The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

Latest Episodes:

Gifting Tips to WOW Everyone on Your List Nov 22, 2019

Show notes

While our moms may have been great about buying Christmas gifts year round and filling stockings months in advance, we aren't all cut out for that sort of holiday preparation. But the season is upon us and whatever you celebrate, it's finally time to start thinking about gifts!

It's not hard to get our kids to share what they want. They presented us with a seven page (front and back) letter to Santa, after all. But Santa is on a budget, and we don't want to fill their Christmas with more "stuff." On today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is joined by her sisters Kara and Shelly to talk about those "home run gifts." The ones sure to get played with year round. Scoring the gift that stops them in their tracks doesn't have to mean breaking the bank, either! The sisters share their tricks and tricks to finding the best toys at the best prices (while sharing what was a big miss, as well).

Gift giving isn't always easy. Husbands, extended family, neighbors, and in-laws are sure to leave you stumped. Some of our favorite gifts haven't been extravagant. Finish a project your spouse was never going to wrap up on their own. Personalize something they can treasure for years to come. Give them the gift of an experience they won't forget. Help beautify the neighborhood, or make charitable donations on behalf of others.

Simplifying your shopping list will prevent you from making that panicked last-minute dash to Target to load up your cart with stuff you don't need. Being prepared will also allow you to put thought into gifts and make the most of your holiday season. After all, it can't be the most wonderful time of year if you don't enjoy it!

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Holiday Traditions that Spark Joy! Nov 19, 2019

Show notes

Traditions show children that their family circle is a living link to a chain of generations. Research shows that much like displaying printed photos, practicing family traditions helps build children's identity and family connection. But holiday traditions can be overwhelming! You don't have to do ALL of the things in order to make your season magical.

Rituals and traditions can be as elaborate as planning daily activities for your Elf of the Shelf, or as simple as starting each morning with a kiss as you send your kids out the door. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Erika and Leah join Vanessa to discuss the traditions they had growing up, the traditions they bid adieu to as they got older, and the compromises they made when their spouses brought their own holiday traditions to the family.

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MomForce Mini: Garbage Cans or Can't with Vanessa Nov 15, 2019

Show notes

The first of a new series! Vanessa and her sisters are going to take turns giving their own "unpopular" opinion on a trending topic/debate/question. We love the diversity of our Facebook group, The MomForce, and would love for you to join the group and chime in on the conversations happening here.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

Traveling with Kids with Jessica Gee of The Bucket List Family Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

Are you frazzled at the mere thought of traveling with your children? Jessica Gee, mother of 3 from The Bucket List Family, has chosen to embrace it and has traveled to more than 80 countries with her family!

Vanessa chats with Jessica about her tips and tricks for traveling with kids. Everything from how to acclimate to time changes and introduce new cultures and foods, to what her favorite kid-friendly destinations are and how to travel on a budget.

And if you've seen any of The Bucket List Family's pics on Instagram or videos on YouTube, you know that documenting their travel is a high priority. Jessica shares her tips for capturing fleeting moments and the easy way she holds on to them forever.

Check out the Bucket List Family Chatbook HERE

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Mind Your Manners Nov 05, 2019

Show notes

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a great relationship with their Mother-in-Law, but Vanessa says she hit the jackpot! In today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa (a new MIL herself!) chats with her Mother-in-Law, Bonnie Quigley, about their success in fostering their in-law relationship. It's all about space, support, and respect.

As a special bonus, Bebe shares the gifts that she, as a Mother-in-Law, has cherished most (and don't we all need help with that!).

Follow along with Vanessa and the latest from The MomForce Podcast @vanessaquigley.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

Good Moms Have Bad Days Oct 29, 2019

Show notes

Moms everywhere are overwhelmed: driven to tears, hyperventilating, rage cleaning, or perhaps hopping in the car and driving away. Caring for an entire family is challenging. Often we ask ourselves, are we doing enough? Are we fun enough, compassionate enough, patient enough?

Good moms have bad days. The newborn stage is hard. The toddler stage is hard. Teenagers are hard. Heck! Even our adult children are hard! On today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Leah joins Vanessa to talk about how they handle the weight that motherhood places on your shoulders. They discuss recognizing your own needs and taking action.

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and join in on our daily conversations!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

Nothing Good Ever Happens After Midnight Oct 22, 2019

Show notes

The oldest child in the family is often the guinea pig, but by the time it comes to establishing a curfew for the younger kids, parents are worn down and the rules become a bit more relaxed. Whether it's your first time dabbling into the world of curfews, or you've been there done that, determining the appropriate level of freedoms to give your kids is hard!

Whether you're going to follow the letter of the law or allow your child the flexibility to make their own responsible choices, you have the right to know where they're going, who they're going to be with, and how they're getting home (even if they roll their eyes at all your questions). On today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Erika talk about their own curfews growing up, how they enforce curfews for their own teens and tweens, and share some brilliant advice from the MomForce Facebook group.

No matter where you land on your curfew, it's important to let your expectations be known and stick to the consequences, should it come to that. Sometimes that's easier said than done, but remember what they say… "Nothing good ever happens after midnight."

Check out our instagram page @theMomForcePodcast for some fun extras!

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We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

How to Help a Grieving Friend with Keenan Sanders Oct 15, 2019

Show notes

There are varying degrees of grief, but it is always complicated. Time heals, but grief never fully goes away. Rather it evolves and manifests itself differently over time. It is human nature to want to help those we love through difficult times. Sometimes our actions are helpful, sometimes our words are meaningful. But other times even the best intentions leave us with our foot stuck in our mouth.

In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Keenan Sanders, one of Chatbooks' original MomForcers and a mother who has experienced heartbreaking loss. Five years after the death of her daughter, she reflects on the lessons she's learned, the healing she's experienced, and provides insight on how others were able to help her through her darkest moments.

From discussing death with children, to showing friends and neighbors support, and the importance of being selfish as you heal, this episode covers some of the often overlooked aspects of grief. Everyone's rock bottom is different, and many people may never discover theirs. But all grief is valid and should be treated delicately.

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Night Time Routines that WORK! Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

It's recommended that 4th graders get 10-12 hours of sleep per night. But kid's activities are often built around adult schedules! A nighttime routine is imperative for happy, healthy kids...but it's hard!

Kara and Vanessa discuss their evening routines to help their big and little kids get the sleep they so desperately need. They agree: you have to set a time to officially wind down for the evening. When you can, have a family dinner at a consistent hour and use that time to reflect on the highs and lows of the day. Allow children to wind down by reading or listening to an audiobook. But sometimes you might just have to give everyone a "sleep gummy". HEY...whatever works!

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Parenting in a Digital World with Anna MacFarlane of @kidsaretheworst Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

Screentime. Devices. Social Media. Oh my! Our MomForce Facebook group is full of questions about raising children in a digital age. How old should your kid be before you allow them to play on an iPad? When is it appropriate to have a smartphone? What about a social media account?

Teaching online safety is just as important as teaching fire safety these days. Anna MacFarlane of "Kids are the Worst", joins Vanessa, to share her expertise on all things social media and parenting.

It's not IF your kids are going to see something bad online, but WHEN they're going to see it. When kids come across something they're not comfortable with, they need to feel like they can come to you about it. You can limit kids' exposure, but the best defense is good communication. Listen to Anna outline what has worked for her and her family.

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