This Is Not What I Was Expecting

You thought turning 18 would change things. Instead, you're still paying for groceries, coordinating rides, talking about chores, worrying about money, and trying to figure out where parenting ends and adulthood begins. This week we're talking honestly about what it's like when adult children continue living at home - or move back home after trying life on their own. From household expectations and finances to dating, privacy, and respect, we're sharing the conversations many parents are having but rarely talking about out loud. If you've ever wondered, "Am I helping too much?" or "How do I set boundaries without damaging...

Friendships change. Sometimes life gets busy. Sometimes we grow in different directions. And sometimes the people we expected to be there just...aren't.

This week we're talking about how friendships change through the different seasons of parenting. We share stories about friendships that have faded, the people who've surprised us, and why making new friends as adults isn't always easy. We also talk about finding your people - whether that's reconnecting with an old friend, joining a group, or simply realizing you're not the only one looking for connection.

If you've ever wondered where your...

Sometimes raising an independent teenager means doing something that feels completely unnatural as a parent: not fixing it.

When your teen forgets something, makes a questionable choice, struggles to stay organized, or faces disappointment, it can be incredibly hard not to jump in. Especially when you’ve spent years building support around a child who genuinely needed it.

This week we talk honestly about learning to step back while our teens learn to step up. We share our own experiences with responsibility, ADHD and organization, driving, chores, jobs, appointments, self-advocacy, and those small failures that ca...

Need a tool to help you prevent you're own meltdowns? Check out our Emotional Safety Plan worksheet! 

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/donation

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

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Have you ever walked out of a school meeting, doctor’s appointment, or conversation about your kid and thought, WHY DIDN’T I SAY THAT?! Same. Speaking up for your child sounds easy until you’re sitting across from someone with a title, a degree, or a whole lot more confidence than you have. Suddenly you’re worried about being annoying, confrontational, or labeled “that parent.” This week we’re talking about the very real discomfort of speaking up, what we’ve learned from getting it wrong (repeatedly), and some ways we’ve found to make those conversations a little less intimi...

If you've ever asked your partner or your kids, "What does everyone want for dinner?" only to hear a chorus of "I don't know," this episode is for you.

That one simple question somehow turns into meal planning, grocery shopping, picky eaters, food budgets, sensory needs, and one more decision at the end of an already exhausting day.

In this episode, we're having an honest conversation about the mental load of feeding a family. We talk about what actually works in our homes—from "fend for yourself" nights and crockpot meals to getting teenagers involved in...

Inspired by a conversation about adulting badges, we're asking our audience what parenting badges they've earned lately while sharing some of our own. From failed family outings and cereal-for-dinner nights to surviving summer break and mountains of laundry, we're creating badges for the parenting experiences you can only earn by living through them.

Join us as we compare our hard-earned badges, laugh at the chaos, and remind ourselves that sometimes making it through the day deserves a little recognition too.

What parenting badge have you earned lately?

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“Unless you live it, you just don’t understand.”

That feeling comes up a lot for parents raising kids who struggle emotionally, behaviorally, socially, or at school. This week we're talking about the grief of feeling unsupported by family — and the relief of finding people who truly see your child and your experience without judgment.

We also talk about:

If you’ve ever felt alone in your parenting j...

One day your child is talking to their friend like normal
and the next day they’re told they’re not allowed to be friends anymore.

No explanation. No conversation. Just done.

This week we’re talking about what it feels like when another parent decides your child isn’t “good enough” and you’re left trying to pick up the pieces without really knowing why.

We also get into something a lot of parents don’t talk about enough, especially if your child is the one who tends to get misunderstood. Whether it’s beh...

If you’ve ever fed your kids fast food in the car, missed something important, or gone to bed feeling like you didn’t do enough… this episode is for you.

We’re talking about mom guilt—the kind that shows up in the middle of busy schedules, expensive groceries, picky eaters, and trying to be everywhere at once. The kind that makes you question if you’re getting it all wrong.

