Even a tiny goldfish can help a mama’s heart cope with a big transition.
This week’s episode is all about Peter the fish — and the surprising emotional waves he created in the Greene household. As Max prepares to leave for college, this unexpected pet helps the family face change, build connection, and rediscover the power of responsibility and love (even if it swims in circles).

Rebecca, Seth, and Ella share a heartfelt, humorous, and insightful look into the latest family adventure — and it all starts with a carnival goldfish. From tank mishaps to parenting epiphanies, this episode is full of relatable moments that every parent navigating change will understand.

➡️ Peter the Fish became the newest member of the Greene household after Lily’s boyfriend won him at a carnival. What started as a simple bowl turned into a full-on aquatic setup, complete with lessons in goldfish care and responsibility.
➡️ Ella shares her poetic moment of sitting at Max’s desk, taking care of his cat and fish — calling it a “changing of the guard.” She reflects on what it feels like to step into her brother’s world as he begins a new chapter.
➡️ Rebecca opens up about how Peter helped her emotionally. Max’s room, once a sad place in his absence, now feels warm and comforting thanks to their new pet. Peter has become a small but meaningful way for Rebecca to cope with the transition of her son leaving for college.
➡️ The family talks candidly about the reality of pet ownership. Rebecca admits she had no idea how complicated fish care was — but Max took the reins, researched everything, and handled it like a pro.
➡️ Parenting reflection: Rebecca wishes she’d introduced pets earlier. Seeing Max take responsibility for Peter showed her how good it is for kids to have something to care for — something that isn’t just about themselves.
➡️ Life behind the scenes: Lily’s Bat Mitzvah planning is in full swing, and Rebecca is deep in it. From décor to logistics, it’s become a full-time job, and she shares what this journey has been like emotionally and mentally.
➡️ Rebecca and Seth also chat about planning their 20th wedding anniversary celebration — tossing around ideas from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Atlantis in the Bahamas, with lots of laughs along the way.
➡️ Don’t forget to visit whinypaluza.com and sign up for Rebecca’s free parenting resources and weekly emails full of love, tools, and support.
➡️ Help Rebecca reach more parents by subscribing, rating, and leaving a short review — it makes a big difference and helps spread Whinypaluza to more amazing families like yours.

➡️ Join the Whinypaluza Moms Facebook Group — it’s free, fun, and full of supportive moms who get it.

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