Motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding—all at the same time. In this episode of Picking Daisies, Mary Hendricks sits down with Madison Barbosa for an unfiltered conversation about the complexities of parenting in today’s world. From navigating the emotional weight of parenting decisions to the impact of social media, they discuss what it really means to raise children in a time of shifting expectations.

Together, they explore:
🌼 The chaos of early motherhood and why it can feel so overwhelming
🌼 Health concerns in families and why they should never be ignored
🌼 The pressure of social media and how it shapes parenting perceptions
🌼 The guilt and confusion of unexpected pregnancies
🌼 The realities of stay-at-home motherhood vs. societal expectations
🌼 The ongoing debate around gentle parenting and discipline
🌼 Balancing holiday traditions with modern parenting values
🌼 The role of substances like marijuana and alcohol in parenting
🌼 The importance of honesty, humor, and breaking generational cycles

This conversation is as real as it gets—raw, relatable, and full of wisdom. If you've ever felt the weight of parenting or questioned whether you’re doing it “right,” this episode is for you.

Episode Takeaways:

✔ Motherhood is a mix of chaos, love, and exhaustion.
✔ Social media often amplifies parenting struggles and expectations.
✔ Long-distance relationships and unexpected life changes shape families.
✔ Raising multiple children comes with unique joys and challenges.
✔ Gentle parenting isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort.
✔ It’s okay to acknowledge the hard days and lean on humor.
✔ Screen time, traditions, and discipline are evolving conversations.
✔ Confidence in parenting doesn’t mean you won’t face doubt.
✔ Every parent's journey is unique and should be respected.

Listen Now:

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!

💬 Join the Conversation: What part of motherhood has surprised you the most? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @thepickingdaisiespod

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Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com