Parenting with Authenticity

Prepare to be inspired to think about parenting from a different perspective---and to think about your own childhood and how you would “re-parent” yourself if you could. We talk with Devin Jae Wilber---photographer, entrepreneur, and Mom to two beautiful children, one with autism--about how showing up authentically as a parent and releasing perfection has given her greater joy and the opportunity to contribute to others. And, we laugh a lot too! In this episode, we talk about:

• Katy Perry and lions
• Introducing Devin Jae Wilber -- “Mom extraordinaire” + photographer + entrepreneur
• The “Mom” expectations
• “If I can’t keep a plant alive” 
• Make up your own rules about parenting
• The belief that mothers are supposed to be the CEOs of the house
• Blue hair for picture day
• Trusting the process of exploration for children
• “If you’re going to fall, learn how to fall the right way”
• Shame and growth
• Dealing with different parenting philosophies
• The fallacy of “Pinterest Mom”
• Having a special needs daughter
• “Give everyone a break”
• Showing up imperfectly
• The origins of Devin’s passion for advocacy
• Her daughter’s autism diagnosis
• Doing something meaningful with your anger
• The “First Words Project” at FSU
• Formulating a plan matters---so does gut instinct
• Managing anger -- part of the grief process
• Being a realist and dealing with people that make uninformed remarks
• Protecting parents’ mental health 
• “There’s no playbook”
• Coping with grief
• Devin’s new plan - not taking “no” as no
• We have to be our own advocates

Find us at justchai.podbean.com

Friendly disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts are not endorsing any of brand names you may hear. Any product names mentioned are simply to add fun, lively color for the conversation. Opinions reflected are our own.