Become A Calm Mama

I’m so excited this week to introduce Dr. Angele Close on the podcast. We're talking all about motherhood, the myths of motherhood (including the “good mom” myth), and what it's like to be a mom in this modern world. In fact, we had so much to talk about that this week’s episode is only part 1! 

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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concept of pre-regulation and how it can help with preventing meltdowns. Today, you’ll learn how to help your kid get calm (and stay calm) so you have less dysregulation and fewer tantrums.

You’ll Learn:

I hope you implement just one or...

Today, I’ve invited Sara Hartley onto the podcast for a conversation about raising neurodivergent kids. I really appreciate the work Sara is putting out into the world, including her new book series called Purposefully Me that helps kids navigate big feelings, embrace their differences, build resilience, and discover their unique purpose through affirmations and storytelling.

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Today, I’m walking you through 3 things that kids need in order to feel secure in their attachment with you. Consider this your crash course in attachment basics, a how-to guide.

You’ll Learn:

I’m willing to bet that you're doing a lot of thing...

Today, I’ve invited Dr. Sarah Bren to talk to us about attachment, knowing whether or not we have a secure attachment with our kids, and how to maintain that secure attachment through the process of repair. 

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When my kids were little, I came up with a routine that I called “The 5 Things”. Basically, I decided on five things that my kids needed to do before school every morning - the non-negotiables. Today, you’ll learn how to create and follow through on your own morning and bedtime routines. 

You’ll Learn:

Barking orders, reminding over and...

This one simple practice that I call “Eyeballs” can make your afternoons easier and add powerful connection to anytime you reunite with your child. It only takes a few seconds and very little effort, but I know it will make a huge difference in your home.

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I love this so much because your child wants to be seen by you. They despe...

In today’s short and sweet episode, I’m giving you two simple strategies for better mornings (which I know you can use now that school is back in session!). 

You’ll Learn:

I show you how to help your kids get physically and emotionally ready for their day.

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When I think about a kid g...

If you’ve ever known anyone who’s going through a divorce, if you’re considering divorce yourself, or are in the early stages of making that decision, this episode on surviving divorce is for you. 

My guest today is Certified Divorce Coach® Laila Aitken Ali. Laila is known as the Split Coach, and she helps people (especially parents) to restructure their lives and relationships post-breakup so they don't get stuck in old dynamics and reactive patterns.

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Today on Become A Calm Mama, we’re continuing our conversation from last week about The Drama Triangle. This week, we’re diving deeper into a healthier model, The Empowerment Dynamic (TED). 

You’ll Learn:

In this episode, you’ll learn HOW...

Today, we’re digging into the concept of the Drama Triangle (which you can probably guess is something you don’t want to be stuck in). I’m talking all about what the Drama Triangle is and how it shows up in parenting.

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Let’s get you and...

This encore episode about the back to school shit show is one I come back to over and over again - because it’s something parents struggle with every. single. year.

The transition back to school from summer break is definitely a transition. Kids suddenly have to wake up early, get themselves ready and out the door (on time). And it’s a transition for you too as you settle everyone into a new routine. 

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Today, we’re wrapping up the 3-part series on Internal Family Systems (IFS). This episode is all about being what your kid needs, with lots of strategies to show up as the calm, connected parent you want to be.

You’ll Learn:

Note: If you haven’t listened to the first 2 episodes in this series, I recommend you go bac...

There are many different religious and cultural traditions and concepts that help us understand what I’m referring to today as the SELF. This is the term used in the Internal Family Systems approach (IFS) to describe our inner being, essence, soul, or spirit. 

Find out:

Moms often start the summer feeling energized, encouraged and ready to go! Then around week 6 or 7, the kids are fighting, they never seem happy and everything sucks. This is your late summer pep talk to help you get out of that funk and get through the rest of summer.

If you're having a great summer, I love that for you. But if you're struggling, if you're burned out, resentful or overwhelmed, if you're feeling like your kids are out of control, then this is your episode. 

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Years ago, I was talking to a client about what it truly means to be a Calm Mama. And she realized that the absence of yelling ≠ calm. There is something deeper that we’re working toward. An inner wisdom, inner peace, and knowing that you can handle anything that comes along. There might be a lot of chaos around you, but inside you are calm and steady.

Today, we begin a new 3-part series on Internal Family Systems (IFS) - a therapeutic model created by Richard Schwartz. One of the central concepts is that everything you need for...

If you’re feeling like your family could use a break from screens and a reset, this is the episode for you. You may remember a podcast I recorded last year about how to do a digital detox. Well, that episode was based on an amazing book called Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids, and I am so thankful to have the author, Molly DeFrank, here with me today.

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Today, I am so excited to introduce two special guests, Julie Scelfo and Julie Fruman, from Mothers Against Media Addiction (or MAMA). I believe so much in MAMA’s vision and mission for healthier tech and healthier families. I can’t wait for you to meet them. 

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We’re a few weeks into summer, and you might be starting to feel like you’re in the doldrums. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, disappointed or sad that your summer isn’t going quite the way you hoped it would, this is the episode for you. 

You’ll Learn:

In this encore episode, I’m talking about how to do a summer reset...

Welcome back to another Confessions episode!

NOTE: This episode is a doozy. It might even need a trigger warning (sexual abuse trauma). But I KNOW it’s going to be really helpful on your healing journey. Listen when you feel ready.

My friend, Kristin LaFontaine is back on the podcast, and I'm confessing some of my deepest fears and how I spent years and years in what I call the fix it/fuck it cycle.

