Growing up you were likely told by your parents what to do, how to do things, how to behave, etc. And because of how you were brought up, you bring with you these learned values in parenting your children. And even though you are working toward embracing more relationship-focused, respectful approaches, you likely still have the tendency to control your kids' lives (I know I do!)... But what if you grew up in a house with no rules? In this new podcast episode, I am joined by Dr. Jacob Kashiwagi...
Oct 20, 2020•1 hr 3 min
I know that as you transition from being a couple to becoming new parents is overwhelming . Your SLEEP DEPRIVED, EXHAUSTED, AND ISOLATED. And it's even more challenging when you and your partner have misunderstandings about your roles as parents. In this episode, my guest Stacy Spensley and I will be talking how to be intentional in dividing your parenting roles for you not to feel overwhelmed and isolated. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE TRUE PARTNERS IN PARENTING? Do you believe you and your partner n...
Oct 13, 2020•47 min
You know, a lot of us FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE when big feelings come up. Feelings such as FEAR, ANXIETY, SADNESS, FRUSTRATION, and any other negative emotions can easily make us freak out and panic. They are uncomfortable and trigger unwanted thoughts such as "I can't handle this" or "this is horrible, I need to push it down" linger on our minds which makes us even more anxious. And the more you try to numb your negative feelings, the more it backfires. It's this vicious cycle. Dr. Jen Riday who...
Oct 06, 2020•32 min
You know, just like us parents, our kids have big feelings when they are stressed. Just like us they feel overwhelmed, angry, sad; the full range of human emotions. But unlike us, their brains aren't fully developed and they have less experience regulating those emotions, which leads to big displays of feelings, like tantrums and meltdowns that can leave parents feeling confused and overwhelmed. So, the question is, how can we help our kids learn more about their feelings and how to regulate the...
Sep 29, 2020•36 min
We've all been there. What starts out as a simple disagreement gets away from us. We get angry or triggered, we say things we don't mean. And now we feel misunderstood and disconnected. It's so hard in that moment to know what to do to bridge that gap, to make up, to reconnect. But it is SO IMPORTANT that you do. So in this episode, join me as I share the strategies to repair and reconnect with your partner after you've had a fight. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE TRUE PARTNERS IN PARENTING? Do you stil...
Sep 22, 2020•21 min
When my guest this week on the podcast, Chemay Morales-James, who is a social liberation education activist, became a parent and looked the educational resources available to her family, she didn't see her child in any of the materials. She wanted them to grow up seeing themselves and knowing that their histories, perspectives, and futures matter. Out of this, My Reflection Matters was born. She writes more about why we should really think hard about going back to schooling as usual, when we can...
Sep 15, 2020•39 min
In this episode, join me as I sit down with Dr. Lynyetta Willis, a psychologist, and a family coach. We will talk about how you can bring harmony and joy to your family, parenting, and relationships. Ultimately, preventing yourself from falling into a pit of stable misery. To get a copy of the Release Stable Misery Roadmap workbook, download it here: www.healingstablemisery.com Follow her on her website and social media accounts: Website: www.drlwillis.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drlwillis ...
Sep 08, 2020•38 min
Back to school is ALWAYS hard on kids and parents. The transitions, change, new expectations, all make this time taxing on little one's growing brains and bodies. And you can expect this to be even more intense this year. I'm hearing from parents from all over the world, in all different learning settings, that this time is really challenging. I'm here to help! In this "Back to School" Edition of the podcast we will explore WHY after school meltdowns happen and HOW to help our kiddos (and oursel...
Sep 04, 2020•28 min
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shimi Kang, who is an award-winning, Harvard-trained doctor, and author of the book The Tech Solution . With the changes brought by the pandemic, we revert to the use of technology to fill in our daily normal routine. This mindless use of technology can lead to health consequences. So, Dr. Kang will share with us how technology affects the brain and the ways on how to manage our children’s tech consumption. You can find all of her website and social media her...
Sep 01, 2020•39 min
The pandemic had brought so many changes in society. It affected the way we live and how we socially interact with others. For kids in the 3-5 age range who are still developing social skills, this situation is quite discouraging for them, leading them to act out. In this episode, I will help you understand why your children in this age range are struggling with social isolation and the tips on how you can help them. For show notes and more episodes check out www.laurafroyen.com/podcast...
