Simple Families Podcast: Parenting | Simple Living | Minimalism | Purposeful Life With Kids + Family

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 of my real life: my home, my parenting, and the activities I do with my children. 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 and through their lives. Show Notes/Links: Simple Families: The Masterclass (30% off this week!) Janet’s Website/Blog Janet’s Podcast: Unruffled Janet’s Books: No Bad Kids + Elevating Child Care Book mentioned: The Hurried Child by David Elkind 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 own families in ways that are different from the way that we ourselves were raised–and it can lead to conflict. Show Notes/Links: More on parenting approaches: Authoritarian vs. Authoritative “Discomfort is the price of admission for a meaningful life” -Susan David Rachel’s Website: Sage Parenting Rachel on Instagram Rachel’s Podcast: Sage Family 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 simple, open-ended toys made of more natural, non-plastic materials. We are chatting about buying toys that are durable and will hold the interest of children across different ages, genders, and interests. Show Links: Lizzie’s Instagram: The Workspace For Children Lizzie’s Toy Guide Website Simple Families Holiday Guide 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 her legendary quote, “The days are long, but the years are short”. In our conversation today Gretchen and I are talking about seeking happiness in the midst of a complex season of expectations, that includes: balancing how we spend our time, gift giving, traveling to visit family/friends, managing “toxic” relationships, and staying connected to the people we love the most. Show Links from Gretchen: The Days are Long But the Years are Short Video Sign up for Gretchen’s newsletters The Four Tendencies quiz Gretchen’s site Listen to the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin The books: The Four Tendencies—New York Times bestseller The Happiness Project—#1 New York Times bestseller Fol

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 examples from our own lives and little bits of wisdom that I hope will carry you through the season. 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 Raising Simple. Together we are moving through your questions and bringing examples from our own lives and small pieces of wisdom to take forth into the holiday season. Cheers! Show Notes/Links Shutterfly Calendar National Geographic Little Kids The Other Question to Ask Kids this Holiday Season The Spirit Post Ann Voskamp, Underwrapping the Greatest Gifts Compassion International Preschool Fudge Recipe 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 book Give Thanks Gratitude Journal Josie’s Site Facebook page Instagram Pinterest 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 go and how we are taking better care of ourselves as a result. SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN ON ITUNES Show Notes/Links Visit Better Postpartum Follow Natalie on Instagram Learn more about the Better Postpartum Course 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 present in the time that I am with my kids. Today I am chatting with Meghan Fitzgerald, the founder of Tinkergarten. Meghan and I are chatting about balancing work with motherhood + the value of adding a side-hustle. Show Notes/Links Reference to Episode 125 with Rahima Dancy Become a Tinkergarten Leader – bit.ly/tg-become-a-leader Find a Tinkergarten class near you – bit.ly/tg-view-classes Facebook: facebook.com/tinkergarten Instagram: Tinkergarten Twitter: @tinkergarten Site: tinkergarten.com 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 or felt like you wanted to give it up–tune in as Brooke and I talk more about our relationships with alcohol. Show Links/Notes Stay in touch with Brooke and see her recommended resources: Her website Instagram Online Hip Sobriety Laura McKowen Books This Naked Mind — Annie Grace Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol — Ann Dowsett Johnston Drinking: A Love Story — Caroline Knapp Podcast on overdrinking that Denaye mentioned (books contain affiliate links) 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 disconnection between the pursuit of success and happiness. Show Notes/Links: The Book: Excellent Sheep Revisiting the Value of Elite Colleges How to Raise an Adult How to Raise Successful Kids Without Overparenting [Ted Talks] Author Bill Deresiewicz       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 Notes/Links: You are Your Child’s First Teacher [Rahima’s book] LifeWays North America Inspired Homemaking Course Celebrate the Rhythm of Life 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 styles. In today’s episode, I am chatting with author and educator Aubrey Hargis of Child of the Redwoods. Aubrey is sharing her insight into the earliest of years of education–infancy and toddlerhood. What do babies really need as far as education in those first years of life? Show Notes/Links About Aubrey: New Book: Baby’s First Year Milestones Website Courses Instagram Facebook Facebook Group 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 Care Au Pair Program Coffee + Chat Meet up in Columbus, Ohio. 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 a journey to simplicity in his family life, but he’s also the founder of Sprout-Kids, a furniture company with a likeminded mission: To create sustainable and functional furniture for kids. Clark Davis Show Notes: Sprout-Kids Instagram Facebook The Board The Floor Bed Kitchen Helper [coming this Fall] 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 load of motherhood for over a year. In this episode she shares an incredible amount of wisdom and insight for aspiring minimalists everywhere. Show Links: How to Pack a Minimalist Beach Bag   Kristen #mommingsohard 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. Lilly Neubauer Show Links: Trading my Job for Minimalism (Lilly’s Guest Post on SF) Keep in touch with Lilly Find Lilly on Instagram 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 hasn’t looked back. In this episode we chat about her journey and the positive impact it has had on her own well-being along with the well-being of her family. Show Notes/Links: Stay in touch with Rachelle via: Blog: Abundant Life with Less Instagram Facebook Download: The Declutter Like a Minimalist Guidebook The post SFP 119: Living an Abundant Life with Less [with Rachelle Crawford] appeared first on Simple Families.