Parenting can be such a drag where you constantly repeat yourself. You may even feel like everyday is Groundhog's Day. But what happens when you take a step back and realize it doesn't have to be so draggy and serious? This week I talk to Jalishia about the importance of taking it easy and not making everything in parenting so heavy all the time. Humor and fun are important; your kids are only kids once. References Jalishia's Teacher Instagram:...

Money and budgeting can be so daunting sometimes. There's so many different ways you can make money work for you but where does one even begin? That's where my guest, Sami Womack, comes in. On this week's episode, we talk about how her family looks at money differently, getting out of debt, and how taking control of your finances can lead to more time with family because time truly is precious. More About Sami Sami Womack is the brains behind A Sunny Side Up Life. She’s a budgeting coach,...

Raising children is challenging. Raising black boys is on a whole other level. This week I had a very insightful yet funny conversation with Karina F. Daves (Life Coach for Moms, Boundaries Expert, host of "One Day At a Time" podcast) all about the joys and challenges of raising boys with old souls.  References: Karina's Website: www.karinafdaves.com Karina's Instagram:...

On this episode of Weird Mom, I talk with my guest Ilana Beigel all about the feels that come with parenthood. From feeling what our children feel to making sure they feel comfortable doing their own thing to our own feelings.  References: Ilana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilanabeigel/ Ilana's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlanaMayBeigeI Ilana's Website:...

Long time no...listen? On this the first episode of Weird Mom's fourth season, I just chat it up. No format. No gimmicks. Just me, catching up with you. It's been awhile so why not? References: Morbid: https://www.morbidpodcast.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weird Mom Website: https://weirdmompodcast.com/  Weird Mom Instagram:...

On this edition of Heart Hero Story, my friend Jasmine returns to the show to talk about her experience with her son having a CHD. When she found out in utero that DeMarcus would be born with CHD, the happy pregnancy she thought she'd have soon turned sad. Despite those dark times and two surgeries later, DeMarcus continues to beat the odds and not let CHD keep him down. Jasmine's Blog: https://www.demarcusbsean.com/ Jasmine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demarcusbsean/ Donate to...

TRIGGER WARNING: This story does talk about loss of a child. On part two of this month's "Heart Hero Story" series I talk to Chanel who is the mother of a Heart Angel, Lilliana. Initially, Chanel's daughter was diagnosed prenatally with some heart defects as well as Heterotaxy Syndrome. After being born 5 weeks early, it was later discovered that Lilliana had more heart defects than what was told to Chanel prior to giving birth. But thanks to Chanel's constant research and relentless...

We're celebrating Heart Month all February long here on Weird Mom by talking to parents of heart heroes and talking about their experiences having a child effected by CHD (congenital heart defect). This week, I take the time to share the story of my own heart hero: Wade. A chance visit to the Children's Hospital emergency room sparked a whirlwind for me as a fresh new momma. Can you believe all of this took place in one month, one month I already had off from work for maternity leave? God is...

It's the season 3 finale of Weird Mom! Can you believe it?! On this short and sweet episode, I talk about how 2020 had the potential to be a horrible year for me but it turned out to be a great year of growth in different areas in my life. The Lord be knowin'. Thanks for rocking with me during this first year and be on the look out for more Weird Mom fun in...

How much screen time does your child get each day? This is a question seen often in the mom groups around the interwebs. While the amount of time is up for debate, it doesn't have to all be letting your child sit like a zombie in front of the screen. On this episode I talk with Deborah Copperud and Katie Curler who host a podcast called "It's My Screen Time Too" where they watch children's programming and rate it on "watchability" for grown-ups. While quantity of screen time does come up in...

I'll say it once and I'll say it again: kids are growing humans. Being a kid does not last forever and yet, we often times get caught up in parenting and forget that it's just a stage and not the end result of our children's lives. Furthermore, kids are not our humans to own but our humans to take care of nurture. They go at their own pace because they are individuals that are separate from us. This was a huge part of my conversation with Karena Skibinski (host of "What About the Mama?"...

Marriage, amirite? Just like parenthood, there are SO many things people just don't talk about when it comes to having a successful, long-lasting one. Arguably, people might even say less about marriage because it is really such a puzzle to find what works for you and your partner. On this week's episode, I invited my husband Robert back to talk about how the heck two elder teens (since we got married at eighteen and nineteen-years old) made it to year ten. If we're being honest, we don't...

One thing about parenting that's probably widely known but still hits a little hard is when your child does something you would do. When they share your favorite movie or sport, then it's all fine and dandy but when they start hitting things when they're mad or being super stubborn, it kind of reminds you of someone, huh? This week I talk with April Noelle Grant who is a mother of 4 children and hosts The Other Side of 40 podcast. In our conversation I learn how her daughter is the most...

