The Paula Faris Show

MOMFESSIONS: Why Girls Are a Heartache and Boys Are a Heart Attack and  (And What We Get Wrong About Raising Them)

I’ve always said: boys are a heart attack and girls are a heartache. And if you’ve ever rushed a son to the ER or helped your daughter navigate friendship drama, you probably know exactly what I mean We’re back with Momfessions–our month-long series, talking about how we really feel about some of parenting's biggest, hottest topics. And I’m joined by my teammate at CARRY Media [https://carrymedia.com/], Kristen White, a mom to three boys.  This week: Why We Raise Boys and Girls Differently (Without Even Realizing It) It got me thinking: are those differences really about our kids…or about how we’re raising them?  Kristin and I talk about the stereotypes we’ve accepted, the double standards we don’t even notice, and the different expectations we place on our sons and daughters, from emotions and independence to responsibility and resilience. And my biggest takeaway? Maybe we need to stop telling our boys to “man up” and start teaching all our kids to simply be good humans. This one might make you laugh, cringe, and rethink a few things (it certainly did for me). Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:08] Baptism by Boy Mom Life [0:03:20] Girls are Heartache, Boys are Heart Attack [0:04:00] When the ER Becomes Your Second Home [0:05:25] The Golf Course Splinter Saga [0:08:09] Girl Drama, Social Media, and Mama Heartache [0:09:31] Caroline’s Leadership vs. Little Brother Chaos In this episode, we are diving into the unique challenges of parenting boys and girls, how gender stereotypes and societal expectations shape our approach to parenting, and the importance of being intentional as we raise confident, compassionate children with strong character. Connect with Paula on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en] Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  [https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/] THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is on Substack!!  [https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/] Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6a0290eee8af687e0799c64e/t/6a0d1c6a9732d7076d9c61de/1779244138649/CARRY+Media+-+Savor+Summer.pdf] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

MOMFESSIONS: Why Summer Isn’t A Break

We’re back with Momfessions–—our month-long series, talking about how we really feel about some of parenting's biggest, hottest topics. And I’m joined by my teammate at CARRY Media [https://carrymedia.com/], Kristen White, a mom to three boys.  This week: Why Summer Isn't a Break. We spend all year dreaming about summer, but when it finally arrives, many of us are juggling childcare, camps, schedules, work, guilt, and the pressure to make it all feel magical.  In this episode, we're sharing our real thoughts about summer, why so many parents feel exhausted before it even begins, and practical ways to enjoy it without burning out. Plus, Kristen introduces a simple idea called "Proof of Mom" that just might change the way you experience this season. Because your kids aren't the only ones allowed to have a summer. Let's Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:37] Complicated Feelings About Kids Home All Day [0:01:08] Expectation vs Reality of the Perfect Summer [0:03:25] Proof of Mom and Moms in Their Own Memories [0:05:01] The Impossible Math of Summer Childcare [0:09:27] Lowering the Bar on a Magical Summer In this episode, we are digging into summer parenting challenges for working parents, including summer childcare and scheduling issues, managing the mental load, letting go of unrealistic expectations and the pressure to make summer magical, why it's okay for kids to be bored, and why children benefit from seeing their parents enjoy summer, hobbies, and personal time too. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en] Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  [https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/] THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!!  [https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/] Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6a0290eee8af687e0799c64e/t/6a0d1c6a9732d7076d9c61de/1779244138649/CARRY+Media+-+Savor+Summer.pdf] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

MOMFESSIONS: We Survived Maycember. Barely.

