The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast | Matrescence | Relationship after baby | Motherhood life

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Who even am I anymore?”

Between sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and taking care of everyone else, you may feel like you got lost somewhere along the way.

In this episode, we’re moving beyond recognition and into action.

In this episode, we explore:

🎧 Listen now & reclaim YOU

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Have you ever felt lonely even with your partner sitting across from you or your child snuggled in your arms? Parenthood changes everything—including how connected you feel in your relationships.

We uncover the hidden causes of parental loneliness, the subtle signs that emotional distance is creeping in, and how to reconnect without adding more to your already full plate.

If you’ve been wondering, ‘Why do I feel so lonely as a parent?’ or ‘How can I reconnect with my partner?’, this episode is for you. Tune in, take a deep breath, and know that connection is possible again. Listen now!

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.

You know that moment—you’re cleaning up after your kids, scrolling on your phone, and suddenly it hits you: “Who even am I anymore?”

Maybe you used to have hobbies, dreams, and interests. But now, your whole identity seems wrapped up in being a parent. You love your kids, but… where did YOU go?

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. This parenthood identity crisis is more common than we talk about. And the truth? It’s not your fault.

🎙️ In today’s episode, we’re diving into:

It’s so easy to get stuck in survival mode—especially if you’re a stay-at-home parent feeling unfulfilled or struggling with the transition to parenthood. Maybe you thought you’d naturally “figure it out,” but instead, you’re feeling lost, exhausted, and like you don’t even recognize yourself anymore.

But here’s the thing: You are more than “just a parent.”

🌿 So, how do we start reclaiming YOU?

✅ Shift your mindset—Parenthood and identity CAN co-exist. You don’t have to choose between being a great parent and being you.

Parenthood changes you. That’s inevitable. But losing yourself completely? That’s not a requirement.

So, if you’re feeling lost as a parent, struggling with balancing parenthood and career, or just wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play now, and let’s start the journey back to YOU.

#parenthoodidentitycrisis #feelinglostasaparent #rediscovery #matrescence #patrescence

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🔔 Subscribe for more parenting insights

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Parenting can push even the strongest marriages to their limits. In this deeply moving episode, Andrea Smith opens up about navigating parenthood stress while facing family challenges that tested her marriage connection.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your partner, trapped in survival mode parenting, or unsure how to support each other through tough times, this episode is for you.

💬 Today we uncover:

If this episode speaks to you, be sure to join my newsletter for deeper insights & a special journaling prompt to help you apply these lessons.

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Andrea Smith is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal growth, blending her experiences as a mother, entrepreneur, and storyteller to inspire others. After an 18-year corporate career in sales, Andrea stepped away to focus on her family's needs, particularly her children's mental health challenges.

Andrea is also the co-founder of CarOracle, a woman-owned business revolutionizing the car-buying process with expert guidance and personalized support. With her empathetic approach and commitment to uplifting others, Andrea creates spaces where people can find resources, resilience, and hope.

Andrea’s Links: 

Facebook: @ListentoThisWayUp

Instagram: @ListentoThisWayUp

You Tube: @ThisWayUpPodcast

TikTok:  @ThisWayUpPodcastandrea

www.caroracle.com

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🔔 Subscribe for more parenting insights

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

In this episode, we explore the drastic changes in parenting styles over the years. The shift from the tough love approach of past generations to today's hyper-aware and overly-involved parenting has left many feeling emotionally drained and constantly questioning their adequacy as parents. The episode examines how to find a middle ground that allows for both parental and child development without falling into the trap of self-sacrifice or over-correcting to the point of overprotective. By shifting perspectives on guilt and self-care, parents can model a balanced and fulfilling life for their children, fostering resilience and independence without compromising their own well-being.

00:00 Why Modern Parenthood Feels Like Failure

01:31 The Evolution of Parenting Styles

03:39 The Impact of Tough Love on Our Generation

07:42 The Overcorrection: Hyper-Involved Parenting

12:43 Finding Balance in Parenting

16:22 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Our Kids

18:53 Steps to Sustainable Parenting

23:42 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents

31:31 Conclusion: You Are Enough

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.

We all want to do our best as parents, but perfect parenting might not be the gift we think it is. In fact, striving to be a perfect mother or a perfect father can actually create struggles for our kids later in life. This episode dives into why perfect parent syndrome leads to emotional dependence, low frustration tolerance, and unrealistic relationship expectations.

So, what is good parenting? Research in attachment theory shows that kids don’t need us to be flawless—they need us to be real. The concept of good enough parenting, first introduced by Donald Winnicott, explains why children benefit more from good enough parenting than from a parent who never makes mistakes. The ability to repair small ruptures in relationships, rather than avoiding them altogether, builds resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-trust.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing positive parenting tips to help you shift from trying to figure out how to be a perfect parent to embracing a more balanced approach. You’ll learn why letting go of perfection doesn’t mean lowering your standards but actually making space for connection, growth, and emotional security.

I’ll also share a case study about a client, “Michael,” who was raised by a perfect mother. His childhood was full of warmth, attentiveness, and love—but as an adult, he struggled to form meaningful relationships because no one could measure up to that level of emotional perfection. This is why it's so important to rethink how to be a perfect mother or how to be a perfect father and instead embrace good enough parenting.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not getting everything right, this episode will help you reframe your mindset and show you how being “good enough” is actually the best thing you can do for your child.

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Feeling distant from your partner after having a baby? You’re not alone. Many couples struggle with communication breakdowns after becoming parents, leaving them feeling disconnected, unheard, and even questioning their relationship.

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

If your relationship feels like it’s running on autopilot, don’t wait until resentment builds up. Learn how to reset communication, reconnect emotionally, and rebuild your bond as partners—not just co-parents.

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Motherhood can be beautiful, but it can also bring unexpected challenges like postpartum rage—a raw and often unspoken aspect of the matrescence journey. In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the emotional layers of being an overwhelmed mom and why some moms experience feelings of anger and frustration in the early stages of motherhood.

Through Sami's deeply personal story, we explore the intersection of postpartum struggles, motherhood challenges, and the healing power of self-awareness. Together, we uncover how a supportive motherhood community, small pockets of self-care, and honest conversations about emotional burnout can transform rage into growth.

✨ Today, we find out:

If you’ve ever felt like an overwhelmed mom on the edge or questioned if your parenting struggles are “normal,” this episode is for you. Discover actionable self-care tips for moms and embark on your own healing journey to find peace amidst the chaos.

You’re not alone—tune in and start reclaiming joy in your motherhood experience today.

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Full Episode Transcript HERE

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5 mothers, yet many don’t realize what’s happening. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Anxiety in new parenthood can feel like an unrelenting fire alarm, keeping you on edge and stealing the joy from those precious first months.

This episode unpacks the emotional and physical toll postpartum anxiety takes and how societal pressures can make it worse. But there’s hope! You’ll learn five actionable strategies, from mindfulness practices to reframing anxious thoughts, to help you regain clarity and connection.

Postpartum anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. It’s a sign your system needs compassion and care. Listen now and take your first step toward healing—for you and your family.

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Are you worried that your relationship is drifting apart after becoming parents? You’re not alone. Parenthood changes everything, including the way we connect with our partners. In this episode, I dive into the subtle yet powerful signs of emotional distance in relationships, especially for couples navigating the demands of parenthood.

Markella Kaplani, M.A.