logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
45m 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.   ... Show More
Up next
Yesterday
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt & Chris Pratt: Real Talk on Motherhood, Fatherhood & Stepparenting
This is a repeat of an earlier episode. In this very special episode, Dr. Shefali sits down with New York Times bestselling author, successful podcast host, and devoted mom Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, joined by her husband, Hollywood star Chris Pratt. Together, they dive deep ... Show More
41m 17s
Nov 18
Parenting Through the Storm
It’s difficult to be a parent even on the best days, but what happens when you’re faced with a crisis, something unimaginable and frantic? Parenting through moments like a flood, hurricane, trauma, war, or divorce can shake us to the core and create deep uncertainty for our child ... Show More
35m 1s
Nov 11
The Overachiever Club: Letting go of Perfect
Are you a parent striving to be the best, do it all, and create the perfect life while also succeeding at work? In this episode, Dr Shefali breaks it all down for overachieving parents, helping them see what truly matters and how to find balance, authenticity, and peace along the ... Show More
41m 17s
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
<p>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.</p><p>Find us online at <a href="http://focuso ... 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