The Heartful Parent Podcast

What do the teens of 2025 really need to grow and thrive? How is being a teen NOW different from "back in the day"? In this heartful and eye-opening episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with education leader and founder of Many Roads, Will Kirsop, for a thought-provoking conversation all about teens and tweens.  Will shares why traditional academics often fall short in teaching essential life skills like empathy, active listening, and resilience—and how these very skills are key to helping our kids navigate an increasingly complex world. From the pressures of social media to the uncertainty of AI and job markets, today's teens are facing challenges that most of us never had to. Will and I also dig into the importance of self-compassion as a foundation for resilience and growth. He offers tangible strategies for parents who want to support their teens with intention and purpose. Even if your kiddos are not *quite* teens yet, there are nuggets of wisdom for all parents in this episode. Listen and share! Reach out for support too, whether it's support for your teen or support for yourself--you are not meant to do this alone! Resources: manyroads.co Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

In this inspiring episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I have the pleasure of  welcoming  the incredible Jeanne Wolz—entrepreneur, career alignment coach, and founder of Sirens Rising.  Jeanne joins the podcast to share her personal journey from educator to purpose-driven business owner, and how she now helps women and non-binary folks align their careers with their deepest callings.  Jeanne and I dig into what it really means to listen to your calling, move through the fear that comes with it, and take small but powerful steps toward creating a life—and career—that feels meaningful. This conversation goes beyond just personal growth; it's also about how we, as parents, can model courage and action for our kids. Jeanne helps us explore how embracing our own callings and standing up for what we believe in helps raise children who are empowered to do the same.  This episode is a gentle reminder to all of us that taking action isn't just brave—it's a vital part of who we are. By taking one small step at a time, and empowering our kids to do the same, we really can make a difference.  Resources: sirensrising.co Playing Big with Tara Mohr Raising Antiracist Children by Britt Hawthorne Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Motherhood is often shaped by the beliefs and expectations we've inherited—but what if we could rewrite the script?  In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Gertrude Lyons, an author, Life Coach and creator of Rewrite the Mother Code LLC. Together, we're exploring how personal growth, emotional responsibility, and self-awareness can transform the way we parent—not just our children, but also ourselves.  Dr. Lyons challenges the traditional 'mother code' and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to mother, extending beyond biological parenting to include all the ways we nurture and care in our lives. If you've ever felt the need to break free from outdated parenting expectations and embrace a more authentic, fulfilling path, you'll walk away from this episode with many thoughtful tidbits. Dr. Lyons shares practical steps for reparenting ourselves, prioritizing self-care, and recognizing the power of rewriting our own stories.  And she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust, which promises to be a game-changer for anyone navigating the complexities of motherhood.  Don't miss this inspiring discussion—it's time to mother on your own terms! Resources: www.drgertrudelyons.com Dr. Gertrude Lyons on IG @drgertrudelyons Dr. Gertrude Lyons on YouTube @rewritethemothercode Dr. Gertude Lyons on LinkedIn @gertrudelyons Dr. Gertrude Lyons on Pinterest @drgertrudelyons Rewrite the Mother Code Podcast Rewrite the Mother Code by Dr. Gertrude Lyons Ed.D Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Do you ever find yourself getting overwhelmed or dysregulated when your child gets overwhelmed or dysregulated? Ah-hem, yes. We ALL do. And even though we may have the tools in our toolbox, it's challenging to use them in that exact right moment.  In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm talking mindfulness with with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and author. We have a very heartful conversation about mindfulness and emotional regulation. We're digging into the power of being responsive rather than reactive — a skill every parent can benefit from.  Dr. Willard shares his own journey into mindfulness, offering simple, practical tips to make mindfulness an enjoyable and accessible part of daily life for both parents and kids. You'll also get a sneak peek into Dr. Willard's upcoming book, Feelings Are Like Farts, which uses (fart) humor to help kids better understand their emotions.  This lighthearted yet meaningful conversation is full of relatable insights and actionable advice, perfect for any parent looking to navigate the ups and downs of family life with a little more calm and connection. Tune in for a dose of mindfulness inspiration and share with another parent who may have a kiddo who laughs at farts.  Resources: drchristopherwillard.com Follow Dr. Chris Willard @drchriswillard on Facebook | Instagram Books: Growing Up Mindful by Christopher Willard Alphabreaths by Christopher Willard, PsyD Feelings Are Like Farts by Christopher Willard, PsyD 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

