Episodi

  • In this episode of the Real Parenting Stories podcast, Alexandria shares her deeply personal journey of facing postpartum depression, unexpected health issues, and the discovery of her son's autism, and ADHD diagnosis. I really enjoyed talking with her and understood that at some point or another we all face the same challenges with parenting and have an opportunity to uncover important life lessons:

    Trusting Mother's Intuition: Alexandria reconnected with the significance of trusting one's instincts in recognizing potential challenges in a child's development, highlighting the power of maternal intuition in seeking early support.Coping with Postpartum Depression: Reflecting on her journey through postpartum depression and subsequent health issues, Alexandria shares the emotional toll and challenges she faced, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and advocating for oneself during difficult times.Supporting Children with Special Needs: Alexandria offers heartfelt advice for parents raising children with special needs, emphasizing the significance of creating a loving and supportive home environment where children feel accepted and empowered to be themselves.Navigating Sibling Dynamics: Addressing the dynamics between siblings, especially when one child has special needs, Alexandria shares strategies for fostering understanding and support within the family unit, promoting empathy and acceptance among siblings.Advocacy and Self-Care: At all times, no matter what, prioritizing well-being, seeking support, and advocating for children's rights is a must.Embracing Unpredictability: Alexandria shares her journey of letting go of expectations and embracing the present moment in parenting, encouraging parents to focus on creating a supportive and loving environment for their children while addressing tomorrow's challenges as they arise.

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • This is probably one of the top 5 episodes of the series. I interviewed Christina, a mother of two grown-up children, when Real Parenting Stories was still an embryo project. In my opinion, she completely nailed the parenting job, as her own grown-up children still enjoy spending time with her, one of them being in the teenage years (yes, it is true and possible). We talked about so many foundational topics around parenting and healthy relationships:

    How to react when your toddler throws a tantrumWhy and how to find a parenting mentor (Christina is definitely one of those for me)How to set up healthy boundariesHow to react when your child says "I don't like you"Avoiding power struggles and negotiations, and avoiding overreacting to allow children to self-evaluateThe importance of writing your own family mission statementHow to be on a united front with your life partnerWhy and how to have a healthy argument with your partner in front of your kidsPlanning for the endgame of parenting and knowing when to let go as children grow older

    Here is the book link for "The Blessing of a Skinned Knee".

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    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

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  • To celebrate his birthday, I decided to release a new episode with the one and only Laird!

    We covered:

    Work-Life BalancePartner Support (yes, even when you're tired)Financial PlanningAnalysis of Bluey's Parents' MistreatmentTips on Staying Grounded

    I know he hates that picture of himself, but I didn't have anything else on hand at the moment. (sorry...)

    To contact Laird: lairdreedsphysicaltherapy.com

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Dive into a captivating conversation on #Parenting with Jeff, a seasoned parent, political professional and writer of Four Lessons From My Three Sons. Gain insights on:

    ▶︎ Resilience & Independence: Jeff shares how fostering resilience in kids prepares them for life's challenges, drawing on his experiences as a parent and military professional.

    ▶︎ Navigating Technology: Learn practical strategies to balance screen time and foster healthy tech habits in the digital age.

    ▶︎ Parenting Across Generations: Explore the intergenerational aspects of parenting, from Jeff's own upbringing to the unique paths his three sons chose, including a peek into their global military journeys.

    ▶︎ Unforgettable Moments: Discover touching anecdotes, from driving hours for a junior high game to witnessing all three sons graduate from college.

    ▶︎ Balancing Independence & Support: Jeff discusses the delicate balance between fostering independence in kids while providing the necessary support system, drawing parallels from his parenting journey.

    ▶︎ Impact of Sports & Athletics: Explore how involvement in sports and athletics played a pivotal role in shaping Jeff's parenting philosophy and instilling valuable life skills in his children.

    ▶︎ Humor in Parenting: Discover the role of humor in navigating the ups and downs of parenting, including funny anecdotes about job interviews and the unexpected moments that bring joy.

    To contact Jeff Nelligan or learn more about his work: www.nelliganbooks.com .

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode, discover insightful guidance from Lilia Mead, a Divorce Doula, covering a variety of crucial topics regarding the divorce journey:

    ▶︎ Understanding the Role of a Divorce Doula: Explore the valuable role of a divorce doula and how they navigate the complexities of divorce, whether you're considering divorce, contemplating the decision, or curious about post-divorce life.

    ▶︎ Recognizing Signs for Divorce: Delve into recognizing signs indicating it might be time to consider divorce, offering introspection and guidance for individuals questioning the future of their relationship.

