We Are The Family Room: Recent Episodes
Karen Stoteraux
We are The Family Room is a podcast for expecting parents and young families to learn, find support, and be real during one of the biggest transitions of your life. Just like our 2 physical locations in Los Angeles, we hope this is a space that makes you feel a little less alone on your parenting journey and a lot like you are doing awesome. From birth to feeding, to newborn care and way beyond, we believe there is not one right way to parent. We provide research-based information, but always want you to trust your gut and do what is best for your family.
In the show, we bring The Family Room's inclusive guidance and philosophies to a brand new platform, discussing parenting topics you care about from pregnancy through preschool. In each episode, we will take a deeper dive into a specific parenting topic with a Family Room educator or guest expert to support you on your parenting journey. From infant feeding, identity and relationship shifts, child safety advice, and toddler behavior. Learn more about postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders, introducing a sibling, starting solids, and so many more things parents face.
Gather the best tips, tricks and advice from The Family Room’s giant support team. Learn from childbirth professionals, international board certified lactation consultants, child development experts, infant specialists, marriage and family therapists, and more. As experts in their own fields, each guest offers specialized guidance with encouragement, compassion and sometimes humor to answer your biggest questions.
Included in episodes to normalize aspects of parenthood, you will hear questions and stories from The Family Room community. Real parents sharing real struggles, real victories and everything in between. Listen to inspiring anecdotes, crazy confessions, and memorable moments. These moms and dads provide parenthood truths you won’t find anywhere else.
Hosting the podcast is the founder and CEO of The Family Room, Karen Stoteraux. A successful entrepreneur, she has always been passionate about providing support to families, particularly mothers, and creating important connections during one of the biggest transitions of your life. For Karen, supporting children means supporting parents, because children thrive when their parents do. While everyone else is focused on the baby, The Family Room often focuses on you.
Being a parent is hard and only talking about the good parts creates a false narrative. Unrealistic expectations and societal pressure can be overwhelming for many parents. Karen aims to normalize many parenting struggles, celebrate your victories, and cheer you on.
The research-based curriculum offered by Karen's organization provides age-appropriate knowledge about raising healthy and happy children through a parent-focused lense. With the help of Karen’s outstanding team of accredited professionals, there’s no better place to receive this kind of training.
You are not alone! We are here for you and look forward to sharing all the ups and downs of parenthood through valuable information and a supportive community.
Join Karen in her important conversations about one of the best gifts anyone could ever ask for: parenthood. Listen to the podcast today at https://www.familyroomcenter.com/.
Families with one child are far more common in the United States today than ever before, far outnumbering two-child families for several decades. Yet, stereotypes and pressure still persist.
On the podcast to talk with Karen about their families' decision to have one child is Cara Purgason and Snow Lau. Cara and Snow attended the same Parent & Me group with their sons years ago and have stayed really good friends. While Cara and Snow both have one child, their feelings and experiences around the decision are very different!
Cara and Snow share:
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If they discussed how many children they wanted to have before getting married and if that changed after having their sons.
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The pressure (or not) they feel from family or friends to have other children.
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If either has wavered in the decision to have one child.
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What do you think about the only child stereotypes.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
We do want to share a trigger warning, as the content of the episode may be emotionally challenging. We always encourage listeners to check in with themselves and listen to how you are feeling.
Birth trauma is described as any physical or emotional distress you may experience during childbirth. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 45% of new mothers experience birth trauma—and the repercussions of the experience can continue long after the birth itself affecting the postpartum period.
Back on the podcast with me today is Marielle Skouras. You may remember Marielle from Episode 78 on Infertility and IVF. Marielle is a mom in our community, a licensed marriage and family therapist and facilitates our weekly online Postpartum Support Group. She is here today to discuss birth trauma—her own story and advice for healing from the emotional toll.
Marielle discusses:
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her hopes and expectations for childbirth
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the birth story of her daughter
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how it affected her postpartum experience
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how she healed emotionally and physically
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advice she would give others navigating birth trauma
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Karen often talks about her husband James on the show, so she decided to bring him for a special episode! Karen was a single mom when she met James and they discuss the early days of dating, who said I love you first, what it is like parenting three girls, what he thought when Karen told him she wanted to open The Family Room, and so much more.
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Today on the podcast we are talking all about acupuncture and herbal medicine with Dr. Beck Hoehn. Acupuncture can help with things from pain management to illness and infertility. Living in Los Angeles, acupuncture feels very accessible and prevalent in our communities, yet there are somethings you may still be surprised to learn!
Dr. Hoehn is a neighbor of ours in Toluca Lake and specializes in women’s health. She is board certified in both acupuncture and herbal medicine and creates tailored wellness plans, setting achievable weekly milestones alongside her patients.
With a master’s from Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine and a doctorate from the Pacific College of Health Sciences, Beck’s educational background speaks to her dedication and expertise.
Dr Hoehn shares:
- what drew her to acupuncture and Chinese medicine
- the basic principles of both
- three things people are surprised to learn about the practice
- some common myths
- her favorite part of her job
Dr. Hoehn is a true joy and we are lucky to have her in our community!
Links:
Website: mightyriverwellness.com
Instagram: drbeckhoehn
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Nature can be restorative and healing. On this episode, Karen chats with her friend Daniela Ray about her decision to move out of Los Angeles to connect with nature and where that decision has led her -- from homeschooling her two children, to running a nature school, becoming an herbalist, and starting her own business, Growing Up Rooted.
Daniela shares:
- why her family decided to move from Pasadena to Wrightwood and how the transition has gone
- how the move changed her relationship with nature and her surroundings
- her passion for herbs and how it has grown into a new business
- advice for anyone looking to connect more with nature
Daniela's life has been transformed by her move and reconnection to nature. We hope you find this episode inspiring and a reminder to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us however you can.
Links:
Instagram: growinguprooted
Website: growinguprooted.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Where we decide to raise our children is a fascinating topic, as many families today are raising their children in different places than their own childhood.
Karen explores this topic with Bill Sy, a dad in our community and team member at The Family Room. Karen met Bill almost ten years ago at playgroup in San Marino. Through chatting, she learned that Bill attended a boarding school not far from where she grew up. Bill is now on The Family Room team and Karen later learned that while his parents are from the Philippines, his childhood was spent in Saudi Arabia, before he went to boarding school outside of Philadelphia, college in Michigan and now is raising his son in Pasadena.
Childhood is shaped by the place or places where we are raised. Karen and Bill discuss how the different countries impacted Bill and how it affects his parenting today, too.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Cancer is not common in kids, but when it happens to your family it can be the most terrifying experience of your life. The good news is that many childhood cancers are highly treatable. Here today to share her daughter’s story is Elsa Saldana. Many of you may know Elsa from our Toddler & Me program where she supports Gia or from playgroup in San Marino.
It’s a story of an unbelievably scary diagnosis, but also one of hope. We are so grateful to Elsa for sharing.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Brandi Andrews reached a point in her life when she was ready to have a baby. She was not in a romantic relationship and knew her path would be a bit less traditional as a lesbian woman. Her gay best friend Lawrence was also ready to have a baby, too. So after a lot of talking and a parental contract laying the foundation for a co-parenting framework, they decided to start the journey as parents together. Their journey was filmed and shared on 9 Months by Courtney Cox.
Brandi shares her story from meeting Lawrence to co-parenting with him today, including:
- how she and Lawrence met and went from best friends to parents
- how friends and family reacted
- the process of getting pregnant
- the details of their parenting contract
- what parenthood has been like
- how parenthood has affected or changed her relationship with Lawrence
- what has surprised her the most
Brandi's story is unique, but many of the challenges are very relatable. Her honesty, vulnerability, and courage in parenting is refreshing and brave.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Many parents consider a career change after having a baby and going back to school can be the stepping stone to a new professional path. While it can feel daunting to return to school as a parent, it does not mean it's impossible.
On the podcast to share her story is Jaci Dial, a mom of two and former Family Room employee. Jaci always considered nursing school and decided to make the leap and start taking classes online during Covid.
Jaci discusses the timing of going back to school and her path, how she balances school and parenting, what she has found helpful during this time, and advice for anyone considering making a change.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode, Karen talks with Jen McLellan, founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast about plus size pregnancy, weight bias, body love, and so much more.
Jen is a certified childbirth educator, published author, advocate and mother. Her work has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America and the Today Show, to People and Glamour magazines and publications like The Bump and the National Institute of Health.
Jen shares her insights, experience and knowledge, including:
- her story and why she created Plus Size Birth and then the Plus Mommy Podcast
- the effect of weight bias in healthcare and specifically during pregnancy
- the biggest misconceptions about a plus size pregnancy and birth
- tips on how to connect with a size-friendly care provider
- recommendations for raising body positive kids
Parents of all sizes will benefit from this conversation as Jen's perspectives and messages are not only insightful and impactful , but empowering.
Links:
plussizebirth.com
Plus Mommy Podcast
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Family traditions are something Karen loves to talk about! She has done solo episodes touching on her own family traditions including special times of the year like Christmas and why she loves the Rose Parade. From old traditions that are passed down through generations and connect us to relatives to fun and silly ones you create new with your own family, Denise and Karen chat about why they are important and ones they love.
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Talking about dying and death with our children is something we will all eventually have to do, from a loved one to a pet, it is the natural course of life. What is overwhelming for parents is often confusing to kids and navigating how to manage grief with our children can be hard.
On the podcast to talk about this very topic is Lacey Holmquist. Lacey has a masters in Child Life and has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for almost 20 years. Child life specialists work closely with children and families in medical settings, serving as emotional support and helping families develop coping strategies.
Lacey shares:
- what exactly a child life specialist does
- how parents should approach the topic of death and dying
- what are some terms to avoid and what language she recommends instead
- advice on how to manage your own grief around your kids
- how to think about and navigate funerals
- resources that could be helpful
Links:
The Dougy Center
Children's Bereavement Center
When Dinosaurs Die
Camp Good Grief
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
About 1 and 5 women struggle with infertility. If you haven’t personally struggled with infertility yourself, you likely know someone who has. Infertility can feel all consuming, stressful, and lonely.
Joining Karen on the podcast to talk about her story of infertility and IVF is Marielle Skouras. Marielle is a mom in our community, a licensed marriage and family therapist and we are so excited to announce will be leading our virtual Postpartum Support Group every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm.
One of the reasons Marielle decided to specialize in working with people struggling with infertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period was because of her own journey walking a similar path.
Marielle shares details of her IVF journey, including:
- how long her and her husband tried before seeking fertility help
- why she shared her journey with friends and family
- the physical and emotional toll of IVF
- what the biggest surprise was in this whole journey
- what advice she would give to someone going through IVF right now
- how did the experience affect her work as a MFT
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Preparing to leave your job for maternity leave can feel daunting with so many loose ends to tie up for a smooth transition. But what happens when you are let go from your job when you are 39 weeks pregnant? That is exactly what happened to our guest Erin Walnut.
Erin shares:
- what was available to her through state benefits and how she navigated the complicated system
- managing the emotional rollercoster of job uncertainity during the transition into motherhood
- applying for jobs just week after her daughter was born
- what she has learned through the process
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Mom influencers are part of a multibillion dollar industry. Many of us have complicated feelings about social media, yet we can’t look away. Most of us follow influencers and learn about new products and tools to help win at motherhood. Making money on Instagram is a way for many moms to make money working flexible hours while still spending time with their young children.
In this episode, we are going behind the scenes and having a candid conversation about what it is really like to be a mom influencer with Celeste Wright. Karen has known Celeste for about nine years since she started coming to playgroup at The Family Room with her daughter Lila. They became friends and Karen got to know her, Jake and Lila through various adventures.
Celeste shares the ups and downs of being an influencer with us, including:
- how she got introduced to the idea of being an influencer and eventually got her start
- how people react to her job as an influencer
- how much time does it generally take for a post
- resources and tools she has used to learn the business aspect
- what the coolest partnership she has been a part of
- what are the biggest misconception about being a mom influencer
You can find Celeste on Instagram @celeste_wright
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Self-care has become a buzzword that is often associated with two things many new parents don’t have a lot of right now: time and money. It is relentlessly marketed to parents, especially moms as the answer for burnout, yet can often feel like yet another burden mothers are failing at.
An article in Motherly described the double edge sword of self-care like this:
“At its best, self-care reminds mothers that they matter, too. It tells them that prioritizing their own wellbeing doesn’t mean they’re neglecting their families. It gives mothers permission to put themselves first, if only some of the time.
At its worst, self-care culture, guilt trips us for being unable to add ourselves to the massive workload of modern motherhood.”
That in fact, we don’t need self-care, we need society to care.
On the podcast with Karen to unpack self-care, what true self-care looks like and discuss if self-care is enough to fix parent burn out is Kim-Lan Dovan. Kim-Lan is a licensed marriage and family therapist and lead Parent & Me educator at The Family Room.
Karen and Kim-Lan discuss:
- what self care is and isn't
- examples of self-care from treats to boundaries
- why self-care is important and should be a practice
- how self-care can be a double-edge sword
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An article in the Washington Post in October 2023 described homeschooling as America’s fastest-growing form of education-- by a wide margin. There is no doubt, that more and more families are embarking on non-traditional learning options. On the podcast to discuss her homeschooling journey with her three children is Damore Jensen.
Karen met Damore when they were both new mothers in Boston and instantly became close friends. Damore was a big part of Karen's village in the early days of motherhood and continues to be a dear friend today.
She was an obvious choice for this episode in particular, as she is a veteran homeschooler with well over a decade of homeschooling experience.
Damore discusses:
- why homeschooling was right for her family
- basics like how to comply with state regulations and tools she finds helpful
- how she manages teaching three children in different academic stages
- the importance of finding community
- what she enjoys most about homeschooling
- the biggest challenges and how she is navigated them
- advice she would give someone considering homeschooling
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Los Angeles is the epicenter of the movie and entertainment world. Right in our backyard we have movie studios, production companies, actors, and various industries that support Hollywood.
Being a parent in the entertainment industry brings with it its own unique challenges and that is exactly what we are talking about in this episode.
Joining Karen is Emily Bolt, an LA based Actor, Teacher, Improviser and Mom. She is the creator/host of the Mommywood Podcast which provides a behind the scenes look into the realities motherhood and life in the entertainment industry. She is also the co-creator/cohost of What's Your Movie podcast with her husband, Preston Geer.
Emily discusses how her career affected the timing of having a baby, how her and her husband juggle their unpredictable schedules, and advice she would give to a new mom in the industry.
Links:
Instagram: @mommywoodpodcast
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In this year-end bonus episode, Karen shares the story behind why she loves the Rose Parade so much! From childhood memories of the Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia to a promise she made to herself years later, the Rose Parade feels like magic to her every year. Learn why.
