel hard even when the love is strong, this episode will help you see that love isn’t just felt - it’s practiced.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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32. I Am vs. Am I?: How Self-Talk Shapes Your Parenting
🔬Download Lab Three: Aligned In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re unpacking two tiny words that carry enormous weight in our parenting journey: “I Am” vs. “Am I?”On the surface, they look almost the same. But in reality, they shape everything - our confidence, our motivation, even how our nervous system responds in the hardest moments of parenting.“Am I a good mom? Am I enough?” These questions are familiar to so many of us, especially in a culture that thrives on comparison and perfectionism. While self-reflection has its place, living in constant doubt drains our energy and joy.By shifting into “I Am” statements - like I am learning, I am patient, I am doing my best - we anchor ourselves in truth and abundance. In this episode, I’ll walk you through:Why “Am I” keeps us stuck in self-doubtHow “I Am” statements can rewire your brain and regulate your nervous systemThe danger of negative “I Am” labels (like I am failing or I am broken)Practical tools to flip your inner dialogue and model confidence for your kidsHow to build a supportive community that reflects truth back to youIf you’ve ever struggled with parenting guilt, comparison, or self-doubt, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll explore how to move from uncertainty into confidence, and from scarcity into abundance - one “I Am” at a time.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney💵For more free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.org📸Follow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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31. The Art & Science of Bedtime: A Simple Hack to Change Your Routine
Click HERE for your Free Bedtime Connection Guide!Bedtime isn’t just about getting kids to sleep - it’s one of the most powerful parenting tools you have! In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re talking about the surprising secret to building stronger connections with your kids of any age: tucking them in.I’ll share the science behind bedtime routines, five powerful benefits of those last few minutes of the day, and real solutions for the common challenges that make bedtime hard. You’ll learn how a simple tuck-in can calm your child’s nervous system, create one-on-one moments, open communication, and leave them feeling safe, seen, and loved.Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, or kids in between, these practical strategies will help transform bedtime from chaos into connection.✨ A few intentional minutes at night can change your parenting - and your relationship with your child.♥ Your Parenting Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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30. 5 Things I Don't Feel Guilty About Anymore (and You Shouldn’t Either)
In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we dive into the heavy, invisible “shoulds” that keep parents trapped in guilt and self-judgment. I share five things I no longer feel guilty about - and how letting go of these rules has transformed my parenting, my relationships, and my own sense of freedom.We explore:How to be honest and share your feelings with your kids without projecting emotional responsibility onto them.The power of saying no to things that don’t align with your values and boundaries - without shame.Why it’s okay to say yes when a no isn’t truly necessary, and how flexibility can strengthen connection.How making mistakes and handling things poorly can become opportunities for repair and modeling resilience.Taking time for your own growth, education, talents, and dreams - and how self-investment benefits the whole family.If you struggle with guilt, perfectionism, or the feeling that you must always follow invisible rules to be a “good parent,” this episode is for you. Learn how to parent authentically, let go of unnecessary shame, and model healthy adulthood to your kids.What guilts are you ready to let go of?♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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29. Is It Too Late to Change? No! Here's Why...
