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Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
The Parent Empowerment Movement
20 episodes
3 days ago
Join us, Jenny and Felicia, the co-founders of The Parent Empowerment Movement, as we get real about motherhood—the struggles, the joy, and doing it our own way. We’ll laugh, cry, scream into pillows, and find hope again. With 30+ years of experience working with kids and families, we’re here to remind you that you’re already the perfect mom for your child! No judgment, just support. Let’s ditch expectations and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of parenting—together.
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Parenting
Kids & Family
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All content for Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood is the property of The Parent Empowerment Movement and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Join us, Jenny and Felicia, the co-founders of The Parent Empowerment Movement, as we get real about motherhood—the struggles, the joy, and doing it our own way. We’ll laugh, cry, scream into pillows, and find hope again. With 30+ years of experience working with kids and families, we’re here to remind you that you’re already the perfect mom for your child! No judgment, just support. Let’s ditch expectations and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of parenting—together.
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Parenting
Kids & Family
Episodes (20/20)
Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
The Mirror Trick: Your Secret Tool for Hard Parenting Days

In this special solo episode, Jenny shares the single most powerful tool she credits with transforming her life: MirrorTalk.

If you've ever felt alone during a naptime battle , defeated by toddler toothbrushing , or crippled by self-doubt, this is the pep talk you need.

Jenny breaks down the simple, practical steps to turn your mirror into your own personal coach. Learn how to "call in" imaginary hype-people (like Cher!) to celebrate your wins and how to have a rational conversation with your fear to remind it who's in charge.

This is the how-to guide for changing your self-talk today.

Need help figuring out what can be taken off your plate so you have a moment to try out this technique? Try our free tool: 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!


Keywords: Mirror Talk, Negative Self-Talk, Positive Self-Talk, Parenting Tool, Parenting Hack, Mom Burnout, Toddler Tantrums, Toddler Toothbrushing , Self-Doubt , Self-Confidence , Overcoming Fear, Pep Talk, How to Be Confident, Parent Empowerment, Solo Episode

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1 week ago
14 minutes 56 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Let's Be Real: That's Not a Vacation

If you've ever called a solo trip to the grocery store a "vacation," we see you. We've done it too. It's the "laugh to keep from crying" energy that gets us through the day, and it's okay to cherish those small moments of peace. Yes, that quiet 10-minute drive after drop-off can feel like a slice of heaven.

We get it.

But in this episode, we honor those moments and we ask a bigger question: When did we start confusing "less chaos" with "genuine rest"?

Join us for a cozy, validating conversation as we gently unpack the 10 most common "mom vacations" that are anything but. This episode is for any mom who feels like she's running on empty—it's about honoring your exhaustion and starting a new dialogue about the real, soul-filling rest you truly deserve.

If you are running on empty - we got you! Check out our free tool: 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

Keywords: Mom Vacation, Breaks for Moms, Mom Burnout, Parental Burnout, Redefining Rest, Self-Care for Moms, Maternity Leave, Family Trips, Unrealistic Expectations, Overwhelmed Mom, Mom Guilt, Parent Empowerment, Real Rest.

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2 weeks ago
44 minutes 51 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
How to Teach Your Child to Trust Their Intuition

How do you teach a child something as abstract as intuition? In this essential follow-up to their episode on parental intuition, Jenny and Felicia give you the tools to empower your kids to trust their own inner voice.

This episode provides concrete language and actionable strategies for navigating conversations about safety, strangers, and that "funny tummy feeling." Learn the simple, powerful phrase every child should know to handle tricky situations, and hear how to use role-playing to build their confidence.

You'll walk away with scripts you can use today to help your child become safer and more self-assured.Need support for yourself? A few moments to just “be”? Try 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!Keywords: Teaching Kids Intuition, Stranger Danger, Child Safety, Talking to Kids About Strangers, Body Safety, Empowering Kids, Trusting Their Gut, How to Keep Kids Safe, Parenting Tips, Child Development, "Funny Tummy Feeling," Parent Empowerment.

