Parenting Breakdown

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown!   In this final episode of Season 1, Matt and Rachel discuss:  - A listener question about how to stop yelling at her child and navigate feelings of regret about parenting  - Choosing how to relate to - and even turn towards - uncomforable thoughts and feelings so we can move through our shame  - The patriarchy (our 3rd co-host) comes back for a final visit, context...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown!   In this episode, Matt and Rachel discuss how messages about difference and worth show up in high-achieving school communities - and what schools and parents can do to counter them.    Topics explored:   - A listener question about how to help her kid with ADHD who is feeling inadequate under the weight of achievement culture - Matt's experience growing up within h...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown!  In this episode, Matt and Rachel discuss the relentless pressure on kids (and parents!) within high-achieving school communities.  Topics explored:  - A listener question about how to stay grounded as a parent within high-pressure school cultures  - The impact of grind culture on parents and kids - and what parents can do to slow down and reclaim their energy  - Wh...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown!  In this episode, Matt and Rachel explore a question from a mom who wants to help her kids with their emotions.  - Rachel breaks down how learning how to manage stress is a muscle that we have to build, and the importance of giving space for kids big feelings. Matt reflects on how playfulness can show up in his parenting.  - Rachel goes over the 3Cs, practices for p...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown! In this episode, Matt and Rachel discuss their different responses to hearing about hard moments that their kids are having in the world.  Topics explored:  - A listener question about how all-encompassing her own emotions can feel after her daughter tells her about her hard day.  · Rachel discusses how our own triggers can impact our response to our kids and how sh...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown! In this episode, Matt and Rachel discuss what consent is really about when it comes to kids, why it matters, and how to build the muscle of asking for and giving consent. Topics explored:  · A question from a mom about whether to make her children hug extended family members against their wishes.  · Matt seeing the impact that utilizing consent could have when he fa...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown! In the third episode, Matt and Rachel discuss: · What it looks like to parent mindfully during times of acute stress, especially within a society with little to no safety net for most families · The difference between feeling seen and operating from a tit for tat vibe · Telling their youngest child that he is autistic  References: Neurowild: https://www.instagram.co...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown! In this second episode,  • Rachel gets a question from a mom who had a disappointing vacation, and feels even worse after seeing all of her friends post pictures on social media where everyone appears to be having a great time. She wonders what she is doing wrong, and what is wrong with her / her family. • Rachel and Matt discuss expectations vs. reality and how the...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown! In this first episode, • Rachel gets a question from a mom who's plagued by harsh voices in her head that are critical of her parenting. Rachel unpacks where those voices come from, shares some of her own journey with perfectionism, and offers practices to start changing the narrative.  • Matt discusses the different standards that exist for dads and what he's choos...

Welcome to Parenting Breakdown with hosts Rachel Henes, a noted parenting educator and consultant on achievement culture at some of America’s most competitive schools, and her husband Matt Borden, a coach for high performing executives, discuss the ins and outs of parenting mindfully in a non-stop world. Parenting Breakdown is like having weekly coffee with your BFF’s (one who happens to be a kid...