Aug 25, 2020•18 min
Parenting is one of the topics that couples disagree and argue about most frequently. And because we don't always use the best conflict tactics this topic can become highly charged and we can create an environment of criticism, blame, and defensiveness. But as we discussed in Episode 17, differences in parenting style are inevitable. So the key here is that rather than trying to make sure we never disagree, we need to change the WAY we handle those disagreements. And that's what we cover in this...
Aug 18, 2020•29 min
In this episode, I welcome you my new guest Alison Coombs, a personal trainer and a Pelvic Health Specialist. We discuss about how to stay balanced when you feel grounded. You'll also learn the importance of having a community that supports you. And understand that we don’t have to get to that rock bottom in order for us to realize that our health matters. You can find links to all of Alison’s social media accounts, websites, and upcoming workshops in the shownotes HERE !...
Aug 11, 2020•34 min
Did you know that marital satisfaction plummets after you have your first child and it doesn't start to recover after that child is 3 years old? In this bonus episode, I share 10 lessons from 10 years of marriage. Enjoy and let me know if you have questions!
Aug 05, 2020•25 min
In this episode, I sit down with Mariela Ortiz, a wellness coach for moms and their kids. We discuss the process of moving from being reactive to being responsive as a parent, what to do when you’re triggered, and some more tips on how to respond from your deeper goals and intentions for your child and for your relationship with them. Want to find the resources mentioned in this episode? Check out the shownotes for all the links and resources we discussed! CLICK HERE!...
Aug 04, 2020•29 min
Have you ever had an argument with your other half in front of your kids? Are small conflicts disturbing the peace between you and your partner? Come and join me in this episode as I discuss three tips for parenting conflict. I am also sharing my free Partners in Parenting workbook which you can download here: GET THE PARTNERS IN PARENTING WORKBOOK HERE! For shownotes and more episodes checkout www.laurafroyen.com/podcast...
Jul 28, 2020•27 min
In this episode, I talk about the 5 common problem-solving mistakes parents make when confronting their kids about an unsolved problem and I also discuss 5 tips to make your problem-solving conversations more effective with your kids. If you want more support in learning how to solve problems collaboratively I’m holding a workshop soon! You can get all the details by emailing me here: laura@laurafroyen.com For shownotes and more episodes checkout www.laurafroyen.com/podcast...
Jul 21, 2020•41 min
In this episode I walk you through the process of setting limits with compassion and respect. Its a simple process but not always easy to implement and so I give you some examples and pointers as well. If you want more support in learning how to bring this type of parenting to life in your family, please join me in my new course: Respectful Parenting 101. Learn more here! For shownotes and more episodes checkout www.laurafroyen.com/podcast...
Jul 14, 2020•39 min
In this episode I sat down with my amazing husband Dan to answer YOUR burning questions about getting on the same page as parents. We discussed everything from how he realized that he couldn't just parent from instinct anymore, his favorite ways to learn about parenting (Surprise! It's not from me!), how we navigate parenting mistakes and disagreements, and how he opened up to the idea of seeking out support and therapy. We cover a lot of ground, come listen in! Don't forget to sign up for this ...
Jul 07, 2020•31 min
In this episode I sit down with my colleague and kindred spirit Marlene Spence, parent educator and child behavior strategist. We discuss how to figure out what a child's behavior is communicating to you and then how to support them in meeting your expectations. We also discuss what positive reinforcement REALLY means, and how to use it in a way that doesn't undermine your respectful parenting goals. At the end I invite you to join my upcoming free training, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! You can find ...
Jun 30, 2020•41 min
In this episode I sit down with my colleague Michael Arterberry who works with teens helping them make sense of their lived experiences and find their purpose. He shares his wisdom gained from his own healing experience, his experience as a father of two teens, and years of working with teens from all backgrounds. Specifically you will find tips for how to maintain connection with your child through the teen years and how to find balance between letting them have autonomy and keeping them safe. ...
