Podcast Episode 398: Breaking Generational Baggage: Why Feeling Everything Might Be the Healing with Jennie Monness, M.A.
Have you ever caught yourself mid-yell, mid-sigh, or mid–“Because I said so!” and thought, Wait a second… this is exactly what I swore I’d never do? You’re not alone. Parenting has a way of dragging all the messy leftovers from our own childhood right back to the surface. Suddenly, we’re not just dealing with tantrums at the grocery store—we’re also battling the echoes of how our parents handled (or didn’t handle) big emotions. And let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like we’re parenting not just our kids, but also our younger selves.
That’s why this week’s guest, Jennie Monness, M.A., is such a breath of fresh air. Jennie, co-founder of Union Square Play and host of We Didn’t Turn Out Okay, dives into the idea that what we carry from childhood—whether it’s anxiety, perfectionism, or just plain old “don’t talk about feelings” baggage—doesn’t have to keep running the show. She opens up about her own journey with anxiety, stepping away from antidepressants, and exploring new ways to heal so that she can parent from a place of connection rather than reaction.
What makes this conversation so powerful is how relatable it is. You’ll hear stories that feel uncomfortably familiar, but instead of walking away with more guilt, you’ll walk away with a sense of relief. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re simply navigating the leftover wiring from your childhood—and with awareness, you really can shift it. Jennie reminds us that the hard, messy feelings we try to push away might actually be the key to healing not just ourselves, but also breaking cycles for our kids.
If you’ve ever looked at your parenting and wondered, Why is this so hard? Why do I feel this way? Am I the only one struggling?—this episode is your validation. It’s not just about coping; it’s about growing. And listening in might just help you feel a little less alone and a lot more hopeful about the parent you’re becoming.
In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:
- Why your childhood experiences (even the subtle ones) still shape how you parent today.
- How recognizing signs of anxiety early—like coping rituals from childhood—can transform your adult emotional health.
- What it’s like to come off antidepressants and explore alternative healing methods like psychedelics and TMS.
- How being honest about our mental health helps us show up more authentically for our kids—and breaks harmful generational cycles.
Resources We Shared In This Episode:
Snapped at your kid and instantly regretted it? Grab our FREE guide—3 Actions To Take After You Say Something You Regret—and reconnect in less than 17 seconds.
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Access the full episode transcript HERE
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Brie Tucker
COO/ Podcast Producer at No Guilt Mom
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