About the Episode:
Parenting regret is one of the last taboos in modern family life—yet hundreds of thousands of parents admit to feeling it. In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with MedCircle host Kyle Kittleson to unpack this hidden reality.
Together, they dive into:
- The rise of online communities like Reddit where “regretful parents” find solidarity
- Why parents can deeply love their children and still wish for their old lives back
- How shame and silence around these feelings worsen parental burnout
- Protective factors that reduce regret and help parents thrive—like realistic expectations, self-care, and “unicorn space”
- The developmental stages where parents have the greatest influence, and how to focus on what really matters
Dr. Whitney and Kyle share raw stories, humor, and research—normalizing the full spectrum of parenthood: the joy, the grief, the love, and yes, even the regret.
Key Takeaways:
Regret and love can coexist. Parents can feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or wish for their old lives back while still deeply loving and showing up for their children.
Normalization reduces shame. Just like Brene Brown reminds us, talking openly about regret helps parents release shame and recognize they’re not alone.
Most regret is situational, not permanent. For many, regret is tied to stress, burnout, or unmet personal needs—not to a lack of love for their kids.
Protective factors matter. Realistic expectations of parenthood, social support, and having “unicorn space” (passions outside of parenting) lower the risk of ongoing regret.
Influence shifts over time. Parents play a huge role in the early years, but as kids grow, peer culture and outside influences increase, making presence and warmth more impactful than constant control.
Self-prioritization isn’t selfish. Taking even five minutes to recharge—writing, walking, or simply breathing—can dramatically reduce feelings of resentment or regret.
Parenting regret is rarely about hating kids. More often, it’s about grieving the loss of freedom, identity, or the life parents imagined before children.
Shame thrives in silence. Online communities and conversations like this show that many parents quietly feel the same way—speaking it out loud is often the first step to healing.
About Our Guest
Kyle Kittleson is a journalist, mental health advocate, and host at MedCircle, a platform dedicated to making reliable, evidence-based mental health education accessible to everyone. Known for his candid, engaging style, Kyle tackles taboo topics with honesty and humor—bringing difficult conversations like parenting regret, depression, and caregiver burnout into the open.
His work at MedCircle includes interviews with top doctors, psychologists, and thought leaders, offering practical insights for people navigating real-life challenges. Beyond the camera, Kyle has built a community that values transparency, empathy, and curiosity.
You can explore his work and join the MedCircle community at MedCircle.com, or reach him directly at kyle@medcircle.com.
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