Welcome to the delightful chaos of parenting! If you’ve ever tried to assemble a jigsaw puzzle with pieces from different boxes, you’ll understand what it feels like to merge two different parenting styles into one tiny human. At Embrace Renewal Therapy & Wellness Collective, we know that blending two (or more, if we’re talking about blended families) unique perspectives can turn parenting into a roller coaster of love, laughter, and maybe a few tearful moments.

Welcome to the whirlwind of parenting! It's a journey that can feel like riding a roller coaster—thrilling yet terrifying—especially when you're carrying your own baggage from the past. At Embrace Renewal Therapy & Wellness Collective, I understand that being a parent is not just about nurturing a little human; it’s also about navigating your own unresolved trauma and experiences that can turn the simplest parenting moments into a high-stakes emotional tango.

Parenting is like being handed a piece of clay and being told to sculpt a masterpiece without any guidance. You have this precious little bundle of potential, and yet, somehow, every day feels like you're navigating a minefield while juggling flaming swords. Welcome to the wild world of parenting, where the weight of molding another mind can leave you feeling like you're carrying a 50-pound backpack full of expectations, fears, and, let’s be honest, a sprinkle of chaos.

We know that family life can feel like a never-ending race against the clock. Between school drop-offs, work commitments, and keeping the house from resembling a scene out of a disaster movie, it's easy to think, “We’re too busy for us right now.” However, this mindset can lead to unintended consequences that may leave your relationship—and family—wishing for a superhero to save the day.

Deciding to start a family can feel like signing up for an Olympic event—exciting, daunting, and a little bit terrifying. The pressure to “get it right” when molding another human being is no joke. With this monumental decision comes a whirlwind of emotions, expectations, and—let’s be honest—some serious stress. So, why is this milestone so nerve-wracking, and how can we navigate it with grace (and a sense of humor)?

Parenting is a wild ride—one moment you’re riding high on the joys of your child’s first steps, and the next you’re plunged into the deep end of stress and uncertainty. As parents, we want to do it all perfectly, but let’s face it: we’re human. So, how do we gracefully navigate the inevitable parenting pitfalls? Here are three skills to embrace today that can help lighten the load and foster resilience in your family.

Parenting milestones—those moments that feel like giant leaps (or stumbles) in the life of your family—can be incredibly challenging. Whether it's a first step, a first day of school, or navigating the turbulent teenage years, these milestones often feel like they come with a side of stress and a sprinkle of chaos. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are seven reasons why these moments can be so tough, along with some tips on how to handle them with grace, humor, and maybe even a dash of serenity.

Becoming a parent is a monumental life-changing experience, filled with joy and love, but also stress and challenges. Parenting milestones can bring a mix of emotions, from happiness to overwhelming anxiety. I understand the complex dynamics that come with raising children and want to provide support for parents navigating these turbulent waters. Let's take a look at the top 5 most stressful parenting milestones and how you can tackle them with empathy and humor.

What happens when you’re trying to raise healthy, emotionally secure children while navigating your own complicated relationship with your childhood? You might feel like you’re re-parenting yourself at the same time. Breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma is no small feat, especially when your own upbringing was a masterclass in what not to do. So, let’s talk about how you can be the parent you needed when you were a kid.

A Compassionate Guide for Couples. You've imagined the cute baby clothes, the family trips, and maybe even decided on names. Life throws you a curveball, and suddenly, you’re not the couple who’s picking out nursery colors—you’re the couple who’s learning way too much about ovulation tracking, hormone levels, and fertility clinic waitlists. It’s okay to say it: This. Is. Hard.

Let’s get real. The holidays can be a LOT for many people in the world. It may not be all warm and tender as the media or society may be advertising. If you find yourself struggling during the holiday season, you are not alone. If you have a loved one that struggles, perhaps this can shine a light on what may be going on and allow space for empathy and compassion. Read on for more!

The holiday season can be a precipitant to increased stress and boundary struggles. Some explanations could be a result of increased family or friend interactions that can come with holidays that have societal pressures. Setting boundaries with those closest to you can be one of the most difficult feats. Especially, if these are boundaries that have never been set before and are incongruent with the patterns of interaction that have taken place prior to this point. Boundaries ARE healthy and necessary.

When you are in a relationship, it can be easy to get swept up in their lives and by proxy, their emotional experiences. Although the song is about a romantic relationship, a similar idea can be found in any kind of relationship. The difficulty that may arise within this dynamic is the lack of separation between emotional experiences can become exhausting.

Making amends can be a difficult task. Whether you’ve recently been told that your apology didn’t have the impact you were hoping for or you have been thinking about trying to own up for a mistake you made, we know that it can be a challenge. Especially, if you did not grow up in an environment that was keen on apologies or maybe doled out empty apologies like they were quick fixes, you may not know what it consists of or how to go about a meaningful one. Trust us, you would not be the first. It does not mean that you do not have the capability to make meaningful amends. Click here for some tips on earning forgiveness.

Were you under the impression that once you had made it to the “older and wiser” stage you would, also, be surrounded by peers that met those same growth milestones? Finding that isn’t the case? Take a look at some ways to navigate these scenarios.