Episodes

  • Did you know, your child’s gut microbiome impacts their behavior and immunity? Listen in and get expert answers from Dr. Elisa Song.

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    Your child’s microbiome is essential to having healthy kids, happy kids. Learn from integrative pediatrician Elisa Song as she shares evidence-based choices we can make for our children’s future.

    What We Talked About:

    Understanding the impact your child’s Microbiome has on long term health

    The potential long-term effects of antibiotics in early childhood

    Five simple steps to having microbiome magic

    Mindful choices you can make to reduce processed foods in your home

    Understanding what is healthy stress for children

    The vagus nerve explained and how to engage it

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is being able to go inward and listen to the inner voice and trust it.”

    “Just like we take care of our external world's ecosystem, we must take care of our microbiome's ecosystem.”

    “80% of your child's immune system is in their gut.”

    “Use antibiotics only when it's necessary. Be judicious, to not overuse antibiotics.”

    “One of the factors that predicted success in adulthood was the ability to self-regulate.”

    “Stress is simply your physiologic response getting ready for something to happen.There's a certain amount of stress that actually makes us more productive, makes us more efficient.”

    “No matter where your child is on their health journey…It's never too late to move towards a path of thriving.”

    - Dr. Elisa Song

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  • Are you ready to spark a love for math in your child? Listen in as my guest, Shalinee Sharma, reveals her top tips.

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    The Mathematical Mind is something we all possess, yet there are many myths about having a math mind or not. Today my guest shares the beauty that can be found in math and how to guide our children to enjoy and succeed in math.

    What We Talked About:

    Unlocking the "Mathematical Mind"

    Shalinee's four tips for Math confidence

    Simple ways to bring math into daily routines

    Why visual and hands-on approaches make math meaningful & engaging.

    How to make math a game for young kids

    The importance of letting go of the "math kid" myth

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting connects us to the purpose of life.”

    “As a parent, you're the guide of your child to help them to do their duty.”

    “All children can succeed in Math.”

    “Math ability is intrinsic. We all have it.”

    “When you hit a roadblock in learning, it's a signal to try harder.”

    “Put the myth of the math kid on a shelf and ask for help.”

    “There is no humiliation in math. Math is beautiful, it’s fun.”

    - Shalinee Sharma

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

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  • What’s the key to thriving preschool success? Listen in as my guest, Amber Jayne, reveals it all.

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    We all know how crucial children's early years of development are for their lifelong joy and success. Today we talk about how to determine what is the best environment for children to thrive.

    What We Talked About:

    How to identify a high-quality preschool using the four senses rule

    Balancing parenthood and business

    The role of love and nurturing in early childhood development

    How traditional education doesn’t fit every child

    The impact of technology on children's development

    Things to Remember

    “Your parenting style is yours to embrace”

    “Always internally check your parenting style because we have the answers always within us.”

    “When you walk into a home daycare, a child care center, or preschool, follow your senses.”

    “We need to have our children ready for kindergarten. We need to have them build their confidence.”

    “If you’re missing the foundation of love, respect, and trust, your child is going to have a hard time wherever they go.”

    “If you can't homeschool, just advocate for your child.”

    “We’re learning to be a mom just as our children are learning to grow up.”

    - Ms. Amber Jayne

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  • Is 'Mommy Brain' real or just a myth? Listen in and discover the science behind it with my guest, Jodi Pawluski!

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    So often the ‘Mommy Brain’ gets a bad wrap, but did you know everything happens for a reason!? Today I’m talking with a neuroscientist to understand the science of the mommy brain better.

    What We Talked About:

    The brain changes that occur in mothers during parenthood

    Societal and environmental pressures that disproportionately affect mothers

    Effects of perinatal mental illness on both mothers and their offspring

    Oxytocin and bonding without breastfeeding

    Why parenting skill is built through experience

    Changes in brain structure and function when learning to care for a child.

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is accepting the diversity and working to find what works for you and your child within your household.”

