Life gets busy. Sometimes it gets hard to make time for the simple things–like taking your kids for a walk in nature. But the value of the free and simple things should never be underestimated. Today, I’m sharing my favorite strategies for hiking with kids and the immense (yet not-so-obvious) benefits for the whole family. Show Notes/Links: Episode 90, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather with Linda Åkeson McGurk. Tula Toddler Carrier The post SFP 168: Hiking with Kids [How + WHY] appeared first...
Aug 21, 2019•20 min
In today’s episode, we are discussing the 5 Love Languages as they pertain to children. I am joined by Diane Debrover, the Deputy Editor of Parents Magazine where we talk through each of the Love Languages and explore how they show up in children. Spoiler alert: I’ve got my reservations about the Love Language of gifts. Show Notes/Links: Article on Parents.com The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively Parents IRL The post SFP 167: The Love Languages + Children [...
Aug 07, 2019•46 min
Summer is supposed to be relaxing, yet I have found that this summer we’ve had a lot of transition, a lot of change, and my brain has been very busy. Therefore, today’s episode is dedicated to just that: We’re talking about the “Tip of the Iceberg” and brain busyness. The post SFP 166: The Tip of The Iceberg (Brain Busyness) appeared first on Simple Families.
Jul 23, 2019•15 min
Today I’m chatting with Jane Monnier about her journey towards reducing mental and physical clutter. Jane is a longtime member of the Simple Families Community. She’s also is a rocket-scientist-turned-military-wife-and-mother who has lived around the world with her family. I think you will enjoy Jane’s wisdom in this episode! (Full episode transcription below). Show Notes/Links: The Mental Unload Jane’s Website Jane on Facebook Jane on Instagram The post SFP 165: Journey to Simplicity | Jane’s S...
Jul 10, 2019•53 min
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Rich Karlgaard, Publisher of Forbes Magazine, about his new book Late Bloomers. Rich is a self-proclaimed late bloomer. He’s sharing more of his story along with some research that will give fellow parents of late bloomers some piece of mind. Show Notes/Links The Book: Late Bloomers Rich’s Website Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset The post SFP 164: Late Bloomers [with Rich Karlgaard of Forbes Magazine] appeared first on Simple Families.
Jun 26, 2019•46 min
It happens. All kids will use less-than-desirable language as they are growing up. Whether its potty words or outright profanity, we all deal with this as parents. Today I’m reflecting on how we’ve been managing it in our house–including what is working and what is not working. Hi, there it's episode 163. And today we're talking about kids using bad words and not just necessarily profanity, but just undesirable words. The post SFP 163: Reflections on Bad Language + Potty Talk appeared first on S...
Jun 19, 2019•22 min
I recently went through and did a huge book overhaul. I got rid of all the “twaddle” in favor of prioritizing high quality, well-written children’s books. To quote today’s guest Emily Cook, “well-read children will grow into well-read adults”. In this episode, Emily and I talk about reading aloud and choosing great books for our children. Show Notes/Links: (Our new fairytale books) Atlas of Classic Tales/Atlas of Fairy Tales My Father’s Dragon Good Omen Emily’s Website: Build Your Library Emily ...
Jun 12, 2019•39 min
It’s officially book launch week! In today’s episode I am sharing more about the publishing process behind Simple Happy Parenting, along with my goals and hopes for the book and what exactly I am afraid of. The post SFP 161: Behind-The-Scenes appeared first on Simple Families.
Jun 04, 2019•18 min
There is a fine line between selfishness and selflessness in parenthood. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Hunter Clarke-Fields of Mindful Mama Mentor. We talking about martyrdom in motherhood and how trying to be-it-all and do-it-all is not actually the best thing for kids. This is an important message for every parent. SHOW NOTES/SHOW LINKS: Facebook: Hunter Clarke-Fields, Mindful Mama Mentor Instagram: Mindful Mama Mentor Twitter: HClarkeFields Denaye’s Book: Simple Happy Parenting The po...
May 29, 2019•52 min
Slow living with kids…what does that look like? Frankly, the days can feel painfully slow. But sometimes they can be delightful. What gives? Today we are talking about shifting toward a slower lifestyle and what that looks like with family life. Finding a balance between structured and unstructured family time can help us find more happiness in parenthood. Show Notes/Links: Preorder Simple Happy Parenting Claim the Preorder Bonus The post SFP 159: Slow Living with Kids: Painful or Delightful? ap...
