No time is more stressful for moms than the holiday season—more to do, less down time, and so many decadent meals and treats everywhere you turn! How can we stay fit and healthy through the holidays and during other stressful times of life? Is it just an oxymoron? Or is it truly possible? My guest, Kathy Kaehler —bestselling author, lifestyle and fitness expert, and trainer to A-listers like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston—says it is possible. In this episode, Kathy and I share ways to create...
Nov 16, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Play is a crucial part of healthy development for our children, and guess what? It’s an essential part of a healthy YOU, too. Through play, we can better understand our children, their needs, and what we can do to help them through the hard times. We can also strengthen relationships and build connections that last a lifetime. And when we approach life and motherhood more playfully, we not only set the example for our kids; we actually learn, create, relax, and live better, too. In this episode,...
Nov 09, 2015•1 hr 3 min
Childhood mental illness is more common than most parents think. Research shows 15 million children are currently diagnosed with a mental illness, with even more children at risk for developing mental illness later in life. Adolescence increases the risk for mental illness and especially depression, with 11% of teens experiencing a depressive disorder by age 18 ( 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise , pp. 56-7) . With mental illness and depression, suicidal thoughts and intents may arise. As...
Nov 02, 2015•1 hr 2 min
We’ve all been there—pushed to the edge of sanity by parenthood, growing in frustration, and saying things we keep promising ourselves we won’t say again! Why is it so challenging to keep our calm as moms and dads? Today’s guest, Dr. Rosina McAlpine , tells us why and offers valuable, practical insights for how we can change, for how we can keep that promise to be a calmer, less frustrated parent. Dr. McAlpine is the creator of the Win-Win Parenting program, which we’ll share in my “Dr. Christi’...
Oct 26, 2015•1 hr 3 min
Let’s face it: marriage isn’t easy. In fact, research shows the one thing couples who “make it” have in common is this: they know how to resolve conflict. Stress, disagreements, arguments, and even fights are part of every marriage, even “healthy” marriages. The difference is that couples who last also have the skills necessary to not only overcome conflict, but to build the positive side of the relationship and find ways to flourish, together! In honor of my 20th wedding anniversary, which happ...
Oct 19, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Loss of any kind can be painful, overwhelming, and difficult to cope with, but perinatal loss presents unique challenges that can impact a mother’s relationships, how she feels about herself, and her future. In this episode, my guest, psychotherapist, blogger, and speaker, Sharon Martin, LCSW , and I discuss how mothers can cope with, heal, and carry on after perinatal loss. We explore the common emotions and grief symptoms associated with the loss of a baby, and how to help yourself and others ...
Oct 12, 2015•1 hr 3 min
If there’s one thing most moms have experienced at one time or another, it’s burnout. Too much to do, too little sleep, too little self-care. What causes burnout? Is it different than depression? And how can we prevent it? My guest, Dr. Julie Hanks , author of The Burnout Cure , joins me to explore the many ways we moms can take better care of our emotional selves so we can in turn offer better care for those we love. Then, in my “Simple Solutions” segment, Dr. Hanks will share some exciting res...
Oct 05, 2015•1 hr
If there’s one thing that can make or break a relationship, it’s self-esteem. Self-esteem, or how we feel about ourselves, influences how we give and receive love—especially with our children and spouse/partner. But self-esteem isn’t the whole picture. In fact, I propose the pursuit of self-esteem is a myth, that really, it’s all about discovering and embracing self- worth . What is the difference between self-esteem and self-worth? How can we learn to feel self-worth, and how can we use this to...
Sep 28, 2015•1 hr 5 min
Creativity is a huge part of being a mom; from parenting children to home-making, to fulfilling our own dreams. In fact, being a mother is, by definition, a creative pursuit: we literally creators of life and families . How can we nurture our creativity, keep it alive and kicking, and use it to uplift and inspire our children, families, communities, and ourselves? My guest, Rhonna Farrer , has found the way! As a graphic artist and creator of the award-winning mobile device apps, Rhonna Designs ...
