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PODCAST

This Is Not What I Was Expecting

Parent Alliance

As moms who have watched our children struggle with their behavior or mental health, we remember so often feeling alone. If you’ve ever felt the same way—you’ve come to the right place! We are the people who get it. We know that parenting is not what you expected and may be a very different experience than your family and friends are having. Every other week our group of moms gather to share our stories, tips, and insights on managing the unique challenges that come with parenting our kiddos. From

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

00:28:29

The IEP Says They’re Fine — But Real Life Is Telling...

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2026/02/12

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

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00:36:55

When Everyone's Needs Are Urgent and Yours Are Always...

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2026/01/29

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

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00:29:32

Extended School Year: What Parents Should Be Thinking...

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2026/01/15

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

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00:30:59

Parenting Is Problem-Solving Until You’re Allowed to...

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/12/31

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

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00:36:18

Grab a Pen. We're Taking a Break

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/12/18

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

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00:35:43

Raising Independent Kids

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/11/20

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-helpFind out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at

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00:47:28

Parenting in the Digital Age

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/11/07

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:

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00:47:28

Parenting in the Digital Age

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/11/06

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:

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00:31:49

Because Sometimes Parenting Takes Creativity

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/10/23

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:

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00:52:21

Making Memories, Not Debt

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/10/16

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:

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00:31:11

Roblox, Screen Time, and Sanity

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/09/18

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-helpFind out more about the PA Parent and Family

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00:37:16

Homework battles and WiFi Wars

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/09/05

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-helpFind out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at

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00:34:41

When Insurance Says No (Again)

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/08/21

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 -

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00:30:26

I love my kids but also, please go back to school!

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/07/17

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

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00:32:48

It’s Not Just You. Friendships Are Hard

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/06/19

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

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00:35:25

We Get Therapy for Our Kids—But What About Us?

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/06/05

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: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ushttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us

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00:00:38

I did her homework and only got a 68

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/06/02

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-helpFind out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/donationTo access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit:

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00:37:14

No One Prepares You For Senior Year (So We Will)

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/05/28

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

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00:29:20

We’re Fine. Totally Fine. Probably.

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/05/08

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:

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00:31:37

I Birthed You—You Can Buy Me a Card

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/04/24

Not every Mother’s Day looks like a Hallmark movie—and honestly, that’s okay. This week we’re talking about what the day really feels like for moms who do everything but don’t always get much back. Laugh (and commiserate) with us as we share funny stories, honest frustrations, and the little things that actually make us feel seen. Then go ahead—send this episode to your partner as a not-so-subtle hint to help them step it up this year.For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with

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98 results

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