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3 weeks ago
24 minutes 5 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
How to Trust Your Parental Intuition (Even When It's Hard)

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by parenting advice and questioned your own judgment, this episode is for you.

It's easy to lose touch with your own intuition when you're surrounded by external pressures and the "shoulds" of modern motherhood. The line between a gut feeling and a wave of anxiety can feel impossibly blurry.

In this deeply personal episode, Jenny and Felicia open up about two of the most challenging, intuition-led decisions they've made as mothers. Jenny shares the emotional back-and-forth of choosing a different academic path for her son, trusting his unique needs over the traditional timeline. Felicia recounts the fear and faith required to uproot her family for a major move, knowing in her heart it was the right choice despite the immediate upheaval.

Their stories serve as a gentle but powerful permission slip—a reminder that your deep, quiet knowledge of your child is your most reliable guide through parenting's toughest calls.

Need a moment of free time to find and listen to your intuition? We got you! 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!Keywords: Parental Intuition, Trusting Your Gut, Mom Gut, Fear vs. Intuition, Confident Parenting, Making Big Decisions for Kids, Parental Self-Doubt, Mom Guilt, School Readiness, Moving with Kids, Parent Empowerment.

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4 weeks ago
35 minutes 41 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
An Avalanche of Relief: Permission to Let Go of a Dream

In this powerful interview, we sit down with former client Tiffany to discuss one of the most transformative decisions a parent can make: taking a major life goal off the plate. While juggling pandemic parenting and fertility struggles, Tiffany had an "aha moment" where she realized the pursuit of a second child was causing more harm than good.

She bravely decided to pause that dream, unleashing an "avalanche of relief" that changed everything. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their own expectations. Learn Tiffany's simple but profound advice for finding clarity and peace: just try taking it off your plate, even for a little while.

Need help taking the smaller things off your plate right now? We got you! 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

Keywords: parent empowerment, taking things off your plate, mom burnout, parental stress, life decisions, fertility struggles, one and done, only child, parent coaching, pandemic parenting, self-care, simplifying life, letting go.

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1 month ago
35 minutes 5 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Beyond the Bucket List: Embracing the "Best Good Enough" Summer

Feeling the pressure from perfectly curated social media feeds? You're not alone. In this episode, Jenny and Felicia tackle the pervasive issue of social media pressure for parents, exploring how both the flawless "highlight reels" and the staged "real life" moments can fuel mom guilt, parental burnout, and a constant feeling of not doing enough.

They introduce a liberating new mindset: embracing the "Best Good Enough" season. This conversation is packed with tips for managing holiday and summer stress by letting go of the need for Pinterest-perfect moments. Learn why your kid might love bubbles in the backyard as much as Disneyland, why it’s time to ditch the overwhelming bucket list, and how to find genuine joy in what’s sustainable and valuable for your family. It's time to trade FOMO for fulfillment by creating your own definition of a successful and happy family life.

If tending to everyone else has left you in desperate need of time for yourself, try our tool that gets you more time, energy, and support when you need it most - right now!

 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

Keywords: parenting podcast, social media pressure for parents, mom guilt, parental burnout, FOMO, Pinterest-perfect parenting, family values, simple kids' activities, managing expectations, holiday stress, sustainable parenting.

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1 month ago
28 minutes 7 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
When the Experts Put You at the Kids' Table

This episode of Perfectly Imperfect is a guide to effective parent advocacy. Hosts Jenny and Felicia dive into the essential strategies you need when communicating with the "experts" in your child's life, including doctors, teachers, and specialists. They address the common feeling of being put at the "kids' table" and provide a framework for ensuring your voice is heard and respected.

This conversation is filled with actionable advice on how to trust your parenting intuition, evaluate if your family's needs are being met, and build a collaborative support system. Learn to confidently share your unique expertise on your child to achieve the best outcomes for your family.

If you are feeling that parental overwhelm with all you have to juggle each day, we are here to help! Try our free tool 3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

Keywords: parent advocacy, child advocacy, parent empowerment, talking to teachers, communicating with doctors, building a support team, special needs support, parenting intuition, self-advocacy for parents.


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1 month ago
27 minutes 53 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Bake Your Own D*mn Cake!

