When was the last time you did something just because it made you feel good? This week we talk about finding simple, personal outlets—like painting, baking, journaling, or even making your own laundry detergent—that help manage stress and bring a little peace into the chaos. No pressure, no perfection—just time for you.

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

Let’s be honest—parenting is exhausting, and the stress doesn’t disappear when the kids grow up. This week our moms talk about the constant mental load we carry, from managing school calls and family logistics to trying (and sometimes failing) to find time to breathe. We share real talk, practical ways to cope, and a few laughs along the way—because sometimes just knowing you're not alone makes all the difference.

Christina talks about the book Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski. Learn more here: https://www.burnoutbook.net/

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

When one child in the family has mental health or behavioral challenges, it affects everyone—including their siblings. How do you balance attention, make sure no one feels left out, and manage the unique sibling dynamics that come with raising a child who needs more? This week we get real about the challenges, share personal stories, and offer ideas to help support all of your kids. Because when one child struggles, the whole family feels it—but there are ways to make sure everyone gets what they need.

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

What happens when you and your partner don’t see eye to eye on parenting? From discipline styles to daily decisions, disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to lead to all-out war. In this episode, we get real about handling parenting conflicts, finding middle ground, and managing the frustration of feeling like you’re in it alone. Tune in for relatable stories, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way!

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

What happens when snow days turn into “Flexible Instruction Days”? In this episode, we dive into the highs, lows, and downright hilarious moments of balancing work, kids, and packets of schoolwork. From creative ways to make learning happen (cooking French toast counts as math, right?) to real talk about managing IEPs and 504 plans during these challenging days, we’re here to commiserate and share tips for surviving it all. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the wintertime chaos!

For more information on Flexible Instruction Days or Remote Learning Days (as they're sometimes called) check out our blog: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/post/what-are-fid-days

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

It’s the holiday season, and we’re diving into the real-life chaos of parenting while trying to manage Flexible Instruction madness, holiday prep, and everything in between. From kids refusing to do packets to mismatched socks for spirit week, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes mayhem. We talk about setting realistic expectations, finding small moments of joy (hello, pencil Christmas trees!), and why it’s okay to skip the matching PJs and focus on what really matters. Join us for laughs, commiseration, and a reminder that the Hot Mess Club is thriving—and you’re welcome to join!

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

We’ve all heard it—unsolicited advice from family, friends, and even strangers that ranges from mildly annoying to downright harmful. In this episode, we break down some of the worst parenting advice we’ve received and share how these misconceptions can block us from getting the help our kids truly need. We’ll also give you a few cheeky phrases to shut down rude comments, tips on setting boundaries, and a good dose of inspiration to keep going despite the nonsense. Plus, we throw in a funny story or two to remind you: you’re not alone in this!

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

We talked about the book and cards called Fair Play Life. If you check it out let us know what you think. 

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

Parenting doesn’t come with a roadmap, but sometimes it does come with wax in the drain and a pumpkin patch meltdown! Join us as we get real about juggling our own needs with the chaos of family life, from unexpected “kid experiments” to the stress of spirit days, Halloween costumes, and daily demands. We’ll talk about how we’re learning to protect our energy, embrace imperfect moments, and why showing our kids what self-care looks like can be just as valuable as any life lesson.

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community

Have you met Julia yet? You'll love her just as much as we do as she takes her first turn hosting this week's podcast! Julia leads our group of moms through a deep dive into the unique journey of raising and supporting children who aren't biologically ours. Whether you're an adoptive parent, foster parent, step-parent, or legal guardian, this episode is for you. Parenting non-bio kids comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to navigating mental health. From dealing with trauma and attachment issues to overcoming stigmas and misconceptions, we’re here to offer understanding, support, and practical tips. Join us as we share real stories, expert insights, and honest conversations about raising kids who’ve been through difficult experiences. Discover how to be their biggest advocate, create a safe and loving home, and empower them to thrive.

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/

To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community