    “Motherhood itself has a special list of pressures and to-do's.”

    “Your brain can only do so much.”

    “Acknowledge all the amazing things that occur in our brains during pregnancy and the postpartum period and not see it as a deficit.”

    “Your brain is functioning when it has the capacity and the environment to function well when you're pregnant or postpartum.”

    “Pregnant women are much better at memory for parenting-related things.”

    “Becoming a parent can increase the chances of mental health struggles.”

    “Our brain is really valuable in our transition to parenthood and we need to acknowledge that.”

    - Jodi Pawluski

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  • Can yoga help children manage big feelings and emotions? Listen in as my guest, Lauren Chaitoff shares her insights.

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    Yoga has always been my go-to for relaxing and feeling in tune with my physical body. Today, I’m talking with a yoga instructor who is focused on bringing this ancient practice to children.

    What We Talked About:

    Ways to introduce yoga to children

    How yoga can help both parents and children manage emotions

    Building emotional awareness in children

    The four pillars of Yogi Bean

    Morning and evening yoga rituals for parents and children

    How to add a bit of yoga to your daily life

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is similar to the breath, a lot of expansion and contraction.”

    “When you change how you breathe, you can change how you feel.”

    “Having good posture is important for the mind and body connection.”

    “When your goal is to get children to sit quietly and still you need to let them move a little bit.”

    “Making children aware of their feelings is a lifelong tool to help them cope with bigger feelings.”

    “Everything is a phase.”

    - Lauren Chaitoff

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  • Is there really such a thing as the perfect parent? Listen in and discover the power of being an imperfect parent with Kate Hamilton.

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    I truly believe we all strive to be the best parent possible, yet when we strive for perfection is when we get ourselves in trouble. The notion of perfection is unattainable so let’s embrace being an Imperfect Parent instead.

    What We Talked About:

    Understanding generational behaviors helps us break unhelpful cycles

    Parenting as a partnership

    Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities for both parents and children.

    How to handle unsolicited advice

    The “8-Year Rule” for tough conversations

    Creating an open family environment

    Things to Remember

    “There’s not one formula that works in parenting.”

    “Parenting is believing in our ability to parent.”

    “It's totally okay to fail, it's okay to make a mistake but it's not okay to stop, it's not okay not to learn.”

    “Consequences are important to teach our kids but there are times in life when everybody needs a little bit of grace.”

    “Imperfection is good and normal.”

    “We know our children better than the experts do and we need to trust that we know our children.”

    - Kate Hamilton

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Could your understanding of postpartum mental health be missing a crucial piece? Listen in as my guest, Aaisha Alvi shares the realities of postpartum psychosis.

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    A Mom Like That is a memoir of a woman’s journey into perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. She shares her honest and harrowing experiences with a healthcare system that does not yet take these issues seriously. A must listen to all.

    What We Talked About:

    What are perinatal mood disorders

    Aaisha's personal experience with Postpartum Psychosis

    What is the biological basis of Postpartum Psychosis

    What urged Aaisha to write the book 'A Mom Like That'

    The lack of awareness among healthcare providers regarding postpartum psychosis

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting with a mindset that always tries to bring out the best our children will have to offer the world.”

    “Postpartum psychosis is one of the most severe psychiatric illnesses a woman can ever experience in her lifetime.”

    “When it comes to postpartum psychosis, nobody knows why it occurs.”

    “When you have a miscarriage, you don't have a baby to take care of, but you still have biological elements that trigger postpartum.”

    “When you lose touch with reality, there is a risk to yourself and your child.”

    “Nobody needs to suffer due to shame or stigma.”

    - Aaisha Alvi

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  • What does it take to truly heal after a challenging birth? Listen in and find out in this powerful conversation with Jennifer Summerfeldt.

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    Our birth experience, how we came to the world, and how, if able, we give birth to our own have a lasting impact on our overall well-being.

