About this episode

The episode discusses the unexpected challenges of parenting teenagers and the shifting nature of stress as children grow older.

This week is a shorter conversation — because sometimes that’s all we have the bandwidth for. We were told parenting would get easier when our kids got older. We believed it. And then… they got older. The double stroller stress turns into adult-problem stress. The toddler chaos turns into late-night phone anxiety. The mental load doesn’t disappear — it just changes. If you’ve ever thought, Shouldn’t this feel easier by now? you are not alone. The stress shifting doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re still a parent. Take a few minutes with us this week. We’re right there with you.

More episodes of This Is Not What I Was Expecting

• What If Your Kids Don't Remember The Things You Feel Guilty About? · April 23, 2026 · 41 min
• Pride, Pressure, and ‘What’s Next?’ After Graduation (The Part No One Talks About) · April 9, 2026 · 32 min
• The High Cost of Being a Good Parent Right Now · March 26, 2026 · 32 min
• When Your Life Is a Dumpster Fire But You Still Have to Be a Mom · March 14, 2026 · 33 min
• The IEP Says They’re Fine — But Real Life Is Telling a Different Story · February 12, 2026 · 28 min
• When Everyone's Needs Are Urgent and Yours Are Always Last · January 29, 2026 · 37 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Is Not What I Was Expecting podcast page.