If one child is a lot, imagine having more than one? While it is such a joy, sometimes you gotta check yourself before you wreck yourself. And sometimes "checking yourself" means looking within yourself to see how you can work smarter not harder. On this week's episode, I talk to Keneia Simmons who is a mom of 4 children, each of which are in vastly different stages of development. In our conversation we touch on parenting 4 different personalities, doing things a little different from when...

A lot of times, people will say that parenting gets easier over time. Once you get out of the baby stage, the toddler stage, when they graduate. The truth is, parenting doesn't get easier; it just gets different. With each new stage, yes some things get easier but those things only make way for new challenges. On this week's episode, I talk to AJ (who hosts her own true crime podcast, by the way) all about the different things that come along as children grow older. And not just how our...

If you're like me, you've uttered the title of this episode many times in your life. Math is just one of those subjects you either really love or you really hate. On this week's episode, I talk with Allison Dillard who happens to be on the "really love" side of the spectrum. As a college math professor and mother to 3 children of her own who have to do math, she really knows a thing or two about this subject and how to make it suck a little less for both students and parents of...

Y'all already knew I was gonna have to talk about this virtual learning stuff. It is not my favorite thing to do but it's still so fascinating. I think because I keep saying to myself "Wow, I can't believe I gotta be somebody's teacher. Is this the Twilight Zone?" Anyways, have fun listening to this half vent/half informational episode about how virtual learning is going over here.  Weird Mom Website: https://weirdmompodcast.com/  Weird Mom Instagram:...

Cue the bullhorns because this is the season 3 premiere of Weird Mom! On this week's episode, I talk with my friend Jasmine Richardson about how parenthood has helped her get on the trail of finding her purpose. With her open honesty about mental health before and after becoming a parent on her blog and social media platforms, even though you might not have known Jasmine before this episode, you can just tell the progress she's made thus far. We love to see it! Jasmine's blog:...

***BONUS EPISODE*** Nothing makes you grow up faster than having to grow up. At least, that's what it seems like your supposed to do once you hit 18 but that's not always the case. On today's episode of Weird Adult I talk with Dustin Holden about learning what friend means, not waiting for the mysterious "big moment" and screaming every time I say "Adulthood" on this episode.  Listen to Dustin's podcast, Dustin Can Read, on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud,...

Becoming a parent comes with a lot of expectations for both you and your child. What happens when your expectations aren't met? What happens when they are? On this season finale episode, I sit down (virtually) with Darren Fink to talk about to talk about expectations, using play in everyday life, and how we should start using the sun to tell time again.  Darren's Information Transfiguring Adoption website: www.transfiguringadoption.com Transfiguring Adoption Instagram:...

One thing no one told me before having a child? Planning a child's birthday is crazier than it looks. I've been to some well-organized kid birthday parties before having to throw one for my own kid and you moms make it look so easy. Y'all, it is a lot of work and a whole production. On today's solo episode (obviously inspired by recent events) I talk about my experiences throwing Wade's birthday parties over the years and some things I've learned so far.  References in the episode: Where I...

On this solo episode, I get all college class-like and review Liz Matheis's article on Psychology Today about how we should probably reconsider trying to control our kids. The title itself had me nervous, y'all but as I read through it, she was bringing up some valid points.  References: Liz's Article: https://bit.ly/2YEVM6c  The Friend Zone Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-friend-zone/id1031936205 Weird Mom Website: https://weirdmompodcast.com/  Weird Mom Instagram:...

Did you know that children are whole human beings? There is so much that goes into their mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, etc. development. It's almost like an ongoing science project. On this week's episode, I talk with Baranda Fermin all about how crazy it is that we see a whole human start from scratch and grow into a person that tells us we are going the wrong way to get to Target.  DISCLAIMER: Because of all the happenings, we had to record via Zoom and, as you may...

Self-Care, what art thou? It means so many different things to so many different people. Did you know it does not have to be a massage or getting your hair done? It could be as simple as singing to yourself in the car. On this week's solo episode, I talk about what self-care means to me and what it means for how I raise my own child. References in the episode: This is L. Dre Playlist: https://spoti.fi/3afnM4O Chillhop Radio Playlist: https://spoti.fi/2DWsHLO Lo-Fi Sleep Playlist:...

Being a mom does not have to be the end all be all of your life. You are a person too, ya know; not just someone's mother. Today on Weird Mom, I talk to Jessica Hessels all about finding identity and purpose outside of motherhood. We also chat briefly about the joys of vacuuming. ;) Jessica's Website: https://www.jessicahessels.com/ Jessica's Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/909346 Jessica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeshessels/ Jessica's Facebook:...