Happy New Year! We made it to 2025. And if the first few weeks are any indication, it looks like we might be in for a bit of a bumpy ride.

Which is why I open this month’s “Good Enough Parenting” episode with the reminder that tapping into things that bring us joy is not a luxury as parents – it’s a necessity for your family’s well-being. Whether it’s catching a movie, meeting up with a friend or simply savoring a quiet coffee, prioritizing things that fill your cup isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

To start my year, I indulged in a favorite tradition: seeing a Broadway show solo. This time, it was Our Town—front row and close enough to get spit on by Jim Parsons (yes, it was worth it).

Watching those turn-of-the-century moms yell for their kids to come to breakfast reminded me of something important:

• Some parenting struggles are timeless (like kids not listening the first, second, or third time).
• And parents losing their cool? Yeah, that hasn’t changed in 125 years either.

In this month’s episode, we’re diving into:

 ✨ How to stop “shoulding” all over yourself and your kids.
 📺 Proven strategies for managing transitions (like turning off YouTube without tears).
 🌱 Why letting go of unrealistic expectations frees you to trust that your kids will grow toward the light—in their own messy, beautiful ways.

Here’s to a year of realistic expectations, more joy, and a whole lot of good enough. 

To get Carley’s free video teaching you 4 play therapy techniques you can use TODAY to calm your emotional child and bring joy and freedom back to family life click here!
http://www.paceparent.com/play

And follow her @CarleyCounsels on FB & IG!