Simple Families: Recent Episodes
Denaye Barahona
Simple Families offers solutions for living well with children. In this show, we focus on minimalism with kids, positive parenting, family wellness and decreasing the mental load. As a Mama with a doctorate in Child Development, Denaye’s perspectives are grounded in research, but more importantly real life.
It's Back-to-School season and today we are talking about about contentment--as it relates to our children's educational experience. I'm joined by Niro Feliciano (Author, Psychotherapist, National Media Commentator and Mom of 4). In this episode Niro and I discuss monitoring our own expectations and reactivity, in addition to that of our children. Links from this Episode
Niro’s Website
This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment
All Things Life with Niro Podcast
SPONSORS
KiwiCo: To build curiosity and fun, go to kiwico.com/simple to get 50% off your first month, plus free shipping.
PrepDish: Meal planning made easy, go to prepdish.com/families for your first two weeks free.
Let go of the pressure to be the perfect parent and start to embrace the teachable moments that you are (accidentally) creating. In this episode we are flipping around some common summer #momfails. As parents, we are far from perfect. On the bright side, our mistakes often create opportunities for our kids to grow.
At the heart of being an intentional parent is striving to calm our own reactivity. Reactivity...we all experience it. Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and podcaster, joins me today to discuss this topic. Links from this Episode:
Hunter's Podcast - Mindful Mama Mentor
Hunter's Books - Raising Good Humans // Raising Good Humans Everyday
First episode with Hunter on Simple Families Podcast
SPONSOR: Go to EARTHBREEZE.com/simple to get started with 40% off
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Lederman, a physician and wellness expert that you might know from Forks Over Knives. His most recent book, Wellness to Wonderful (together with partner, Alona Pulde) goes into greater depth to explain how connection is has a profound impact on mental and physical wellness. That's our topic today: the intersection of connection + wellness.
Time management can feel challenging for both children and adults alike. Today, I'm discussing some tools and strategies to start intentionally handing over this responsibility to our children.
My favorite kid-friendly analog clock
Photo of our working clock depicting the morning routine
Sarah Ward talks about her 'Working Clock' Concept
Today we're talking all about exposure: exposing our kids, and ourselves, to current events, different cultures and different parenting styles. With unlimited access in today's world, children and adults have more exposure than ever, which has its benefits and of course...risks. Links from the episode
Leslie Cohen-Rubury's website: Home
Is My Child a Monster? Podcast
Sponsors
Fast Growing Trees: Receive 15% off your entire order on fastgrowingtrees.com/simple.
Storyworth: Perfect Father's Day or any day gift at storyworth.com/simple. Get $10 off your first purchase for a limited time.
Just Thrive Health: Visit justthrivehealth.com and use the promo code 'Simple' to receive 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotics or Just Calm.
Today I'm answering a listener's question on gift-giving. What do we do when a child asks for a holiday gift we don't want them to have? Links from the episode Simple Families Episode 247: Over-gifter
Sponsors
Kiwico – Get your first month of ANY crate line free at kiwico.com/simple.
SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to redeem 20% off your first month of Seed's DS-01 ™️ Daily Symbiotics.
This week, we’re featuring an episode from a podcast you should check out. The Whole View, hosted by Stacy Toth, is an alternative health podcast that helps guide you on new ways to be your best self! Each week Stacy and her expert guests myth bust some of the most popular health and wellness fads and help you focus on the importance of being your best self. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
As a neuropsychologist with over 40 years of practice, Dr. William Stixrud has seen many parenting trends come and go. His best-selling book The The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives with co-author Ned Johnson is on my must-read list for parents. It was a pleasure to speak to one of my all-time favorite scientists, authors and practitioners about motivating our children, screen time, and the root causes of stress. Links from the episode
Dr. William Stixrud Website
The Self-Driven Child: The Science & Sense of Giving your kids More Control over their Lives
Dr. Stixrud's Band: Larry and the Flames
Simple Families Episode 302 - Analog Curious: Part I
Simple Families Episode 303 - Analog Curious: Part II
Sponsors
Native – Get 20% off your first order on your favorite deodorant at nativedeo.com/families and use promo code "Families."
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families for an all-inclusive hiring platform.
Seed – A different probiotic that works! Try Seed's DS-01TM Daily Synbiotic, learn more at seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to get a 20% discount on your first month.
FRILUFTSLIV is the Norwegian word describing a popular Nordic way of life: Passion for nature and getting outdoors. I loved learning more about this concept (and cultural differences) from Linda Åkeson McGurk, and author and mother who has raised children in the US and Scandinavia in her new book The Open-Air Life. Links from the episode
Linda's Website
The Open-Air Life
Simple Families Episode 90: There's no Such a Thing as Bad Weather
Sponsors
Faherty – Get 20% off your first order of quality & comfort on fahertybrand.com/simple and use code "Simple."
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring.
Organifi – Visit organifi.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to get a 20% discount on your entire order.
I'm answering several listener questions today on a wide variety of parenting topics, including: extracurricular activities, handling challenging behavior at dinnertime, volunteering at your child's school, and an update on my wardrobe. Links from the episode Manageable (Imperfect) Mornings Sponsors
Kiwi Co - Give Awesome this holiday season with Kiwico. Get your first month of any crate line free at kiwico.com/simple.
Organifi – Visit organifi.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to get a 20% discount on your entire order.
Prep Dish -- Get 2 weeks free meal planning, prepdish.com/families
Parents are faced with all sorts of complicated questions from their children. Today, Mary-Robb Wilson is here to give us her wisdom to answer some big questions in her new book Soulshine. Links from the episode
Soulshine Book Website: www.soulshinebook.com
Instagram @soulshinebook
Simple Families Episode 322: Parenting & Poetry
Sponsors
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring now.
SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to redeem 20% off your first month of Seed's DS-01 ™️ Daily Symbiotics.
Organifi – Visit organifi.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to get a 20% discount on your entire order.
The addition of children is one of the most pivotal changes experienced in a partnership or marriage. Reconnecting and strengthening partnerships in the parenthood stage is what we are chatting about today with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Abby Nordquist. Links from the episode
LoveWell by Abby Nordquist
Take the LoveWell Quiz HERE
Simple Families Episode 312: I Can't Believe I Just Did That ft. Eve Rodsky
Simple Families Episode 323: Boundaries
Sponsors
Cozy Earth – Get 35% off site wide using the code SIMPLE at CozyEarth.com.
LUS Brands – Get 15% off your first haircare order of $50 at LUSBrands.com using the code SIMPLE.
SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to redeem 20% off your first month of Seed's DS-01 ™️ Daily Symbiotics.
I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite podcasts. 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is hosted by Rachel Nielson, who is a lover of practical ideas, conversations with kindred spirits, and her two wild miracle children who keep life interesting. She combined all of these passions when creating her podcast. After a long fight to become a mother through adoption and IVF, Rachel truly believed that she would thrive as a mom from day one. Her transition into motherhood was a little bumpier than she had imagined, and she sought the help of professionals for actionable advice. 3 in 30 is a podcast for women who want to love motherhood as much as they love their children. Since moms are short on time and brain space, each 30-minute episode offers 3 actionable takeaways to help you make your family life a little better each week. If this sounds up your alley, listen to 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms on your favorite podcast listening app. In this excerpt, Rachel interviews Dr. Jen Riday about how to be a more emotionally-resilient mom. The takeaway you hear them discuss is the importance of boundaries. I hope you will listen and subscribe!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. While many of us know someone or have been a victim of bullying ourselves, it remains a source of great pain for some of our youth with long-lasting effects. Kayla Taylor is a mom who lived through the pain with her child and shares her experience in her new the book, Canaries among us: A mother's quest to honor her child's individuality in a culture determined to negate it. Links from this Episode
Canaries among us: A mother's quest to honor her child's individuality in a culture determined to negate it.
SPONSORS
Cozy Earth – Get 35% off site-wide using the code SIMPLE at CozyEarth.com.
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring now.
Prep Dish -- Get 2 weeks free, prepdish.com/families
It's more than a month into the new school year, and many parents are feeling stress getting out the door in the morning for school and/or work. Although a consistent, smooth morning routine is never guaranteed, I am sharing some simple things you can do to increase your chances of success during before school hours. Links from this Episode
Simple Families Episode 211: Reward Charts
Telling Time Teaching Clock
SPONSORS
Faherty Brand – Get 15% off every order with code SIMPLE at Faherty.com/simple
LUS Brands – Get 15% off your haircare order with promo code SIMPLE at LUSBrands.com
Little Spoons – Enter SIMPLE50 at checkout to get 50% off our first order of delicious and healthy meals and snacks for kids at Littlespoon.com
I'll be honest, cooking and meal planning has never come easy to me. If you've listened to Simple Families for long, you've heard me sing the praises of a meal-planning company called PrepDish and its founder Allison Schaaf. Although this episode of my chat with Allison is not sponsored, I couldn't wait to share more about how the simple tool PrepDish provides, in the form of a weekly PDF, has simplified my life around around family meals. Links from this Episode
PrepDish Website (for two weeks free)
Simple Families Episode 304: Procrastination.
SPONSORS
Cozy Earth – Get 35% off on Oprah's Favorite sheets and new lounge wear (site wide) using the code SIMPLE at CozyEarth.com.
KiwiCo - Get 50% off your 1st month's order & Free Shipping with Code SIMPLE at KiwiCo.com.
When it comes to setting boundaries, clarity saves relationships. Implementing boundaries is a vital component to building a healthy relationship, whether with a partner, relative or friends. After reading Nedra Glover Tawwab's book Set Boundaries, Find Peace, it's become clear just how important boundaries are for every relationship. If you've ever struggled to communicate your needs and limits, then this episode is for you. Links from this Episode
Nedra's Website
Set Boundaries, Find Peace
Nedra on Instagram
SPONSORS
LUS Brands – Get 15% off your haircare order through September 30, 2022 at LUSBrands.com.
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring now.
I've always been intimidated by poetry. However, Maggie Smith has changed that. Not only have I found myself enjoying poetry, but I've also found it to be a way to get off auto-pilot and center myself on the hard days. Maggie is on the show today to share some of her poems on parenting, loss and life. Not only does Maggie write beautifully, but her work is so relatable and thought-provoking I find that each poem brings me a mini-mindfulness break. Links from this Episode
Maggie's Website
Maggie's Books and Poetry
Maggie on Instagram
Poem: Small Shoes - Moving Poems
SPONSORS
Cozy Earth – Get 35% off on Oprah's Favorite sheets and site wide using the code SIMPLE at CozyEarth.com.
Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring now.
This generation is increasingly looking to peer groups and the internet for child-rearing advice--a change from the past. Today, I'm joined by coach Deborah Porter who shares the benefits of understanding the seasons of parenthood and the value of mentorship. Deborah is a former Probation/Parole Officer and Criminal Investigator. She's now a sought-after life coach and media contributor who helps moms thrive. Links from this Episode
Deborah's Website
Deborah on IG
SPONSORS
LUS Brands – Get 15% off your haircare order of $50 or more, using the code SIMPLE at LUSBrands.com.
Little Spoons – Your first order of delicious and healthy meals and snacks for kids are 50% off with the code SIMPLE50 at Littlespoon.com
Prep Dish – Get two weeks free at prepdish.com/families
We have many academic and expert guests on the podcast, but today we have a meaningful story of lived experience. In this episode, Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and New York Times Best-Selling author, shares the story of her mental health journey, the pursuit of healing, and building a successful family life & career. Links from this Episode
Ginger’s Website
Natural Disaster (I Cover Them, I Am One)
A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm
SPONSORS
Faherty: Use code 'SIMPLE' at checkout for 20% for all your Fall wardrobe needs.
KiwiCo: Make learning and adventure using code 'SIMPLE' to get 50% off your first month order and Free Shipping.
Indeed: Visit Indeed to start hiring today. Indeed.com/families
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I would love to introduce you to a new podcast called "American Girl Fan Club" the newest show to be released on the American Girl Podcast Network.
This podcast is hosted by two superfans, who interview experts, creators, authors, designers and more-- to give YOU and your family the inside scoop behind your favorite characters and stories at American Girl… and sneak peeks on some exciting things to come.
I hope your family will listen and subscribe!
apple.co/agfanclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Child anxiety rates are on the rise, therefore, it's a topic that feels familiar to many parents. Last week I discussed child anxiety with expert Dr. Eli Lebowitz. In today's episode, I'm joined by fellow mom and mental health professional Niro Feliciano. We are answering questions submitted by listeners on the interaction of parenting styles and child anxiety. Links from this Episode
Child Anxiety, Part I ft. Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Niro’s Website
This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment
All Things Life with Niro Podcast
Simple Families Podcast Episode 298 - Accommodating
Simple Families Podcast Episode 306 - Contentment
SPONSORS
Kiwi –Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com.
PrepDish – Get two weeks free prepdish.com/families
Indeed -Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to start hiring now.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Child anxiety is a topic on the mind of millions across the world. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eli Lebowitz about his innovative Space Treatment method, which he outlines in his new book Breaking Free of Child Anxiety & OCD. This method of treating anxiety in children is unique in that it works solely with the child's parents, and is shown to be as effective as working with the child. Professor Lebowitz studies and treats childhood and adolescent anxiety at the Yale Child Study Center. His research focuses on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, with special emphasis on family dynamics and the role of parents in these problems. Links for this Episode
Eli Lebowitz: Space Treatment
Book: Breaking Free of Child Anxiety & OCD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacetreatments
Simple Families Podcast Episode 298: Accommodating
SPONSORS
Faherty: Head to Faherty and use code SIMPLE at checkout for 20% for all your wardrobe needs.