Sep 21, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Emotional changes, like “The Baby Blues,” are a big part of pregnancy and postpartum, affecting 4 of every 5 women. 1 in 5 will go on to experience a pregnancy or postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, like postpartum depression. Together, these disorders are considered the most common complication associated with childbirth, yet most new moms never receive adequate education about them. What are “Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders?” Why do they happen? And what can you do to overcome them? In...
Sep 14, 2015•1 hr 17 min
Motherhood is, by nature, a busy time. But it doesn’t have to mean an end to your own dreams and goals. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, using your creativity to beautify your home or community, or share your talents in order to help others and make the world a better place, there is a way to be a fabulous mother AND achieve your dreams. My guest, Elisa All , is an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of 30Second Mobile , whose first company, iParenting, was acquired by Disne...
Sep 08, 2015•59 min
The mothering years can be a vulnerable time—for mental illness, for loss, for distress. What can we do to help those who are struggling, alone, in the dark? In this important episode, my guest, registered nurse and maternal mental health advocate, Carole Sheehan, M.A ., and I, discuss “the dark side of motherhood.” We discuss why motherhood is such a vulnerable time, how stigma plays a role, and what we can do to bring hope and healing to those most in need. For more on this important topic, an...
Aug 31, 2015•1 hr 8 min
The years of 7-12 are commonly known as the “tween” years. They’re no longer little kids but they’re also not quite adolescents; they’re somewhere in between. What challenges do tweens face? And what challenges do we, as parents, face in raising them? Join me and my guest, Holly Budde, creator of the “ Tweenspot ” blog, as we discuss how to connect with tweens and how to keep communication strong—about friends, body image, technology, and self-worth–as they move on to the teen years and beyond. ...
Aug 17, 2015•1 hr
There are all kinds of “quirky” kids out there—from those who struggle socially, to those whose interests fall well outside the norms, to those who have trouble communicating, understanding others, or just plain fitting in. Join me and Dr. Mark Bowers , pediatric psychologist and author of 8 Keys to Raising the Quirky Child , as we discuss how to understand quirky children and explore the ways we, as parents, can nurture, teach, and help our quirky kids grow, mentally, socially, and emotionally....
Aug 10, 2015•1 hr 4 min
Whether you’ve been through it yourself or not, chances are, all mothers will face depression at some point or another—with yourself or someone you love. How can you tell when you’re experiencing depression? And what can you do to overcome? Join me and my guest, Jennifer Peterson, mom, writer, & creator of The Joy Finders blog, as we discuss what depression is like, how it can impact our families, how we can practice self-help, and when to seek professional help. A show you’ll want to listen...
Aug 03, 2015•1 hr 4 min
The body and mind are inextricably linked , and when we fail to take care of one, it directly impacts the other. Specifically, emotions, like grief, heartache, stress, and overwhelm, can become stuck in our muscles, leading to physical and mental health problems. In this episode, we’re talking about how to heal emotions and mental health by caring for our physical bodies, using breathing, exercise, massage, and simple home treatments. My guest, Cori Getchell, Licensed Massage Therapist and forme...
Jul 27, 2015•1 hr 4 min
As parents, one of our main jobs is to raise responsible, independent children, but when they go—to college, to high school, or even to kindergarten—it can break your heart. How can we prepare ourselves, our children, our spouse/partner and our relationships for the time when the kids grow up and leave home? My guest, Laura Morey, is a mom, video blogger, and host of www.simplesolutionsdiva.com , and she’s sharing tips from her “ Heading Off To College Video Series .” Join us as we discuss how y...
Jul 20, 2015•1 hr 2 min
If there’s one thing all moms have in common it’s this: Motherhood is busy! Most of the time, we’re just trying to “keep all the balls in the air,” but could there be a simpler way? In this episode, I’m talking with Robyn Pearce , host of WebTalkRadio’s “ Getting a Grip on Time: Do More with Less ,” and owner of an international time management company. Robyn has some excellent tips on how to simplify the busyness, how to make quality time for yourself and with your kids, and how to help you go ...