But what if the things you feel guilty about… aren’t the things your kids will remember?

This is an honest conversation abo...

This week we discuss:

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 a...

Everything feels more expensive right now, and parents are the ones carrying the stress of trying to make it all work. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Housing costs more. Even the little things add up fast.

And when you’re raising kids, especially kids who need extra support, that pressure does not stay on the budget spreadsheet. It shows up in the guilt, the exhaustion, the second-guessing, and the constant feeling that no matter how hard you work, it is still not enough.

Today's conversation is for parents who are doing the math, cutting ba...

Some days it feels like your life is a dumpster fire. Other days it feels like the whole world is. Either way, parenting doesn't stop. This week we're talking about what it's like to keep functioning when everything feels overwhelming - whether it's chaos in your own family, stress from the news cycle, or a child who is struggling in ways other people can't see. Because the truth is, the school emails still come. Dinner still has to happen and work still expects your to show up with a smile. We're talking about surviving parenting when life feels like...

This week is a shorter conversation — because sometimes that’s all we have the bandwidth for.

We were told parenting would get easier when our kids got older. We believed it. And then… they got older.

The double stroller stress turns into adult-problem stress. The toddler chaos turns into late-night phone anxiety. The mental load doesn’t disappear — it just changes.

If you’ve ever thought, Shouldn’t this feel easier by now? you are not alone. The stress shifting doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re still a parent.

This week we’re talking about what happens when the IEP says everything is going well — but real life tells a different story.

Grades are passing. Goals are met. On paper, things look fine. And yet many parents still feel uneasy, especially as their kids get closer to transition age. We talk honestly about the disconnect between school success and real-world readiness, and the shock that can come when you realize the system is focused on this school year while parents are thinking about adulthood.

This conversation is about trusting your gut, rethinking what advocacy is r...

When you’re parenting, it can feel like everyone’s needs are urgent — kids, appointments, school calls, medications, work — and somehow your own stuff always ends up last on the list. This week Melissa, Tracy, and Perl talk about the invisible load parents carry when they’re managing multiple children’s needs and their own. From living at the pharmacy, to juggling appointments, to teaching kids time management when you’re barely keeping your head above water, this is a conversation about what it’s really like behind the scenes. There are no perfect systems here — just real parents sharing what’s hel...

If your child has an IEP, Extended School Year (ESY) might already be on your radar — or coming soon. This week we break down what ESY is meant to do, how schools make decisions, and how parents can push back when a “canned program” doesn’t fit. We also talk honestly about work schedules, transportation, mental health, and when saying no is the right choice.

PA's Department of Education, Division of Special Education office, PaTTAN, has absolutely wonderful resources for all special education issues. Here's a very comprehensive guide for parents and IEP teams. https://www.pattan.net/asse...

Some days parenting feels like fixing one thing after another until you finally get to go to bed. Homework, food, school stuff, schedules, money, feelings — you solve what’s in front of you, then something else pops up.

None of it feels dramatic on its own. It’s just constant. And that’s why it’s so exhausting.

This is a conversation about the nonstop figuring-it-out parents do every day, the creativity it takes just to keep things moving, and why it makes sense that you’re tired even when nothing “big” happened. If your brain never shut...

This week, we’re inviting you to take a break with us. No advice, no fixing, no agenda — just a few parents sitting together, coloring, chatting, and letting our brains rest for a bit.

We start by watching a short art video together (we’ll tell you where to find it), then we grab whatever pens or markers are nearby and settle in. You can draw along, listen while you fold laundry, or just let this play in the background while you breathe.

Parenting can be heavy. This episode is your permission to pause — and spend a...

This week we’re talking about independence — the fears, the victories, the slow progress, and the strength it takes (for us and them). If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough or pushing too hard, this one’s 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/donation

To access any...

This week we’re talking about what it’s really like raising kids surrounded by technology, from YouTube videos that aren’t as “kid-friendly” as they seem to the way schools are using (and sometimes struggling with) AI. We swap stories about trying to keep our kids safe online, help them use tech responsibly, and still get them out the door for school on time.