Have you ever looked at your child - whether they’re a toddler, a teen, or a grown adult - and wondered, “Did I miss my chance? Is it too late to change?”In this powerful episode of The Parenting Lab, I’m unpacking one of the most common and painful questions parents ask: Is it too late to change myself… and my relationship with my kids?We’ll explore:Why it’s never too late to transform your thoughts, behaviors, and parenting styleThe science of neuroplasticity - how your brain and nervous system can actually rewire, no matter your ageHow to start repairing relationships with young children, teenagers, and even adult childrenPractical ways to model transformation and mindful parenting (even if you’ve never done it before)My own story of learning these tools late in my parenting journey - and how it shifted everythingWhether you’ve been practicing empowered parenting for years or you’re just starting now, this episode will give you hope, language, and concrete tools to begin again - no matter how old your kids are or what’s happened in the past.Listen in and learn how to apologize openly, narrate your growth, name your triggers, and practice consistency so trust can grow back. It’s not too late - for you, for them, or for your relationship.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney 💵For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.org📸Follow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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28. How to Stop Spiraling: Getting Grounded When Anxiety Takes Over
Download the FREE Core Values WorksheetDo you ever find yourself stuck in a thought loop - rehashing the same scenarios, worries, or “what ifs” over and over again? In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re talking about why our thoughts spiral out of control and what you can do to stop it.You’ll learn:Why spiraling happens in the brain and nervous systemHow thought loops keep us stuck in shame and anxietyThree practical steps to break free: looking for patterns, looking for evidence, and looking for alignmentIf you’ve ever replayed an argument in your head, questioned whether you’re a “good parent,” or spiraled into worst-case thinking at 2 a.m., this conversation will give you tools to calm your mind and come back to clarity.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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27. Parenting Styles Explained: Why Labels Don’t Tell the Whole Story
✨ Don’t forget: Grab your free Core Values worksheet to help you define what’s most important in your parenting.Lately it feels like every week a new parenting style is trending - gentle parenting, conscious parenting, empowered parenting, permissive, free-range, helicopter, tiger… even FAFO parenting. The labels alone can spark big feelings: curiosity, defensiveness, judgment, or confusion. But what do these labels really mean? And do you actually need one?In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’ll dig into:The problem with parenting labels (and why they’re so loaded)Why we’re so eager to name and categorize our parenting in the first placeWhether you need a label at all - or if something else matters moreHow to create your own “parenting compass” rooted in values, not buzzwordsPractical ways to explain your parenting approach to others with confidence and clarityIf you’ve ever felt pressure to “pick a style” or defend the way you parent, this conversation will help you move past the noise and focus on what really matters in your family.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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26. The Invisible Parent: Showing Up When It Feels Like No One Sees You
Have you ever felt like you’ve disappeared since becoming a parent? In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we dive deep into the experience of parental invisibility - that quiet loss of identity that happens when we’re seen only as “Mom,” “Dad,” or “the one who keeps everything running.”We’ll explore:Why parents often feel unseen in their partnerships and by their childrenThe Invisibility Wound - how childhood experiences of neglect, role assignment, or parentification can shape how visible we feel as adultsThe hidden cost of living unseen: resentment, disconnection, and shrinking into smaller versions of ourselvesHow to reclaim your identity through awareness, self-recognition, and taking up spacePractical ways to feel more visible in your relationships and model authenticity for your kidsThis is an honest, compassionate conversation for any parent who has wondered, “Do they really see me?” You’ll walk away with insight, validation, and steps toward healing - so you can show up not only as a parent, but as your whole, vibrant self.You are not invisible. You matter.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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25. Why You're Bad at Self-Care (And How You Can Fix It)
Here’s the truth: most of what we call self-care isn’t care at all - it’s self-maintenance. And while maintenance matters (yes, get your sleep, eat well, do the laundry), it’s not the same thing as the practices that actually bring you back to life.In this episode, I’m breaking down the real difference between self-care and self-maintenance, and why it matters more than you think. We’ll talk about:Why those “self-care lists” on social media can leave you feeling inadequate (and what real self-care looks like instead)The flip side - when you’re great at intuitive care but neglect the basics that keep you healthy and groundedHow to tell the difference between the two in your own lifeFour steps to find a better balance, so you feel both steady and aliveHere's the kicker...You’re probably not actually bad at self-care - you’ve just been taught to confuse it with maintenance. Once you know the difference, you can give yourself permission to stop just getting by and start truly caring for yourself.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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24. Real Stories - Madison