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at MINTMOBILE.com/simple.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many of us are hitting the road or taking to the sky this summer for travel. If you've traveled with kids, you know that it's not easy. And if you are traveling with anxious or inflexible children, it can feel even more daunting. This is a two-part episode. First, I'm joined by award-winning Dawn Barclay, who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. Dawn is the author of the brand new book, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse. Following my chat with Dawn, I'm hosting a Q&A section with my own travel tips for families--something I'm passionate about. Links for this Episode
Dawn Barclay: Traveling Different
Facebook: www.facebook.com/travelingdifferent
Instagram: www.instagram.com/traveling_different
SPONSORS Indeed | Sign up for Indeed for all your hiring needs. Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to learn more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Social media gives us all an opportunity to create a false narrative of our lives. And too often, that narrative is of a life we wish we had or what we want to be. The result is a distorted sense of reality. For many of us, social media came into our lives and quickly became a slippery slope. Lena Derhally encourages us to take a step back and consider how we can be more intentional in the way social media plays a role in our lives. Lena is a licensed psychotherapist and expert in narcissism in the Washington, DC area. She's the author of the book The Facebook Narcissist. Links for this Episode
Lena Derhally
The Facebook Narcissist (Lena's newest book)
Simple Families Podcast Episode 309: Mental Chatter
Simple Families Community is now free.
SPONSORS
KiwiCo - Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code SIMPLE at kiwico.com.
PrepDish - Get 2 weeks free, prepdish.com/families
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I would love to introduce you to "Let's Change Beauty" - a podcast powered by the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Let’s Change Beauty features intimate conversations with esteemed experts and celebrated guests from the worlds of beauty, gaming, sports, technology and entertainment. What if we could work together to create a world where we define beauty on our own terms? This is the world that cultural expert and host of Let's Change Beauty, Jess Weiner, invites you to help make a reality. I hope you listen and subscribe!
apple.co/letschangebeauty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It can feel impossible to carve out an identity and personal space in motherhood. In today's conversation, Eve Rodsky shares her own experiences and encouraging words to set us on the path to finding ourselves again. Eve transformed a “blueberries breakdown” into a catalyst for social change when she applied her Harvard-trained background in organizational management to ask the simple yet profound question: What would happen if we treated our homes as our most important organizations?
Eve Rodsky is the New York Times best-selling author of Fair Play and National Bestseller, Find Your Unicorn Space. Links for this Episode
Eve Rodsky: Fair Play
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everodsky
Fair Play: https://www.instagram.com/fairplaylife
SPONSORS
Indeed | Sign up for Indeed now and get a $75 credit toward your first sponsored job. Plus earn up to $500 extra in sponsored job credits with Indeed’s Virtual Interviews. Visit Indeed.com/FAMILIES to learn more.
Faherty | Head to FAHERTYBRAND.com/SIMPLE and use code SIMPLE at checkout to snag 20%
Mint Mobile | MINTMOBILE.com/simple to cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month
Join the Simple Families Community!
In today's society, we could all use a little more practice in critical thinking. Julie Bogart is known for her common sense parenting and education advice. She’s the author of the beloved book, The Brave Learner, which has brought joy and freedom to countless home educators. Her new book, Raising Critical Thinkers, offers parents a lifeline in navigating the complex digital world our kids are confronting. You may know Julie Bogart from her award-winning, innovative online writing program Brave Writer, now 22 year old, serving 191 countries. Today, I chat with her about her new book and how creating an intimate bond with our children helps in raising critical thinkers. Links for this Episode
Julie Bogart & Brave Writer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravewriter
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bravewriter
Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & Analog Curious II
Simple Families Podcast Episode 309: Mental Chatter
SPONSORS
Faherty | Head to FAHERTYBRAND.com/SIMPLE and use code SIMPLE at checkout to snag 20%
Pair Eyewear | Go to paireyewear.com/SIMPLE for 15% off your first purchase.
Prep Dish | Two Weeks Free at Prepdish.com/families
Join the Simple Families Community!
I'm excited to chat with Bunmi Laditan--I've been a fan of her work for years and find myself repeating her beautiful words in everyday parenting. Bunmi, also know as The Honest Toddler, is a writer, poet, and mother who has inspired millions of women across the world. She's sharing more about life and her new book. Links for this Episode Find Bunmi on Instagram & Facebook Bunmi's Website: www.bunmiladitan.com Bunmi's Books SPONSORS KiwoCo: For unique learning activities and experiences, use the Promo Code "Simple" to get 50% off your first month, or free shipping on any Crate line. Hello Fresh: Get 16 FREE meals and 3 FREE gifts using this link for a Summer meal delivery service to make life simpler.
In light of the recent tragic events in Texas, I am moving up the interview with Dr. Kate Truitt. I have found Dr. Truitt's method of Havening so simple, yet powerful for managing stress and anxiety. I utilize this self-directed method on myself and have been teaching it to my children. I hope you find it useful as well. Dr. Kate Truitt is a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist with an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration and has dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of trauma and stress-related disorders. She leads her flagship organization, Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates, headquartered in Pasadena, CA. She is the CEO of the Trauma Counseling Center (TCC) with offices throughout Los Angeles. Links From This Episode
Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrKateTruitt
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.katetruitt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.katetruitt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKateTruitt
SPONSORS
Manscaped - Gift for Father's Day. Use Code SIMPLE to receive 20% off, plus FREE shipping.
Daily Harvest - Up to $40 off your first box. Use the code SIMPLE
Pair Eyewear - 15% off your first purchase of eyewear. Use the code SIMPLE
This originally appeared on Simple Families
Got questions? Leave them for me on Speakpipe. Today, I am answering five different listener questions. Tune in to learn more about handling screen time, the middle childhood years, getting rid of toys and art, power struggles, and siblings challenges (we’ve all got ’em!).
Links from this Episode
Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & Analog Curious II
Simple Families Podcast Episode 169: Too Many Toys
Simple Families Podcast Episode 233: Expansion & Contraction
Simple Families Podcast Episode 282: Power Struggle
Simple Families Community – Join us now!
Sponsors
Shopify – Excellent tool for small business
Indeed – Find great talent
The post Q&A with Denaye appeared first on Simple Families.
We all talk to ourselves. For better or worse, our “chatter” or self-talk can have a profound impact on our moods, relationships, and confidence. It’s easy to operate on auto-pilot and let these thoughts come and go. But in my conversation with Ethan Kross today, he gives us tools to pump the brakes and shift our self-talk so that it works for us rather than against us. Ethan’s is the author of the bestselling book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head and Why it Matters. He’s also a professor and researcher out of the University of Michigan.
Links from this Episode
Find Ethan on Instagram and Twitter
Website: EthanKross.com
Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It
SPONSORS
Fabric – Protect your family with term life insurance now, in just 10 minutes
Mint Mobile – To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, including the Modern Family Plan.
The post Mental Chatter appeared first on Simple Families.
Niro Feliciano set out to write the book on happiness...then she realized happiness wasn't even the goal. Today, she joins me to discuss what contentment means and how we can ditch the metrics t0 move towards it. She's a cognitive psychotherapist, mom of 4, and a brand-new author. Links from this Episode Niro's Website This …
Contentment Read More »
The post Contentment appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I'm joined by Laura Fenton. Laura is a writer, editor, and the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She and I are chatting about the ways that small living has impacted our lives and what it looks like in practice. Find Laura on Instagram Laura's Book, The Little Book of …
Living Small(er) Read More »
The post Living Small(er) appeared first on Simple Families.
As the world has grown busier, many of us have moved towards short-form content to get the knowledge and information we desire. Rather than reading a book or listening to a podcast, we want that same information in a tweet, a TikTok, or an Instagram square. That can feel like a firehose of information. But …
Firehose Read More »
The post Firehose appeared first on Simple Families.
In 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, early parenthood may feel like a blur with a few major bookends that stand out in our memories. What will those bookends be for your family? Do you have control over the bookends? Want to join us in The Mental Unload™? It starts January 6th, 2021.
The post Bookends appeared first on Simple Families.
Are messiness and minimalism compatible? In fact, we messy people probably need minimalism the most--because we can't handle having a lot of 'stuff'. My guest today is Rachelle Crawford. Rachelle and I have bonded over our natural tendencies towards messiness. Rachelle is sharing her journey and introducing us to her new book, Messy Minimalism. Get …
Messy Minimalism Read More »
The post Messy Minimalism appeared first on Simple Families.
On the podcast I often feature the voices of parents and professionals who support children. As support people, our vantage point is unique. But what about the viewpoint from those with lived experience? Today, I'm speaking with lived experience educator Sonny Jane. Sonny (whose pronouns are they/them) is a queer, agender, physically disabled, autistic ADHDer …
Lived Experience Read More »
The post Lived Experience appeared first on Simple Families.
It's that magical time of the year...you probably started to feel it back in October when the decorations hit the stores. The pressure to shop early and the FOMO has never been stronger. There's a good chance you have kids that are excited for the holiday season due to the anticipation of the gifts that …
Minimalist Christmas Read More »
The post Minimalist Christmas appeared first on Simple Families.
I'm thrilled to welcome our first Mother-Daughter duo to the podcast today. Quyionah Wingfield and her daughter Serenity are entrepreneurs. They've written books, launched online dance classes, and now their first family game app. All their ventures have a common theme--building family connection. You can find Qui and Serenity here: Cool Moms Dance Too Website …
Family Connection Read More »
The post Family Connection appeared first on Simple Families.
Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today's episode we are talking about why children don't need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys is not only unnecessary but could be harmful. Want to join Tame The Toys? Use the code NOV21 for …
Too Many Toys Read More »
The post Too Many Toys appeared first on Simple Families.
What do I do if I think something is "wrong" with my kid? How do I know if my kid is developing okay? I hear these questions a lot. Today I'm talking about how to choose a professional and how to know what the best step is to find the support your child needs.
The post Diagnosis appeared first on Simple Families.
I frequently hear from women who are diagnosed with ADHD after entering motherhood. Those who are diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning. In short, executive functioning is our ability to plan, organize, and coordinate life. And as you know, parenthood has a way of pushing our executive functioning skills to the max. In …
ADHD in Motherhood Read More »
The post ADHD in Motherhood appeared first on Simple Families.
I find it confusing when we are told that as parents we need to set boundaries. We need to hold our ground. But so often when we do that, we end up in power struggles. Power struggles can happen in any relationship. They are especially common in the parent-child relationship. It happens anytime the parent …
Power Struggles Read More »
The post Power Struggles appeared first on Simple Families.
Today, we are discussing interoception. If you don't know what that means, you aren't alone. You might be surprised to learn you know more about it than you realize. Interoception is sometimes called the "Eighth Sense", it's the sense of the entire condition of the inner body, including hunger, temperature, pain, and the need for …
Interoception Read More »
The post Interoception appeared first on Simple Families.
The COVID vaccine is going to be available for younger children in the coming weeks here in the U.S.. I don't know about you, but this has been on my mind for some time. Today, I'm sharing my decision-making process. This episode may or may not resonate with you--and that's okay. In this chat, I'm …
COVID Vaccines for Kids Read More »
The post COVID Vaccines for Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
Parenting is one of our most important jobs in life. But we also don’t get formal performance reviews like we do in the working world. Sometimes that can leave us guessing. How am I doing? You want to know, right? Since there isn’t a formal review process, we tend to look to the world around …
Performance Reviews Read More »
The post Performance Reviews appeared first on Simple Families.
Today I'm bringing you a live recording -- Your simplicity questions answered!
The post Live Recording: Your Simplicity Questions appeared first on Simple Families.
We just moved into a new house. We’ve been renting for almost a year and found a permanent spot right down the road. Even though it’s not a far move, it’s been a big move. Big life transitions like this can feel really out of control. There’s always unexpected stress. Unexpected tasks. Unexpected emotions. If …
Back to Baseline Read More »
The post Back to Baseline appeared first on Simple Families.
Back-to-school season can feel busy and stressful--especially this year. In today's episode I'm answering some of your back-to-school questions. Heads up, next week I'll be starting a one-week special offer on Simple Families Foundations.
The post Back-to-School Q&A appeared first on Simple Families.
As adults we are accustomed to a certain type of communication. Usually, it involves spoken word and it’s fairly civilized. That’s not always the case when it comes to communicating with our kids. Our children are still developing the ability to regulate their emotions and tolerate frustrating circumstances. The result is that often they communicate …
Hear the Message Read More »
The post Hear the Message appeared first on Simple Families.
We all need to move. But in this busy world, it doesn't seem easy to make time and space for movement. As our culture has become more sedentary, this topic is increasingly important for all humans--but especially for parents. Our children's brains develop through movement. My guest today is Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement. Katy …
Movement Read More »
The post Movement appeared first on Simple Families.
Starting the day...it can feel like a lot. It can be busy and overwhelming. There are so many things that need to get done and so little time to do them all. I know in many parts of the world people are preparing to go back into the world and back to school. Maybe you've …
Start The Day Read More »
The post Start The Day appeared first on Simple Families.
Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels cluttered and overwhelming. If you are committed to self-care but aren’t sure where to start, I want to invite you to join …
Mental Clutter in Parenthood Read More »
The post Mental Clutter in Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families.
One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is this: "My kids don't listen to me!" Generally, what this means is that you ask your kids to do something and they don't do it. Maybe you ask them several times. Perhaps you ask them several times with an increasing sense of urgency until …
Listening Read More »
The post Listening appeared first on Simple Families.
Minimalism looks different for everyone. When Christine Platt found minimalism she expected it would involve moving towards an all-white, barren aesthetic. But in search of an intentional life, she has built a home and lifestyle that is unique to her individual needs and culture. Christine, also known as the Afrominimalist, encourages us to search for …
Minimalism Your Way Read More »
The post Minimalism Your Way appeared first on Simple Families.
Get dressed. Brush your teeth. Say thank you. Eat your breakfast. Sometimes we sound like a broken record. We feel like we are prompting and reminding our kids to do things all day long...and sometimes we are. It's exhausting! That's what we are talking about today. I'll share my tips and tools for success.