    ▶︎ Transitioning After Divorce: Gain valuable insights into transitioning after divorce, understanding the emotional and practical challenges, including emotional volatility, financial insecurity, and the absence of partnership and companionship.

    ▶︎ Impacts on Family and Kids: Explore the profound impacts divorce can have on family dynamics and children, offering considerations for handling this sensitive aspect with care and understanding.

    ▶︎ Mindfulness and Emotional Healing: Discover mindfulness and emotional healing tools to navigate the divorce process, focusing on being present, acknowledging feelings, and managing emotional challenges effectively.

    ▶︎ Effective Communication Post-Divorce: Learn about effective communication strategies post-divorce, emphasizing nonviolent communication (NVC) to resolve conflicts in a mindful and non-confrontational manner. Lilia's blog post on the topic.

    ...and more!

    To contact Lilia on Instagram: divorce_doula_

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Britney's path to fame was undoubtedly special, but as we all know, achieving such levels of stardom is a journey that involves not just luck and hard work, but also the influence of family and a well-organized support system. I couldn't help but get into the fascinating journey through Britney Spears' highly anticipated book, 'The Woman in Me.' In this episode, I delve into Britney's memoir to discover the pearls of wisdom it holds for parents:

    ▶︎ Uncover Britney's unique upbringing and her distinct parenting style, all in her own words.

    ▶︎ Gain intimate insight into the life of this pop icon as she shares her raw and authentic experiences as a mother and a woman.

    ▶︎ Learn from the valuable lessons and wisdom Britney imparts through her captivating storytelling.

    ▶︎ Take a deep dive into Britney Spears' incredible journey and her perspective on parenting.

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode, we delve into a recent article from the Pediatricians Journal, addressing the mental health crisis in the US and exploring potential solutions. Here are the key topics covered:

    ▶︎ Decline in children's opportunities for independent activity

    ▶︎ Rise in anxiety and depression among children

    ▶︎ Immediate and long-term effects of independent activity

    ▶︎ Self-determination theory's role in children's mental well-being

    ▶︎ An evolutionary perspective on children's development

    ▶︎ Implications for children's health and happiness

    ▶︎ The role of parents, pediatricians, educators, and policymakers

    For more details, you can read the full article here.

    to learn more about Let Grow: https://letgrow.org/

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • This time, I sat down with a returning guest, my spouse, Laird. Our conversation is about the mental load of parenting and how we've navigated through it. Here's what we covered:

    ▶︎ Defining the unseen burden of mental load

    ▶︎ Laird and I open up about our discussions (and disagreements) over household chores. Discover how we turned these talks into a chore schedule that works for us.

    ▶︎ Parenting inundates us with constant stimuli. Drawing from his expertise, Laird shares how he advises his patients to find balance and grounding techniques that work.

    ▶︎ How to reconnect with ourselves in moments of chaos. Laird introduces easy techniques that have been a game-changer for us during those chaotic days.

    To check out Laird Physical Therapy practice: lairdreedsphysicaltherapy.com

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help the show grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast's Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    Remember, the podcast content is for sharing experiences, not professional advice. If you're facing parenting or mental health concerns, seek guidance from a qualified professional.


    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Join me in this episode as we dive into the captivating story of Rachel, a dedicated mother navigating the incredible journey of raising fraternal twin daughters. From building a unique bond with her twins to juggling a demanding career as an occupational therapist, Rachel shares her insights, and challenges, and we talked about:

    ▶︎ How Different their fraternal daughters are

    ▶︎ How she balanced her career as an occupational therapist with being a dedicated mother, and how she manages to find time for herself and her spouse.

    ▶︎ The passion for music that she shares with her twins, and how they embarked on an unforgettable journey to their first concert together.

    ▶︎ Her reflections on the valuable life lessons she's learned from her daughters, focusing on patience, understanding, and embracing imperfections.

    ▶︎ The complexities of family issues and shares her personal journey of maintaining a strong partnership with her spouse through communication, compromises, and mutual growth.

    To contact Rachel on Instagram: @rayray_King15

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help the show grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast's Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode of Real Parenting Stories, I sit down with Rachel, a mom of two and a former behavioral therapist who has a unique perspective on parenting and child development. We dived into Rachel's challenging journey as a mom, her approach to gentle parenting, and her son's hands-on learning style:

    ▶︎ Rachel's unique parenting journey including her son's premature birth and her decision to become a stay-at-home mom and homeschool her sons.

    ▶︎ Gentle parenting using a compassionate, understanding, and respectful parenting approach while setting consistent boundaries while empowering children.

