Child anxiety rates are on the rise, therefore, it's a topic that feels familiar to many parents. Last week I discussed child anxiety with expert Dr. Eli Lebowitz. In today's episode, I'm joined by fellow mom and mental health professional Niro Feliciano. We are answering questions submitted by listeners on the interaction of parenting styles and child anxiety. Links from this Episode Child Anxiety, Part I ft. Dr. Eli Lebowitz Niro?s Website This Book Won?t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment All Things Life with Niro Podcast Simple Families Podcast Episode 298 - Accommodating Simple Families Podcast Episode 306 - Contentment SPONSORS Kiwi ?Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com. PrepDish ? Get two weeks free prepdish.com/families Indeed -Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to start hiring now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Child anxiety is a topic on the mind of millions across the world. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eli Lebowitz about his innovative Space Treatment method, which he outlines in his new book Breaking Free of Child Anxiety & OCD. This method of treating anxiety in children is unique in that it works solely with the child's parents, and is shown to be as effective as working with the child. Professor Lebowitz studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center. His research focuses on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, with special emphasis on family dynamics and the role of parents in these problems. Links for this Episode Eli Lebowitz: Space Treatment Book: Breaking Free of Child Anxiety & OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacetreatments Simple Families Podcast Episode 298: Accommodating SPONSORS Faherty: Head to Faherty and use code SIMPLE at checkout for 20% for all your wardrobe needs. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at MINTMOBILE.com/simple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us are hitting the road or taking to the sky this summer for travel. If you've traveled with kids, you know that it's not easy. And if you are traveling with anxious or inflexible children, it can feel even more daunting. This is a two-part episode. First, I'm joined by award-winning Dawn Barclay, who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. Dawn is the author of the brand new book, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse. Following my chat with Dawn, I'm hosting a Q&A section with my own travel tips for families--something I'm passionate about. Links for this Episode Dawn Barclay: Traveling Different Facebook: www.facebook.com/travelingdifferent Instagram: www.instagram.com/traveling_different SPONSORS Indeed | Sign up for Indeed for all your hiring needs. Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social media gives us all an opportunity to create a false narrative of our lives. And too often, that narrative is of a life we wish we had or what we want to be. The result is a distorted sense of reality. For many of us, social media came into our lives and quickly became a slippery slope. Lena Derhally encourages us to take a step back and consider how we can be more intentional in the way social media plays a role in our lives. Lena is a licensed psychotherapist and expert in narcissism in the Washington, DC area. She's the author of the book The Facebook Narcissist. Links for this Episode Lena Derhally The Facebook Narcissist (Lena's newest book) Simple Families Podcast Episode 309: Mental Chatter Simple Families Community is now free. SPONSORS KiwiCo - Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com. PrepDish - Get 2 weeks free, prepdish.com/families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I would love to introduce you to "Let's Change Beauty" - a podcast powered by the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Let?s Change Beauty features intimate conversations with esteemed experts and celebrated guests from the worlds of beauty, gaming, sports, technology and entertainment. What if we could work together to create a world where we define beauty on our own terms? This is the world that cultural expert and host of Let's Change Beauty, Jess Weiner, invites you to help make a reality. I hope you listen and subscribe! apple.co/letschangebeauty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we speak to our kids, words do matter. We don?t have to get it right all.the.time, but I like to use the same phrases repeatedly to help drive home important lessons. Therefore, I?m sharing the 10 exact expressions my kids hear on a regular basis. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most impactful. You can either listen along or read?in today?s episode, I?m sharing how I use these and why they are important. Links for this Episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 219: Absolute Thinking Sponsors Shopify - E-Commerce for your business. shopify.com/simple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can feel impossible to carve out an identity and personal space in motherhood. In today's conversation, Eve Rodsky shares her own experiences and encouraging words to set us on the path to finding ourselves again. Eve transformed a ?blueberries breakdown? into a catalyst for social change when she applied her Harvard-trained background in organizational management to ask the simple yet profound question: What would happen if we treated our homes as our most important organizations? Eve Rodsky is the New York Times best-selling author of Fair Play and National Bestseller, Find Your Unicorn Space. Links for this Episode Eve Rodsky: Fair Play Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everodsky Fair Play: https://www.instagram.com/fairplaylife SPONSORS Indeed | Sign up for Indeed now and get a $75 credit toward your first sponsored job. Plus earn up to $500 extra in sponsored job credits with Indeed?s Virtual Interviews. Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to learn more. Faherty | Head to FAHERTYBRAND.com/SIMPLE and use code SIMPLE at checkout to snag 20% Mint Mobile | MINTMOBILE.com/simple to cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month Join the Simple Families Community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's society, we could all use a little more practice in critical thinking. Julie Bogart is known for her common sense parenting and education advice. She?s the author of the beloved book, The Brave Learner, which has brought joy and freedom to countless home educators. Her new book, Raising Critical Thinkers, offers parents a lifeline in navigating the complex digital world our kids are confronting. You may know Julie Bogart from her award-winning, innovative online writing program Brave Writer, now 22 year old, serving 191 countries. Today, I chat with her about her new book and how creating an intimate bond with our children helps in raising critical thinkers. Links for this Episode Julie Bogart & Brave Writer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravewriter Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bravewriter Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & Analog Curious II Simple Families Podcast Episode 309: Mental Chatter SPONSORS Faherty | Head to FAHERTYBRAND.com/SIMPLE and use code SIMPLE at checkout to snag 20% Pair Eyewear | Go to paireyewear.com/SIMPLE for 15% off your first purchase. Prep Dish | Two Weeks Free at Prepdish.com/families Join the Simple Families Community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm excited to chat with Bunmi Laditan--I've been a fan of her work for years and find myself repeating her beautiful words in everyday parenting. Bunmi, also know as The Honest Toddler, is a writer, poet, and mother who has inspired millions of women across the world. She's sharing more about life and her new book. Links for this Episode Find Bunmi on Instagram & Facebook Bunmi's Website: www.bunmiladitan.com Bunmi's Books SPONSORS KiwoCo: For unique learning activities and experiences, use the Promo Code "Simple" to get 50% off your first month, or free shipping on any Crate line. Hello Fresh: Get 16 FREE meals and 3 FREE gifts using this link for a Summer meal delivery service to make life simpler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of the recent tragic events in Texas, I am moving up the interview with Dr. Kate Truitt. I have found Dr. Truitt's method of Havening so simple, yet powerful for managing stress and anxiety. I utilize this self-directed method on myself and have been teaching it to my children. I hope you find it useful as well.  Dr. Kate Truitt is a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist with an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration and has dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of trauma and stress-related disorders. She leads her flagship organization, Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates, headquartered in Pasadena, CA. She is the CEO of the Trauma Counseling Center (TCC) with offices throughout Los Angeles. Links From This Episode Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrKateTruitt  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.katetruitt  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.katetruitt/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKateTruitt SPONSORS Manscaped - Gift for Father's Day. Use Code SIMPLE to receive 20% off, plus FREE shipping. Daily Harvest - Up to $40 off your first box. Use the code SIMPLE Pair Eyewear - 15% off your first purchase of eyewear. Use the code SIMPLE This originally appeared on Simple Families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got questions? Leave them for me on Speakpipe. Today, I am answering five different listener questions. Tune in to learn more about handling screen time, the middle childhood years, getting rid of toys and art, power struggles, and siblings challenges (we?ve all got ?em!). Links from this Episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & Analog Curious II Simple Families Podcast Episode 169: Too Many Toys Simple Families Podcast Episode 233: Expansion & Contraction Simple Families Podcast Episode 282: Power Struggle Simple Families Community ? Join us now! Sponsors Shopify ? Excellent tool for small business Indeed ? Find great talent The post Q&A with Denaye appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all talk to ourselves. For better or worse, our ?chatter? or self-talk can have a profound impact on our