A giant thank you for listening and sharing the podcast with others. We hope you have learned, smiled or laughed and felt supported. We are really looking forward to next season!
We will be off for the holidays, but back with new episodes starting on January 10th.
We wish you and your family all a very happy and safe holiday. See you in 2024!
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Ever wonder what exactly a postpartum doula does, what it is like being a postpartum doula, or interested in learning helpful postpartum tips from a doula today?
We know feeling cared for and supported after birth and during the early weeks of parenthood can drastically improve the overall postpartum experience, which is exactly what a postpartum doula does.
In this episode, Karen chats with Maria Pasqurelli, a postpartum doula here in Los Angeles about what it is like supporting families and what she has learned supporting so many.
Karen and Maria specifically discuss:
- what inspired her to go into this work
- how postpartum doulas support families and for generally how long
- factors parents should take into consideration when looking to hire a doula to make sure it's the right fit
- what most parents are most surprised to learn once they are home with the baby
- a few go-to tools for new parents (spoiler, many are for you, not the baby!)
- advice for new parents as they prepare for postpartum
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
With over 20 years of experience supporting thousands of families as a parenting educator, Gia Gambaro Blount has a front row seat to parenting and has seen many changes in parenting trends and philosophies over the years.
Today on the podcast she shares some insights on what has changed since she started working with families and some common themes of what hasn't.
While parenting is a process that constantly changes and evolves, Gia also shares some important tenets of parenting that we feel confident won't ever go off-trend.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Juggling a career and motherhood and all the implications to both your professional life and your parenting is often a hot topic at The Family Room. The day to day struggles of trying to balance conflicting priorities can feel overwhelming and often put us in a position where we feel like we are regularly letting someone down, being forced to make difficult decisions, and often comes with a lot of guilt.
Joining Karen on this episode to discuss this topic is Jen Carfagno, on-air meteorologist at The Weather Channel, and co-host of America's Morning Headquarters. During her 20- year career with The Weather Channel, she has worked various schedules, covered severe weather from hurricanes to snow storms and tornadoes across the country, all while raising her two daughters with her husband, Neil.
She also happens to be Karen's best friend from high school. This episode is about working moms, a successful career in science and television, sacrifices, and so much more. It is also a story about friendship and a reminder that your choices don't have to look like your friend's choices.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Experiences parenting multiracial children are unique and as diverse as the families are themselves, including different perspectives among parents within the same family. In this Part 2 episode, Karen speaks with Kwamina Amonoo-Neizer, Melissa's husband from Episode 62. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, you should go back and listen as it was a really interesting discussion!
Not only are Melissa and Kwamina different races, but there are many cultural differences, too, as Melissa is White and grew up in California, while Kwamina is Black and grew up in Ghana.
From racism to Ghanian culture and parenting differences, this episode covers a lot, and is important follow-up to the discussion with Melissa.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Around the world, cultures have different postpartum traditions and rituals to help support new mothers heal during the postnatal period. In many areas, that includes a confinement period of rest and special meals to promote recovery and lactation.
The concept of Chinese confinement — “zuo yue zi,” or “sitting the month”— is when a new mother stays at home for one month to allow her body to rest after giving birth. In China, there are many resources for this practice, but for many Chinese Americans, the ancient traditions can feel very limiting and tensions can arise between mothers, daughters, and in-laws due to overzealous enforcement of customs. From not bathing for a month, to eating only hot food, and not going outside, it can put a lot of pressure on modern moms trying to navigate their postpartum period on their own terms.
On the podcast is Lucy Wang, a Chinese American mom to three to share how she charted her own postpartum recovery, adopting some of the rituals that she found helpful and letting other ones go. Lucy specifically discusses:
- what sitting the month looks like in China and in the United States for many, including the basic tenets of rest and warmth and why they are important
- luxury postpartum recovery hotels
- the expectations from her mother and mother-in-law
- how she incorporated aspects of sitting the month into her postpartum period, including the specific foods she ate
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
We know sex assigned at birth and gender identity are two different things. In toddlers, the idea of gender identity can be very fluid, but generally around age 5 or 6, most children are rigid about gender and preferences often due to social pressures and other factors.
The number of young people in the United States now openly identifying as a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth is surging amid growing recognition of transgender identity and rights, awareness, and acceptance.
In this episode, Erica Peterson shares her experience raising her transgender daughter, Finn, including:
- when she noticed Finn expressed a gender identity that was different than the one assigned at birth
- how she and her husband processed the new identity and supported Finn
- how family and friends reacted to the news, including Erica's grandmother Helen's reaction
- the important role of allies
- how she found gender affirming care
- what surprised her the most navigating the changes
- the advice she would give others with a child questioning their gender identity
This is a deeply personal and inspiring story and we are so thankful to Erica for sharing her experience, perspective, and big heart with us.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Trigger Warning: Lucie's story includes a traumatic birth
A stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for your baby can feel like a rollercoaster ride you were forced to get on. Very few people know in advance their baby will need to spend time in the NICU and the reasons babies are sent there can vary greatly from additional monitoring needed to serious health issues. Some babies stay a few hours or days while others stay weeks or months.
Regardless of the length of stay, it is a scary and overwhelming experience being separated from your baby.
On the podcast to talk about her NICU experience with her youngest daughter, Sadie, is Lucie Russo, a Family Room mom and now friend of Karen's. Lucie shares:
- her intense birth story delivering Sadie early during the height of Covid
- what it was like leaving the hospital without Sadie
- the overwhelming guilt of trying to care for two kids and not being at the NICU all the time
- how she cared for herself during that time
- advice for parents with a baby in the NICU
- recommendations for how to support a friend whose baby is in the NICU
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Today we are replaying Episode 15 from Season 1 on how to handle the holidays with extended family and a baby. Last year around this time, we spoke with Kim-Lan Dovan, lead Parent and Me educator at The Family Room on how to navigate family expectations and dynamics during the holidays while also staying true to what is important to you and your parenting. The episode offers important perspective and so many great tips, we wanted to replay it.
From parenting in front of our parents which is hard, to generational differences, basic logistics, like how do you handle the big family meal when it is right during bedtime, to unsolicited advice, this episode covers it all.
Take a listen. We hope it helps you create boundaries, feel good about your choices and lay the foundations for a happy holiday season.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
It is that time of year again when many parents are thinking about getting professional family pictures for holiday cards. It can be a stressful process from finding a photographer and picking a date, to buying coordinating outfits everyone likes, which can include multiple trips to Old Navy, to bribing the kids to smile nicely, and on and on.
We take a million pictures of our children, but not as many family photos and many simply live on our phones.
On the show today is Lucy Wang from Lucy Liora Photography to give us all the tips and tricks to getting great family photos whether with a professional or taking on your own.
Lucy shares:
- why family photos are important from getting mom in the pictures to capturing special moments in time
- different types of photo shoots available
- advice for preparing for a professional family photo shoot
- pro tips for taking pictures yourself (hint: light really matters!)
- the value of printing photos and displaying them in your home
Links:
Website: lucylioraphotography.com
Instagram: @lucylioraphotography
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
More people are identifying as mixed race in the United State than ever before. The 2020 census showed a 256% jump in people identifying as multiracial over the previous 10 years. Mixed-race children are a growing part of that demographic.
Raising multiracial children can present unique challenges for parents of any race, especially navigating issues related to racial identity and discrimination.
Today on the show is Melissa Amonoo-Neizer. Melissa and her husband, Kwamina are the parents of two children. Melissa is White and grew up in California. Kwamina is Black and grew up in Ghana, where his extended family still lives today.
During the episode Melissa discusses:
- navigating issues surrounding being a different race than her children
- what steps Melissa and Kwamina taken to address race with the kids
- when the children noticed their skin tone in relation to hers
- how they incorporate Ghanaian culture into their lives
- a Ghanian tradition her daughter took it upon herself to experience
- other surprises, challenges and so much more
Multiracial identity can be complicated. Experiences parenting multiracial children are unique and as diverse and beautiful as the families are themselves.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on the adventure of moving your family abroad for a bit? You are not alone! Thanks to the increase in remote working, more and more families have packed their bags and moved overseas in recent times.
On this episode, Karen talks with Mia Hemstad, a trauma informed self-care coach and a mental health advocate about her move overseas. Mia moved from California to Portugal with her husband and two young children. Seeking a different quality of life and the needing a break from the fast-paced hustle of American culture, plus a desire for more travel and adventure, led Mia and her family overseas.
On this episode Mia shares:
· what led her and her husband to the decision to move her family abroad
· how they picked Portugal
· what the process was like from getting a visa to the logistics of a big move
· information on the education and healthcare systems in Portugal
· the biggest challenges of a move abroad
· advice she would give someone who is considering moving their family abroad
Mia also discusses how the move created critical space for healing childhood trauma. This episode is an important reminder of the importance of making ourselves a priority.
Links:
www.miahemstad.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
When it comes to having kids with a partner who practices a religion different from your own, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to blending faith and customs, especially for your children. Just like everything else in families, religions can be blended.
Unlike older generations for whom incorporating religion into parenting was the norm, that is not the case today. Though having children can reconnect you to faith in an effort to pass down experiences, traditions, and beliefs.
Lexsea Mann, Family Room Parent and Me educator, is back on the podcast with Karen to discuss blending traditions and raising children in a faith you were not raised in. This casual conversation covers what Lexsea and Ben discussed before having kids, navigating Hanukkah and Christmas trees, the different reasons Karen and Lexsea incorporate religion into their families and so much more.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Children need loving, attuned parents, not necessarily in the same house. Today on the podcast, we are talking about separation, co-parenting and divorce. Even the most amicable separation is life-changing for young children and parents. But it doesn’t have to damage the children in the long run. Being a content single parent and the best version of yourself is better than modeling an unhealthy relationship. It can be the right decision for your family and also the hardest.
Back on the show today is Melissa Merritt. If you listen to the podcast, you will remember Melissa from episode 49, Choosing a Dual Language Immersion Program where she shared what it was like sending her kids to a dual language preschool and elementary school program.
Melissa shares her story of separating and divorcing from her husband when her son and daughter where three and five years old. Melissa shares:
- when she started thinking separation and divorce may be the best path
- the steps in the process, including therapy and mediation
- how she and her husband told the kids
- all about co-parenting from the custody arrangement to making family decisions
- the rollercoaster of emotions from grief, shame, guilt, to relief and peace
- the hardest part and the biggest surprise
This is a good reminder that a happier parent is a better parent.
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Secondary infertility — the inability to have another child after having a first — affects about 11 percent of couples and takes families by surprise. The reasons or lack of clear reasons are often the same for secondary infertility as primary infertility. And the emotions are often the same too, from sadness, to jealousy, and anger. But now, because you are already a parent, you are surrounded by people growing their families, which can make it extra painful.
In this episode, Liz Fischer, friend of Karen and Family Room educator, shares her secondary infertility journey. After the birth of her son Henry, Liz did not anticipate the years of trying to have a second baby.
Liz shares:
- when she realized there was an issue trying to have a second baby and the interventions, from hormonal to medical, she tried
- hurtful remarks by people who assume you’re going to have more kids
- feeling disconnected from parent friends she made the first time around
- the effect on her relationship with her husband and tips to navigating the situation with a partner
- managing the uncertainty of infertility and the emotional toll it took on her
- advice she would give anyone struggling with second-time infertility
Note, this episode does discuss loss.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Cold and flu season is quickly approaching and many of you have likely already scheduled your little one's flu shot. Did you know seven out of ten kids fear going to the doctor? Going to the doctor may never be something your child looks forward to doing, but it is an important part of staying healthy. As parents, there are things we can do to reduce the stress and anxiety of annual visits, shots, and even medical emergencies.
Joining Karen today is Rita Ho-Bezolla. Rita is an entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, mom to two, and founder of Piper + Enza. Piper + Enza provides families with engaging stories, toys, and expert resources focused on a variety of kids' health topics, both physical and mental with the goal to empower our next generation to play an active and confident role in their healthcare from the very beginning.
Rita and Karen discuss:
- how to proactively change the narrative around doctors with your kids
- how to help prepare your child for a doctors appointment or a procedure
- ways to advocate for your child
- tips and tools to help with fear of needles
- advice for parents whose little one has trauma from a scary medical emergency
Links:
Piperandenza.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
According to the National Institute of Health, Imposter Syndrome is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishment among high achieving individuals. An estimated 70% of people experience these impostor feelings at some point in their lives, according to a review article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science. On this episode Karen is joined by Parent And Me educator Kim-Lan Dovan to discuss how Imposter Syndrome can find its way into parenting.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Trigger Warning: Blakely's story contains loss. Please take care of yourself if you are not in the place to listen at this time
Between 10 and 15 percent of known pregnancies end in pregnancy loss, yet despite how common pregnancy loss is, many parents and families suffer in silence and don't get the support they need.
On this episode Karen is joined by Blakely Graham who shares her story of stillbirth with her first son Elijah, how she healed and continues to do so, what pregnancy was like after loss, and how she remembers Elijah today.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
The dynamics of partner relationships is something we could probably talk about all the time, as there are so many elements of your relationship that change after having a baby. On this episode Karen chats with Ellie Baker, a relationship coach with degrees in psychology and counseling, specifically about making intentional decisions around work, childcare and money with your partner. These issue can cause great strain in a relationship as you both navigate new identities, pressure, and priorities.
Ellie addresses the biggest pain points for couples when it comes to money, how to manage big income disparities in a relationship, ways to set priorities, and tips for getting on the same page.
Ellie Baker is the founder of Coupld, which she describes as a gym for your relationship offering sessions to help couples keep their relationship strong during the transition into parenthood.
Links:
Instagram: @coupldco
Website: coupld.co
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
As the We are The Family Room podcast hits its first year and The Family Room approaches year nine since opening our doors, we thought it was a good time for Karen to share The Family Room story. From her Mommy and Me class in Boston, to moving to Pasadena as a single mom, having twins and discovering the shocking lack of support for new parents, making a career change and taking the giant leap to create community, The Family Room story is a good reminder that life is not often linear and it is never too late to follow your dreams.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
We talk a lot about comparisons at The Family Room. Comparisons to other peoples experiences from pregnancy to early parenthood and beyond can make us feel terrible about our own journey. There is a popular saying that comparisons can be the thief of joy.
Another comparison trap that everyone with two or more children has intentionally or unintentionally fallen into is sibling comparisons. In this episode Karen talks with Denise about sibling comparisons, why they are harmful, how to avoid falling into the comparison trap, what to do instead to promote sibling sibling relationships, and more.
Denise is a mother of two and teaches yoga at The Family Room in addition to leading the second time Parenting and Me group.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Anxiety is one of the most common mental illness and can affect many of us in varying degrees. Becoming a parent can increase anxiety with enhanced concerns about the world and keeping our children safe.
Dr. Lauren Cook joins Karen to talk about anxiety caused by things from gun violence to everyday parenting concerns. Dr. Lauren's upcoming book Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World, addresses why anxiety is at an all time high and tips to manage it.
Dr. Lauren is therapist with a practice in Pasadena, a consultant, a speaker, has been interviewed by too many outlets to list but includes CNN, the New York Times and Parents, and has well over 200,000 followers on TikTok where she regularly shares mental health tips. She hosts a podcast called The Board Room Brain. Dr. Lauren is also a new mom to a baby boy.
Links:
Generation Anxiety
drlaurencook.com
instagram: @dr.laurencook
TikTok: dr.laurencook
The Brain Health Book Club
The Boardroom Brain podcast
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
As a follow-up to Episode: 48, we continue the conversation about having a special needs journey with Elise's husband, Quinn. Karen speaks with Quinn about what the experience has been like for him. He speaks very candidly about his struggles in accepting his son's early diagnosis, learning to be ok with life looking different, the ways he and Elise encourage and help each other in their journey, and advice for anyone else going through it.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Dual language immersion school programs have become increasingly more popular with more and more families considering them. On this episode Karen talks to Family Room mom Melissa Merritt about the ins and outs of enrolling her two children in dual language programs.
Melissa's children started in a dual language preschool and then transitioned into a dual language kindergarten program. Melissa shares what it was like sending her non-native speakers into a classroom where they didn't know the language, how they adapted, all about researching, applying and choosing a dual language immersion kindergarten program and more.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Being a parent is hard. But being the parent of a child with special needs can seem downright impossible and completely overwhelming at times.
In a candid conversation, Karen talks with Elise Lovejoy, a friend and Family Room mom all about navigating her son's Crosby's autism diagnosis. Elise shares their story from the early signs that her son had different challenges, to denial and diagnosis, how to fight for local and school based support, affects on relationships including friends and her partner, the importance of community, plus truly practical tips and valuable advice for anyone navigating a similar path.
Through fear, frustration and uncertainty, there is also unwavering love, pride and joy. Whether you have a child with special needs or know someone who does, everyone all learn and grow from this episode.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode Karen is joined by Lauren Hays and Megan Dalton, the founders of The Matrescence, a global mental health community, providing space to learn, heal and grow. Karen, Lauren, and Megan discuss integrated wellness and why it is so important to new moms.
Links:
thematrescence.com
@thematrescence
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Language development is an essential part of your child's growth. Speech and language impact your child's social interactions, behavior and academic skills. A whole new world opens up when your child can communicate with words!
Speech and language delays are the most common type of developmental delay in children. Between five and twelve percent of children ages two to five years are diagnosed with a speech or language delay.
Stephanie Masek, a speech and language therapist and owner of Jabber Dogs, a private speech, language, and occupational therapy group in San Marino joins Karen to discuss how to promote language development with your child, how to know if your child is just a bit on the later side of the language development scale or if they are delayed, plus common questions about sign language, learning a child language and differences between girls and boys.
Links
Jabberdogs.com
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This topic grew out of the What’s for Dinner discussion in Episode 38 with registered dietician Elise Compston. If you haven’t listened to that episode you should! It is hard to talk about food and not talk about feelings around food and our bodies. As we know, body image is complex, from the way we feel about our body to the way society values it. Children are exposed to thousands of messages every day about how to look and as media exposure continues to increase, talking to kids about body positivity is more important than ever.
*As parents, we can help set a foundation for body positivity at a very young age. Helping your child develop a healthy relationship with food and their body often starts with awareness and self-reflection. Elise is back on the podcast to share ways we can teach and model body positivity to our children. Elise shares:
- how your relationship with food affects your child
- what is intuitive and mindful eating
- how to approach feeding your child
- ways to encourage body positivity and things to be mindful of*
Links:
Compston Kitchen
Your Latina Nutritionist
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Children outgrow clothing quickly and often have items in their closets with tags on them from gifts yet to be worn. Buying secondhand clothing can not only save you money for the next ever-frequent growth spurt, but is an eco-friendly and sustainable option everyone should consider.
In this episode Karen is joined by Samira Husein, the owner of Dakota + Rowan, a cute secondhand store located in Sierra Madre, California. Samira shares her tips to get the most out of shopping secondhand, how to find high quality pre-loved items, stigmas around thrifting, how the shopping process works, why and how she turned her passion for thrifting into a business, and so much more.
Links:
@dakotaplusrowan_
dakotaplusrowan.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Early intervention is critical in addressing developmental delays and the good news is that there is support for you and your little one through the Regional Centers in California. They provide free services such as speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to support your growing child.
Many of our families have gained important support through the Regional Center, but not everyone knows about the resources that are available or how to navigate what can feel like a complicated system. Erin Rae is a mother of two who used the Regional Center to obtain speech and language support for her son. In this episode Erin shares her experience, the process, how to advocate for your child, and helpful tips about working with a Regional Center.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
For better or worse, how we parent is naturally influenced by our own childhood experiences. Some things we want to recreate because they made us feel good as children, and some things we feel strongly about doing differently. How we approach parenting is deeply rooted in our early experiences. Thinking about your own childhood can help you become more aware of the meaning behind your reaction toward your own child. Making sense of our own past, processing and creating a narrative of our experiences is critical in how we relate to our kids.
In today's episode Sepideh Hakimzadeh, MA/LMFT from Whole Mother Therapy joins Karen to talk about the importance of breaking generational cycles when raising children. From how siblings are treated to trauma, Sepideh and Karen discuss the many ways our own childhood affects our parenting, why it is hard to undo, and tips to do just that.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
For some families, the decision to have another child or when to stop having children is very clear, but for others it can be a harder, more complicated choice.
Census data shows one child families are the fastest growing family unit in the United States. Only child families are expected to double in the U.S. by 2050. Maybe you thought you were a one and done family, but now you're not so sure.
In this episode Karen is joined by Kim-Lan Dovan and Lexsea Mann, both Parent & Me educators, to talk about how they each made the decision for their own families, things to consider when deciding to grow your family, myths about only children, and different perspectives to consider to help guide you.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
From beaches, to mountains, museums, historical sites, hikes, playgrounds, gardens, libraries, cool neighborhoods to explore, and more, there is a lot to do in Los Angeles with kids. You don't have to go far or spend a lot of money to have an adventure! Exposing your children to culture and nature has numerous positive effects and getting out of the house can improve everyone's spirits, help you connect, have fun, and make memories. This episode focuses solely on kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles to help you take advantage of everything the area has to offer.
Mars Tekosky, the creator of @little.los.angeles on Instagram, shares some of her favorite playgrounds and adventures for kids and families around Los Angeles. She is a poet, a social worker and a mother of three young children. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she still lives and continues to find new places to explore.