    ▶︎ Kinesthetic Learning through incorporating movement into daily activities to make learning fun and embracing her son's hands-on approach to learning.

    ▶︎ Contrasting traditional rote memorization with child-led learning and fostering natural curiosity and exploration.

    ▶︎ ABA Therapy Controversy

    ▶︎ Gentle Parenting vs. Behavior Modification and the value of trusting a child's readiness and using gentle approaches.

    ▶︎ Practical Tips for a Peaceful Family Environment.

    To contact Rachel on Instagram: @carducci_family

    Parenting Books Recommendations (not sponsored):

    Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

    Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn

    The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross W Greene

    Grow Wild by Katy Bowman

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help the show grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast's Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this "Real Parenting Insights" episode, we delve into circumcision. From its historical roots to its modern-day significance, we embark on a thought-provoking journey that explores the traditions, health implications, and controversies surrounding this age-old practice by covering:

    ▶︎ Unveiling the Circumcision Debate: Tradition, Health, and Controversy

    ▶︎ The Historical Roots: Explore the evolution and significance of circumcision across diverse cultures, from ancient practices to religious rituals.

    ▶︎ Circumcision in the United States: Discover the historical factors that led to high circumcision rates and how attitudes are shifting in modern times.

    ▶︎ Weighing the Health Benefits: Delve into the evidence behind the perceived health advantages of circumcision and gain a critical understanding of the medical perspective.

    ▶︎ The Cultural and Ethical Considerations: Unravel the deeply symbolic and ethical aspects of circumcision, discussing its significance in religious communities and the ethical questions surrounding infant circumcision.

    ▶︎ The Global Perspective: Explore how circumcision practices vary widely across different regions and cultures, shedding light on attitudes and prevalence worldwide.

    American Circumcision is the name of the documentary and sorry, it looks like it's no longer on Netflix, but you can find it on other platforms.

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode of Real Parenting Stories, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jade. She shared her knowledge on self-defense, setting boundaries, and nurturing a child's emotional well-being. In this captivating conversation with Jade, we learn:

    ▶︎ The importance of teaching children self-defense skills and boundary-setting from a young age is important.

    ▶︎ How parents can model healthy expressions of anger and provide a safe space for their children to talk about their feelings.

    ▶︎ How to effectively create a comprehensive safety plan for children: identifying safe adults, teaching children autonomy over their bodies, and preparing them to handle challenging situations.

    ▶︎ How Jade's expertise in self-defense is a powerful tool to handle an uncomfortable situation and safely leave a potentially dangerous situation.

    ▶︎ How setting boundaries is self-love, self-respect, and self-esteem.

    To learn more about Jade's self-defense classes and stay informed about upcoming sessions: https://selfdefenseforgirlsandwomen.com/

    Jade's IG: empoweringgirlsandwomen

    Jade's Facebook: Jade's Women Self Defense

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • With her contagious laugh and genuine personality, Hannah is here to share her experiences as a parent and the challenges she has faced with her own mental health. Her inspiring journey is focused on encouraging others to seek support for their mental health during the postpartum period. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

    ▶︎ Hannah's Postpartum Journey with the emotional challenges, handling multiple responsibilities, and hormonal shifts she experienced during her postpartum journey.

    ▶︎ Her struggles with mental health, including the impact of a traumatic delivery.

    ▶︎ Hannah emphasizes the importance of seeking therapy and having a support system to navigate the complexities of parenting.

    ▶︎ Her journey of realizing something was wrong and taking proactive steps to address it, including seeking help from her doctor and starting therapy.

    ▶︎ The societal expectations she faced with breastfeeding and societal expectations during the postpartum period.

    ▶︎ Encouraging parents to embrace the uniqueness of their own parenting journey and not compare themselves to others.

    ▶︎ The importance of accessing information and support during the postpartum period, including the benefits of a postpartum doula.

    ▶︎ Her personal struggle with managing work responsibilities while going through postpartum challenges.

    ▶︎ The positive impact of counseling and medication on her mental health, encouraging others not to fear seeking help.

    ▶︎ The importance of self-care through practices like deep breathing, meditation, and tapping. She recommends resources such as the Tapping Solution app.

    ▶︎ Her advocation for seeking counseling, sharing struggles openly, and avoiding mom shaming. She highlights the importance of finding supportive communities and utilizing convenient options for healing.

    To contact Hannah directly: Facebook

    If you liked that episode, share it, love it, give 5 stars, or simply say Hi on the Real Parenting Stories Instagram Account!

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Are you a parent who wonders if you're carrying your baby too much?