The post Reminders appeared first on Simple Families.
What if I get rid of something that I might need someday? How will my kids react? Making a big lifestyle change can feel scary. Moving towards simplicity is no exception to this. In today's episode, we are discussing common fears around living a simpler life.
The post Fears of Simplicity appeared first on Simple Families.
You should know this by now. I’ve asked you a hundred times. How could you forget? Today we are going to talk about consequences, punishment, and discipline. How do we raise kids to take ownership and care for themselves and their belongings? Today I’m going to give you some things to think about and some …
Consequences Read More »
The post Consequences appeared first on Simple Families.
I’m going to start today off with a quote: “We’re often afraid that if we give our kids an inch, they will take a mile. Every single grain of rice in their bowl must be eaten up, every toy in its proper place, every “I” dotted and “t” crossed. We believe this is comforting to …
Be Like Bamboo Read More »
The post Be Like Bamboo appeared first on Simple Families.
If you’ve tuned into the news at all in the past year, you’ll know that there’s a heck of a lot of controversy around science. Whether we are talking about climate change, masks, or vaccines you’ve probably come across disputes and wars of words on scientific topics. I think back to a generation ago, where …
Science Read More »
The post Science appeared first on Simple Families.
There are many ways in which society has constructed parenting to be far more complicated than necessary. The result is parental overwhelm. As parents, we all have the same goals. Raising happy, healthy, successful kids. In order to reach those goals, we commit ourselves to doing anything and everything possible. We want to give our …
The Simplicity Connection Read More »
The post The Simplicity Connection appeared first on Simple Families.
Summer used to be synonymous with time-off and relaxation. But times have changed and many parents now feel a sense of dread and overwhelm around the unstructured time that comes during the summer—especially after spending over a year at home. Today, we are talking about finding balance this summer.
The post Summer Plans appeared first on Simple Families.
I’ve seen numbers that say over 90% of women are unhappy with their bodies. Our body image, or the way we perceive our own bodies, is impacted by family, friends, social media, the news, and more. Many of us entered motherhood with pre-existing body image challenges, and pregnancy and motherhood can exacerbate that. Today I’m …
Body Image Read More »
The post Body Image appeared first on Simple Families.
In this episode, I'm doing a quick-fire Q&A. I have a long list of questions from you all and I'll be moving through, answering a variety of questions. We will be covering whether or not I have a junk drawer, parenting kids with bad attitudes, capsule wardrobes, defiance, video games, camping, lots of questions about …
Quick-Fire Q&A Read More »
The post Quick-Fire Q&A appeared first on Simple Families.
For the longest time, I was a budget-resister. As a minimalist, I don't buy a lot of stuff so I didn't think I needed a budget. But I was wrong--moving towards a consistent, air-tight budget has been one of the most intentional changes that we have made in our family. Today I'm chatting with author …
Get Good with Money Read More »
The post Get Good with Money appeared first on Simple Families.
"It's just too much." My daughter, who is newly 5, said this to me for the first time this week. She asked me to come clean up her room with her and when I walked in she sighed and said, “it’s just too much”. We don’t have a lot of toys, but she manages to …
Clean Up Read More »
The post Clean Up appeared first on Simple Families.
If you've been around the podcast for sometime, you will be happy to hear I'm bringing back the "Journey to Simplicity" series. In this series I chat with both friends and members of the Simple Families Community. We talk about what a simpler, lighter life looks like--and spoiler alert! It's always imperfect and a work-in-progress. …
Jillian Read More »
The post Jillian appeared first on Simple Families.
Saying ‘no’ can feel hard—especially to people we love. But if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, you might benefit from saying no more often. We have to take ownership over how we spend our time, money, and energy. If we don’t, we will end up burned out, exhausted, and broke.
The post Saying No appeared first on Simple Families.
We are nearly one-year into a global pandemic, therefore I’d say we are far overdue in talking about therapy. Therapy: Who needs it? How do you get started? Maybe you are interested in exploring therapy but you have decision fatigue—there are far too many options and you don’t even know where to begin. Today I’m …
Therapy Read More »
The post Therapy appeared first on Simple Families.
The post Bedwetting + Accidents appeared first on Simple Families.
Maybe you don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy person. Maybe you have a kid who isn’t into nature. I totally get that. The truth is that nature can be uncomfortable. It’s often: Too bright. Too hot. Too cold. Too windy. Too loud. But we are all nature people, in fact—we need to spend time outdoors for …
Outdoorsy Read More »
The post Outdoorsy appeared first on Simple Families.
Our family recently downsized in a big way. I've had many people ask why we sold our lovely home and the short answer is: It's complicated. My husband, David, is joining me in today's episode for a candid conversation about the perils of homeownership and moving towards simplicity.
The post Downsizing appeared first on Simple Families.
Let's talk about kids who hit. Let's also talk about adults who hit. This kind of behavior is taboo, especially as kids get older. We aren't as open to talking with friends about it, and sometimes we feel like we're the only parent facing this problem. There's a lot of self-blame that goes into this as well. I …
Hitting Read More »
The post Hitting appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's world, we are inundated with information. Whether it be about parenting, cooking, art projects, gardening…the world is quite literally at our fingertips thanks to Google. The result is that we often feel like, if the information is available to us, we should consume it. And we should be able to put it into …
Know Better, Do Better Guilt Read More »
The post Know Better, Do Better Guilt appeared first on Simple Families.
We are knee-deep in the holiday season, so let's take a moment to talk about over-gifters—these are people in your life, or especially your kid's life, that give more gifts than you'd like. Generally speaking, these are good, well-intentioned, loving people. The last thing you want is for them to walk away, feeling hurt, alienated, …
Over-gifters Read More »
The post Over-gifters appeared first on Simple Families.
We have different expectations for our kids’ behavior based on the type of environment that we take them into. Perhaps you feel at ease when you pull into a playground, and your kids can jump out to just run, yell, and play. But what if you have to take them to a department store to …
Prep Talks Read More »
The post Prep Talks appeared first on Simple Families.
Caroling at the holiday party, The live stage performances, In vivo religious gatherings, Shared meals, Santa's lap and festive parades, plane rides or road trips. People we love. There's so much empty space left to fill. That emptiness often leads to discomfort. But, as humans, we have a way of filling those voids without pause. …
What's missing this holiday season? Read More »
The post What's missing this holiday season? appeared first on Simple Families.
Let’s talk about Santa. I’ll start by saying this is not a kid-friendly episode, because we will be discussing Santa from the perspective of a parent. If you know what I mean. If you have a child present with you—press pause and come back to this. With the Holiday Season upon us, I know many parents …
Santa Read More »
The post Santa appeared first on Simple Families.
This gift guide isn't meant to literally click and buy (although I've included links for ideas). Instead, it is intended to make you think differently about gifting. Our kids may grow out of their toys, but they won't grow out of spending quality time together as a family. If we want to stay focused on …
2020 Holiday Gift Guide Read More »
The post 2020 Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Simple Families.
Organization can feel like a false promise of more. If only you could be more organized, you could manage MORE stuff. You could handle MORE on your calendar. But the truth is, the sheer quantity of…everything…is inundating us. My efforts at organization mostly lead me to feel like a total failure. I can’t organize my …
Organize vs. Minimize Read More »
The post Organize vs. Minimize appeared first on Simple Families.
We all want our kids to eat well. We will try anything and everything to make it happen. But what if sometimes we try too hard and end up mucking it up in the process? There is plenty to be said about simplicity and feeding children--today we are exploring this topic more.
The post Simplify Feeding appeared first on Simple Families.
Today we are talking about upsetting our kids. Sometimes as parents, we have to make hard decisions for our kids. Decisions they don’t like. Decisions that upset them. We are talking about feeling that tension between what your child wants you to do versus what you actually need to do. This tension can quickly turn …
Hard Decisions Read More »
The post Hard Decisions appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, Part III, we're going to talk about how we can work to improve and better understand the challenging relationships that we have in our lives. We will cover setting boundaries, empathic listening, building connection, and communication patterns. Listen to: Part I Part II
The post Challenging Relationships (Part III) appeared first on Simple Families.
In last week's episode, we started talking about challenging adult relationships. I asked you to think about who that person(s) is for you. Now, this week we will talk about setting goals for those relationships and the impact of idealizing these relationships. In the previous episode, we discussed that some of the people who challenge …
Challenging Relationships (Part II) Read More »
The post Challenging Relationships (Part II) appeared first on Simple Families.
We all have challenging people in our lives. Maybe it's your brother or your mother or a best friend from childhood. Our goal is to try to start viewing this person through a new lens—so you can reframe your mindset and your attitude. This topic of relationships is incredibly broad and I want to narrow it …
Challenging Relationships (Part I) Read More »
The post Challenging Relationships (Part I) appeared first on Simple Families.
Stress can lead to anger and irritability. In today's episode, we are talking about how anger can spill over onto the people we love the most, including our partners and children. I'm sharing how we talk about this concept with our kids.
The post Spilling Anger appeared first on Simple Families.
For the first 30 years of my life, I struggled with messiness. No organizational system worked for me. In this episode, I'm sharing about my natural tendency towards mess and chaos along with how simple living has changed that for me.
The post Messiness appeared first on Simple Families.
One of the greatest, if not THE greatest, obstacle to simplicity with kids is FOMO. The fear of missing out. We worry about our children missing out on toys, experiences, and opportunities that they desire. We worry our children will be negatively impacted as a result. We fear they are going to miss opportunities. We …
Comparison, Envy, and FOMO Read More »
The post Comparison, Envy, and FOMO appeared first on Simple Families.
Today I'm sharing my best relationship tool. It's called expansion and contraction. Expansion and contraction is a simple way to find the rhythm in your family. In fact, it's probably something you do all the time without even noticing. However, once you bring it to your awareness you will be able to use it with …
Expansion & Contraction Read More »
The post Expansion & Contraction appeared first on Simple Families.
Our family was on vacation recently--and my husband and I wanted to explore some new sights. We love to wander around and breathe it all in. My kids don't always share this joy. In fact, on this particular trip, their legs seem to quit functioning altogether. They "couldn't walk" another step but could miraculously ride …
Why Do Kids Whine? Read More »
The post Why Do Kids Whine? appeared first on Simple Families.
Do you feel like you need some new screen time rules for your kids? There’s a good chance that your kids have consumed an increased amount of screen time during the pandemic. Whether it’s for work, school, or pleasure—we’ve all been home more and utilizing new devices in new ways. But what hasn’t changed is …
Screen Time Rules for Kids Read More »
The post Screen Time Rules for Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
After our last episode, Educating Your Child in a Pandemic, I got a lot of questions. Today I'll be answering your questions about returning back to school this year. Show Notes/Links: Link to First Name Basis episode on privilege White Fragility by Robin DeAngelo
The post Back to School Q&A appeared first on Simple Families.
Right now, many of us are thinking about back to school decisions. Educating your child in a pandemic is no easy task. Homeschooling? Distancing Learning? In-person school? Even if we are privileged to have a choice, making hard decisions for our families can feel agonizing. You may even lose sleep over it. That's why I'm …
Educating Your Child in a Pandemic Read More »
The post Educating Your Child in a Pandemic appeared first on Simple Families.
The toy industry sells us the story that our children need toys to be happy. In fact, we are sold the story that our kids need lots of new toys to be content. You may have come to believe that more toys=more joy and find yourself spending countless dollars attempting to prove this theory to …
Why Children Will Benefit from Fewer Toys Read More »
The post Why Children Will Benefit from Fewer Toys appeared first on Simple Families.
We've all picked up on a few habits during this crisis--and some of those habits might not be serving us. Today I'm sharing more about my attempts to moderate caffeine, a habit that I've leaned on hard the past few months. I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any habits you are trying …
Caffeine + Crisis Habits [Quick Wins] Read More »
The post Caffeine + Crisis Habits [Quick Wins] appeared first on Simple Families.
When we speak to our kids, words do matter. We don't have to get it right all.the.time, but I like to use the same phrases repeatedly to help drive home important lessons. Therefore, I’m sharing the 10 exact expressions my kids hear on a regular basis. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most impactful. You …
Simple Things I Say to My Kids Read More »
The post Simple Things I Say to My Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
In our house, we have three primary rules that guide the way we parent our kids. Today, I’m sharing the three rules and how we talk to our young children about them. Here they are: Respect the rights of other people, Protect and care for the environment (both inside the house and out), Take only …
Rules [Quick wins] Read More »
The post Rules [Quick wins] appeared first on Simple Families.
Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels cluttered and overwhelming. 1. Mindless Social Media Spending mindless time scrolling on social media feels a lot like eating marshmallows. They taste …
Mental Clutter 101 Read More »
The post Mental Clutter 101 appeared first on Simple Families.
We are wrapping up our first year of homeschooling and I wanted to share my reflections with you. I know that many people are considering homeschooling next year due to the pandemic, but our family is planning to send the kids to school. Tune in to hear the things I loved about homeschool and the …
Homeschool Reflections Read More »
The post Homeschool Reflections appeared first on Simple Families.
Many people around the world are reentering and finding a new "normal" after several months at home. In today's episode we are talking about what this might look like. This includes communication about your comfort level in socialization, finding the silver-linings, acknowledging the experiences of others, recognizing resilience in your children, and making space for …
Reentry Read More »
The post Reentry appeared first on Simple Families.
Are you wondering how to talk to young kids about race? I'm so pleased to welcome Jasmine Bradshaw to the podcast today to share her insights. Jasmine and her husband Carter are the voices behind the podcast First Name Basis. Her work is a resource that I will return to time and time again. Be …
Talking to Kids About Race Read More »
The post Talking to Kids About Race appeared first on Simple Families.
