Simple Families

I’m feeling grateful that I have the ability to work from home during this season of life. But having the whole family home right along with me isn’t exactly a “walk in the park”. Today I’m sharing my 7 best tips for staying sane in an extended time period of social distancing. The post 7 Tips for Social Distancing (with Kids) appeared first on Simple Families.

Are you inundated by the news right now? Is there such a thing as too much news? We are raising children in an era of constant exposure to the news–it hits us instantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the current pandemic, it has many of us captivated as we find it hard to look away. Constant exposure to the news can increase anxiety. Is there a way to find a balance between being informed and...

Partnership is transformed in parenthood. Today I am joined by Shane Birkel, a podcaster and couples therapist. Shane and I are discussing communication and relationship patterns for partners during the early years of parenthood. Show Links: Shane Birkel – Website Shane’s Podcast – The Couple’s Therapist Couch Relational Life Therapy (Shane’s Method) Gottman Method Emotions Focused Therapy The pos...

I know you are already inundated with the news on COVID-19. But we are going to talk about it a little here today too–I’m taking a question from an audience member wondering how we are handling it in our family. Show Notes/Links Green Kid Crafts Kid’s Podcasts Story Pirates Molly of Denali Rebel Girls Stories Podcast The post Q&A | How are you handling the spread of coronavirus? appeared first on...

I’m joined by Courtney Carver, author of the brand new book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. In today’s episode, she shares her minimalist wardrobe challenge that has spread throughout the world. I also have my sister-in-law, Kim, joining us for a mini-coaching call with Courtney. Kim is brand new to a capsule wardrobe and Project 333, and Cour...

How do I teach my daughter to value her inner-beauty? How do I teach her that self-worth isn’t sealed into pretty? I will teach her that strangers can’t see the beautiful stuff on the inside. However, out of some bizarre cultural norm she will find that these strangers constantly praise and discuss her external appearance. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simple words I use with my daughter tel...

What if you are too overwhelmed to deal with your overwhelm? I hear this a lot. This week we are launching a new round of The Mental Unload–my signature 7-day program that focuses on decreasing mental clutter. Even if you think you don’t have the time for this, I’m going to explain all the details today. Show Notes/Links The Mental Unload Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon The post Q&A | Is The M...

The truth is, parenthood rarely turns out how we expect. Today, I’m happy to introduce you to my friend Jen. I met Jen over twelve years ago–long before my motherhood journey began. She’s the mother of a son with special needs and twin daughters. Jen’s love and tenacity have always inspired me. I’m thankful she is sharing an intimate look into her parenthood journey with us today. Show Notes/Links...

We often feel a great responsibility to keep our kids occupied and happy. That can be a heavy burden to carry. In today’s episode, we are talking about understanding this need and setting boundaries to benefit the whole family. Show Notes/Links: Visual Timer on Amazon Visual Timer App The post Q&A | How do you occupy a young child? appeared first on Simple Families.

What if your kid says “yuck” at the dinner table. Cooking a meal for your family is hard work and when your kids express distaste, it can really get under your skin. The truth is that most kids think in black and white: they either love a food or they hate it. Not only do they think in black and white, but they also speak in simplistic terms as well. Today we are talking about letting go of the ne...

What is executive functioning? As parents, it is important to understand that executive function is one of many components that is in-development in the early years of life. As our children grow, they slowly develop the ability to make plans, organize their ideas, follow directions, and manage time. This process can feel slow and arduous. However, it’s important to know that executive functioning...

Do my kids fight? YES. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite tools and thoughts around sibling relationships. I’ll be honest, this is one of my biggest challenges in parenthood. But with time, I’ve been able to develop empathy that gives me the ability to stay calm in times of crisis with my kids–and that has made a huge difference. How do you handle sibling conflicts? The post Q&A | How do you ha...

I am wrapping up a treat-free month with my kids. Back in December, the cookies, candy, and treats got more than a little out of hand. This month has been a learning process for my kids, but more importantly for me. I’ve been able to let go of some of my longtime beliefs about the role that sugar needs to play in childhood. Have you ever tried to go treat-free with your kids? Show Notes/Links Babi...

