Help Them Bloom

If your sweet, easygoing child is suddenly rolling their eyes, pushing boundaries, or questioning everything… you are NOT alone.Kirsten Cobabe — former therapist, parent coach, and the internet’s beloved Teen Whisperer — joins Help The Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to unpack one of the biggest developmental shifts your child will ever go through: the transition from childhood into the tween and teen years.Evelyn also opens up about her own 10‑year‑old entering this new territory — and the fears, unknowns, and “against the system” pressures so many modern parents face.Kirsten drops truth bombs about:- Why your tween suddenly sees you differently- What’s really happening in their brain (hint: it’s not “just hormones”)- Individuation — why pushing back is healthy- How to stay connected even when the attitude shows up- Why authenticity matters more than perfection- How parents can support teens in a world obsessed with performance, grades, and achievement- The identity crisis that begins as early as 9–10 years old- How to preserve the most important thing of all: your relationshipFollow Kirsten on Instagram: @kirstencobabe https://www.instagram.com/kirstencobabe/?hl=enLearn about Parenting Wave: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwave/?hl=enhttps://www.parentingwave.com/Subscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What does it take to raise confident, emotionally secure daughters in today’s world?Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to discuss the complexities of raising daughters in today's society. With constant social media, peer pressure, early skincare routines, and a world that’s moving way too fast, raising girls today feels like navigating a minefield.They explore the emotional toll of modern girlhood (and motherhood), why girls are growing up faster—and what we can do about it, creating a home where your child always feels safe to open up. They get personal sharing stories about about insecurity, fitting in, and letting go  – as well as revealing how generational trauma and silence show up in parenting.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction1:01 - Raising Girls in Today's World10:01 - Childhood vs. Now20:01 - Parental Fears and Overcoming Them30:01 - The Importance of Open Communication40:01 - Coping with Rejection and Building Resilience50:01 - Body Image and Self-Confidence1:00:01 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

In this introspective solo episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendel shares a deeply personal story about taking an unexpected solo trip to Tel Aviv to visit her brother. With two kids, a full-time job, and the ever-present demands of daily life, Evelyn opens up about the internal and external resistance she faced simply for choosing herself—even just for a week.She unpacks the guilt many parents, especially mothers, carry around the idea of stepping away, and she challenges the myth of “martyrdom” in parenting—that being a “good” parent means being constantly available and self-sacrificing. Evelyn explores the origins of this belief and invites listeners to reflect on the damaging narrative that we must reach the point of burnout before taking care of ourselves.Using the metaphor of running on an empty gas tank, she offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to hit zero before you refuel. This episode is a call to action for all caregivers to give themselves permission to pause—not out of necessity, but out of self-respect and love.STAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What if what you’re really missing in motherhood isn’t more advice — but true connection? Marika Frumes is the founder of Mysha, an intentional community built for modern mothers. What started as a small WhatsApp group during her pregnancy — born out of a need for honest, vulnerable conversation — has grown into a thriving network of women supporting one another through every season of motherhood. Marika and Evelyn discuss identity shifts, imposter syndrome, and the quiet loneliness that can come when your closest friends aren’t in the same life chapter. Marika opens up about the personal journey that led to Mysha’s creation, how she transformed isolation into community, and why meaningful connection doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with intention.Learn more about Mysha: https://myshapods.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Birth of a Community 02:45 Creating Connection Through Intentionality 06:07 Navigating Motherhood Together 09:11 The Power of Vulnerability 12:02 Asking for Help: A Common Struggle 14:57 Mothering Ourselves 18:01 Building a Supportive Network 20:55 The Importance of Community for MothersStay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What happens when you realize the way you were parented is now affecting how you parent? Licensed therapist and author Whitney Goodman, LMFT (@sitwithwhit) joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandel to explore the challenges adult children face when navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of boundary violations, the patterns that persist across generations, and how becoming a parent can resurface unresolved childhood wounds. Whitney shares powerful insights from her clinical practice, offering guidance on reclaiming personal power, setting and adjusting boundaries, and working toward repair—even in the most complicated family dynamics. Learn more about Whitney's work: linktr.ee/CallinghomeCHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Estrangement05:01 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries 10:10 Recognizing Boundary Violations 21:33 Maintaining Healthy Relationships with ChildrenSTAY CONNECTED:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can couples sustain intimacy and connection after becoming parents while also fostering healthy, open conversations about sexuality with their children?Dr. Lisa Paz (@drlisapaz) returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to explore the complexities of maintaining a romantic partnership amid the demands of parenthood. They explore the emotional and mental load that often falls on women, the importance of intentionality in scheduling intimacy, and the critical role of communication in sustaining a fulfilling relationship.Beyond partnership dynamics, the discussion shifts to the crucial topic of guiding children’s sexual development. Dr. Paz and Evelyn emphasize the need for ongoing, open conversations about anatomy, consent, and healthy sexuality—equipping parents with the tools to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for these discussions.Learn more about Dr. Lisa Paz: https://www.drlisapaz.com/Explore her courses & training: https://www.drlisapaz.com/courses/CHAPTERS:00:00 Navigating the Transition from Parent to Partner06:02 Creating a Headspace for Intimacy12:02 Reconnecting as Partners After Kids18:43 Prioritizing Connection in Relationships28:50 Establishing Open Communication About Anatomy and ConsentSTAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How do you navigate the intersection of motherhood, career, and self-care while maintaining a strong sense of identity?Zoe Rapoport, a licensed psychologist and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, joins Evelyn Mendal to explore the multifaceted challenges women face in balancing motherhood, career, and self-care while remaining true to their authentic selves. Zoe offers profound insights into the complexities of assertiveness, the pressures of societal expectations, and the journey of rediscovering identity, particularly after becoming a mother. They discuss the art of setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing self-care without guilt, and modeling healthy behaviors for children in an age shaped by the influence of social media.RESOURCES: Rapoport Psychological Services: https://www.rapoportpsychological.com/Zoe Rapoport Consulting: https://zoerapoportconsulting.com/ Follow Zoe:  @zoerapoport1360  @zoerapoportconsulting https://www.instagram.com/zoerapoportconsultingCHAPTERS:00:00 Empowering Women: A Journey into Leadership06:07 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Self-Discovery13:45 Modeling Healthy Boundaries for Kids18:38 Navigating Social Media and Self-Worth STAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can high-achieving women balance control with connection, joy, and self-care in motherhood? Priya Rednam-Waldo, a mother of 4, licensed therapist, CEO and coach, joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to share her expertise in guiding women through this transformative life stage of motherhood. Priya delves into the unique challenges high-achieving women face, from the pressure to excel in parenting to managing cultural expectations and anxiety. She highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, embracing individual parenting styles, and fostering a supportive community. Learn more about Priya’s work: https://priyarednamwaldo.com/Follow along @priyarednamwaldo https://www.instagram.com/priyarednamwaldo/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Parenthood 00:58 Priya's Journey: From Military to Maternal Mental Health 04:35 The Control Dilemma in Parenthood 09:11 Cultural Pressures and Achievement in Parenting 13:20 Creating Meaningful Moments with Children 18:30 Understanding and Managing Parental Anxiety 22:54 Balancing Mental Load and Family Time 27:00 Embracing Individual Parenting Styles 30:41 Finding Community and Support in Parenting 34:12 Rediscovering Joy in ParenthoodSTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can high-conflict co-parents protect their child’s well-being?Divorce coach and best-selling author Michelle Dempsey-Multack joins Help Them Bloom to share insights on co-parenting through conflict. With host Evelyn Mendal, she explores how it’s not divorce itself, but how parents handle it, that impacts kids most. From emotional regulation to putting the child’s needs first, Michelle offers practical tools for staying grounded, managing conflict, and fostering resilience in children throughout the divorce journey.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Divorce Coaching and Co-Parenting06:04 Emotional Impact of Divorce on Co-Parenting11:58 The Role of Ego in Co-Parenting Dynamics18:03 Supporting Children Through Divorce23:52 The Importance of Validating Children's Feelings30:03 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-ParentingSTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Can becoming a parent spark an identity crisis?Marriage and family therapist Jael Toledo, MS MFT, joins Help Them Bloom host Evelyn Mendal to explore how parenthood can reshape identity and relationships. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the impact of childhood trauma, and the emotional weight of differing parenting styles. Jael shares tools for replacing judgment with curiosity, fostering connection through communication, and navigating the chaos of family life with self-regulation, intentionality, and partnership.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Identity Formation05:59 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects12:07 Communication and Expectations in Couples18:04 Stages of Parenting and Their Effects23:01 Navigating Transitions in Parenting29:19 The Dynamics of Different Parenting Styles39:42 Self-Regulation and Communication in RelationshipsSTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal! This season dives even deeper into the challenges, joys, and nuances of modern parenting. From navigating children’s mental health and managing co-parenting dynamics to tackling tough conversations like talking to your kids about sex, Evelyn shares science-based strategies that prioritize connection and empathy. Whether you’re dealing with sibling rivalry, supporting a child labeled as “defiant,” or exploring the mental health impacts of your parenting choices, this podcast is your safe space to embrace the realness of raising kids. Join Evelyn for a season full of compassionate advice and actionable tools to help both you and your child thrive in today’s world.

