Bite Your Tongue: The Podcast

Another listener favorite! Today we discuss the sometimes difficult, yet rewarding relationships between mothers and daughters. We speak with Pam Tronson, parenting coach with a special certification in mother/daughter relationships. The connection between a mother and daughter is one of the strongest and most important family relationships. Accepting that it can be difficult and messy is key to being able to navigate the highs and lows. Bound by love we are often disappointed when our adult relationships with our daughters don’t meet the dream we had for that relationship. Pam offers solutions to help us let go of control and worry and avoid resentment. She discusses how the shame we feel, and the perceived “failed” relationship can get in the way of the repair that is needed.Resolution only requires one person to change the trajectory of the relationship. And showing one another that they are worth the effort is impactful.Beyond the personal stories and emotional shifts, Pam also discusses broader societal influences that affect motherhood. She addresses issues like parental anxiety, control, entitlement, and the normalization of worry. Highlighting the necessity of empathy and understanding different perspectives, Pam teaches us how redefining love and setting healthy boundaries can break the cycle of negative self-narratives. This episode is a treasure trove of heartfelt guidance, practical advice, and emotional support for anyone looking to navigate the complex, yet beautiful, bond between mothers and daughters.Learning to practice self-care and to love yourself is the key to setting the necessary boundaries to build better, more meaningful relationships with our daughters. It's always a good idea to listen again!Huge thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.Send ideas to biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com.Also remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And once again, with just a donation of $5 you can help us keep going!  Visit our website at biteyourtonguepodcast.com and select SUPPORT US.  You can buy a "virtual" cup of coffee for $5 and it will make a huge difference.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

Ever felt the sting of disappointment when your adult children don't quite live up to your dreams for them? Join us in a special rewind episode where we sit down with the insightful Jane Adams, PhD, author of "When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us."  Jane unpacks the emotional rollercoaster that many parents experience, offering her personal story and expert advice for letting go and allowing children to grow into their unique identities. Her years as a social psychologist and parent coach shine through, providing listeners with practical strategies to foster authentic and loving relationships with their adult kids.We also tackle the heavy burden of parental guilt, especially in extreme situations like incarceration or drug addiction. We delve into the difference between guilt and regret, encouraging parents to support their children healthily without being consumed by unwarranted guilt. Setting boundaries and providing structured support are key themes as we also touch on the complexities of financial support and sibling rivalry. We wrap up by engaging our listeners for feedback and suggestions, stressing the importance of open communication within families. Tune in for a comforting and enlightening episode that promises to reshape your perspective on parenting adult children.Huge thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.Send ideas to biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com.Also remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And once again, with just a donation of $5 you can help us keep going!  Visit our website at biteyourtonguepodcast.com and select SUPPORT US.  You can buy a "virtual" cup of coffee for $5 and it will make a huge difference.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

We are answering your questions!  When our inbox fills with numerous questions on a particular topic from listeners, we know it's time for a dedicated podcast episode addressing those questions.  However, not every query requires a full episode but each deserves an insightful answer. In this special installment, we've compiled questions from you—our listeners via email and social media—and provided answers that we hope will resonate with many.In this episode, we cover:Building strong bonds despite time and distance challenges.Navigating generational expectations and enhancing communication skills.Establishing healthy boundaries during divorce to support children without overstepping.Exploring how motivational interviewing techniques can empower adult children facing their own challenges.Addressing sibling estrangement and more.We conclude with heartfelt discussions and actionable advice aimed at fostering stronger, healthier family relationships.Special thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer. Share your thoughts with us at biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support Our Podcast: You can support us with a donation as small as $5—equivalent to buying us a "virtual" cup of coffee. Consider joining our squad with an annual membership starting at just $5 per month.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

