The Real Family Eats: Dishing on real parenting struggles and favorite recipes

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Join Reesa and guest Chloe E. as they dive into the realities of parenthood, food memories, and the anxiety that can come with both. In this episode, Chloe shares her deeply personal story and tips for navigating shifting family routines.

• Chloe’s lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe and the comforting memories it holds
• Practical cooking steps and tips for maximizing flavor
• Honest discussion about postpartum anxiety and feeding worries
• The challenges of trusting your child’s cues versus societal expectations
• How Chloe built confidence to parent her own way and advice for others on giving themselves grace

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Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Rice and veggie

-4 chicken thighs

-Orange juice

-Lemon pepper

-Vegetable oil

-2 cups of rice

-Green beans

-Salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a glass bowl, cover thighs with veg. oil and lemon pepper, be generous! In a pan, cover bottom with veg. oil and heat to med high, place skin side down and hear the sizzle. 4-5 minutes each side. Depending on the thickness of the thigh, sometimes need longer. When thighs are nicely browned, add lemon pepper and orange juice to the pan. Place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes. Cook rice in instapot. In another pan, place green beans in water and bring to a boil, cook until al dente and remove from water. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper.

This is a homemade recipe, so it's a lot of feel and roll with it for me.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

On this episode of The Real Family Eats, Reesa sits down with Lace, founder of Tech and Taste, to talk all things family cooking, resilience, and empowering kids in the kitchen. Get ready for practical advice, honest stories, and a killer air fryer burger recipe.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Lace’s "Lacey’s Banging Air Fryer Burgers" are the easy, flavorful answer to bland homemade burgers
• Lace’s journey from the UK to Colombia, overcoming unexpected setbacks and parenting challenges abroad
• The importance of getting kids involved in the kitchen early to build confidence and life skills
• Tips for picky eaters and strategies to make family meals less stressful for everyone
• The story behind Tech and Taste and The Flavor Room and how food, business, and community come together

Don’t miss out on the recipes, real talk, and inspiration for your family mealtimes!

Connect: 

https://www.facebook.com/iamlaceflowers

https://www.instagram.com/techandtastes

https://www.techandtastes.com/

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Air Fryer Burgers with Hand-Cut Seasoned Chips and Crunchy Slaw

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

500g mince beef (makes 2 adult burgers and 1 baby burger - adjust for your family's needs)

2 cloves garlic, diced or crushed

1 small white onion, diced

1 Tbsp ghee for frying

Sea salt and black pepper for seasoning

For the Hand-Cut Chips:

1 large potato or 2 medium potatoes

Garlic powder

Smoked paprika

Sea salt

Black pepper

Oil (just a smidge)

For the Burger Station:

Brioche buns (1 per burger)

Red onion, cut into rings

Shredded iceberg lettuce or rocket

Ripe avocado for mashing

Beef tomato, sliced

Cheese slices (smoked German cheese recommended)

Chipotle sauce (or ketchup for kids)

For the Crunchy Slaw:

2 medium carrots, grated

White cabbage, shredded

White onion, sliced

Mayonnaise

Black pepper

Find the full recipe at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats/v/parenting-tip-for-confident-kids

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Get real about parenting and personal growth in this candid episode of The Real Family Eats featuring guest Jamie B. We dig into Jamie's journey through loss, business ownership, and redefining what matters most as a parent.

• Jamie’s experience of loss and how it impacted her perspective on parenting and work
• The challenges and coping mechanisms involved in grieving as a business owner
• Practical steps and advice for homeschooling after public school wasn’t the right fit
• How external judgments affect grief and what meaningful support actually looks like
• Jamie’s transition from vet tech student to successful dog grooming business owner

Tune in for real-talk and tangible takeaways for parents facing tough transitions.

From Jamie Buccheri:

Homeschool mom of two and business owner of three.

Connect: 

@jamie.buccheri

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Pickle & Olive Martini ("The Dirty Dirty")

Ingredients:

2 oz gin or vodka (your choice)

0.5 oz dry vermouth

0.5 oz pickle juice

0.5 oz olive brine

1-2 pickle slices (for garnish)

2 green olives (for garnish)

Optional: a splash of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.

Add the gin/vodka, vermouth, pickle juice, and olive brine.

Shake well until chilled.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a skewer of olives and a pickle slice (or get fancy with a mini dill wrapped around the olive).

Salty, tangy, and totally unfiltered—just like your podcast episode.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates (Stuffed or Not)

Ingredients:

12 Medjool dates (pitted)

6 slices of thin bacon (cut in half)

Optional stuffing:

Soft goat cheese

Blue cheese

Almonds

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

If stuffing: slice the date open (but not all the way through) and add a teaspoon of cheese or one almond inside. Close it up.