Anyone parenting with a busy schedule will tell you that the quality of food you are feeding yourself may be lacking. It can take time, thought, and effort to feed ourselves well. On the podcast today, I’m chatting with my wellness guru, Megan Lyons. We are chatting about mindful eating, managing cravings, embracing hunger, meal prep, intermittent fasting, and much more. Show Notes/Links: Find Meg...

Do you have a kid who struggles to take “no” for an answer? That’s the question we are covering today. The truth is, somtimes we need to firm up our “no” when talking to our kids–I’m giving you a few examples of what this sounds like. I’m also giving you an example of how I use my job description. “As your Mom, it’s my job to help keep your brain and body healthy. To do that, I have to be sure you...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a journey to simplicity. Marie, a Simple Families community member is giving us a closer look inside her day-to-day life. She’s been working towards simplicity for over a year and has found that a simpler life improves her well-being and the overall harmony of her family. Marie and I discuss her adventure in decluttering the physical “stuff” in the home, as well as...

Should we insist that our kids apologize or say “I’m sorry”? I actually don’t. However, both my kids have come to apologize and express authentic empathy in their early years (without my demanding it). They have learned to do so naturally through their environment. When it comes to teaching manners and empathy, we can cue our kids to use certain expressions. But often it’s not about teaching. It’s...

In three years of podcasting, I’ve never shared my own views on sleep. This is not an accident. The reality is that I’m afraid to approach this divisive topic. I do have a lot of opinions on the topic, but today–I’m sharing the 7 most important things I’ve learned about sleep and parenthood in my own life. Time Stamp: 1:01 // Episode disclaimer 1:53 // Episode sponsor: Native 2:50 // Simplify Food...

How do you get your kids to sleep in later? That’s the question for the day. Although there is no magic bullet, I have a few tips to help you move in the right direction. Including some strategies around using an “Okay to wake clock”. I’m also sharing something simple that I’m loving this week. Time Stamps 1:27 Introducing live workshops this month: Simplify Food + Family 2:30 ‘Something Simple’ I...

Happy New Year! Today we are talking about the Simple Families “word for the year”: Community. Building a community in parenthood can feel like “one more thing” we have to do. But it’s invaluable to you and your family as you grow, change, and face the rollercoaster of life with kids. In this episode, I’m joined by my friends Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising Simp...

Back in January, I joined the sober curious movement as I gave up alcohol for the year as a New Year’s Resolution. It was an amazing year and I learned so much about myself. Today I’m sharing my month-by-month experience and Brooke Conley joins me for moral support. Show Notes/Links: SFP 128: Living Coffee ’til Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] SFP 141: Q&A – Can you tell us more about your 2019 reso...

Stepping into new spaces can make anyone uncomfortable. For many of us, developing a relationship with an individual with special needs might be new territory. In today’s episode, we have Mama/Author/Advocate Heather Avis sharing her ideas about raising kids with kindness and moving towards inclusion. “When we walk into the world with our children we know we are different. What we want is for peop...

Are you wondering how to talk to your kids about Santa? That’s what we are chatting about today. Actually, I’m introducing something brand new today! Starting in 2020, I’ll be adding a second weekly episode to the Simple Families Podcast. In addition to the regular weekly episode, I’ll be adding a shorter form episode. Today, I’m sharing an example of how exactly this will look. The new episode wi...

In today’s episode, I’m bringing you a Journey to Simplicity. I’m chatting with Dr. Gillian Goddard, a physician living outside of New York City with her husband and four kids. Although Gillian’s life may feel anything but simple, she and her family have made strides towards finding the balance and rhythm that works for their family. Show Notes/Links: 2019: Holiday Guide (NEW) 2019: These Are a Fe...

Ready for a mindset shift around gifts this holiday season? In today’s episode, we are discussing how to gift with intention. This includes shifting the conversation around gift-giving with your kids and choosing gifts that will keep-on-giving. I’m also sharing the 10 items on the Simple Families 2019 Holiday Gift Guide. Show Notes/Links Shifting the conversation about gifts Buying more intentiona...