May 22, 2019•24 min
I get to be on the other side of the table today! In today’s episode, I am being interviewed by the host of Minimalish, Desirae Endrees. I had the pleasure of being a guest on Minimalish last week and I loved our chat so much that I wanted to re-air this episode for you on Simple Families. In this episode, I’m talking about how Simple Families got started (and about the other blog I had before Simple Families was born). Thanks to Desirae for having me on and letting me share this with you all. S...
May 15, 2019•45 min
In today’s episode I am sharing more about our decision to homeschool. Homeschool was never in the plans for our family, so I will tell you more about our decision to go down this path. I’m also sharing some of the vital pieces in making this process successful for our family. Hint: It doesn’t involve me doing-it-all and being-it-all. Show Notes/Links: Oak Meadow All About Reading Wild + Free The post SFP 157: Our Decision to Homeschool appeared first on Simple Families.
May 08, 2019•19 min
Changing your mindset and finding joy usually doesn’t happen overnight. Baby steps, right? In today’s episode, I am chatting with authors and happiness experts Marc and Angel Chernoff. We’ll explore the small ways we can increase happiness and life a more intentional life. Show Notes/Links: Marc and Angel’s Website: Marc & Angel Hack Life Find them on Instagram + Facebook New Book: 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently First Book: Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoug...
May 01, 2019•42 min
On the podcast today I am reading the first chapter of my new book, Simple Happy Parenting: The Secret of Less for Calmer Parents and Happier Kids. Show Notes/Links: Preorder the book: Simple Happy Parenting Grab your spot in The Masterclass The post SFP 155: Simple Happy Parenting [The First Chapter of My New Book] appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 24, 2019•23 min
Simplifying parenthood may sound like a lofty goal. But in today’s episode, I am chatting with Nicole Smith, a mother who has made huge strides. Nicole is sharing her ‘Journey to Simplicity’ that has happened over the past few months. Nicole is a wife, mother of three children, and a former participant in the Simple Families: The Masterclass. She’s sharing her story about letting go of fear and watching her family flourish in simplicity. Show Notes/Links: Simple Families: The Masterclass Nicole ...
Apr 17, 2019•52 min
In today’s episode, Tsh Oxenreider is sharing more about her “Journey to Simplicity”. Tsh is a wife and mother of three who has been on the path towards a simpler, more intentional life for over a decade. Tsh is an author and the voice behind The Art of Simple and the podcast ‘Simple’. She’s sharing more about her story and reflections on simplicity and parenting as her children have grown. Show Notes/Links: Last Child in The Woods by Richard Louv Video of Adventure Parks Get in touch with Tsh: ...
Apr 10, 2019•50 min
Overparenting is a phenomenon that happens for many parents who have the best of intentions. We want the best for our children and as a result, we want to do everything and be everything for them. This happens because we are fearful of not doing enough. We fear underparenting. This often spills over into discipline. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to dole out rewards and consequences for all the minor and major behavior infractions as children grow. But in today’s episode, I am explaining ...
Mar 27, 2019•16 min
In the age of social media, it’s impossible to avoid “the comparison game”. In this episode, I am chatting with my friend Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement. We are exploring the tendency to compare our family to others and how the comparison game and emotional clutter has impacted us personally. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Erica’s Book: The Minimalist Way: Minimalism Strategies to Declutter Your Life and Make Room for Joy Erica Website: The Life on Purpose Movement Erica on Instagram: The Life...
Mar 20, 2019•42 min
Recent Family Photo (Au Pair Included) Since we brought our first au pair last summer I have received nearly constant questions about the experience. So today, I am sharing my thoughts on all types of childcare arrangements (including daycare, family care, nannies, nanny share, etc.) and how we came to our decision to use an au pair. In this episode, I’ll also speak more about my experience with the au pair program. What questions do you have? Show Notes/Links: Cultural Care Coupon code for free...
Mar 13, 2019•26 min
Last week, we had a primer on the importance of outdoor play with Linda Åkeson McGurk. This week, I am re-airing an important follow up piece on the scientific perspective on this topic. In today’s episode, I speak with Carla Hannaford, world-renowned biologist and outdoor advocate, about her studies on the connection between movement and brain development. If you are brand new to learning about brain development, tune into Episode 92 for a simple, quick overview before diving into this one. The...
