Parenting From the Sidelines: When Non-Parents Think They Know Best

Single Mothers, Absent Fathers, The Truth We Avoid.

Host LaFortune dismantles the harmful myth that single motherhood causes troubled children and shows how blaming moms ignores systemic issues like poverty, trauma, absent fathers, mass incarceration, underfunded schools, and lack of mental-health resources. The episode outlines what children really need—stability, emotional safety, mentorship, accountability from all adults, and community support—and honors the resilience of single parents who raise thriving kids despite enormous obstacles. Join the movement: every parent deserves a village. Visit momflex.org to install the MomFlex app and connect to financial help, trusted resources, and community support.

When Birth Comes Early: Surviving the NICU as a Single Parent

In this episode of Beyond the Struggle, Rise and Thrive, host LaFortune interviews Tami Gaines about her years-long NICU journey with micro-preemie twins and the challenges single parents face. Tami shares practical strategies—from setting intentions and boundaries to the PEACE mindset—for surviving the NICU, reclaiming purpose, and building community. This conversation offers hope, tangible resources, and encouragement for parents coping with prematurity, grief, and uncertainty. For more information about the MomFlex App visit www.momflex.org [http://www.momflex.org] To learn more about Tami Gaines visit: https://www.preemieparentsbook.com/

From Lost to Aligned: Coming Back to Yourself After Hardship

Today's episode explores how to find your way back to yourself after life knocks you off course. Whether you've experienced heartbreak, burnout, loss, or slow seasons of disconnection, this episode offers gentle steps—slowing down, asking what feels true now, and taking micro actions—to realign, reclaim identity, and rebuild with resilience. Grab a cup, breathe, and join us as we move from being lost to aligned—one small, intentional choice at a time.

Raising Neurodiverse Kids. How to Stay Calm, Connected, and Confident.

Host LaFortune sits down with Melissa Schultz, MSBC.BA, to explore real strategies for single parents raising neurodiverse children. They cover what neurodiversity means, common misconceptions, and how to stay calm, connected, and confident through meltdowns, school advocacy, and daily overwhelm. Listeners will learn simple, practical tools—reset techniques for parents, sensory and connection strategies, the "beads in a jar" idea for daily connection, and ways to advocate collaboratively with schools. Resources and support are highlighted, including MomFlexApp (visit momflex.org) and to learn more about what Melissa is doing and how she can help. Visit: https://www.melissaschulz.com/ [https://www.melissaschulz.com/] For her free guide go to: https://www.melissaschulz.com/free-guide [https://www.melissaschulz.com/free-guide]

Parenting From the Sidelines: When Non-Parents Think They Know Best

In this episode, we explore the frustration of unsolicited parenting advice from people who’ve never parented, how judgment wears parents down, and how compassion, boundaries, and community can make the journey gentler. You are not alone — keep showing up, keep rising, and keep thriving beyond the struggle. Visit www.momflex.org to join our village.