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Confessions of a Parent CoachAuthor: Ann Kaplan, Parent Coach
Welcome to Confessions of a Parent Coach, the podcast where you'll learn that even parenting experts like me, Ann Kaplan, mother of four, and your host won't have all the answers. I believe that once you realize there's no such thing as a perfect parent, you can achieve fabulous behavior and amazing relationships with your kids. Language: en-us Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Why You Feel Unmotivated (Through the Lens of the Enneagram Type 2)
Episode 164
Wednesday, 22 April, 2026
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything for everyone else… and still somehow questioning your worth… This conversation is going to hit. In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend, client, and retreat chef, Andrew, as part of the Ennea Chats series — real conversations with real people about how the Enneagram actually shows up in everyday life. Andrew is an Enneagram Type 2, and what he shares in this conversation goes way beyond "being helpful" or "being caring." We get into what's underneath that. Because for Type 2s (and honestly, for a lot of overwhelmed parents), the real driver isn't generosity… It's the quiet belief: I have to earn love. What we explore together: What it actually feels like to discover your Enneagram type — especially when it doesn't click right away Why the Enneagram isn't about what you do, but why you do it The core belief of Type 2s: "I'm not worthy of love unless I earn it" How that belief shows up in relationships, people-pleasing, and emotional triggers What it looks like in real life when a small moment spirals into self-doubt The difference between genuine kindness and seeking love through helping Why self-awareness can make you question your own motives (and feel like a fraud) The moment that really lands: When Andrew describes how something as small as being asked about a spoon in the sink spirals internally into: "What's wrong with me? Why would I do that? I must be an idiot." And how understanding his Enneagram type helped him see: That voice isn't truth. It's a pattern. Why this matters (even if you're not a Type 2): This isn't just about one personality type. It's about recognizing that so much of how we show up — especially as parents, partners, and high-functioning adults — is driven by beliefs we've never actually questioned. The Enneagram gives language to those patterns. And once you can see them, you can start to relate to yourself differently. With more clarity. With more compassion. And with a lot less reactivity. A powerful reframe from this episode: The Enneagram doesn't describe who you are. It explains why you are the way you are. Want to go deeper? If this conversation is making you think, "Oh… this is me," — that's exactly the kind of awareness we build on inside my Living Enneagram spaces. Whether it's the mini retreat or deeper coaching work, this isn't about labeling yourself. It's about understanding your patterns well enough that you're no longer run by them. If you've been circling this work for a while, consider this your nudge. Come join us. There's a seat for you. www.annkaplanparentcoach.com/livingenneagram Share this episode: Know someone who gives everything to everyone else… but still doesn't quite feel like it's enough? Send this to them. They'll probably feel very seen.
