Episode Description
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Gabrielle Blair, founder of DesignMom.com, a widely celebrated parenting blog recognized by Time, The Wall Street Journal, and Parents. Gabrielle is also the co-founder of Alt Summit, a leading annual conference for creatives and entrepreneurs. We explore her fascinating journey from blogging to becoming a thought leader in parenting, creativity, and social issues, as well as her newest literary pivot.
Gabrielle’s latest book, Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion, has made waves globally, becoming an instant New York Times bestseller. It tackles the abortion debate with a fresh perspective on men’s accountability in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
But that’s not all! Gabrielle shares about her upcoming book The Kids Are All Right: Parenting with Confidence in an Uncertain World, co-authored with her husband, Ben Blair, set to release in October 2024. In this interview, we delve into parenting strategies, societal pressures, and how she and Ben have embraced unconventional approaches in raising their kids.
Key Takeways
- From Blogging to Books – Gabrielle talks about her journey from blogging at DesignMom to authoring The Kids Are All Right, a parenting book that encourages letting go of perfectionism.
- Letting Go of the Pressure to Be Perfect – Gabrielle shares her insights on why it’s essential for parents to let go of the need for perfection in today’s world and how this mindset has influenced her own parenting.
- Unconventional Parenting – Gabrielle and Ben’s bold decisions to move their family multiple times and live abroad taught their children resilience and independence. Gabrielle offers advice for parents who may feel apprehensive about stepping outside the norm.
- Shifting Focus from Achievement to Authenticity – Gabrielle explains how to focus less on traditional success markers (like grades) and more on helping kids embrace their true selves, despite society’s achievement-oriented pressures.
- Parenting Through Uncertainty – Parenting often involves trial and error. Gabrielle discusses how she and Ben developed comfort with uncertainty and offers reassurance for parents who fear making mistakes.
- Fostering Connection and Joy in Family Life – Gabrielle shares practical tips for parents looking to create a joyful, connected home life amidst the chaos of modern parenting.
- Living Abroad and Adaptability – Gabrielle recounts her family’s experience moving to France, enrolling the kids in local schools despite the language barrier, and how it taught them valuable lessons in adaptability.
- Creating Family Adventures Without Big Moves – Gabrielle challenges the idea that a perfect family life requires drastic changes. She shares how parents can create moments of adventure and connection without uprooting their lives.
- Biggest Takeaway from The Kids Are All Right – Gabrielle’s hopes for how her new book will help parents navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s uncertain world.
This episode is packed with wisdom, real-life experiences, and fresh perspectives on parenting in the modern age. Don’t miss it!
About Gabrielle Blair
Gabrielle Blair is the founder of DesignMom.com. Started in 2006, it has been named a Parenting Website of the Year by Time magazine, and praised as a top parenting blog by The Wall Street Journal, Parents, and Better Homes and Gardens. Gabrielle is also a founder of Alt Summit, the blockbuster annual conference for creatives and creative entrepreneurs who work online, currently in its sixteenth year. As a thought leader for more than eighteen years, Gabrielle’s writing is quoted and shared across the globe daily.
Gabrielle’s most recent book, Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion, an instant New York Times bestseller, was published in 2022 by Workman, and is available in twelve international editions.
Links
The Kids Are All Right: Parenting with Confidence in an Uncertain World
Learn More about Your Host
On a mission to redefine self-care globally, Erica Diamond is a sought-after Media Expert, Professional Speaker, Bestselling Author of List Your Goals Journal, Host of The Erica Diamond Podcast, Founder of Bliss Essential Oils (BlissEssential.co), Creator of Busy To Bliss The Self-Care Membership (http://BusyToBliss.com), Certified Life & Career Coach, Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Founder & Editor-In-Chief of the Award-Winning Lifestyle Platform EricaDiamond.com® (previously WomenOnTheFence.com®).
Erica Diamond has been named to the coveted list of The Top 20 Women in Canada, FORBES Magazine’s Top 100 Sites for Women and a Profit Hot 50 Canadian Company. Erica is a busy mom of two boys, ‘bad cook,’ and new drummer!
To learn more about Erica Diamond, visit her website EricaDiamond.com
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