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

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 you are listening to this episode and share your own favorite tips on Instagram, I’d love to hear what is working for you! 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 kids to recognize the “in-between”. Show Notes/Links: Simplify Siblings – Confidently guide the sibling relationship (without losing your mind) 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 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 things we’ve done in our path towards a simpler life. In this episode I’m also answering a question from an audience member: How much do you play with your kids? 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 I: Eco-Friendly Families [@ 3:01] Part II: How can I get my kid to take more risks? [@ 41:15] 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 and current events into our families. 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 How to Use a Sticker Chart 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 in! 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 Beatrice had a liver transplant in the first year of life. We are talking about what it’s like to be parenting an immunocompromised child in the current pandemic. Get in touch with Hillary: On Instagram Hillary’s Blog 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 feelings of boredom will emerge whether we like it or not. Today we are chatting about using shopping as a way to feel more in control along with some mindset shifts in how to view boredom. Show Notes/Links Simple Families Foundations Virtual Coffee Chat Registration Follow Denaye on Instagram 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 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 hard to look away. Constant exposure to the news can increase anxiety. Is there a way to find a balance between being informed and being inundated? That’s what we are chatting about in today’s episode. 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 Therapy 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 Podcast 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 is brand new to a capsule wardrobe and Project 333, and Courtney is talking her through the process. Get a copy of the book! Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much 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. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simple words I use with my daughter tell her that she is more than pretty. Show Notes/Links: The Reason I Need You to Stop Calling My Baby “Pretty” Plastic Reusable Lids Soap Dispenser Flower Arrangers Straw Lids The post Q&A | How do you teach little girls that they are more than pretty? appeared first on Simple Families.