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect, hosts Jenny and Felicia tackle a core issue for parents: losing yourself while caring for others. The solution? "Bake your own damn cake." They use this powerful metaphor to discuss the importance of self-care for parents, communicating in relationships, and overcoming the mindset that someone else is responsible for your happiness.

Through candid anecdotes and practical advice, this episode provides tools for anyone struggling with mom burnout, holiday stress, or feeling unappreciated. Learn how to identify your needs, ask for what you want, and take empowered action to create the joy you deserve. This is a must-listen for parents ready to move from resentment to empowerment.

Check out our quick tool to getting more time to figure out what you really want:⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

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1 month ago
27 minutes 57 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Felicia is my (Jenny's) Grandma

Welcome back to the Perfectly Imperfect podcast!

To kick off Season 2, we’re sharing the story you’ve been asking for: how we actually met and created the Parent Empowerment Movement. Join us, Jenny and Felicia, as we travel back 20 years to our college days, where a peer counseling program didn't just give us invaluable skills—it made us family (literally, there’s a whole “grandma” story involved!).

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Our surprisingly similar paths through mid-college crises and into the world of early childhood education.

  • The pivotal moments as teachers and directors that shaped our passion for supporting families.

  • How a simple act of community care during the pandemic became the catalyst for our coaching business.

  • Our core mission: helping parents shed unrealistic expectations, release the guilt, and embrace the power of being perfectly imperfect.

Tune in for a dose of friendship, vulnerability, and the reminder that you're already doing a great job.


Here is that tool we offer all parents - or really anyone who needs support in getting their needs back on the plate!⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

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2 months ago
35 minutes 57 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
BONUS: Family Vacations (and how to survive them)

Admit it: The phrase 'relaxing family vacation' sounds like a cruel joke sometimes, right? If your trips involve more mom burnout and mental load than margaritas and me-time, you NEED this episode from the Parent Empowerment Movement.

We're calling BS on the idea that family vacations are solely for delighting tiny humans or appeasing tricky relatives. It's time to talk about real strategies so you don't return from vacation needing a vacation! 

Find out why mom self-care on vacation isn't a luxury, it's your survival gear! We spill the tea on navigating everything from extended family travel to the special kind of chaos that is Disney World with kids. Get tips to reduce the ridiculous mental load of vacation planning and become a delegation ninja (make someone else figure out dinner!).

Instead of whispering 'never again' under your breath after every trip, learn how demanding your slice of the vacation pie leads to actual happy memories and way less exhaustion. Hit play for a reality check, zero judgment, and total permission to make yourself a priority in the next round of family vacation planning. You deserve it!

Here is a a simple way to get started:

3 Simple Steps to get more Time, Energy, and Support


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4 months ago
21 minutes 44 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
(Part 2) Beyond Deep Breaths: Handling Big Mom Emotions

Felt more like a hot mess than 'Mom of the Year' lately? If you're tired of the guilt that follows tough parenting days and big emotions, you're definitely in the right place.

Discover the surprising strength in dropping the 'perfect mom' act – learn how apologizing to your kids after a slip-up, narrating your feelings (yep, even the grumpy ones!), and visibly taking breaks actually builds connection and teaches resilience. We explore how modeling real coping skills, not pretending, is where the true parenting magic happens (plus, get quick recs for great kids' books on emotions!).

So, if mom guilt is knocking, parenting stress feels high, or you're just tired of pretending, tune in for a dose of validation and a reminder that it's okay to have off weeks. This episode is all about embracing real motherhood, mess-ups and all, and finding the strength in simply being human alongside your kids.


⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!


Book recommendations for big emotions:

Felicia's

1. The Color Monster

2. Gerald and Piggie Books


 Jenny's

1. Grumpy Monkey

2. Weather Together (part of the Not Quite Narwhal series)


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4 months ago
25 minutes 10 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
(Part 1) Beyond Deep Breaths: Handling Big Mom Emotions

What happens when mom tears start flowing... right at the dinner table? Jenny shares a powerful story about a tough week, culminating in crying in front of her preschooler and the astonishingly wise words he offered. This sparks a crucial conversation between Jenny and Felicia about ditching the 'tough mom' act and embracing emotional honesty in parenting.

