In this week’s episode of Oh Crap Parenting, I’m sharing my top three tips for a peaceful holiday season with kids. From keeping your little ones well-fed before the big meal to avoiding power struggles over holiday food, I’ve got you covered. I talk about the magic of leaving gatherings on a high note (instead of waiting until they’re melting down), and the power of a quiet, whispered reprimand to prevent embarrassing your child in front of others. Holidays can be chaotic, but with a few...

In this episode of Oh Crap Parenting, I’m breaking down what’s really going wrong with “gentle parenting” and why so many parents feel like it doesn’t work. The idea behind gentle parenting was never about giving in or being permissive—it’s about being responsive without letting every big feeling run the show. I talk about co-regulation, validating emotions without making them rule the household, and why kids still need clear boundaries to grow. If you feel like “gentle parenting doesn’t...

In this episode, we tackle a phrase we all know too well: "Use your words!" But here’s the thing—our kids don’t always have the words, especially when they’re melting down. I talk about why expecting kids to verbalize their feelings during a tantrum can set us all up for frustration, and how we can better understand what’s really going on beneath their behavior. We’ll break down how unmet needs and connection gaps are often at the root, and why finding ways to stay calm and regulated is key....

In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between boundaries and rules, showing how each plays a unique role in guiding your child's behavior and emotional growth. Rules provide clear instructions—like screen time limits or mealtime guidelines—while boundaries create the framework where kids can explore and understand limits with some autonomy. I’ll share how consistent boundary-setting helps kids navigate and test their environment, supporting their social-emotional development....

In this episode, I dive into the incredibly important concept of giving our kids the gift of failure. Inspired by Jessica Lahey’s book, The Gift of Failure, I explore how allowing our kids to fail, take risks, and have unstructured time builds resilience and independence—something they desperately need in today’s overscheduled world. We talk about autonomy, supporting emotional growth by acknowledging their frustration without jumping in to fix things, and why stepping back and letting them...

I have more to say about the importance of family meals and how to make them work for your family, this week. It's all about aligning your values, finding a routine that fits your life, and most importantly, creating connection after a long day apart. Whether it's shifting dinner times, understanding your child's needs, or redefining what family meals mean to you, it's time to rethink how we approach this daily ritual. Tune in to explore how small changes can foster deeper connection and...

Digital Canner I’m breaking down how to simplify family mealtime without sacrificing nutrition or sanity. We’re talking about the importance of looking at your kids' nutrition over the span of several days rather than stressing about every single meal. I’m sharing my go-to tips for meal prepping, like using rotisserie chicken to whip up easy and healthy meals (because who has time for elaborate dinners every night?). We’ll also cover how to handle picky eaters without turning mealtime into a...

Today, I tackle one of the biggest challenges we face: balancing work and home life, especially when working from home. I dive into the friction points that can trip up our daily routines—like those chaotic mornings or stressful mealtimes—and how to design a family life that works for you, not against you. By identifying these "hot spots" and making small adjustments (like prepping meals ahead of time or finding the right workspace), we can create smoother, less stressful days for everyone....

This week, I’m joined by Sarah Kleiner, a Quantum Health Coach and expert in circadian and quantum biology, to dive into how our bodies' natural rhythms affect everything from sleep to energy levels and overall health. We talk about optimizing circadian rhythms, balancing hormones through small lifestyle shifts, and why seasonal eating can make such a difference. Sarah breaks down the impact of blue light on sleep and offers practical tips for managing light exposure to support melatonin...

Today, I tackle a topic that’s been causing quite a stir in many households: After-School Restraint Collapse. You know, that moment when your little one comes home from school and just melts down after holding it all together all day? It’s a real thing, and it’s hitting kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders hard. In this episode, I share why it happens and how you can help your kids transition smoothly from the structured school environment to the calm of home. From allowing...

In Episode 195 of the Oh Crap Parenting Podcast, I address what might be the most important topic we’ve covered to date: the impact of parental exhaustion and the crucial need for connection with our kids. Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more behavioral issues—meltdowns, out-of-control behavior, even potty training setbacks—and I believe it all boils down to a lack of connection and the frantic pace of our lives. In this episode, I talk about how slowing down, reducing outside activities,...

In this episode, I dive deep into the ways our phones and constant digital distractions are leading us straight to burnout, affecting not just our own mental health but our parenting too. Inspired by a recent Mel Robbins podcast, I explore how excessive screen time floods our brains with dopamine, making it harder for us—and our kids—to tolerate boredom and truly connect. I share my own struggles with phone addiction, how I’ve set boundaries, and why it’s crucial to disconnect to reset our...