moods, relationships, and confidence. It?s easy to operate on auto-pilot and let these thoughts come and go. But in my conversation with Ethan Kross today, he gives us tools to pump the brakes and shift our self-talk so that it works for us rather than against us. Ethan?s is the author of the bestselling book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters. He?s also a professor and researcher out of the University of Michigan. Links from this Episode Find Ethan on Instagram and Twitter Website: EthanKross.com Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It SPONSORS Fabric ? Protect your family with term life insurance now, in just 10 minutes Mint Mobile ? To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, including the Modern Family Plan. The post Mental Chatter appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few times a year, I invite a member of the Simple Families to share their story on the podcast. Today, we are on a journey to simplicity with Meredith Bay-Tyack. Meredith has been a long-time member of the community, but she opening admits that she?s very much a work in progress. Meredith applies simplicity to most aspects of family life. She loves to shop second-hand and strives to be low waste + minimal-ish?which she interestingly notes often conflict with one another. Links from this Episode Meredith Bay-Tyack https://www.instagram.com/meredithtested/ Sponsors KiwiCo ? Get 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com. Hello Fresh ? HelloFresh.com/simple16 and use code simple16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!? The post Meredith?s Story appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today?s world, we are faced with distractions at every turn. It can be hard to focus on the things that matter. In Joshua Becker?s new book, he explains that distractions make us feel restless, tired, and unfulfilled. In our conversation today we discuss distractions, envy, and raising kids to live a more intentional life. Links in Episode: Find Joshua on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Becoming Minimalist Things that Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life Article on Envy Sponsors: Faherty ? Get 20% off (code SIMPLE) Prep Dish ? Get two weeks free Pair Eyewear ? get 15% off (code SIMPLE) The post Things that Matter appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Niro Feliciano set out to write the book on happiness?then she realized happiness wasn?t even the goal. Today, she joins me to discuss what contentment means and how we can ditch the metrics t0 move towards it. She?s a cognitive psychotherapist, mom of 4, and a brand-new author. Links from this Episode Niro?s Website This Book Won?t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment All Things Life with Niro Podcast SPONSORS Evite ? Find thousands of unique invitation themes for your next party Daily Harvest ? Get up to $40 off your first box Fabric ? Find security and protection for your family with term life insurance. The post Contentment appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship and motherhood can seem like an overwhelming combination, but for Nell Shapiro & Stephanie Merks, it has brought them additional joy and purpose. The founders of Kibou are joining me to talk about turning their idea of a minimalistic mom-bag into a business and how they survived, even thrived, during the pandemic. Links from this Episode Kibou Website Kibou on Instagram Kibou on Facebook SPONSORS Ana Luisa Jewelry ? Get 10% off with code SIMPLEFAMILIES Green Chef ? Use code ?Simple130? to get $130 off and FREE shipping. Indeed ? Find great talent with a $75 sponsor job credit through April 30, 2022. The post Entrepreneurship & Motherhood appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Procrastination has been on my mind lately, so I invited an expert, Dr. Tim Pychyl, to dissect and explain the many examples I could list in my life where I find myself delaying tasks that feel important. I was fascinated to learn that not all my delays are considered procrastination, how mindfulness relates to procrastinating, and what my 6-year old daughter thinks about this topic. Listen to hear my interview with Tim (and my little girl!). Links from this Episode Tim?s Website ? Procrastination.Ca Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change iProcrastinate Podcast WOOP Method Sponsors KiwiCo ? Get 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com. Hello Fresh ? Go to HelloFresh dot com slash simple16 and use code simple16 for up to 16 free meals AND3 free gifts. The post Procrastination appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Part II of Analog Curious (if you missed Part I, catch it here). In this episode, I continue to explore my analog curiosity and provide some useful ways I have been able to decrease the impact of screen time and social media use. One thing is for sure, I?m a work in progress. I?d love to hear more about your journey! Want to get on the waitlist for the new (simpler) Simple Families Community? The post Analog Curious ? Part II appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I?ve been on a bit of a digital detox. Or what I?m calling, being ?analog curious?. This means I want to know what life