This Is Not What I Was Expecting cover art

This Is Not What I Was Expecting

This Is Not What I Was Expecting

By: Parent Alliance
Listen for free

About this listen

 As moms who have watched our children struggle with their behavior or mental health, we remember so often feeling alone. If you’ve ever felt the same way—you’ve come to the right place! We are the people who get it. We know that parenting is not what you expected and may be a very different experience than your family and friends are having. Every other week our group of moms gather to share our stories, tips, and insights on managing the unique challenges that come with parenting our kiddos. From navigating insurance hurdles and waitlists to dealing with school issues and beyond, we cover it all. We laugh together, get angry at the system together, and most importantly, we support each other. If you're ever feeling like no one understand what you're going through, throw our podcast on. You belong here, and we can’t wait for you to join us! New episodes drop every other Thursdays.2025-2026 This is Not what I was expecting! A podcast of the PA Parent and Family Alliance a statewide program of Allegheny Family Network Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Grab a Pen. We're Taking a Break

    Grab a Pen. We're Taking a Break
    Dec 18 2025

    This week, we’re inviting you to take a break with us. No advice, no fixing, no agenda — just a few parents sitting together, coloring, chatting, and letting our brains rest for a bit.

    We start by watching a short art video together (we’ll tell you where to find it), then we grab whatever pens or markers are nearby and settle in. You can draw along, listen while you fold laundry, or just let this play in the background while you breathe.

    Parenting can be heavy. This episode is your permission to pause — and spend a few minutes in good company.

    Check out Andrea's full episode to draw along at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR7LEngiZx3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Or look for her at Andrea.Nelson.Art

    For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

    Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/donation

    To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

    To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Raising Independent Kids

    Raising Independent Kids
    Nov 20 2025

    This week we’re talking about independence — the fears, the victories, the slow progress, and the strength it takes (for us and them). If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough or pushing too hard, this one’s for you.

    For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

    Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/donation

    To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

    To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Parenting in the Digital Age

    Parenting in the Digital Age
    Nov 7 2025

    This week we’re talking about what it’s really like raising kids surrounded by technology, from YouTube videos that aren’t as “kid-friendly” as they seem to the way schools are using (and sometimes struggling with) AI. We swap stories about trying to keep our kids safe online, help them use tech responsibly, and still get them out the door for school on time.

    For one on one support at no cost to parents of children with behavior and mental health challenges in PA visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/one-on-one-help

    Find out more about the PA Parent and Family Alliance and how you can support our work at https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/donation

    To access any tip sheets and booklets we talk about visit: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/helpfulresources

    To be the first to know about our events, read stories of success from families raising children with mental health challenges and more sign up to join the Parent Alliance community: https://www.paparentandfamilyalliance.org/join-the-community
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.