Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life filled with excitement and beautiful changes, but it can also bring challenges—especially when dealing with toxic family members. Navigating these dynamics can feel overwhelming, but maintaining your peace and well-being is essential for both you and your little one. Here are real life examples coupled with strategies and tips for how I manage interacting with narcissistic family members during pregnancy while protecting your emotional health. Disclaimer: All names and identifying details have been changed.

As I embark on this journey of motherhood, I am reflecting deeply on the kind of environment I want to create for my child. One realization that stands out to me is that a person’s relation to my child doesn’t automatically guarantee them a relationship with my child. This might sound harsh, but it’s a crucial part of breaking the generational curses that have lingered in many black households for far too long.

Welcome to "Quotes to Note," a captivating blog series created by Ashley McCall. Let’s unpack the silent struggles of the Millennial child. Dive into my latest blog post dissecting the impact of controlling parents on mental health. Gain insights, find solace, and embark on a journey of healing and understanding.

I'm the type of person that can't stand being given a how-to recipe and there's a million and one steps on how to do the recipe successfully! I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you're the same way. Luckily for you, today I'm going to give you the recipe to completely changing your life in just ONE WEEK in five simple steps. Sounds easy enough, right?! Let's dive into it.

The first steps to letting go of a toxic family member and moving into your path of healing looks different for everyone depending on your unique situation. Once you’ve had that “aha” or epiphany moment where you can see this family member(s) behavior for what it is, you can embark on the healing journey. You may still struggle with your feelings about them or have some areas that you are trying to process as you heal, and that’s okay.