feels like relying on technology less. In the past two years, technology has barged its way into all aspects of our lives. And for a while, this hasn?t been sitting well with me. It feels like a double edged sword. During the pandemic, a time of great isolation, technology brought us together. Technology has brought about amazing possibilities for social connections, community building, and learning. But in many cases, including my own, this has also led to compulsive use. This type of use happens beyond our awareness or control. That?s what I?m exploring today. Links mentioned in this episode: Sober Curious episode My Year Without Alcohol Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke M.D. The post Analog Curious ? Part I appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let?s redefine what ?bad behavior? in childhood really means. So often, we view challenging behavior as a sign of our own shortcomings as parents, but our episode today explains that most difficult behaviors are actually a neurological response to stress, fear and/or discomfort. What if we could figure out how to manage the behavior by learning more about the way the nervous system operates? Today, I am thrilled to be talking to Dr. Mona Delahooke about her new book, Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behaviors and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids. In her book, she delves deep into the idea of personalizing the approach based on each unique child. And spoiler alert, it?s a lot simpler than it sounds. Get in touch with Mona: Website Book Instagram Facebook The post Body-Brain Parenting appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you (or your loved ones) are living with clutter; trying to make space for connection over content; or moving to a smaller home or retirement community, then you?ll love hearing from my friend, Matt Paxton. Matt is an Emmy-nominated hoarding expert and in today?s episode he?s sharing more about his new book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff, and his journey to life with less. Links to get in touch with Matt: Book Instagram Twitter Legacy List  The post Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mothers all over the world have faced similar challenges across generations. Today, I?m chatting with Ana Tajder. Ana is the host of Thank you, Mama a podcast where she interviews woman from around the world about the lessons they learned from their mothers. Today, I?ll be interviewing her about her own mom, who was an awarded Yugoslavian Actress/artist. Ana Tajder was born in Zagreb, Coatia and had to flee to Austria when the war reached her hometown as a child. There, she continued her education and travels to become an accomplished author and journalist, contributing to German, Austrian and Croatian magazines and newspapers. Links to Get in Touch with Ana: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter The post Thank you, Mama appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are talking about accommodating, especially accommodating anxious behaviors in our kids. Sometimes accommodating is also known as enabling. This happens when an anxious person asks another person in their life to do something specific that relieves their anxiety. Like when your kid is fearful about going to bed and you lay with them until they fall asleep; when they are nervous about going to a birthday party so you cancel at the last minute, or when they are afraid of taking the bus so you drive them to school each day. We all do it. We all accommodate anxious behaviors in our kids?and its never so simple and straightforward.  The post Accommodating appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenthood rarely turns out as we expect. In today?s episode, I?m chatting with Rachel Nielson, the host of the podcast 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms.  Rachel is a mother, teacher, and writer. In this episode she?s sharing her journey to motherhood. Get in Touch with Rachel: Her Podcast Her Website Instagram The post Idealizations appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Valentine?s Day and the Re-Launch of my Partners in Parenthood program, I have my partner, David, on the podcast today. We are talking about the highs and lows of parenthood and about how we have grown together in the process. The post Partnership appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today?s episode, Kanesha Baynard opens up about her experience and expertise with the topic of multigenerational family living. This type of living arrangement has become increasingly more common in recent years with the pandemic and child care challenges.  Find Kanesha on her website + instagram + twitter.    The post Multigenerational Families appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of you listening are moving towards a more intentional approach to parenting, so I know you will enjoy this episode. Mr. Chazz Lewis is one of few male voices in the movement towards more respectful parenting. I?m thrilled that he let me pick his brain on topics like mistakes, cooperation, the parent-child relationship, and breaking cycles.   