All month long, Kristen White and I are sharing our Momfessions – how we really feel about some of parenting’s biggest, messiest, most talked-about topics. Kristen is my teammate at CARRY Media [https://carrymedia.com/] and a boy mom to three boys, so trust me: we have thoughts. First up: Maycember. You know…the month we just survived. But barely.  It’s the month that feels like December-level chaos but delivers exactly none of the holiday magic. Concerts. Field days. Teacher gifts. Sports banquets. Spirit weeks. Summer planning. Working. Parenting. Existing. Graduations!  In this episode, we’re looking back at what May did to us, why modern parenting feels unsustainable this time of year, and practical ways to make sure next May doesn’t completely take us out. Because if next May looks exactly like this May…we may not make it. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:00] Maycember Overwhelm for Parents [0:06:59] Mental Load and Triple Logistics in May [0:09:54] Letting Go of Guilt and Missed Events [0:18:38] You Can’t Do It All, and That’s Okay [0:21:03] Minimum Viable Parenting Mindset [0:24:16] Evolving Beyond the Pinterest Mom [0:24:57] Workplaces Need May Flexibility In this episode, we are digging into surviving the chaos of “Maycember,” the challenges of balancing school activities with standard work hours, how our communication with our kids shapes their perceptions, practical strategies for managing busy families, giving yourself grace as a parent, and how employers can better support working parents during the demanding month of May. Connect with Paula on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en] Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  [https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/] THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is now on Substack!!  [https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

I Wish Someone Had Told Me My Kid’s Graduation Would Wreck Me

I knew this would be emotional.  I just didn’t realize it would be this hard. In the final episode of my I Wish Someone Had Told Me series, I’m sitting down with Niro Feliciano—a mom of four who’s already been through this—to talk about my daughter’s graduation…and honestly, I’m a hot mess. People can try to explain what the moment is like, but until you’re in it, it’s hard to fully comprehend. Someone once described it as “grief wrapped in celebration,” and honestly, that’s the best way to put it. You’re so proud. Super excited for them.And at the same time… you’re trying to process how fast it all went. We talk about: * That “weird trifecta” of emotions—happy, sad, and everything in between * How the rhythm of your family changes overnight * And what’s on the other side of this: a different, and often deeper, relationship with your child Niro is also our comfort animal (lol) because she offers perspective, encouragement, and the reminder that this season—while hard—is also full of growth and beauty. If you’re in this season—or heading toward it—let’s talk about it.  Because it’s not the end, but it is a change. And it’s okay to feel all of it. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more:  * [0:03:03] Mixed emotions of grief and celebration around a child’s graduation * [0:04:59] Parenting goal framed as launching capable, confident, independent kids * [0:08:35] Graduation grief linked to the speed of childhood and the passage of time * [0:16:09] New grief opening a box of earlier grief and regrets about parents * [0:17:09] Practical strategies: choose moments to be present and plan future anchors In this episode, we are digging into why high school graduation can feel like grief wrapped in celebration, how parenting years pass so quickly, why major life transitions can resurface past grief, the evolving parent-child relationship after graduation, and practical advice for parents navigating every stage of raising teens and young adults. THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!! https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/ [https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/] Paula’s Newsletter https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/ Connect with Paula on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en] Niro Felicano  [https://www.nirofeliciano.com/] Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off [https://thepeachiespoon.com/?rfsn=8647660.93b706f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8647660.93b706f] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

I Wish Someone Had Told Me Perimenopause Could Affect My Mental Health This Much

There was a season not long ago when I didn’t feel like myself at all. Overwhelmed. Emotional. In a really dark place. No one really prepares you for this part. Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes and mood swings; it can quietly impact your mental health in ways you don’t expect. Even though I could point to many of the reasons… I wasn’t at all prepared for how deeply it would affect me. In this episode, I’m opening up about that season, and I’m joined by my friend, psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, to help make sense of what so many women in midlife are quietly experiencing. For many of us, it’s a perfect storm: grief, stress, shifting identity, and hormonal changes all colliding at once. We talk about: * Why some women experience anxiety or depression for the first time * Why this stage of life can feel so emotionally intense * How hormonal shifts impact your brain, mood, and sense of self * And what actually helps: support, connection, and getting the right kind of care If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or not like yourself… you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry this by yourself. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  [0:03:17] Suicide Risk Peaks at Midlife [0:06:49] Therapy as Lifeline in the Darkest Season [0:13:10] Dopamine, Screens & Perimenopause Vulnerability [0:15:11] HRT, Testosterone & Rethinking SSRIs [0:21:18] Social Health, Friendship & Longevity In this episode, we are diving into how perimenopause affects mental health, including hormone-related mood changes, stress, anxiety, and depression, the “perfect storm” of emotional challenges and stressors in midlife, finding the right therapist, and the powerful role of friendship and emotional support in overall wellness.  If you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]