Wrap each date with half a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.

Let cool slightly and drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if you’re feeling boujee.

Sweet, salty, smoky—like a mic drop wrapped in bacon.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Renee Rose joins The Real Family Eats to share her personal journey through parenting, divorce, and finding strength as a single mom—all while cooking up a European-inspired carbonara. In this honest conversation, Renee and Reesa get real about the struggles and wins of parenting when life doesn’t go as planned.

• Renee’s story on becoming a single mom and thriving while raising two sons
• The challenges of navigating divorce—twice—and what helped her finally move forward
• What inspired Renee’s quest to recreate authentic European carbonara at home
• The importance of self-care for parents and how Renee learned to put herself first
• How tough transitions built resilience, love, and lasting bonds with her children

From Renee:

I have been a single mom for many years and an educator for decades. I now have 2 grown sons who have moved out of our home and have lived independently for many years.

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Spaghetti Carbonara

Courtesy of: https://easyweeknight.com/spaghetti-carbonara/

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, Dr. Taylor Harper, a child psychologist, mom of two, and children’s book author, joins Reesa for a refreshingly honest discussion about parenting, homeschooling, and real life in the kitchen. Skip the fluff and get the truth behind the chaos, challenges, and small victories of raising kids.

• Tips and mindset shifts Dr. Harper uses to manage parenting stress and stay present
• Honest talk on homeschooling, socialization myths, and choosing what’s best for your family
• How to handle big personalities in kids, including creative ways to channel energy (like WWE wrestling and throwing games)
• Real strategies for managing parental anger, apologizing to your kids, and fostering emotional connection
• The importance of finding small breaks, self-care rituals, and letting go of unrealistic social media standards

Don’t forget to check the links for Dr. Harper’s books and resources at the end!

From Dr. Taylor Harper:

Im a child psychologist who focuses on sibling bonds and sel. Im also a mom who lets my kids swear and normalize the struggle.

Connect: 

@ drtaylorharperatbettertogether

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Cosmic Brownie Cookies

1/2 c unsalted butter softened

1/2 c light brown sugar

1/4 c granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c dark cocoa powder

1 1/4 c all-purpose flour

Toppings:

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c heavy cream

Rainbow chip sprinkles

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup and mix on low speed until combined. 

Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine. 

Add in baking soda and salt and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined.

Lastly, add dark cocoa powder and all-purpose flour and mix on medium until combined. 

Scoop dough into 1/4 c sized scoops, roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a 1/2" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy. 

Bake at 350F for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake. The centers may look a tiny bit wet but will continue to bake on the hot pan, allowing them to firm up without overbaking. 

Allow to fully cool before decorating.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Dive into Jason Tuttle's powerful story about parenting two medically fragile children and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, you'll hear firsthand experiences, practical cooking tips, and an honest look at grief and resilience.

• Jason's journey as a father to two children with severe neurological delays and medical needs
• The simple and adaptable Betsy's black bean chili recipe, including ingredient tips and why it's a family favorite
• Managing mental health as a parent facing ongoing crisis, including grief, anger, and the realities of self-care
• How Jason and his family coped with unexpected loss and the emotional aftermath
• The creation and mission behind "Letters to Zachary"—a grief resource platform for families navigating similar challenges

Don't forget to check the show notes for resources and ways to connect with Jason.

From Jason:

I am a married father of two kids with multiple mental and physical disabilities (some rare). I was a Stay-at-Home Dad for 12 years until my son suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from issues related to his needs on 01/28/22. Since the day my son passed, I created a website, FB blog, and community (Letters To Zachary) on grief that details my raw, unfiltered and open grief journey from a male's/father's perspective.

Connect: 

www.LettersToZachary.com

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary/

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Betsy's Black Bean Chili

1 pound ground round

2 (15 ounce) cans no-salt-added black beans

2 (8 ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 (8 ounce) jar salsa, or to taste

1 tablespoon chili seasoning mix

Step 1

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

Step 2

Drain one can of black beans pour into a large pot over medium heat; add second can black beans, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili seasoning mix. Stir cooked ground round into the beans mixture, bring to a simmer, and cook until the flavors blend, 20 to 25 minutes.

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Parenting coach and mom of four Dana Parisi joins Reesa to share her family’s favorite Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe—and the real-life challenges of parenting through adoption, trauma, and busy schedules. Tune in for practical cooking tips and an honest conversation about building resilience and support as caregivers.

