From Punishment to Connection in Parenting

You might know Mike “The Situation” and Lauren Sorrentino from Jersey Shore. Today, they’re parents of three, navigating recovery and raising resilient kids. In this candid conversation with Dr. Becky, they share how sobriety shapes their parenting, how they plan to talk with their children about substances, and why connection - not perfection - is the key to breaking cycles.

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For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

When it comes to school snacks, I’ve never been the “pack my kid a portable charcuterie board” kind of parent. If you are, more power to you. I’m more of a “grab-and-go” type - I want something simple, nutritious, and easy for my kids to reach for as we’re heading out the door.

That’s why I like Chomps. Their full-size meat sticks have 10 grams of protein and zero sugar. They’re filling and made from real ingredients, so it’s one less thing to think about. And if you’ve ever opened your kid’s backpack to find a half-eaten snack from who-knows-when still wrapped up in there, Chomplings are great. They’re smaller sticks (the right size to toss in a lunchbox or that little front backpack pocket) with 4 grams of protein and zero sugar.

Chomps are made of high-quality ingredients like 100% grass-fed beef, venison, and antibiotic-free turkey. They’re also free from the top nine allergens, so you don’t have to worry about sending them to school. Check out all the sizes and delicious flavors at www.Chomps.com/DRBECKY for 15% off plus free shipping.

You know how people say they “need a vacation from their vacation”? I never got it. Then I experienced summer break as a parent.

Summer parenting can feel like a full-time job - so by the time back-to-school rolls around, I find myself wondering: “Okay, when’s the real break happening?” Because honestly, the most enjoyable trips we’ve taken as a family tend to happen during long weekends and fall breaks - no pressure for picture-perfect moments, no meltdowns from the heat, and no built-up tension after weeks of constant togetherness.

My go-to for these short and sweet trips? Booking an Airbnb: There’s space for everyone to spread out, a kitchen for easy meals, and separate bedrooms that let the grown-ups stay up after the kids go down.

But you know what’s even better? While you’re away, you can list your own home on Airbnb, too! Hosting on Airbnb is simple, flexible, and gives you a little extra income to put towards your own trip (or those mounting back-to-school costs). Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host.

We say it all the time at Good Inside: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish - it’s self-sustaining. But let’s be honest: Self-care can feel impossible without reliable childcare.

That’s where Sittercity comes in. It’s a trusted platform that makes it easier to find sitters who are kind, experienced, and show up when you need them. You can read real parent reviews, connect with sitters directly, and even set up interviews, all in one spot.

Whether you’re craving a solo errand run, a date night out, or need after school support, Sittercity can give you the logistical support you need to show up for yourself. Find a sitter or nanny that’s perfect for your family at www.sittercity.com/goodinside and use code "goodinside" for 25% off the annual or quarterly premium subscription plans.

Okay, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: this school year is going to bring home some messy moments - and while we can’t avoid the hard, we don’t have to do it alone.

That’s why Good Inside gives you expert advice, practical tools, and a community that’s truly in it with you - and right now, memberships and upgrades are 20% off from September 22nd through September 30th.

Because you don’t have to get it all right - what your kid needs most is connection. And what you need most is support that sticks with you all year.

When the deep breath doesn’t work, the routine falls apart, or you wonder if you’re doing it wrong. Good Inside helps you feel sturdy in the moments that matter.

If you’ve been on the fence about joining, this is the time to do it. Go to goodinside.com to get started, some exclusions apply. 

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