Oh Crap with Jamie

Latest Episodes:

32. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beating Those Winter Blues Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

I’m very excited to bring this episode to you today since it’s about one of my favorite topics – Seasonal Affective Disorder, the winter blues, and how to beat them. Winter was not always my favorite season, and if that’s true for you as well, today I’m going to share with you how I flipped it so it is now number one on my list. With everything that is still going on these days, this winter is bound to be a really hard one for many people, so let’s look at some of the strategies I employ that can help turn that around. We’ll begin by reviewing the fact that your attitude toward the season will show up in your kids, and then I offer some of my food and sleep suggestions that have really helped me in the past and continue to do so. Keeping expectations low or level for the holidays, and using lighting to help generate a positive mood are a couple other suggestions that we’ll explore, as well as the greatest strategy of all which is to embrace the outdoors and stay out with your kids as much as humanly possible. I have some tried and true clothing and activity recommendations that will help you achieve this, and I truly hope that you will be able to find the good things that winter has to offer and celebrate them with your kids. Naturally, if you are experiencing a massive depression due to the season, be sure to speak with your doctor, but if you are simply looking for a ‘mood boost’, today’s episode has a lot of great ideas for you. Don’t suffer – experience all the joy that this winter can bring! The Finer Details of This Episode: If you don’t like winter, you will see the same in your kids Going into the winter, I’m careful about food and sleep If you live in a place that experiences pretty harsh winters, you are going to be low in Vitamin D I keep up on Vitamin C, D and Zinc, bone broth, root vegetables Lowering the expectations around holidays can help I use a lot of twinkle lighting around the house Stay outside as much as possible Buy the right outdoor gear for you so you can stay outside with your kids Outlets are amazing for outdoor gear Smartwool is the best but it is expensive For kids: buy overalls for snow pants, Hannah Anderson stuff is great, mittens are warmer than gloves – buy lots in the same color, don’t buy cotton clothes, buy waterproof items, have extras if you can, OAKI rain gear is fabulous When the weather switches over to cold, change over your kid’s closet to winter clothes Get involved in winter sports like snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing Try to look forward to all the things that are good about winter Full spectrum light bulbs can help Quotes: “I do think kids are affected by their parents’ mood and their parents’ winter blues.” “I don’t want that massive sugar crash after the holidays.” “I can feel, like, my body go into storage-mode.” “Us moms are the fuckin’ worst about winter self-care and clothing.” “If you are happy in the cold, your kid will be happy in the cold.” “I have fat ski pants and I have skinny ski pants.” “Eliminate all your kid’s bitching.” “Snowboarding changed my life…it’s like dancing on a surfboard.” “If I break my leg ice skating, I’d be so pissed.” “Try to like winter.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31. The No Crap! 2020 Gift Guide Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about gifts for the upcoming holiday season (if you haven’t already), so welcome to this year’s Gift Guide as curated by Jenn and myself. You know that I’m all about gifts that inspire learning and using the whole brain and the whole body, and that’s precisely the type of gifts you’ll find on our list here today. In addition to the list, I’ll also share some information about the perennial issue about gifts from relatives who want the credit that comes from your kid’s big reactions on the day, as well as some ideas about how to bring the intensity of the holiday down while increasing its overall enjoyment. Naturally, we’ll go through the Gift Guide, which you can find in the links section below, and I’ll offer my own commentary on the selections as we go along. Most important of all, I need you to remember that, particularly in this unprecedented year, you need to do ‘whatever the fuck you want to do this Christmas’, and to please never forget to reach out if you find you need help given the potential overwhelm of the season. With the pandemic continuing, this is going to be a long winter, so be sure to keep your mental and physical health a top priority throughout. I sincerely hope that today’s episode marks one step toward helping to achieve that. The Finer Details of This Episode: · Grandparents want the credit for gifts that their grandkids will absolutely love · Create ‘hygge’ · Our $5 Christmas was one of our best ever · You have permission to jack the holidays way up or bring them way down · Check out the Gift Guide in the links section below · You can make marble runs out of many things (ex. pool noodles, molding, etc) · Don’t overstretch yourself this year financially · Make sure you and your kids are geared up for playing outside no matter what the weather – Hanna Andersson snowsuits are phenomenal · Subscription gifts can be problematic when it comes to renewal issues · Check for scams or complaints about companies before ordering any of their products · Make mental and physical health a priority Quotes: “If you have too much stuff, you’re going to get butterfly play…you want less stuff because it opens up deeper play.” “If my house and my space are too cluttered, I get too cluttered.” “You guys are going to want to be outside as much as humanly possible.” “I’m really into functional fitness.” “Take care of yourself, take care of your kids, take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30. Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy and Potty Training with Quiara Smith, MOT OTR/L Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

Today, I am so excited to have Quiara Smith, MOT OTR/L, join me on the podcast . As a pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist, Quiara specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, toileting/elimination disorders, and bowel and bladder dysfunction in children between the ages of 4-18 years old both through her Aloha Integrative Therapy Clinic and telehealth services. She has a lot to share and clears up a few mysteries along the way, so prepare to have your mind blown! Quiara begins by sharing just what exactly the pelvic floor is, the many potential causes for dysfunction in this area, and what the symptoms of these dysfunctions show up as. She also describes the reasons why she would become involved in working with a child, the impact of the sensory system in children, and the holistic and non-invasive approach she employs in her work. We then discuss the role that core muscles, and the need to develop them in children, play in potty training, and explore some recommendations for building these muscles, some strategies for parents to implement, and the ways in which Quiara helps children and parents through her telehealth services. As you’ll discover, we could have talked on and on about these important topics which make such a huge difference in the life of the child and the parent, and you’ll certainly see why I want to have Quiara join us again to share even more wisdom and solve even more mysteries to help our kids. The Finer Details of This Episode: There are many potential causes for pelvic floor dysfunction and they should be addressed as early as possible Symptoms can present in a number of ways including, abdominal pain, picky eating, reflux, wetting the bed, fecal leaking, but mainly in toileting troubles You have to take a holistic approach to dealing with these issues Pediatric pelvic floor therapists use non-invasive evidence-based approaches to helping children Core muscle challenges will affect a child’s ability to coordinate their pelvic floor to void pee or poo A lack of variety in movement, especially in play, is impacting children’s development of gross motor skills and strength Some strategies that parents can implement immediately to help support pelvic health are having the child sit properly on the toilet, sit after a meal (for those who’ve had trouble for years), push to begin and then relax by breathing in Quotes: “Releasing poop is a really huge deal.” “If you can’t get enough water or enough, like, fibrous foods because you’re a picky eater, you’re going to be more prone to constipation.” “There’s a rich dialogue happening in your kid’s body.” “Your kid holds their tension in their butt.” “I found that this has strengthened the bond between the child and the caregiver because you’re doing therapeutic touch – that’s what I like to call it.” “I’m here to help you through this challenging moment, but it also could be very beautiful and very kind of sacred in a way.” “Continence is a huge thing that they have to deal with, and once that starts resolving, you see this transformation of not only the child but the parents and the caregivers. It’s phenomenal and that’s why I do what I do.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training – https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Aloha Integrative Therapy: Homepage: https://alohaintegrativetherapy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alohaintegrativetherapy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alohaintegrativetherapy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29. Emergency Episode: Back to School Choices Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

Jamie discusses options available to parents who are gearing up to send their children back to school Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28. Returning to School or Homeschooling? Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

The prospect of schools reopening is gradually dawning on us all, and with it comes the news of the potential restrictions which will be in place. As so many of the restrictions seem to greatly impact the level of socializing that children will be able to enjoy upon their return, I am currently fielding a large number of questions regarding homeschooling. In today’s episode, my aim is to address the questions that seem to be the most frequently asked. It’s important to note that laws and rules regarding homeschooling will vary by, and in some cases within, states, so the information I offer here today is fairly general and you really need to check with a local homeschooler or homeschooling group to understand the specifics for your area. What I can share with you is the remarkable difference between the schooling we’ve all been doing for the last few months and actual homeschooling, some ideas regarding learning styles and curriculum, and some of the basic facts about homeschooling and unschooling. I can also tell you that you have the right and the ability to educate your child at home – you have done it from the moment they were born. Sending your child back to a school filled with social restrictions may rightfully seem daunting to you at the moment, and if you are considering homeschooling, this episode will provide you with information and advice based upon a vast amount of experience and research that can help you begin your decision making process. The Finer Details of This Episode: Nobody was actually homeschooling these past few months – we were ‘crisis schooling’ The actual academics don’t take as long as a school day Every state has their own laws and rules about homeschooling, so go to a local homeschooler or group for advice A lot of people opt in to homeschooling because they want to opt out of standardized testing and ‘teaching to the test’ Beware of the tendency for school districts to offer their opinion on homeschooling rather than the policy The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HLDA) is the only legal defense association in the country to help with homeschooling issues Nobody should ever go into your home to ‘check out your homeschooling environment’ You do not to be certified to teach If you are just trying homeschooling for a year, you’re tied to the school’s curriculum – that’s not my favorite way There is a large choice of other curricula out there, so you need to determine your child’s learning style You don’t need a curriculum for pre-school – read to them, love them, take them outside When unschooling, follow the ‘rabbit holes’ Quotes: “Homeschooling looks so much different than what we just did.” “It’s your constitutional right to direct the education of your child.” “I’m not anti-school, but I am anti-bad school.” “I am more and more of a facilitator.” “I would argue that we’re always all homeschooling.” “When you’re working with something you’re passionate about, and you love, you’re going to hit these spots where you have to work through a yucky part of it.” “I am unabashed in my love of homeschooling…it’s such a lifestyle choice.” “You know your kid - you are 100% the expert on your child - so lead with that.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27. Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic May 04, 2020

Show notes

Jamie is back after a bit of a hiatus, and she hits the ground running by delving into the complexity of parenting during these uncertain times. There is so much going on out there these days, and Jamie is here to offer some strategies which can be implemented immediately to help parents and children alike, and to also remind everyone to be gentle with themselves.

Comparing the response to this pandemic to the stages of grief, Jamie recognizes that a lot of people are in that anger/bargaining stage, and are at risk of becoming overwhelmed by trying to justify things as educational while also learning how to be together in these unique circumstances. In addition, she highlights just how important it is to ensure that children know they are safe, to talk with them about what’s going on in terms they’ll understand, and above all, to make sure that all of you take the time you need to look after your own mental health.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Justifying things as educational can lead to excessive anxiety
Loosening up your usual screen time allowance is okay these days
You are not in charge of your child’s education
Learn how to be together during this pandemic
Children need to know that they are safe, and emotional swaddling is necessary now more than ever
Ensure that all family members get some alone time and ‘combination times’
Children need to feel touch and to engage in ‘big play’, especially these days
Take some time for yourself to tend to your own mental health
Talk about this pandemic with your kids in terms they can understand
The story behind Jamie’s hiatus and her new Patreon account

Quotes:

“If you have to work, and you have a child under the age of 5, you have to give them some screen time. It’s a non-solvable problem.”

“You need to tell your child that they are safe, and they are loved, and you are taking care of them.”

“Our kids need us to be taking care of our mental health.”

“Please prioritize yourself.”

Links:

Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/

Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU

Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler -

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738

Manuela Molina’s COVIBOOK: https://www.mindheart.co/descargables

Jamie’s Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/join/jamieglowacki?

26. Balance is a Verb Sep 27, 2019

Show notes

Jamie’s addressing one of the most frequently asked questions listeners and followers have for her: how does she balance everything and keep her life in order, especially as a single mom? Her answer is simple and two-fold: 1. it’s HARD, and 2. it’s a fool’s game to try to do everything at once. The parental balancing act is an art of setting a schedule and picking your battles. In this episode, Jamie explains how our phones can dominate our already busy schedules if we’re not careful, debunks the myth of multitasking, and compares keeping our life in balance to, of all things, four pots on a stove. The Finer Details of This Episode: What’s “uh-huh” parenting and why we absolutely need to avoid it. Establishing consistent phone time for yourself and being honest with your children about when you’ll need to do some scrolling. How airplane mode has become Jamie’s best friend. Why Jamie isn’t a fan of multitasking—and in fact has some pretty harsh things to say about it. What Jamie’s past experience as a circus performer—yes, you heard that right—taught her about maintaining balance. Jamie’s “four-burner stove” theory for keeping all of the major elements of your life in check. In the end, remember that even the people who look like they have all their shit together still struggle with balancing it all. Quotes: “Stop with the half-assed parenting. It’s not fair to our kids!” “You can’t do everything well if you’re trying to do it all together.” “Balance is a verb. It is not a noun, it is not a destination.” “You HAVE to show up as a whole person to be a good parent.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25. On Swearing Sep 20, 2019

Show notes

You’ve got to face the facts: try as hard as you might, your kid is going to swear at some point, and when they do drop a big fat expletive it will probably be in the worst time and place. It’s going to be embarrassing, but it’s also a valuable moment that will help your kid understand what is or isn’t acceptable among certain crowds, while allowing you both to acknowledge the emotion beneath the swearing. In this episode, Jamie discusses her approach to teaching Pascal about swearing and the impression it gives off and suggests how you can help your own children to understand the effect of bad—or rather, “strong”—words. The Finer Details of This Episode: How Jamie’s son Pascal and his preschool class were exposed to swearing en masse—and what it taught them about the power of words. There are some parents who don’t care about swearing but of course, you need to set boundaries on where and when that happens. Helping your little one understand that swearing can affect how others see them, and how Jamie has imparted this lesson to her son. Why swearing in inappropriate contexts can actually teach your kid a lot about hurt and shame. The reason Jamie refers to cursing as “strong words” rather than “bad words.” Quotes: “Swearing is just words we’ve given extraordinary power to.” “The more power you give the words the more it has and that’s just how it goes.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24. Transitions Big and Little Sep 13, 2019

Show notes

Changes: it’s not just a David Bowie song, but something your kid is going to go through a lot of throughout their early years. And Jamie isn’t merely talking about bodily or behavioral changes but changes in routine, changes in circumstances, and changes in family. Something as simple as leaving the house in the morning can be enough to set your little one on edge, so we need to both help them understand these necessary—and occasionally unfortunate—shifts as well as make these transitions a little easier for them. In this episode, Jamie discusses the significant changes your parenting style will go through as your little one becomes a slightly bigger one, explains how you can help your kid stay on top of these transitions, and suggests ways you can help your child get through the tougher life milestones. The Finer Details of This Episode: Why Jamie’s new book has “toddler” in the title even though it deals more with the preschool age. How your style of parenting needs to shift in a fundamental way as your little one goes from two to three. Looking at some of the transitions your child will go through, including moving, divorce, milestones, and even being part of a military family. If your child frequently gets upset, take a step back and figure out if these fits and tantrums are happening during moments or periods of transition. How a simple whiteboard can help you and your kids navigate these transitions. When in doubt, slow things down a little. Why the teddy bear or toy your little one wants to bring on a car ride might be just what they need to keep them at ease during transitions. Jamie’s tips for easing children through big, potentially life-changing transitions like moving and divorce. If you’re a parent whose partner is in the military and goes on deployment, consider seeking out other military parents for a supportive community. Quotes: “Your entire relationship is about bonding in this physical sense and creating this safety within the child’s life.” “Hang in there and survive and keep the kids alive.” “The longer the distance, the more transitional objects the kid’s gonna need.” “Err on the side of talking about it rather than ignoring it.” Links: Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/ Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler [Pre-order my new book] - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23. Sleep TRUMPS Potty Training with Alanna McGuinn Sep 06, 2019

Show notes

Alanna McGuinn is a sleep consultant, founder of the Good Night Sleep Site and a stress management coach. As a mother of three, she understands firsthand how vital sleep is for both children and parents during those first few years of raising kids, so she now focuses on how you can maximize not only how long you and your toddlers sleep but the quality of that sleep as well. She’s also hosts the podcast This Girl Loves Sleep, where she recently interviewed Jamie.

In this episode, Alanna discusses that tricky transition from cradle to bed, explains why you should invest in a proper alarm clock, and looks at medical conditions that can impact how well your little ones sleep. Jamie also announces the winner of her book pre-launch party giveaway!

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Alanna reveals what prompted her to become a sleep specialist.
Why it’s always worth trying to put your kid on an earlier bedtime, even if your schedule needs to change.
Factors you should consider when debating if it’s too soon to move your little one from a crib to a bed.
Techniques and technology you can use to get yourself in a better mood for deep, restful sleep.
Why it can be beneficial to get up in the middle of the night and do an activity if you don’t feel tired enough.
Is it possible to set when your little ones wake up as well as when they go to bed?
The importance of establishing who’s in charge at bedtime (hint: it’s the parents).
Navigating the turbulent waters of napping.
How sleep apnea and adenoids can affect the quality of your child’s sleep.

Quotes:

“Work out all your sleep kinks first, then transition.”

“If we’re waking up and seeing all this clutter it’s just gonna add more clutter to our minds.”

“It’s really important to create a positive association between sleep and bed.”

“We should be sleeping 85% of the time we’re in bed.”

“You don’t negotiate with terrorists or toddlers.”

Links:

Good Night Sleep Site homepage - https://goodnightsleepsite.com/

This Girl Loves Sleep podcast - https://goodnightsleepsite.com/podcast/

Good Night Sleep Site Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/GoodNightSleepSite/

Good Night Sleep Site Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoodNightSleepSite/

Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/