Mom Essentials

Tired of feeling disconnected from your teen? In this empowering episode, psychotherapist Iuri Melo shares practical strategies for building strong emotional bonds, teaching regulation skills, and helping teens thrive in a world full of noise. From proactive mental health tools to parenting through digital challenges, this conversation is full of "aha" moments for anyone raising a child today. Learn how to build trust before the crisis hits because connection is the real protective factor. Get connected with Irui here:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Know They Selfie Mind Over Grey Matter SchoolPulse Our Mental Health Resource for Teens Our Free Videos for Teens

We don't get to choose the patterns we were raised with—but we do get to choose whether we continue them. In this episode of Mom Essentials, empowerment strategist Kate Ferrian shares her powerful story of healing after divorce and an emotionally abusive relationship. We explore how reparenting yourself, rebuilding self-trust, and honoring your emotional needs can help you stop performing and start living in alignment. Kate opens up about what self-love actually looks like, how boundaries evolve as we grow, and why generational healing begins with one small brave choice at a time. Whether you're deep in your own healing journey or just starting to question what was passed down to you—this episode will leave you feeling validated and empowered. Connect with Kate:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website Free 5 Day Confidence Reset Visit TheParentToolbox.info Essential Minute

Big feelings aren't just for kids, parents have them too. But when we don't know how to regulate our own emotions, it makes it harder to show up the way we want to for our families. In this powerful episode, psychotherapist and author Jennifer Elmberg shares how we can become more emotionally aware, respond rather than react, and help our kids do the same. From her children's book Mari's Magical Mind Garden to her clinical insights from the therapy room, Jennifer offers practical tools and relatable stories that make emotional wellness feel doable. Whether you're in the middle of a meltdown (yours or your child's) or just trying to bring more calm into your home, this conversation will leave you feeling seen and supported. Get connected with Jennifer here: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn LinkTree TheParentToolbox.info Essential Minute

How often do you feel like you're running a household, but missing out on actually connecting with your family? In this solo episode of Mom Essentials, I'm opening up about how a few small changes made a big difference in the way we communicate in our home. You'll find out why communication is as much about listening as it is about talking with some new approaches to conversations!  Also, I share what inspired the creation of the The C.A.L.M. Family Planner, why 15 minutes a week can change your family dynamic, and how to move away from feeling like the family "cruise director" and toward a home where everyone shares the load. We'll talk about miscommunication, small mindset shifts, and how to start having meaningful conversations- even if your family is busy, distracted, or not exactly on board (yet). If you've been craving more connection, collaboration, and calm in your home, this one's for you. Essential Minute | The Parent Helper The C.A.L.M. Family Planner

What if your teen didn't just guess their way into college or a career path, but actually knew what they were good at and where they thrive? In this episode of Mom Essentials, I'm joined by Anna Nelson, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and founder of Strengths Before Strategy. Anna works with teens to help them identify their natural strengths, so they can build real confidence, make empowered choices, and move into their future with clarity. We talk about why strengths-based coaching is a game-changer for teenagers, how parents can shift the conversation away from pressure and comparison, and what it really means to help our kids build purpose, not just pick a major. Whether your teen is planning for college or still figuring it all out, this episode is filled with encouragement, insight, and tools to support them every step of the way. Find out more about Anna:  Free Guide Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TheParentToolbox.info  Essential Minute

Let's be honest, financial stress can feel like a constant hum in the background of motherhood. But it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode of Mom Essentials, I sit down with Bobbie Harris, financial wealth coach and founder of the Wealth Builder Profit Power Hour, to talk about how to end the money stress for good. Bobbie shares how she and her family went from living paycheck to paycheck to becoming millionaires and how it started with simple mindset shifts and consistent action. We cover everything from budgeting (without guilt), building an emergency fund, teaching your kids about money, and letting go of comparison so you can create a future that actually works for your family. If money has been your #1 stressor, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, empowered, and ready to take the next step. Connect with Bobbie here:  Website Facebook Free Wealth Builder Power Hour Other Imporatnt Links:  The CALM Family Planner Essential Minute | Motivate 

So many of us are silently struggling- navigating parenting, trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm while pretending we're fine. But silence doesn't heal. In this episode of Mom Essentials, I'm joined by Kelli Melissa Reinhardt, founder of Make Mental Health Matter, to talk about breaking the silence surrounding mental health, grief, and the emotional burdens we carry as parents. Kelli shares her personal journey through trauma, the loss of her sister to suicide, and the moment she realized that talking about it could save lives. We explore the difference between survival and thriving, how to recognize when your coping mechanisms aren't healthy anymore, and what it looks like to raise emotionally aware children- especially when you're still learning to care for your own mental health. To find out more about Kelli, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website Free Gift The C.A.L.M. Family PlannerSchedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute | Lavender

When parenting a child with ADHD or anxiety, the emotional rollercoaster can feel unrelenting and the mom guilt? Overwhelming! In this episode, I'm joined by Dana Baker, ADHD and anxiety parenting coach, speaker, and mom who's lived this journey firsthand. Dana opens up about her own parenting story, how she learned to trust her instincts, and what finally helped her advocate for her daughter in a world that said, "She's fine." We talk about how to recognize your child's triggers, why adjusting expectations is essential, and how validation, not perfection, is key to connection. Dana shares actionable tools for handling emotional outbursts, increasing resilience, and building emotional awareness without losing yourself in the process. Whether your child has a diagnosis or you just feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and better equipped to parent with clarity and compassion. To find out more about Ivy, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website The C.A.L.M. Family PlannerSchedule a Free Coaching Call Now!Essential Minute | Thinker

There are so many parts of motherhood we're told to celebrate, but what about the things we don't talk about? In this episode, I talk with Ivy Brooks, a digital marketing strategist, homeschooling mom, and former tokophobia sufferer. Ivy opens up about her emotional journey through pregnancy, birth trauma, and the early days of motherhood and how healing didn't come from pretending it was perfect, but from being honest about what she felt. We talk about the pressures to bond instantly, the fear of getting it wrong, and the life-changing moment she discovered tools and community that helped her shift from fear to connection. Ivy also shares how motherhood led her to a mission-driven career and partnership with LittleOne.care, a baby wellness monitor designed to support early development and parent-child bonding. To find out more about Ivy, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website LittleOne.Care   The C.A.L.M. Family PlannerVIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Learn more about Lavender

Running a business is tough. Raising kids is even tougher. Doing both at the same time? That takes intention, boundaries, and a whole lot of grace. In this episode, I chat with Holly Stomberg, realtor, business owner, and mom of two, about what it's really like to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship. Holly shares her honest experience of working with her spouse, setting boundaries around family time, and learning how to adapt to the different seasons of parenting and business growth. We talk about navigating burnout, finding your rhythm, and how to stop chasing perfect balance and instead focus on what actually works for your family right now. If you're a working mom trying to manage client emails between school pickups—or just hoping to make it through the week without losing your mind—this episode is for you. To find out more about Holly, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website The C.A.L.M. Family Planner VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Learn more about Motivate!

Not all kids learn the same way, but many parents are left feeling confused, guilty, or overwhelmed when their child struggles in school. What if the real issue isn't behavior or motivation but something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with Rich Frieder, owner of LearningRx, a brain training center that helps kids and adults improve the cognitive skills that impact how they learn, read, and process information. Rich shares his personal story of navigating his own daughter's learning challenges, why standard interventions like IEPs or tutoring often miss the mark, and how cognitive training gets to the root cause of why a child might be struggling. We talk about the emotional toll on families, the difference between accommodating vs. addressing the issue, and how to build resilience in kids without mowing down every obstacle. Tune in for a powerful conversation about hope, strategy, and why you don't have to choose between supporting your child and raising them to be capable. To find out more about Rich, check out her links:  Facebook LinkedIn Website VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! The C.A.L.M. Family Planner  Essential Minute | Thinker 

