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Episodes / Interviews / Parenting

88: Debunking The Myths of Motherhood with Melanie Shankle

February 24, 2020

In an age where we measure success, influence, Youtube subscribers, and Instagram likes, how do you measure motherhood? What makes a Perfect Mom? And is being a good Mom just not good enough?

In Episode 88, Daniel and Christina interview New York Times best-selling author, Melanie Shankle. Melanie shares her wisdom and humor about the realities of motherhood and helps speak truth into the facade of the “Perfect Mom.”

In This Episode, You Will Hear About:

  • The difference between a Perfect Mom and a Good Mom
  • What happens when we parent out of fear
  • How you know when you should stop having children
  • What our kids need most from us
  • Quality time versus quantity time

Resources Mentioned During the Episode:

  • Grab a copy of Melanie’s newest books, On The Bright Side: Stories about Friendship, Love and Being True to Yourself and children’s book, Piper and Mabel: Two Very Wild but Very Good Dogs
  • Check out Melanie’s blog, The Big Mama Blog
  • Listen to our previous episode about Why We Need to Teach Our Kids to Fail
  • Want to hear more about raising kids that are resilient, passionate, and gritty? Tune into Episode 10: How to Raise Resilient, Gritty, and Passionate Kids 
  • Are you a stay-at-home parent? Listen into Episode 14: How to Thrive as a Stay-At-Home Parent
  • Needing to learn how to balance your work and home life? Check out our interview with Christy Wright about Work-Life Balance

Quotables and Tweetables:

  • “The perfect Mom doesn’t exist. And, even if she did, we would all hate her guts.” @BigMama
  • “The perfect mom is a unicorn, mythical at best. But a good mom is the velveteen rabbit, a little worn from use.” @BigMama
  • “I’m confident I’m a good mom, because what ultimately makes a good mom is showing up.” @BigMama
  • “I’ve learned that I sometimes want to parent out of fear, and that’s not good for any of us.” @BigMama
  • “If we’re scared, then we’re going to raise kids who are scared. And you know what scared kids don’t do? Grow up to be people who impact their world.” @BigMama
  • “Let’s teach our kids to be brave, even if that means we sometimes have to pretend to be less scared than we really are as we watch them learn to fly.” @BigMama
  • “And that sums up having a teenager. These are the years that increase our prayer life as we hold on for the ride to see who they are going to become and try to figure out how to show them the way and get out of their way at the same time.” @BigMama
  • “Perfect parents exist. They just don’t have kids yet.” @imbetweenshow

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  • Instagram – @imbetweenshow
  • Twitter – @imbetweenshow
  • Facebook – @imbetweenshow
And don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast, so that you will never miss an episode!

_____________________________________________________________

Meet Melanie Shankle:

Melanie writes regularly at The Big Mama blog and is the New York Times bestselling author of four previous books. Melanie is a graduate of Texas A&M and loves writing, shopping at Target, checking to see what’s on sale at Anthropologie and trying to find the lighter side in every situation. Most of all, she loves being the mother of Caroline, the wife of Perry and the official herder of two wild dogs named Piper and Mabel. The five of them live in San Antonio, Texas.
TAGS:afraidauthorbravebrightchildrendebunkfailfeargrittyinterviewkidsMamamelanie shanklemommothermotherhoodmythparentperfectprayerquality timequantity timescaredstay-at-home parentteenagerunicorn
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Daniel and Christina Im
about us

Daniel and Christina Im

We’re Daniel and Christina Im. Our heart’s desire and mission is to give you the tools to build a strong, connected, and joy-filled marriage and family.

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In a compelling analogy from Episode 198 of our IMbetween Podcast, our guest @davidsunde describes parents as “tour guides” rather than “travel agents” in their children’s faith journeys. Unlike travel agents who arrange logistics from afar, tour guides walk with their children through every high and low. This metaphor highlights the importance of presence and shared experiences in nurturing faith. By being there for the everyday moments, parents can provide authentic guidance and support, much like God’s nature as Emmanuel—“God with us.” It’s an insightful shift in perspective that’s worth reflecting on.

Listen to Episode 198 wherever you get your podcasts, or here https://imbetween.org/episode198/

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In a compelling analogy from Episode 198 of our IMbetween Podcast, our guest @davidsunde describes parents as “tour guides” rather than “travel agents” in their children’s faith journeys. Unlike travel agents who arrange logistics from afar, tour guides walk with their children through every high and low. This metaphor highlights the importance of presence and shared experiences in nurturing faith. By being there for the everyday moments, parents can provide authentic guidance and support, much like God’s nature as Emmanuel—“God with us.” It’s an insightful shift in perspective that’s worth reflecting on. Listen to Episode 198 wherever you get your podcasts, or here https://imbetween.org/episode198/ #parenting #disciplemaking #discipleship #christcenteredhome
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Happy birthday to my bestest friend @danielsangi and the person who makes me laugh harder and louder than anyone else in this world. Life with you is more beautiful, whimsical, adventurous, full, and fun than I ever imagined. Today, we celebrate you and the gift your presence is to us. Love you forever!
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@imbetweenshow

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Hello Instagram

In a compelling analogy from Episode 198 of our IMbetween Podcast, our guest @davidsunde describes parents as “tour guides” rather than “travel agents” in their children’s faith journeys. Unlike travel agents who arrange logistics from afar, tour guides walk with their children through every high and low. This metaphor highlights the importance of presence and shared experiences in nurturing faith. By being there for the everyday moments, parents can provide authentic guidance and support, much like God’s nature as Emmanuel—“God with us.” It’s an insightful shift in perspective that’s worth reflecting on.

