What if you are too overwhelmed to deal with your overwhelm? I hear this a lot. This week we are launching a new round of The Mental Unload–my signature 7-day program that focuses on decreasing mental clutter. Even if you think you don’t have the time for this, I’m going to explain all the details today. Show Notes/Links The Mental Unload Far from the Tree by Andrew Solomon The post Q&A | Is The Mental Unload™ right for me? appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 25, 2020•14 min
The truth is, parenthood rarely turns out how we expect. Today, I’m happy to introduce you to my friend Jen. I met Jen over twelve years ago–long before my motherhood journey began. She’s the mother of a son with special needs and twin daughters. Jen’s love and tenacity have always inspired me. I’m thankful she is sharing an intimate look into her parenthood journey with us today. Show Notes/Links: Get in touch with Jen by emailing me: denaye@simplefamilies.com The post A Special Story appeared ...
Feb 19, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 198
We often feel a great responsibility to keep our kids occupied and happy. That can be a heavy burden to carry. In today’s episode, we are talking about understanding this need and setting boundaries to benefit the whole family. Show Notes/Links: Visual Timer on Amazon Visual Timer App The post Q&A | How do you occupy a young child? appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 18, 2020•17 min
What if your kid says “yuck” at the dinner table. Cooking a meal for your family is hard work and when your kids express distaste, it can really get under your skin. The truth is that most kids think in black and white: they either love a food or they hate it. Not only do they think in black and white, but they also speak in simplistic terms as well. Today we are talking about letting go of the need to constantly instruct and correct our kids, and instead, giving our kids new (more socially-appr...
Feb 11, 2020•15 min
What is executive functioning? As parents, it is important to understand that executive function is one of many components that is in-development in the early years of life. As our children grow, they slowly develop the ability to make plans, organize their ideas, follow directions, and manage time. This process can feel slow and arduous. However, it’s important to know that executive functioning is still developing throughout the teenage years and into the early 20s. Today on the podcast I am j...
Feb 05, 2020•49 min
Do my kids fight? YES. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite tools and thoughts around sibling relationships. I’ll be honest, this is one of my biggest challenges in parenthood. But with time, I’ve been able to develop empathy that gives me the ability to stay calm in times of crisis with my kids–and that has made a huge difference. How do you handle sibling conflicts? The post Q&A | How do you handle sibling fights? appeared first on Simple Families.
Feb 04, 2020•21 min
I am wrapping up a treat-free month with my kids. Back in December, the cookies, candy, and treats got more than a little out of hand. This month has been a learning process for my kids, but more importantly for me. I’ve been able to let go of some of my longtime beliefs about the role that sugar needs to play in childhood. Have you ever tried to go treat-free with your kids? Show Notes/Links Babies Eat Real Food Workshop Clara Davis Study The post Reflections on a Treat-Free Month appeared firs...
Jan 29, 2020•24 min•Ep. 192
Anyone parenting with a busy schedule will tell you that the quality of food you are feeding yourself may be lacking. It can take time, thought, and effort to feed ourselves well. On the podcast today, I’m chatting with my wellness guru, Megan Lyons. We are chatting about mindful eating, managing cravings, embracing hunger, meal prep, intermittent fasting, and much more. Show Notes/Links: Find Megan on Instagram The Lyon’s Share Wellness Website Mel Robbins 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Adaptogens Organic India...
Jan 23, 2020•47 min•Ep. 191
Do you have a kid who struggles to take “no” for an answer? That’s the question we are covering today. The truth is, somtimes we need to firm up our “no” when talking to our kids–I’m giving you a few examples of what this sounds like. I’m also giving you an example of how I use my job description. “As your Mom, it’s my job to help keep your brain and body healthy. To do that, I have to be sure you eat good food and get plenty of movement” Time Stamps: 1:01 Something Simple I’m Loving: Coop Eden ...
Jan 21, 2020•13 min
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a journey to simplicity. Marie, a Simple Families community member is giving us a closer look inside her day-to-day life. She’s been working towards simplicity for over a year and has found that a simpler life improves her well-being and the overall harmony of her family. Marie and I discuss her adventure in decluttering the physical “stuff” in the home, as well as scaling back on the calendar to find more peace and quiet in the way they spend their time together....