    What We Talked About:

    Midwifery and alternative birth options

    Overcoming the fear induced by mainstream pregnancy advice

    Understand different birth paradigms

    Choosing birth based on values

    The emergence of free birth

    The difference between a disappointing birth experience and birth trauma

    How birth trauma impacts both the body and mind

    How the nervous system reacts during traumatic events like childbirth

    Identifying postpartum challenges

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is about learning how to listen to that guiding principle that resides in all of us as a human being.”

    “It's important that you understand what that birth paradigm includes, that they're motivated by fear, litigation, and money, and to manage and control and take charge of your experience.”

    “When you hire a professional or registered midwife, most often you have the option to give birth at home, in a birthing center or a hospital.”

    “Any choice out of fear is usually a bad recipe.”

    “You can have a disappointing birth experience that is not traumatic.”

    “It's not about controlling the outside world. It's about knowing that there's a way for us to ride the waves of life, to ride the stressors of life and it doesn't have to be traumatic.”

    “Rest in the role of motherhood.”

    - Jennifer Summerfeldt

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  • ⁠My guest, today is on a mission to bring more wellness, joy, and intentionality to parenting and beyond she shares her powerful approach that encourages us to embrace growth in a deeply intentional way.⁠

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    Life is all about growing, expanding, and improving ourselves the best we can. My guest shares her framework to do just that.

    What We Talked About:

    The "Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow" Framework

    The Five Rights of Parenting

    The Importance of Self-Reflection in Parenting

    Setting boundaries with screens and devices

    Why integrating self-care into your daily routine is crucial

    Things to Remember

    “Being open to learning from your children models, learning is a lifelong process.”

    “Children will teach you about yourself and the work you still need to do more than anyone in life.”

    “Your voice is a tool of creation and you have the power to use it to uplift or tear down in your home.”

    “Love is the cure for all that ails us, parenting and beyond.”

    “Letting your child know how much you love them, and that you're there for them, will plant their spirit in deep, rich soil as they grow.”

    “It's important for your child to be a child and not lose their childhood.”

    “Parents need to feel more grace in terms of being able to take care of themselves.”

    “Be more intentional in how you're choosing to live and parent.”

    - Holly Swenson

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  • Wondering how to build a strong emotional bond with your child? Listen in as my guest, Eli Harwood shares some insights.

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    Secure attachment is known to be the one ingredient necessary not only for our survival but also for our positive evolution as a thriving species. We are social beings and need to trust those that care for us. Today Eli shares her research and helps us create a secure bond with those we care for.

    What We Talked About:

    Creating a secure environment for children

    Understanding the attachment theory

    Eli’s personal experiences with attachment

    The Importance of Parental Self-awareness

    The power of apologizing to children

    Recognizing and respecting the unique needs & love languages of each child

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is a process, there is no final product.”

    “Our relationships with our children are all unique.”

    “The parent-child relationship affects the development process.”

    “When we bring our presence to our children in a way that connotes delight. There's medicine that gets wired between us.”

    “Create an experience for your children where they sense that you are a safe place to open up.”

    “Messing up and conflicts are part of a relationship that we can repair without shame or self-contempt.”

    “Maturity is a relational process.”

    “Do the best you can and then trust that when the mess up is acknowledged, there is power in just saying, I'm so sorry.”

    - Eli Harwood

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • What’s your secret formula to happiness? Listen to my guest, Stella Grizont, and find out what science has to say about it.

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    Ah, happiness… such a profound emotion. Did you know there was a science to it? Today we are learning how to nurture those happy vibes at home and work for both ourselves and our children.

    What We Talked About:

    Creating emotional safety for children

    The importance of clarity and setting boundaries

    The 8 Inner Skills from the Work Happiness Method

    Clarity in your goals and decisions, both as a parent and in your career

    Why tuning into your own needs is essential

    Things to Remember

    “Create freedom for your children to be themselves and to know themselves better.”

    “Emotion is always in motion. It's just information.”

