Simple Families

Latest Episodes:

Simple Holiday Prep Nov 13, 2019

Show notes

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:

Find Zoë online:

Find Rachelle online:

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When Your Cup Overflows Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

Some days I feel like every mother I know is ridden with stress and overwhelm. This type of parenthood seems to be slowly becoming the norm. In today’s episode (episode 178) we are talking about what happens when your cup overflows. When your cup overflows the contents spill out and splash on the people who are nearest and dearest to you.

What’s splashing out of your cup? Happiness? Gratitude? Stress? Overwhelm?

What sort of helping hand do you need to get your emotional well-being on a path to balance and health?

Show Notes/Links:

The Mental Unload

Where to go if you need mental health support:

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Why Kids Need Art Oct 30, 2019

Show notes

I really don’t know much about art, but I’m learning. One thing I know for sure is that art is important, for kids and adults alike. Today I’m chatting with author Meri Cherry about art + kids. The tagline on her book “Creative Activities and Projects that Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Connection” got me thinking. Giving our children opportunities for art isn’t just about encouraging a future career as an artist. Instead, art instills foundational elements such as confidence, creativity, and connection that will last a lifetime.

Meri is an advocate for process art, which is the type of art that is focused on making/doing rather than the final product. As Meri says, “the focus is on process over product”. Art truly is for everyone, even the kids who seem uninterested or hard to engage–and we are exploring that more today.

Show Notes/Links:

The Mental Unload starts November 7th
Meri’s Website
Meri on Instagram
Meri’s Book: Play Make Create Play, A Process-Art Handbook: With Over 40 Art Invitations for Kids

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SFP 176: Conversation With My Husband Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

In honor of my birthday week, I’m bringing you a casual conversation with my husband David. It’s his first appearance on the podcast and we are talking all things love, marriage, and parenting.

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SFP 175: Early Bloomers Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

Parenting an early bloomer comes with its own set of challenges. Those of us who have precocious children know this well. Today, we are discussing the ins and outs of early blooming from a child development perspective. And I’m sharing more about my personal experience parenting an early bloomer and being an early bloomer myself.

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SFP 174: Ambitious Travel with Kids Oct 09, 2019

Show notes

Right now, I’m tired. We just returned from a two-week international trip with our family. Today I’m sharing all the details: the plans, the obstacles, dealing with jet lag, letting go of expectations, and why we keep doing it.

Show Notes/Links:

Packing videos on Instagram
Saccharomyces Boulardii (to prevent travel’s diarrhea)

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SFP 173: Sustainable Fashion for Kids [with Brendan Synnott of Pact] Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

When it comes to kids, buying more sustainably can feel intimidating. If you are unsure of where to start or how to prioritize, we are chatting more about this today. Our guest is Brendan Synnott, the CEO of Pact, and he’s bringing us insight on the sustainable fashion industry, organic cotton, and what he’s doing with his own family.

*This episode is not sponsored by Pact and does not contain affiliate links*

SHOW LINKS:

Pact [use coupon SIMPLE to get 40% off your first order

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SFP 172: A Day in Denaye’s Life Sep 25, 2019

Show notes

Life with young children is always evolving. The way we spend our time changes too. Finding the right balance that works for each of us is incredibly important. The way I spend my time is going to look very different from the way that you spend yours. In today’s episode, I am sharing what a typical day looks like in our house–right now.

It could change next week, next month, or next year. Life is dynamic, and that’s what keeps it interesting!

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SFP 171: How to Talk to Kids about Money [with Liz, author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands] Sep 18, 2019

Show notes

Have you started talking to your kids about money? Money can be a taboo topic, even within families. In today’s episode I’m chatting with Liz Frazier Peck author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance (and They’re Never Too Young).

SHOW NOTES/LINKS:

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SFP 170: Overly-Responsive Parenting? Sep 11, 2019

Show notes

Is there such a thing as overly-responsive parenting? I believe so. Early in parenthood I found myself being a mindreader. It is important to be in tune with our kids’ needs, but we also need to give them the opportunity to step up and advocate for themselves.

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