Find Chazz online: Instagram TikTok Podcast Patreon The post Mr. Chazz appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today?s episode I?m joined by Laura Fenton. Laura is a writer, editor, and the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She and I are chatting about the ways that small living has impacted our lives and what it looks like in practice. Find Laura on Instagram Laura?s Book, The Little Book of Living Small The post Living Small(er) appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the world has grown busier, many of us have moved towards short-form content to get the knowledge and information we desire. Rather than reading a book or listening to a podcast, we want that same information in a tweet, a TikTok, or an Instagram square. That can feel like a firehose of information. But could that move toward short-form content being doing more harm than good? That?s our topic today. I?m joined by my dear friend, Eden Hyder. Get in Touch with Eden: Website Instagram Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, early parenthood may feel like a blur with a few major bookends that stand out in our memories. What will those bookends be for your family? Do you have control over the bookends? Want to join us in The Mental Unload? It starts January 6th, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are messiness and minimalism compatible? In fact, we messy people probably need minimalism the most?because we can?t handle having a lot of ?stuff?. My guest today is Rachelle Crawford. Rachelle and I have bonded over our natural tendencies towards messiness. Rachelle is sharing her journey and introducing us to her new book, Messy Minimalism. Get in touch with Rachelle: On Instagram Rachelle?s Website On Facebook Buy her book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the podcast I often feature the voices of parents and professionals who support children. As support people, our vantage point is unique. But what about the viewpoint from those with lived experience? Today, I?m speaking with lived experience educator Sonny Jane. Sonny (whose pronouns are they/them) is a queer, agender, physically disabled, autistic ADHDer and provides lived experience education, consulting and advocacy services to neurodivergent individuals, mental health professionals and organizations + services. They believe in listening to and centering lived experience as well as allowing neurodivergent voices to come first when speaking about their own identities and experiences. I hope you enjoy our chat. Find Sonny on Instagram Sonny?s Website: The Lived Experience Educator Books recommended by Sonny: The World Needs More Purple People Different Like Me The post Lived Experience appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It?s that magical time of the year?you probably started to feel it back in October when the decorations hit the stores. The pressure to shop early and the FOMO has never been stronger. There?s a good chance you have kids that are excited for the holiday season due to the anticipation of the gifts that are to come. If that sounds like your kids, you aren?t alone. Today, we are talking about staying focused on what matters the most: the real reason for the season. I?m joined by Meg Nordmann, author of Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas. Meg is mother of two and also the voice behind the podcast, Journey to Freedom. You can find her on Instagram at Meg Nordmann. The post Minimalist Christmas appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I?m thrilled to welcome our first Mother-Daughter duo to the podcast today. Quyionah Wingfield and her daughter Serenity are entrepreneurs. They?ve written books, launched online dance classes, and now their first family game app. All their ventures have a common theme?building family connection. You can find Qui and Serenity here: Cool Moms Dance Too Website Cool Moms Dance Too on Instagram Gen Connect Game Quyionah Wingfield, mother of two, founder, creator and CEO of Cool Moms Dance Too! (CMDToo!), founder and host of Set An Intention For Your Day Morning show is a family health and wellness provider and advocate. Quyionah Wingfield co-founded CMDToo! an organization that focuses on family dance wellness and play to help improve physical and mental health for mothers and their children. Quyionah studied Psychology at Georgia State University and is an AFAA/NASM certified fitness instructor and CEU training provider. In 2018 Quyionah was an award recipient for Atlanta?s A3C Action Summit for Social Justice for her work addressing health disparities, health education and equity. Emory University?s Goizueta Business School?s Start:ME accelerator awarded Cool Moms Dance Too! for their business strategy and outstanding local community work. Quyionah successfully completed The Center for Civic Innovation and Sara Blakely Foundation?s fellowship. Currently, Quyionah and CMDToo is completing a incubator with the city of Atlanta?s Women?s Entrepreneurship Initiative and has been featured as a #Forbes1000 company. Quyionah also has a background in Accounting and Finance most recently working with Audacy Communications; Radio Broadcasting Company. Serenity Marie is an entrepreneur, author and actor born and raised in Atlanta, GA. The daughter of entrepreneur Quyionah Wingfield, Serenity is a sweet and charismatic