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Family isn’t one-size-fits-all. And neither is the journey to building one. For many of us, society paints a picture from the moment we’re little — get married, have children, and follow the traditional path to parenthood. But what happens when life doesn’t follow that script? Or when the “standard” version of family doesn’t feel like it fits the life you want to create? In today’s episode of Chick Chat, we’re diving into a conversation that challenges traditional ideas of family and motherhood. Whether you’re a new parent, dreaming of parenthood, or simply curious about your own path, this episode will inspire you to embrace possibility and self-discovery.
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Gertrude Lyons, empowers people to do. She is helping people everywhere rethink what it means to create family and to embrace a mindset she calls “Mother-Curious.” Through her work, she invites us to explore our deepest desires around family-building, challenge societal norms, and step into motherhood — or the essence of mothering — in an intentional, fulfilling way.
Who is Dr. Gertrude Lyons?
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a coach, educator, and thought leader in women’s development, holistic parenting, and personal transformation. She’s the founder of Rewrite the Mother Code, where she helps people embrace the creative, nurturing energy of “mothering” to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
With over 20 years of experience, a Doctorate in Education, and a Master’s in Psychology, Dr. Gertrude has guided countless individuals, couples, and families to rewrite their stories both in parenthood and beyond.
Her own path to motherhood wasn’t straightforward either, and that’s part of what makes her work so powerful. She knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate expectations, question your choices, and search for your own version of fulfillment. Her passion for helping others stems from this journey, and she now dedicates her life to supporting others in creating families that reflect their hearts, values, and dreams. I love that her mission is to help people tap into the essence of “mothering” as a creative, nurturing energy that transcends biology, empowering them to lead more intentional, joyful lives.
What Did We Discuss?
In our conversation, Dr. Gertrude introduced the beautiful concept of being Mother-Curious. This isn’t about questioning whether you want to be a mother; it’s about opening up to the many ways you can experience mothering and family-building, and giving yourself permission to explore what truly lights you up.
Here are some highlights from our discussion:
What it really means to be Mother-Curious
Dr. Gertrude shared how this mindset is about exploration over expectation. It’s about asking yourself questions like: What do I truly want my family to look like? What would feel most authentic for me?
The myths and pressures that hold people back
From societal timelines to cultural expectations, so many people feel boxed into a version of family that isn’t fully their own. Dr. Gertrude helps people release the weight of “shoulds” and instead follow their own path.
Her personal motherhood journey
She opened up about the surprises and challenges in her own experience with family-building, which shaped the compassionate, integrative approach she now shares with others.
The role of community and support
Whether it’s partners, friends, family, or online communities, having people who support your choices can make all the difference. Dr. Gertrude shared practical tips for building a strong support system, especially if your path to family looks different from the norm.
Practical first steps for Mother-Curious exploration
She encourages starting with reflection and curiosity: journaling, open conversations with partners or trusted friends, and seeking communities where non-traditional paths are celebrated instead of judged.
We also touched on the fear of judgment, which is one of the biggest obstacles for people considering non-traditional family paths. Dr. Gertrude’s advice was both empowering and freeing: The more you own your truth, the less power judgment holds over you.
This episode is full of insights for anyone navigating questions about family, identity, and self-discovery. Whether you’re dreaming of your first child, considering alternative paths to parenthood, or simply exploring what family means to you, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to honor your own journey.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that there’s no single definition of family, and that’s a beautiful thing. Your path to family doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. By embracing curiosity, letting go of expectations, and building a network of support, you can create a family life that feels truly authentic and fulfilling to you.