Start your own healing journey with The Transformed Series!In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Madison to talk about her journey through the healing process: awareness → healing → transformation. Even though she’s not a parent yet, the principles of this work have had a huge impact on her relationships with her parents, siblings, and the people closest to her. Madison shares how defining her core values helped her connect more deeply to her authentic self, what it’s really like to do the hard work of healing, and how transformation is changing her life in profound ways.Her story is such a beautiful reminder that the work is worth it - and as you listen, you’ll hear practical takeaways for your own journey. Whether it’s giving yourself permission to slow down, exploring your own values, or finding peacein the messy middle, Madison’s story will leave you encouraged, grounded, and inspired to keep going in your own healing process.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram: @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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23. The Lie of Either/Or: Learning to Live in the “Both/And”
Parenting isn’t black and white - but most of us were taught to believe it is. We think we have to pick a side: calm or chaotic, grateful or overwhelmed, loving motherhood or struggling through it. This “either/or” thinking is a lie - and it’s quietly sabotaging our ability to be present, connected, and compassionate parents.In this episode of The Parenting Lab, I share why contradictory feelings aren’t a flaw to fix, but a gift to embrace. We’ll talk about the difference between true opposites and emotional contradictions (including a story from my own preschool classroom), why our nervous systems are built for nuance, and how living in the “AND” space can transform the way you show up for your kids - and yourself.If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you feel joy and resentment, love and frustration, or pride and fear all at once… this conversation will set you free.What you’ll learn in this episode:The dangerous myth of “either/or” thinking in parentingHow to teach kids the difference between opposites and contradictionsWhy contradictory feelings can coexist — and make you a stronger parentFour simple ways to practice “living in the AND” every day♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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22. The Art & Science of Surrender: Letting Go Without Giving Up
Download the FREE Surrender & Boundaries Toolkit Lab Four: ConnectedLab Five: RegulatedSurrender is one of the hardest - and most transformative - skills we can learn as parents, partners, and humans. But let’s be clear: surrender is not the same as giving up or giving in. It’s an intentional choice to release our grip on control, pride, or old survival rules so we can respond from a place of strength, connection, and trust.In this episode, we explore what surrender really means in the context of healing in parenting, how it differs from passivity, and why it’s essential for healthier relationships. You’ll learn how surrender can coexist with strong boundaries, how to identify the unhelpful scripts that make letting go feel impossible, and how to rewrite them so they serve you and your family today. We’ll also talk about how this work ripples out beyond parenting - into our marriages, partnerships, and the way we show up in every relationship.I’ll share practical tools, research insights, and a guided practice you can use right away to begin softening your grip without losing yourself. By the end, you’ll see how surrender isn’t weakness - it’s the gateway to deeper trust, calmer communication, and stronger connections.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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21. Who Are Your People? Finding the Parenting Village You Actually Need
We were never meant to parent alone.In this episode, we’re talking about the power of community - and why having a village matters more than ever in the parenting journey. From the historical roots of shared caregiving to the modern-day reality of parenting in isolation, we explore how to build (or rebuild) a support system that truly sustains you.I share personal stories of what my village looked like during different seasons, why not everyone we love belongs in our inner circle, and how vulnerability is key to real connection. You’ll also get five practical steps for finding your people - those who help you feel more grounded, more regulated, and more like yourself.Whether your village is thriving or you’re still figuring it out, this episode is an invitation to let yourself be held. Because when we find our people, we don’t just parent better - we become more whole, more human, and more connected.Thank you for being part of MY village!♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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20. The Art of Repair (or How to Say You're Sorry)
Ever wondered how to actually repair after you mess up with your kids? In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re exploring one of the most essential (and overlooked) skills in parenting: how to say “I’m sorry” in a way that truly heals.You’ll learn why the typical “Say you’re sorry” approach falls flat, and get a step-by-step guide to meaningful repair - the kind that builds trust, models emotional intelligence, and strengthens your relationship with your child.We’ll talk about:Why perfection isn’t the goal - but connection is8 powerful steps to real repairThe problem with asking for forgiveness too soonWhat forgiveness actually looks like in kids (it’s not always verbal!)A real example of a bad apology - and what it sounds like when you get it rightIf you’ve ever felt guilt after a rupture and wanted to make things right but weren’t sure how, this episode will give you both the tools and the mindset shift to make your next repair more meaningful.Let’s move beyond performative apologies and into deep connection - one honest moment at a time.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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19. Is It Trauma?...or Just a Hard Day?