Today I'm introducing a new format for summer. I'll be intermittently sharing some shorter episodes like this one that include a few straightforward tips and tools that you can implement right away. We are going to start in the pantry, one of the spaces that took me the longest to get under control. Screenshot while …
Pantry [Quick Wins] Read More »
The post Pantry [Quick Wins] appeared first on Simple Families.
I love you, I hate you. You always yell at me. You never cook anything I like. Young children tend to think in black and white. Their feelings can be big, bold, and intense. In this episode, we are discussing why this happens in everyday conversations. We will also discuss how we can help our …
Absolute Thinking Read More »
The post Absolute Thinking appeared first on Simple Families.
Do your kids show a strong preference for one parent or the other? In today's episode we are discussing why this dynamic exists and some tips for helping to balance things out at home. Show Notes/Links Simplifying Siblings Episode 160: Selfless or Selfish?
The post Parental Preference appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are chatting about high-functioning anxiety. Many of us experience challenges with fear, worries, and anxiety. I'm sharing more about my experience and some of my favorite tips and resources. Mental Health Resources: Betterhelp Immediate Help COVID-19 Mental Health Resources 5 Tips for Managing High-Functioning Anxiety Do a reality check Monitor caffeine …
High-Functioning Anxiety Read More »
The post High-Functioning Anxiety appeared first on Simple Families.
Today we are talking about minimalism, money, and developing a spending plan. For years I was a budget-resister. I wanted nothing to do with having a budget for our family. But now I'm singing a different tune. The reality is, developing a solid spending plan for our family has been one of the most intentional …
Spending Plan Read More »
The post Spending Plan appeared first on Simple Families.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I am joined by Stephanie Seferian from the Sustainable Minimalists Podcast. We are chatting about realistically moving towards sustainability and raising kids to love our Earth. I'm also answering a question from Kara, she asked: How can I get my kid to take more risks? Part …
Eco-Friendly Families + Getting Kids to Take More Risks Read More »
The post Eco-Friendly Families + Getting Kids to Take More Risks appeared first on Simple Families.
In times like this, it can be hard to explain the News to our children. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Andrea Barbalich, the editor-in-chief of The Week Junior. The Week Junior is a brand new magazine that simplifies the news for kids. Andrea and I are discussing how to bring discussions around the news …
Kids + The News Read More »
The post Kids + The News appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are discussing how to develop a play space that is suitable for children of multiple ages. Do we really need baby toys? Can we find toys that grow with children? How do we balance safety and developmental needs? These are questions we are diving into in this episode.
The post Q&A | How can I design a play space for kids of different ages? appeared first on Simple Families.
Not all reward sticker charts are created equal. In today's episode, I'm going to explain how to use a reward chart effectively--and I will also explain why we don't use them very often. How to Use a Reward Chart When I was five-years-old, I was terrified of putting my head underwater in the pool. Swimming …
How to Use a Reward Chart Read More »
The post How to Use a Reward Chart appeared first on Simple Families.
You are enough. You are doing enough. In today's episode, I'm taking a question that many parents across the world are wondering: Am I providing enough structure/educational stimulation for my child in this time of crisis?
The post Q&A | Am I doing enough to supplement my kid's education right now? appeared first on Simple Families.
Irritability. Potty accidents. Night wakings. Tantrums (child AND adult). Difficult behaviors can increase during times of stress. In today's episode we are discussing the implications of stress and uncertainty on child and adult behavior. Because most of us are feeling it at this time, right? Show Notes/Links: Simple Families Foundations
The post 5 Tips for Stress Behaviors appeared first on Simple Families.
Who could use a little quiet time right now? I see you nodding your head. Yes, me too. In today's episode we are talking about initiating quiet time with young children. During this period of social distancing, even short periods of quiet time can be life-giving to parents who are all-hands-on-deck 24/7. Thanks for tuning …
Q&A | How do you get kids to do quiet time? Read More »
The post Q&A | How do you get kids to do quiet time? appeared first on Simple Families.
We all know that it's important to stay home right now--it is our social responsibility. The Weidner family is one of a million reasons this continues to be important. Today I am bringing you their story. Hillary and her husband Jordan are not strangers to social isolation--they were put on a year-long lock down after …
Hillary + Beatrice's Story Read More »
The post Hillary + Beatrice's Story appeared first on Simple Families.
If you have bored kids driving you crazy right now, the easy solution might be to shower them with new toys and activities to keep them busy. But sadly, Amazon doesn't have the answer to all our problems. An onslaught of new stuff will keep kids busy for a short period of time, but the …
Q&A | What should I buy to keep my kids busy during isolation? Read More »
The post Q&A | What should I buy to keep my kids busy during isolation? appeared first on Simple Families.
I'm feeling grateful that I have the ability to work from home during this season of life. But having the whole family home right along with me isn't exactly a "walk in the park". Today I'm sharing my 7 best tips for staying sane in an extended time period of social distancing. The Recap: 7 …
7 Tips for Social Distancing (with Kids) Read More »
The post 7 Tips for Social Distancing (with Kids) appeared first on Simple Families.
Are you inundated by the news right now? Is there such a thing as too much news? We are raising children in an era of constant exposure to the news--it hits us instantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the current pandemic, it has many of us captivated as we find it …
Q&A | Are you in a state of news overwhelm? Read More »
The post Q&A | Are you in a state of news overwhelm? appeared first on Simple Families.
Partnership is transformed in parenthood. Today I am joined by Shane Birkel, a podcaster and couples therapist. Shane and I are discussing communication and relationship patterns for partners during the early years of parenthood. Show Links: Shane Birkel - Website Shane's Podcast - The Couple's Therapist Couch Relational Life Therapy (Shane's Method) Gottman Method Emotions Focused …
Partnership + Parenthood Read More »
The post Partnership + Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families.
I know you are already inundated with the news on COVID-19. But we are going to talk about it a little here today too--I'm taking a question from an audience member wondering how we are handling it in our family. Show Notes/Links Green Kid Crafts Kid's Podcasts Story Pirates Molly of Denali Rebel Girls Stories …
Q&A | How are you handling the spread of coronavirus? Read More »
The post Q&A | How are you handling the spread of coronavirus? appeared first on Simple Families.
I'm joined by Courtney Carver, author of the brand new book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. In today's episode, she shares her minimalist wardrobe challenge that has spread throughout the world. I also have my sister-in-law, Kim, joining us for a mini-coaching call with Courtney. Kim …
Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge Read More »
The post Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge appeared first on Simple Families.
How do I teach my daughter to value her inner-beauty? How do I teach her that self-worth isn’t sealed into pretty? I will teach her that strangers can’t see the beautiful stuff on the inside. However, out of some bizarre cultural norm she will find that these strangers constantly praise and discuss her external appearance. …
Q&A | How do you teach little girls that they are more than pretty? Read More »
The post Q&A | How do you teach little girls that they are more than pretty? appeared first on Simple Families.
What if you are too overwhelmed to deal with your overwhelm? I hear this a lot. This week we are launching a new round of The Mental Unload™--my signature 7-day program that focuses on decreasing mental clutter. Even if you think you don't have the time for this, I'm going to explain all the details …
Q&A | Is The Mental Unload™ right for me? Read More »
The post Q&A | Is The Mental Unload™ right for me? appeared first on Simple Families.
The truth is, parenthood rarely turns out how we expect. Today, I'm happy to introduce you to my friend Jen. I met Jen over twelve years ago--long before my motherhood journey began. She's the mother of a son with special needs and twin daughters. Jen's love and tenacity have always inspired me. I'm thankful she …
A Special Story Read More »
The post A Special Story appeared first on Simple Families.
We often feel a great responsibility to keep our kids occupied and happy. That can be a heavy burden to carry. In today's episode, we are talking about understanding this need and setting boundaries to benefit the whole family. Show Notes/Links: Visual Timer on Amazon Visual Timer App
The post Q&A | How do you occupy a young child? appeared first on Simple Families.
What if your kid says "yuck" at the dinner table. Cooking a meal for your family is hard work and when your kids express distaste, it can really get under your skin. The truth is that most kids think in black and white: they either love a food or they hate it. Not only do …
Q&A | What if a kid says "yuck" at the dinner table? Read More »
The post Q&A | What if a kid says "yuck" at the dinner table? appeared first on Simple Families.
What is executive functioning? As parents, it is important to understand that executive function is one of many components that is in-development in the early years of life. As our children grow, they slowly develop the ability to make plans, organize their ideas, follow directions, and manage time. This process can feel slow and arduous. …
Executive Function Read More »
The post Executive Function appeared first on Simple Families.
Do my kids fight? YES. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite tools and thoughts around sibling relationships. I'll be honest, this is one of my biggest challenges in parenthood. But with time, I've been able to develop empathy that gives me the ability to stay calm in times of crisis with my kids--and that …
Q&A | How do you handle sibling fights? Read More »
The post Q&A | How do you handle sibling fights? appeared first on Simple Families.
I am wrapping up a treat-free month with my kids. Back in December, the cookies, candy, and treats got more than a little out of hand. This month has been a learning process for my kids, but more importantly for me. I've been able to let go of some of my longtime beliefs about the …
Reflections on a Treat-Free Month Read More »
The post Reflections on a Treat-Free Month appeared first on Simple Families.
Anyone parenting with a busy schedule will tell you that the quality of food you are feeding yourself may be lacking. It can take time, thought, and effort to feed ourselves well. On the podcast today, I'm chatting with my wellness guru, Megan Lyons. We are chatting about mindful eating, managing cravings, embracing hunger, meal …
Mindful Eating in Parenthood Read More »
The post Mindful Eating in Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families.
Do you have a kid who struggles to take "no" for an answer? That's the question we are covering today. The truth is, somtimes we need to firm up our "no" when talking to our kids--I'm giving you a few examples of what this sounds like. I'm also giving you an example of how I …
Q&A | What about a kid who won't take "no" for an answer? Read More »
The post Q&A | What about a kid who won't take "no" for an answer? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, I'm sharing a journey to simplicity. Marie, a Simple Families community member is giving us a closer look inside her day-to-day life. She's been working towards simplicity for over a year and has found that a simpler life improves her well-being and the overall harmony of her family. Marie and I discuss …
Marie's Story Read More »
The post Marie's Story appeared first on Simple Families.
Should we insist that our kids apologize or say "I'm sorry"? I actually don't. However, both my kids have come to apologize and express authentic empathy in their early years (without my demanding it). They have learned to do so naturally through their environment. When it comes to teaching manners and empathy, we can cue …
Q&A | Should you make kids apologize? Read More »
The post Q&A | Should you make kids apologize? appeared first on Simple Families.
In three years of podcasting, I've never shared my own views on sleep. This is not an accident. The reality is that I'm afraid to approach this divisive topic. I do have a lot of opinions on the topic, but today--I'm sharing the 7 most important things I've learned about sleep and parenthood in my …
Sleep + Parenthood Read More »
The post Sleep + Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families.
How do you get your kids to sleep in later? That's the question for the day. Although there is no magic bullet, I have a few tips to help you move in the right direction. Including some strategies around using an "Okay to wake clock". I'm also sharing something simple that I'm loving this week. …
Q&A | How do you get kids to sleep in? Read More »
The post Q&A | How do you get kids to sleep in? appeared first on Simple Families.
Happy New Year! Today we are talking about the Simple Families "word for the year": Community. Building a community in parenthood can feel like "one more thing" we have to do. But it’s invaluable to you and your family as you grow, change, and face the rollercoaster of life with kids. In this episode, I’m …
Find Your People Read More »
The post Find Your People appeared first on Simple Families.
Back in January, I joined the sober curious movement as I gave up alcohol for the year as a New Year's Resolution. It was an amazing year and I learned so much about myself. Today I'm sharing my month-by-month experience and Brooke Conley joins me for moral support. Show Notes/Links: SFP 128: Living Coffee ’til …
My Year Without Alcohol Read More »
The post My Year Without Alcohol appeared first on Simple Families.
Stepping into new spaces can make anyone uncomfortable. For many of us, developing a relationship with an individual with special needs might be new territory. In today's episode, we have Mama/Author/Advocate Heather Avis sharing her ideas about raising kids with kindness and moving towards inclusion. "When we walk into the world with our children we …
Scoot Over and Make Some Room Read More »
The post Scoot Over and Make Some Room appeared first on Simple Families.
Are you wondering how to talk to your kids about Santa? That's what we are chatting about today. Actually, I'm introducing something brand new today! Starting in 2020, I'll be adding a second weekly episode to the Simple Families Podcast. In addition to the regular weekly episode, I'll be adding a shorter form episode. Today, …
Q&A | How to Talk to Kids about Santa Read More »
The post Q&A | How to Talk to Kids about Santa appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, I'm bringing you a Journey to Simplicity. I'm chatting with Dr. Gillian Goddard, a physician living outside of New York City with her husband and four kids. Although Gillian's life may feel anything but simple, she and her family have made strides towards finding the balance and rhythm that works for their …
Gillian's Story Read More »
The post Gillian's Story appeared first on Simple Families.
Ready for a mindset shift around gifts this holiday season? In today's episode, we are discussing how to gift with intention. This includes shifting the conversation around gift-giving with your kids and choosing gifts that will keep-on-giving. I'm also sharing the 10 items on the Simple Families 2019 Holiday Gift Guide. Show Notes/Links Shifting the …
Holiday Gift Guide Read More »
The post Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Simple Families.
If you are striving to simplify the holidays this year, take a listen to my chat with three of my favorite minimalist mamas, Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising Simple, and Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less. Between the four of us, we have 12 kids under age …
Simple Holiday Prep Read More »
The post Simple Holiday Prep appeared first on Simple Families.
