What if the magic in parenting doesn’t happen in the moment you get it right, but in the moment you come back and repair?
This week, I talk with educator, children’s book author, and Self-led parent Anna Purpero, and I just loved this conversation so much. Anna has two little boys and a big heart, and she shares so honestly about what happens when our protectors take over in parenting and how IFS helped her find a new way forward.
We talk about:
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What happens in our bodies when our kids fight (and why we feel like we're in danger)
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Why repair — not perfection — is the real magic
- The power of separating “who I am” from “what I do” in parenting and beyond
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How Anna uses playful language like “my volcano’s bubbling up” to talk to her kids about parts
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Why naming a part doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility...it helps kids (and grownups) take more
- Why real apologies only come after shame has lifted
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How her creative work flowed from her own healing
Anna’s book My Friends Inside is just beautiful. It’s one of those books that speaks to kids and to the little ones inside us. The language is simple, the illustrations are gorgeous, and the heart behind it? So, so good.
Anna recorded a special reading of her book just for our community and Jeff added page spreads to create a whole little experience out of it. You can find that for free exclusively on Substack.
Come meet your parts and maybe a few new friends inside.
About Anna:
Anna Purpero is an educator and children’s book author based in Columbus, OH, where she lives with her partner, Jordan, and their two sons (ages 4 and 6). She draws inspiration from her former high school Language Arts students and the teens she mentored through Paper City Mentoring Project, a nonprofit she co-founded and led as Executive Director. She is currently building on her education, including SEL coursework from Fresno Pacific University and training through the Self-Leadership Collaborative. She hopes to continue to use art to facilitate experiential learning and inspire children to hold tight to their dignity and spark. Her debut picture book, My Friends Inside, is available now!
Episode Sponsor:
Inner World Collective
A supportive community can change everything when you're learning and applying the IFS model. The Collective is an online space for IFS therapists and practitioners to connect with like-minded professionals, build confidence, refine their skills, and feel truly supported as they bring IFS into their clinical work. Inside, you'll find expert consultation, supervised and peer-led practice groups, monthly guest speakers, recorded demos and demo groups, and Self-led workshops—all designed to help you flourish as an IFS practitioner.
About The One Inside:
Check out The One Inside Substack community to access all episodes, exclusive extended interviews, meditations and exercises, and more.
Find The One Inside Self-Led merch at The One Inside store
Watch video clips from select episodes on The One Inside on YouTube
Follow Tammy on Instagram @ifstammy and on Facebook at The One Inside with Tammy Sollenberger.
Jeff Schrum co-produces The One Inside. He’s a writer and IFS Level 2 practitioner who specializes in helping therapists create with clarity and confidence.
Are you new to IFS or want a simple way to get to know yourself? Tammy's book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to your Authentic Self" is a PERFECT place to start.
Sign up for Tammy's email list and get a free "Get to know a Should part of you" meditation on her website
Tammy is grateful for Jack Reardon who created music for the podcast.
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The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast