Parenting Reality-Check: Melissa on Navigating Challenges + Spinach Artichoke Dip

The Real Family Eats: Parents dishing on real parenting struggles and recipe sharing

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In this episode, Melissa Donald, doula and mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to explore the challenges of parenting when reality doesn’t match expectations. Melissa shares how the birth of her second child, with a completely different temperament from her first, reshaped her understanding of parenting. She opens up about the toll isolation and unexpected challenges had on her family system and the internal narrative she struggled to overcome.

As they discuss parenting insights, support, and lessons learned, Melissa also shares her favorite Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe from Delish.com—a crowd-pleaser perfect for any family gathering.

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💬 What parenting challenges have you faced? Share your story in the comments!

🥗 Tried the recipe? Let us know how it turned out!
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Credit: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a57633/baked-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. mayonnaise
3/4 c. sour cream
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1 c. shredded white cheddar, plus more for topping
1/2 c. shredded Gruyère
1 (14-oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except baguette. Mix until fully combined and season with salt and pepper.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and smooth top with a spatula. Top with more shredded white cheddar.
3. Bake until bubbly and slightly golden, 30 minutes. If you’d like the dip to develop a more golden top, broil on high for 2 minutes.
4. Serve with baguette on the side, for dipping.

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If you or your loved one is struggling with any of the topics discussed, here are some resources:
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
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Disclaimer:

The content provided on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or treatment.

The views and

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Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a couples counselor for parents providing therapy in person in Murrieta, CA and virtual couples therapy in California. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

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For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest
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Go to your local hospital or call 911