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of perfectionism in parenting and its impact on children. Join us as we explore with psychologist Eva Benmeleh on how the pressure to be the "perfect" parent can shape our behaviors, expectations, and, ultimately, our kids’ development. We learn how to deal with kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Eva shares insights, personal stories, and discusses practical strategies for fostering a healthier mindset.

This episode is for US parents, as people. Most of us, especially mothers, are functioning at less than optimal levels of wellness and energy,..and most of us don’t even know this about ourselves. We’ve almost succumbed to the fact that health and wellness is a luxury, or that we should come last. As a result, Chloe Harrouche,  health strategist and the Founder and CEO of The Lanby, has created a space and system that makes sure we understand and respond to our individual health needs. In this episode we talk about why we neglect our health needs, and where to even start when taking charge of our own health and wellness.  As a special treat, Chloe has offered our listeners a discount on Just The Labs—a comprehensive one-time assessment with 98 biomarkers, paired with a 45-minute consultation to provide tailored health insights.  For $50 off, use code HATCHBLOOM.

For the final episode of the season, I am honored to chat with Lina Acosta Sandaal, MA, LMFT, a respected development expert, author, and founder of Stop Parenting Alone. She has just transitioned to interim Head of School at KLA Academy. We discuss everything from “how to choose the right school for your kid” to what we think about gentle parenting and other trends out there. We get into some of the most important life skills we strive for our kids to develop, and how to preserve our relationships in the process. Let’s dive in! https://www.klaacademy.org/

Sometimes it almost feels like we can describe our lives and identities as the pre-kids version of us versus the post-kids version of us. One of the areas, of many, that tend to become impacted by having kids is intimacy with our partners and security within our own bodies/identities. All of this can feel hopeless at times, or even like a big loss for women. Additionally, a mother’s everlasting mental load can be a blocker of intimacy and connection. Dr. Lisa Paz, marriage and family therapist, talks us through the challenges that women face both immediately postpartum and even years after having kids. She also provides us with practical suggestions for feeling more secure in our bodies, reconnecting with our partners, and finding intimacy once again—even if it is in a new way. Let's dive in! Disclaimer: Sexual Content--appropriate for adults only.

On this episode, Fia Aliotta , certified mindfulness coach, explains why mindfulness can be such a beneficial tool and approach in life—and how we can start introducing this to our kids at a young age. We also talk about the importance of self-compassion, especially for those kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Self-compassion is a part of developing a growth mindset. We also cover what co-regulation and co-dysregulation looks like, as well as what we can do to help shift the emotional energy of our child (and within ourselves). Lots of good stuff in this one so let’s dive in!Fia Aliotta  www.kindfullywithfia.com IG  @kindfullywithfia

Mom rage. What is it? How do we get there? How to cope in these really tough moments!? We are so lucky to have Dr. Tanya Cotler, Clinical Psychologist, author and speaker who specializes in reproductive mental health, infant mental health and parent-child attachment on this episode. We also cover tough parenting topics like shame, separation anxiety, parent triggers, boundary-setting, and more. We talk, in depth, about Dr. Cotler’s repair map, a guide she uses with parents to access both self-compassion and compassion for your children on your path to reconnect and preserve your relationship. There is so much wisdom in this episode—Let’s dive in!

Okay parents- TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT SEX can surely give some us the heeby jeebies! Let’s take all the advice we can get on the matter- and the first being that these anatomy/consent/touch conversations should happen much sooner than most people think. In this episode I chat with Dr. Lisa Paz, who holds a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology and is a Board Certified Sex Therapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also a mom of 3 boys. She guides us so nicely on the how-to’s in what can feel like such a tricky area for many. We also touch on intimacy after kids, but will have an entire other episode dedicated to this in the near future! Dr. Paz has an online course on talking to kids about sex. Lisa Abbie Paz, LMFT, PhD www.DrLisaPaz.com Let’s dive in. 

Featuring Natalie Goldstein of Rise Child Development, in this episode we talk about the importance of understanding just how much our sensory systems, and the way they dictate our bodies and brains, really matters. Sensory processing matters in the way make sense of children’s behaviors. It also matters in the way we can help our children regulate (or even dysregulate). Every child (and parent) has their own sensory profile/preferences and it can make the world of a difference to explore it. I find this topic fascinating and also critical—I hope every parent listens! Let’s dive in!

While we don’t have full control over our children’s development, there are influences we have on the way our children develop. In this episode, SLP, Vanessa Stocki chats with me about how to create an enriching environment to support speech and language development in your child. She gives up practical daily strategies that we can practice at home with our little ones. Vanessa gives us her opinion on screen time for littles (you may be surprised by it!) and at the end we talk about when to look for extra support (red flags). Let’s dive in.