Motherhood: The Ultimate Balancing Act, with Colleen Napleton
In this episode, Dr. Colleen Napleton, a clinical psychologist and expert in child development, gets real about the complexities of modern parenting, particularly for moms. Holy moly does she share some incredible nuggets, like the importance of balance, dropping balls and understanding the root causes of behavioral issues rather than resorting to punishment. Dr. Napleton also explores the impact of generational trauma and encourages parents to trust their instincts, prioritize self-care, and break free from societal expectations. Tune in to find out about her “kidtuition” so you can build stronger connections with the children in your life.
Dr. Napleton has spent her career helping families navigate the complexities of parenting with insight, compassion, and a focus on balance. In this episode, she dives deep into the modern challenges of parenting—especially for moms—offering invaluable wisdom on understanding behavioral issues, breaking free from societal expectations, and fostering authentic connections with our children.
Some Key Takeaways from this episode include:
Prioritize Self-Care for Parenting Success. Dr. Napleton emphasizes the importance of self-care, reminding parents that they can’t pour from an empty cup. Societal pressures often encourage moms to “do it all,” but Dr. Napleton believes that finding balance and letting go of perfectionism is crucial. When parents take care of their own needs, they can better show up for their children.
Rethink Traditional Discipline and Understand “Kidtuition”. Instead of focusing on punishment, Dr. Napleton encourages parents to dive into the root causes of behavioral issues. She introduces the concept of “kidtuition,” or a child’s natural intuition and emotional needs, helping parents to recognize and respond to their children’s behavior with understanding rather than reactivity. This approach fosters stronger relationships and empowers children to feel seen and supported.
Break the Cycle of Generational Trauma. Many of us bring generational patterns into our parenting without realizing it. Dr. Napleton shares how these inherited patterns can impact our approach to parenting and how becoming aware of them is the first step to breaking the cycle. By addressing these behaviors and choosing authenticity and flexibility over perfectionism, parents can create a healthier environment for their children.
Collaborate and Communicate in Family Dynamics. In this episode, Dr. Napleton provides practical advice on how parents can create space for themselves and set clear boundaries within their family dynamics. She highlights the importance of open communication, especially between partners, as essential to a balanced and supportive family structure.
Embrace Imperfections and Trust Your Instincts. Parenting doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. Dr. Napleton encourages parents to trust their inner wisdom and embrace the imperfections along the way. These moments of uncertainty and imperfection are valuable lessons for children, teaching them resilience and the importance of navigating life’s challenges with self-trust and empathy.
“There is not just a set of rules that good parents should follow. Every family is different. Every child is different.”
In a culture that often places unrealistic expectations on parents, Dr. Napleton’s insights are a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. She provides real-life examples and practical strategies to help parents prioritize self-care, support their children through life’s challenges, and communicate openly within the family. Dr. Napleton’s compassionate approach to parenting is not only empowering but also deeply reassuring.
Tune in to this episode of Unapologetically Yours to discover how to embrace a more balanced, authentic, and understanding approach to parenting:
Connect with Dr. Colleen Napleton:
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Dr. Napleton’s work or explore her practice, Interlife Psychological Services, you can connect with her here:
Instagram: @drcolleennapleton
Facebook: Dr. Colleen Napleton
TikTok: @doctorcolleen
Center for Balanced Parenthood
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Colleen Napleton
03:13 Creation of the Center for Balanced Parenthood
06:29 Balancing Multiple Roles as an Entrepreneur and a Mom
08:24 Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
12:52 Impact of Generational Trauma on Parenting
17:06 Recognizing the Individuality of Children
25:10 Parent Coaching and Supporting Relationships
26:07 Challenges of Parenting Today
26:35 The Importance of Remembering That You Matter in Parenting
28:27 Finding Balance: Fulfilling Your Needs and Meeting Your Children's Needs
30:23 Overcoming Guilt and Prioritizing Self-Care as a Parent
35:07 Understanding Children's Behavior: Addressing Root Causes
41:51Embracing Mistakes and Growing Together as a Parent
45:09 Kidtuitive Parenting: Trusting Your Inner Wisdom and Building Strong Connections