#221 – Parenting Essentials: Self-Care and Building a Supportive Community with Mariela Desantiago

In this episode of the 'Parenting with Confidence' podcast, host Teresa Alexander Inman speaks with Mariela de Santiago, host of the 'New Mom Talk' podcast. Mariela shares her experiences and insights on parenting, emphasizing the importance of self-care and building a support system. They discuss validating children's emotions, managing stress, setting boundaries, and the value of creating joyful memories. Mariela also talks about her role as a special education teacher and how it contributed to her parenting approach. The conversation provides practical tips for parents and highlights the importance of taking care of oneself to be the best parent possible. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:26 Mariela's Parenting Journey 00:56 Creating a Supportive Space for Moms 03:09 Managing Parenting Challenges 07:44 Self-Care Tips for Parents 10:23 Balancing Housework and Quality Time 13:07 The Importance of Creating Memories 19:46 Wisdom from Special Ed Teaching 21:37 Managing Transitions with Kids 22:06 Understanding Children's Executive Functioning 22:44 The Importance of Preparation 23:05 Relating to Adult Experiences 23:30 Validating Children's Feelings 24:37 Building Trust with Your Child 25:56 The Role of a Support System 29:02 Asking for Help and Setting Boundaries 31:09 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents 35:19 Final Thoughts and Resources