    “Parenting is harder than any job you could do.”

    “Our boundaries are there to make it easier for us to be who we want to be.”

    “When you're in your play mindset, you're setting yourself up to be more curious and open to possibilities.”

    “The people-pleasing tendency is a trauma response. It's a trauma response called fawning.”

    “Tending to our own needs is a way of caring better for others.”

    “Boundaries are less about no and more about saying yes to what matters.”

    “Boundaries are one way we can support ourselves in being who we want to be with greater ease.”

    - Stella Grizont

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Has your child rejected you? Listen in and learn how to handle it with Cathy Himlin.

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    It can be tough when you feel rejected by your child, especially when you are going through a separation. Today's guest, a Marriage and Family Therapist helps us understand why and how to manage these situations.

    What We Talked About:

    The complexities of high-conflict divorces and how they impact children

    The underlying reasons why children may reject a parent

    Recurring patterns observed in children during custody disputes

    How attachment-based methods can help repair strained relationships between children and parents

    Practical advice for parents considering divorce

    How power struggles within couples can impact parenting

    The difference between litigation and mediation

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is getting into the child's world.”

    “The ideal for children from separated homes, to not be pulled or pushed from either home is to have both parents work together and try to have similar items.”

    “You can't go into divorce and figure out what you want unless you understand your options.”

    “Trying to make it work is best, because it may just be relationship ruptures or injuries that never got healed.”

    “Try to have that lens on what's in the best interest of your child.”

    “Have some respite care. Take time in between having children to focus on the marriage.”

    “Controlling usually means anxiety.”

    “There's no book for each child. Every child is different and we don't know what they're going to turn out to be.”

    “All the parenting tools and techniques out there are just tools. It's the relationship that matters.”

    “The Family Court system needs to shift focus away from litigation and toward the children and their developmental, psychological, and emotional needs.”

    - Cathy Himlin

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  • How can we prepare our children to be impactful citizens? Listen in and find out why it is important to start young.

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    As parents we’re not only raising children we are raising future citizens. My guest today, a professor in Political Science, shares why it is up to us to do so and shares some actionable steps to guide us along.

    What We Talked About:

    How to start having informative political conversations early on

    Simple strategies for introducing politics at home

    How to nurture critical thinking with our children

    The importance of creating a supportive civic environment

    Why Lindsey felt the need to write “Raising Citizen”

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is trying to do a little bit better than our parents did for us.”

    “Politics is going to happen to us whether we like it or not so it's better if we understand the process.”

    “Everyone has a different version of what the good life is and how to get there.”

    “Our kids don't need us to be politics or government experts, they need us to model the behavior of learning more.”

    “When we're raising a citizen, we're not necessarily trying to raise a partisan.”

    “Let's make sure our kids are equipped and capable of getting through the world in a better way than we are.”

    - Lindsey Cormack

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Curious about the benefits of parenting at your child's pace? Listen in as my guest, Dr. Joel Warsh shares insights you won't want to miss!

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    Our children’s well-being and health are among the biggest responsibilities we take on as parents.. Yet today it has become complex to navigate the does and don’ts of our health let alone that of our children. Today I’m speaking with Dr.Joel Warsh an integrative pediatrician on the importance of parenting at your child’s pace.

    What We Talked About:

    Deciphering the abundance of parenting information

    The benefits of Integrative Medicine for family health

    The rise of chronic diseases in children

    The critical role nutrition & preventive care plays in maintaining your family's health

    The impacts social media has on parental expectations

    The benefits of homeopathic remedies and other integrative medicine practices in pediatric care

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is figuring out what are the best ways to create a healthy, happy home and create healthy, happy, resilient kids.”

    “The internet can make you scared about things that you don't really have to worry that much about.”

    “If we aren't mindful of what we're doing, then then our children are going to be sick and we're going to be sick.”

    “Little changes make a huge difference.”