As conscious parents, it’s easy to spiral into guilt after a hard moment with our kids - especially when we’re trying to break generational cycles. In this episode, we explore How to tell the difference between trauma and everyday parenting stress. What trauma actually is (from a nervous system and attachment perspective)How to recognize when repair is enough, and How to stop parenting from fear. If you’ve ever asked, “Did I just mess them up?” - this episode will bring clarity, compassion, and tools for healing.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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18. Why Your Kids Aren’t Talking to You (And How You Might Be Making It Worse)
Ever feel like your child has shut down on you - giving you nothing but “I don’t know,” shrugs, or total silence? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re diving into why kids pull away, what well-meaning things parents do that accidentally shut down communication, and how to open the door again.You’ll learn:What’s really going on when your child stops talking to you5 common communication habits that create disconnectionWhy nervous system safety matters more than the “right words”3 powerful phrases that build trust and invite your child to open upIf you’re ready to stop feeling like the enemy and start feeling like your child’s safe place again, this episode is for you.🎧 Press play and discover how small shifts can lead to big breakthroughs in your parent-child connection.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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17. The Process of Healing: Awareness, Work, and Transformation
Parenting is more than managing behaviors or getting through the day - it’s a profound invitation to heal. In this episode, I'm explaining the cyclical process of healing through the lens of parenting, guiding you through three core stages: awareness, healing work, and transformation.You’ll learn:What real awareness looks like (and how it often shows up through our children)What the “work” of healing really involves - from nervous system regulation to parts work and inner child careHow transformation unfolds in everyday parenting momentsWhy this process is not a luxury, but a necessity for raising emotionally healthy, connected childrenThis episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and it’s not about perfection - it’s about presence, growth, and choice. Whether you’re in the thick of awareness, navigating the messy middle of healing, or beginning to taste the fruits of transformation, this episode will meet you where you are - and offer tools, insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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16. Real Stories - Rachel
This week, I'm sitting down with Rachel - a real client and parent! She shares her journey through the messy, transformative work of healing - and what it really looks like to grow alongside your child.You’ll hear about:What led her to seek support in the first placeHow coaching is shifting her patterns and perspectiveThe impact of this inner work on her relationship with her children, partner, and selfThe myths she is learning to release - especially around being the “good parent”And the honest, vulnerable moments that are changing everything!Whether you're deep in your own healing, feeling stuck in survival mode, or just curious about what parent coaching can really offer, this episode is a window into what’s possible when we stop trying to be perfect… and start getting real.This is a real, raw, honest conversation (the audio isn't great - sorry about that!), and one I know will leave you feeling hopeful in the power this work can have in your life.To access the workbooks that Rachel is referencing, please visit theparentinglab.org♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney Follow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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15. Breaking the Myth of the "Good Parent" (and What to Aim for Instead)
In this episode of The Parenting Lab, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most damaging - and invisible - beliefs so many of us carry: the myth of the “good parent.”We’ll explore where this ideal comes from, how it quietly impacts our self-worth, our relationships, and our mental health - and most importantly, how we can begin to let it go.If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough… if you’re tired of performing, comparing, or second-guessing yourself… this episode is for you.We’ll talk about what it means to trade perfection for presence, and performance for connection - and I’ll share 5 powerful strategies to help you shift the story, redefine success, and start parenting from a place of honesty, compassion, and growth.Because you don’t need to be a “good parent” - you just need to be a real one.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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14. Are You a Cycle-Breaker or Cycle-Maker? The Hidden Patterns That Shape Us
We often hear about breaking generational cycles - but what if the real power lies not in what we leave behind, but in what we build? In this episode, we explore the shift from being a cycle-breaker to becoming a cycle-maker: someone who creates new legacies with intention, love, and vision.Join me as we talk about releasing the past with gratitude, embracing the power of creation, and planting seeds for a future our children will thrive in. If you’re ready to stop focusing on what you’re undoing and start celebrating what you’re building - this episode is for you!♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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13. How to Talk So Your Kids (Actually) Listen: A Crash-Course in Conversations