Jul 13, 2015•1 hr 4 min
One-third of all kids say they’ve been bullied, 30% admit to being the bully at one point or another, and 15% of high school students say they’ve been cyber-bullied in the past year. Has bullying become an epidemic in our day? If so, how do we raise awareness of bullying, prevent it, and help those who are already stuck in its grips—bullies and victims alike? On today’s important show I’m talking with Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead, creator of The Bucket Filling Play and The Bucket Filling Song , ...
Jul 06, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Do you have a “picky eater?” Do you struggle to help your children eat nutritiously, healthy, or “right”? In this episode of “Motherhood,” we’re talking with Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC/SLP , author of Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating , about how we can foster our children’s healthy eating, make mealtimes more peaceful, and overcome the worries, and especially the guilt we have as moms, about what our children do and don’t do. Picky eater or not, you’ll gain some excellent strategies, ...
Jun 29, 2015•1 hr
In this episode of Motherhood we’re talking about fatherhood—or, more particularly, about the positive impact dads have on our children both now and throughout their life. Based on my blog post, In Praise of Fathers , I’m sharing the research-based ways fathers impact kids for the better, and moms—you are the key! Join me and my special guest, Dr. Daniel Singley, founder of The Center for Men’s Excellence , as we discuss the ways moms can work with dads to raise emotionally healthy, happy, and r...
Jun 22, 2015•1 hr 1 min
Have you ever felt like motherhood is a whirlwind of activities, sleepless nights, showerless days, and you’re wondering when the whirlwind is going to set you back down? I sure have! In this episode, I’m talking with Tamara Passey , author of “ Mothering through the Whirlwind ,” about the strategies, tips, and the mindset we all need to step out of the whirlwinds of motherhood and see our true value as moms. From being a “responsible caregiver,” to constructive self-evaluation, to developing in...
Jun 15, 2015•1 hr 1 min
We all experience challenges in life—from daily frustrations to significant loss and change—and the tough times bring with them tough emotions. Feelings like anger, sadness, grief, and pain can seem overwhelming. It can be a struggle to know what to do with these emotions and how to help our families, and ourselves, cope and heal. In today’s episode, I’m talking with Elizabeth Mary Hancock , founder of The Healthy Family World Summit and a parenting coach who specializes in a unique strategy cal...
Jun 08, 2015•1 hr 1 min
In today’s show, we’re bringing some “old school parenting” principles back—new and improved for modern-day parents. My guest is Dr. Michael Moscolo , author of 8 Keys to Old School Parenting for the Modern Day , and he’s got some fresh ideas on how to revive some of the good old parenting values, principles, and skills—with an updated twist. So, moms (and dads), get ready to get retro, and hopefully learn a little about yourselves, your kids, and your parenting style in the process. Then, be su...
Jun 01, 2015•1 hr 3 min
Let’s face it: motherhood isn’t easy, and it’s not always a joyful experience. How can we learn to pay attention to the joyful moments, to create more joy, and to experience more happiness in motherhood? My first guest, Becky Bagley, is a mom of 6, a crossing guard, a cooking school entrepreneur, and she also happens to be my book editor and dear friend since fifth grade! Becky shares her experiences with overcoming postpartum depression and self-doubt to become a truly joy-filled mother. Then, ...
May 25, 2015•1 hr 2 min
When we talk of education and motherhood, the focus is usually on how to get our kids the best education to help them become the best they can be. But what about our education as mothers? Some education comes on the job, but there are also several things that, as mothers, we can seek to learn, that can help us become our best. Join Dr. Hibbert as she and Birdie Meyer, RN, MS–nurse, childbirth educator, and Past President of Postpartum Support International –discuss the education we need as moms,...
May 18, 2015•1 hr 4 min
