In this episode of The Inadequate Mother, Hayley is joined by confidence coach Claire Elizabeth to unpack the complex and often misunderstood concept of codependency. Together, they explore how codependent tendencies can stem from childhood experiences, impact romantic relationships, friendships, and most importantly, shape parenting styles.

From personal stories of being raised in households affected by addiction to the emotional challenges of motherhood, Hayley and Claire discuss:

• What is codependency? A deep dive into how codependent patterns develop and manifest in everyday life.


• Parenting and codependency: The struggle to balance connection with fostering independence in children.


• Romantic relationships: Breaking free from unhealthy dynamics and recognising patterns like over-giving and emotional rescuing.


• Practical tips for overcoming codependency: Claire shares actionable steps, including boundary-setting, journaling, and tools to build self-awareness and emotional resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Codependency is often rooted in early life experiences and can manifest as either over-giving or over-relying on others.


• Setting boundaries and fostering internal emotional resilience are crucial steps toward healthier relationships.


• The importance of allowing children to navigate challenges independently to build emotional strength.

Recommended Resources:

• Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.


• The Holistic Psychologist on Instagram for insights on self-healing and boundaries.

Connect with Claire Elizabeth:

• Website: Claire Elizabeth Coaching


• Instagram: @claire.elizabeth.coaching


• Podcast: The Confidence Podcast\

Connect with Hayley:

• Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco

Join Hayley and Claire for an open, heartfelt discussion filled with personal revelations and insights into navigating codependency in relationships and parenting. If you’ve ever felt the weight of over-giving or struggled to set boundaries, this episode is for you.

This podcast is produced by Bloody Vegans Productions