Some days I feel like every mother I know is ridden with stress and overwhelm. This type of parenthood seems to be slowly becoming the norm. In today's episode (episode 178) we are talking about what happens when your cup overflows. When your cup overflows the contents spill out and splash on the people who …
When Your Cup Overflows Read More »
The post When Your Cup Overflows appeared first on Simple Families.
I really don't know much about art, but I'm learning. One thing I know for sure is that art is important, for kids and adults alike. Today I'm chatting with author Meri Cherry about art + kids. The tagline on her book "Creative Activities and Projects that Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Connection" got me thinking. …
Why Kids Need Art Read More »
The post Why Kids Need Art appeared first on Simple Families.
In honor of my birthday week, I'm bringing you a casual conversation with my husband David. It's his first appearance on the podcast and we are talking all things love, marriage, and parenting.
The post SFP 176: Conversation With My Husband appeared first on Simple Families.
Parenting an early bloomer comes with its own set of challenges. Those of us who have precocious children know this well. Today, we are discussing the ins and outs of early blooming from a child development perspective. And I'm sharing more about my personal experience parenting an early bloomer and being an early bloomer myself. …
SFP 175: Early Bloomers Read More »
The post SFP 175: Early Bloomers appeared first on Simple Families.
Right now, I'm tired. We just returned from a two-week international trip with our family. Today I'm sharing all the details: the plans, the obstacles, dealing with jet lag, letting go of expectations, and why we keep doing it. Show Notes/Links: Packing videos on Instagram Saccharomyces Boulardii (to prevent travel's diarrhea) Ambitious Travel with Kids …
SFP 174: Ambitious Travel with Kids Read More »
The post SFP 174: Ambitious Travel with Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
When it comes to kids, buying more sustainably can feel intimidating. If you are unsure of where to start or how to prioritize, we are chatting more about this today. Our guest is Brendan Synnott, the CEO of Pact, and he's bringing us insight on the sustainable fashion industry, organic cotton, and what he's doing …
SFP 173: Sustainable Fashion for Kids [with Brendan Synnott of Pact] Read More »
The post SFP 173: Sustainable Fashion for Kids [with Brendan Synnott of Pact] appeared first on Simple Families.
Life with young children is always evolving. The way we spend our time changes too. Finding the right balance that works for each of us is incredibly important. The way I spend my time is going to look very different from the way that you spend yours. In today's episode, I am sharing what a …
SFP 172: A Day in Denaye's Life Read More »
The post SFP 172: A Day in Denaye's Life appeared first on Simple Families.
Have you started talking to your kids about money? Money can be a taboo topic, even within families. In today's episode I'm chatting with Liz Frazier Peck author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance (and They're Never Too Young). SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to …
SFP 171: How to Talk to Kids about Money [with Liz, author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands] Read More »
The post SFP 171: How to Talk to Kids about Money [with Liz, author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands] appeared first on Simple Families.
Is there such a thing as overly-responsive parenting? I believe so. Early in parenthood I found myself being a mindreader. It is important to be in tune with our kids' needs, but we also need to give them the opportunity to step up and advocate for themselves. Join the Masterclass! It starts Monday and this …
SFP 170: Overly-Responsive Parenting? Read More »
The post SFP 170: Overly-Responsive Parenting? appeared first on Simple Families.
Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today's episode we are talking about why children don't need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys is not only unnecessary but could be harmful. We are talking about all that and more. Complete …
SFP 169: Too Many Toys? Read More »
The post SFP 169: Too Many Toys? appeared first on Simple Families.
Life gets busy. Sometimes it gets hard to make time for the simple things--like taking your kids for a walk in nature. But the value of the free and simple things should never be underestimated. Today, I'm sharing my favorite strategies for hiking with kids and the immense (yet not-so-obvious) benefits for the whole family. …
SFP 168: Hiking with Kids [How + WHY] Read More »
The post SFP 168: Hiking with Kids [How + WHY] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, we are discussing the 5 Love Languages as they pertain to children. I am joined by Diane Debrover, the Deputy Editor of Parents Magazine where we talk through each of the Love Languages and explore how they show up in children. Spoiler alert: I've got my reservations about the Love Language of …
SFP 167: The Love Languages + Children [with Diane Debrovner of Parents Magazine] Read More »
The post SFP 167: The Love Languages + Children [with Diane Debrovner of Parents Magazine] appeared first on Simple Families.
Summer is supposed to be relaxing, yet I have found that this summer we've had a lot of transition, a lot of change, and my brain has been very busy. Therefore, today's episode is dedicated to just that: We're talking about the "Tip of the Iceberg" and brain busyness. [FULL TRANSCRIPTION] This week we're getting …
SFP 166: The Tip of The Iceberg (Brain Busyness) Read More »
The post SFP 166: The Tip of The Iceberg (Brain Busyness) appeared first on Simple Families.
Today I'm chatting with Jane Monnier about her journey towards reducing mental and physical clutter. Jane is a longtime member of the Simple Families Community. She's also is a rocket-scientist-turned-military-wife-and-mother who has lived around the world with her family. I think you will enjoy Jane's wisdom in this episode! (Full episode transcription below). Show Notes/Links: …
SFP 165: Journey to Simplicity | Jane's Story Read More »
The post SFP 165: Journey to Simplicity | Jane's Story appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, I am chatting with Rich Karlgaard, Publisher of Forbes Magazine, about his new book Late Bloomers. Rich is a self-proclaimed late bloomer. He's sharing more of his story along with some research that will give fellow parents of late bloomers some piece of mind. Show Notes/Links The Book: Late Bloomers Rich's Website …
SFP 164: Late Bloomers [with Rich Karlgaard of Forbes Magazine] Read More »
The post SFP 164: Late Bloomers [with Rich Karlgaard of Forbes Magazine] appeared first on Simple Families.
It happens. All kids will use less-than-desirable language as they are growing up. Whether its potty words or outright profanity, we all deal with this as parents. Today I'm reflecting on how we've been managing it in our house--including what is working and what is not working.
The post SFP 163: Reflections on Bad Language + Potty Talk appeared first on Simple Families.
I recently went through and did a huge book overhaul. I got rid of all the "twaddle" in favor of prioritizing high quality, well-written children's books. To quote today's guest Emily Cook, "well-read children will grow into well-read adults". In this episode, Emily and I talk about reading aloud and choosing great books for our …
SFP 162: Reading Aloud + Our Book Overhaul [with Emily Cook of Build Your Library] Read More »
The post SFP 162: Reading Aloud + Our Book Overhaul [with Emily Cook of Build Your Library] appeared first on Simple Families.
It's officially book launch week! In today's episode I am sharing more about the publishing process behind Simple Happy Parenting, along with my goals and hopes for the book and what exactly I am afraid of. Thank you for all your support! You can still claim the pre-order bonus during launch week!
The post SFP 161: Behind-The-Scenes appeared first on Simple Families.
There is a fine line between selfishness and selflessness in parenthood. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Hunter Clarke-Fields of Mindful Mama Mentor. We talking about martyrdom in motherhood and how trying to be-it-all and do-it-all is not actually the best thing for kids. This is an important message for every parent. SHOW NOTES/SHOW LINKS: …
SFP 160: Selfish vs. Selfless Parenthood [with Hunter of Mindful Mama Mentor] Read More »
The post SFP 160: Selfish vs. Selfless Parenthood [with Hunter of Mindful Mama Mentor] appeared first on Simple Families.
Slow living with kids...what does that look like? Frankly, the days can feel painfully slow. But sometimes they can be delightful. What gives? Today we are talking about shifting toward a slower lifestyle and what that looks like with family life. Finding a balance between structured and unstructured family time can help us find more …
SFP 159: Slow Living with Kids: Painful or Delightful? Read More »
The post SFP 159: Slow Living with Kids: Painful or Delightful? appeared first on Simple Families.
I get to be on the other side of the table today! In today's episode, I am being interviewed by the host of Minimalish, Desirae Endrees. I had the pleasure of being a guest on Minimalish last week and I loved our chat so much that I wanted to re-air this episode for you on …
SFP 158: Practical Steps to Simple, Happy Parenting [with Desirae Endrees of Minimalish] Read More »
The post SFP 158: Practical Steps to Simple, Happy Parenting [with Desirae Endrees of Minimalish] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am sharing more about our decision to homeschool. Homeschool was never in the plans for our family, so I will tell you more about our decision to go down this path. I'm also sharing some of the vital pieces in making this process successful for our family. Hint: It doesn't involve …
SFP 157: Our Decision to Homeschool Read More »
The post SFP 157: Our Decision to Homeschool appeared first on Simple Families.
Changing your mindset and finding joy usually doesn't happen overnight. Baby steps, right? In today's episode, I am chatting with authors and happiness experts Marc and Angel Chernoff. We'll explore the small ways we can increase happiness and life a more intentional life. Show Notes/Links: Marc and Angel's Website: Marc & Angel Hack Life Find …
SFP 156: Little Bits of Happiness [with authors Marc and Angel Chernoff] Read More »
The post SFP 156: Little Bits of Happiness [with authors Marc and Angel Chernoff] appeared first on Simple Families.
On the podcast today I am reading the first chapter of my new book, Simple Happy Parenting: The Secret of Less for Calmer Parents and Happier Kids. Show Notes/Links: Preorder the book: Simple Happy Parenting Grab your spot in The Masterclass
The post SFP 155: Simple Happy Parenting [The First Chapter of My New Book] appeared first on Simple Families.
Simplifying parenthood may sound like a lofty goal. But in today's episode, I am chatting with Nicole Smith, a mother who has made huge strides. Nicole is sharing her 'Journey to Simplicity' that has happened over the past few months. Nicole is a wife, mother of three children, and a former participant in the Simple …
SFP 154: Simplifying Parenthood [with Nicole Smith] Read More »
The post SFP 154: Simplifying Parenthood [with Nicole Smith] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, Tsh Oxenreider is sharing more about her "Journey to Simplicity". Tsh is a wife and mother of three who has been on the path towards a simpler, more intentional life for over a decade. Tsh is an author and the voice behind The Art of Simple and the podcast 'Simple'. She's sharing …
SFP 153: Simple Living + Free-Range Parenting with Big Kids [with Tsh Oxenreider of The Art of Simple] Read More »
The post SFP 153: Simple Living + Free-Range Parenting with Big Kids [with Tsh Oxenreider of The Art of Simple] appeared first on Simple Families.
Overparenting is a phenomenon that happens for many parents who have the best of intentions. We want the best for our children and as a result, we want to do everything and be everything for them. This happens because we are fearful of not doing enough. We fear underparenting. This often spills over into discipline. …
SFP 152: The Fear of Underparenting Read More »
The post SFP 152: The Fear of Underparenting appeared first on Simple Families.
In the age of social media, it's impossible to avoid "the comparison game". In this episode, I am chatting with my friend Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement. We are exploring the tendency to compare our family to others and how the comparison game and emotional clutter has impacted us personally. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: …
SFP 151: The Comparison Game [with Erica Layne of The Life on Purpose Movement] Read More »
The post SFP 151: The Comparison Game [with Erica Layne of The Life on Purpose Movement] appeared first on Simple Families.
Since we brought our first au pair last summer I have received nearly constant questions about the experience. So today, I am sharing my thoughts on all types of childcare arrangements (including daycare, family care, nannies, nanny share, etc.) and how we came to our decision to use an au pair. In this episode, I'll …
SFP 150: Tips on Choosing Childcare + My Experience with the Au Pair Program Read More »
The post SFP 150: Tips on Choosing Childcare + My Experience with the Au Pair Program appeared first on Simple Families.
Last week, we had a primer on the importance of outdoor play with Linda Åkeson McGurk. This week, I am re-airing an important follow up piece on the scientific perspective on this topic. In today’s episode, I speak with Carla Hannaford, world-renowned biologist and outdoor advocate, about her studies on the connection between movement and …
SFP 149: The Science Behind Outdoor Play + Movement [with Carla Hannaford Ph.D.] Read More »
The post SFP 149: The Science Behind Outdoor Play + Movement [with Carla Hannaford Ph.D.] appeared first on Simple Families.
Today I have one of the top Simple Families episodes! I am re-sharing my chat with Linda Åkeson McGurk about the importance of getting kids outside in all sorts of weather--even in the heart of winter. There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Linda, a Swedish mother, joins us to talk about …
SFP 148: Getting Kids Outside in ALL Types of Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] Read More »
The post SFP 148: Getting Kids Outside in ALL Types of Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] appeared first on Simple Families.
The journey into motherhood isn't easy for any woman. But after giving birth here in the U.S., there is societal pressure to return to a "normal life" almost overnight. In other cultures, this transition comes more gently. Women are given more time, more support, and more grace. In today's episode I am chatting with my …
SFP 147: Mothering Without A Village [with Lora Amigo] Read More »
The post SFP 147: Mothering Without A Village [with Lora Amigo] appeared first on Simple Families.
As a parent raising children in the United States, I realize that I have a lot to learn from other cultures around the world. In today's episode, I am exploring an international perspective with Indian mother Devishobha Chandramouli. Devishobha is raising her children in India, but is also involved and informed with Western parenting practices. …
SFP 146: International Perspectives in Parenting [with Devishobha Chandramouli of Kidskintha] Read More »
The post SFP 146: International Perspectives in Parenting [with Devishobha Chandramouli of Kidskintha] appeared first on Simple Families.
Why is it that some kids turn into zombies in front of a screen? Then they get angry and act crazy when we turn it off? That's what we are talking about in today's episode. I'm going to be skimming the surface on some brain research and share how I use this to manage and …
SFP 145: Q&A - Why Do Some Kids Turn into Angry Zombies with Screen Time? Read More »
The post SFP 145: Q&A - Why Do Some Kids Turn into Angry Zombies with Screen Time? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, I'm chatting with Amy Lang about sex. She's sharing her best tips on how to talk to kids about sex, the human body, teaching consent, and the sexualization of childhood. This is a conversation that needs to be on the radar of all parents with young children. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Amy's Podcast: Just …
SFP 144: Talking to Young Kids about Sex [with Amy Lang of Birds+Bees+Kids] Read More »
The post SFP 144: Talking to Young Kids about Sex [with Amy Lang of Birds+Bees+Kids] appeared first on Simple Families.
