Check out this episode where Melissa dives into the ups and downs of being a dual income household, raising three kids with different age gaps! She shares what it's like juggling motherhood and a career, plus her unique experience of parenting while living abroad. From navigating cultural differences to handling severe food allergies, Melissa's journey is full of relatable moments and insights.

Highlights:

How having kids with age gaps brings both challenges and unexpected perks.
Balancing work and motherhood—finding what works for you.
Life as an expat parent: The adventure, the culture shock, and everything in between.
Different cultures' attitudes toward children and how that shapes parenting.
The tricky reality of raising a child with severe food allergies.
The joy of seeing the world through your child's curious eyes.
If you're a parent or curious about raising kids in diverse settings, you won't want to miss this episode!

Keywords: parenting, age gaps, career, expat life, cultural differences, independence, food allergies, adapting, joy.

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Paige:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheisapaigeturner

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

How can parents navigate the guilt and pressures of modern parenting?

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Blake, a former copywriter and creative director turned TikTok sensation, best known for his "This Week in Fatherhood" series. We'll explore the nuances of sober parenting, the impact of COVID-19 on family dynamics, and the hidden challenges and joys of raising children. Blake opens up about losing his mother to cancer, career instability, and transitioning to fatherhood amid a global pandemic. We'll also touch on the double standards in parental recognition, the significance of martial arts in Blake's life, and the bittersweet realities of balancing a social media presence with family privacy.

Tune in to hear:

• The complex feelings parents have about screen time for both themselves and their kids and how it often leads to unnecessary guilt.
• Reflections on parenting during the pandemic and how isolation and fear impacted Blake’s early fatherhood journey and heightened anxiety as a parent.
• How the profound grief from losing his mom prepared Blake in unexpected ways for fatherhood
• Blake’s journey with sobriety and how it has significantly impacted his ability to be more present and engaged as a father.
• They key advice Blake would give to new parents: lower your expectations—for your kids and yourself—and embrace the surprises and imperfections of parenthood.

Learn more about Blake here: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com/our-guests/blake

Connect with Blake:

Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@blakeoftoday

Instagram: instagram.com/@blakeoftoday

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Paige:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheisapaigeturner

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

What do you do when your birth plan starts to fall apart, and how do you advocate for yourself?

In today’s episode, we dive into the often unspoken realities of childbirth and maternal mental health with our guest, Valerie. She shares her raw and powerful story of a traumatic birth experience, lack of paid leave and her journey of resilience and healing. Together, we explore the impact of childbirth trauma, the urgent need for better maternity leave policies, and how therapy and open conversations can be transformative.

Tune in to hear:

• The importance of preparing for every possible birth scenario, advocating for oneself, and being well-informed about different childbirth methods, including vaginal birth, c-sections, and induction
• The benefits of EMDR therapy and time in coping with PTSD and the crucial role of mental health support during the postpartum period
• An exploration of the gaps in maternity leave policies and support for expecting mothers and calling for better resources and flexibility to balance work and family life
• The importance of normalizing discussions around traumatic birth experiences and the mental health challenges associated with childbirth to provide comfort and help break the isolation many new mothers feel

Learn more about Valerie here: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com/our-guests/valerie

Connect with Valerie:

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valerieoresko

Instagram: www.instagram.com/valerieoresko

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Paige:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheisapaigeturner

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms