The Real Mother Effort Podcast

It’s almost the holiday season!  We cannot wait for to get a little of that magical holiday feeling, but none of us look forward to the huge amount of planning and logistics on top of what we already do every day.  Today, we are going to talk about how to plan ahead of and through the season so you are prepared to actually enjoy it yourself.  Grab your Starbucks seasonal holiday bevie and let’s get all jingly up in here. Key Points Discussed: Why holiday prep should include more than just logistics prep. Ways the holiday season throws us off our norm and how much of an effect that actually has on us. Three planning pieces that should be included in your holiday prep. Budget planning for the extra expenses. Anticipating the things that will annoy or stress you out. Using trusted shortcuts to save time and sanity. A review of your calendar for this season. It’s not always just about the kids either.  Join the Holiday Season Prep Guide Connect with Lauren: Subscribe to my newsletter Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Weeknights with school-aged kids…it’s like a three-ring circus from school pickup to bedtime.  If you’re at the point where you’re over it, but don’t know where to start to make shifts that actually work, hit play on this episode! I’m sharing 8 quick ways that can tone down the chaos several notches and make your weeknights smoother. Key Points Discussed:  Let the kids pick the sequence of events. Snacks ASAP upon arrival. Turn the volume down on unnecessary noise and stimulus. Create a homework station and keep it stocked. Multitask by moving things closer in proximity to you. Make your meal prep as simple as possible and keep a list of go-to ideas. Schedule in a chill out time for everyone (including you). Start the kids’ bedtime on time. Connect with Lauren: Subscribe to my newsletter Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Parenting today looks nothing like it did for our moms or grandmothers. They weren’t counting screen minutes, being afraid of everything traumatizing our kids, navigating a world of TikTok trends or worrying what we ate. But we are.  Things feel out of control, causing us to feel like we need to control every little thing or risk failing them or being seen as a bad parent. In this episode, I’m unpacking the paradigm shift we’re living through as parents and how we can move from reacting in panic to leading with purpose. Because the truth is: we’re not weaker moms than past generations; we’re raising kids in an unprecedented environment, and it’s time to give ourselves some credit—and some tools. Key Points Discussed:  Why modern parenting feels so much heavier than it did for past generations The five cultural forces fueling our urge to control everything The hidden cost of “white-knuckle” parenting—for us and our kids How to step back from reactivity and lead with your values instead Simple house defaults that ease daily decision fatigue (without banning the world) My quick R/Y/G tool for responding on purpose when guilt or panic spikes   Connect with Lauren: Subscribe to my newsletter Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

This is Day 3 of The Mom Life Series: 3 Days, 3 Shifts. Over the past two episodes, we’ve talked about systems that lighten your load and how to step out of the invisible leadership role at home. Today, we’re wrapping up with the shift moms resist the most — prioritizing themselves. Spoiler: it’s not actually about time. It’s about creating the mental space to see yourself as a priority and starting small, without waiting for life to calm down. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “finding more time” is the wrong problem to solve. How mental bandwidth (not hours on the clock) keeps moms stuck. Why systems + shared leadership are key to creating space for yourself. A simple way to start carving out time for yourself this week. Resources & Next Steps: Making yourself a priority isn’t selfish — it’s the foundation for being able to show up with energy in every part of your life. If you’re ready to go deeper with this work, I’d love to invite you to my 1:1 coaching program.  Doors are open now and spots are limited.  Book a consult call here to learn more.

This is Day 2 of The Mom Life Series: 3 Days, 3 Shifts. Yesterday we covered systems that actually support you. Today, we’re talking about the invisible leadership role so many moms carry without ever choosing it — being the one who notices, remembers, and manages it all. In this episode, I’ll explain why “just delegate” doesn’t solve the problem, and how to start leading your household with more intention (and less burnout). What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the invisible leadership role looks like in real life. Why fixes like delegation and better planners don’t actually work. How to begin shifting into purposeful leadership instead. A small step to try this week to start lightening the load. Resources & Next Steps: These shifts don’t happen overnight, and you don’t have to figure them out alone. My 1:1 coaching program is where we take this work deeper — moving you out of default mode and into leadership with intention. The doors are open this week and only a few spots are available. Book a consult call here to learn more.

This is a recording of a series I ran to my email subscribers last week, and I wanted to give you a chance to listen in.  Day 1 of The Mom Life Series: 3 Days, 3 Shifts — a special mini-series to help you feel less like the default manager of your family and more like a purposeful leader of your life. Today we’re talking about systems — not the Pinterest-perfect kind, but the kind that actually make your life easier by cutting down on the endless decisions that drain you. Key Points Discussed: ·       Why everyday pain points like laundry, dinner, and bedtime feel so heavy. ·       What a “system” really is (hint: it’s not about color-coded binders). ·       Simple ways to make life lighter by deciding once instead of a hundred times. ·       A small exercise to test one tweak this week. Connect with Lauren: Subscribe to my newsletter Doors are open now to my Personal Coaching Program – learn more and book a free call with me Instagram: @itslaurenmora

So much of the conversation around mom life is about how to do more—get up earlier, plan harder, juggle faster. But moms aren’t burned out because they aren’t productive enough. They’re burned out because of the invisible role they’ve stepped into as the default leader of their homes. In this episode, I unpack what that really means, why quick fixes don’t work, and what moms are actually craving instead: fulfillment, presence, and shared leadership. This is the conversation no one’s having, but every mom needs. Key Points Discussed:  Why being the default leader leaves moms exhausted and resentful The real reason productivity hacks and delegation advice don’t solve the problem What moms are actually longing for (hint: it’s not a new planner) The three areas to focus on if you want relief that lasts: systems, leadership, and personal space How to start seeing mom life differently so you can lead with intention instead of running on fumes Connect with Lauren: Subscribe to my newsletter Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

We’ve all heard it before: wake up at 5am, chug lemon water with electrolytes, journal for 15 minutes, crush a HIIT workout, and finish it off with a freezing cold shower. Supposedly, this is how you set yourself up for “the best day ever.”  And you need to follow this or you just, well, you aren’t as disciplined as those who can.  That’s just not how we do it around here. In this episode, I’m flipping the script on the overhyped morning routine. Instead of forcing you into something that will never stick (and make you feel guilty when it doesn’t), I’m walking you through the four considerations I use with clients to help them design days that actually feel doable—and good. Because the best routine isn’t about discipline or hacks—it’s about what actually works for you. Key Points Discussed:  Why the “perfect morning routine” advice usually sets moms up to fail The #1 question to ask: what would make you feel like you’re winning at life? How to respect your natural rhythms instead of fighting them The key to fixing the daily flow that frustrates you most Ways to make your goals easier to hit (hint: it’s not more willpower) Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Losing someone you love changes the way you see everything. Ten years ago, my dad died suddenly of a heart attack. He never got to meet two of my kids, and the grief is something I still carry with me every day. But his passing also gave me a lesson I keep coming back to: life is fragile, and the time we have isn’t guaranteed. In this episode, I’m sharing my story—not to dwell in sadness, but to remind us all that waiting for “someday” isn’t an option. As busy parents, it’s so easy to put off joy, rest, and living fully until life slows down. But what if we didn’t wait? What if we chose to live that way now? This conversation is deeply personal, but my hope is that it lifts you up and helps you see today differently.   Key Points Discussed:  The story of my dad’s passing and how it shaped me Why grief changes the way we look at time and priorities The trap of waiting for “someday” when life calms down Small ways to live the life you want now, not later A practice for keeping the “seize the day” mindset alive Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Ever get to the end of the week and think, “What did we even do this week?” That was me — until I created CROPS, a simple 5-part framework that keeps me focused on the things that actually matter as a parent. In this episode, I’m breaking down each letter, how it works in real life, and why tending to your CROPS each week will leave you feeling more grounded, present, and proud of how you’re showing up for your family. Key Points Discussed:  The aha moment that inspired the CROPS framework What each letter (C, R, O, P, S) stands for and why it matters Simple, real-life examples for each category How to keep CROPS from becoming “one more thing” Why small weekly actions beat big, unsustainable changes The mindset shift that helps you feel satisfied at the end of the week Resources Mentioned:  How to Raise Successful People, by Esther Wojcicki The Village Membership Program   Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

I didn’t expect my kids to teach me life lessons beyond the importance of packing snacks, but here we are. Somewhere between the incessant requests and battles over what they wear to go somewhere in public, I realized they’ve been quietly modeling things I could stand to practice more myself—like persistence, asking directly for what you want, and not overthinking what other people think. In this episode, I’m sharing five lessons my kids have taught me that made me think twice about whether it’s always the adults who get it right. Key Points Discussed:  Why “no” doesn’t always have to be the end of the conversation How to push back (politely) when the first offer isn’t cutting it The surprisingly hard truth about asking for what you need What kids can teach us about not overthinking what other people think How a simple repair can turn a mess into connection Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Bedtime – when the parents are tired and the kids have this miraculous burst of crazy energy.  If you’ve hit the point where it’s high time to rethink how this goes down in your house every night, then hit play! Listen how Lauren replanned AND rebranded the kids’ bedtime routine. She’ll walk you through her process, considerations and planning so the bedtime routine is something everyone can look forward to at night.  Key Points Discussed:  How the bedtime routine has gotten out of whack as the kids get older and during the summer months. Why the current bedtime routine is not working for the family anymore. The process Lauren used to refresh that part of the evening. The rebrand that’s making bedtime cool again. Exactly how Lauren planned out the new evening routine that satisfies everyone.   Connect with Lauren: DM her on Instagram @itslaurenMora for one-on-one coaching or 90-minute strategy sessions to tackle your biggest working mom challenges. Website itslaurenmora.com

You know the rule. Your rule. The one you enforce like it’s federal law—even if no one else around you seems to care. Maybe it’s no shoes in the house. Maybe it’s the exact way a towel should be folded (ahem, there’s only one correct way). In this episode, we’re talking about the parenting rules we cling to—and more importantly, why we cling to them. Is it because we’re teaching values… or are we just performing motherhood for the invisible mom audience in our head? Key Points Discussed:  The countertop incident that made me realize we’ve all got our own weird mom rules Why some rules are rooted in values—and others in fear of judgment The difference between teaching values vs. performing them A gut-check to help you reassess your non-negotiables Your official permission slip to keep what matters—and drop the rest    How I can help you: Check out The Village Membership

We all love a good comfort zone. Whether I figured out something that works that I set on auto-pilot long ago, or it’s ‘just the way I do things around here’, these are a necessity for busy parents who don’t have time to ask "Ok, What’s Next" for every single thing in the day.  But we know that it’s high time some of our comfort zones expand or that we need to figure out and set a new auto-pilot routine.  That’s exactly what Lauren is diving into today.  But, per usual, we are looking at it only from the perspective of a parent. She breaks down a simple process for change that will actually stick. This isn't about perfection or major overhauls; it's about recognizing when something isn't serving you anymore and taking one tiny step toward feeling better about it. Key Points Discussed:  A quick breakdown of comfort zones and habits, and what this looks like in the life of a parent. Many of these feel "comfortable" because they're familiar and require less decision-making in the moment, but they're actually creating long-term stress and resentment. The process everyone goes through when they realize a comfort zone isn’t serving them anymore, but it seems scary to change it. A simple guided process you can do through to take action today. Connect with Lauren: DM her on Instagram @itslaurenMora for one-on-one coaching or 90-minute strategy sessions to tackle your biggest working-mom challenges. Website itslaurenmora.com

Lauren breaks down how applying strategic business principles to family life has been a total game-changer for reducing daily stress and living more intentionally as a working mom. She shares her journey from flying by the seat of her pants to creating a sustainable system that keeps her focused on what truly matters—without the overwhelming time blocks and complicated tracking systems you might expect. Key Points Discussed:  Why businesses and families have more in common than you'd think. And what norms we should steal from the business world to apply to our families. Lauren's lightbulb moment when she realized she was managing her business strategically but her family haphazardly. The complex spreadsheet experiment that totally failed (and why simple systems win every time). How to establish clear family goals and values without turning your home into a corporate office. The difference between being intentional and being perfect—plus how this approach actually reduces guilt and stress DM Lauren on Insta @itslaurenmora to get more information on a one-time 90 minute strategy session. Website itslaurenmora.com