The research is showing us that our kids are not okay. They are anxious, depressed, and worried. We have to do something, and my guest today has one solution that is actually very simple.  Play! More unstructured, unsupervised, rough and tumble play time. I have Rusty Keeler, Playscape Designer and Author, joining me on the Heartful Parent Podcast today to break down all things play, playscapes, and the importance of letting our kids just BE. So. What is play? Why is it important? What happens when our kids don't get enough play? How do we help our teens and tweens play?  With over 30 years of experience in the field, Rusty shares his wisdom on the power of independent play for fostering resilience and emotional well-being in children. A "free-range" childhood has many benefits, including combating ever present anxiety and depression that haunts our kids, tweens, and teens.  Rusty is sharing insights for parents who want to nurture happier, healthier kids. Rusty and I also explore how we can design inclusive, natural play spaces that benefit not just younger children but also older kids and teens. Listen, and share, to help reimagine play and give your child the tools they need to thrive in a fast-paced world.   Resources: rustykeeler.com Adventures in Risky Play by Rusty Keeler Natural Playscapes by Rusty Keeler Seasons of Play by Rusty Keeler Rusty's FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide Rusty's Newsletter Play Nature Podcast Follow Rusty @rustykeelerdesigns Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn - @rustykeeler Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Have you ever considered how the way we parent connects to bigger societal systems like white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism?  In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with Jen Lumanlan—host of Your Parenting Mojo podcast and author of Parenting Beyond Power—for a thought-provoking conversation about how traditional parenting methods can unknowingly reinforce these power structures.  Jen helps us see how discipline and authority play into these systems and explore how a more heartful, mindful approach to parenting can create lasting change in our families and beyond. Jen also points out how balancing our own needs with our kids' needs can actually foster connection, respect, and collaboration. And by recognizing the needs of others, we can in turn break down the power structures that are prevalent in everyday life right now. This episode is packed with insights and practical tools to help you rethink discipline, shift power dynamics, and create a home environment rooted in empathy and mutual understanding. Pass this episode along to at least 2 other parents, and you'll make a difference not only in your life and their lives, but it could begin to shift the world as a whole. Doesn't that sound pretty amazing?    Resources: yourparentingmojo.com yourparentingmojo.com/needs yourparentingmojo.com/quiz Parenting Beyond Power by Jen Lumanlan yourparentingmojo.substack.com White Women, Get Ready by Amanda Gross   Your Parenting Mojo Podcast episodes mentioned: 154: Authoritative isn't the best Parenting "Style 148: Is spanking a child really bad?   Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

I am answering 2 listener questions in this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast!  Question #1: What do we do when we are watching our teens & tweens navigate relationships? How much do you give advice and how much do you let them figure out on their own?  Young relationships can be tricky, and there is a lot to learn. So when do you step in? When do you stay out of it? My advice is to lean in with empathy and curiosity and then to ask a key question: what would you like to do to move forward?  Your teen will probably surprise you! Question #2: What should I do about my child's cussing?   Let's talk about modeling and setting boundaries, because guess what…you really can't control your child's language. You can control your reaction to it though, so let's start there.  Get your parenting question answered, email me christy@theheartfulparent.com   Rate, review, and share! We are not meant to parent alone.  Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST  

In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm welcoming the inspiring Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, founder and CEO of Awakened Learning. Our conversation is packed with insights and actionable tips for uncovering learning strategies to help your kids learn HOW to learn.  AI can get a bad rap, but it is a truly powerful tool that can make a difference in helping our kids form study habits that can span across subject areas and support them as  students of all subjects, not just cramming for that chemistry test.  Deena shares strategies that support students, parents, and professionals in navigating the demands of learning and life. From time management to task prioritization and study techniques, she shares practical tools like AI-based assignment calculators and the power of breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. But it doesn't stop there! This episode is as much about connection as it is about strategy. Deena and I are totally on the same page as she highlights the value of building strong, supportive relationships in parenting and teaching.  There is more to come from Deena (and the podcast!) so make sure you're on my mailing list so you don't miss upcoming episodes and our book club based on Deena's books. Deena's Books: Feel Good Learning by Deena Kara Shaffer Feel Good Learning Academic Reflection Journal Raising Well Learners by Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD Resources: NotebookLM Magic ToDo: goblin.tools University of Toronto Assignment Calculator TED Talk: Tim Urban "Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator"  Deena's TEDx Talk: How to get from to-do to done:  Deena's Essentials Class: Learning Strategies for Students Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

In this heartful episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm hoping to help you start off 2025 right by sharing the power of positive discipline, the support coaching can provide, and the incredible community within the Heartful Parent Academy.  I have the privilege to be joined by three amazing moms—Nicole, Kate, & Ali—who open up about their personal parenting journeys. They share the ups and downs, the lessons learned, and how one-on-one coaching and support through the Heartful Parent Academy have helped them embrace a more connected, intentional approach to parenting. I am honored to have walked alongside these awesome women on their parenting journey, and this conversation honestly feels like a chat among friends as these moms talk about the real-life impact of positive discipline, the importance of self-care, and how the Heartful Parent Academy's community has been a source of strength and inspiration.  In this episode, you'll find practical tips, encouragement, and reminders that no matter your situation, you do not have to parent alone.  Reach out. I would love to hear from you, christy@theheartfulparent.com Resources: theheartfulparent.com Get Academy support (Now through February 4, get 20% off our VIP option!): theheartfulparent.thrivecart.com/vipsale Set up a FREE coaching discovery call with Christy: heartfulsavvy.as.me/Discovery Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

In this special two-part milestone episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm taking a walk down memory lane with the top 10 moments from the first 100 episodes of the podcast! These clips capture the messages I try to convey with each and every episode. It is my goal to fill your parenting toolbox, have thought-provoking conversations, and most of all empower you to parent with more love, joy, and connection. And most of all, to remind you each week that we were never meant to do this alone. Whether you've been with me from the beginning or are just starting your heartful parenting journey, this is the perfect episode to reflect on the lessons we've shared and the incredible community we've built.  I hope this two-part episode helps you revisit some fan-favorite interviews and reflect on some of 'ah-ha!' and 'what the f**k?' moments we've had on the pod. I'm so grateful for you, each and every listener that has listened, subscribed, and shared an episode with another parent. I look forward to the next 100 episodes of supporting you on this beautiful, messy, and rewarding parenting adventure! Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST Resources:  Childhood Narcissism by Dr. Mary Ann Little Positive Discipline by Dr. Jane Nelsen   Full Episdoes:  #10 Ep 71 | Conscious Parenting with Yolanda Williams #9 Ep 26 | Strangers Aren't the Problem with Paul Renfro #8 Ep 17 | Overwhelmed & Underwater: The Mental Load with Laura Danger #7 Ep 86 | No Apology Needed: Navigating Motherhood & Career with Megan Whiteside #6 Ep 30 | Are Sleepovers Safe?  #5 Ep 65 | Parenting in the Digital Age: Navigating Screens & Connections  with Joey Odom #4 Ep 27 | Be Heartful & Mindful When Posting Pictures Online with Fareedah Shaheed #3 Ep 53 | Don't Raise a Narcissist with Dr. Mary Ann Little #2 Ep 56 | Marriage, Parenting, & Personal Growth with Jonas Keating #1 Ep 2 | Positive Discipline with Dr. Jane Nelsen  