→ Fix it =  hyper-rigidity, super productivity, high control behaviors

→ Fuck it = who cares, no rules, give up/give in...

The thing about dinner is that it happens every. single. day. And it’s typically the worst time of day for kids, especially littles. Plus, you might have sports or other evening activities in the mix. Today, Madison Wetherill of Cook At Home Mom is here to help you make preparing meals for your family easier and more joyful. 

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Have you ever seen your kid do something and think, “They should know better”? I think we all have at one time or another. But here’s the thing - maybe they don’t. 

Today, I’m talking about what kids don’t know so that you can adjust your expectations, feel less annoyed by their behavior, and help them learn the skills they’re missing.

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We’ve all been there. You make a plan to do something that you think is going to be really fun for you and your kids. But then, it turns out to not be as much fun as you thought. Your kids aren’t into it, they’re complaining, and you end up feeling disappointed, frustrated, and annoyed. 

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Let’s face it.  Summer is great.  And it’s a lot.

A lot of time with kids. Traveling. Extra meal prep. Day trips with snack bags. Feeling like there’s not enough time to get work done. Long days. Late nights. Sibling fights. Loneliness. 

You’re going to need a plan to enjoy the season - and avoid burnout.

You’ll Learn:

When you decide that taking care of yourself this summer an...

On today’s episode of Become A Calm Mama, I have 2 guests - Angie and Megan - co-founders of Front Row Moms. We’re talking about what it means to be a working mom, as well as the benefits and obstacles to being a working parent. 

You’ll Learn:

Whether you are a working mom out of choice or necessity, I know you’ll get some helpful tips and lots of encouragem...

Summer Break can somehow be both easier and more stressful for parents. Create a rhythm and make sure your kid’s (and your) needs are met with these 7 family essentials this summer.

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If you start to see your kids fighting or complaining a lot, seeming lethargic or unmotivated, this episode will...

On today’s episode, we’re talking about child-led versus values-led parenting. Last week, I walked you through how to define your family values, and this week we’re putting them into practice - letting them be your guide in parenting. 

You’ll Learn:

Leading with your values lets you feel good about the “why” behind your choices...

To have a stress-free summer (or at least something close to it), you’ve got to create the right mindset.  And that’s exactly what I’m teaching you to do in this encore episode of the Become A Calm Mama podcast. 

You’ll Learn:

This can be the summer that you feel good, actually enjoy the extra time with your kids and create some incredible memories.

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What decides the direction of your family? Today starts a two-part series on defining your family values and how you can make decisions based on the things that are most important to you. 

You’ll Learn:

The goal with this exercise is to find 5-8 core values that you’ll share a...

My son recently sent me a text with a big question about how to live an intentional life. As moms, we’re all trying to figure out how to make the most of this experience. How to balance  all of the different stressors and demands while also enjoying the process. 

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Today, I've invited my friend and fellow coach, Jennifer Delliquadri, to come talk with me about midlife, post-motherhood, and being a woman at this time in our lives. 

You’ll Learn:

Often, when you feel dissati...

If you have kids under the age of 7, you’re going to love this episode! I’ve invited Kelsey Cook, founder of Learning with Kelsey, to share easy ways to entertain little kids. 

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We’re talking about how to get into a playful mentality as a parent and how to entertain your kids in a...

Today, I’ve invited occupational therapist Alisha Grogan on the podcast to share simple sensory activities for kids to help them become calmer and more regulated. 

You’ll Learn:

If you’re parenting a kid who struggles with sensory issues, picky eating, or big feelings, you don’t want to miss thi...

Jill and Mary of Girls Mentorship are back! We’re continuing our conversation and talking about specific tools and strategies for supporting and raising teen and tween girls. (If you missed part 1, be sure to check it out.) And even though Jill and Mary focus their work on girls, these are great tips no matter the gender of your child.

You’ll Learn:

Join us as w...

Why do women in mid-life give less f*cks? It's all about the estrogen crash.

On this episode Darlynn and her friend Jennifer Delliquadri talk all about how estrogen plays a role in why moms are biologically wired to worry about their kids and the profound shift that happens when our estrogen crashes.

Plus, you'll hear how Darlynn spiraled deep into a "I'm not good enough" self-worth crisis and how she used Radical Self Love to get herself out.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Jill and Mary, founders of Girls Mentorship. We’re diving into what teen and tween girls need and what they’re going through at this stage of life. 

You’ll Learn:

Listen in for tools to start helping your teen or tween daughter with her confidenc...

Today, I've invited Jessica Koosed Etting onto the podcast for a conversation about family life, the mental load on moms, and how we can make things a little bit simpler and easier. 

You’ll Learn:

While perfection is impossible, there are ways to be more proactive and organized, so that we feel a little less pressure, stress, and overw...

Over the past 5 weeks, I’ve walked you through the hierarchy of healing and how to go through the phases of healing I call radical self-love, self-trust, honesty, listening, and acceptance. Today, we finish the series with radical action - the part where we DO the things that actually improve our lives and create the lives that we want.

You’ll Learn:

When we set out to create positive change and healing in our lives, those actions must come from a place of love and trust in ourselves. The key is practicing radical acceptance of ourselves and our circumstances. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The faster you can accept the hard things in life as reality, the faster you will be able to get int...

My healing journey began as a 19 year old, wandering drunk and alone on a beach in San Felipe, Mexico. This is the story of my first attempt at healing and what I learned early on.