Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280]

Rachel’s 'Hands Free Mama' mentality is all about finding balance in a media-saturated, perfection-obsessed world. And it’s about seizing the little moments that life offers us to engage in real and meaningful interaction.

In this episode, Rachel shares realizing she 'd lost connection with her people. How she believed a lie that in order to be loved and accepted she needed to hide certain parts of herself, the messy parts, the imperfect parts. A pivotal moment happened when she vulnerably shared these thoughts with her daughter and found acceptance.

“Opening that door to being human actually brings us closer together. Then we can connect from that place of 'I'm struggling' and that doesn't mean there's something wrong with me. That doesn't mean I need to hide it. It means I need to reach out and talk to someone about this so we can work together to see how we might go forward.”

We dive into what Rachel’s learned in her parenting journey as a mom of teens and preteens. She talks about how choosing true connection with our kids can bring them closer to us and keep the lines of communication open as they grow up. 

“This is all about redefining what our role is as a parent. It is not the authoritarian model anymore. It is the guide, the truth teller and the encourager. Not the enforcer, not the half listener, not the critic. That those roles are only going to get us further and further from each other when the idea is right now we need to come closer.”

Connect with Rachel: 

• Website:  handsfreemama.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/TheHandsFreeRevolution
• Instagram:  @handsfreerevolution
• Twitter: @handsfreemama

FREE LIVE LOVE NOW LISTENING PLAN: 

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Links Mentioned:  

• Live Love Now [BOOK]
• Only Love Today [BOOK]
• Amy McCready--Positive Parenting Solutions
• Pre-order Bonuses--21-Day Self-Care Listening Plan AND 4 Downloadable Tools for Connection (Ask “Heart Questions vs. Performance Questions”; Practice phrases that take you “From Conflict to Calm”; Consider if you are an “Easy-to-Be-Around Adult”; Exclusive Phone Lock Screen - “Connecting by Protecting”)

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