In this episode we talk to Francine Russo, Francine Russo, a renowned journalist and author of "Love After 50: How to Find It, Enjoy It, and Keep It." Francine shares her personal journey through widowhood and divorce, and the unique advantages of finding love later in life. She says new love in later years is the best love. Listen and find out why.Merging families in adulthood, also known as adult stepfamilies or later lifestyle families, can be challenging.  Some say it can take up to five years to create harmony, and that the divorce rate is higher for people who marry a second time. Then there are the issues of pre-nuptials, estate planning and making sure your children are not left of the mix. This tends to be even more challenging with a second marriage, especially if you both have children from previous marriages or relationships. We talk bout the legalities to consider prior to plunging into a second marriage. A significant difference in age and financial resources can also cause difficulties and potential delays. However, the consequences of avoiding this conversation are even more dire in a blended family because laws affecting estate distribution have been written to better fit the needs of a traditional first marriage.We also talk about how to approach the sensitive topics of dating and divorce with your adult children and practical tips on when to introduce your new partner.A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer. Share your thoughts with us at biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support Our Podcast:You can support our podcast with a donation as small as $5, the equivalent of buying us a “virtual” cup of coffee. Consider joining our squad with an annual membership starting at just $5 per month. Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

We delve into the world of pregnancy and fertility challenges that our young adult children are facing. With couples taking longer to marry or start families, this has become a significant issue for young adults, and as parents, it’s crucial for us to understand the landscape. A listener reached out to request an exploration of this topic, so we invited Elizabeth King, a Certified Life Coach specializing in Fertility, Miscarriage, and New Mom Support, to join us. Elizabeth, a proud IVF warrior and mother of three children born after age 40, brings invaluable insights and experience to the conversation.We discuss:Options for Young Couples: Our guest highlights that while the expenses can be significant, many companies offer partial coverage, and there are also grants and resources available. You can find more information and resources here.Miscarriage and Infertility: We dive into the emotional and psychological impacts of miscarriage and infertility.  We also discuss how we can be supportive.Finding Trustworthy CareAdvances in Science.A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer, for making this episode possible. We love hearing from you! Share your thoughts with us at biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support Our Podcast:You can support our podcast with a donation as small as $5, the equivalent of buying us a “virtual” cup of coffee. Consider joining our squad with an annual membership starting at just $5 per month. Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

What if simply engaging in thoughtful conversations could transform your understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community? In our latest episode of Bite Your Tongue, we celebrate Pride Month with the Emmy-nominated Matthew Rodriguez, the insightful host and executive producer of "It's Okay to Ask Questions." Through heartfelt narratives and candid discussions, we unravel the complexities surrounding pronoun respect, gender identity, and the often-overlooked struggles of intersex and transgender individuals. Hear the poignant story of Pidgeon Pigonas, an intersex individual subjected to surgeries without consent, and understand the far-reaching implications for intersex and transgender rights. We also explore the evolving role of parents in supporting their children's diverse dreams and aspirations. Reflecting on personal experiences and shared stories, we highlight the importance of allyship, education, and vocal support in creating a more inclusive environment.  Tune in to learn how to engage in meaningful conversations and build stronger, more understanding relationships with your adult children.A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer, for making this episode possible. We love hearing from you! Share your thoughts with us at biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support Our Podcast:You can support our podcast with a donation as small as $5, the equivalent of buying us a “virtual” cup of coffee. Consider joining our squad with an annual membership starting at just $5 per month.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

What happens when your sweet, funny, smart, enthusiastic child turns out to have a mental illness? Where do you go for help? Who do you turn to for advice? And what if those institutions and experts fail you and more importantly, fail your young adult? What happens when everywhere you look for help or support you come up disappointed and alone? In today’s episode we hear from a couple whose family, much like any of ours, has been turned upside down because of a drastic change in their son’s mental health, subsequent drug issues, and the failure of our mental health systems that we assume are trained well enough to handle these challenges.It is a silent struggle we bring a voice to today.   The Holtons bear their souls, recounting their son Patrick's descent from youthful athleticism to one ensnared by the clutches of dextromethorphan abuse.  Sometimes called Robo-Tripping.  The drug of choice is Robitussin, easily accessible over the counter to just about anyone.Their narrative addresses the sometimes treacherous waters of the healthcare system, the cold reality of guardianship rights, and the isolation that so often accompanies mental health crises.The Holten share their story in hopes that it will help other families with a young adult facing similar challenges.  They suggest support networks such as NAMI and and the necessity of perseverance when confronting mental illness and substance abuse. Their experiences shed light on the significance of seeking the right medical advice, staying the course despite heartbreak, and cherishing the moments of joy amidst the pain. Links: https://www.nami.orgA big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Send your thoughts to biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support us with a donation as little as $5 (purchasing a “virtual” cup of coffee).  Or joining our squad with a year's membership as low as $5 per month.  Link here now:  SUPPORT US.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

