Fresh Start Family Show

Latest Episodes:

Liar Liar, Pants on Fire Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, we are re-visiting an OG fan favorite episode on lying and learning how to handle it with integrity. It’s easy to react out of fear or anger when our kids lie to us. We can choose to use it as an opportunity to grow even closer to them and show them that we are a safe place where they can be honest and trust that we will show them unconditional love, no matter what mistakes they’ve made. Enjoy the show!

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/148.

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The Importance of Making Amends Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

On this episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy takes us on a journey through the power of making amends when we make mistakes. We all make mistakes, and how we choose to repair them can make or break our relationships, especially with our kiddos. By showing up with vulnerability and humility when we lost our cool and acted in a way that was reactive, we can help leave a new imprint on our kids’ brains about that situation by making amends. We are also able to model to them what to do when they make mistakes.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/147.

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How NOT to Raise an Emotional Eater Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

Many of us have experienced emotional eating at some point of our lives. While we often label it as “good” or “bad”, (and usually assign shame and guilt to it), our guest today has some new thoughts to challenge us with on this topic. In this episode, Wendy chats with Unyime Oguta, a life and nutrition coach, to unpack the emotional component to food, how we can escape the guilt and shame cycle and model healthy relationships with it to our kids.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/146.

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Making Great Screen Time Decisions for Your Family Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Technology is both a blessing and a curse. As parents, we have new challenges that our parents didn’t face when it comes to deciding when to put screens in the hands of our children. More and more research is backing the importance of waiting to support the healthy development of our kids.

In this episode, Wendy is talking with author, speaker and podcast host Arlene Pellicane about how to make those important decisions and what to consider as we do. We are at choice, and it’s ok to wait!

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/145.

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Gratitude for the Bad Days Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of the Fresh Start Family, we are kicking off a month that focuses on gratitude here in the U.S. as Wendy teaches on the importance of finding a way to be grateful even for the not so great moments. All the moments in our lives can be learning opportunities, and we don’t need to look at mistakes as something shameful.

Tune in to Learn How the Bad Days:

Often Serve as a Turning Point to Help Us Get the Help We Need
Serve as a Learning AND Teaching Opportunity
Give Us an Opportunity to Show our Children That We are Human and This is Humanity Looks Like: Peaceful Conflict Resolution and Making Amends

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/144.

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How To See Weaknesses as ‘Strength Under Construction’- with Amanda & Dr. David Erickson of Flourishing Homes & Families Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, we’re joined by Dr. David and Amanda

Erickson of Flourishing Homes and Families to learn more about how scripture and science align to explain the effects of punishment vs discipline, and how we can support our kiddos' messiness while they are still learning and “under construction”.

There is so much to learn about in this one, so tune in now to soak in all the wisdom and truth shared! You’ll hear more about pouring into the relationships we have with our kids (which naturally lends itself to kids honoring their parents instead of trying to fear and force it), and how modeling grace when they make mistakes is the most powerful way we can demonstrate God’s grace to them.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/143.

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YES, Conscious Parents say NO to their kids! Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, we are learning how to set boundaries by saying ‘No’ from a conscious parenting perspective. Our guest is Michelle Manning-Osborn - the Conscious Hippie Mama - and she is enlightening us with so much beautiful wisdom around this important topic. Michelle is a conscious parenting advocate who shares relatable educational content on the struggle of parenthood, especially when breaking generational cycles.

You’ll learn 3 reasons why saying ‘No’ is so important as parents, and why having a healthy outlook on using this word helps our kids feel safe, understand boundaries and learn how to be empowered by using it to set their own boundaries, too.

Tune in to learn more about viewing ‘No’ as a healthy part of our parenting journey so we can teach our kids that it isn’t a ‘bad’ word.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/142.

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Stop Saying “I’m Sorry” - an Episode on Make-ups & Repairing Relationships Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy walks us through her journey of taking the phrase “I’m Sorry” out of her vocab. She encourages us to replace it with a more impactful message, which is thanking the person for their patience or for their grace amid our mistakes, and how doing a make-up can help repair any damage done to the relationship.

This idea is definitely countercultural, AND that’s ok! – That’s kind of our thing here at FSF! Tune in now to be inspired to switch up your ideas around apologizing and forcing our kids to do the same.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/141.

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How to Advocate for Change in Schools…As Well as for Our Kids Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

This week on the Fresh Start Family Show, we are going back to school! Wendy interviews PTO/PTA expert and founder of PTO Answers Christina Hidek to find out more about what parent teacher organization/association is, how we can get involved, and why our voice matters.

This episode is sure to inspire you to find your voice and get involved at your kiddos’ schools! Tune in to learn more about being a presence, helper and influencer at school this year.

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/140.

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The Secret to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids with Dr. Pamela Ellis Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

Helping our children be emotionally prepared in this world is one of the biggest gifts we can give them. Empowering them to be self-reliant when they’re out in the world - when we’re not looking & around to solve their problems … is such an important part of parenting. It is possible to help them learn to advocate for themselves and have high levels of emotional literacy and this starts with us being prepared.

Wendy sits with Dr. Pamela Ellis - dubbed The Education Doctor- founder of Compass Education Strategies, and discusses the many ways we can support our kids as they develop important life skills … especially as they prepare to fly the coop as teenagers.

We don’t just want our kids to succeed & be successful in life … we want them to be HAPPY & HEALTHY (most importantly!).

Dr. Ellis brings so much great insight about the emotional preparedness that it takes for parents to raise happy, healthy, kids who are equipped to take on the challenges they face in our ever more complicated world … especially when they don’t have us by their side.

In this episode, you’ll learn the importance for parents to:

1. Start early with teaching about emotion regulation & literacy

2. Recognize that you're modeling at all times & be willing to change

3. Make time for self-care (you can’t pour from an empty cup)

For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/139.

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