PFO Newsletter- 05.02.2025

This parenting advice was tough to swallow... Plus, my new fave protein powder!

May 02, 2025

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The most jarring parenting advice I’ve heard coming up…

But let’s start with some life updates.

I’ve been pouring myself into home projects lately and just completed resurfacing and staining an outdoor table. (It’s been a coping mechanism for dealing with the loss of my mom in February, plus the stress of raising teens) 

Side note: there are few things more therapeutic than sandblasting, spray painting and power washing. :)  It’s also brought me a lot of joy to work with my hands. 

If you haven’t watched, check it out and LMK what you think. It’s part of my mission as the founder of CARRY™ Media to advocate and get loud for moms + families. 

I’m curious how you feel about the issue?

Are you concerned about the low U.S. birth rates?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

In podcasting news, several of you (I’m looking at you Stephanie, Sally and Samantha–haha) asked me to have Dr Ken Wilgus on the show to talk about his counter-cultural, somewhat controversial method of parenting, called Planned Emancipation, from his book “Feeding the Mouth that Bites You”. 

Y’all. I struggled a LOT with this conversation.

Here’s the gist: give your teens freedoms—starting at 13-–to make choices about their lives, like what they watch, what they listen to, how clean their room is, and more. What’s the catch? He says it’s not about losing control, it’s about empowering your kids to take responsibility for their own decisions. 

I struggled when I first heard Dr Wilgus explain his method. But, as we dug deeper into the conversation, I warmed up to it. Anddddd, John and I are already implementing it into our parenting. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the episode!

This conversation is on the heels of hosting the author of “How To Not Lose Your Sh*t With Your Kids”, Dr Carla Naumburg to the show.  When that book arrived at our home, my daughter Caroline looked at it and then said “mom, you need to read that”.  (Want a free copy? Keep reading) 

All that to say, we’re all doing our best! 

Hope you have a wonderful week. And Happy MAY! 

-Paula XO

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. The Peachie Spoon: The Best Protein Powder!

Because we all have protein goals, here’s my new favorite protein powder, by The Peachie Spoon. I will never buy another protein powder again because this is the only one I’ve found that tastes excellent mixed with just water. I drink it first thing in the morning to get 25g of protein OUT OF THE GATE. Use my Code PAULA for 12% off! One bag lasts a month.

2. My new FAVORITE show: Love On The Spectrum

New fave show: I might be the last one to the party here, but I’m officially smitten with Netflix’s “Love On The Spectrum”, which documents autistic people looking for love. My family and I are watching this—it is precious and will remind you of the good in people and good in this world.

3. How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids!

Want to stop losing your cool with your kids? I’m giving away FIVE copies of “How To Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids” by Dr Carla Naumburg, who was my guest on the podcast recently. It’s both a hilarious and helpful take on parenting. DM me your mailing address if you want a copy!

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POLL RESULTS:

In our last poll, 85% of you said you want to be the house where all the kids hang out. Check out some of your comments below: 

➡️ “I feed the kids tacos. It’s messy but boys will eat all that you make. Having kids at the house is great but it takes work.”

➡️ “I AM that house😃👍💪 They come for the food and the conversation with Mama T💜 It’s rather endearing. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

 ➡️ “I want to be the hangout place for the whole family, not just the kids. I think teens and kids should be spending time with their parents and their friends together.”

 ➡️ “Yes but I also wanted to add that I would definitely choose the snack house if I was 40 years younger. LOL.”

 ➡️ “While I enjoy hosting, I know my sons' friends have parents who also want to host so the boys do a good job of rotating through the homes.”

 ➡️ “For safety reasons. Also, it saves me time from having to drop off/pick up the kids from a friend's house.”

 ➡️ “Our house is way too small!”

 ➡️ “With boundaries and food.”

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

The Counter-Culture Secret of Planned Emancipation: Why Parenting Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

What if parenting didn’t have to be as frustrating as it often feels—especially during the teenage years? Dr. Ken Wilgus, author of Feeding the Mouth That Bites You, joins John and me in this episode to reveal his game-changing approach to parenting called “Planned Emancipation.” The idea: give your teens freedoms—starting at 13—to make choices about their lives, like what they watch, how clean their room is, and more. I’ll be honest, when I first heard Dr. Wilgus explain his method, I had a hard time with it. But as we dug deeper into the conversation, i warmed up to it… and I’m already starting to implement it in my own approach to parenting. But what’s the catch? Tune in to find out how this method could revolutionize your parenting style!

How to Stop Losing Your Cool with Your Kids, Featuring Dr Carla Naumburg

Carla Naumburg, author of How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids, joins me to talk about why we—yes, our generation—are the ones screaming at our kids… and how we can stop. She says we’re too emotionally invested in our children (ouch, but true), and gives us practical, no nonsense tips for those moments when you’re on the edge of totally losing it. This one’s for every parent who’s ever locked themselves in the bathroom for a breather.

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? -Paula

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