When You Feel Like You’re Failing as a Parent

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.



TODAY'S QUESTION:
"What can I do when I feel like I’m failing as a parent?"

The guilt, the overwhelm, the mental checklist of all the things that didn’t get done—and the ones you wish you had done differently. If you’ve ever ended the day wondering, “Am I even doing this right?”, you are so not alone.

In this episode, Vanessa offers a gentle reframe to those tough moments, helping you shift from shame to self-compassion. She reminds you that parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, growing, and making the most of the moments that matter.



TUNE IN TO LEARN:
Why feeling like you’re failing often means you care deeply
How to challenge harsh self-talk with grace and perspective
The importance of zooming out and seeing the big picture of parenting
Small reconnection moments that build lasting bonds with your child
How to focus on progress, not perfection


TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Feeling like you’re failing doesn’t mean you are—it means you’re in it, you’re trying, and you care. Parenting is messy, imperfect, and full of learning curves. But in those hard moments, you’re still planting seeds of love, patience, and resilience that will last a lifetime.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!


120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.