I recently posted this quote on Instagram about discipline and many of you responded with questions on how to effectively discipline so children develop cooperation, problem solving, compassion, respect and other important life skills. There is not one right way to discipline that works for every child in every situation, but on this episode I share with you tips that will help you pick a response that fits each unique situation. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to listen to...

What an intense year this has been! For most of us, this pandemic has been very scary and rough, and for all of us, life as we know it has changed. So here we are, finding ourselves in a holiday season like no other - without being able to spend it with our friends and extended family and worrying about our children and how this will impact them. But just because we are going through a pandemic, and just because things are not as they usually are, doesn't mean the holidays are ruined. This...

Like most of you, I've had a life of very good moments but also some very hard moments. And over time, through life experiences and lots and lots of reading and studying I've come to integrate 3 core beliefs that have shifted the way I live my life. These beliefs have helped me become a more patient parent, let go of what I cannot control, and live a more fulfilling life. These beliefs have impacted my life in such a positive way that today I want to share these beliefs with you because...

Breastfeeding is great for our babies, but it can be tricky sometimes when mom is retuning to work. Jada Glover, a Certified Lactation Counselor shares with us very useful and practical tips on how breastfeeding moms can make a smooth and successful transition from home back to work.  On this episode Mama Instincts and Certified Lactation Consultant Jada talk about: How to trouble shoot breastfeeding issues - most issues can be worked through so don’t give up hope! Tips for a smooth...

You have the power to break some unhealthy patterns and establish more realistic expectations for your children. Helping our children feel heard, loved and understood makes discipline easier, creates a base for managing emotions, builds a strong connection, establishes trust so our children come to us for help. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: The importance of raising emotionally intelligent children Why is emotional intelligence the root of successful parenting Tips for...

On this episode I share with you 3 daily practices to shift your mindset, lower your stress and anxiety and help you find happiness and peace in your current life situation. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How happiness is not some big thing that happens to us, but it is found in the every day little things. How we can control our attitude and our happiness. 3 daily mindfulness practices that help us: start our day with a better mindset recognize and chose happiness feel more...

On this special episode I'm interviewing child psychologist and head of school at the Seneca Academy, Dr. Michelle Parker, on how to support our children mentally, emotionally, academically and socially during the pandemic. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to share information about the pandemic with your children without overwhelming them Age appropriate tips How to follow your children's lead Modeling social-emotional skills How to identify and reduce our children's...

On this podcast episode I talk about how to approach this pandemic, how we can deal with the changes and uncertainty. But most importantly, I ask you what are you going to make this mean? And share with you some ideas of how we can turn this experience into something positive in the end.  On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: Coping with the uncertainty of the future How to stay present and live in the moment How to respond to feelings of fear What does this pandemic mean for our...

On this podcast episode I interview Angela Pruess, licensed family therapist with a background in Child Psychology, Child Development and Play Therapy, founder of Parents with Confidence and parent of three children, two with special needs. On this episode we talk about: Why it's important to raise emotionally healthy children How to raise emotionally healthy children: where to start what are the important things to focus ways to help your child understand their emotions Why it's...

In today's world, it can be easy to find judgement about your parenting but not always that easy to find support.  On this podcast episode I talk to you about: Motherhood and sisterhood Supporting other women Mommy Wars How we can help other parents learn by our example Listening to your heart and being a source of love After listening to this episode you will hopefully be thinking about how you can lift up the mothers around you and inspire them instead of passing judgement. For full...

There are times when kids feel as if they have no control over anything and then there are times when there are so many options that it's completely overwhelming to them. Both situations can lead to meltdowns or frustration. But this simple trick will help your child feel like they have some control in their life while also maintaining boundaries. Give your child the option to choose. Broccoli or peas? Painting or play dough? Quiet time or book time? Puzzles or Legos?  On this podcast...

Traveling as a family is something that I truly love but I know flying with kids can be very stressful for many parents. Have you put off travel plans because you were too nervous to fly with your child? Do you find flying with your child extra stressful? There can be challenges when traveling with children but there are many ways you can be prepared for these challenges, making the entire process easier for not only your children but also for you.  On this podcast episode I talk to you...