    “Just because you have one symptom does not necessarily mean that you have the scary thing. Most scary things have all the basic symptoms, but the scary things have a lot more to it.”

    “If you have a prescription in the first six months to a year, that increases your risk for every disease.”

    “It's okay to be a little nervous, but don't be overly stressed.”

    - Dr. Joel Warsh

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Do you think we should dedicate a month to celebrate families? Listen in to find out what Anne Doherty's plan to do just that.

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    Families are the backbone of our societies and they have evolved over time. Today my guest wants us to have a whole month every year to celebrate all families.

    What We Talked About:

    What the concept of Family Month is

    Understanding the impacts birth order has

    Navigating between biological and chosen families

    Integrating our personal challenges into parenting

    How early experiences affects a child’s behavior and attachment style

    Managing sibling rivalry, especially when introducing a new sibling

    How to balance our guilt with the need for self-care and personal growth

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is like meditation. It’s an active, moving meditation where you’re focused on the children, the family, and it’s all outside of you.”

    “Being human means that you’re part of the family. ”

    “Doing something positive is good.”

    “Many people want their children to fill a need that they never had filled when they were little.”

    “Respect means that you acknowledge them for who they are. You respect their boundaries, and respect your own boundaries.”

    “If you keep expecting it to change, you’re never going to be happy.”

    “It’s hard to have compassion for yourself until you have compassion for others.”

    - Anne Doherty

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • How can you teach your child to be financially smart? Listen in as my guest, Anthony Delauney, shares his essential advice.

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    You would not necessarily think of financial literacy as something a child should know, yet my guest today shares the importance of learning about finances early so we can have money smart children.

    What We Talked About:

    How Anthony's extensive knowledge in financial planning has influenced his parenting

    Introducing financial concepts to children in an engaging and age-appropriate manner

    The do’s and don'ts of implementing allowances

    Developing healthy financial habits early on

    Making the complexity of financial literacy simple

    The impact emotions have on financial decisions

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is trying to get a sense of how best we can relate to our children.”

    “It's hard enough to figure out your own situation, but when you start to incorporate a spouse and children into the mix, it makes the planning process a lot more fun, but also a lot more complex.”

    “You can have two children and you can raise them the exact same way and they can become totally different individuals.”

    “When children receive the money, it's very important that they maintain some sense of ownership in terms of how it's distributed.”

    “Fear of judgment is the number one thing that prevents people from achieving success.”

    “The best part about being a child is you can fail in a safe environment.”

    “When a child does fail, we want to give them the opportunity to do it, but we need to be extremely mindful of how we react to their failure.”

    “Emotion and money do not go well together.”

    “Do not introduce certain concepts that your children may not be emotionally prepared to absorb or relate to.”

    “As a parent, make sure that you're mindful of how you react.”

    “It's not so much what we tell our children. It's what we show them.”

    - Anthony Delauney

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Why do you think comparing yourself to other parents is a trap? Listen in as my guest, Kathy Bowers explains why it's unnecessary and unhelpful.

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    Kathy is a nursery teacher turned life and parenting coach and shares with us some compassionate advice for modern-day parents.

    What We Talked About:

    The importance of embracing your unique parenting style

    The negative effect comparison can have on your parenting

    What it takes to truly nurture a child

    Strong relationships provide a solid foundation for children

    The critical need for self-care when parenting

    Communicating expectations and house rules to children

    Setting boundaries and maintaining consistency

    Overcoming external pressures

    Things to Remember

    “Every parent can improve their parenting skills. We don't always naturally become parents.”

    “Failure sets you up to try again. It gives you that strength.”

    “Parenting is finding the best way of guiding your children and putting them first.”

    “It will happen when it’s meant to happen.”

    “Children will always pick the easiest option.”

    “Your children will not be your friend because you are the parent.”

    “If you can’t meet your own needs, how can you meet your children’s needs?”

    “Don’t compare yourself to anybody else. Parenting is a slow step.”

