In today’s episode, we are exploring the 1-on-1 sexual instinct and how it shapes our relationships, desires, and even our personal growth. Many of us experience an intense need for deep, one-on-one connections, but few realize how much this instinct impacts not just our romantic lives but all areas of connection. Whether you're wondering why you crave intense relationships, struggle when the ‘honeymoon phase’ ends, or want to better understand your own instinctual needs, this episode is for...

Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is...

Uncover a new layer of the Enneagram as we dive into the incredibly impactful world of the instinctual subtypes. In this episode, we focus on the self-preservation instinct—a survival-driven instinct that influences every part of life, from daily routines to family dynamics. Learn how self-preservation types prioritize safety, comfort, and health, and why they often feel the need to be prepared for any situation. Whether it's turning their home into a cozy sanctuary or meticulously planning...

In this episode of Not So Normal Parenting, we take a deep dive into the Competency Triad of the Enneagram, focusing on both parents who identify as Type 1 (The Perfectionist), Type 3 (The Achiever), or Type 5 (The Observer), and how to parent children with these types. Whether you are a Type 1, 3, or 5 yourself or raising a child with these tendencies, you’ll discover how these types push emotions aside to solve problems logically, especially in relation to systems like work, family, or...

In this episode, we’re tackling a common struggle for many parents: reactivity—especially for those in the Enneagram reactivity triad: Types 4, 6, and 8. If you often feel frustrated or overwhelmed in those tough parenting moments, this episode is for you. What you’ll learn today: How to Hold Realistic Expectations for yourself and your child’s behavior. How to Harness Your Triggers so they no longer control your reactions. How to Heal Through Guided Thoughts, personalized for your Enneagram...

Welcome back to our 9-part series on the Enneagram triads! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the Reactivity Triad, which includes Types 4, 6, and 8—personalities that tend to respond to stress with emotional intensity and immediate reactions. These types externalize their feelings when they don’t get what they want or when their needs are unmet, often displaying frustration, anxiety, or anger. We’ll explore the three key aspects of how these types cope: how they process emotions...

In this episode, "Understanding the Positive Outlook Types: Exploring Enneagram Types 2, 7, and 9," we kick off a 9-part series by diving into the Harmonic Triads of the Enneagram. We explore the Positive Outlook Triad, focusing on: Type 2 (The Helper): Learn how Type 2s maintain harmony by focusing on others' needs, often neglecting their own, and how they can grow by embracing self-care and acknowledging their own emotions. Type 7 (The Enthusiast): Discover how Type 7s avoid discomfort...

Did you know that a simple marshmallow can predict your child's future success? In this episode, we dive into the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, a groundbreaking study packed with insights for parents. Here’s what you’ll learn: The Power of Delayed Gratification: Understand how a child's ability to wait for a reward is linked to greater success in academics, health, and social skills. Consistency Builds Trust and Self-Control: Discover how consistent parenting, with clear rewards and...

Tune in to Episode 33 of Not So Normal Parenting as Wendy discusses the important topic of childhood anxiety  with Dr. Jaylynne Koch, Developmental Psychologist, counselor and play therapist.  Topics covered are: How personality factors into anxiety. Nontypical symptoms that may not look like anxiety. How anxiety and ADHD can be interchangeable. The four triggers: Physical, The Unknown, Incongruance and Shoulds. Coping Strategies such as coregulation, externalizing, exposure therapy and...

I am so thrilled to have Dr. Brandon, pediatrician and founder of Colorado Kid's Pediatrics, to chat about how traits like social awkwardness, anxiety, defiance, OCD, homework struggles or impulsivity could be symptoms of ADHD.   This episode will be beyond helpful if you have a child that is exhibiting any of these traits: Many parents don't realize that all of these behaviors can be symptoms of ADD or ADHD which are on the rise due to all the stimulation children are experiencing in this...

In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the dynamic world of an INTJ Type 1 mother raising her free-spirited ENFP Type 7 daughter. With a focus on the contrasts and complements between the thinking and feeling brains, we explore how these personality types uniquely influence their parenting and child-rearing experiences. Shana, an INTJ mother known for her structured approach and keen sense of order, shares her personal journey towards understanding and embracing her daughter Savannah's...

Today’s episode tackles the critical issue of smartphone use and excessive screen time among children, specifically focusing on Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. As a parent to two "Zoomers," the host shares personal insights and expert research to confront the rising mental health challenges faced by today's youth. This discussion will cover: Impact on Brain Development: Highlighting how screen time can negatively affect the frontal cortex of children's brains, impairing impulse...

