What does it mean to balance identity and parenthood? As a parent, we often find ourselves struggling to keep our individuality while catering to the never-ending demands of our tiny humans. In this enlightening episode, my chat with Catherine O'Brien, founder of happywithbaby.com, and a licensed marriage and family therapist, leads us down a path where we examine this challenge and more.
The journey of parenthood is a rollercoaster ride - it's exciting, it's exhausting, and it's definitely transformative. Catherine walks us through her own journey from a family of two to four, and how that affected their relationship. We discuss the importance of self-care, sleep deprivation, and dealing with the added stress that comes with parenthood. Catherine also lays bare the obstacles that often prevent modern parents from reaching out for help. We talk about the pressure of being present with our children all the time and how it can lead to feeling isolated. With Catherine's valuable insights, we explore how to articulate a call for help, deal with rejection, and most importantly, make time for self-care.
In the absence of nearby family, building a supportive community becomes essential. Catherine shares practical advice on finding and accessing support systems, the benefits of joining support groups, and how our hobbies and interests can be a medium of connection. Wrapping up our discussion, we delve into how we can change our perception of ourselves as parents. It’s okay to ask for help. It's okay to not be perfect. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step towards being the best parent you can be. Join us for a refreshing perspective on parenthood and self-care! Let's dive in!
Today's Guest: Catherine O'Brien
Catherine O'Brien, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of HappyWithBaby.com.
Catherine's mission is to provide new parents with valuable advice and support, drawing from her own experiences as a parent. She understands the challenges that come with parenting, and her insights have been a source of guidance for many. Catherine lives in Sacramento, California, and enjoys paddle boarding and rowing with her husband and two children.
Links:
www.happywithbaby.com
www.facebook.com/happywithbaby
www.instagram.com/happywithbaby
www.twitter.com/happywithbaby
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineobrien/
Your Host: Kimberly Beam Holmes, Expert in Self-Improvement a
I'm Dr. Kimberly Beam Holmes. After a decade transforming marriages at Marriage Helper, I've realized that the greatest tragedy isn't a failed relationship; it's the person who stays stuck and never experiences the fullness of all God intended.
The Way You Show Up is for the high-achiever who is tired of "fine."
We're dismantling the average life to build an exceptional one—using the science of the PIES: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual health.
If you want to save your marriage, go to Marriage Helper. If you want to master yourself and lead your legacy, stay here.
New episodes every Tuesday.
Don't just exist. Show up.
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