My name is Claire + I’m a control-aholic.
It’s true! I love control like the Julia Child loved butter. And although parenting is basically one long exercise in letting go of control, the truth is, I do have some control over my little ones. I decide we’re going to Mass on Sundays, and we go. I decide we’re having broccoli for dinner, and we do (although whether or not they eat is a whole ‘nother issue.) I decide we don’t watch movies that don’t align with our values, and we don’t. But there will come a day when I lose even that small, semblance of control.
On today’s show, writer Danielle Bean is talking about parenting older kids, and the grief that comes with letting older kids make their own decisions. We talk about the importance of realizing that our kids are their own people, and not letting your motherhood role become your entire identity. I love what Danielle has to say about the importance of letting yourself feel your feelings, as well her wisdom on raising teenagers. I hope this episode reminds all of the mamas out there that one day, our kids will grow up—and if they already have, that we are still mothers, even as we let that last inch of control slip from our fingers.
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Some people are seeking racial justice content at this time. Check out our episodes with Gloria Purvis, Danielle Brown, Marcia Lane-McGee, Nnenda Chinda, Shannon Schmidt, Alissa Molina, and Chika Anyanwu. Simply search their name + the Catholic Feminist—it’ll pop right up!
Topics discussed:
Why Danielle wrote her latest book
Danielle’s favorite age to parent
How to help kids who have fallen away from the faith
The importance of allowing yourself grief
Tips for raising teenagers
What’s been bringing Danielle closer to God lately