Imagine a life where you never got a say. How would that make you feel and how would you even learn to make good choices? This what being a kid feels like sometimes. That's why I want to share with you a simple activity we call "Kid Time". By practicing this activity children feel like they have some control over their lives, learn to make good choices and discover new things they love. Check it out to find out if this is the right approach for your family too!  On this podcast episode I...

Many of us live our lives on autopilot, without even realizing it. The problem with living on autopilot is that we end up repeating our parents’ old patterns and life just happens to us. If you’ve ever wondered how you can start changing your life for the better and how you change the way you parent, this is episode is for you. On this podcast episode I talk to you about: The role of your subconscious mind in life and parenting How to notice the negative chatter (and stop it) A powerful...

On today's podcast episode we're going to talk about how powerful our beliefs are when it comes to shaping our lives and how you can use this power to shape your child's internal voice.   *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagram visit Mama Instincts join our free private Facebook group

In honor of my 4 year old's birthday, I'm sharing with you the story of how she came into the world. Yes, you read the title right. She ended up being born in our home, when our original plan was to have her at a hospital. And on this episode I tell you all about it and what we did afterwards. This is the story of my unplanned home birth.   *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get...

The Mama Instincts Podcast is back after the summer break! Taking a break is always good, because it gives you a refreshed new look on life. On this podcast episode I share with you a few surprising realizations I had this summer that are helping me become an even more loving and peaceful parent. This episode will inspire you! And it sets the tone for our future episodes so I hope you enjoy it.   *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of...

As moms we tend to put ourselves last, especially when we have young kids. Sometimes even the thought of making time for ourselves can sound stressful because time is one of the things we all could use more of. But in order to be a peaceful, patient and loving parent you need to feel this way inside first. How can we accomplish this easily? By practicing self-care! Self-care doesn't need to be hard, elaborate nor take a lot of time. And the easiest way to practice self-care and to recharge...

How do you get your child to cooperate? And is it possible to get your child to cooperate in a happy manner and without tears? Yes! Teaching cooperation in children is not only an important lifeskill they need to develop but it's essential to have a happy home life. On this podcast episode I am going to show you how to get your child to cooperate using positive parenting strategies. In other words, you will learn how to get your child to cooperate without having to raise your voice, demand...

Do you ever go to bed thinking tomorrow you're going to rock at this parenting thing only to wake up feeling exhausted and like there's nothing left of you to give? Or maybe you started off your day feeling great but as the hours went by exhaustion started creeping in and you find yourself being less patient with your kids... If you're a parent of little ones this is probably something you struggle with regularly or at least, a few times a month. Sleep depravation is real, especially when...

Tantrums can be quite challenging on their own but when they happen in public, that adds a whole another layer to this challenge. You might be out and about with a tight schedule and little time to handle a tantrum or you might have strangers giving you judging looks and making hard to deal with your child's tantrum. Regardless of where the tantrum is taking in place, the best thing we can do is to come up with a way to handle these tantrums in a way peaceful yet effective way. So, how do...

  There are so many decisions you have to make when you have children, from what to feed them to how to discipline them. Parenting is a wonderful journey with many ups and downs but things can get rough when those around you aren't supportive of your parenting style.  So, how do we deal with friends and family when they are not supportive about how we choose to parent our children? That is exactly what we will cover on this episode. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to be...

Meditation is not something you can only do alone, in a quiet room, with the right incense and when everything has aligned for you. Meditation means to look within, to be aware of yourself, to quiet down your mind and be in stillness, live in the true present moment...and we can accomplish this while being with our kids. Meditation can happen while you're on-the-go, while you're cooking or cleaning, running, going out for a walk or playing at home with your kids. And learning how to quiet...

Self-development is not a luxury, it is not selfish. Working on yourself not only improves your own quality of life but makes you a better parent because you become aware of things you were doing on auto-pilot, like yelling when your kids are not listening. It's when we work on ourselves and recognize what we're thinking and feeling that we can stop unwanted reactions and parenting ways. Self-Development is how we change and become better parents. Can you afford not to work yourself? On...