Tune in as they explore and dismantle the myth that moms always need to be strong for their kids, sharing real-life examples of navigating big emotions—both their own and their children's—in the moment. You'll learn simple techniques, like narrating your feelings out loud, which effectively model healthy coping strategies for your little ones. Discover the surprising benefits of letting kids see you authentically work through feelings like sadness or frustration.

Jenny and Felicia also discuss how apologizing for parenting mistakes actually builds respect and trust, rather than signifying weakness. Furthermore, the episode delves into understanding the important link between your emotional state and your child's behavior, showing how parental self-regulation ultimately helps everyone in the family.

Feeling the weight of mom burnout or struggling with how to handle your own parenting stress? This episode offers validation, practical strategies, and proof that showing your true self is one of the best gifts you can give your child.


For reals....if you haven't grabbed our free tool...try it!

⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

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4 months ago
18 minutes 57 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
(Part 2) When Surviving Is better than Thriving – Giving Yourself Permission to Pause

Tired of feeling like you have to do everything perfectly just to be a “good mom”? You’re not alone — and in this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, we’re continuing the conversation that gives you permission to lower the bar and breathe. Whether you're navigating sick days, messy homes, or the mental load that never ends, this episode is your reminder that rest, imperfection, and asking for help are all forms of strength.

Thriving doesn’t always mean doing more — it means doing what matters most. We offer practical tips for managing your plate when it seems like nothing can be dropped, and we wrap it all in encouragement to let go of the cape, lean into your own resilience, and embrace who you are — not who you think you should be.


Here is one of our resources to help you figure out where to start: ⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

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5 months ago
18 minutes 57 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
(Part 1) When Surviving Is better than Thriving – Giving Yourself Permission to Pause

Are you a mom who's stretched thin and constantly feeling like you're falling short? You're not alone—and you're not failing.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, Jenny and Felicia get real about the messy, exhausting, and totally normal seasons of motherhood where thriving feels impossible—and survival is a win. Whether you're solo parenting, navigating a major life change, or just overwhelmed by the daily juggle, this is your permission to hang up the Supermom cape and say, "Not today."

We get honest about the emotional toll of trying to do it all, and why giving yourself permission not to is one of the healthiest choices you can make. We talk about what it means to let go of unrealistic expectations and redefine what "being enough" really looks like.

This heartfelt and relatable episode is a must-listen for moms seeking real talk, validation, and encouragement. Hear our personal stories of navigating big life shifts, caring for sick kids, and getting through everyday meltdowns so you can better navigate your own seasons of stress with less guilt and more self-compassion.

Don't forget to download our free tool:

⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support


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5 months ago
15 minutes 23 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Socially Awkward Dads

In this candid conversation, we dive deep into the mental load of parenting—especially when it comes to organizing playdates, building a parenting village, and making friends as an adult. But ever wonder why it’s always the moms planning everything? We did too.

We dive into why it often falls on moms to initiate social plans, why some dads seem socially awkward (but have a blast once they show up), and how traditional gender roles and emotional labor show up in unexpected places.

If you've ever said, “Why am I the only one who thinks about this stuff?”—this one's for you. Tune in for real talk, relatable laughs, and small steps you can take to share the parenting load.

Grab our helpful tool - ⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!
Its a small version of us on paper to help you, right now!

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5 months ago
20 minutes 24 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Puppies, Toddlers, and Peer Pressure

Ever feel like you’re one meltdown away from hiding in the pantry with snacks and tears? Same. In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, we’re getting real about what it’s like to parent young, sensitive kids while juggling your own big emotions, sky-high expectations, and the nonstop chaos of family life.

We’re talking toddler tantrums, emotional outbursts, sibling showdowns, and yes—even the kind of kindergarten drama that makes you want to cry. You’ll hear raw, relatable stories plus practical tools to help you stop the yelling spiral, stay grounded during the hard moments, and better recognize what’s typical for children’s development.

