logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
49m 17s

Where is my Fantasy Child?

Dr. Shefali / Maia Wisdom
About this episode

Many of us parents create fantasies around who our children will be and how we will parent them. When these fantasies don’t come true, we feel anxious and frustrated and often blame our children for this. In this episode, Dr. Shefali helps two parents understand that the root of the problem is not their children but instead their unrealistic expectations. 

If you would like to be a guest on this podcast and receive parenting advice from Dr. Shefali, please go to www.drshefali.com/podcast. You can also email us at team@maiawisdom.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Aug 19
The Parenting Trap: When Love Turns Into Control
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Shefali explores the subtle but powerful trap many parents fall into: emotional enmeshment and codependency. From being there every step of the way since infancy, we often struggle to let go and allow our children to experience life on their own t ... Show More
32m 40s
Aug 12
Why Kids "Act Out": Breaking the Cycle of Mislabeling and Misunderstanding
Why do our kids act out—and why are we so quick to label them as “bad”? In this insightful episode, Dr. Shefali dives deep into the real reasons behind children's difficult behaviors. She unpacks how negative labels create harmful attention patterns and prevent true healing. With ... Show More
35m 41s
Aug 5
Parenting Under Pressure: Raising Kids While Healing Yourself
In this episode, Dr. Shefali guides parents who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep their children happy, safe, and well-behaved — all while managing their own inner struggles, many from their own childhood. She offers insights to help parents release this emotional burden a ... Show More
34m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2022
Help Me Stop Yelling at My Child
Janet responds to an email from a parent who says that lately, she has found herself yelling at her 3-year-old, who’s been having a difficult time since the birth of her brother. She realizes that yelling is not helping her daughter, and it’s not the parent she wants to be. “I’ve ... Show More
12m 7s
May 2020
Learning to Enjoy the Parenting Journey
If parenting is not what you expected, you are not alone. John and Danny discuss how parents can overcome the pressure to be perfect. Receive the book In This House, We Will Giggle with your gift of any amount! 
12m 40s
Jan 2022
When Children Seem Troubled by Our Emotions and Moods
A parent writes that she and her husband are concerned their toddler feels responsible for their emotions. This is a trait they both recognize from their own backgrounds. “He asks again and again, ‘Happy, mommy?’ as if he’s trying to help me be happy.” This mom says that if she a ... Show More
22m 15s
Feb 2023
When You Have Fears as a Parent
Sometimes, your kids' fears might be a reflection on something you're struggling with. John and Danny offer hope to parents who are struggling with fear, and how to bring your worries to God. Featuring Dr. Josh and Christi Straub.Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpo ... Show More
11m 37s
Apr 2024
Hypocritical Parents
We've all been guilty of being hypocritical at some point. However, how do you respond when your child accuses you of being a hypocrite? Jim Daly and Dr. Erwin Lutzer address some indicators that a parent is not sincere. Plus, John asks Danny about some times he's counseled paren ... Show More
10m 12s
Feb 2018
My Child Won't Stop Hitting
A parent says she feels helpless because her 2-year-old has been hitting other kids. She says her son loves people and enjoys playing with others, but parents are now keeping their kids away from him. She has tried several approaches, but nothing has worked, so she’s looking to J ... Show More
13m 17s
Mar 2022
Encouraging Your Child's Dreams
As a parent, it's fun to see your child dream about who he or she wants to become. But what do you do when a child's dream doesn't work out? John and Danny discuss how to be an encouragement to your son or daughter even when his or her dream falls apart. Featuring Shelia Erwin. F ... Show More
10m 35s
Oct 2020
Don't Miss the Secrets Your Children Share
In response to a parent's question about her toddler's aggressive impulses toward her newborn sister, Janet suggests strategies for encouraging our children -- beginning in infancy-- to communicate their innermost thoughts, feelings and needs. This parent and her husband have fol ... Show More
19m 1s
Aug 2022
Childhood Wounds We Never Knew We Had (Until Kids) with Dr. Jean Cheng
Clinical psychologist Jean Cheng joins Janet to discuss the puzzling, painful, and self-defeating feelings that our children's behaviors can bring up in us as parents. No matter how well educated and prepared we are for this role, we might find ourselves overwhelmed and viscerall ... Show More
35m 25s
Dec 2020
Embracing Our Power to Be Confident Leaders (a Pep-Talk for Parents)
Janet shares what she describes as her most valuable advice for parents -- a mindset that brings clarity to our role in our children's lives, makes our job more enjoyable and successful, and may even offer us personal growth. Janet explains why and how this perspective works, off ... Show More
26m 25s