Mar 06, 2019•43 min
Today I have one of the top Simple Families episodes! I am re-sharing my chat with Linda Åkeson McGurk about the importance of getting kids outside in all sorts of weather–even in the heart of winter. There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Linda, a Swedish mother, joins us to talk about raising our kids to be more connected with nature. Linda’s book is one of my favorites–and her blog, Rain or Shine Mamma, is a worth-while resource as well. I hope you enjoy this episode! The pos...
Feb 27, 2019•53 min
The journey into motherhood isn’t easy for any woman. But after giving birth here in the U.S., there is societal pressure to return to a “normal life” almost overnight. In other cultures, this transition comes more gently. Women are given more time, more support, and more grace. In today’s episode I am chatting with my friend Lora Amigo. Lora is a Mexican woman raising her children in Chicago–far away from her support network. She shares her story of learning how to mother here in America and th...
Feb 20, 2019•48 min
As a parent raising children in the United States, I realize that I have a lot to learn from other cultures around the world. In today’s episode, I am exploring an international perspective with Indian mother Devishobha Chandramouli. Devishobha is raising her children in India, but is also involved and informed with Western parenting practices. In fact, she has even created an online conference to bring these perspectives together. Devishobha shares more about her experience merging the Eastern ...
Feb 13, 2019•46 min
Why is it that some kids turn into zombies in front of a screen? Then they get angry and act crazy when we turn it off? That’s what we are talking about in today’s episode. I’m going to be skimming the surface on some brain research and share how I use this to manage and understand the screen “zombies” in my own house. (Names in this episode were changed to protect privacy) SHOW NOTES/SHOW LINKS: Beautiful Boy Movie Trailer Beautiful Boy Book Free Solo Movie Trailer Alex Hannold Brain Analysis B...
Feb 06, 2019•28 min
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Amy Lang about sex. She’s sharing her best tips on how to talk to kids about sex, the human body, teaching consent, and the sexualization of childhood. This is a conversation that needs to be on the radar of all parents with young children. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Amy’s Podcast: Just Say This Amy’s Website: Birds+Bees+Kids Birds & Bees Made Easy Online Resource Center: Use coupon code SEXTALK for 50% off your first quarterly payment Amy’s Book Recommendations ...
Jan 30, 2019•47 min
The way that you parent will look very differently from that of your close friends and family members. Today I am answering a listener’s question. We are discussing how to manage these relationships when you have very different expectations for your own children. Show Notes/Links: Cooperation: the Mini-Course (FREE) Overview of Diana Baumrind’s Research on Parenting Styles Denaye’s Simplifying Child Behavior Program Episode 130: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations The post SFP 143: Q&A – ...
Jan 23, 2019•23 min
In today’s episode I am chatting with professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. If you are anything like me, you might struggle with complex organizational systems. Rachel is bringing her best tips to keep it simple and approachable–and maybe make 2019 your most organized year yet. Show Notes/Links: Rachel’s Online Program (use the code NEW YEAR for 10% off) Rachel’s Website Rachel on FB + IG The post SFP 142: Organization for Everyone [with Rachel Rosenthal] appeared first on Simple Families....
Jan 16, 2019•38 min
If you’ve ever wanted to drink less alcohol, then you might want to tune into this episode. I’ve had a lot of questions about my 2019 resolution to give up alcohol–even though I wouldn’t classify myself as a heavy drinker. Today on the podcast I am sharing more about my “why” and some of the recent personal revelations I have had in the process. Show Notes/Links: Episode 128 with Brooke Conley How to Quit Overdrinking Podcast Series by Brooke Castillo This Naked Mind by Annie Grace Drink: The In...
Jan 09, 2019•11 min
In today’s episode I am chatting with Erin Loechner. Erin is an author, blogger, designer, and mother of two. She shares her journey towards simple living along with her best tips for making slower New Year’s Resolutions–including arm circles, waking up before the kids, and finding your own definition of self-care. Show Notes/Links: Find Erin on Instagram Design for Mankind (Erin’s website) Chasing Slow (Erin’s book). Erin Loechner The post SFP 140: Slow Resolutions [with Erin Loechner] appeared...
Jan 02, 2019•42 min
Independent play doesn’t come easily to all children. In today’s episode we are discussing what to expect from independent play as well as how to support our children to do it more often. When it comes to independent play, it’s important that we do three things: gauge our expectations as parents; assess the individual personality types of our children; and set them up for success. Show Notes/Links: Visual Timer Story Starters The post SFP 139: Q&A – How Do I Get My Kid to Play Independently?...
Dec 27, 2018•27 min
