Parenting isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows—especially when you’re nine months pregnant and tripping over toys. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with his wife Barbra (just days away from delivering baby #8) for a raw and honest conversation about how the hidden, exhausting moments of family life are actually powerful works of mercy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing “enough,” this episode will give you a whole new perspective.

Key Topics:

Why parenting is one of the most overlooked works of mercy
The spiritual significance of everyday parenting struggles
What it really means to “do enough” as a Catholic parent
How consistency becomes a gift of self to our children
Why the feedback loop in parenting feels so different from outside ministry
Lessons from daily Mass with young kids (and front-pew survival tactics)

Learn More:

Atomic Habits by James Clear – Practical strategies for building better habits and shaping your environment to support your goals.
Previous episodes with Barbra Bottaro:
- Ep. #132: We Didn’t Plan to Have Seven Kids: Accommodating Life
- Ep. #127: “I’m Gonna Want to Divorce You at Some Point”
- Ep. #201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man’s Job?
Blog: Banana Chips, Motherhood, and Mindfulness
Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Interview: Orlando Wood, author of Lemon and Look Out, on why showmanship beats salesmanship

Behavioral Science For Brands: Leveraging behavioral science in brand marketing.

Outro

The AI-powered Podcast Player