Listen to Episode 198 wherever you get your podcasts, or here https://imbetween.org/episode198/

#parenting #disciplemaking #discipleship #christcenteredhome
•
Follow
In a compelling analogy from Episode 198 of our IMbetween Podcast, our guest @davidsunde describes parents as “tour guides” rather than “travel agents” in their children’s faith journeys. Unlike travel agents who arrange logistics from afar, tour guides walk with their children through every high and low. This metaphor highlights the importance of presence and shared experiences in nurturing faith. By being there for the everyday moments, parents can provide authentic guidance and support, much like God’s nature as Emmanuel—“God with us.” It’s an insightful shift in perspective that’s worth reflecting on. Listen to Episode 198 wherever you get your podcasts, or here https://imbetween.org/episode198/ #parenting #disciplemaking #discipleship #christcenteredhome
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
The Role of Numbing Behaviors 🤔🫨

Ever wonder why we turn to quick fixes when we’re stressed or exhausted? In Episode 197 of the IMbetween Podcast, @chris3janssen explains that numbing behaviors like reaching for sugary treats or alcohol provide immediate relief but often at a significant cost. 

We discuss a powerful exercise from her book, “Grace Yourself,” that helps individuals evaluate these numbing patterns and consider healthier alternatives. It’s about gaining awareness and making intentional choices to support our well-being. 

Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts, or here @ https://imbetween.org/episode197
•
Follow
The Role of Numbing Behaviors 🤔🫨 Ever wonder why we turn to quick fixes when we’re stressed or exhausted? In Episode 197 of the IMbetween Podcast, @chris3janssen explains that numbing behaviors like reaching for sugary treats or alcohol provide immediate relief but often at a significant cost. We discuss a powerful exercise from her book, “Grace Yourself,” that helps individuals evaluate these numbing patterns and consider healthier alternatives. It’s about gaining awareness and making intentional choices to support our well-being. Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts, or here @ https://imbetween.org/episode197
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
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Did you know that despite growing awareness of mental health, anxiety and depression rates in children and adolescents have sharply risen? 

In episode 196 of the @imbetweenshow podcast, @sarahboyd, author of Turn Down the Noise, discusses how overstimulation in our environment could be a key factor. 

Just like a garden needs the right conditions to thrive, so do our minds. It’s about adjusting our surroundings to create supportive spaces for everyone, especially our kids. 🌱📘 

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or by going to https://imbetween.org/episode196/

#MentalHealth #Overstimulation #Parenting
•
Follow
Did you know that despite growing awareness of mental health, anxiety and depression rates in children and adolescents have sharply risen? In episode 196 of the @imbetweenshow podcast, @sarahboyd, author of Turn Down the Noise, discusses how overstimulation in our environment could be a key factor. Just like a garden needs the right conditions to thrive, so do our minds. It’s about adjusting our surroundings to create supportive spaces for everyone, especially our kids. 🌱📘 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or by going to https://imbetween.org/episode196/ #MentalHealth #Overstimulation #Parenting
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
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Ever feel like an imposter in your own life? @cassandralspeer shares her struggles with imposter syndrome. On episode 195 of the IMbetween Podcast, we delved into how these feelings of inadequacy can actually highlight our humility and dependence on God. It’s a poignant reminder that feeling unqualified doesn’t disqualify us from our purpose—it can be a step towards it.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at https://imbetween.org/epsiode195/
•
Follow
Ever feel like an imposter in your own life? @cassandralspeer shares her struggles with imposter syndrome. On episode 195 of the IMbetween Podcast, we delved into how these feelings of inadequacy can actually highlight our humility and dependence on God. It’s a poignant reminder that feeling unqualified doesn’t disqualify us from our purpose—it can be a step towards it. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at https://imbetween.org/epsiode195/
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Happy birthday to my bestest friend @danielsangi and the person who makes me laugh harder and louder than anyone else in this world. Life with you is more beautiful, whimsical, adventurous, full, and fun than I ever imagined. Today, we celebrate you and the gift your presence is to us. Love you forever!
Happy birthday to my bestest friend @danielsangi and the person who makes me laugh harder and louder than anyone else in this world. Life with you is more beautiful, whimsical, adventurous, full, and fun than I ever imagined. Today, we celebrate you and the gift your presence is to us. Love you forever!
Happy birthday to my bestest friend @danielsangi and the person who makes me laugh harder and louder than anyone else in this world. Life with you is more beautiful, whimsical, adventurous, full, and fun than I ever imagined. Today, we celebrate you and the gift your presence is to us. Love you forever!
•
Follow
Happy birthday to my bestest friend @danielsangi and the person who makes me laugh harder and louder than anyone else in this world. Life with you is more beautiful, whimsical, adventurous, full, and fun than I ever imagined. Today, we celebrate you and the gift your presence is to us. Love you forever!
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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