Links:
Alltrails.com
@little.los.angeles
Places mentioned:
Hermon Park
William S Heart Regional Park
Huntington Central Park
Angeles National Forest
Vasquez Rocks
Lacy Park
LACMA
La Brea Tar Pits
Descanso Gardens
The Huntington
Norton Simon Museum
Marina del Rey Waterbus
Hahamonga Watershed Park
Ascot Hills Park
Old Zoo in Griffith Park
Ballona Discovery Park
Sepulveda Basin
Eaton Canyon
City of San Pedro
City of Altadena
Orange County
City of Montrose
Monrovia Street Fair
California Botanical Garden
City of Claremont
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode, Karen is joined by Mallyce Miller, a single mom by choice in our community. Becoming a single mother by choice is an increasingly popular path to motherhood thanks to more awareness, resources, and community to share experiences. Mallyce speaks about her journey to motherhood from knowing when the time was right, the process of choosing an egg donor and getting pregnant, reactions from family and friends, the power of community, barriers many women face, the challenges (and joys!) of raising a child without a partner and more!
Having the courage to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a mother on her own is just one thing that makes Mallyce so special. Listen to hear her story!
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Who knew that the hardest part of being an adult is figuring out what to cook for dinner every single night for the rest of your life? And in making meals for families, it gets a whole lot more complicated between the time pressures, financial considerations, and feeding challenges of young kids. In this episode Karen is joined by registered dietitian and recipe developer Elise Compston to talk about some of her best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting dinner on the table every night, plus breakfast and lunch suggestions, too.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Growing your family can feel like a daunting task, but for LGBTQ couples there are logistical issues, legal hurdles, and financial obstacles that heterosexual couples rarely consider or ever need to deal with. In this episode Karen is joined by David Reed who, along with his husband Chris, used an egg donor and surrogate to have their beautiful baby Olive Grace. David shares the entire process, including picking an egg donor and surrogate, the legal and financial considerations, making the road trip home with their just days old baby, and so much more!
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In honor of Earth Day, Karen talks with Jacob Reed about raising environmentalists and simple things to do to help save the planet. It can be a scary and overwhelming proposition to think about climate change and the crises we will leave to our children to solve, but inaction is irresponsible and making small simple changes can help us me feel more active and be part of the solution.
While many of us as individuals thoughtfully work hard to reduce our carbon footprint, Jacob centers the discussion on the primary role and immense impact of big business on damaging our ecosystems and how to use your vote, your voice, and your purchasing power to affect change.
Jacob also discussions:
- composing options to consider
- easy swaps to make a difference
- how he talks about the environment with his kids and fun activities to get them involved (did you know there is a 3-D Lab at the Los Angeles Central Library)
- lots of other helpful tips
Show Links
Jacob's Awesome Newsletter
Climate Town Links
- Climate Town: Plastic Recycling is an Actual Scam
- Climate Town: Fast Fashion is Hot Garbage
Composting Links
- Full Circle Scrap Happy
- Lomi
- Mill
- Vitamix
Easy Swaps to Make
3-D Printing
The Octavia Lab at the Los Angeles Public Library Central Branch
How to Make Brio parts
Open letter to Uline and how you can use it to encourage places to stop supporting them
Dropps (company Karen mentioned for detergent)
SustainLA (refill store)
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
During adolescence children’s bodies change, they grow figuratively and literally, they navigate social and emotional shifts and how they relate to the world. It can be an awkward time and it is understood not to be a blissful phase of life.
Something very similar happens when we become mothers and there is a word for it, matrescence. Just like adolescence, it is a transitionary period.
Karen recently spoke with Evelyn Gama, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health about this all-encompassing time of change in a mother’s life. Evelyn talks about what is happening for women both physically and emotionally, the emotional weight of new motherhood, intergenerational aspects, societal pressures, and protective measures to ease the transition.
Connect with Evelyn here:
Website: themotherhoodcenter.com
Website: www.evelyngamacounseling.com
Website: psichapters.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
The process of fostering a child to adopt is an emotionally challenging time full of uncertainty. It is deeply personal and usually not linear.
On this episode Karen is joined by Alana Gentry, a songwriter, actress and star of the Alana Banana Show, host of the Inspired Grown-up Podcast, and a friend of Karen's, to share her journey through the process. Alana and her husband Erik tried to have a baby for years. As many of you know, the process is emotionally and physically draining.
Alana discusses how they decided foster to adopt was right for me, the up and downs of the journey, what she learned, and where they are today.
Alana Gentry is a songwriter, actor, and host of The Alana Banana Show. You can connect with her here:
Instagram: thealanabananashow
Website: thealanabananashow.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Ditching diapers is a milestone that many parents anxiously look forward to their little one reaching one day. It can seem like a daunting task and many parents don’t know where to start. If you google potty training help, you will find nothing short of 55 million links to help you sort it out, which seems like the most unhelpful internet search ever. From setting your child up for success, to pull nights and night training, regression, and so much more, this episode is a must listen for anyone who hasn't potty trained yet.
You can connect with Gia here:
Instagram: giagambaroblount
Website: giagambaroblount.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
We love birth stories! Together Karen and Caryn Fields, doula and Family Room educator, have six daughters and births as different as the children are. Karen talks about her labor and delivery with her oldest child and also what it was like delivering twins vaginally. Caryn chose to deliver her daughters in different places from a hospital, to a birth center and then a home birth. They talk about what they hoped for, what they remember most, and learned from each one. Their conversation ultimately reminds us that no two birth stories are the same.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode Karen talks with Disneyland regular, Gabby Parker about her tips and tricks for navigating the happiest place on earth! A little planning can go a long way in making your trip as fun as you hoped. Gabby gives practical tips on figuring out the best time to get to the park, how to plan your day, setting expectations based on your little one's age, and her favorite parts of Disney with her boys.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders are the number one complication of childbirth, and still today there are barriers to getting help. In this episode Karen talks with author and podcaster Courtney Novak about her experiences with postpartum depression, how she felt, how she got help, and her advice for anyone going through it now. Karen met Courtney when Courtney asked if she could hold her peer-to-peer support group at The Family Room over five years ago. Courtney supported moms through her group, her book, and podcast and continues to talk about depression and anxiety today.
Courtney Novak is the author of Adventures with Postpartum Depression and the host of the podcast of the same name.
You can purchase a copy of her book here: Adventures with Postpartum Depression
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode Karen talks with Martha Hayes, a mom (and friend of Lexsea!) about the loss of her mother and the impact of that loss when she became a mother, too.
Many women turn to their own mothers for guidance, reassurance, and support the minute the pregnancy tests turns positive, but when you become a mother without one yourself, it can bring up a range of emotions from sadness, to anger and jealousy. Grief is personal and unpredictable and can reappear as you transition into parenthood.
Martha talks about moments she wishes her mom was still with her, how she talks about loss and death with her children, how she passes down memories with her family , and finding joy after coming out of a season of loss.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this week's episode, Karen talks with Nikki Arakawa, a mom in our community who was a gestational surrogate for a family. For many, the path to parenthood is not always easy or how you may have envisioned it, but surrogacy is a growing option for many families, including the LGBTQ community. Surrogacy can help make the dream of having a family come true for many and is more openly discussed now more than ever.
Nikki shares her surrogacy story, from how she become one and met the family she ultimately was a surrogate for, her pregnancy and delivery, common myths and reactions from people unfamiliar with surrogacy, and how she talked about surrogacy with her daughter.
