Positive reflections on parenting teens with Franky Shanahan
Release Date: 02/28/2024
No 5am starts: How to make time for yourself as an overwhelmed mum
Reclaiming MUM
If you’re a mum who feels like there is never any time left for you, this episode is for you. In this episode of Reclaiming Mum, I’m sharing how I make time for myself as a self-employed mum of four while solo parenting, without waking up at 5am, following rigid routines, or pushing myself harder. I talk honestly about why “just wake up earlier” doesn’t work for overwhelmed mums, the hidden cost of always putting yourself last, and how reclaiming time is less about adding more to your day and more about letting go of what’s draining you. This episode is for mums who feel exhausted,...
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Overstimulated, overwhelmed, and over it: why so many mums feel this way
Reclaiming MUM
Over the last few years of motherhood, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be constantly on edge, overstimulated, and drained. There have been moments of frustration, overwhelm, and feeling completely disconnected from myself. But I’ve also learned ways to recognise these patterns, give my nervous system the space it needs, and create small but powerful shifts that help me feel calmer and more present. In this episode, I share my own experiences as a mum of four, and why overstimulation isn’t a sign you’re failing; it’s your nervous system telling you it’s time for a break. I also...
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Finding yourself again without burning your life down
Reclaiming MUM
Do you feel lost in motherhood? Like you don’t quite recognise yourself anymore, but the idea of changing everything feels overwhelming or impossible? In this episode, we’re talking about finding yourself again as a mum, without blowing up your life, your relationships, or everything you’ve built. As a mum of four, I share why so many women feel disconnected from who they are after having children, why survival mode makes self-connection feel out of reach, and how you can begin reconnecting with yourself gently, right where you are. This episode is for you if: You feel like you’ve...
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How to cope with solo parenting when your partner works away
Reclaiming MUM
Solo parenting is no joke, and in this honest, heartfelt episode of Reclaiming MUM, I’m sharing what the last two months of parenting four kids on my own during the week have really taught me. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re carrying everything on your own, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. We talk about: ✨ The emotional and mental load of solo parenting ✨ What I’ve learned about resilience, boundaries, and burnout ✨ The practical shifts that have helped me cope day-to-day ✨ Why asking for help...
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How to find time for yourself when there’s no time
Reclaiming MUM
Do you feel like there’s never any time for you as a mum? In this episode of Reclaiming MUM, we explore how to find time for yourself when life feels overwhelming, busy, and non-stop. Designed for ambitious, exhausted mums, this episode gently challenges the belief that self-care requires more time, energy, or motivation. Instead, you’ll learn how to reclaim small pockets of space through micro-moments, supportive routines, and releasing unrealistic expectations. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why mums struggle to prioritise themselves How to create time without adding pressure ...
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New Year, your year: Goal-setting for ambitious mums who are exhausted but dreaming big
Reclaiming MUM
Feeling overwhelmed as a mum but still holding big dreams for yourself? In this episode, I share practical ways to set empowering goals for the New Year, even when life feels chaotic. Discover how to reconnect with your vision, take small steps that fit your busy life, and make space for yourself without guilt. Plus, discover how my immersive helps ambitious mums like you turn dreams into action, clarity, and transformation in just one powerful session.
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How to reconnect with your joy in motherhood (even when you're in survival mode) with Cat Googe
Reclaiming MUM
I’m joined by Cat Googe, a Joy Coach, and together, we explore why joy can feel so far away when you’re exhausted, what survival mode actually does to your nervous system, and, most importantly, the small, realistic steps you can take to feel more alive, grounded, and connected again. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, craving a moment of lightness, or longing to remember the version of you who laughed more freely, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. We cover: • How to find sparks of joy even when you’re overwhelmed • The difference between happiness and...
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The things I’m tapping out of this Christmas to survive the overwhelm
Reclaiming MUM
Feeling overwhelmed by Christmas? You’re not the only one. In this episode of Reclaiming MUM, I’m sharing the honest, practical, and sanity-saving list of things I’m tapping out of this festive season so I can actually enjoy it, not just survive it. If December leaves you exhausted, overstretched, or drowning in expectations, this conversation will give you permission to slow down, simplify, and choose what truly matters. I talk about the mental load of Christmas, the pressure mums carry to make everything magical, and how to step out of the “perfect Christmas” trap. You’ll hear:...
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How to stop putting your life on hold and start choosing you with Nicola Rae
Reclaiming MUM
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by coach Nicola Rae for a conversation every woman needs to hear, especially the ones who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the busyness of life. We explore what it really means to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start reclaiming your life, even if you feel depleted, disconnected, or unsure where to begin. Nicola shares her journey, the inner stories that keep women stuck, and how to start tuning back into your own voice when everything else feels louder. If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “There has to be more than this,” this...
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Reigniting your creative spark in motherhood with Sarah Robertson
Reclaiming MUM
In this soulful episode, I’m joined by brand designer and creative, Sarah Robertson, for an honest conversation about creativity, identity, and motherhood. We explore how Sarah’s creative process shifted after becoming a mother, the moments she questioned her identity, and the rituals that help her reconnect with her creativity, even in the chaos of motherhood. Whether you’re a creative professional or simply someone who misses that part of yourself, this episode is a warm, inspiring reminder that your creativity is still there — it might just look a little different now. ✨ We talk...
info_outlineIn this week's episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Franky Shanahan who I have been following online for years.
Franky is an experienced copywriter and digital content creator who’s spent the last 12 years helping ambitious business owners and solopreneurs communicate with their ideal clients. She lives in Bristol with her husband and their two teenage children.
I wanted to pick Franky's brains about what it's like parenting teenagers because, with a 9-year-old and the preteen years pending, I'm feeling a little daunted by it all. I loved her positive reflections on parenting teens and that it can be a beautiful and joyous experience despite the usual teen stereotypes that we regularly hear about.
We talk about:
- Dealing with the emotional and practical changes that come with watching your children transition into the teenage years
- How to let go and grieve over the fact that your children need you less as they carve out their own lives
- Parenting teens isn't all about the typical moody stereotypes we're shown in the media. There are lots of positives
- Tips on how to deal with your children becoming teenagers
Connect with Franky on Instagram and check out her website. She also cohosts Friends With Business Benefits with Charlie Swift.
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