My kids are headed back to school soon, and they will be doing all sorts of assessments to see how they're doing in math and reading and writing. And this got me thinking: I need to do a series of mini-podcast episodes during this back-to-school season for moms to assess how they are doing, not with balancing equations or diagramming sentences (because I have a feeling most of us would fail those assessments 🥴), but to assess something way more important: our own levels of emotional...

My kids are headed back to school soon, and they will be doing all sorts of assessments to see how they're doing in math and reading and writing. And this got me thinking: I need to do a series of mini-podcast episodes during this back-to-school season for moms to assess how they are doing, not with balancing equations or diagramming sentences (because I have a feeling most of us would fail those assessments 🥴), but to assess something way more important: our own levels of emotional...

My kids are headed back to school soon, and they will be doing all sorts of assessments to see how they're doing in math and reading and writing. And this got me thinking: I need to do a series of mini-podcast episodes during this back-to-school season for moms to assess how they are doing, not with balancing equations or diagramming sentences (because I have a feeling most of us would fail those assessments 🥴), but to assess something way more important: our own levels of emotional...

My kids are headed back to school soon, and they will be doing all sorts of assessments to see how they're doing in math and reading and writing. And this got me thinking: I need to do a series of mini-podcast episodes during this back-to-school season for moms to assess how they are doing, not with balancing equations or diagramming sentences (because I have a feeling most of us would fail those assessments 🥴), but to assess something way more important: our own levels of emotional...

The mental load of motherhood is heavy, and I am always on the lookout for ways to lighten it.  Can you relate?  A surprising discovery I’ve made throughout the years is how dramatic a difference knowing and voicing our values can make in lightening our mental load as moms. When we know ourselves well enough to know our core values, we are able to decrease stress and pressure and build up the structure and support that we need.  Knowing our core values is key to avoiding mom burnout!  I...

Values-based budgeting is the key to approaching personal finances without shame and guilt.  Did you even think that was possible?! 🤯 Money is one of those topics that brings up a lot of emotion - usually negative. Guilt, shame, stress, anxiety, frustration… It’s exhausting! We feel guilt and anxiety if we spend. We feel shame if we’re “too stingy.” We feel frustration at ourselves or our situations. Does this sound at all familiar?  I can imagine you nodding in solidarity.  If you’re...

Are you frustrated trying to figure out how to teach your kids to work? If you’re like me, you bounce around between different systems that are “going to work this time” and feel exasperated when they don’t. I don’t want to be a drill sergeant, but I also know it’s important that my kids grow up with a good work ethic! How do I find the right balance!!?? Thankfully, I was able to interview Danielle Porter. Danielle is a mother of six and someone I admire deeply because she's so careful and...

Do you like the idea of having a creative hobby but don't feel like you'd be good at it? I don’t consider myself to be an artistic person, but the truth is, I never even attempt art, so how would I know? We live in a society that is obsessed with productivity and excellence, so we often don’t give ourselves permission to try a new creative hobby just because we want to or because it feels relaxing or fun. Lisa Funk of Hand Lettered Design believes that the benefits of having a creative...

It’s about that time of year when I start to look for home-organizing hacks for the summer.  Are you like me and you feel like clothes are multiplying? 🫨 My kids (and even my husband and I!) are changing clothes multiple times a day between swimming, working, and playing out in the hot sun chasing our dog, Petra. I am definitely feeling like it's time to get some good systems back in place in our home, and honestly, summer is a great time to do some organizing because we have more free time...

Do you love the idea of family adventures but struggle with the actual execution?  Daily life with children is an adventure in and of itself, and sometimes, that's all we can manage. But sometimes, we are in seasons where we want to get out into the world more together. That's why I'm so excited about this special encore episode, so I can share this fantastic interview I did with Chamaine Wollenzein, in case you missed it the first time. She is inspiring!  Oh, and if you're not a hiker or...

Are you struggling to know how to teach your kids about money?  Financial literacy for kids is so critical - we all know that. But it can also be overwhelming! That’s why many parents (myself included!) have questions about (and maybe even some guilt over 🫣) how to teach their kids about money. I have often felt like I'm not doing enough in this area, but I've also felt stuck and wondered where I can get started with it all.  Can you relate? 🙇‍♀️ If so, you're going to love this episode...

Have you ever thought about using the Enneagram in relationships? If you don’t know what the Enneagram is or haven’t used it much in your relationships, you are in for a real treat! It is an incredible tool for improving relationships, and I am so thrilled to share it with you today!  Now, a little backstory: For as long as I can remember, I've been a sucker for personality quizzes and profiling systems - anything that helps me understand myself and others more deeply.  I think this...

A strong parent-child relationship is so important, but it can sometimes be hard to know how to build one.  It’s my honor to share an interview with my Dad, Mike Westover. He has had, without a doubt, the biggest impact on my life, my mothering journey, and how I am trying to build bonds with my kids.  My dad is and always has been a rock in my life, and I've been trying to get him to come on the podcast for many years, but he would insist, "What would an old man like me have to teach all...