Jun 23, 2020•42 min
We hear ALL THE TIME that you can't pour from an empty cup, right?? And it's true, you must put your own oxygen mask on first and meeting your own needs for rest, grace, empathy will allow you to show up in your relationships with your partners and children with more presence, authenticity, and joy. But sometimes it feels like there is just never enough of YOU to go around. I'm here to help with that! Go here for the shownotes and to download this week's Balanced Bite so you can start living mor...
Jun 16, 2020•29 min
In this episode of The Balanced Parent Jen Lumanlan of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast joins me to walk us through some of the things to consider as we make decisions about how to educate our children in the midst of the uncertainty caused by this global health crisis. We explore what school might look like in the fall, how to let your child lead their learning, and how to stay balanced if your child does end of learning at home with you in the fall. Links to Jen's course The Confident Homeschoo...
Jun 09, 2020•39 min
In this episode I sit down with Tilda Timmers, author of the honest and helpful book: This is Postpartum . After overcoming intense Postpartum Depression herself Tilda was inspired to go back to school, become a therapist specializing in the transition to motherhood and is here to share her wisdom on how thrive in your postpartum period anytime, but especially during a pandemic. She shares specific tools and practices AND has something to say to partners and those who care for and about parents ...
Jun 02, 2020•40 min
In this episode I welcome my first guest, Anna Seewald of the Authentic Parenting Podcast. Listen in as we discuss how to manage stress and return to balance when you are overwhelmed. While we do discuss a bit about the specific circumstances of the pandemic and being at home with our families, we ALL know that overwhelm is nothing new for parents, right? So this episode has so many golden nuggets and take action tips! Looking for the next step? Want to find the resources mentioned in this episo...
May 26, 2020•54 min
In this episode I share how my family approaches screen time in a way that sets children up to have a healthy, balanced relationship with screen media and technology. Plus I give tips for how to work together as a family to set technology intentions and goals, how to bring an abundance mindset vs scarcity to screen time, and how to help your kids stop asking for more screentime constantly. Enjoy and let me know if you have questions!
May 22, 2020•28 min
In this episode we discuss the origin of our triggers, as both parents and partners: How they come to be, what they mean about us and out inner world and narrative, why they so often emerge in our most significant relationships, and how we can respond consciously to the child in front of us by healing the hurting child within us. I give you FIVE strategies that you can start putting into practice right now, this very minute, so that you can finally feel more grounded and centered in your relatio...
May 19, 2020•30 min
In this episode we explore the power that acceptance can bring to our lives. You may have heard the famous saying by Carl Jung: "What we resist, persists." but what does that mean for parents in our every day lives, or what about during times that are legitimately hard? In this episode you will learn what acceptance is, what it is NOT, and how to apply it to the pieces of your life where you are stuck in "should" and are suffering as a result. Make sure you check out the shownotes for this week'...
May 12, 2020•30 min
In this episode I share with you how to avoid losing your patience with your kids. I give you FIVE of my best strategies that all parents looking to be more respectful, conscious and connected in their parenting are going to want to start putting in to practice today. In fact, these practices aren't just applicable to parenting, they apply to all relationships where you are seeking to respond rather than react! Shownotes Join my new course Respectful Parenting 101 here: www.laurafroyen.com/cours...
May 05, 2020•20 min
In this episode of The Balanced Parent we discuss the science behind why it is so much harder to manage your triggers when you are experiencing stressful circumstances, like a global pandemic (thanks Coronavirus...), and I give you tools and tips for how to stay calm and parent from a place of compassion. Get your copy of the Yelling Recovery Workbook here: http://www.laurafroyen.com/yellingworkbook Download a free Self-Compassion for Imperfect Families Meditation here: https://www.laurafroyen.c...
May 03, 2020•37 min
In this episode, which was recorded live, you'll learn how to set two kinds of boundaries that are crucial to maintaining healthy, authentic relationships with the adults in your lives. Whether you have a narcissistic father, a mother-in-law that blows past every boundary you've ever set, or a friends or family that affect you in a negative way, you can set boundaries, with them and with yourself, that help you navigate these relationships with compassion and respect for everyone involved. I wou...
May 03, 2020•44 min