You can connect with Nikki here:
Instagram: nikki.arakawa
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
On this Valentine's Day episode Karen talks to Kim-Lan Dovan, lead Parent & Me educator and marriage and family therapist about the transition of going from a couple to a family and the affects on a relationship. Kim-Lan gives helpful tips on navigating shifting priorities, maintaining your identity as a couple, and finding room for connection with your partner among ALL the other things you have to do.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
New motherhood changes our relationships, our identity, and often how we view our work or careers now that our priorities have changed. Career coach Jennifer Rizzotti in on the podcast to discuss everything that goes into a career pivot. She offers actionable steps to start exploring a new job, career or path, the questions you should ask yourself, and how to get unstuck. Jen and Karen both share their own personal career journeys (spoiler: they are not linear!) and all the twists and turns involved to highlight the challenges and successes of being open to new possibilities and taking leaps.
To reach Jen and get career support, you can call or text her at 619-405-3163. We highly recommend it!
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Laura Birek, co-host of the Big Fat Positive Podcast and Family Room VIP, shares her VBAC story (vaginal birth after cesarean) with Karen on the podcast. Laura shares how she approached the VBAC, her thoughts on the expectations around VBACs, what her doctor recommended, details about the delivery, and more.
Laura is a filmmaker, author, and host of the podcast Big Fat Positive. You can connect with her here:
Instagram: bfppodcast
Podcast: bigfatpositivepodcast.com
BFP Episode on Laura's VBAC: Ep. 139: Laura’s Surprise VBAC Birth Story
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Trigger Warning: Kimberly's story contains loss. Please take care of yourself if you are not in the place to listen at this time
Kimberly's inspiring story includes unimaginable loss, and a rare form of heart failure due to pregnancy and postpartum. It is also a story of hope. She joins the podcast to share her experience, educate others on Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and give a very important and sometimes life-saving reminder to always listen to your body and advocate for yourself when you feel like something is not right. Kimberly is strong, inspiring, and bright light in our community.
A great organization that brings awareness to PPCM: savethemommies.com They have resources, signs and symptoms of the condition, and more.
To connect with Kimberly:
Facebook: Kimberly Osuna Gavin
Instagram: @Kimberly_gavin
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
There is a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding out there! Karen is joined by Jessica Claire, IBCLC and Family Room educator, to dispel common myths about breastfeeding, like is it supposed to hurt in the beginning? Can you consume coffee and/or alcohol safely? Should you wean at one year? Tune in to get the answers to some of the most common questions.
Jessica Claire, is an international board certified lactation consultant, facilitates the feeding support group at The Family Room as well as the prenatal breastfeeding class. Jessica also supports families virtually and in Los Angeles. Connect or work with Jessica here:
Website: https://www.lactationconsultantla.com/
Instagram: jessica.claire.ibclc
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
To kick-off off Season 2, Karen talks with Roman Gupta, LCSW and dad, about his experience of becoming a father. We often share the motherhood perspective and this week, dove deep into what it is like being a dad today with Roman. He shares insights about his transition to fatherhood at the height of the pandemic, society's expectations of fathers, breaking through gender norms, how he found community, what it was like coming to The Family Room as a dad, and important advice for new dads.
Roman references a study about how fatherhood changes men's brains.
To connect with Roman:
gromanguptalcsw@gmail.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In the last episode of the season, Karen talks about some of her family's traditions during the holidays from cookie baking to The Rose Parade and more.
We Are The Family Room will be back with season 2 on January 10, 2023. In this next season, we want to hear from YOU! From your birth stories, postpartum experiences and more, we are excited to share your stories, your voices, and, your perspectives. Please email the podcast: podcast@familyroomcenter.com if you have a parenting or postpartum story to share or for more information.
In the episode Karen references The Mummers Parade: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/the-mummers-parade/
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Whether you've had a vaginal or cesarean birth, returning to sex postpartum can be anxiety producing for many! In this episode, Karen is joined by pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of FeminoCentric Physical Therapy and Wellness, Linda Sayyad to discuss how to ease back into sex postpartum including, open communication with your partner, preparing the tissues with exercises and massage (not kegels!), planning ahead for sex, and more. Linda helps demystify what is going on in your body and when it might be helpful to see a pelvic floor pt.
To connect with Linda Sayaad:
Website: https://www.feminocentricpt.com/
Instagram: @the_v_doc
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
Today on the podcast Karen talks with Laura Brown, licensed car seat technician and mom of five, about how to keep children safe in their car seat. Karen and Laura discuss topics such as the difference between an infant car seat vs. a convertible seat, when to transition out of the infant car seat, where to position the seat in the car, tips for traveling, and common car seat mistakes. Laura also talks about the value of hiring a car seat safety technician to teach you how to properly install your seat and debunks the myth that you can go to a firehouse to have your car seat checked (this is often not the case).
To find a car seat technician, you can visit safekids.org and search for a tech in your area.
To connect with Laura:
website: https://www.mamabirdlosangeles.com/
instagram: @mamabirdlosangeles
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
With the holidays coming up quickly, you are likely making your list of gifts to get for your kids and loved ones. In this episode, Karen is joined again by Lexsea Mann, Parent & Me educator at The Family Room and mom of three, to talk about how to thoughtfully buy gifts that your kids will enjoy for years to come. Lexsea and Karen talk about choosing toys that will grow with your kids such as collections you can continue to add to, toys that can be used in imagination play, and toys that can be used across age groups. Buying books, memberships, experiences, and subscriptions are also discussed.
Gifts mentioned in the episode:
Sticker Subscription: https://mrsgrossmans.com/
Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/
Magnatiles
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Oral health is so important to our overall health and well being and knowing how to support our children to establish oral health is vital. In this episode Karen talks with Dr. Bethany Kum, a dentist who performs tongue and lip tie revisions and mom in our community, all about oral health for our kids including, when to take your baby to the dentist, when to start brushing baby's teeth, and ways we can help limit the chance of cavities. Dr. Bethany also talks about tongue and lip ties including when and how to seek support if you suspect your baby is having feeding difficulties and what the tongue tie revision and recovery process looks like.
Dr. Bethany is the founder of Tongue Ties with Love, a new venture where she focuses on supporting families with tongue tie revisions. For more information and to connect with Dr. Bethany you can visit: www.twenty28dentistry.com
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In this episode Karen talks with Denise Peyre, Family Room educator and certified yoga instructor, about having a yoga practice in pregnancy and early motherhood. Denise shares her personal experience with yoga, the many benefits of yoga in pregnancy and postpartum, and debunks some common myths about what kinds of poses are safe for pregnancy and postpartum.
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With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will be navigating family expectations and dynamics. If you are a parent, or a new parent, this adds another layer. Karen is joined by Kim-Lan Dovan, parent & me educator at The Family Room, to discuss some common situations that can arise and ideas of how to navigate those situations, some of which include: comments and unsolicited advice on your parenting, protests or eye rolls about baby's schedule, relatives passing around the baby, overstimulated kids, and general tips on how to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will be navigating family expectations and dynamics. If you are a parent, or a new parent, this adds another layer. Karen is joined by Kim-Lan Dovan, parent & me educator at The Family Room, to discuss some common situations that can arise and ideas of how to navigate those situations, some of which include: comments and unsolicited advice on your parenting, protests or eye rolls about baby's schedule, relatives passing around the baby, overstimulated kids, and general tips on how to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. Veronica Eyo to discuss the importance of friendship in motherhood. Karen and Veronica discuss how vital friendships are especially during such a big transition as becoming a parent, the benefits of friendship, how to move from the playdate to a deeper friendship, and how to put yourself out there (hint: it's kind of like dating).