kidpreneur, co-founder of Cool Moms Dance Too!, and co-author of ?The Bully Police Book.? In October 2021, Serenity and her mother released their first app, Gen Connect Game ? The Game that gets Families Talking in an initiative to help 22,000 families by Spring of 2022 build stronger connections via communication and play. Her organization Cool Moms Dance Too has helps over 8,000 parents and children and has been featured as a #Forbes1000 company. In addition CMDToo! has created partnerships and collaborations with Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Hawks, Sara Blakely Foundation, Spanx, Mental Health America Georgia, NAMI Georgia, V103 Atlanta, Kate?s Club and more. Serenity studied dance with Kameo Production Studios, Ballethnic Dance Company and acting lessons at the Alliance Theatre and The Actors Scene. Her career accomplishments have been being featured on NBC 11-Alive, Cool Moms Dance Too series choreographer, opening for KidzBop Kids, working with Mental Health America GA and NAMI GA as a presenter. Serenity?s future aspirations are to be an interior designer and entrepreneur. The post Family Connection appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today?s episode we are talking about why children don?t need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys is not only unnecessary but could be harmful. Want to join Tame The Toys? Use the code NOV21 for 20% off through the end of November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do I do if I think something is ?wrong? with my kid? How do I know if my kid is developing okay? I hear these questions a lot. Today I?m talking about how to choose a professional and how to know what the best step is to find the support your child needs. The post Diagnosis appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I frequently hear from women who are diagnosed with ADHD after entering motherhood. Those who are diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning. In short, executive functioning is our ability to plan, organize, and coordinate life. And as you know, parenthood has a way of pushing our executive functioning skills to the max. In today?s episode, I?m chatting with Yakini Pierce of ADHD Love. Yakini and her two children are diagnosed with ADHD and she?s sharing her journey and work with us. How to reach Yakini: Instagram Website Podcast The post ADHD in Motherhood appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I find it confusing when we are told that as parents we need to set boundaries. We need to hold our ground. But so often when we do that, we end up in power struggles.  Power struggles can happen in any relationship. They are especially common in the parent-child relationship. It happens anytime the parent and child both want their way?and they refuse to back down. As a parent, I don?t want you to back down. But I want you to practice meeting your child in the middle. I would ask if power struggles are a thing in your house, but I already know they are. Because essentially, raising children is one gigantic 20+ year power struggle as we are launching kids off to be independent humans. We are slowly letting go of control little by little by little and handing over the power every day. Some days it?s a smoother transfer of power than others.  Even though power struggles are present constantly in the parent-child relationship, don?t always have to be messy and complicated. Especially if we can catch them early and strive to hand over a little bit of that power to balance things out. Today, I?m introducing a 3-step approach to do it simply. Learn more about Partners in Parenthood The post Power Struggles appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we are discussing interoception. If you don?t know what that means, you aren?t alone. You might be surprised to learn you know more about it than you realize. Interoception is sometimes called the ?Eighth Sense?, it?s the sense of the entire condition of the inner body, including hunger, temperature, pain, and the need for the bathroom. I?m joined in conversation with Occupational Therapist and Interoception Expert, Kelly Mahler. Today?s Sponsor: Recess, use coupon code SIMPLE20 for 20% off your first purchase. Get in Touch with Kelly Kelly-Mahler.com Kelly on Instagram Kelly?s Facebook Group The post Interoception appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID vaccine is going to be available for younger children in the coming weeks here in the U.S.. I don?t know about you, but this has been on my mind for some time. Today, I?m sharing my decision-making process. This episode may or may not resonate with you?and that?s okay. In this chat, I?m joined by NYC pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin. I walk through my own decision with her and she answers questions that listeners submitted to me. Links to Get in Touch with Dr. Fradin: Instagram Facebook Newsletter Website Book The post COVID Vaccines for Kids appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting is one of our most important jobs in life. But we also don?t get formal performance reviews like we do in the working world. Sometimes that can leave us guessing.  