In a deeply personal and revealing episode of *Starting Cycles*, I sit down with Andrea who shares her journey of motherhood, self-discovery, and the delicate balancing act between career ambitions and the primal urge to be present for her children. This conversation delves into the challenges of parenting, the pressures of professional life, and the transformative power of embracing imperfection and self-forgiveness.

About the Guest:

Andrea Mendoza is a mother of two, navigating the complexities of balancing a fulfilling career in academia with her profound commitment to being a present and nurturing parent. Through her personal experiences and challenges, Andrea has embarked on a journey of self-discovery, leading her to author children's books that encapsulate life lessons on love, gratitude, and the acceptance of imperfection.

Andrea has mastered the art of adapting empirical research on well-being into concepts suitable for children that serve to lay the foundation for wholeness.

Andreas books are available on Amazon, https://shorturl.at/ahHPV

Key Takeaways:

Motherhood Realizations: Andrea reflects on her transition from career-focused individual to a mother deeply committed to raising her children with presence and love. She shares her struggle with the societal pressures of productivity versus the innate desire to be fully present for her children's formative years.

The Importance of Being Present: Andrea and I discuss the significant impact of parental presence on a child's development and the struggle many parents face in today's fast-paced, productivity-driven society. Andrea's journey highlights the internal conflict between meeting professional expectations and honoring her deep-rooted need to nurture her children.

Embracing Imperfection in Parenting: A key moment in the episode is Andrea's reading of her children's book, “Mommy Makes Mistakes Too”, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging imperfections, practicing self-forgiveness, and teaching children about resilience and understanding through personal example. To learn more about Andrea’s books please visit https://www.wholesomechildrenbooks.com/

Cultural Influences and Societal Pressures: Andrea touches on how cultural background and societal norms shape our perceptions and expectations of parenting. She contrasts her experiences in Ecuador with those in the United States, shedding light on how different environments influence parental roles and the acceptance of motherhood's demands.

The Journey of Self-Growth: Andrea and I both share our paths of personal growth, emphasizing the value of gratitude, the pursuit of happiness beyond materialism, and the necessity of redefining success and fulfillment as parents. Andrea's personal development journey, including her exploration of various self-help and psychological growth avenues, underlines the episode's theme of transformation and discovery.

A Call for Societal Change: The conversation concludes with a powerful call to action for societal change, advocating for a system that supports parenting as a valued and essential role. Andrea and I discuss the need for a societal shift that honors the critical importance of the early years of a child's life and recognizes the invaluable contribution of parents dedicating themselves to this phase.

This episode of *Starting Cycles* serves as a heartfelt reminder of the universal challenges of motherhood, the beauty of embracing our flaws, and the power of presence. Andrea's story is a beacon for all parents wrestling with the dichotomy of personal ambitions and the primal call of parenthood, encouraging a compassionate and forgiving approach to ourselves and our roles as nurturers of the next...