In this episode:

• Easy steps and pro tips for making a family-friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole ("Tuna Noodle Stinkle")
• Navigating the adoption process, its unpredictability, and its impact on family dynamics
• Dana’s journey from physical therapist to parent coach supporting families of kids with trauma and neurodiversities
• The real struggles of parenting, including meltdowns, embarrassment, and the importance of building your village
• Insights on self-care, vulnerability, and reframing discipline to meet kids’ underlying needs

Get more support from Dana at livestouchcoaching.com and check out the linked resources.

From Dana:

Dana is a mom of 4 (2 biological and 2 adopted) and through her own parenting journey, was humbled to realize she needed more parenting tools in her tool belt. This started a path that eventually led to her supporting other parents through parent coaching. Dana is passionate about working with families of kids who have persistent challenging behaviors as a result of early life trauma, neuro-diversity or mental health struggles.

Connect: 

https://www.livestouchedcoaching.com/#/

https://www.instagram.com/dana.parisi/

https://www.facebook.com/livestouched

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-parisi-157758210/

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

15 oz macaroni or corkscrew noodles cooked and drained

10 oz chopped frozen broccoli thawed

1-2 tsp minced onion

1 can cream of broccoli (or celery) soup

1 can broccoli cheese soup

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 large can tuna, rinsed and drained

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix together, put into a buttered casserole dish

back at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

* add crunched up chips on top, cheddar ruffle potato chips are are favorite

* add hot sauce if you like it spicy!

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

On this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with Bambi, a mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, to talk about the real challenges and rewards of parenting through every stage of life. Bambi shares honest insights from her journey as a single mom, her experiences with homeschooling, military parenting, and keeping family traditions alive.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Bambi’s personal story as a single mom of six, including how she navigated raising kids and reinventing herself after becoming an empty nester.
• The realities and emotional challenges of having children in the military and the unique transitions that come with it.
• Reflections on motherhood, letting go, and supporting adult children as they start their own families and set their own traditions.
• Bambi’s advice on navigating tricky relationships with in-laws, and how to handle boundaries and expectations as new generations grow.
• The importance of sharing vulnerable parenting moments, plus Bambi’s family-favorite coffee cake recipe and the significance of family recipes in keeping loved ones close.

Connect with Bambi:

healingthroughstories.com 

facebook-bambi lynn, 

IG-lynn.bambi Tiktok-healing through stories[bambi] 

linkedin-bambi makowski

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Grandma's Coffee Cake

3/4butter 2eggs 

1 1/2 cups of sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

3 cups of flour

1 1/2 cups of sour cream

1 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoon bp mix and put half in bunt pan 

Then add brown sugar, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. repeat and then top again 

Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, on 350

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Join us on The Real Family Eats as Reesa chats with Courtney Boylan, founder and CEO of Lelo, about her real experiences with postpartum life, parenting, and making self-care a priority. Discover a family-friendly energy ball recipe and practical advice for navigating the chaos of parenthood.

• How Courtney’s postpartum journey inspired her to start a company for moms
• The versatile and easy energy ball recipe every busy parent should try
• Real talk on postpartum expectations vs. reality (including mental health)
• The importance of self-care, date nights, and maintaining relationships after kids
• Why it’s crucial to advocate for yourself and trust your parental instincts

Watch now for actionable tips, honest stories, and a community that keeps it real!

From Courtney:

I’m Courtney, the founder of Le Lolo, a brand redefining postpartum with beautiful, functional accessories for new moms. As a mom of three, I know firsthand how overwhelming those early days can be, and I’m on a mission to help new moms feel more supported, confident, and celebrated.

Connect: 

Www.WeAreLeLolo.com

@WeAreLeLolo

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Energy Ball Recipe Courtesy of:

https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/#wprm-recipe-container-33259

Make them to your liking, but I use coconut, chopped cranberries, chopped almonds, almond butter as mix-ins

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with JP, a single father, to discuss co-parenting, personal growth, and a special family dessert recipe. JP shares his honest journey through divorce, healing old wounds, and redefining what it means to be a dad.

• The challenges and realities of co-parenting after a breakup, especially from a father's perspective
• How childhood trauma and family patterns shape adult relationships and parenting
• JP’s step-by-step process for emotional healing, communication, and setting boundaries
• The impact of loss and grief on personal transformation and parenting style
• A simple, beloved family dessert recipe that’s both versatile and meaningful

Hit subscribe for more real conversations about family, food, and growth!

From JP: 

42 year old Single Girl Dad to a 10 year old. I'm a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Connect with JP: 

https://www.instagram.com/jpmrsh?igsh=Ym1lbmZzMGJvNXk1

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Recipe shared courtesy of:

https://www.kimscravings.com/chocolate-delight/

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911