In today's episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Chantel Zimmerman, founder of a forest school in New Jersey and a passionate advocate for nature-based learning. We delve into Chantel's philosophy of prioritizing the parenting process over the outcome, emphasizing the importance of being present and mindful throughout the journey. Chantel shares her insights on aligning family activities with core values, fostering meaningful connections, and the joy that comes from intentional,...

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the recent passing of my mom and the profound journey of grief that follows. Losing a parent is a transformative experience, and I candidly share the layers of grief, the emotional rollercoaster, and the societal discomfort around death that I’ve encountered. Reflecting on my mom’s complex medical history and our moments together during her final days, I discuss the importance of preparing for the inevitable and finding peace in the process....

I’m diving into Inside Out 2 to unpack how the film mirrors the teenage experience. We’ll explore the role of sarcasm, the depiction of belief systems and anxiety, and how these elements resonate with real-life adolescent emotions. I’ll share insights on managing emotional volatility, the importance of building a strong connection with your teen before they hit their teenage years, and tips for handling communication breakdowns. Join me for a deep dive into what the film gets right and where...

Hey you guys! Today, I sit down with the incredible Anna Sneed, known as "the period lady" for her expertise in menstrual cycle education. Anna is a dedicated empowerment and life coach who passionately believes in the importance of body literacy and understanding menstrual cycles as the "red thread" that connects us all. Together, we dive into the phases of the menstrual cycle, how they impact mood and daily activities, and the power of tracking these fluctuations to improve communication...

Hey friends! I'm seeing a lot of people online talk about "slow summers" and "creating summer memories" with their kids and I wanted to share my perspective on this topic. We're talking about the magic of creating memorable and restful summers for our kids, even when work commitments keep us busy. We'll explore the benefits of traditional camps and summer programs that build connections, improve behavior, and reduce stress for both parents and children. I'll share how simple activities like...

In this episode, I sit down with Jeanne-Marie Paynel, founder of Your Parenting Mentor and host of the Art of Parenting podcast, to dive deep into what Montessori education truly entails. Jeanne-Marie, a master of education and an experienced Montessori consultant, explains the core principles of Montessori, focusing on child-driven learning, freedom of choice, and the importance of a prepared environment. We discuss how these elements foster independence and emotional development in...

Hey, hey! Today, I dive into the dynamics of relationships and how they form a "love umbrella" that shields the entire family. I talk about how power imbalances in marriages impact co-parenting and family unity. We explore the significance of addressing postpartum depression, the influence of parental behavior on children's emotional development, and the critical need for regular communication and alignment on parenting philosophies. I share insights on creating a secure and loving...

Today we're talking about the art of apologizing, especially with our kids. Apologies aren't just about saying "sorry" – they’re about making amends and truly repairing relationships. I'll talk about the key components of a genuine apology, like taking responsibility, expressing real remorse, and listening to the other person's perspective. We'll discuss why overpromising in apologies can be harmful and how to avoid defensive reactions. I’ll also share tips on effective communication and...

Hey you guys! Today, we're talking core memories, popularized by the Pixar movie Inside Out, and discuss how this idea, while engaging, is not based in science. I caution against the societal pressure parents may feel to create these "perfect" memories, emphasizing that true core memories are formed from the emotional connections behind everyday moments. Forget about orchestrating extravagant events; the best memories come from simple, meaningful interactions like cooking together or playing...

In this episode, I dive into the complex world of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a subtype of autism spectrum disorder characterized by extreme avoidance of social demands and anxiety-driven meltdowns. We'll explore the nuances of PDA, how it manifests in children, and why it often goes unrecognized in traditional autism screenings. I’ll share effective strategies to manage PDA and similar behaviors, emphasizing the importance of tailored support and understanding. By implementing...

Hey, hey, you guys! I dive into the importance of seeing the world through our children's eyes. We start by discussing the magical perspective children have on nature walks, where every creek and puddle is an adventure. Then, I share a personal story about how my son's fascination with trains led us to hours of joy at the train station, highlighting the value of child-led exploration. We also touch on complex family dynamics, such as relationships with estranged grandparents, and how our...

Today's a short one from the archives! We're diving into the tricky world of timed warnings for kids. Ever told your little one, "We're leaving in 30 minutes," only to be met with resistance or outright dismissal? You're not alone! In this episode, I break down why these warnings can backfire and how to use them effectively. We'll talk about setting realistic expectations, using timers, and giving kids concrete activities to mark the end of playtime. Tune in to learn how to keep your...