Download Lab 2: OriginsEver feel like you're talking, but no one’s really listening? Or like every conversation with your child turns into a power struggle, a meltdown, or just... silence?In this episode of The Parenting Lab Podcast, I’m giving you a crash-course in how to have empowered conversations - the kind that build connection, not conflict. These are the conversations where your child feels seen, heard, and safe to be their full self - and where you feel respected and understood, too.We’ll unpack what empowered communication actually means, what blocks us from having it, and why it’s so essential in our relationships with our kids. We’ll also explore how our own upbringing and beliefs about emotions may be getting in the way of the connection we’re craving.Whether you're parenting toddlers or teens, this episode will give you fresh tools and gentle perspective shifts to help you speak with your children, not at them.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What an empowered conversation is - and why it’s often the missing link in parent-child communicationThe most common blocks that prevent us from truly connecting through conversation (hint: it's not just what we say, but how we listen)How our beliefs about emotions, and our past experiences of being unheard, shape the way we communicate with our kidsThe difference between listening to fix and listening to understandWhy feelings are messengers - and how to uncover the need underneath the emotionHow to make compassionate, clear requests instead of harsh commands or vague complaintsWhether you’re dealing with morning meltdowns, teen shut-downs, or just trying to have more meaningful moments with your child, this episode is a must-listen for any parent who wants to raise emotionally aware, connected kids.🎧 Listen now and learn how to create empowered conversations that bring you and your child closer - one moment, one word, one choice at a time.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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12. Rules, Limits & Boundaries: The Real Difference and Why It Matters
Are "rules," "limits," and "boundaries" all the same? (Spoiler: they’re not!) In this episode of The Parenting Lab Podcast, we break down the subtle but crucial differences between these three pillars of effective parenting - and how understanding them can transform the way you show up for your kids.You'll learn:✅ The clear distinctions between rules, limits, and boundaries🧠 Why confusing them leads to frustration and power struggles🛠️ Real-life examples that bring these concepts to life (bedtime, homework, sibling conflicts & more)💡 5 practical steps to create rules, limits, and boundaries that align with your core parenting valuesWhether you're trying to set firmer expectations, reduce meltdowns, or just want more peace at home, this episode offers actionable insights you can start using today. Tune in to create a home where structure and connection go hand in hand.♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney Link to Values Mini-LabFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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11. The Secret to a Meaningful Mother's Day
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of unmet expectations. In this episode, we’re flipping the script and focusing on what you need as a mother - emotionally, practically, and spiritually. If Mother’s Day has ever left you feeling a little empty, this episode is your guide to reclaiming it with purpose and peace.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to clearly communicate your needs to your partner and kids - and why that matters.Why it’s okay (and powerful) to make Mother's Day about you.How to reflect on your influence as a mother and the legacy you're building.Simple ways to reconnect with the joy of motherhood - in general and with each child individually.A mindset shift that helps you focus more on the love you give, not just the love you get.As we approach Mother's Day, I hope you can embrace these small shifts in perspective, so that you can enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling day with your family - regardless of what they do for you.Thank you for the work you are doing to mother your children with love, healing, and intention - you are building a lasting legacy!Happy Mother's Day!♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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10. Chicken Nugget Night