Today, I have a special bonus episode for the moms out there who are trying to work from home this summer, like I am. It can get so intense! It often feels like you’re not doing any of it well, especially with the kids home 24/7.  As I was trying to prepare myself to manage this reality these next few months, I reached out to one of my Self-Assured Motherhood students, who is an expert in this topic, and asked her to record her best three takeaways for us. I hope you find them as helpful as...

My relationship with my dad is really special. I know firsthand how intentional fatherhood can impact a child’s life. With Father's Day coming up this week in the United States, I've been thinking a lot about my Dad, so I invited a dad I admire to interview on the podcast.  Now, this podcast is for moms, so why feature an episode about dads? Well, all of us here in this community - whether you’re in the podcast community or you’ve joined my Self-Assured Motherhood program - are working hard...

Hi friends! Today’s episode is a bonus episode! It continues my conversation with Meesha Slade in our main episode this past Monday. Meesha and I talked all about travel tips and tricks for families; however, she had some additional thoughts on family travel that didn't fit into our main episode. They were so awesome, that I had to share them with you in this bonus episode! Happy travels! *** Mentioned in the Episode:  Free Downloadable Copy of My Values Worksheet Join my Self-Assured...

Do you have some fun trips coming up? Are you looking for travel tips for families? Summer is here, which means that millions of moms - literally! - will be taking trips with their families in the next few months. There will be road trips, family reunions, bucket-list trips, and even day trips. This season can be so much fun, but it can also be stressful.  Riiiight? Tell me you feel this, too!  This is why I invited Meesha Slade onto my show to share some travel tips for families. Meesha...

Figuring out how to parent teenagers can be … murky. It can often feel like we’re the bad guy no matter what we do! If you’ve been feeling at a loss for how to parent your teenager, and if you love Star Wars, Harry Potter, or The Hunger Games, you'll love the interview I did with Joey Mascio.  Joey is a life coach who loves stories and helping teens become heroes in their own stories. I love that he also helps parents avoid being the villains! For full show notes, including the three...

Knowing how to make reading fun for our kids can be exasperating! As a kid, I spent hours every day reading in the summer. I'd come home from the library with stacks of books. I was so jazzed when I got my "personal pan pizza" from Pizza Hut after I completed the Summer Reading Program. Do you remember those days? My kids are not quite as easily motivated. With summer coming up, I want to find ways to get them into books, but it will take more than the promise of a pizza to get them to dive...

Are you stressed about how to entertain your kids this summer? The long, hot summer days can be, well, long (womp, womp).  That is why I’m so excited to share my interview with Andi Smiley about her secret for entertaining kids this summer.  And what, might you ask, is Andi’s awesome secret for entertaining your kids this summer? (drumroll…) It’s podcasts for kids! I (obviously!) love podcasts, and if you’re a follower of my show, I’m guessing you do, too. But do your kids know how great they...

Does positive journaling feel disingenuous to you? After all, there are really hard days when you’re a mom. Sitting down at the end of a rough day and writing down something positive can feel dishonest. Hop on to this week's episode and listen as I share an email I received from a listener who struggled with this. Hear how she navigates the balance between authenticity and optimism, and then hear how I’ve tried to do the same.  If you have any thoughts about this balance, I’d love to hear!...

Do you struggle to know how to connect with your teenager? Man, oh, man. The hormones, attitudes, busy schedules, still underdeveloped brains coupled with the overdeveloped longing for independence - sheesh! If you are going through a rocky time with your teenager, you are going to love what I learned from my mentor of almost 15 years, Saren Eyre Loosli.  For full show notes, including the three takeaways, click here. *** Announcements:  Flecks of Gold Journal - Order by May 12th and get...

Do you struggle to stay calm during your big kid’s big meltdowns? You’re not alone! As a parent of spirited, intense children, I have plenty of experience with big meltdowns and "bad" behaviors. It can be especially frustrating when the kid losing it is a big kid! If you can relate, you will love this interview with Cheryl Cardall!  For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.  Related Episodes:  339: The Hidden Reason for Misbehavior (in kids AND parents!) // Wendy Bertagnole 279:...

Parenting anxious kids can be stressful! It's hard to watch our kids struggle. If you have a child who worries a lot, avoids certain social situations, or even shows physical signs of panic when facing their fears, you might start to wonder, "Does my child have diagnosable anxiety? Or is this just part of growing up? And what am I supposed to do to help them?" Sound familiar? I’m raising my hand! This is a personal topic for me because I struggle with anxiety myself, and just in the last few...

Do you or someone you know struggle with infertility? This is a surprise mini-episode as part of a series we do occasionally where I introduce you to other wonderful podcasts that might bless and benefit your life. These shows are all produced by or part of the podcast network that I am a part of, Cloud10 Media. Today's feature is a podcast called Fertility Chick. This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, so it is the perfect time to introduce you to this fantastic resource hosted...