    Do you worry about "spoiling: your little one by responding to their needs?

    Whether you're a new parent or seeking a fresh perspective, tune in to this "Real Parenting Insights" episode for evidence-based discussions on the joys and challenges of raising children. In this episode, I delve into the topic of carrying babies and uncover the truth behind common misconceptions:

    ▶︎ Learn about the impact on motor development, independence, and the physical strain on parents, backed by scientific studies.

    ▶︎ Gain valuable insights into the relationship between frequent carrying and various developmental outcomes in infants.

    ▶︎ Prepare to challenge common misconceptions and make informed decisions about carrying your baby.

    Hope you like it!

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode of Real Parenting Stories, I explored the inspiring journey of Saïd and Hannah, a multicultural couple navigating the joys and challenges of raising their 6-year-old son, Boujemaa. Through an insightful conversation, they discuss various aspects of their parenting experience, drawing from their diverse backgrounds and addressing important topics such as:

    ▶︎ The dynamics of a Multicultural Family with Saïd from Morocco and Hannah from Canada

    ▶︎ Navigating the Intersection of their different beliefs, religion, and cultural traditions

    ▶︎ The sensitive subject of circumcision and how they approached it in their family

    ▶︎ Boujemaa's Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) diagnosis and its Impact on their lives

    ▶︎ How they developed resilience and leaned on their communities

    ▶︎ Gad Elmaleh :-)

    ▶︎ Dealing with the challenges of the negotiation phase with their son

    ▶︎ Lessons learned from their own backgrounds and applied to their parenting style

    ▶︎ Strategies for teaching Boujemaa about diversity, inclusivity, and coping with racism

    ▶︎ The importance of open communication within their family

    Hanna's Multicultural Books Business:

    Website

    Instagram

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Welcome to another heartfelt episode of "Real Parenting Stories" with your host, where we delve into the joys, challenges, and lessons of parenthood. In this episode, we sit down with Ted, a loving father of two and a proud grandfather of four. Join us as we explore Ted's remarkable journey, from his own upbringing to his experiences as a parent and grandparent.

    In this episode, you can expect:

    ▶︎ Ted's Reflections: Ted shares intimate details about his own upbringing, allowing us to understand the impact it had on his parenting style.

    ▶︎ Parenting Journey: Ted opens up about his experiences raising his own sons, highlighting the lessons he learned along the way and the differences he noticed with his grandkids.

    ▶︎ Navigating Career Choices: Discover Ted's insights on finding the right career path. By answering three fundamental questions, he sheds light on how to ensure you're on the right track in your professional life.

    ▶︎ Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Ted courageously shares the difficulties he faced with his stern father and how he overcame those challenges, breaking the cycle of trauma for future generations.

    ▶︎ The Glue that Holds: Meet Lindsay, Ted's beloved wife, and learn about her pivotal role in keeping their family together. Hear heartwarming stories of love, support, and the power of strong partnerships.

    Join us for an inspiring and enlightening conversation that will leave you with a renewed perspective on parenting, career choices, and the importance of healing generational wounds.

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode, we are joined by special guest Alissa, who shares her unique experience of homeschooling her child and growing up in a Quaker community. Here's a glimpse of what we discussed:

    ▶︎ The decision to homeschool: Alissa explains the flexibility and tailored education it offers, along with enrolling in a curriculum-run program provided by the Lincoln Valley Union School District.

    ▶︎ Homeschooling considerations: Alissa highlights that homeschooling may not be suitable for every family and encourages parents to find what works best for them.

    ▶︎ Challenges and support: We delve into the challenges of being the primary teacher and the importance of support from an assigned teacher. Alissa also shares how homeschooling incorporates her child's interests into the curriculum.

    ▶︎ Advantages and reflections: We explore the benefits of homeschooling, such as flexibility and personalized schedules, while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining motivation. Alissa reflects on her own schooling experience and the importance of regular review.

    ▶︎ Homeschooling community: The significance of community and support, both within intentional geographical communities and among homeschooling mothers.

    ▶︎ Balancing academics and socialization: We touch upon the need to balance academics and socialization, considering each child's unique needs. Alissa shares her son's involvement in extracurricular activities and the importance of social interactions.

    ▶︎ Factors to consider: When considering homeschooling, we explore factors like learning style, self-motivation, and parent availability to determine if it's the best fit for the child.

    ▶︎ COVID-related school shutdowns: The decision to homeschool initially arose due to COVID-related school closures and the unsuitability of online learning. We discuss the son's preference for homeschooling due to its flexibility and comfort.