I'm diving into the 2.5 books that have seriously changed my life this year. If you're constantly overwhelmed trying to figure out how to do everything yourself, stressed about money during this crazy expensive phase of parenting, or tired of getting into the same arguments with your spouse, this episode is going to slap. I'm sharing the exact mindset shifts from each that have made the biggest impact on my day-to-day life as a mom. Key Points Discusssed: The 3 books I read this year that all gave me profound mindset shifts for my parenting experience. ‘Who Not How’, by Dan Sullivan: Helped me make the switch from constantly trying to figure out how to tackle everything myself (my default mode), to asking who can help me solve the problem. And it’s not always about throwing money at it. ‘Die with Zero’, by Bill Perkins:  Why the traditional save-for-retirement model needs an overhaul, and how it lets me approach the very expensive phase of life we are in raising children. An excerpt from‘The Big Leap’, by Gay Hendricks: How this one paragraph has completely changed the way I interact with my husband. Resources Mentioned:  Who Not How, by Dan Sullivan Die with Zero, by Bill Perkins The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks   Let's Connect:  Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

We're officially halfway through 2025, and you know what that means – it's time for a  mid-year planning session! In this episode, Lauren walks you through her simple but effective approach to planning the latter half of the year that'll help you tackle the next six months with way less stress and way more fun. Whether you're someone who loves a good planning session or you're more of a "set a timer for 20 minutes and see what happens" type, this episode has something for you. Get ready to review what's working, fix what's not, and make sure you're set up for success before the crazy fall season hits. Key Points Discussed:  Why July is the perfect time to pause and plan (before life gets bananas again) The “look back” review that'll help you remember all the good stuff from the first half of the year How to tackle your weekly systems and routines to eliminate what's driving you nuts Planning for the fun stuff – vacations, personal goals, and family time Identifying where you need support before you're overwhelmed Join the waitlist for our Back to School Prep Guide starting July 5th Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Feeling completely wiped out by the end of every day? You're not alone, and it's probably not what you think. In this episode, Lauren dives deep into why so many of us moms are running on empty - and spoiler alert: it's not because we need better time management or another productivity hack. She breaks down the real culprit behind our exhaustion and shares a simple (but powerful) exercise that can completely shift how you experience your days. Get ready for some real talk about energy, values, and why that 30% "free time" myth is total BS for parents. Key Points Discussed:  The average percentage breakdown of a person’s time, why this doesn’t apply to parents, and the reality that we have much less free time than the average person. What Lauren believes is the real reason why we feel so drained at the end of the day. Why hard work on tough days can make us feel exhausted, but hard work on the best days leaves us feeling excited and energized. The importance of going through the exercise of identifying what we value and how we want to be spending our time towards those things. The difference in going through our days with our cups filled up versus drained out.   Join the Back to School Prep Guide starting in July Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

We're diving into the meal planning struggle that every mom faces - because let's be honest, the meals just keep coming! If you've ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM wondering what's for dinner (again), or you've got a graveyard of good intentions rotting in your produce drawer, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the one simple question that completely changed how I approach meal planning, plus the realistic templates and shortcuts that actually work for busy families. Key Points Discussed:  How much things have changed since we became parents in how we cook and plan to cook, and how stressful it is now with a busy family. Dropping the most important question to begin with when meal planning: Do you actually like to cook? Planning strategies for families who DO like to cook vs. those who DON'T. How I’m meal planning these days for my own family, and the rules I follow in my kitchen.   Join the waitlist for our Back to School Prep Guide starting in July Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com

Lauren dives into the fascinating research behind the world's longest-living communities—and why the findings are absolutely crucial for busy moms. Spoiler alert: it's not just about eating your vegetables. Learn why your social circle could literally add years to your life, plus get practical, low-pressure strategies for building community that actually fit into your chaotic schedule. Key Points Discussed:  The Blue Zones research: What the world's healthiest communities teach us about longevity Simple diet and movement principles that don't require perfection The shocking stats on how loneliness dramatically affects our physical health Low-pressure ways to build community through school, work, and daily routines Resources Mentioned:  Join the waitlist for our Back to School Prep Guide starting in July Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com