Jan 15, 2020•51 min
Should we insist that our kids apologize or say “I’m sorry”? I actually don’t. However, both my kids have come to apologize and express authentic empathy in their early years (without my demanding it). They have learned to do so naturally through their environment. When it comes to teaching manners and empathy, we can cue our kids to use certain expressions. But often it’s not about teaching. It’s about exposing them to things like manners and empathy in their influential relationships with adul...
Jan 14, 2020•14 min
In three years of podcasting, I’ve never shared my own views on sleep. This is not an accident. The reality is that I’m afraid to approach this divisive topic. I do have a lot of opinions on the topic, but today–I’m sharing the 7 most important things I’ve learned about sleep and parenthood in my own life. Time Stamp: 1:01 // Episode disclaimer 1:53 // Episode sponsor: Native 2:50 // Simplify Food + Family Live Workshop 4:10 // Listener spotlight with Renee 5:40 // Let’s talk sleep 7 Tips on Imp...
Jan 08, 2020•28 min•Ep. 187
How do you get your kids to sleep in later? That’s the question for the day. Although there is no magic bullet, I have a few tips to help you move in the right direction. Including some strategies around using an “Okay to wake clock”. I’m also sharing something simple that I’m loving this week. Time Stamps 1:27 Introducing live workshops this month: Simplify Food + Family 2:30 ‘Something Simple’ I’m loving this week: Hoopla 4:57 Question for the week 5:30 Message from the sponsor: ButcherBox 6:3...
Jan 07, 2020•17 min
Happy New Year! Today we are talking about the Simple Families “word for the year”: Community. Building a community in parenthood can feel like “one more thing” we have to do. But it’s invaluable to you and your family as you grow, change, and face the rollercoaster of life with kids. In this episode, I’m joined by my friends Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising Simple, and Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less. We are sharing more about our own experience...
Jan 02, 2020•41 min
Back in January, I joined the sober curious movement as I gave up alcohol for the year as a New Year’s Resolution. It was an amazing year and I learned so much about myself. Today I’m sharing my month-by-month experience and Brooke Conley joins me for moral support. Show Notes/Links: SFP 128: Living Coffee ’til Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] SFP 141: Q&A – Can you tell us more about your 2019 resolution? Recommended book to give up drinking: Annie Grace’s The Naked Mind Reach Brooke Conley o...
Dec 18, 2019•59 min
Stepping into new spaces can make anyone uncomfortable. For many of us, developing a relationship with an individual with special needs might be new territory. In today’s episode, we have Mama/Author/Advocate Heather Avis sharing her ideas about raising kids with kindness and moving towards inclusion. “When we walk into the world with our children we know we are different. What we want is for people to embrace us, not turn away from us.” Heather Avis Learn more about Heather Find Heather on Inst...
Dec 11, 2019•44 min•Ep. 183
Are you wondering how to talk to your kids about Santa? That’s what we are chatting about today. Actually, I’m introducing something brand new today! Starting in 2020, I’ll be adding a second weekly episode to the Simple Families Podcast. In addition to the regular weekly episode, I’ll be adding a shorter form episode. Today, I’m sharing an example of how exactly this will look. The new episode will be in two main parts: We’ll start the episode off with a Q&A segment where I answer a questio...
Dec 10, 2019•17 min•Ep. 182
In today’s episode, I’m bringing you a Journey to Simplicity. I’m chatting with Dr. Gillian Goddard, a physician living outside of New York City with her husband and four kids. Although Gillian’s life may feel anything but simple, she and her family have made strides towards finding the balance and rhythm that works for their family. Show Notes/Links: 2019: Holiday Guide (NEW) 2019: These Are a Few of MY Favorite Things (NEW) Simple Families Toy Gift List 2018 Simple Families Toy Gift List 2017 ...
Dec 04, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 181
Ready for a mindset shift around gifts this holiday season? In today’s episode, we are discussing how to gift with intention. This includes shifting the conversation around gift-giving with your kids and choosing gifts that will keep-on-giving. I’m also sharing the 10 items on the Simple Families 2019 Holiday Gift Guide. Show Notes/Links Shifting the conversation about gifts Buying more intentionally this holiday season The problem with experience gifts Front-loaded vs. back-loaded gifts My Holi...
