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

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 today. Show Notes/Links The Mental Unload Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon 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 is sharing an intimate look into her parenthood journey with us today. Show Notes/Links: Get in touch with Jen by emailing me: denaye@simplefamilies.com 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 they think in black and white, but they also speak in simplistic terms as well. Today we are talking about letting go of the need to constantly instruct and correct our kids, and instead, giving our kids new (more socially-appropriate) language to communicate their needs and feelings. Show Notes/Links Scooter Boards Gonge Hilltops The Target version of Hilltops Bozo’s Grand Prize Game Ellyn Satter 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. However, it’s important to know that executive functioning is still developing throughout the teenage years and into the early 20s. Today on the podcast I am joined by Dr. Mark Bertin, a development pediatrician and executive functioning expert. He’s sharing more about this topic , his work with patients, and his books for parents. Show Notes/Links How Children Thrive: The Practical Science of Raising Independent, Resilient, and Happy Kids Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive Dr. Mark Bertin’s website: Developmental Doctor Research Article Discussed: Less-structured time in children’s daily lives predicts

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 has made a huge difference. How do you handle sibling conflicts? 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 role that sugar needs to play in childhood. Have you ever tried to go treat-free with your kids? Show Notes/Links Babies Eat Real Food Workshop Clara Davis Study 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 prep, intermittent fasting, and much more. Show Notes/Links: Find Megan on Instagram The Lyon’s Share Wellness Website Mel Robbins 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Adaptogens Organic India Tulsi Tea Rishi Hot Chocolate Four Sigmatic Ashwagandha Rhodiola 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 use my job description. “As your Mom, it’s my job to help keep your brain and body healthy. To do that, I have to be sure you eat good food and get plenty of movement” Time Stamps: 1:01 Something Simple I’m Loving: Coop Eden Pillows 2:53 Other things for the bed: Saatva Mattress (We have the classic, Luxury-Firm) 4:05 Today’s sponsor: Simple Contacts 5:05 Leave your questions here! 5:29 Today’s Question: What about a kid who won’t take “no” for an answer? 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 her adventure in decluttering the physical “stuff” in the home, as well as scaling back on the calendar to find more peace and quiet in the way they spend their time together. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Marie! 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 our kids to use certain expressions. But often it’s not about teaching. It’s about exposing them to things like manners and empathy in their influential relationships with adults. Children learn better through exposure in their natural environment. So instead of direct teaching, we can show them how it’s done ourselves. Timestamps: 1:18 // Something Simple I’m Loving: Knowledge Encyclopedia 2:51 // About our big book overhaul: Reading Aloud + Our Book Overhaul 5:45 // Today’s Sponsor: Care/Of 7:04 // Today’s Question: Should you make kids apologize? 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 own life. Time Stamp: 1:01 // Episode disclaimer 1:53 // Episode sponsor: Native 2:50 // Simplify Food + Family Live Workshop 4:10 // Listener spotlight with Renee 5:40 // Let’s talk sleep 7 Tips on Improving Sleep in Parenthood 7:58 // Setting goals and expectations 10:28 // Martyrdom 13:03 // Calm Confidence 16:05 // Limit setting 18:40 // Thinking outside the box 21:32 // Accepting help 25:04 // The extinction burst 25:32 // Recap 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. Time Stamps 1:27 Introducing live workshops this month: Simplify Food + Family 2:30 ‘Something Simple’ I’m loving this week: Hoopla 4:57 Question for the week 5:30 Message from the sponsor: ButcherBox 6:30 Response for the question for the week Link to Hatch Rest Lamp 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 joined by my friends Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising Simple, and Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less. We are sharing more about our own experiences with community throughout parenthood.  Find Erica online: Instagram Facebook Website Book Find Zoë online: Instagram Facebook Website Book Find Rachelle online: Instagram Facebook Website 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 Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] SFP 141: Q&A – Can you tell us more about your 2019 resolution? Recommended book to give up drinking: Annie Grace’s The Naked Mind Reach Brooke Conley on Instagram + Her website 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 know we are different. What we want is for people to embrace us, not turn away from us.” Heather Avis Learn more about Heather Find Heather on Instagram Heather’s Book: Scoot Over and Make Some Room 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, I’m sharing an example of how exactly this will look. The new episode will be in two main parts: We’ll start the episode off with a Q&A segment where I answer a question from an audience member. Then, we’ll move on and discuss “Something Simple” that I am loving each week–which may be a concept, a book, a product or anything else. I invite you to send me your contributions for the show! Show Notes/List Submit ‘Something Simple’ that you are loving Submit a question for the Q&A Segment 2019 Simple Families Holiday Gift Guide 2019 “A Few of My Favorite Things” 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 family. Show Notes/Links: 2019: Holiday Guide (NEW) 2019: These Are a Few of MY Favorite Things (NEW) Simple Families Toy Gift List 2018 Simple Families Toy Gift List 2017 Photo by Alison Sheehy 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 conversation about gifts Buying more intentionally this holiday season The problem with experience gifts Front-loaded vs. back-loaded gifts My Holiday Prep chat with Erica, Rachelle, and Zoë How to Get Your Kid to Play Independently Podcast Episode How to talk with extended family about intentional gift-giving: “Our kids love spending time with you and I’ve enjoyed seeing your relationship grow. I fear that too many packages may distract them from appreciating all the wonderful gifts that you bring as a person. I want them to look forward to special time with you more than they do the gifts. How can we work together to keep them focused on the important

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 14. But we carved time out to grab a virtual coffee (or tea) as we talked about simplifying all things holiday prep: decorations, traditions, gifts, the calendar, and holiday cards. You can listen to our chat on the podcast or watch the video of our conversation. Show Notes/Links: Find Erica online: Instagram Facebook Website Book Find Zoë online: Instagram Facebook Website Book Find Rachelle online: Instagram Facebook Website The post Simple Holiday Prep appeared first on Simple Families.