    - Kathy Bowers

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Are you ready to uncover the power of shared courage? Listen in as my guest, Jessica Patay shares her inspiring story.

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    Parenting is already a journey with many ups and downs add to it a child with special needs, then the community becomes your lifeline. Jessica created an amazing international community so we can all be brave together and we thank her for it.

    What We Talked About:

    The Mission of 'We Are Brave Together'

    The importance of finding a support network for parents caring for children with special needs.

    The daily struggles and unique challenges faced by caregivers, especially those caring for children with disabilities.

    Understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome

    The difference between self-comfort and true self-care

    Things to Remember

    “What works for one child may not work for your next child. You have to learn the beauty and the complexity of your child to be the best parent for them.”

    “Community is everything. When you have a crisis you have to be surrounded by other people who understand and who can validate what you're experiencing.”

    “As human beings, as parents, we must invest in our mental health.”

    “I know you're tired. I know you're overwhelmed. I know you're exhausted but when you have people around you who get it. It's comforting and transformative.”

    “You do not have to be a coach or a therapist to learn how to facilitate a safe sacred space for moms to share.”

    “Self-comfort will not sustain you for the long haul of life or caregiving.”

    “You have to believe that you deserve to invest in your mental health.”

    “Taking care of yourself is not selfish but when we’ve heard the term ‘self-care’ we tend to equate it with selfishness.”

    “Focus more on connection than control.”

    -Jessica Patay

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Do you know whether your child's sippy cup is doing more harm than good? Listen to my guest, an infant feeding expert for the answers.

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    An infant feeding expert explains why it’s best to ditch the sippy cup and use an open cup instead when teaching children to learn to drink on their own. She also shared more baby-led weaning advice.

    What We Talked About:

    What are the benefits of Baby-Led Weaning

    How not using a sippy cup can prevent speech delays and feeding issues

    Making mealtime safer and more enjoyable for children

    What are the feeding Developmental Milestones

    Both the immature and mature swallowing patterns in babies.

    How to help babies develop essential pre-feeding skills

    The natural picky eating stage and how to handle it effectively

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is acquiring that knowledge and then making the best decision that works for your family.”

    “Baby-led-weaning is allowing the baby to have some control and learn new skills.”

    “Skip the sippy cup and use an open cup to help your child meet their feeding milestones.”

    “Developmentally, the picky eating phase is normal with the toddlers but not with infants.”

    “Babies are born to be able to suck and swallow and that swallowing reflex changes as the baby gets older.”

    “Picky eating is a natural feeding and swallowing phase that every child should go through.”

    “Two things that a child is doing during that picky-eating phase is they're trying to figure out if that food is still safe for them and they're trying to figure out if that feeder is still safe for them.”

    - Dawn Winkelmann

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

  • Have you ever had a gut feeling that something was off? Listen in as Marisa Peters inspires and encourages people to embrace being seen.

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources.

    Being a new parent can be stressful and exhausting; add to it a devastating health diagnosis, and you’re in for some very challenging times. Today, my guest shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer after the birth of her third son and what she was inspired to create since then.

    What We Talked About:

    The key symptoms to be aware of when it comes to Colorectal Cancer

    The importance of early detection and why she created “Be Seen.”

    How she managed parenting three young boys while undergoing cancer treatment

    Creating a supportive environment and open dialogue with children

    Things to Remember

    “Parenting is tough, and caring for ourselves is also tough.”

    “We know that we should have an annual physical. We would never miss those appointments for our children. And yet, as parents, we sometimes miss those for ourselves.”

    “Hiding things or calling it something different creates more instability for our children.”

    “Life is wild. It will throw us curveballs.”

    “Help your kids know that It's okay to walk into these different settings that feel a bit unknown and, sometimes, very scary when you're going through it.”

    “Your kids give you as much energy as they take.”

    “If we turn the volume off on that inner voice and instinct, we're missing so much of that goodness inside us.”

    - Marisa Peters

    Click here for the show notes and extra resources