If you're tired, touched out, and questioning whether you're doing this whole motherhood thing right—press play. Let this be your reminder that you're not alone, you're not failing, and you can parent in a way that feels aligned with who you are (even when it’s messy).

Grab your free copy of ⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!—it’s the reset you need in the moments you feel like you’re about to lose it.

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5 months ago
29 minutes 14 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Family Docket: Balancing Personal Needs and Family Harmony

Ever feel guilty for taking time for yourself? In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, we’re tackling the myth that prioritizing your own needs is selfish. Our hosts dive into why burnout can negatively impact parenting, how to communicate personal needs without guilt, and why setting boundaries teaches kids the value of personal time.

You’ll hear relatable stories—like the struggle to fit in exercise—and learn how self-care can actually strengthen your family dynamics. If you’re tired of putting yourself last, this episode will help you reframe self-care as a necessity, not a luxury, so you can build a balanced, harmonious family life—without losing yourself in the process.

Click here to get out tool:

3 Easy Steps: To get more Time, Energy, and Support


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6 months ago
13 minutes 58 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
The Multitasking Reality of Motherhood

Motherhood is the ultimate juggling act, where even self-care serves multiple purposes. In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, we dive into the reality of "double dipping"—how moms are expected to maximize every moment, often at the expense of their own well-being, to keep things running smoothly.

Our hosts share personal stories about the sheer volume of unseen responsibilities we moms feel, and why that makes dedicating even five focused minutes to something new feel completely unrealistic. From the struggles of fitting in exercise to breastfeeding’s hidden demands, this episode explores the pressure moms feel to always be “on.” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation will leave you feeling validated, supported, and inspired to embrace your version of motherhood—without guilt.               

Wanting to get started but don't know how? try this free tool:                                            

⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!


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6 months ago
14 minutes 20 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
You Time vs. Me Time: Finding Balance When Life’s a Little Messy

Parenting doesn't stop for your morning meditation. And sometimes, the only quiet you get all day is when everyone else is asleep—so you stay up too late watching just one more episode or reading just one more chapter. (We’ve all been there.)

In this episode, we’re talking all about making time for yourself without sacrificing your sanity (or your sleep). We’ll share real-life stories of how we’ve ditched the “perfect morning routine” myth and found ways to meet our needs in the middle of the chaos. From journaling while your toddler “journals” next to you, to packing the night before (because mornings are not for everyone), to painting a mural while your baby snacks in the high chair—this is a celebration of real-life solutions for busy parents.

We’re also naming the pressure that comes from social media perfection, and giving you full permission to be the expert on your own family. So whether you're chasing toddlers or just chasing your own peace, this episode is your reminder that you matter too, and there are plenty of ways to show up for yourself—even with a kid on your hip.

Looking for a way to get started? Try our tool for free!

⁠3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Quick and Completely Free!


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6 months ago
22 minutes 11 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Your choice about screentime is just fine

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood, hosts Jenny and Felicia dive into the screen time debate, offering a judgment-free space for parents. They discuss the guilt and pressure parents face when managing kids and screens, and encourage trusting instincts rather than listening to conflicting parenting advice. Jenny and Felicia share their personal approaches to digital parenting, highlighting that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and emphasize the importance of adapting as a parent, especially during extraordinary circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hosts also touch on the positive aspects of screen time, such as educational content and family screen time, while stressing the importance of intentional parenting. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that perfection in parenting is not the goal, and encourage parents to make choices that feel right for their unique situations. The episode wraps up with a discussion on parental self-care and finding balance as a parent in busy family schedules.


3 Easy Steps for more Time, Energy, and Support - Totally Free!

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7 months ago
29 minutes 13 seconds

Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing Real Motherhood
Join us, Jenny and Felicia, the co-founders of The Parent Empowerment Movement, as we get real about motherhood—the struggles, the joy, and doing it our own way. We’ll laugh, cry, scream into pillows, and find hope again. With 30+ years of experience working with kids and families, we’re here to remind you that you’re already the perfect mom for your child! No judgment, just support. Let’s ditch expectations and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of parenting—together.