The way that you parent will look very differently from that of your close friends and family members. Today I am answering a listener's question. We are discussing how to manage these relationships when you have very different expectations for your own children. Show Notes/Links: Cooperation: the Mini-Course (FREE) Overview of Diana Baumrind's Research on …
SFP 143: Q&A - How do you handle when your parenting choices clash with others? Read More »
The post SFP 143: Q&A - How do you handle when your parenting choices clash with others? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am chatting with professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. If you are anything like me, you might struggle with complex organizational systems. Rachel is bringing her best tips to keep it simple and approachable--and maybe make 2019 your most organized year yet. Show Notes/Links: Rachel's Online Program (use the code NEW YEAR for 10% off) Rachel's Website Rachel …
SFP 142: Organization for Everyone [with Rachel Rosenthal] Read More »
The post SFP 142: Organization for Everyone [with Rachel Rosenthal] appeared first on Simple Families.
If you've ever wanted to drink less alcohol, then you might want to tune into this episode. I've had a lot of questions about my 2019 resolution to give up alcohol--even though I wouldn't classify myself as a heavy drinker. Today on the podcast I am sharing more about my "why" and some of the …
SFP 141: Q&A - Can you tell us more about your 2019 resolution? Read More »
The post SFP 141: Q&A - Can you tell us more about your 2019 resolution? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am chatting with Erin Loechner. Erin is an author, blogger, designer, and mother of two. She shares her journey towards simple living along with her best tips for making slower New Year's Resolutions--including arm circles, waking up before the kids, and finding your own definition of self-care. Show Notes/Links: Find Erin …
SFP 140: Slow Resolutions [with Erin Loechner] Read More »
The post SFP 140: Slow Resolutions [with Erin Loechner] appeared first on Simple Families.
Independent play doesn't come easily to all children. In today's episode we are discussing what to expect from independent play as well as how to support our children to do it more often. When it comes to independent play, it's important that we do three things: gauge our expectations as parents; assess the individual personality …
SFP 139: Q&A - How Do I Get My Kid to Play Independently? Read More »
The post SFP 139: Q&A - How Do I Get My Kid to Play Independently? appeared first on Simple Families.
About 95% of everything I put on the internet is real life, not staged. The other 5% includes things like the photo in this post, because I generally don't frolic in fields in pretty dresses. Today I am answering a question from a reader about how much of what I share with you is representative …
SFP 138: Q&A - Is Your Social Media Actually Real Life? Read More »
The post SFP 138: Q&A - Is Your Social Media Actually Real Life? appeared first on Simple Families.
I don't know about you--but my kids have the tendency to move slowly. They function on their own timeline. The result is that as parents, we often find ourselves "hurrying" them to speed up and get on our agenda. In today's episode I am chatting with Janet Lansbury about hurrying our kids through their days …
SFP 137: Let's Stop Hurrying our Children [with Janet Lansbury] Read More »
The post SFP 137: Let's Stop Hurrying our Children [with Janet Lansbury] appeared first on Simple Families.
Taking the road less traveled is not always simple. During the holiday season the list of obligations grow rapidly and saying "no" can seem out of reach. Today I am chatting with Rachel Rainbolt from Sage Parenting. Rachel and I are talking about the idea of "doing life differently". Many of us are raising our …
SFP 136: Taking the Road Less Traveled [with Rachel from Sage Parenting] Read More »
The post SFP 136: Taking the Road Less Traveled [with Rachel from Sage Parenting] appeared first on Simple Families.
Buying new toys for our children can be exciting--but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many options out there and our children are inundated with marketing materials. Today I am chatting with Lizzie Assa from the Workspace for Children. She and her family buy toys outside of the mainstream options--that means they lean towards …
SFP 135: Choosing Great Toys [with Lizzie Assa from The Workspace For Children] Read More »
The post SFP 135: Choosing Great Toys [with Lizzie Assa from The Workspace For Children] appeared first on Simple Families.
We all believe that the holiday season is the happiest time of the year. But is it really? Today I am chatting with Happiness Guru Gretchen Rubin about finding happiness in the holiday season. You may know Gretchen from one of her New York Times bestselling books, her top ranked podcast, or perhaps most importantly …
SFP 134: Happier for the Holidays [with Gretchen Rubin] Read More »
The post SFP 134: Happier for the Holidays [with Gretchen Rubin] appeared first on Simple Families.
Welcome back to Part II of the Holiday Q&A (If you missed Part I, catch it here!). Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less and Zoë Kim from Raising Simple are joining me to answer the rest of your holiday questions. Today we will chat about minimal decorating, envy amongst children, simple holiday meals, and more. We will bring …
SFP 133: Holiday Q+A [Part II] Read More »
The post SFP 133: Holiday Q+A [Part II] appeared first on Simple Families.
The holidays are upon us. I am here to tell you that you don't need to do or buy all.the.things. Today is the first of a two-part series focused on answering your questions about living a more intentional holiday season. I am joined by Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less and Zoë Kim from …
SFP 132: Holiday Q+A [Part I] Read More »
The post SFP 132: Holiday Q+A [Part I] appeared first on Simple Families.
Dare I say that developing a gratitude practice is actually easy? I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly small acts of gratitude have changed my life. In today's interview I am chatting with mother and gratitude expert Josie Robinson about her unlikely, yet transformative journey. LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES Show Links/Notes: The Gratitude Jar …
SFP 131: Rewiring Our Brains for Gratitude [with Josie Robinson of The Gratitude Jar] Read More »
The post SFP 131: Rewiring Our Brains for Gratitude [with Josie Robinson of The Gratitude Jar] appeared first on Simple Families.
Starting in the early days of pregnancy we set expectations for ourselves. Perhaps your kids won't have screen time. You will breastfeed for one year or more. Your kids will only eat organic. In today's episode Natalie Telyatnikov [from Better Postpartum] and I are sharing some of the unrealistic expectations of which we have let …
SFP 130: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations in Motherhood [with Natalie from Better Postpartum] Read More »
The post SFP 130: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations in Motherhood [with Natalie from Better Postpartum] appeared first on Simple Families.
Most of us feel like there's no way we could add one more thing to our plate. But the truth is that starting a side-hustle (or part-time passion-driven work) can actually be a form of self-care. I know that for me, working helps to fill up my cup so I can be more calm and …
SFP 129: Work Can Be Self-Care [Meghan Fitzgerald of Tinkergarten] Read More »
The post SFP 129: Work Can Be Self-Care [Meghan Fitzgerald of Tinkergarten] appeared first on Simple Families.
Sometimes there is so much to be done that we find ourselves needing coffee to wake up in the morning and wine to take the edge off and calm down in the evening. In today's episode I am talking with Brooke Conley about alcohol + motherhood. If you have ever thought about cutting back on alcohol …
SFP 128: Living Coffee 'til Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] Read More »
The post SFP 128: Living Coffee 'til Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] appeared first on Simple Families.
Today on the podcast I am sharing a Q&A episode. That means I am taking your questions and giving you my honest, unfiltered answers. In this episode we are talking about how many gifts to give, how to manage sibling squabbles, minimalism in different regions, and mealtime struggles.
The post SFP 127: Simple Q&A | Too many gifts, siblings quarrels, social media + kids appeared first on Simple Families.
As parents, we just want to give our kids the best. We want to give them opportunities and send them to the best colleges. Sometimes that means signing them up for all the classes and starting the resumé in the earliest years. In today's episode I am chatting with author Bill Deresiewicz. We are discussing the …
SFP 126: How to Give Your Child the Very Best [with Bill Deresiewicz, author of Excellent Sheep] Read More »
The post SFP 126: How to Give Your Child the Very Best [with Bill Deresiewicz, author of Excellent Sheep] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's society we often feel like we need to be out and about, entertaining our children and staying busy. In this episode I am joined by author Rahima Dancy. We are discussing the educational value of just staying home with our children--because their most important learning experiences start right at home with us. Show …
SFP 125: The Value of Just Staying Home [with author Rahima Dancy] Read More »
The post SFP 125: The Value of Just Staying Home [with author Rahima Dancy] appeared first on Simple Families.
[Heads up--there's a wee bit of audio issues in the first part of the interview, but hang it there--it gets better!] This month we are going to be rethinking education. For anyone that has followed the podcast for sometime, you will know that I am an advocate for progressive forms of education. Namely child-led learning …
SFP 124: Rethinking Education in the Early Years [with Aubrey Hargis of Child of The Redwoods] Read More »
The post SFP 124: Rethinking Education in the Early Years [with Aubrey Hargis of Child of The Redwoods] appeared first on Simple Families.
Back by popular demand, today's episode is a Q&A format. I am answering a variety of your questions about positive parenting, minimalism, moving, homeschooling, and childcare [all rather unapologetically--because remember this is opinion and what works for my family]. Show Notes/Links Follow Simple Families on Instagram Simplify Child Behavior Program Preview App Oak Meadow Cultural …
SFP 123: Simple Q&A Read More »
The post SFP 123: Simple Q&A appeared first on Simple Families.
Today is the first ever male guest on the podcast. While it's long overdue, I am happy to welcome my friend Clark Davis. Clark is the final interview in the series 'Journey to Simplicity' this month. In today's episode, Clark shares his insight on living small, intentional fatherhood, and minimalism. Not only is Clark on …
SFP 122: Intentional Fatherhood [with Clark Davis] Read More »
The post SFP 122: Intentional Fatherhood [with Clark Davis] appeared first on Simple Families.
This is my favorite podcast episode yet. This month we are exploring the journey to simplicity in four real-life families. Because minimalism just makes good sense for families. Today I am chatting with Kristen Puzzo. Kristen is an active member of the Simple Families Community. I have been following her journey as she has been lightening the heavy …
SFP 121: Minimalism + Parenthood [with Kristen Puzzo] Read More »
The post SFP 121: Minimalism + Parenthood [with Kristen Puzzo] appeared first on Simple Families.
Some people make big life changes in search of simplicity--Lilly Neubauer is one of them. When the busyness in her life spiraled out of control, Lilly quit her job to get her family back on track. I look forward to sharing her story with you today. Show Links: Trading my Job for Minimalism (Lilly's Guest …
SFP 120: Trading my Job for Simplicity [with Lilly Neubauer] Read More »
The post SFP 120: Trading my Job for Simplicity [with Lilly Neubauer] appeared first on Simple Families.
We are launching off a new 4-part series: Journey to Simplicity. I am interviewing four real families about moving towards minimalism and how it has impacted their lives. Today I am chatting with Rachelle Crawford. Rachelle and her family of 5 live in Michigan. She felt a sudden call to minimalism 18 months ago and …
SFP 119: Living an Abundant Life with Less [with Rachelle Crawford] Read More »
The post SFP 119: Living an Abundant Life with Less [with Rachelle Crawford] appeared first on Simple Families.
We know the environment in which we live and the food we eat have an impact on the development of our children. In today's episode I am speaking with author + science writer Jena Pincott about all-natural biohacks for parents. Biohacks involve making changes to diet and lifestyle that transform biological tendencies that exist in …
SFP 118: All-Natural Biohacks for Kids [with author Jena Pincott] Read More »
The post SFP 118: All-Natural Biohacks for Kids [with author Jena Pincott] appeared first on Simple Families.
The value of play in childhood is often underestimated. Our children need to play and when pushed into academics at a young age they miss vital opportunities to develop and grow. In today's episode we are discussing the balance between work and play. I am chatting with Jeanne-Marie Paynel of Voila Montessori about understanding the connection …
SFP 117: Finding the Balance of Work Vs. Play in Childhood [with Jeanne-Marie Paynel of Voila Montessori] Read More »
The post SFP 117: Finding the Balance of Work Vs. Play in Childhood [with Jeanne-Marie Paynel of Voila Montessori] appeared first on Simple Families.
Children benefit from the opportunity to play in open-ended, unstructured environments. Today I am talking with Nicole Roccaro from Naturally Curious Children. We talk about finding a balance in play, leaning towards unstructured activities, and following our children's lead. Nicole's home and approach are inspired by something called Reggio-Emilia. In this episode, we are discussing …
SFP 116: Raising Naturally Curious Children [with Nicole Roccaro] Read More »
The post SFP 116: Raising Naturally Curious Children [with Nicole Roccaro] appeared first on Simple Families.
Horseplay is developmentally beneficial for our growing children. If you have a kid who plays rowdy, then you need to hear this. We need to find a way to encourage this behavior rather than discourage it. In today's episode, I am chatting with Frances Carlson, the author of the book Big Body Play. I found …
SFP 115: The Benefits of Rowdy Play [with Frances Carlson of Big Body Play] Read More »
The post SFP 115: The Benefits of Rowdy Play [with Frances Carlson of Big Body Play] appeared first on Simple Families.
Never underestimate what your children are learning through play. In the early years, play is the main vehicle for learning and education. In today's episode, I will be introducing you to the importance of play. We chat about stages of play, types of play, and what role that adults may have in play. Show Notes/Links …
SFP 114: The Importance of Play Read More »
The post SFP 114: The Importance of Play appeared first on Simple Families.