    ▶︎ Policy issues and academic engagement: Alissa shares how a policy issue and lack of enforcement at the school influenced her choice of homeschooling. She also highlights how homeschooling has provided a more challenging academic experience for her son.

    Join us in this episode to gain insights into the world of homeschooling and unconventional educational journeys and find out if it is right for your family!

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • Welcome to another episode of our podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Trip, who will share his inspiring journey of pursuing a career change into nursing while navigating the challenges of parenthood. We talked about:

    ▶︎ Seattle misconceptions about constant rain ;-)

    ▶︎ His motivation for a career change, includes wanting a more structured schedule and the influence of his wife, who is a doctor.

    ▶︎ How he went back to school and started as a nurse assistant.

    ▶︎ The challenges and rewards of pursuing nursing, emphasizing the desire to make a difference in people's lives.

    ▶︎ How we balanced nursing classes with caring for his newborn daughter.

    ▶︎ The initial difficulties, adjusting schedules, and managing time effectively.

    ▶︎ How he and his wife gradually adapted to parenthood and supported each other through the challenges.

    ▶︎ The specific moment that confirmed his decision to pursue nursing.

    ▶︎ The importance to leave work worries behind when clocking out and how he developed this mindset over the years.

    ▶︎ How despite the challenging moments, he never doubted his ability to succeed.

    ▶︎ How his nursing career shaped his perspective on healthcare and highlighted issues in the industry.

    ▶︎ His personal growth and humility he gained from changing careers, focusing on interacting with others with grace.

    ▶︎ The Importance of self-care while taking care of others.

    ▶︎ How open communication with his spouse and understanding helped him navigate the challenges.

    Hope you like it!

    Resources (Sonoma County Only)

    Sonoma County Homeschoolers

    Homeschool Connections of Sonoma County

    SLCS Home Study

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this episode, we dive into the world of family vacations with young children, uncovering a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insights to make your trips enjoyable and stress-free. Our special guest, Jessica, a seasoned traveler and parent, generously shares her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, offering practical suggestions that will revolutionize the way you travel with your little ones. Whether you're in the midst of planning your next adventure or seeking guidance on traveling with young children, this episode is jam-packed with invaluable information.

    Here are some key points we'll cover in this episode:

    ▶︎ Managing expectations and picking activities.

    ▶︎ Choosing travel destinations.

    ▶︎ Researching healthcare systems in different countries.

    ▶︎ Keeping children entertained and comfortable during flights.

    ▶︎ Adjusting to a different time zone.

    ▶︎ Ensuring child safety while traveling.

    ▶︎ Booking babysitters for some personal time.

    ▶︎ Making a packing list.

    Gear Rental Services: BabyQuip

    Finding a Babysitter Abroad: Babysits

    Finding Used Baby Gears: BuyNothing

    Don't forget to tag RealParentingStories on your next trip!

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories

  • In this emotionally moving episode, I had the opportunity to discuss with Joanna and her daughter Astrid's diagnosis of craniosynostosis, a condition that affects 1 in 2200 births. In this episode Joanna opened up to me about:

    ▶︎ How Joanna's difficulty with breastfeeding her daughter and the observation of her head shape by the medical team led to Astrid's diagnosis of cranial synostosis.

    ▶︎ How Joanna managed the emotional journey of dealing with her daughter's diagnosis, and the immense support she received from her husband, family, and friends.

    ▶︎ The importance of trusting parental instincts and seeking medical attention if anything unusual is noticed in a child's development.

    ▶︎ How Joanna felt supported by the pediatrician who provided referrals for specialists.

    ▶︎ How Joanna's background as a social worker helped her advocate for her daughter and obtain the necessary care.

    ▶︎ How Joanna experienced postpartum depression due to her expectations of the postpartum experience and emotional shutdown due to her daughter's birth defect and how she found support from the Santa Rosa Mothers Club.

    ▶︎ The significance of letting go of perfectionism and control and supporting your child through whatever ups and downs.

    ▶︎ How joining support groups such as Cranial Kids Cranial Support on Facebook can provide advice and connect you with others going through similar experiences.

    ▶︎ How parents are encouraged to take advantage of early intervention services if their child is not meeting certain milestones. (In California, these services are free for children under three years old and can include speech and physical therapy.)

    Cranio Kids- Craniosynostosis Support Group

    Early Start CA

    If you're interested in sharing your parenting story with the world, drop me a line on Instagram

    If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to show your support, please consider giving a 5-star rating. Your ratings help us grow!

    To stay updated and never miss an episode of The Real Parenting Stories, follow the podcast Instagram account: @realparentingstories