Become A Calm Mama

“Fix it, change it, stop it, solve it” is a phrase I use often in my coaching. When you say it out loud, it captures that feeling we have as parents when our kids behave in a way that leaves us feeling overwhelmed, angry or worried.  In this episode,you’ll learn: How to view your kid’s big feelings as an opportunity instead of a threat The question to ask yourself as you move your child throu...

Today I’m talking about misbehavior and the #1 reason it is so hard for parents. Misbehavior creates a lot of conflict in families. It’s one of the main reasons parents yell. You’ll Learn: Why misbehavior often feels like an emergency (even though it’s usually not) How to recognize your body’s stress response and be aware of your reactions Different ways to think about misbehavior - and prevent yo...

Today’s episode is the final installment of a series on setting (and achieving!) your goals. This week, we’re talking about making an action plan - one that you’ll actually follow through on. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to tackle a goal that is challenging for a lot of moms - simplifying weeknight dinners. You’ll Learn: A simple 3-step process to creating a goal plan you can actua...

Welcome to part 2 of the Goal Setting Series! Last week, I walked you through how to figure out what you want and clearly define your goal. Today, we’re talking about defining and overcoming obstacles on the way to your goal. I’ll share some common obstacles, as well as really tangible strategies to help you overcome them. You’ll Learn: 5 common obstacles and how to overcome them 3 strategies to b...

Are you already thinking about things that you want to achieve or create in 2026? For me, it’s publishing my book (eek!). In that spirit, today kicks off a brand-new 3-part series all about getting what you want, prioritizing yourself and your goals, and making good things happen. We’re starting at the beginning - defining your goals. Because you can’t get what you want if you don’t know what it i...

When a kid has experienced trauma, their nervous system often fires in ways that are unpredictable, intense, and challenging. Today, my guest Jamie C. Finn is sharing trauma-informed parenting techniques to help you and your child be better regulated.  You’ll Learn: How your curiosity can shift your kid’s behavior The benefits of staying regulated (even when it feels like a lot of work) Why c...

Today’s guest is so special to me, because she is the person who taught me how to become the parent I am today. She’s basically my Darlynn. I’m so excited to introduce you to Jeanette Yoffe, who is here to talk about regulation strategies for kids. You’ll Learn: How to use the PACE Model to support yourself and your child Some of Jeanette’s favorite phrases for connecting with your kid and their b...

Today is Thanksgiving here in the US, so in the spirit of giving thanks, today’s episode is all about gratitude, how it relates to children and parenting, and my three favorite strategies for cultivating genuine gratitude in yourself and your kids. --------------------------------- What is Gratitude? In Brene Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, she defines gratitude as, “an emotion that reflects our...

As I prepared for our 200th(!!!) episode of the podcast, I realized that I hadn't completely shared a huge part of my story with you. You may already know that I’m an adoptive mom. Today, I’m going deeper and sharing my infertility and adoption story. I sometimes talk about my journey as arriving through the back door of motherhood. In this episode, I’m talking about how I experienced infertility,...

If you have a child between the ages of 1 and 5, today’s episode is for you. I’ve invited Devon Kuntzman onto the podcast to talk to us about transforming toddlerhood. She is a toddler parenting expert who is on a mission to transform the myth that toddlerhood is terrible. You’ll Learn: Myths about toddlerhood that lead to frustration for parents Why toddlers behave the way they do (and what to do...

Dr. Angele Close is back on the podcast! Today, we’re diving deeper into letting go of mom shame and how to build a new relationship within ourselves so we can release that guilt and stress and show up in a more loving, kind, open-hearted way. You’ll learn: Why the myths and expectations of society are like swimming in a fishbowl What it feels like to be in Self energy How something as simple as p...

I’m so excited this week to introduce Dr. Angele Close on the podcast. We're talking all about motherhood, the myths of motherhood (including the “good mom” myth), and what it's like to be a mom in this modern world. In fact, we had so much to talk about that this week’s episode is only part 1!  You’ll Learn: Why motherhood feels so heavy A key concept that can help you drop the self-blame an...

