Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family can be challenging, especially when merging families with different backgrounds and expectations. In this episode, Whitney discusses why open communication, clear boundaries, and empathy are key to maintaining balance. I Takeaways Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family requires open communication and clear boundaries. Prioritize your immediate family while considering the needs of your extended...

In this episode, Whitney speaks with two callers. She explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, emotional neglect, parentification, and the challenges of navigating relationships with disabled parents. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by children of abusive parents, the responsibilities of parents to protect their children, and the nuanced perspectives of both victims and perpetrators within family systems. Additionally, Whitney addresses the impact of family...

In the wake of this election, many Americans wonder: Can I continue to have a relationship with family members who disagree with me politically? In this episode, Whitney walks you through her own journey in a large family with different political beliefs and provides you with a series of questions to explore. This episode will help you decide what is the right decision for you in your unique situation. You can join Whitney for weekly groups and content at Calling Home. Learn more about your...

In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. One is about enmeshed in-laws and the other is an adult who is trying to re-parent themselves. She discusses the profound effects of critical parenting on self-perception and self-love. She emphasizes that while individuals can work towards healing and self-acceptance, they may never fully replicate the unconditional love and support that their parents should have provided. Whitney encourages listeners to acknowledge their experiences and...

I invited Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) from TikTok to the podcast this week. I have watched every single one of her toxic mother-in-law videos, and I've been dying to speak with her. In this episode, Janelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with mothers-in-law and the impact it has on marriages. She shares her personal experiences and observations as a content creator on this topic. Our conversation explores common complaints from daughter-in-laws, such as postpartum issues...

In this episode, Whitney Goodman reflects on the first anniversary of the Calling Home podcast and community. She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating complex family relationships. The episode also addresses listener questions with a daughter who doesn't want her father to attend her wedding and an adult who wants to discuss her childhood memories with her siblings. There is also a special discount code in this episode for the Calling Home...

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman interviews Gabriel, also known as The Indomitable Black Man, about his journey to becoming a content creator who promotes respectful or gentle parenting. They discuss the challenges of being a black man in the gentle parenting space and the misconceptions surrounding discipline and abuse. Gabriel emphasizes teaching and guiding children through discipline rather than resorting to physical punishment. They also explore the long-term effects of abusive...

In this episode, Whitney Goodman and Dr. Ramani discuss how narcissism is in the family. This is a great episode for anyone who is wondering: Is my parent a narcissist? How do I deal with a narcissistic parent or family member? How do I set boundaries and disengage? Are narcissistic adult children born or raised to be this way? Should I go to therapy with my narcissistic family member? Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466.  Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club...

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on adult child and parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney compares the survey results of estranged parents and estranged adult children. She shares her thoughts about the survey results and dives deeper into what this survey has taught us about this issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Whitney shares the findings from a survey of 2382 estranged adult children. She offers a deep dive into why many distance themselves from their parents. The survey reveals common themes such as unresolved conflict, emotional or physical harm, and the lasting impact of difficult childhood experiences, where self-preservation sometimes means breaking away. What You Will Learn: [07:40] A breakdown of the findings from the 2382 estranged adult children survey [25:20] The...

This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Adult Child and Parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney discusses the findings from a survey of 204 estranged parents. You will hear how this group of parents feels about their estrangement from their adult child, what they're willing to do to fix the relationship, and if therapists and social media really are the cause of it all. The responses from these parents reflect experiences and stories that resonate deeply with many who have faced the pain...

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman answers two caller questions about the complexities of estrangement and the challenges of communicating with parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-protection, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships. Goodman also discusses the need for accountability and emotional intelligence in reconciliation efforts while acknowledging that not all relationships can or should be repaired. The conversation provides...

Family estrangement and going no contact are deeply painful and complex experiences that impact both adult children and their parents. Often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, unmet emotional needs, or longstanding power dynamics, estrangement reflects a significant breakdown in communication and trust within the family. Adult children may choose to distance themselves as a means of self-preservation or to heal from past harm, while parents may struggle to understand or accept these...

Surviving family holidays can be difficult when you are estranged or have unresolved tensions with your family. Holidays and events can bring deep-seated conflicts to the surface. The pressure to maintain peace can be overwhelming, especially when you're masking feelings of distrust and hurt. Navigating these relationships requires setting firm boundaries while managing the expectations of family members. In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real questions from callers who are having...

Who should be in the delivery room? In today’s episode, you will learn why having that conversation with yourself and other family members is critical, especially if you are an expectant mother. Whitney covers why each generations has a different perception and expectation about being in the delivery rooms. Older women, for example, believe they should be allowed in the room while their grandchild is being born while Gen Z mothers feel that they are 100% responsible for choosing who should be...

Accepting what Is and managing your relationship with parents who may never apologize or change their behavior is not an easy path. It requires a deep level of acceptance, acknowledging that your parents might not become the people you wish they were, and understanding that healing begins with accepting the situation as it is, not as you hope it would be. The path also involves setting boundaries that protect your emotional well-being while allowing space for the relationship to evolve....

Join Whitney Goodman and Vienna Pharaon, LMFT, as they discuss the role of the Golden Child in a dysfunctional family system. You will learn: how someone becomes the golden child why golden children struggle how sibling dynamics play into this role how to step out of the golden child role Let’s Connect Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466.  Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the...

Balancing boundaries and empathy in family relationships means understanding and validating your family's feelings and experiences while also protecting your own emotional and mental well-being. Empathy allows you to connect with your loved ones on a deeper level, but without boundaries, it can lead to neglecting your own needs and compromising your personal space. Setting boundaries doesn't mean you care any less. Instead, it enables you to nurture healthy, respectful, and sustainable...

Supporting a partner who has issues with their parents requires empathy, patience, and understanding. It's not just understanding their feelings but also actively putting yourself in their shoes and acknowledging their emotional experience. That is listening attentively, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that their emotions are legitimate. It's not about offering solutions or fixing the problem but showing that you care and are there to support them through their struggles. By...

Feeling tired of being the parent to your parents is a common struggle, especially when they rely on you for emotional or even physical suapport. It can be overwhelming to manage their needs while trying to prioritize your own life and the family you're building. Setting boundaries is essential, not just for your well-being but also to maintain a healthy relationship with them. Healing from past hurts and learning how to rebuild relationships with parents who may have caused pain is crucial....

This week on Calling Home, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Todd Baratz on how childhood and family dynamics impact romantic relationships. He discusses why the environment we are raised in shapes who we are and how we communicate, which in turn influences the partners we choose. They also chat about "good enough" relationships and why relationships don't have to be perfect to be fulfilling.  For more information on Todd Baratz’s book “How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind”...

This week, Whitney answers questions from listeners who are dealing with narcissists in their family and discusses how to set proper boundaries. The first caller’s question deals with a narcissist brother-in-law changing the family dynamic. The second caller recently discovered that her father was a narcissist and her mother the enabler and is questioning a situation she feels was unsafe for her son. When is the right time to set boundaries with your parents and how do you approach it? Have...

In this episode of Calling Home, Whitney Goodman discusses the trend of mothers being overly attached to their sons, often referred to as "boy moms". This dynamic can be harmful to both the mother and son and lead to emotional incest, where the son is put into a husband-like role. Whitney talks about the reasons behind this phenomenon, including societal norms, lack of community support, and unfulfilled dreams of the mother. She also discusses ways to address this issue, such as practicing...

This week our listener questions deal with navigating difficult family dynamics during holidays and events. The first caller struggles with an estranged family and feels isolated during celebrations. The second caller cut off their alcoholic mother for safety reasons, but struggles with her presence at family gatherings.  Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466.  Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback.  Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support...