Inadequate Mother

Welcome to Inadequate Mother ! In this episode, I sit down with Tilly Hawkes , the inspiring mother behind Learning Ada’s Language , to discuss raising a Deaf child , navigating the medical system , and advocating for British Sign Language (BSL) access. 💬 Topics we cover: ✔️ Discovering her daughter Ada’s deafness & CMV diagnosis ✔️ Overcoming challenges in deaf education and school placement...

Welcome to The Inadequate Mother Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Andy Palmer, CEO of Cambridge Deaf Association, a single father of 23 years, and a child of deaf parents (CODA). Andy has a truly unique perspective on parenting, raising a deaf child, and navigating the challenges of fatherhood, deaf culture, and communication barriers in society. As a primary carer, Andy shares his person...

0:00  – Introduction & guest Claire Elizabeth 2:44  – Claire on single life & self-reflection 6:07  – Dating apps & challenges for single moms 9:30  – Comparing relationships & feeling inadequate 14:19  – Situationships & intentional dating 19:05  – Choosing partners based on emotional safety 22:35  – Dating other parents & scheduling struggles 25:50  – Valuing time & s...

00:00 Intro – Meet Javeno McLean 01:20 The Power of Human Connection in Fitness 03:45 Why Inclusivity in Gyms Is Failing People 06:30 Single Motherhood & Balancing It All 08:15 Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Parent 11:00 Why Motivation Isn’t Enough – The Importance of Discipline 14:10 Javeno’s Approach to Training People with Disabilities & Chronic Illness 17:50 The Mental & Emotional Side...

0:00 - Launching a Podcast: Motivations and Challenges 2:30 - Diverse Podcast Topics and Guest Selection 5:28 - Navigating Motherhood and Personal Identity  9:57 - Balancing Personal and Professional Life 13:37 - Financial and Emotional Challenges of Single Parenting 18:59 - Navigating Co-Parenting and Conflict 22:30 - Support Systems and Self-Care 26:41 - Balancing Work and Family Life 30:18 - Fi...

Navigating  step-parenting and blended families  can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when your ex introduces a new partner into your child's life. In this episode of  The Inadequate Mother , Hayley shares her raw, honest experience of co-parenting and adjusting to her children having a  stepmum . Whether you’re a  single mum ,  solo parent , or managing  co-parenting challenges , thi...

Step parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles in a blended family. In this episode of The Inadequate Mother Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Quait, an experienced life coach and stepmum, to talk about the realities of step parenting, setting healthy boundaries, and building strong relationships with stepchildren. If you're a single mum, co-parenting mum, or navigating blen...

In this episode of  The Inadequate Mother , Hayley dives into the topic of parenting labels and the mixed emotions they can bring. Whether you identify as a  single mum ,  solo parent , or  co-parent , the terminology we use often sparks debate, and Hayley explores why. Drawing on her 11 years as a single mum, Hayley shares her experiences of navigating life with that label and why she's questioni...

In this powerful episode of The Inadequate Mother , host Hayley welcomes Javeno McLean, founder of the multi award-winning J7 Community Health Centre in Manchester. Renowned for his work with individuals facing disabilities, life-altering illnesses such as cancer and Parkinson’s, and the elderly, Javeno has redefined inclusivity in fitness and community health. Javeno shares his perspective on gra...

In this episode of The Inadequate Mother , Hayley is joined by confidence coach Claire Elizabeth to unpack the complex and often misunderstood concept of codependency . Together, they explore how codependent tendencies can stem from childhood experiences, impact romantic relationships, friendships, and most importantly, shape parenting styles. From personal stories of being raised in households af...

In this episode, Hayley reflects on the loss of her mother to alcoholism and how it shaped her life. From the early signs of addiction to the challenges of grief and healing, Hayley shares her honest perspective 13 years later. This episode is for anyone navigating the impact of addiction in their family or relationships. Hayley talks about guilt, forgiveness, and the importance of focusing on you...

In this first episode, I’m sharing why I started The Inadequate Mother. The name isn’t about feeling like I’m not enough – it’s about challenging society’s impossible standards on mothers. This podcast is in honour of my mom, who struggled with feeling inadequate and lost her life to alcohol addiction. I want this to be a space where we unpack those feelings of not measuring up and find comfort, g...

Welcome to  The Inadequate Mother , a podcast dedicated to tearing down the walls of mum guilt, perfectionism, and the endless feeling of not being enough. Join the conversation as we challenge societal expectations, embrace honesty, and create a space for confidence, connection, and community. This isn’t about being the perfect parent—it’s about being real, giving yourself grace, and finding soli...