Child behavior is anything but straightforward. My children are well-behaved, but as humans--they have their "moments". As parents, we can feel powerless when our kids aren't cooperating or being respectful. Today on the podcast I am explaining how we blend positive parenting methods with some strategies and techniques. One technique in particular that we are …
SFP 113: Simplifying Child Behavior | Troubleshooting "Time-Out" Read More »
The post SFP 113: Simplifying Child Behavior | Troubleshooting "Time-Out" appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am chatting with Hunter Clarke-Fields of Mindful Mama Mentor. Hunter specializes in mindful parenting and in this episode we are talking about control in parenting. As parents, we feel like we should have control over our children. But children have their own agendas and ideas about this. How much control do …
SFP 112: Do we control our kids? [With Hunter from Mindful Mama Mentor] Read More »
The post SFP 112: Do we control our kids? [With Hunter from Mindful Mama Mentor] appeared first on Simple Families.
The words that we speak to our children become their inner voice. And the average woman speaks 20,000 words per day. While we can't always be intentional in the way we speak to our children, we can do better. In today's episode, author Tracy Cutchlow and I are discussing how to speak to our children. …
SFP 111: How You Talk to Kids + Why it Matters [with Tracy from Zero to Five] Read More »
The post SFP 111: How You Talk to Kids + Why it Matters [with Tracy from Zero to Five] appeared first on Simple Families.
What does it mean to "raise successful kids"? Today I am chatting with Krista from A Life in Progress. I knew I could rely on Krista to bring some excellent perspective to this topic and she comes through in this episode. When it comes to life, Krista thinks outside the box and walks off the …
SFP 110: Raising Successful Kids [with Krista from A Life in Progress] Read More »
The post SFP 110: Raising Successful Kids [with Krista from A Life in Progress] appeared first on Simple Families.
Parents spend a great deal of time and money baby-proofing the home. But how does this process impact our kids? Today, I am chatting with Nicole from The Kavanaugh Report. Nicole and I are both passionate about creating a home that is child-friendly rather than child-proof. That means that we are thoughtful to design our …
SFP 109: Make your home child-friendly, rather than child-proof [with Nicole from The Kavanaugh Report] Read More »
The post SFP 109: Make your home child-friendly, rather than child-proof [with Nicole from The Kavanaugh Report] appeared first on Simple Families.
Zoë Kim has lived in 24 homes in 13 different states. She's an expert at moving and has a healthy dose of wanderlust, but she also manages to connect to the communities in which she lives. In today's episode, Zoë and I are discussing moving, finding minimalism, and how to build a happy home (make that plural, …
SFP 108: Moving, Minimalism, and Building a Happy Home Read More »
The post SFP 108: Moving, Minimalism, and Building a Happy Home appeared first on Simple Families.
I haven't always lived in places that I love. But I have found gratitude and contentment in some surprising places. Today on the podcast, I am sharing how I created a home that I love along with how I engage in my community to increase a sense of attachment and rootedness. Want to talk more …
SFP 107: How I Created a Home I Love Read More »
The post SFP 107: How I Created a Home I Love appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are exploring the idea of "putting down roots" and becoming attached to the places that we live. Melody Warnick shares her own personal experience and the research on this concept called place psychology. If you ever spend time linger on Zillow or perusing the "Best Cities to Live" lists, then …
SFP 106: Love Where You Live [with Melody Warnick, author of "This is Where You Belong"] Read More »
The post SFP 106: Love Where You Live [with Melody Warnick, author of "This is Where You Belong"] appeared first on Simple Families.
Have you ever dreamt of starting an organic garden? Today on the podcast I am chatting with my friend and homesteader Beth Brettell from High Sierra Permaculture. She's a former designer turned homesteader, and along with her partner Bret they have created a beautiful and productive garden in Northern California. Beth answers all of my …
SFP 105: The Basics of Organic Gardening [with Beth from High Sierra Permaculture] Read More »
The post SFP 105: The Basics of Organic Gardening [with Beth from High Sierra Permaculture] appeared first on Simple Families.
As mothers, we often carry the heavy responsibility of feeding our families. Despite what Pinterest leads us to believe, cooking for a family doesn't have to be fancy. In today's podcast episode I am chatting with Erin Odom of The Humbled Homemaker. Erin and I are discussing our favorite methods for simplifying meal planning and …
SFP 104: Food Made Simple [with Erin from The Humbled Homemaker] Read More »
The post SFP 104: Food Made Simple [with Erin from The Humbled Homemaker] appeared first on Simple Families.
We know that the kitchen is the most used room in the house--yet simplifying the kitchen is anything but easy. On the podcast today I am chatting with Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha. Melissa is a food blogger and she is sharing her story about how the kitchen "broke" for her. She decided she …
SFP 103: The Minimalist Kitchen [with Melissa from The Faux Martha] Read More »
The post SFP 103: The Minimalist Kitchen [with Melissa from The Faux Martha] appeared first on Simple Families.
Every parent wants to feed their children nutritious food. That probably means a heaping dose of vegetables, ample proteins, and a well-rounded source of vitamin-rich foods. Even if we know what we should be feeding our children, we don't always know the magic tricks to actually get our kids to eat those super foods. In …
SFP 102: It's Not About Nutrition [with Dina Rose Ph.D.] Read More »
The post SFP 102: It's Not About Nutrition [with Dina Rose Ph.D.] appeared first on Simple Families.
In our house, mealtimes are pleasant. My kids eat well and we enjoy each others company. I don't have it all figured out, but I do have a Ph.D. in Child Development with a research background in child wellness. That means I use a combination of both research-based ideas and intuitive planning to help develop …
SFP 101: How I Feed My Family Read More »
The post SFP 101: How I Feed My Family appeared first on Simple Families.
I don't have a regular yoga or meditation practice, although I wish I did. Yet each day I find moments of mindfulness and presence in regular activities. In today's podcast episode I am speaking with Shawn Fink from The Abundant Mama Project. We are chatting all about how to meditate without meditating--and by that I …
SFP 100: How to Meditate Without Meditating [with Shawn from the Abundant Mama Project] Read More »
The post SFP 100: How to Meditate Without Meditating [with Shawn from the Abundant Mama Project] appeared first on Simple Families.
She's skinny, crafty, active, accomplished in her career, family-focused, and well-dressed (all the time, even at drop off). She's the perfect mom. She's the mom that we are secretly striving to be--the one that does it all and has it all. In fact, many of the things we spend our time and energy striving towards are because of her. It's because …
SFP 99: Perfectionism in Motherhood [with Catia Holm] Read More »
The post SFP 99: Perfectionism in Motherhood [with Catia Holm] appeared first on Simple Families.
Parenthood is notoriously associated with sleep deprivation. Good sleep goes beyond just getting kids to sleep through the night. Do any of these things resonate with you? At the end of a long day you desperately need sleep, but you can't put your Instagram/Netflix away. You drink coffee to wake you up in the morning …
SFP 98: Sleep + Parenthood [with Dr. Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor] Read More »
The post SFP 98: Sleep + Parenthood [with Dr. Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor] appeared first on Simple Families.
Stress and overwhelm are an epidemic in childhood--which means mindfulness for kids has become essential. As adults, many (if not most) of us carry significant amounts of stress and overwhelm on a daily basis. It has become so ingrained into our society and culture that we have normalized it as a part of who we …
SFP 97: Mindfulness for Kids [with Jessica from Lily Pad Yoga] Read More »
The post SFP 97: Mindfulness for Kids [with Jessica from Lily Pad Yoga] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, I am sharing some simple (yet exciting) changes coming to the podcast and the Simple Families Community. Listen in to hear more, and click here to join the conversation for this month.
The post SFP 96: Simple Families in March appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am sharing more about what my typical day looks like. Like many women, I am always seeking to find a balance between having a career and spending quality time with my family. I am the primary caregiver for my 1-year-old and 4-year-old, but I also balance working from home as well. …
SFP 95: A Day in Denaye's Life Read More »
The post SFP 95: A Day in Denaye's Life appeared first on Simple Families.
Traveling with kids can be intimidating and even downright scary. But it's also rewarding. In today's episode, I have a special treat. I am chatting with my best friend and travel-with-kids-guru Amanda about adventuring both in and out of the country as a family. Amanda and her family were recently in Hawaii for the false …
SFP 94: The How + Why of Traveling with Kids [with Amanda, my best friend and travel guru] Read More »
The post SFP 94: The How + Why of Traveling with Kids [with Amanda, my best friend and travel guru] appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's world of baby gadgets and excitement around milestones, many babies are skipping the crawling stage and going straight to walking. But is this actually a good thing? In today's episode, I discuss why crawling is important to development [and also give a preview of what's to come for episode 93.]
The post SFP 92: Why do babies need to crawl? appeared first on Simple Families.
There are so many children's books out there, how do you choose what to include in your home library? In today's episode, we talk about why not every classic makes the cut in our family and what I look for in both new and classic storybooks.
The post SFP 91: How do you choose children's books? appeared first on Simple Families.
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Today, Swedish mother Linda Akeson McGurk joins us to talk about raising our kids to be more connected with nature. Linda's new book is one of my favorites--and her blog, Rain or Shine Mamma, is a worth-while resource as well. I hope you enjoy this …
SFP 90: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] Read More »
The post SFP 90: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] appeared first on Simple Families.
This week, I am excited to be talking on the podcast with Courtney Carver from Be More With Less. On the blog and podcast, I frequently discuss the "how" of minimalism. But in this episode, Courtney takes us one step further. She explains why simple living is good for your heart, family, and future. I just …
SFP 89: Soulful Simplicity [with Courtney from Be More With Less] Read More »
The post SFP 89: Soulful Simplicity [with Courtney from Be More With Less] appeared first on Simple Families.
We need to respect our children and their desires--but we can also help to steer them to buy more intentionally. In today's episode we discuss how to get older children on board with simplicity using 3 simple questions.
The post SFP 88: How can I get older kids into simplifying? appeared first on Simple Families.
Fitness and nutrition are on the minds of many at the beginning of a New Year. As we transition into motherhood, our bodies change. I know for me personally, the way I view my body changed after babies. But the way I use my body changed also. Fitness in motherhood is about more than just …
SFP 87: Simple Fitness in Motherhood [with Cari from Fit Mama in 30] Read More »
The post SFP 87: Simple Fitness in Motherhood [with Cari from Fit Mama in 30] appeared first on Simple Families.
Is your holiday season feeling busy? In today's episode we talk about how to find calm this holiday season--including tips to keep it simple. How to combat busyness? How to minimize decorating? How to drop the guilt? How to decrease the sugar? How to create traditions?
The post SFP 86: How do you move toward a calm, simple holiday season? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I have an interview with Megan Lyons from The Lyon's Share Wellness (Facebook | Instagram). Megan is a health and wellness coach based in Dallas, Texas and provides services worldwide. In our chat today, we talk all about sugar. She answered several of my questions such as: Is there such thing as …
SFP 85: All About Sugar [with Megan from The Lyons Share Wellness] Read More »
The post SFP 85: All About Sugar [with Megan from The Lyons Share Wellness] appeared first on Simple Families.
Early risers can leave moms and dads feeling exhausted and irritable. In today's episode we talk about how we can survive this common stage, especially with little ones who still require some supervision. Suggested: Ok to Wake Clock + Visual Timer
The post SFP 83: How can I handle an early riser? appeared first on Simple Families.
Dealing with a child that whines and complains a lot is draining. In today's episode we talk about how we can help model the kind of attitudes we want to see in our children, along with how to validate their feelings without encouraging the unwanted behavior.
The post SFP 82: How do you handle whining/complaining? appeared first on Simple Families.
Starting solids with your baby can be intimidating, especially when you add in the worry of choking. In today's episode we talk about baby led weaning and how you can tell if your baby is just gagging (and why that's totally normal) versus choking.
The post SFP 81: I am terrified that my kid will choke, what should I do? appeared first on Simple Families.
Most babies go through a stage with separation anxiety. Even though it's a normal development stage, it can be hard on both mom and baby. In today's episode, we discuss how to handle a clingy baby and still get the things we need to do done.
The post SFP 80: How should I handle a clingy baby? appeared first on Simple Families.
The mental load in motherhood is overwhelming. In today's special episode, we are discussing why this matters and what we can do about it. Denaye also introduces a simple, 4-step plan to begin peeling back the layers. Want to starting unpacking the mental load together, join us!
The post SFP 79: SPECIAL EPISODE: How can I reduce the mental load? appeared first on Simple Families.
It's very easy to get overwhelmed by parenting a high-needs child. Today I discuss my top recommendation for understanding and improving challenging behavior.
The post SFP 78: How can we start enjoying our child more? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sometimes we get into the habit of saying certain things to our kids--but maybe we need to reassess our words. Today we are discussing the reference to being a "good girl" or a "good boy".
The post SPF 77: What are your thoughts on the term "good boy/good girl"? appeared first on Simple Families.
I don't really recommend food sharing. In today's episode, I discuss why.
The post SFP 76: How do you handle food sharing? appeared first on Simple Families.
Today we are discussing how to manage hunger and weight in early childhood.
The post SFP 75: Does my kid eat too much? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we discuss collaborating with your child's caregivers. I lay out some specific communication strategies that I use and give you an example of a personal situation I am facing right now.
The post SPF 74: How can I find a middle ground with other caregivers? appeared first on Simple Families.
Parenting can be divisive when it comes to friendship. Today we discuss what happens when two friends parent differently, including what to do...and what not to do.
The post SPF 73: How do you handle friends who have different parenting styles? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are talking about "when kids should just know better." I explain why I don't really like this phrase and a new way to look at these situations.
The post SFP 72: When should my kid "know better"? appeared first on Simple Families.
Playing outside seems so simple and natural, but often it doesn't happen that way for many families. In today's episode we are discussing how to promote outdoor play in families.
The post SFP 71: How can we play outside as a family? appeared first on Simple Families.
Many children go through a stage where they bite, hit, or otherwise use behaviors that are undesirable. In today's episode we discuss how these behaviors typically aren't aggressive, instead they are primitive forms of communication.
The post SFP 70: What do you do when a kid bites? appeared first on Simple Families.