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...

This week we’re talking about what it’s really like raising kids surrounded by technology, from YouTube videos that aren’t as “kid-friendly” as they seem to the way schools are using (and sometimes struggling with) AI. We swap stories about trying to keep our kids safe online, help them use tech responsibly, and still get them out the door for school on time.

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...

This week we’re talking about the creative side of parenting, the everyday moments when we have to improvise, adapt, and come up with solutions on the fly. From navigating school projects to surviving themed dress-up days and holiday chaos, sometimes it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making it work (with a little imagination and a lot of love).

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...

We’re getting real about the stress that starts before the holidays — the planning, the spending, and the pressure to make it all perfect. We’re also talking about how tech tools and simple systems (like chore charts!) can make family life feel a little easier. A warm, funny chat for parents trying to find balance and connection before the chaos begins.

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...

This week we’re talking about the Roblox takeover—endless screen time battles, kids begging for Robux, and parents just trying to hang on to their sanity. If you’ve ever wondered how much is too much (or how to make the “you’ve had enough” conversation meltdown-free), this one’s 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...

There’s nothing like back-to-school season to remind us that kids are creative negotiators. From “forgetting” assignments to late-night Wi-Fi wars, this week we’re laughing through the chaos and reminding every parent you’re not the only one.

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/donation

To access any tip sheets and...

This week we’re talking about the all-too-familiar battle with insurance. From surprise denials to sky-high medication costs, parents know the frustration of fighting for what their kids need. You’re not alone - and we’re sharing stories, laughs, and strategies to keep going.

We talked about PA insurance and how children who have a disability diagnosis can be eligible for Medical Assistance through a special program called PH95. Learn more here - https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/insurance

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental...

This week we're talking about the joys (and chaos) of summer break —nonstop snacks, sibling fights, messy houses, and the mental math of just how many weeks are left. If you're feeling touched out, overstimulated, or like you’ve had 47 conversations about popsicles before noon... you're in good company. Join us for laughter, solidarity, and a reminder that you're not the only one counting down to the first day of school.

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...

This week we’re talking about the heartbreak, confusion, and awkwardness that can come with our kids’ friendships—or lack of them. Whether your child has trouble making friends, keeps getting left out, or has one intense friendship that implodes overnight, we’ve been there. We share the real stuff: the guilt we feel, the questions we wrestle with, and how we’ve learned (slowly) to stop blaming ourselves.

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...

We're quick to get our kids the therapy they need—but what about ourselves? This week we're opening up about the barriers, and the real reasons it’s hard to ask for help. From finding the right therapist to figuring out if it’s even working, we get honest about the challenges of caregiving and figuring out how to take care of ourselves.

Check out some of these sources to help find a therapist that suits your needs:

For one on...

Flexible instruction days are nice in theory but they cause a lot of chaos for families!

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/donation

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

To be the first to know about our events...

Senior year hits different when your child struggles. Between IEP meetings, doctors, legal paperwork, and the emotional rollercoaster of “what’s next,” so many parents feel like they’re barely hanging on. This week we talk honestly about the chaos, the questions, and the moments we didn’t see coming—and share what we wish someone had told us sooner. If you’re in the thick of it (or it’s on the horizon), this one’s for you.

For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA v...

Storms, screaming kids, no power—and somehow, we’re still standing (barely). This week we're talking about the real chaos of parenting through emergencies, how our kids handle it (spoiler: wildly differently), and why staying calm sometimes means hiding in a closet later. Laugh, relate, and remind yourself you’re doing just fine… probably.

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...

This week we’re talking about what happens when the people who hold the whole family together get a last-minute group text and a wilting plant. From funny fails to heartfelt moments, we open up about why those supposed "special days" can feel complicated and why it’s okay to set expectations, speak up, and even plan your own celebration. Whether you’re feeling seen or sidelined, this one’s 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...

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 su...

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 supp...

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 p...

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.paparent...

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...

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...