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concept of pre-regulation and how it can help with preventing meltdowns. Today, you’ll learn how to help your kid get calm (and stay calm) so you have less dysregulation and fewer tantrums. You’ll Learn: Why meltdowns actually happen Things you might be doing that make tantrums worse How to help you child calm their nervous system in the moment Tons of sim...

Today, I’ve invited Sara Hartley onto the podcast for a conversation about raising neurodivergent kids. I really appreciate the work Sara is putting out into the world, including her new book series called Purposefully Me that helps kids navigate big feelings, embrace their differences, build resilience, and discover their unique purpose through affirmations and storytelling. You’ll Learn: What to...

Today, I’m walking you through 3 things that kids need in order to feel secure in their attachment with you. Consider this your crash course in attachment basics, a how-to guide. You’ll Learn: How focusing on attachment in childhood with help you kid in adulthood My experience as an adoptive mom working to repair my kids’ attachments after life in an orphanage The 4 S’s of attachment and how to us...

Today, I’ve invited Dr. Sarah Bren to talk to us about attachment, knowing whether or not we have a secure attachment with our kids, and how to maintain that secure attachment through the process of repair.  You’ll Learn: Why emotional health and achievement don’t have to be an either/or (and which one often leads to the other) Why repair is so important - and how to do it right A time I (rec...

When my kids were little, I came up with a routine that I called “The 5 Things”. Basically, I decided on five things that my kids needed to do before school every morning - the non-negotiables. Today, you’ll learn how to create and follow through on your own morning and bedtime routines.  You’ll Learn: What The 5 Things are and how to use this tool to create simple routines for your kids Why...

This one simple practice that I call “Eyeballs” can make your afternoons easier and add powerful connection to anytime you reunite with your child. It only takes a few seconds and very little effort, but I know it will make a huge difference in your home. You’ll Learn: What the Eyeballs tool is and how to use it (it’s gonna change your life!) Why connection doesn’t have to be complicated My favori...

In today’s short and sweet episode, I’m giving you two simple strategies for better mornings (which I know you can use now that school is back in session!).  You’ll Learn: The most important thing about mornings How to make a gentle handoff to school, daycare, or camp What to do first when you see your kid in the morning How to get back on track after a rough moment I show you how to help you...

If you’ve ever known anyone who’s going through a divorce, if you’re considering divorce yourself, or are in the early stages of making that decision, this episode on surviving divorce is for you.  My guest today is Certified Divorce Coach® Laila Aitken Ali . Laila is known as the Split Coach, and she helps people (especially parents) to restructure their lives and relationships post-breakup...

Today on Become A Calm Mama, we’re continuing our conversation from last week about The Drama Triangle. This week, we’re diving deeper into a healthier model, The Empowerment Dynamic (TED).  You’ll Learn: Unhelpful stories that you might be telling yourself right now How our thoughts and beliefs become our reality (and how to use this to your advantage) Questions to ask yourself to determine...

Today, we’re digging into the concept of the Drama Triangle (which you can probably guess is something you don’t want to be stuck in). I’m talking all about what the Drama Triangle is and how it shows up in parenting. You’ll Learn: What the Drama Triangle is and why you don’t want to get stuck there Examples of how the Drama Triangle shows up in families A new model to help you shift out of the dr...

This encore episode about the back to school shit show is one I come back to over and over again - because it’s something parents struggle with every. single. year. The transition back to school from summer break is definitely a transition. Kids suddenly have to wake up early, get themselves ready and out the door (on time). And it’s a transition for you too as you settle everyone into a new routi...

Today, we’re wrapping up the 3-part series on Internal Family Systems (IFS). This episode is all about being what your kid needs, with lots of strategies to show up as the calm, connected parent you want to be. You’ll Learn: The 4 parts of emotional literacy How to let your child “borrow” your nervous system as they build their own emotional strength 3 things all kids want to hear from their paren...

There are many different religious and cultural traditions and concepts that help us understand what I’m referring to today as the SELF. This is the term used in the Internal Family Systems approach (IFS) to describe our inner being, essence, soul, or spirit.  Find out: What SELF (yes, in all caps) is and how it helps you heal from within How to know when you’re accessing your core SELF (and...