This episode is all about personality types and how they impact our parenting styles, both positively and negatively.

I’m joined by Mandy Kraska, a seasoned educator, who brings a unique perspective to the conversation. We both agree—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to raising our children.

Join us for an honest conversation about our own personality traits and the ongoing struggle to find balance between routine and spontaneity. Spoiler: I earned the nickname "All Business" in my early 20s, so you can guess what type of personality I bring to the table!

Mandy and I discuss the pressures we put on ourselves to create "perfect" experiences for our kids, even though we know perfectionism isn’t attainable. While it feels like a losing battle, breaking free from that mindset is tough. At the end of the day, I just want my kids to feel special.

As I listened back to the episode, I realized how much the “overs”—overcompensating, overpreparing, overthinking, over the top—play a role in my parenting. A challenging space to be in. 

And in the best guest moment I’ve experienced so far—Mandy shares why she always employs the Boy Scouts motto: Be Prepared.

There was so much to unpack, I split the episode into two parts. Be sure to tune in to Part 2 of Momming When You’re Type A, where we discuss how stepping back and letting our kids take the lead can be surprisingly beneficial—starting with my (embarrassing) story about my son’s homework routine.

Mandy Kraska is originally from the Southern Tier but has been local to the surrounding Buffalo area for over 20 years. She has been a teacher in the city for 17 years, most of that time as a high school English teacher. She serves as the union delegate chairperson as well as a teacher leader in her building. She is also an NYU Certified Professional Learning Communities Coach, an iTunesU published author, and a wife and mama of three—ages 8, 6, and 3.

In this episode, we cover: 

• The intricate relationship between personality types and parenting styles. 

• How understanding your personality type creates self-awareness, helping to manage both internal and external conflicts.

• The self-imposed stress to create "perfect" experiences for our children, and recognizing when to let go to avoid burnout.

• Setting realistic expectations, and finding a balance between structured routines and spontaneity.

• Managing the heavy mental load and overstimulation that comes with parenting and always being “on.”

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the four personality types and see where you fall.

Connect with Mandy:

• On LinkedIn

Connect with Christine:

• Follow on Instagram

• Check out my website

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

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