In this week’s episode of Parenting Lab, I'm walking down memory lane to when my kids were just 5 and 8. It was a time when life felt like a constant juggling act. It was exhausting, overwhelming, and honestly, I questioned if I was doing any of it right.But in the middle of that chaos, something beautiful and totally unplanned happened: Chicken Nugget Night. What started as a last-minute attempt to keep the kids happy while I crammed to meet college deadlines turned into a weekly tradition that lasted for years - and became one of my kids’ fondest childhood memories.At the time, I felt like the worst mom - stressed, tired, glued to my laptop, and not “present” in the way I wanted to be. But years later, when my kids talked about those nights, all they remembered was the fun, the comfort, and the love. They didn’t remember me being distracted. They remembered that we were together.Here's what I hope you'll take away this week:It’s okay to be in a season where you can’t do it all. Maybe you’re working, studying, co-parenting, healing, or just trying to stay afloat. It’s okay if you’re not showing up perfectly - what matters is that you show up.Your kids don’t need big gestures - they need your presence. Even when you feel like you’re not doing enough, your love and effort are more than enough. The little things are the big things.Guilt is a heavy load to carry - but your kids likely remember things differently. Where I saw failure, my kids saw magic. And that realization helped me heal a part of myself that had carried doubt for so long.You can create connection in the middle of chaos.Chicken Nugget Night wasn’t fancy or planned - it was just a small moment of intention in a busy life. That’s what made it special.I hope this little window into our family can inspire you to find new ways to connect with your kids - even simple ones!♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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9. People Problems vs. Process Problems
In this episode of The Parenting Lab Podcast, we explore a powerful crossover concept from business leadership that can transform how you approach challenges in parenting: the difference between people problems and process problems. Inspired by the Diamond Model from organizational behavior, you'll learn how to distinguish whether a parenting issue stems from your child’s personal traits - or if it’s actually the result of flawed systems, routines, or communication.I’ll walk you through how this distinction can reframe conflict, reduce blame, and empower you to create better environments for growth - both for your child and yourself. Through relatable examples, practical steps, and a touch of personal reflection, you’ll gain fresh insight into your child’s behavior, emotional development, and your role in shaping their success.This episode is for you if:You feel stuck in repeating conflicts with your childYou wonder whether your parenting frustrations are about “them” or something deeperYou’re open to adopting leadership tools to strengthen your home lifeKey Takeaways:What the Diamond Model is and how it applies to parentingThe difference between people and process problems - and why it mattersHow to identify the root cause of behavior challengesPractical strategies to support your child’s development through better systemsWhy changing how you parent often matters more than what you sayListen in to discover how a shift in mindset can lead to more clarity, more connection, and less chaos!♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney For free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @theparentinglabpodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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8. "What's My Job?" - The Question that Changes EVERYTHING in Parenting!
In this insightful episode, we explore one simple yet powerful question that can transform your parenting approach: What’s my job? The answer I offer is this - to keep my kids safe. From this foundational belief, an entire parenting philosophy unfolds - one rooted in trust, mutual respect, and family values.This episode outlines how redefining your “job” as a parent can help build a home where safety - physical, emotional, psychological, and social - is the cornerstone.Key Takeaways:🛡️ Safety as a Core Value: Learn why prioritizing safety over control builds stronger relationships and more respectful communication with your kids.🧠 Four Pillars of Safety: Physical Safety: More than just avoiding danger - it’s about being a safe harbor while encouraging confident exploration.Emotional Safety: How calm, present parenting helps your child feel seen, heard, and valued.Psychological Safety: Creating space for independent thought, curiosity, and learning through mistakes without fear.Social Safety: Guiding kids through friendships, boundaries, and the online world with openness and accountability.📱 Real Talk About Boundaries: Why a few clear, consistent rules can be more effective than a laundry list of do’s and don’ts.💬 The Power of Trust: How framing conversations around safety instead of control helps kids “buy in” to your guidance - even when they disagree.⛵ Safe Harbor Analogy: A beautiful metaphor to help parents navigate their role as a steady, loving presence in a chaotic world.Whether you’re raising toddlers, teens, or young adults, this episode offers a grounding and empowering perspective on parenting with purpose. Share it with the parents in your life who are ready to parent from a place of connection, not fear.♥ Your Parent Coach, BrittneyFor free resources, online courses, or to join the mailing list, please visit theparentinglab.orgFollow on Instagram @TheParentingLabPodcastEmail Brittney: [email protected]
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join the conversation as we explore the art and science of parenting! As a Master-Certified Parent Coach, I'm here to guide you in your parenting - to heal, connect, regulate, and move forward with intention. You don't have to be stuck in a loop of yelling, conflict, and frustration! Yes, parenting is hard - but WHY? Let's dig into what's really going on, and transform your parenting from the inside out.
HOSTED BY
Brittney Gonzalez
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