Do you have a kid who asks the same question repeatedly? Or how about one who constantly requests the same movie, book, or song? In today's episode we are discussing why kids need this type of repetition.
The post SFP 69: Why do kids repeatedly ask the same questions? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am sharing the best parenting advice I have ever heard along with my thoughts on keeping a small child in a bed.
The post SFP 68: How can I get my kid to stay in bed? appeared first on Simple Families.
Masturbation and genital touching in your children is a natural and normal part of development. In today's episode we discuss how to address this concern when necessary.
The post SFP 67: How should I handle young children who masturbate? appeared first on Simple Families.
Even if we don't buy toy guns for our children, they may decide to turn sticks and other devices into make-believe guns. In today's episode we talk about this type of play and whether or not we should purchase toy guns for young children.
The post SFP 66: Should kids play with toy guns? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's special episode we take a closer look at choosing a preschool/daycare for your children. I explain how I made the decision for my own children and important factors to keep in mind during the process.
The post SFP 65: SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Choose a Preschool/Daycare appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we discuss hand-me-downs. It can be hard/awkward to refuse a generous offer from a family member or friend--so today we talk about doing it graciously. We also discuss best tips for keeping a kid's wardrobe simple.
The post SFP 63: How do you refuse hand-me-downs? appeared first on Simple Families.
Keeping kids on a schedule while traveling is difficult. In today's episode, we discuss the importance of children getting good sleep--regardless of where they are lying their heads.
The post SFP 61: How do you keep a routine when away from home? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode, we discuss how to manage kids who don't like to be contained: whether it be in the carseat, the shopping cart, or the stroller. Today's sponsor: KIND snacks [more details here]
The post SFP 59: How do you survive with a kid who can't be contained? appeared first on Simple Families.
Today we are discussing options for first bikes. I explain my personal favorites and a little about my distaste for powerwheels. LINKS: Amish Bike (Valley Road Wood Works) Wishbone 3 in 1 Bike (affiliate) Ybike (for babies-affiliate)
The post SFP 58: What is a good first bike? appeared first on Simple Families.
When you ask your kid to do something and they have their own agenda...it can be so frustrating. Today we are discussing how to move things along when a little one is filibustering the day. LINKS: More about my big move The Cooperation Mini-Course
The post SFP 57: How do you handle a child changing the subject? appeared first on Simple Families.
Moving with kids is hard--we are currently in the midst of it in my family. In today's episode I am sharing tips for moving with young children.
The post SFP 56: What are your tips on moving with kids? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are talking about whether I give my children milk. I also discuss the transition from formula/breastmilk to cow's milk after the first year of life. Show Notes/Links: How I Feed My Kids How I Feed My Kids (Your Questions Answered) Why My Toddler Doesn't Drink Milk (original article)
The post SFP 55: Do your kids drink milk? appeared first on Simple Families.
Gifts serve so many purposes. They excite the gift giver and receiver. They can make the gift giver feel like they are leaving a part of them when they aren't present. But it's deeply ingrained in our culture. In today's episode we discuss how to handle receiving unwanted gifts.
The post SFP 54: How do I handle unwanted gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.
The sibling relationship sets the stage for many relationships to come. We need to let our children use this dynamic to practice handling conflict. It will be anything but graceful in the early years, but this conflict serves a deeper purpose.
The post SFP 53: How should I handle sibling disputes? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we discuss how often a kid needs to go to school--we discuss how to find that magic window of time and how to shed the guilt around it.
The post SFP 52: How much preschool does a kid need? appeared first on Simple Families.
Gifting at birthday parties can be tricky for those trying to be intentional. In today's episode I discuss my personal favorite gifts to give at parties. LINKS: Seedling Craft Kits Back to the Roots Garden National Geographic Little Kids This post contains affiliate links
The post SFP 51: What do you give as birthday gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.
I have shared before that I have a daily laundry habit--and it's amazing. In today's episode I am answering a question about this and telling you how I make it happen at our house. LINKS: The Simple Families Facebook Group
The post SFP 50: How do you handle laundry? appeared first on Simple Families.
Does your child whine and complain throughout the day? In today's episode I discuss how to handle a complainer.
The post SFP 48: How Do I Deal with a Complainer? appeared first on Simple Families.
Bedtime can be a struggle for children--regardless of the age. In today's episode we discuss this topic.
The post SFP 47: How Do I End Bedtime Meltdowns? appeared first on Simple Families.
On the podcast today I am explaining the best timing for potty training--and it might not be what you think. SHOW NOTES/LINKS My favorite tips and tools for potty training The "Oh Crap" Book
The post SFP 46: What is the best timing for potty training? appeared first on Simple Families.
Separation anxiety has a way of making us feel very loved and very crazy. We are talking more about this on the podcast today.
The post SFP 45: What can I do about separation anxiety? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are discussing about "back talk". I give you my best strategies for handling it and some tips to keep in mind.
The post SFP 44: How should I handle back talk? appeared first on Simple Families.
Today we are discussing the best way to get your kid's on board for clean up. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: The Toy Detox The Cooperation Mini-Course
The post SFP 43: How much should I expect my kids to clean up? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am discussing the pros and cons of enrolling a young child in classes.
The post SFP 42: Are baby classes worth the money? appeared first on Simple Families.
You don't need to do a lot of arts and crafts activities to meet your kid's needs. In today's episode, I am discussing why this is. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Why I Don't Do Pinterest-Worthy Activities With My Kids IDEAS FOR LESS-MESS ARTS + CRAFTS Dry erase crayons Paint in the bathtub Bath crayons Stickers Felt board …
SFP 41: Should we do arts and crafts at home? Read More »
The post SFP 41: Should we do arts and crafts at home? appeared first on Simple Families.
Independent play can be difficult to teach to toddlers. In today's episode, we talk about how to encourage this type of play and the benefits.
The post SFP 40: How do I get my child to play independently? appeared first on Simple Families.
You don't need a separate play room for your kids--having the toys in the living space has it's advantages. In today's episodes, I will discuss what to keep in mind when combining the living space and the playing space. Show Notes/Links: Our Minimalist Play Room (Video Tour) The Toy Detox How to Declutter the Toys
The post SFP 39: How can I incorporate a simple play space in my living room? appeared first on Simple Families.
I hear this time and time again: time-outs don't work. So why do we keep using them? In this episode we talk about why I don't recommend time outs for very young children. Cooperation Mini Course
The post SFP 38: What to do when time-outs aren’t working? appeared first on Simple Families.
Parents are not referees--it's important that they realize that early. In today's episode, we talk about managing competition in sibling relationships.
The post SFP 37: How do I handle competition between siblings? appeared first on Simple Families.
It's not always easy to let "things" go. In today's episode, we discuss how to keep the conversation positive with kids--along with two key questions to ask.
The post SFP 36: How can I teach kids to let go of their possessions? appeared first on Simple Families.
On the podcast today I am answering a question about how to discipline very young children.
The post SFP 35: How should I discipline very young children? appeared first on Simple Families.
Birthday celebrations shouldn’t be complicated—they should be focused on what is important. In today’s episode, I discuss why we should keep celebrations small, intimate, and focused on the needs of the child.
The post SFP 34: Is it possible to have a simple birthday party? appeared first on Simple Families.
In this episode we discuss switching a child’s bedroom in anticipation of a new sibling. I also talk about making the switch from the crib to a toddler bed.
The post SFP 33: Should I change my toddler's bedroom? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are discussing how to repurpose items we have from decluttering.
The post SFP 32: How do I repurpose the things I have from decluttering? appeared first on Simple Families.
Every parent deals with kids that interrupt. Today we are discussing two approaches of how to handle this challenge.
The post SFP 31: How do I stop my kid from interrupting? appeared first on Simple Families.
Many of you are probably blessed with family and friends who love to give your children gifts. In this episode we are discussing how to talk to family members about toy minimalism.
The post SFP 30: How do I handle family members who give too many gifts? appeared first on Simple Families.
Our kids are not going to be good at everything. In today's episode we discuss how to approach a child that is not having success in sports or other activities.
The post SFP 29: Should I encourage my kids to do things they aren’t good at? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sometimes our kids can feel impossible at meal times. In this episode, I give my best advice--and it might surprise you.
The post SFP 28: How do I end food battles with my kid? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I am answering a question from a mother about pretend play. She wonders how often she should intervene when there are disagreements or when the play shifts to an inappropriate story line.
The post SFP 27: When should I interrupt my kid's play? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sometimes babies get restless--but how much entertaining should we do as parents? In today's episode I answer a question about how to handle a restless, bored baby.
The post SFP 26: What should I do if my baby gets bored? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we discuss how to handle big transitions with toddlers--things like moving, starting a new school, and having a new baby.
The post SFP 25: How much transition can a kid handle? appeared first on Simple Families.
Preparing for your first baby can be overwhelming. Today I discuss how I suggest you spend time preparing during pregnancy, including some of my favorite books. Show Links/Notes: The Best 5 Books to Read Before a Baby
The post SFP 24: How do I prepare for my first baby? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we discuss how to maintain a minimalist play space when you have children of various ages. Show Notes/Links: Video Tour of our Minimalist Playroom The 25 Best Toys Get the Toy Detox
The post SFP 23: How does toy minimalism work with different aged siblings? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode I respond to a question about how much we should push our kids to be successful. I explain that parents should provide support when teaching new skills, but kids might actually benefit when parents "disappear" and give them opportunity to persevere on their own. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Get the Toy Detox
The post SFP 22: How much should I push my kid to succeed? appeared first on Simple Families.
In today's episode we are discussing how to handle the "stranger danger" talk with your children. I am not a fan of putting fear and anxiety into children. I think you can educate them and prepare them for life without scaring them. It's important that children have opportunities to practice socializing with new adults, but at the same …
SFP 21: Should I encourage my kid to be friendly to strangers? Read More »
The post SFP 21: Should I encourage my kid to be friendly to strangers? appeared first on Simple Families.
It can be difficult to wean a baby off of a bottle. In this episode I discuss the transition from formula/breastmilk to cow's milk. I also explain the attachment to the bottle and why this process is so difficult. I also discuss things to keep in mind when making the switch from bottles to cups. Show …
SFP 20: How do I cut out the bottles? Read More »
The post SFP 20: How do I cut out the bottles? appeared first on Simple Families.
In this episode I will discuss three things to consider when preparing your child for a sibling. We will also discuss what type of behavior and emotions you might encounter from a young child during this period as well. I wrap up with the one thing I wish I would have known before having my …
SFP 19: How do I prepare my child for a new sibling? Read More »
The post SFP 19: How do I prepare my child for a new sibling? appeared first on Simple Families.
In this episode I answer a question from a mother about her child that is shy and slow to warm up. I discuss ways to support and encourage her.
The post SFP 18: How Should I Handle My Shy Child? appeared first on Simple Families.
In this episode we talk about making the difficult transition to daycare as a toddler. I discuss why it is so difficult for kids to separate and give (a strange) analogy.
The post SFP 17: Am I Traumatizing My Kid When I Leave Him at Daycare? appeared first on Simple Families.
It seems like kids are starting school earlier and earlier. In today's episode, I will be discussing how to decide on the best age for a child to start preschool. Highlights: Preschool vs. Daycare--what's the difference? What type of curriculum and education does a baby/young toddler need? What’s the best age to start school? Show Notes/Links: …
SFP 16 : What Age Should Kids Start Preschool? Read More »
The post SFP 16 : What Age Should Kids Start Preschool? appeared first on Simple Families.
The kids of today need minimalism. In this episode I am sharing with you some of the benefits of minimalism with kids and family. Highlights: What is minimalism? Four benefits for our children. Show Notes/Links Does your Kids Have Shiny Object Syndrome Why Kids Need Fewer Toys Research: Children learn better in simple, clean spaces …
SFP 15: How Will My Kids Benefit from Minimalism? Read More »
The post SFP 15: How Will My Kids Benefit from Minimalism? appeared first on Simple Families.
Kids shouldn't be playing with their food. That means making a mess should be the exception, not the expectation. In this episode I will discuss how to handle throwing and playing with food at mealtime. Highlights: Understand the motive Control of Error The Food Time-Out Show Notes/Links: How to Get Kids to Stop Throwing and …
SFP 14 : How Do I Put an End to Food Throwing? Read More »
The post SFP 14 : How Do I Put an End to Food Throwing? appeared first on Simple Families.
It can be hard to get kids to go to bed. In today's episode, I am answering a question about how to get a child to go to bed (and stay in bed). Highlights: Bring the positive energy. Pattern your days for success. Get kids to stay in bed
The post SFP 13 : How Can I Get My Kid to Go to Bed? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sharing is hard. In this episode, I am explaining why sharing can be such a struggle for young kids. I will also introduce the strategy that we use at home to handle sharing easily and effectively. Highlights Why it's so hard for kids to share Walk a mile in their shoes The Method: How do …
SFP 12 : How Do I Teach My Kid To Share? Read More »
The post SFP 12 : How Do I Teach My Kid To Share? appeared first on Simple Families.
Our kid's behavior can be frustrating--particularly when they won't "stop" when we ask them to stop. Today we are talking about why it's so hard to get kids to "knock it off" and how we can handle these situations with success. Highlights A new lens to view behavior Inertia--and how it applies to kid behavior …
SFP 11 : How Do I Stop My Kid From Misbehaving? Read More »
The post SFP 11 : How Do I Stop My Kid From Misbehaving? appeared first on Simple Families.
The idea of "parenting with intention" is something that I talk about a lot on the blog and in the podcast. In this episode, I explain what this phrase means and how to start parenting more purposefully. The Highlights Education Reflection Strategy Show Notes and Links The Best Books for Expectant Parents Why I Choose …
SFP 04 : What Does It Mean To Parent With Intention? Read More »
The post SFP 04 : What Does It Mean To Parent With Intention? appeared first on Simple Families.