Episode 25 – Tiffany Chesley – Breaking the Cycle: Practices and Routines for Positive and Nurturing Parenting

Episode Summary

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman interviews guest Tiffany Chesley about her journey as a mother and how she has overcome childhood trauma to create a nurturing environment for her children. Tiffany shares her experience of growing up in a blended family and dealing with abandonment and abuse. She also discusses her decision to have a third child and the challenges she faced during pregnancy. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of open communication with her children and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions. She shares specific practices and routines she has implemented to break the cycle of trauma and ensure her children feel loved and supported. In this conversation, the host and guest discuss the importance of gentle parenting and creating emotional safety for children. They explore the fine line between expressing emotions and being disrespectful, and the difference between discipline and punishment. The guest shares her experience with gentle parenting and how it has allowed her children to develop autonomy while still maintaining boundaries. They also discuss the challenges of moving frequently and the impact it has on mental health. The guest emphasizes the importance of self-care, including exercise, therapy, and finding moments of joy and laughter with her children.

Key Takeaways

• Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s journey as a mother, but it is possible to heal and create a nurturing environment for your children.
• Open communication and creating a safe space for children to express their emotions is crucial in breaking the cycle of trauma.
• Practicing self-care and seeking therapy can help mothers navigate the challenges of parenting and heal from their own past experiences.
• Teaching children about consequences and responsibility while still providing unconditional love and support is key to their emotional development.
• Every child is unique, and it’s important to adapt parenting strategies to meet their individual needs. Gentle parenting involves creating emotional safety for children and allowing them to express their emotions while still maintaining boundaries.
• There is a difference between discipline and punishment, and it is important to find ways to discipline children without resorting to punishment.
• Frequent moves can be challenging for both parents and children, and it is important to prioritize self-care and seek support during these transitions.
• Self-care is essential for mothers and can take many forms, including exercise, therapy, and finding moments of joy and laughter with children.
• Being gentle with oneself and practicing self-compassion is crucial in the journey of motherhood.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mommasota and Guest Tiffany Chesley

01:09 Tiffany’s Journey: Childhood Trauma and Motherhood

05:04 Surprise Pregnancy and Adding a Third Child

08:21 Growing Up in a Blended Family

12:35 Healing and Reconnecting with Tiffany’s Mother

18:46 Commitment to Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

19:15 Creating a Safe Space for Children

23:26 Teaching Responsibility and Unconditional Love

23:56 Adapting Parenting Strategies to Individual Needs

24:26 Creating Emotional Safety and Boundaries

25:51 The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment

29:38 Giving Children Autonomy within Boundaries

39:00 The Importance of Self-Care

45:56 Being Gentle with Yourself in Motherhood