
The Mama Shrink Podcast with Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver is a raw, compassionate space for midlife moms navigating the emotional aftermath of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, divorce, and burnout. Hosted by a licensed psychologist and certified coach with 25+ years of experience (and lived it herself), Dr. Cynthia dives deep into the hard stuff: gaslighting, single parenting, parallel parenting with a high-conflict ex, emotional exhaustion, identity loss, grief, and healing. Each episode brings insight, validation, and real tools for women parenting through pain and trying to rebuild their lives—without shrinking themselves in the process. Whether you’re recovering from a toxic marriage, trying to set boundaries, or just crying in your car between drop-offs, you’re not alone. Subscribe now to reclaim your strength and take your next brave step toward healing.
Episodes

Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Navigating the Holidays
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Ever wondered how to navigate family drama during the holiday season? Curious about setting boundaries and making the most of this special time of year? In this podcast episode, Dr. Cynthia discusses the intricacies of managing family dynamics during the holiday season. Drawing from personal experiences and professional wisdom, she provides practical advice on setting boundaries, dealing with difficult relatives, and ensuring a more enjoyable and meaningful celebration.
Dr. Cynthia begins by emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, focusing on making the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful. She encourages listeners to prioritize their mental well-being and explains the significance of setting boundaries even with close family members. She advises listeners to prepare in advance for potential triggers and difficult situations. Dr. Cynthia suggests strategies like using "I statements" and steering the conversation toward other family members to reduce personal stress. Taking breaks, getting fresh air, and keeping a positive attitude can help diffuse tense situations.
The podcast episode underscores the importance of not tolerating mistreatment or uncomfortable situations. Dr. Cynthia encourages listeners to teach their children the value of being surrounded by love and kindness and not accepting relationships based on financial assistance or negativity. She emphasizes the importance of being around people who truly enjoy each other's company.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize self-care and set boundaries for a less stressful holiday season.
- Be proactive in managing triggers and focus on positive solutions.
- Delegating tasks and accepting help can make holidays smoother and more enjoyable.
- Teach your children to value relationships based on love and kindness.
Resources:
Dr. Cynthia Hauver's website: drcynthiah.com and you can find me on the socials @dr.cynthiahawver
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