Nov 20, 2019•36 min•Ep. 180
If you are striving to simplify the holidays this year, take a listen to my chat with three of my favorite minimalist mamas, Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising Simple, and Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less. Between the four of us, we have 12 kids under age 14. But we carved time out to grab a virtual coffee (or tea) as we talked about simplifying all things holiday prep: decorations, traditions, gifts, the calendar, and holiday cards. You can listen ...
Nov 13, 2019•57 min•Ep. 179
Some days I feel like every mother I know is ridden with stress and overwhelm. This type of parenthood seems to be slowly becoming the norm. In today’s episode (episode 178) we are talking about what happens when your cup overflows. When your cup overflows the contents spill out and splash on the people who are nearest and dearest to you. What’s splashing out of your cup? Happiness? Gratitude? Stress? Overwhelm? What sort of helping hand do you need to get your emotional well-being on a path to ...
Nov 06, 2019•15 min•Ep. 178
I really don’t know much about art, but I’m learning. One thing I know for sure is that art is important, for kids and adults alike. Today I’m chatting with author Meri Cherry about art + kids. The tagline on her book “Creative Activities and Projects that Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Connection” got me thinking. Giving our children opportunities for art isn’t just about encouraging a future career as an artist. Instead, art instills foundational elements such as confidence, creativity, a...
Oct 30, 2019•53 min•Ep. 177
In honor of my birthday week, I’m bringing you a casual conversation with my husband David. It’s his first appearance on the podcast and we are talking all things love, marriage, and parenting. The post SFP 176: Conversation With My Husband appeared first on Simple Families.
Oct 23, 2019•51 min•Ep. 176
Parenting an early bloomer comes with its own set of challenges. Those of us who have precocious children know this well. Today, we are discussing the ins and outs of early blooming from a child development perspective. And I’m sharing more about my personal experience parenting an early bloomer and being an early bloomer myself. The post SFP 175: Early Bloomers appeared first on Simple Families.
Oct 16, 2019•23 min•Ep. 175
Right now, I’m tired. We just returned from a two-week international trip with our family. Today I’m sharing all the details: the plans, the obstacles, dealing with jet lag, letting go of expectations, and why we keep doing it. Show Notes/Links: Packing videos on Instagram Saccharomyces Boulardii (to prevent travel’s diarrhea) The post SFP 174: Ambitious Travel with Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
Oct 09, 2019•27 min•Ep. 174
When it comes to kids, buying more sustainably can feel intimidating. If you are unsure of where to start or how to prioritize, we are chatting more about this today. Our guest is Brendan Synnott, the CEO of Pact, and he’s bringing us insight on the sustainable fashion industry, organic cotton, and what he’s doing with his own family. *This episode is not sponsored by Pact and does not contain affiliate links* SHOW LINKS: Pact [use coupon SIMPLE to get 40% off your first order The post SFP 173: ...
Oct 01, 2019•46 min•Ep. 173
Life with young children is always evolving. The way we spend our time changes too. Finding the right balance that works for each of us is incredibly important. The way I spend my time is going to look very different from the way that you spend yours. In today’s episode, I am sharing what a typical day looks like in our house–right now. It could change next week, next month, or next year. Life is dynamic, and that’s what keeps it interesting! The post SFP 172: A Day in Denaye’s Life appeared fir...
Sep 25, 2019•18 min•Ep. 172
Have you started talking to your kids about money? Money can be a taboo topic, even within families. In today’s episode I’m chatting with Liz Frazier Peck author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance (and They’re Never Too Young). SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance (and They’re Never Too Young). How to Talk to Kids about the Birds and Bees Liz’s Website Liz on Twitter The post SFP 171: How to Talk to Kids a...
Sep 18, 2019•40 min
Is there such a thing as overly-responsive parenting? I believe so. Early in parenthood I found myself being a mindreader. It is important to be in tune with our kids’ needs, but we also need to give them the opportunity to step up and advocate for themselves. The post SFP 170: Overly-Responsive Parenting? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sep 11, 2019•19 min
Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today’s episode we are talking about why children don’t need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys is not only unnecessary but could be harmful. We are talking about all that and more. The post SFP 169: Too Many Toys? appeared first on Simple Families.
Sep 04, 2019•20 min
