Friendship, Parenthood & The Stories That Shape Us Ep 11

What happens when two lifelong best friends sit down to unpack childhood memories, motherhood, and the emotional realities of raising kids today?

In this heartfelt, funny, and deeply reflective episode, Dr Lauryn and Javonne welcome Lauren’s childhood best friend someone who has been there for every milestone, every family moment, and every chaotic chapter of growing up. Together, they explore what it means to parent with honesty, navigate co‑parenting challenges, and stay grounded through the messy, beautiful journey of motherhood.

They also dive into nostalgic stories from their school years, the wild phases kids go through, and the pivotal life moments that shaped who they each became.

A warm, raw, and genuinely entertaining conversation about friendship that lasts, parenting that stretches you, and the moments that define a life.

00:00 – Introduction

00:58 – “She knows my entire life”: the depth of lifelong friendship

02:47 – Motherhood as the most transformative journey

03:41 – Time moving fast & wanting to slow it down

03:51 – Being “in the thick of it” as a parent

04:18 – Kids’ verbal explosions: the “F‑you four”

09:47 – Naked phases, bathing suits & hilarious kid behaviour

10:01 – Co‑parenting realities & raising a child largely on your own

13:04 – Kids forming their own understanding of family

13:46 – How resilient kids really are

18:59 – Skipping school & the ‘penny under the tongue’ trick

19:49 – Jerry Springer mornings & nostalgic chaos

22:47 – Life lessons, pivotal moments & choosing your path

What You’ll Learn

• Why lifelong friendships create the deepest understanding
• How parenting evolves as kids get older (and more verbal)
• The emotional weight of co‑parenting and single‑parent responsibility
• Why kids make sense of family dynamics earlier than we think
• How childhood stories shape adult identity
• The resilience children naturally have
• The importance of pivotal life moments and the paths we choose

Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered

• “How do lifelong friendships survive adulthood and motherhood?”
• “What’s it like raising kids who are becoming more aware every day?”
• “How do you navigate co‑parenting when you’re carrying most of the weight?”
• “Why do kids go through such bizarre (and funny) phases?”
• “How do childhood experiences shape who we become?”

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

What’s the biggest lesson your childhood friendships have taught you about parenting, identity, or navigating life?

#DrWhyPodcast #Friendship #Motherhood #Parenthood #CoParenting #ChildhoodStories #Resilience #GrowingUp #MomLife #BestFriends #FamilyDynamics #LifeLessons