Dr. Veronica Eyo is a licensed clinical social worker offering individual and couples therapy. To connect:
instagram: @drveronicaeyo
email: hello@drveronicalcsw.com
website: drveronicalcsw.com
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https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/
On this week's episode, Karen is joined by Gia Gamboro Blount to discuss body autonomy, body consent and body safety. Gia explains the importance of supporting your child's autonomy in eating, sleeping, and toileting; using anatomically correct terms, teaching and modeling the concept of listening to your gut, recognizing tricky people, and when to start broaching consent and safety topics based on when your child is developmentally ready. *Content warning: this episode does include brief discussion on sexual abuse.
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In this episode Karen is joined by fellow twin mom Liz Fischer who has a set of boy/girl twins. Erika joins the conversation to talk about her experience of raising two sets of boy/girl twins. Karen, Liz, and Erika discuss their pregnancy, delivery, surprising things about raising twins, the best parts of having twins, comments from strangers, and advice for expecting twin parents.
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This episode is all about your pelvic floor! Karen talks with Rachel McCarthy-Moya, pelvic floor PT at Origin in Los Angeles, about how the pelvic floor functions and changes during pregnancy and postpartum. They cover common issues relating to the pelvic floor, including urinary incontinence, painful sex, returning to exercise, prolapse, kegels, diastasis recti, when to seek help from a pelvic floor PT and what a typical visit looks like. It is important to know that many of these issues can be resolved with support from a PT!
Rachel is a physical therapist at Origin in West Hollywood where she does in-person and telehealth appointments: https://www.theoriginway.com/
If you’re interested in watching the Kate Moss Video Rachel mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N4QY6qhc3s
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In this episode Karen and Jessica Claire, IBCLC and Family Room educator discuss the ins and outs of making a smooth transition back to work for breastfeeding parents. Jessica talks about how to build up a small supply of milk (hint: it’s not a deep freezer full of milk), tips for pumping at work, communicating with caregivers, introducing a bottle, and importantly, how to care for yourself during yet another big transition.
Jessica Claire, is an international board certified lactation consultant, facilitates the feeding support group at The Family Room as well as the prenatal breastfeeding class. Jessica also supports families virtually and in Los Angeles. Connect or work with Jessica here:
Website: https://www.lactationconsultantla.com/
Instagram: jessica.claire.ibclc
Karen is joined by Kim-Lan Dovan who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been a parent & me educator at The Family Room for the past seven years. Karen and Kim-Lan discuss the importance of finding community as a new parent and give you an inside look at what Parent & Me looks like at The Family Room. They also talk about how to find community if you don’t have something like The Family Room in your area.
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**In this episode, Karen talks with Princess McKinney-Kirk, a Family Room educator and owner/founder of BelliBind, all about the ancient ritual of postpartum belly wrapping. Karen and Princess discuss not just the physical benefits of belly binding, but the emotional and spiritual benefits, too. If you have ever wondered how belly binding can help with your healing postpartum, are a birth and postpartum worker, or if this is your first time hearing about belly binding, this episode is for you!
The study on abdominal binding that Princess referenced can be accessed here: https://www.cureus.com/articles/22849-use-of-abdominal-binders-after-a-major-abdominal-surgery-a-randomized-controlled-trial**
**Ways to connect with Princess:
Instagram: bellibind
Website: https://www.bellibind.com/**
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Karen talks with Gia Gamboro Blount, longtime Toddler & Me educator at The Family Room, about the inevitable tantrum. Gia gives tips on removing predictable triggers, understanding the sequence of a tantrum, and how to help your child develop emotional hygiene. Karen and Gia discuss dealing with judgment during tantrums in public and how to survive the moment.
Want more from Gia? She offers private parenting consultations: https://www.familyroomcenter.com/private-classes-and-consultations/
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Parenthood is something that you’ll understand once you get to experience it. We may judge moms based on what we think is correct, but there are circumstances that we can never fully grasp if we are not in their shoes. In this episode, Karen talks with Denise Peyre about practical ways to navigate parenthood when preparing your child for a sibling. This transition could be overwhelming for the family, but with the right tools and tips, we can undoubtedly guide ourselves into this life-changing moment. There are a lot of good ways that can help ease that transition. Tune in to hear recommendations to foster deep connection and bring light to our homes.
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Paid family leave is a big topic, from implications for us as a society and how we value parents to how expecting parents navigate the confusing benefits. In this podcast, Karen Stoteraux talks with Jenya Cassidy, the California Work & Family Coalition director, about the importance of paid family leave and practical ways to navigate these often confusing laws and benefits. Jenya explains that if you feel your employer is violating your rights, you can call Legal Aid at Work at 1-800-880-8047. This Legal Aid at Work is a resource where you can receive free direct legal advice. Another great resource is paidfamilyleave.org, where you can find your state’s information on your rights and how to apply. Tune in now and learn more from Jenya!
You can connect with Jenya on her:
Website: http://workfamilyca.org
Instagram @WorkFamilyCA
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/
Intuition is a beautiful thing. The voice inside us knows what we need, even when we don’t yet know it ourselves. That little nudge in the right direction tells us to trust our gut. For mothers, intuition is significant. We are constantly bombarded with choices and advice, and it can be hard to know what to do. But as mothers, we have a unique ability to trust our instincts and our gut feelings. Parenting is a journey, and there is no one right way to do it. Trusting your intuition will help you to find your way.
In today’s episode, Karen talks with Sepideh Hakimzadeh about connecting with your intuition postpartum. Sepideh is the owner and founder of Whole Mother Therapy in Pasadena, CA, with a mission to provide mental health support to parents.
You can connect with Sepideh at: https://www.wholemothertherapy.com/
Instagram: @wholemothertherapy
She also hosts the free virtual postpartum support group at The Family Room on Thursdays at 1pm. Click the link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83448325929
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Welcome to the podcast! In this introductory episode, get to know your host, Karen Stoteraux, and her "why" for starting The Family Room, a modern, inclusive space for expecting parents and young families to learn, find support, and be real – and the podcast and what you can expect from it. Karen also talks with her friends about their first Mommy and Me class over 15 years ago, what they learned, and what life has been like since.
Interesting fact: In Pasadena, SB 1383 allows you to put bagged food waste in your lawn and garden trash can. This bill sets goals to reduce the disposal of organic waste in landfills, including edible food.
Books referenced: The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman and The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd.
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With COVID restrictions easing up, our summer plans are finally looking brighter than ever! Brighter because we can literally come out of our long isolation and spend vacations traveling outside. For parents, this is a great opportunity to make up for lost outdoor summertime with the kids. And with overflowing excitement comes challenges when traveling. In this episode, Karen Stoteraux is joined by Lexsea Mann to discuss traveling with kids. Lexsea is a mom of two and a Parent & Me Educator at The Family Room. She explains why family travels are important for connecting and shares tips to make the journey a little bit smoother—from packing to planning activities—be it by land or air. Join this conversation and discover how you can make your travels memorable for the whole family!
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Postpartum planning is essential to ensure that mothers receive the support they need for physical and emotional healing. This is what postpartum doulas like Caryn Fields do. She joins Karen Stoteraux in this interview to talk about the things birthing mothers and the people around her can do to help make the postpartum transition smoother. Caryn emphasizes the crucial role of partners, as well as family and friends, in providing essential support to the recovering mother. She also shares practical tips that new mothers can use to speed up their physical and emotional recovery from childbirth. Tune in and get a lot of useful information that will help you navigate the challenging but beautiful world of postpartum care.
Get access to Caryn’s Postpartum Planning Resource here:
https://www.familyroomcenter.com/blogs/how-to-leave-a-review/
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