After our last episode, Educating Your Child in a Pandemic, I got a lot of questions. Today I’ll be answering your questions about returning back to school this year. Show Notes/Links: Link to First Name Basis episode on privilege White Fragility by Robin DeAngelo Hi there and welcome to episode 230. Today, I am doing a back to school question and answer session. After the last episode, educating your child in a pandemic. I got a lot of questions. Today is just going to be a real straight talk, ...
Aug 12, 2020•23 min
Right now, many of us are thinking about back to school decisions. Educating your child in a pandemic is no easy task. Homeschooling? Distancing Learning? In-person school? Even if we are privileged to have a choice, making hard decisions for our families can feel agonizing. You may even lose sleep over it. That’s why I’m sharing the 9 things you need to know about educating your child in a pandemic. The post Educating Your Child in a Pandemic appeared first on Simple Families.
Jul 29, 2020•28 min
The toy industry sells us the story that our children need toys to be happy. In fact, we are sold the story that our kids need lots of new toys to be content. You may have come to believe that more toys=more joy and find yourself spending countless dollars attempting to prove this theory to be true. You aren’t alone, in 2020 the toy industry brought in over $95 million in global sales. These numbers surely bring a lot of happiness to the toy industry. But what about our kids? Let me tell you our...
Jul 22, 2020•25 min
We’ve all picked up on a few habits during this crisis–and some of those habits might not be serving us. Today I’m sharing more about my attempts to moderate caffeine, a habit that I’ve leaned on hard the past few months. I’d love to hear from you. Do you have any habits you are trying to moderate right now? The post Caffeine + Crisis Habits [Quick Wins] appeared first on Simple Families.
Jul 15, 2020•9 min
When we speak to our kids, words do matter. We don’t have to get it right all.the.time, but I like to use the same phrases repeatedly to help drive home important lessons. Therefore, I’m sharing the 10 exact expressions my kids hear on a regular basis. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most impactful. You can either listen along or read–in today’s episode, I’m sharing how I use these and why they are important. The post Simple Things I Say to My Kids appeared first on Simple Families.
Jul 08, 2020•25 min
In our house, we have three primary rules that guide the way we parent our kids. Today, I’m sharing the three rules and how we talk to our young children about them. Here they are: Respect the rights of other people, Protect and care for the environment (both inside the house and out), Take only reasonable risks. It can be really easy to fall into the trap of creating a lot of little rules, often based on annoying behaviors. Don’t throw sand. Don’t touch the exercise bike. You are allowed to cha...
Jul 01, 2020•9 min
Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels cluttered and overwhelming. The post Mental Clutter 101 appeared first on Simple Families.
Jun 23, 2020•17 min
We are wrapping up our first year of homeschooling and I wanted to share my reflections with you. I know that many people are considering homeschooling next year due to the pandemic, but our family is planning to send the kids to school. Tune in to hear the things I loved about homeschool and the parts I struggled with as well. SHOW NOTES/SHOW LINKS All About Reading Math-U-See Exploring Nature with Kids Oak Meadow The post Homeschool Reflections appeared first on Simple Families.
Jun 17, 2020•39 min
Many people around the world are reentering and finding a new “normal” after several months at home. In today’s episode we are talking about what this might look like. This includes communication about your comfort level in socialization, finding the silver-linings, acknowledging the experiences of others, recognizing resilience in your children, and making space for partnership. Show Notes/Links: White Fragility by Robin D’Angelo Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad Jasmine Bradshaw of First Na...
Jun 10, 2020•15 min
Are you wondering how to talk to young kids about race? I’m so pleased to welcome Jasmine Bradshaw to the podcast today to share her insights. Jasmine and her husband Carter are the voices behind the podcast First Name Basis. Her work is a resource that I will return to time and time again. Be sure to subscribe to her show and follow her on Instagram. Show Notes/Links: First Name Basis Podcast Find Jasmine on Instagram Join the First Name Basis Community on Patreon The post Talking to Kids About...
Jun 03, 2020•22 min
Today I’m introducing a new format for summer. I’ll be intermittently sharing some shorter episodes like this one that include a few straightforward tips and tools that you can implement right away. We are going to start in the pantry, one of the spaces that took me the longest to get under control. Screenshot while you are listening to this episode and share your own favorite tips on Instagram, I’d love to hear what is working for you! The post Pantry [Quick Wins] appeared first on Simple Famil...
May 27, 2020•5 min
I love you, I hate you. You always yell at me. You never cook anything I like. Young children tend to think in black and white. Their feelings can be big, bold, and intense. In this episode, we are discussing why this happens in everyday conversations. We will also discuss how we can help our kids to recognize the “in-between”. Show Notes/Links: Simplify Siblings – Confidently guide the sibling relationship (without losing your mind) The post Absolute Thinking appeared first on Simple Families.
May 20, 2020•21 min
Do your kids show a strong preference for one parent or the other? In today’s episode we are discussing why this dynamic exists and some tips for helping to balance things out at home. Show Notes/Links Simplifying Siblings Episode 160: Selfless or Selfish? The post Parental Preference appeared first on Simple Families.
May 13, 2020•24 min
In today’s episode we are chatting about high-functioning anxiety. Many of us experience challenges with fear, worries, and anxiety. I’m sharing more about my experience and some of my favorite tips and resources. Mental Health Resources: Betterhelp Immediate Help COVID-19 Mental Health Resources The post High-Functioning Anxiety appeared first on Simple Families.
May 06, 2020•32 min
Today we are talking about minimalism, money, and developing a spending plan. For years I was a budget-resister. I wanted nothing to do with having a budget for our family. But now I’m singing a different tune. The reality is, developing a solid spending plan for our family has been one of the most intentional things we’ve done in our path towards a simpler life. In this episode I’m also answering a question from an audience member: How much do you play with your kids? The post Spending Plan app...
