Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family can be challenging, especially when merging families with different backgrounds and expectations. In this episode, Whitney discusses why open communication, clear boundaries, and empathy are key to maintaining balance. ITakeaways Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family requires open communication and clear boundaries. Prioritize your immediate family while considering the needs of your extended family. Compromise and individual relationships with in-laws and parents can help navigate conflicts. Consider setting boundaries or distancing yourself in cases of abuse or harm Timeline03:58: Negotiating Contrasting Dynamics and Tensions06:18: Standing Up to Traditions and Family Norms08:20: The Importance of Open Communication and Clear Boundaries11:04: Deciding the Role of Your Extended Family16:26: Seeking Professional Support and Setting BoundariesConnectYou can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Whitney speaks with two callers. She explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, emotional neglect, parentification, and the challenges of navigating relationships with disabled parents. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by children of abusive parents, the responsibilities of parents to protect their children, and the nuanced perspectives of both victims and perpetrators within family systems. Additionally, Whitney addresses the impact of family businesses on emotional connections and the anxiety that can arise from financial responsibilities placed on children.You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of this election, many Americans wonder: Can I continue to have a relationship with family members who disagree with me politically? In this episode, Whitney walks you through her own journey in a large family with different political beliefs and provides you with a series of questions to explore. This episode will help you decide what is the right decision for you in your unique situation.You can join Whitney for weekly groups and content at Calling Home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this discussion, Whitney tackles the tricky dynamics of in-law relationships and how they can influence marital harmony. She reveals the lasting impact of critical parenting on self-esteem and self-love, stressing the importance of self-compassion on the path to healing. The conversation dives deep into the nuances of childhood trauma and encourages listeners to embrace their experiences while striving for personal growth. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, boundaries, and the journey toward self-acceptance.

I invited Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) from TikTok to the podcast this week. I have watched every single one of her toxic mother-in-law videos, and I've been dying to speak with her.In this episode, Janelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with mothers-in-law and the impact it has on marriages. She shares her personal experiences and observations as a content creator on this topic. Our conversation explores common complaints from daughter-in-laws, such as postpartum issues and misalignment in marriages. Janelle also addresses the role of partners in managing these relationships and the cultural differences that can contribute to conflicts. The discussion highlights the need for boundaries and open communication to maintain healthy relationships with in-laws. We explore the challenges and dynamics of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, the shift in roles and expectations when a woman becomes a wife and mother, and how this can strain the relationship with her mother-in-law. Mothers-in-law, you can learn a lot from this episode (you, too, sons). And Daughters-in-law, I think this episode will leave you feeling heard, understood, and a little bit less crazy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background10:19 Common Complaints from Daughter-in-Laws25:08 Challenging Reconciliation30:57 Setting Boundaries for Children44:12 Surrounding Yourself with Honest Feedback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Whitney Goodman reflects on the first anniversary of the Calling Home podcast and community. She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating complex family relationships. The episode also addresses listener questions with a daughter who doesn't want her father to attend her wedding and an adult who wants to discuss her childhood memories with her siblings. There is also a special discount code in this episode for the Calling Home community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman interviews Gabriel, also known as The Indomitable Black Man, about his journey to becoming a content creator who promotes respectful or gentle parenting. They discuss the challenges of being a black man in the gentle parenting space and the misconceptions surrounding discipline and abuse. Gabriel emphasizes teaching and guiding children through discipline rather than resorting to physical punishment. They also explore the long-term effects of abusive parenting on adults, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties with self-regulation. The conversation explores the impact of spanking and abuse, the importance of striving for more than 'fine' in parenting, the power imbalance between adults and children, the denial and accountability of parents, the cycle of bare minimum fatherhood, and breaking generational patterns.Takeaways Spanking and abuse can have long-term negative effects on children, leading to physical and mental health issues. Parents should strive for more than just 'fine' in their parenting, aiming to provide the best for their children and create a positive legacy. The power imbalance between adults and children should be recognized, and physical discipline should be replaced with effective communication and guidance. Parents need to acknowledge and take accountability for the trauma they may have caused their children, rather than denying or minimizing it. Fatherhood should go beyond the bare minimum of providing for children's basic needs, and fathers should actively lead, guide, and support their children. Breaking generational patterns and cycles of trauma is essential for creating healthier and more positive family dynamics. Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co.Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Ramani, a therapist and author specializing in narcissistic relationships, joins Whitney Goodman to explore the emotional turmoil of having narcissistic family members. They dive into how these dynamics can lead to feelings of guilt and shame in adult children, particularly exacerbated by social media pressures. The conversation covers essential coping strategies like setting boundaries, recognizing manipulation, and the significance of self-care. Listeners gain insight into differentiating between narcissistic behaviors and genuine parental love.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on adult child and parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney compares the survey results of estranged parents and estranged adult children. She shares her thoughts about the survey results and dives deeper into what this survey has taught us about this issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Whitney shares the findings from a survey of 2382 estranged adult children. She offers a deep dive into why many distance themselves from their parents. The survey reveals common themes such as unresolved conflict, emotional or physical harm, and the lasting impact of difficult childhood experiences, where self-preservation sometimes means breaking away.What You Will Learn: [07:40] A breakdown of the findings from the 2382 estranged adult children survey [25:20] The responses and how they reflect and align with our experiences  [26:04] A preview of part 3 and what to look forward to  Standout Quotes: “If your parent harmed you or you continue to be harmed by them, you have a right to protect yourself in the same way you do in other harmful or abusive relationships.” [03:52] “Parent and adult children, if they choose to have contact, both have a responsibility to show up as respective civil adults.” [04:05] Let’s ConnectHave a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices