Inadequate Mother

In this episode of The Inadequate Mother, Hayley is joined by confidence coach Claire Elizabeth to unpack the complex and often misunderstood concept of codependency. Together, they explore how codependent tendencies can stem from childhood experiences, impact romantic relationships, friendships, and most importantly, shape parenting styles. From personal stories of being raised in households affected by addiction to the emotional challenges of motherhood, Hayley and Claire discuss: What is codependency? A deep dive into how codependent patterns develop and manifest in everyday life. Parenting and codependency: The struggle to balance connection with fostering independence in children. Romantic relationships: Breaking free from unhealthy dynamics and recognising patterns like over-giving and emotional rescuing. Practical tips for overcoming codependency: Claire shares actionable steps, including boundary-setting, journaling, and tools to build self-awareness and emotional resilience. Key Takeaways: Codependency is often rooted in early life experiences and can manifest as either over-giving or over-relying on others. Setting boundaries and fostering internal emotional resilience are crucial steps toward healthier relationships. The importance of allowing children to navigate challenges independently to build emotional strength. Recommended Resources: Codependent No More by Melody Beattie. The Holistic Psychologist on Instagram for insights on self-healing and boundaries. Connect with Claire Elizabeth: Website: Claire Elizabeth Coaching Instagram: @claire.elizabeth.coaching Podcast: The Confidence Podcast\ Connect with Hayley: Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco Join Hayley and Claire for an open, heartfelt discussion filled with personal revelations and insights into navigating codependency in relationships and parenting. If you’ve ever felt the weight of over-giving or struggled to set boundaries, this episode is for you. This podcast is produced by Bloody Vegans Productions

In this episode, Hayley reflects on the loss of her mother to alcoholism and how it shaped her life. From the early signs of addiction to the challenges of grief and healing, Hayley shares her honest perspective 13 years later. This episode is for anyone navigating the impact of addiction in their family or relationships. Hayley talks about guilt, forgiveness, and the importance of focusing on your own well-being while supporting others. It’s a candid and relatable conversation for those who’ve been affected by addiction and are looking for connection and hope. Links Mentioned: Book Recommendation: Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie Support Resources: Al-Anon Family Groups – Support for families and friends of those affected by drinking. Connect with Hayley: @HayleyBrownAndCo on Instagram Listen now and share with someone who might need it. It’s time to talk about the things that matter. This podcast is produced by ⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠

In this first episode, I’m sharing why I started The Inadequate Mother. The name isn’t about feeling like I’m not enough – it’s about challenging society’s impossible standards on mothers. This podcast is in honour of my mom, who struggled with feeling inadequate and lost her life to alcohol addiction. I want this to be a space where we unpack those feelings of not measuring up and find comfort, growth, and maybe even a little laughter. It’s for anyone who feels like they’re getting it wrong – parents, caregivers, or anyone just trying their best. We’ll talk about parenting, self-discovery, and building confidence in who we are by understanding the world around us – not who we think we should be. I’m also on a journey to make this podcast more accessible, including to the sign language community. So, let’s explore this together. Connect with Hayley: @HayleyBrownAndCo on Instagram Listen now and share with someone who might need it. It’s time to talk about the things that matter.

Welcome to The Inadequate Mother, a podcast dedicated to tearing down the walls of mum guilt, perfectionism, and the endless feeling of not being enough. Join the conversation as we challenge societal expectations, embrace honesty, and create a space for confidence, connection, and community. This isn’t about being the perfect parent—it’s about being real, giving yourself grace, and finding solidarity in the shared experience of raising humans in a world full of judgment. Subscribe now and be part of a movement that celebrates the perfectly imperfect. Together, let’s redefine what it means to be a parent. 👉 Follow on Instagram: @hayleybrown_andco This podcast is produced by ⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