Apr 29, 2020•27 min
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I am joined by Stephanie Seferian from the Sustainable Minimalists Podcast. We are chatting about realistically moving towards sustainability and raising kids to love our Earth. I’m also answering a question from Kara, she asked: How can I get my kid to take more risks? Part I: Eco-Friendly Families [@ 3:01] Part II: How can I get my kid to take more risks? [@ 41:15] The post Eco-Friendly Families + Getting Kids to Take More Risks appeared first on ...
Apr 22, 2020•55 min
In times like this, it can be hard to explain the News to our children. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Andrea Barbalich, the editor-in-chief of The Week Junior. The Week Junior is a brand new magazine that simplifies the news for kids. Andrea and I are discussing how to bring discussions around the news and current events into our families. The post Kids + The News appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 15, 2020•36 min
In today’s episode we are discussing how to develop a play space that is suitable for children of multiple ages. Do we really need baby toys? Can we find toys that grow with children? How do we balance safety and developmental needs? These are questions we are diving into in this episode. The post Q&A | How can I design a play space for kids of different ages? appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 14, 2020•18 min
Not all reward sticker charts are created equal. In today’s episode, I’m going to explain how to use a reward chart effectively–and I will also explain why we don’t use them very often. How to Use a Reward Chart How to Use a Sticker Chart The post How to Use a Reward Chart appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 08, 2020•26 min
You are enough. You are doing enough. In today’s episode, I’m taking a question that many parents across the world are wondering: Am I providing enough structure/educational stimulation for my child in this time of crisis? The post Q&A | Am I doing enough to supplement my kid’s education right now? appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 07, 2020•13 min
Irritability. Potty accidents. Night wakings. Tantrums (child AND adult). Difficult behaviors can increase during times of stress. In today’s episode we are discussing the implications of stress and uncertainty on child and adult behavior. Because most of us are feeling it at this time, right? Show Notes/Links: Simple Families Foundations The post 5 Tips for Stress Behaviors appeared first on Simple Families.
Apr 01, 2020•17 min
Who could use a little quiet time right now? I see you nodding your head. Yes, me too. In today’s episode we are talking about initiating quiet time with young children. During this period of social distancing, even short periods of quiet time can be life-giving to parents who are all-hands-on-deck 24/7. Thanks for tuning in! The post Q&A | How do you get kids to do quiet time? appeared first on Simple Families.
Mar 31, 2020•17 min
We all know that it’s important to stay home right now–it is our social responsibility. The Weidner family is one of a million reasons this continues to be important. Today I am bringing you their story. Hillary and her husband Jordan are not strangers to social isolation–they were put on a year-long lock down after Beatrice had a liver transplant in the first year of life. We are talking about what it’s like to be parenting an immunocompromised child in the current pandemic. Get in touch with H...
Mar 25, 2020•54 min
If you have bored kids driving you crazy right now, the easy solution might be to shower them with new toys and activities to keep them busy. But sadly, Amazon doesn’t have the answer to all our problems. An onslaught of new stuff will keep kids busy for a short period of time, but the feelings of boredom will emerge whether we like it or not. Today we are chatting about using shopping as a way to feel more in control along with some mindset shifts in how to view boredom. Show Notes/Links Simple...
Mar 24, 2020•17 min
I’m feeling grateful that I have the ability to work from home during this season of life. But having the whole family home right along with me isn’t exactly a “walk in the park”. Today I’m sharing my 7 best tips for staying sane in an extended time period of social distancing. The post 7 Tips for Social Distancing (with Kids) appeared first on Simple Families.
Mar 18, 2020•15 min•Ep. 205
Are you inundated by the news right now? Is there such a thing as too much news? We are raising children in an era of constant exposure to the news–it hits us instantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the current pandemic, it has many of us captivated as we find it hard to look away. Constant exposure to the news can increase anxiety. Is there a way to find a balance between being informed and being inundated? That’s what we are chatting about in today’s episode. The post Q&A | Are you i...
Mar 17, 2020•14 min
Partnership is transformed in parenthood. Today I am joined by Shane Birkel, a podcaster and couples therapist. Shane and I are discussing communication and relationship patterns for partners during the early years of parenthood. Show Links: Shane Birkel – Website Shane’s Podcast – The Couple’s Therapist Couch Relational Life Therapy (Shane’s Method) Gottman Method Emotions Focused Therapy The post Partnership + Parenthood appeared first on Simple Families.
Mar 11, 2020•53 min
I know you are already inundated with the news on COVID-19. But we are going to talk about it a little here today too–I’m taking a question from an audience member wondering how we are handling it in our family. Show Notes/Links Green Kid Crafts Kid’s Podcasts Story Pirates Molly of Denali Rebel Girls Stories Podcast The post Q&A | How are you handling the spread of coronavirus? appeared first on Simple Families.
Mar 10, 2020•13 min
I’m joined by Courtney Carver, author of the brand new book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. In today’s episode, she shares her minimalist wardrobe challenge that has spread throughout the world. I also have my sister-in-law, Kim, joining us for a mini-coaching call with Courtney. Kim is brand new to a capsule wardrobe and Project 333, and Courtney is talking her through the process. Get a copy of the book! Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion...
Mar 04, 2020•44 min•Ep. 201
How do I teach my daughter to value her inner-beauty? How do I teach her that self-worth isn’t sealed into pretty? I will teach her that strangers can’t see the beautiful stuff on the inside. However, out of some bizarre cultural norm she will find that these strangers constantly praise and discuss her external appearance. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the simple words I use with my daughter tell her that she is more than pretty. Show Notes/Links: The Reason I Need You to Stop Calling My Baby ...
Mar 03, 2020•13 min•Ep. 200
