6. A Parenting Compass and Embracing Imperfection: The Parent Power and Imperfection Keys
In this episode, Dr Jo digs deeper into the Guilty Parent Club’s 6P Key Framework, focusing on how parents can reclaim their sense of purpose and find balance through the Parent Power and Parent Imperfection keys. Jo explores how understanding your own values, strengths and unique triggers can help you become a calmer, more confident parent, without falling into the trap of perfectionism. With practical exercises and real-life strategies, this episode is your invitation to press pause, reflect, and approach parenting with a bit more gentleness (towards yourself as much as your child).
Key topics covered:
- The Parent Power Key: discovering your direction as a parent and as an individual
- How unmet emotional needs and shifting identity can drive parental reactivity
- An adapted approach to the Japanese concept of Ikigai for parents
- The realities of imperfection in parenting and the dangers of chasing perfection
- Techniques for self-compassion, adjusting expectations, and breaking the cycle of self-criticism
Tune in for thoughtful advice and evidence-based tips to help you feel more anchored and supported, both as a parent and as a person.
For more support and resources, visit Dr Jo’s Guilty Parent Club community.
Don't forget to download the workbook that accompanies this podcast series here.
I'm Dr Jo Mueller, and I'm a Clinical Psychologist on a crusade to help as many parents as I can feel more confident in parenting your child in a human, imperfect way. Find out more about me and The Guilty Parent Club here.
The Guilty Parent Club: where good enough really is good enough.
Music credit: Joseph McDade