CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT

In the first episode of the second season of Calling Home, Whitney discusses adult sibling estrangement with guest Fern Schumer Chapman, author of Brother Sister Strangers. They discuss the complexities of sibling estrangement, including the feelings of rejection, self-blame, and the impact on family dynamics. Fern shares her personal experience of a 40-year estrangement from her brother, which was followed by a 10-year reconciliation. They discuss the factors that can lead to estrangement: family trauma, parental favoritism, poor communication skills, and differing family values. Fern advises that estrangement is not always permanent and maintaining even a limited relationship can be beneficial for all family members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final episode of The Calling Home podcast's first season, Whitney discusses the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. She emphasizes that love and protection are not the same thing, and a mother can love her child but still put them in dangerous situations. We'll talk about why mothers might criticize their daughters, such as projecting their own standards or seeing their daughters as competition. And a reminder to identify patterns they want to break in their own relationships and consider the systemic factors that might impact these relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whitney is joined by Leslie Priscilla, founder of Latinx Parenting, about the intersection of culture, parenting, and childhood.They discuss the harmful parenting behaviors that are often excused as part of culture, the impact of colonization on parenting styles, and the importance of treating children with respect. They also talk about the challenges faced by Latinx families, such as the expectation to take care of parents in old age and the normalization of violence against children.Leslie emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles, being gentle with oneself, and finding a supportive community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reconciliation is a process that requires both parties to take responsibility, acknowledge their roles, apologize, and work towards a new relationship.Reconciliation should move slowly, especially in cases of long-standing estrangement or rifts. Setting boundaries, managing expectations, and accepting family members as they are now are all important as a family works toward making things better. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that reconciliation is not a final destination but a process that may involve steps forward and backward.A holiday related question from a Calling Home listener about why families often cater to the most toxic individual during celebrations and holidays ends todays episode.Today's episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh. Use code homefree for FREE breakfast for life - get one breakfast item per box while your subscription is active. HeloFresh is America’s #1 Meal Kit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whitney talks with Elizabeth Earnshaw, a marriage and family therapist, about navigating relationships with in-laws. They discuss finding common ground, setting boundaries, and the importance of communication. They also explore a conflict over a child's last name and the potential harm of criticizing in-laws. They highlight the benefits of having in-laws involved in one's life and the challenges of merging different family cultures.

Some tips to help you survive Thanksgiving with your family! Expect your family to be the same as they are every other day, complete with their flaws and positive traits. Remember that you are an adult and have the power to decide how you spend your day. Get clear on your limits and plan for when those limits are reached. Identify what is important to you on this day and align your actions with those values. Avoid picking battles or starting a healing journey with your family on this day. If anything goes wrong, remember that a holiday is just a day and it will end. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore how emotionally immature parents impact their children's emotional health. Discover their common traits like lack of empathy and difficulties in expressing emotions. Hear about the feelings of loneliness and confusion kids often face. Learn effective coping strategies for adults dealing with these challenging family dynamics. Additionally, tackle listener questions on issues like the silent treatment and the fear of repeating harmful patterns.

Whitney is talking with Holly Whitaker, author and founder of Tempest, about the impact of alcohol on family dynamics. Holly believes that society's positive messaging around drinking often overlooks the negative impact it can have on relationships. She believes that the question should not be whether one is an alcoholic, but rather if alcohol negatively impacts one's life and if steps should be taken to address the relationship with it. She also discusses the lack of informed consent around alcohol consumption, as many people are not fully aware of the potential consequences. She suggests that if alcohol feels uncomfortable or difficult, it's an invitation to interrogate one's relationship with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whitney talks how to navigate events and celebrations with a highly dysfunctional family, offering tips on how to deal with difficult family dynamics, such as setting boundaries and preparing for situations that may arise.Introducing The Calling Home community, a platform offering support groups, exclusive content, and Q&A sessions with experts.Listener questions: Dealing with family issues during significant life events, such as weddings and funerals.This week's sponsors are: Alzheimer's Association - join the Walk to End Alzheimer's and help us make a brighter future for all those affected by Alzheimers's. Make a difference today Hello Fresh — use code 50home to save 50% and get free shipping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whitney talks with Brady Nathan, a mother who shares the story of her late son Jack. Jack started the Happy Jack World Project to help other kids struggling with mental health issues before his untimely death due to a fentanyl-laced Percocet. Brady discusses the importance of listening to children when they express unhappiness, even if their lives seem perfect from an outside perspective. She also emphasizes the need for parents to allow their children to lead their own lives, rather than imposing their own expectations. Brady continues to run the Happy Jack World Project, which has donated over $100,000 to various foundations, and advocates for greater awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and recreational drug use.This week's sponsors are: Hello Fresh — use code 50home to save 50% and get free shipping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices