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Messages From the MiddleAuthor: Wendy Parrish
A podcast sharing my mental health journey.I will share the things I have learned, things I am trying to learn and information from others on a mental health journey or experts who help people on a mental health journey. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Expectation Pain: Letting Go of What You Thought You Would Have
Episode 92
Thursday, 18 December, 2025
The holidays can quietly amplify expectation pain—especially for parents of older kids. In this episode, I talk about how unmet expectations around Christmas traditions, family dynamics, and “how it’s supposed to feel” can lead to disappointment, grief, and emotional exhaustion. When the magic of little-kid Christmases fades and family life shifts, many parents are left wondering how to hold joy and sadness at the same time without lowering expectations so far that the season loses its meaning. I share my own experience navigating Christmas with kids who are growing up, letting go of old traditions, and learning how to love and expect what is instead of what used to be. This episode explores expectation pain, emotional resilience, and the mental health work of choosing our thoughts when things don’t go as planned. If you’re a parent feeling tender during the holidays, grieving change, or trying to find peace in an imperfect season, this conversation offers compassion, perspective, and a gentler way forward. Contact me: email: wendy@wendyparrish.com Instagram: @wendyparrishcoaching
