Take A Mental Load Off

Episode Summary In this lighthearted episode, we’re sharing more about our personal lives—what it was like growing up in a big family, how those experiences shaped Rachel, and the lessons we’ve carried into parenting. With funny memories, heartfelt reflections, and some laughs along the way, it’s a chance to get to know us a little better while breaking up the heavier content. Episode Highlights [...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we're talking about the fine line between helping out of love and overstepping out of fear. Inspired by a thought-provoking quote from The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz, we explore how letting our kids and partners take on their own challenges can build resilience and lighten our mental load. We dive into the concept of “crop rotation” for our minds—learning...

Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the art of letting our kids face challenges to build resilience, using the analogy of a tree growing stronger roots when exposed to the wind. We dive into why allowing our kids to navigate adversity helps them grow into confident, capable adults, and how to balance support without overprotecting. You'll hear stories, practical insights, and reflections o...

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt follow-up, we share a new perspective on managing seasonal depression and the challenges of parenting through it. We discuss how vulnerability and adversity can foster growth, both in ourselves and our children, and reflect on the balance between protecting kids from pain and allowing them to build resilience. Through personal stories and honest insights, we expl...

Ever wondered how seasonal depression really feels beyond the usual stereotypes? In this episode, Shauna opens up about her experience with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and sheds light on its lesser-known symptoms, like sudden irritability and frustration, that often catch people off guard. Together, we unpack how seasonal shifts can affect mental health, why recognizing patterns in our moods...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Rachel opens up about the guilt many of us moms feel when it comes to screen time and not feeling like we're "enough" for our kids. She reflects on her own solo parenting days, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and how she's learned to let that guilt go. We talk about how things really do get easier as our kids grow, and the surprising joy of seeing them be...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Shauna shares three essential parenting strategies that have helped foster trust, safety, and open communication with her kids. From why we don’t do secrets (only surprises!) to handling tricky situations with neighbors and setting boundaries with babysitters, we offer practical tips for navigating the challenges of modern parenting. Tune in to hear how we empower...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk about the importance of teaching kids to trust their intuition, especially in social situations. Through personal stories, Shauna shares how she guides her kids in setting boundaries and recognizing their gut feelings when something feels off. From navigating tricky interactions with neighbors to building situational awareness, we explore how parents can e...

Summary: Raising kids with food sensitivities can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be all about restrictions! In this episode, Rachel shares how she helps her boys make mindful food choices, especially at social events, while still letting them enjoy treats. From corn syrup to food dyes, she's had her learning moments—but the goal is teaching them to listen to their bodies without the guilt...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Shauna shares a funny, yet eye-opening encounter at a church activity that made her reflect on the well-intended (but sometimes unhelpful) advice she receives about autism. As she talks about her son Eli, his unique way of seeing the world, and the challenges we face navigating school systems and IEPs, you’ll get a real glimpse into the ups and downs of parenting...

In this episode, we're opening up about something we all struggle with—control. Whether it's trying to manage things beyond our reach, like when someone else is driving, or figuring out why we’re really upset, we’ll walk you through Shauna's process for identifying the root cause of our frustrations. Plus, we'll share how we learned to let go and stop sweating the small stuff—because spoiler: It’s...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Take a Mental Load Off, Shauna shares her unique approach to tackling the everyday challenges of motherhood with humor, insight, and creativity. We dive into her personal process for identifying problems, figuring out what’s really bugging us as moms, and how to create solutions that actually work. From reflecting on those frustrating moments at the end of a lon...

Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode, we explore how simple family rituals can create deep connections and lasting memories. Join Rachel as she chats with Shauna about the intentional moments she weaves into her family's daily life—like their fun dinner-time questions and quirky bedtime routines. We dive into the magic of these small, meaningful practices and share tips on how you can eas...

*This is the Final Part of a 3 Part series on Friends* Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of friendships and relationships, exploring how they evolve over time. We share personal stories about long-time friendships, how they have adapted to changing circumstances, and the importance of allowing friendships to naturally ebb and flow. We discuss the idea that not al...

*This is Part 2 of a 3 Part series on Friends* Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of building authentic friendships and navigating social dynamics. Shauna shares some valuable advice she gave her niece Brynlee, who's at an FSY camp, about the importance of being your true self in friendships and recognizing when relationships might be mismatched. We discuss how to...

*This is Part 1 of a 3 part series on Friends!* Episode Summary In this episode, we're diving into the challenges and joys of making friends, especially as adults. Whether you're navigating new friendships as a mom, figuring out how to connect with others who share or differ from your values, or just trying to maintain the relationships you already have, this conversation is for you. We also share...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the contentious world of sibling rivalry and fighting, a topic that often triggers frustration and anxiety in parents. We explore the surprising benefits of sibling conflict, inspired by Wendy Mogel's insights from her appearance on Armchair Expert. You'll hear about how these seemingly chaotic moments can actually lay the foundation for close-knit re...

Episode Summary In today's episode, we dive deep into the realities of household labor and its impact on our mental well-being. We'll explore the delicate balance between maintaining a clean home and nurturing meaningful relationships with our families. We share personal frustrations and insights, discuss societal expectations, and reflect on a poignant conversation that shifted my perspective on...

Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and often heavy feeling of guilt, especially as it pertains to parenting. Inspired by a recent personal experience, we explore why guilt arises, how it impacts our actions, and whether it serves a beneficial purpose. We discuss the various scenarios where guilt might surface, such as taking time for oneself or doing activities without...

In this episode, Shauna reflects on the challenges and successes of parenting energetic and intense children, emphasizing that her strategies stem from necessity rather than having everything figured out. She shares various family mantras used to instill values and maintain harmony, from humorous phrases inspired by pop culture to meaningful sayings that promote honesty and responsibility. These m...

In this episode of "Take A Mental Load Off," Rachel & Shauna delve into the philosophy of effective goal setting with insights from holistic health coaching and the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. They discuss the importance of gradual improvement, and highlight the unsustainability of extreme goals  They share the concept of scaling goals to fit current capabilities and integrating new h...

In this episode, Rachel & Shauna discuss the concept of "hiccups"—unexpected, minor disruptions that frustrate but don't cause significant emotional upheaval. They share personal anecdotes, including family trips, misadventures, and everyday challenges, illustrating how these hiccups often become cherished memories. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility and humor in navigat...

The podcast discusses family cleaning routines, focusing on how to involve young children in household chores. The conversation highlights challenges of maintaining consistency, especially with younger kids. Rachel & Shauna share personal anecdotes about delegating tasks, addressing sibling dynamics, and the impact of developmental differences like autism on family cooperation. Shauna emphasiz...

In this podcast, Rachel & Shauna discuss the concept of embracing discomfort to build resilience, particularly as it relates to the responsibilities and emotional challenges faced by single mothers and spouses of military / first responders. Rachel shares a transformative experience of participating in a firewalk, which helped her learn to confront and accept discomfort, both physical and emot...

In this podcast episode, Shauna & Rachel discuss strategies for managing playdates with their children. Key points include: Start with a Snack: Ensure children are not hungry to avoid unhappiness. Open Doors Policy: Keep doors open during play for safety. Game Rules: Host's child is the first player for video games at their house. For imaginative play, here's three main rules: Inclusion: Every...