How am I doing? You want to know, right? Since there isn?t a formal review process, we tend to look to the world around us to evaluate ourselves. One common way that we decide whether or not we are doing a good job is by looking at our kids happiness. If the kids are happy, we must be doing okay. Right? If they are unhappy, we must really be botching things up, right? Or sometimes we look at the outcomes of parent-teacher conference, the kid?s grades, or grandparent commentary Often, these things can result in a lot of self-doubt for us as parents.  The post Performance Reviews appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I?m bringing you a live recording ? Your simplicity questions answered! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We just moved into a new house. We?ve been renting for almost a year and found a permanent spot right down the road. Even though it?s not a far move, it?s been a big move. Big life transitions like this can feel really out of control. There?s always unexpected stress. Unexpected tasks. Unexpected emotions.  If it feels like you are constantly ?Putting out fires?. Jumping from one crisis to the next. Like parenting is one big uphill climb?you can never find that easy, flat road. You don?t feel like you have a baseline to return to in times of struggle. Then this episode is for you.  The post Back to Baseline appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back-to-school season can feel busy and stressful?especially this year. In today?s episode I?m answering some of your back-to-school questions. Heads up, next week I?ll be starting a one-week special offer on Simple Families Foundations. The post Back-to-School Q&A appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As adults we are accustomed to a certain type of communication. Usually, it involves spoken word and it?s fairly civilized. That?s not always the case when it comes to communicating with our kids.  Our children are still developing the ability to regulate their emotions and tolerate frustrating circumstances. The result is that often they communicate with more emotion than we are used to as adults. Kids get louder and more excited. Kids often get angrier and yell more. They get sad and cry more.  These big emotions can be very triggering for us as parents. And what happens is that we get upset about the way our child is communicating and we completely lose sight of the message they are trying to get across. And when we miss the message, things tend to escalate. Things tend to spiral.  The post Hear the Message appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all need to move. But in this busy world, it doesn?t seem easy to make time and space for movement. As our culture has become more sedentary, this topic is increasingly important for all humans?but especially for parents. Our children?s brains develop through movement. My guest today is Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement. Katy is sharing a bit about the history of movement and how changes in our society has shifted our natural tendencies. We are talking about her new book Grow Wild and how to get kids moving outside?even when there is a lot of whining! Links to Katy Bowman Katy?s Website Katy on Instagram Grow Wild (new book) Katy?s previous books The post Movement appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting the day?it can feel like a lot. It can be busy and overwhelming. There are so many things that need to get done and so little time to do them all. I know in many parts of the world people are preparing to go back into the world and back to school. Maybe you?ve had a break from the morning hustle and you are about to get back into the swing of things. Or maybe the morning hustle has been just that?a hustle?for too long and you are looking for some harmony. That?s what we are talking about today. Download the Free Printables Start the Day Bullet Journal The post Start The Day appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels cluttered and overwhelming. If you are committed to self-care but aren?t sure where to start, I want to invite you to join us in The Mental Unload. Visit Simplefamilies.com for more info. The post Mental Clutter in Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is this: ?My kids don?t listen to me!? Generally, what this means is that you ask your kids to do something and they don?t do it. Maybe you ask them several times. Perhaps you ask them several times with an increasing sense of urgency until you are finally screaming. Today, we are going to break down what it really means to ?listen? and a two-step strategy to move forward. The post Listening appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minimalism looks different for everyone. When Christine Platt found minimalism she expected it would involve moving towards an all-white, barren aesthetic. But in search of an intentional life, she has built a home and lifestyle that is unique to her individual needs and culture. Christine, also known as the Afrominimalist, encourages us to search for our ?why? and create a home and life that is true to us. Find Christine Platt online: Website Instagram Books New book: The Afrominimalists Guide to Living with Less ? The post Minimalism Your Way appeared first on Simple Families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices