Simple Families

Latest Episodes:

Q&A | How do you teach little girls that they are more than pretty? Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

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:

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Q&A | Is The Mental Unload™ right for me? Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

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

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A Special Story Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

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

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Q&A | How do you occupy a young child? Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

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:

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Q&A | What if a kid says “yuck” at the dinner table? Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

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

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Executive Function Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

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 self-directed executive functioning

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Q&A | How do you handle sibling fights? Feb 04, 2020

Show notes

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?

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Reflections on a Treat-Free Month Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

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

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Mindful Eating in Parenthood Jan 23, 2020

Show notes

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:

Adaptogens

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Q&A | What about a kid who won’t take “no” for an answer? Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

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?

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