This episode will defy nearly everything we've talked about over the past few years.Our guest Jeffrey Arnett, Ph.D is renowned for proposing coined the theory and term “emerging adult” in the early 2000’s.   He characterizes this stage of life by exploration, instability, and boundless optimism.But when we talk about technology, sex, and societal patterns he outwardly rejects much of the current research and tells us why. We take a look at how things have changed since his original book in 2013 Getting to 30: A Parent’s Guide to the 20-Something Years to his latest book Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road from Late Teens Through the Twenties.  What we talk about:Significant changes that have occurred over the past decade. We tackle the topic of sex and how the current generation's approach to it has evolved. We get to the digital world and how completely disagrees with much of the so-called research and its lack of firm causation results.He also offers some advice for staying connected to your young adults and leaves us with an optimistic view.He discusses the historical pattern of societal issues and how they played out in past generations (including ours!) And we touch on our grandchildren’s generation and the recent Los Angeles Times article “Millennials Gave Birth to ‘Generation Alpha.’ Are these kids already doomed?” Our takeaway is that maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to stereotype any generation. Maybe we allow them to come out of the emerging adulthood stage as fully realized adults and they will prove all the naysayers wrong. Listen and let us know what you think.A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Send your thoughts to biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support us with a donation as little as $5 (purchasing a “virtual” cup of coffee).  Or joining our squad with a year's membership as low as $5 per month.  Link here now:  SUPPORT US.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

When we think of Mother's Day, we often envision breakfast in bed or a sweet card, but the truth is, the gifts that mothers cherish most are the bonds they share with their children, no matter their age. That is what we hear today from our guests. Mary Dell Harrington and Lisa Heffernan. They are the founders of Grown & Flown, the very popular website and social media stops. Together, we unpack the transition from managing a bustling household to adapting to an 'empty nest', and how this shift doesn't mean the end of parenting, but the beginning of a new chapter.We get a behind the scenes look at how they started, what is the most valuable advice they've learned and what they see on the horizon.We talk about so much including:Adapting different strategies for each child's unique needsSignificance of Mother's Day to many and how to set clear expectationsMulti-generation living and why taking the failure out of "failure to launch" is so importantHow the pandemic has re-shaped our understanding of family living situations.Complexities of financial support and how to handle itSpirituality, mental health and so much more.Grown and Flown LinksLink here for College Admissions: Grown and Flown membership helps parents through the college admissions process. Sign up for theirnewsletter here.  Link here to join their community o parents of teens, college students, young adults.  A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Send your thoughts to biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support us with a donation as little as $5 (purchasing a “virtual” cup of coffee).  Or joining our squad with a year's membership as low as $5 per month.  Link here now:  SUPPORT US.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

This episode dives deep into resilience.  We talk to a resilience expert and parenting coach about how to build resilience - in ourselves and our adult children. Why do we sometimes look at the bad and forget to remember and be grateful for the positive?  Our guests explain that neuroscience tells us that we are programmed to look at the negative and much more difficult to remind ourselves of the positives.  We discuss the  process that involves building our resilience muscles, such as positivity, confidence, and creativity.  Our guests are Linda Hoopes, founder of the Resilience Alliance , a licensed psychologist whose professional work focuses on resilience.   Joining Linda is Kris Burbank, a parenting coach for all stages of life to enhance their skills as professionals, parents, and partners. Together they co-authored the book, Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories and Strategies for Raising Children with Disabilities.Though originally targeted for parents of families with children with disabilities, the book has grabbed the attention of all parents struggling to find their strength in parenting as their children move through life into young adulthood.Their book begins with this quote from Winnie the Pooh to Christopher Robin:“Promise me you’ll always remember.  That you’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem.  And smarter than you know.”   A big thank you to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Send your thoughts to biteyourtongue@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Support us with a donation as little as $5 (purchasing a “virtual” cup of coffee).  Or joining our squad with a year's membership as low as $5 per month.  Link here now:  SUPPORT US.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.