The Mommy Issues Podcast

Today the Mommy Issues Team tackles the following predicament: “I think my mom might be a narcissist. She’s always been jealous of me and all her children. I can’t tell her about anything good happening in my life without her having to one-up me. If I got a new job, she said that she had a better job when she was my age. Could she be a narcissist, and if so, how should I act around her?”Today our team discusses the prevalence of narcissistic tendencies in our culture, genuine narcissistic behaviors, and a list of Narcissistic Personality Disorder from the Cleveland Clinic in comparison to this anonymously submitted question. They offer sound advice to Anonymous (and others like her) for dealing with her mother regardless of whether she has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. References:Stop Walking on Eggshells by Paul T. T. Mason and Randi Kreger“Narcissistic Personality Disorder,” Cleveland ClinicRethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists Dr. Craig MalkinSend us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/ Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/ Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

Today’s podcast examines the situation of a daughter who has had no contact with her mom for the past three years. The dilemma has been building since her childhood, but the straw that broke the camel’s back was when the grandmother took her two granddaughters – ages 3 and 5 – without her knowledge or permission.  Things are heating up since an upcoming family funeral will mean a likely encounter and ensuing scene between mother and daughter. Deanna, Erin, and Marge discuss what it means to go “no contact” and the difference between true respect and dishonor in a relationship. Find out strategies for handling risky encounters like this one.References:The Missing Missing ReasonsSend us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/ Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/ Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/   Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

An anonymous follower and her husband are trying to teach their son to live simply by providing him with toys made of wood or fabric. However, Anonymous’ mother-in-law refuses to cooperate with the couple’s wishes. Instead, she continues to buy her grandson hundreds of dollars of noisy, plastic toys. She called her son and daughter-in-law “boring” and said that she wanted to be “the fun grammy.” From the angles of a spiritual director, trauma recovery coach, and life coach, Deanna, Erin, and Marge delve into what it means to honor our father and mother as it says in the Fourth Commandment. They give Anonymous advice on how to respond with integrity and honesty while standing up and saying “no” to the gifts.Send us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

This is a touchy and yet critical topic to discuss with our children. There is a proliferation of our children being exposed to pornography at younger and younger ages. This is exacerbated by the prevalence of “sexting” and internet use. Consider the following statistics:51%of 11-13-year-olds have seen porn at some point.79% of 16–17-year-olds have seen porn at some point. Learn from Deanna, Erin, and Marge how to give age-appropriate explanations of the dangers of pornography including five proactive conversation steps.  References:Talking to Your Teens about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics by Julia Sadusky Send us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

Caroline has always felt that she had to “morph” into her mother by replicating her image, personality, habits, religious beliefs, and practices. Her mother recently has had a nervous breakdown, prompting Caroline to question her identity and maturity. Now she is seeking help from our Mommy Issues Team.Listen as our trio addresses Caroline’s concern by guiding her in breaking free from her negative behavior patterns and investing in herself. Send us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

Deanna, Erin,and Marge Steinhage Fenelon address this concern submitted by an anonymous follower by examining the various facets of the situation. Bowing to what appears to be manipulation and a sense of entitlement on the grandmother's part could have serious repercussions for everyone involved. Here’s how to practically and charitably handle this dilemma.References:Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2199-2200https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P7R.HTMSend us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously. Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.

Our premiere episode in which we address the question posed by Eileen, “I don’t like my mother. How horrible must I have been?”Spiritual Director Deanna Bartalini, Trauma Recovery Coach Erin McCole Cupp, and Life Coach Marge Steinhage Fenelon discuss some fallacies about motherhood, guarding our hearts from influences that take us off course, and recognizing our dignity and the dignity of others as children of God. Then they give consolation and advice to Eileen about dealing with the shame she feels and how to grow out of it. Send us your Mommy Issues questions at [email protected]. We use first names only or you can submit your question anonymously.Visit Deanna Bartalini’s website:  https://livenotlukewarm.com/Visit Erin McCole Cupp’s website: https://www.erinmccolecupp.com/Visit Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s website: https://margefenelon.com/ Please like this episode and subscribe to our channel so that others can benefit from our experience and expertise.