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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

00:47:28

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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00:31:49

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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00:28:49

Rediscovering What Fills Your Cup

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/04/10

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-helpFind out

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00:28:24

Mama’s Tired: The Mental Load Is Real

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/03/31

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:

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00:32:30

Navigating Sibling Dynamics

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/03/07

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

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00:29:01

Parenting Battles

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/02/20

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

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00:28:33

Chaos, Creativity, and Keeping It Together

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2025/01/22

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

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00:26:48

Flexible instruction days, Christmas Chaos, and Hot...

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2024/12/12

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,

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00:50:26

How about some bad parenting advice?

This Is Not What I Was Expecting ·

2024/11/28

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

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91 results

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