In this special two-part milestone episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm taking a walk down memory lane with the top 10 moments from the first 100 episodes of the podcast! These clips capture the messages I try to convey with each and every episode. It is my goal to fill your parenting toolbox, have thought-provoking conversations, and most of all empower you to parent with more love, joy, and connection. And most of all, to remind you each week that we were never meant to do this alone. Whether you've been with me from the beginning or are just starting your heartful parenting journey, this is the perfect episode to reflect on the lessons we've shared and the incredible community we've built.  I hope this two-part episode helps you revisit some fan-favorite interviews and reflect on some of 'ah-ha!' and 'what the f**k?' moments we've had on the pod. I'm so grateful for you, each and every listener that has listened, subscribed and shared an episode with another parent. I look forward to the next 100 episodes of supporting you on this beautiful, messy, and rewarding parenting adventure! Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST  Resources: NurtureShock New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman How to Live Dangerously by Warwick Cairns Stranger Danger: Family Values, Childhood, and the American Carceral State by Paul Renfro   Full Episodes  #10 Ep 71 | Conscious Parenting with Yolanda Williams #9 Ep 26 | Strangers Aren't the Problem with Paul Renfro #8 Ep 17 | Overwhelmed & Underwater: The Mental Load with Laura Danger #7 Ep 86 | No Apology Needed: Navigating Motherhood & Career with Megan Whiteside #6 Ep 30 | Are Sleepovers Safe?

Let's build connection and embrace heartfulness this holiday season. Do you need a little help? In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm sharing holiday traditions that listeners shared with me!  I'm hoping you can walk away with something new to try, whether it's baking sugar cookies, honoring loved ones at cemeteries, creating a personalized advent calendar, starting the New Year with a family hike, or spreading cheer through 'candy cane bombs' (it's harmless, I promise!) These simple yet powerful traditions could be just what you need to bring love, joy, and some heartfulness to your family's celebration this year. Resources: Old Salt Farm: Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt for Families Ask Amy: Readers should put a book on every bed Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Have you ever felt trapped in a moment of parenting, where your reaction just happens, and then afterward, you know you've screwed up? An eye roll, a slammed door, a snarky comment from your teen or tween just sets you off!?  Guess what? We've all been there. Really. In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, my guest Mary Willcox Smith, fellow parent coach, is explaining that there is actually science to back up what is going on in our kids' brains AND our reaction to it! That feels freeing to me. What about you? Mary is a seasoned parent coach and founder of the Micro-Step Method, which can help you make very small changes each day to overcome stress and frustration and nurture the connection you have with your kids.  Our conversation covers various 'parent traps,' the importance of repairing ruptures in relationships, and the effectiveness of small, consistent positive interactions (micro steps). Christy and Mary emphasize the importance of obtaining support as a parent and highlight practical tips for fostering resilience and connection with children. Resources: marysmithparentcoach.com Follow Mary on IG - @marysmithparentcoach Follow Mary on LinkedIn - @mary-willcox-smith Join Mary's Facebook Group - @marysmithparentgroup The Microstep Method for the Overwhelmed Parent by Mary Willcox Smith  Mary's FREE Download: mspc.cc/stopstruggles Toni Morrison: Does Your Face Light Up? | The Oprah Winfrey Show Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Listener Question: How do I convince my partner, or my child's teacher, that traditional forms of punishment don't work? Get your parenting question answered, email me christy@theheartfulparent.com Rate, review, and share! We are not meant to parent alone.  The Heartful Parent Academy is a great way to find support. Use code PODCAST to get your first month for only $7. Join HERE.

Whether you're ready or not, the moment will eventually come when your kid starts to wonder 'Is Santa Real?' When they ask you, do you know what you'll say, how you'll handle it?  In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I'm encouraging you to keep the magic alive, even if your kids are past the believing stage. Don't let go of the hope or the spirit of what Santa represents. Instead, dig in with connection, share the reality, and invite them to help keep the magic going. How? Well, I'm here to help with that! I have a couple of books to share, a little bit of practical advice, and a few ways to help explain Santa in a loving and magical way. Use the inevitable conversation as a way to invite heartfulness and connection into your relationship and your holiday season.  I'm sure you know a parent who may also need a little guidance for the Santa conversation, pass this episode along to them. And if you need more support that is specialized to you, your family, and your situation, The Heartful Parent Academy is a great place for you. I would absolutely love to see you there.  Resources: How Judy Blume Nearly Ruined Christmas by Christy Keating [full Lucy letter included] Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal  Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (Classic Version) by Frances P. Church   The (Wonderful) Truth About Santa by B.K. Gordon Love, Santa by Martha Brokenbrough (currently out of print)  

