About this episode

The episode discusses feelings of failure in parenting and offers insights on managing these emotions.

We always say, "parenting is more about transformation than perfection." The discussion explores feelings of failure, shame, fear, and regret that many parents experience. Lauren Whitman, author and counselor, shares insights, and talks about the importance of naming deeper emotions, repairing relationships through apology, and maintaining a gospel-shaped identity to combat negative self-talk. We also take a listener question about parental overwhelm and reactive behavior, offering compassionate guidance to a struggling mother.   When Parents Feel Like Failures: How Jesus Quiets Our Distress   Take The Free Parenting Assessment Tool   Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email   Support the show!   If you enjoyed listening to Practice Makes Parent with Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James, please give us your feedback.  

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Danny Huerta, Rebecca St. James

Guest: Lauren Whitman

Topics covered

• parenting
• feelings of failure
• shame
• gospel-shaped identity
• parental overwhelm
• reactive behavior

Keywords

• parenting
• failure
• shame
• emotions
• relationships
• apology
• self-talk
• overwhelm

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Focus on the Family

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• Messy Parenting · March 18, 2026 · 49 min
• Teaching Teens Healthy Communication & Conflict Resolution · March 11, 2026 · 44 min

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