Boundaries, Breaks, and Being Present: Surviving the Family Juggle with Anastasia Arauz

About Anastasia Arauz: Anastasia Arauz is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and certified family coach with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds advanced training in EMDR, trauma-informed care, and parent-child relational work, and is a certified facilitator for the Circle of Security program. Anastasia is also a former National Board Certified Teacher and has served on several boards, including the North Carolina Association for Play Therapy and Zing Zumm Children’s Museum. Through her private coaching practice, she helps overwhelmed families create healthy routines, strong communication, and sustainable support systems. Anastasia blends her clinical expertise with real-world parenting insight to guide families toward healing, connection, and balance.

In this episode, Brian and Anastasia Arauz discuss: 

• The struggle to stay mentally and emotionally present during overwhelming life phases
• Navigating communication challenges in family dynamics
• The emotional toll of being stretched across multiple demanding roles
• The importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care 

Key Takeaways:

• Taking time to journal about your limits and responsibilities can help clarify what you can realistically handle and what support you need to ask for.
• Creating a weekly schedule that includes personal self-care time, such as breaks, fun, or recharging moments, is essential to avoid burnout and stay emotionally available to loved ones.
• Open communication with children and partners about ongoing caregiving situations builds mutual understanding and creates space for them to become part of your emotional support system.
• Bringing in outside help—whether through services like meal delivery or hiring someone to drive your child—can lighten the load and make space for being fully present with those who need you. 

"Figuring out where you can pull supports in is very helpful." — Anastasia Arauz

Connect with Anastasia Arauz: 

Website: https://www.anastasiaarauz.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-arauz-322b4598/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasia.ara