  In this episode, we dive deep into the back-to-school season, a time both exciting and daunting for parents and children alike. As some families have already begun the new academic year, the focus shifts to establishing a productive morning routine—one that sets the tone for a successful day ahead. Benjamin Franklin famously said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." This wisdom underscores our discussion as we explore practical strategies to help your family avoid...

INFJ’s are one of the rarest types representing less than 1% of the population. Today my interview is with Elizabeth Reed Watkins who just published a memoir of her life growing up in Maine entitled the Maine Thing. We will discuss how she parents her four very different kids and she gives advice for parents with an INFJ child. She is also an Enneagram Type 3, so this episode will resonate with all the over achievers out there as well. Going back through her journey we talk about vivid...

Do you have a child who is facing college in the next few years or a child who has dropped out? Many students drop out of college early because they weren’t ready. Maybe you know that the classroom is not your child’s happy place or your child hasn’t done their best in school. This episode discusses how college is not the only path to consider for your child’s future. Sometimes practical lion types and other perceiving free-spirited, creative or neurodivergent types prefer non-traditional...

April Fallon is host of the Adoption Now podcast. She and her husband Noah, adopted four kids from birth, AJ, Lilly, Vivvy and Malia. In this episode she talks about parenting her kids as a type 7 and how she has had to adjust her parenting based on her kids unique needs. She wondered what behaviors were trauma related and what was personality. She talks about how knowing their type has helped her finally relax and know her kids love her. She talks about spending three years serving in Africa...

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant Type 7 personality, also known as The Enthusiast or "the straw that stirs the drink" Type 7s are characterized by their exuberance and ability to juggle multiple interests, yet they often face challenges with escapism, FOMO (fear of missing out), and feelings of isolation,  inadequeacy, exhaustion and frustration. This episode is full of practical strategies for Type 7s to reframe their thoughts and navigate these emotions. Whether you're a Type 7...

In this episode, we explore Enneagram Type 6, often called the Loyalist or the Loyal Skeptic. Type 6s, part of the head center, are concerned with safety and security, often struggling with fear and anxiety. We discuss five common thought patterns they face: Anxiety, Indecision, Insecurity, Distrust, and Overwhelm. Key Highlights: Anxiety: Overthinking worst-case scenarios is common for Type 6s. Examples include Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. and Marlin from Finding Nemo. Strategies to...

In this episode, we dive into Enneagram Type 5, known as "The Investigator," exploring their unique traits and challenges. Whether you're parenting a Type 5 or are one yourself, you'll relate to their deep introspection and desire for knowledge, often likened to feeling like a unicorn in a world of more outgoing personalities. Type 5s are intensely private and introverted, preferring solitary activities to conserve their emotional and intellectual resources. We discuss their core...

In this episode I interview Erin Lockwood who travels all over the world with her family to create their YouTube channel called Always Be Changing. Erin is an ESFJ Ox, type 2 on the Enneagram. She is parenting three children and two of them are her opposites. Her son Colt is an ENTP Eagle, who tested as gifted, but doesn’t respond well to discipline and a typical school environment. Her daughter Brooklyn is an ISTP, the same type as my daughter, but a type 5 on the Enneagram, which will be...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Enneagram Type 4, also known as the Romantic or Individualist. If you are a Type 4 or raising one, you are likely familiar with their deep emotional landscape, creativity, and struggles with feelings of envy and loneliness. Host [Your Name], a Type 4 herself, shares personal insights and practical strategies learned from years of transforming negative thoughts and emotions. This episode provides valuable tips for understanding and...

Today’s episode is about the Type 3 Achiever, which is a type that almost everyone resonates with. Because America is the land of the three, the land of chasing success. Almost everyone, including myself has fallen into the  comparison trap and found themselves feeling inadequate or like they aren’t enough. Is your to do list a mile long? Do you have a hard time relaxing? Type 2, 3 and 4 are all in the heart center, focused on receiving attention and presenting a certain image. A Type 2 wants...

In this episode, we shift focus from the body center to the heart center, which includes Enneagram types 2, 3, and 4. The heart center deals with issues of attention and self-image, often grappling with feelings of grief, shame, and worthlessness. We dive deep into the characteristics of Type 2s, who derive their self-worth from being helpful and appreciated by others, but may struggle with insecurity and dependence on external validation. We'll discuss how to identify and reframe negative...

In this transformative episode, Wendy Gossett shares personal insights and practices that can change your life. Kicking off a new Enneagram series, Wendy discusses the struggles of all nine types, starting with Type 9, the Peacemaker. Learn how these struggles affect thoughts and feelings, and discover ways to reframe thoughts to improve your well-being and coach your children effectively. Explore Wendy's this podcast launched in April 2024, for more insights on Myers-Briggs and the...