'Let bygones be bygones.' 'Forgive and forget.' These two common sayings are how many of us have been taught to view forgiveness. Sometimes those ways of "forgiving" just don't sit quite right. So, this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast aims to shift that perspective a little bit. Forgiveness Coach, Brenda Reiss is my guest and she is here to help us explore the profound impact of forgiveness on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially within the parenting space. Brends presents us with a 5-step process to redefine and embrace forgiveness. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and walks us through how to get to a place of peace and empowerment in our lives.  Brenda does not want you to let it go, forget it happened, or try to figure it out on your own, which makes this such a fascinating conversation. You'll walk away from this conversation ready to tackle radical forgiveness for yourself and feel empowered doing so.  Resources: brendareisscoaching.com Forgive Yourself Podcast  Forgive Yourself by Brenda Reiss Journey to Your Heart Space by Brenda Reiss @Brenda.Reiss.Coach on Facebook   @brendareisscoaching on Instagram  

Listener Question: How do we create a whole-family strategy? How do we choose and implement parenting strategies with both parents on board? Get your parenting question answered, email me christy@theheartfulparent.com Rate, review, and share! We are not meant to parent alone.  The Heartful Parent Academy is a great way to find support. Use code PODCAST to get your first month for only $7. Join HERE.

Sometimes life gives you lemons, sometimes it sends you a bomb cyclone! Well, for my family this week it was the bomb cyclone.  And while this situation came with its challenges, no power, no internet, no school, no way to record a brand new episode for you––there was a little bit of a silver lining around the clouds that lingered after the storm.  One, a chance to reflect on what's important as we approach U.S. Thanksgiving, the holiday all about gratitude. And two, the chance for me to pull a GREAT past episode out of the vault and polish it up for you this week.  In this fabulous throwback, I'm digging into all the benefits of inviting more gratitude into your life daily, weekly, and beyond.  I'm giving you the numbers of how an active gratitude practice benefits your emotional and social wellbeing and helps you get the D.O.S.E. chemicals that benefit your overall physical health.  BUT not all gratitude practices are created equal! While even just listing things you are grateful for can benefit your overall health, today I'm sharing some ways to take your gratitude practice a little deeper. And I'm giving you some ideas of things you could do to help deepen the connection you have with your family by inviting more gratitude into your lives.  No matter if it's lemons or a bomb cyclone, I'm here for you. I'd love to hear how you're inviting more gratitude into your life. Reach out, christy@theheartfulparent.com. And pass this episode along to someone you appreciate so they can invite more gratitude into their lives too.  Resources Ep 6 | Heartful Parenting Practice: Family Meetings  

Listener Question: How much should I push my child to succeed? Should I be a tiger mom? Am I doing her a disservice by being laid back and not pushing her to do more? Get your parenting question answered, email me christy@theheartfulparent.com Rate, review, and share! We are not meant to parent alone.  The Heartful Parent Academy is a great way to find support. Use code PODCAST to get your first month for only $7. Join HERE.  

Balancing parenthood with work and life demands a lot of our mental energy, which can end up leaving us feeling completely mentally depleted. If you're stuck in a place of negative emotions––feeling constant exhaustion, anger, or resentment––you may feel like you are trying to function with an empty tank. Your stress might feel chronic and inescapable. Can you relate? If you are nodding and thinking 'yes, that's me!', it may be burnout that you're experiencing. It's not a great place to be, but there is a way out.  In this episode of the Heartful Parent Podcast, I've invited Marissa McCool to join the conversation. Marissa is a renowned burnout coach, specializing in helping female leaders and mid-career professionals manage work stress and achieve work-life balance. Marissa shares her personal journey overcoming burnout and offers practical strategies for processing emotions, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.  For parents who are juggling the stress of parenting alongside anything else that life throws at you, you'll find some really valuable tidbits in this conversation. Marissa and I highlight the connections between chronic stress, burnout, and its impacts on personal and professional relationships. Marissa also shares the signs of burnout and how to recognize if you are in burnout or you're just tired. We also both strongly believe seeking support is SO important to crawling out of burnout and finding a healthier balance. We cannot do this alone. This episode is a great place to start, so share it with another exhausted, possibly burnt-out, parent.  If you need more support, reach out! Marissa and I would both love to support you.  Resources: Marissa McKool on LinkedIn - @marissa-mckool mckoolcoaching.com