Have you ever wished you could just clone yourself to get it all done? Between the mental load, never-ending tasks, and the weight of invisible labor, it's no wonder so many moms are feeling burned out. But what if there was a better way to manage your household—and your energy? In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Morgan, entrepreneur, mom of three, and founder of Heron House Management—the first-ever virtual house management service. Hannah shares how her company is revolutionizing the way families handle daily logistics, projects, and mental overload by providing dedicated house managers who help anticipate, organize, and execute tasks before they pile up. We talk about what the mental load really looks like, why asking for help is a strength (not a weakness), and how breaking generational cycles around domestic responsibility starts with open communication, boundaries, and support. To find out more about Morgan, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram Website VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute | Motivate 

If you've ever found yourself whisper-yelling "Why won't you sleep?!" into the darkness at 2 a.m., you're not alone. And contrary to what books and advice columns might suggest, it's not always about routines or bad habits—it could be your child's temperament. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Macall Gordon, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and co-author of Why Won't You Sleep?, to dig deep into what's really going on with those sensitive, alert, big-feeling kids who just. won't. sleep. We talk about why standard sleep training advice often fails for these so-called "livewire" kids, the link between temperament and sleep challenges, and how guilt, shame, and exhaustion can make parents feel like they're doing everything wrong. Macall shares practical, compassionate insight and encourages parents to stop blaming themselves and start building tools that actually fit their child's wiring. If you're tired of cookie-cutter advice and ready for real strategies, honest truth, and a whole lot of grace, this conversation is for you. To find out more about Macall, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website Sleep Lady Website VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute | Serenity 

Play is more than just a way to pass the time- it's how kids learn, connect, and thrive. But for many parents, knowing how to "play right" with their kids can feel confusing, exhausting, or even a little overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with Jill Lerman, a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and mom, to explore the true power of play and why it doesn't need to be Pinterest-perfect to be effective. We unpack the misconceptions around play, how to shift from being your child's entertainer to becoming their facilitator, and why independent play is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child (and yourself). Jill also shares how play builds emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. From playroom setups to screen time detox strategies, this episode is packed with practical, empowering tips to help you bring more joy and ease into your parenting through the power of play. To find out more about Jill, check out her links:  Website Podcast Free Guide to Independent Play At Any Age VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute: Citrus Bliss

Do you ever end your day wondering where the time went? You're constantly busy, yet it still feels like you're falling behind. If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and ready to take back control of your schedule, you're going to love this conversation. In this episode, I chat with Erica Dirkes, time management coach and founder of Mindful Time Coaching. Erica shares why women in particular carry the pressure to do it all, how mindset plays a critical role in how we manage our time, and practical strategies that help moms feel more accomplished- without burning out. We talk about the top time wasters moms don't even realize are draining their energy, how to communicate your needs with your family, and why shifting your inner dialogue can change everything. Erica also shares simple, doable routines and how to build habits that stick because thriving doesn't come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters. To find out more about Kristina, check out her links:  Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Free Time Management Guide VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute | Balance 

Homeschooling comes with a lot of questions… and even more misconceptions. Will my kids fall behind? Will they miss out on social skills? Can I really teach them myself? In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Heagh-Avritt, founder of Vibrant Family Education and host of the Bringing Education Home podcast. With 27 years of teaching experience and a passion for holistic, personalized learning, Kristina is on a mission to help families see what homeschooling really looks like. We dive into the top myths about homeschooling and why they simply don't hold up. From fears about socialization and structure to concerns over college and time management, Kristina shares practical insight, real-life success stories, and reassuring advice for parents considering this educational path. If you've been curious about homeschooling but feel stuck in the "what ifs," this episode is here to bring you clarity, confidence, and encouragement. To find out more about Kristina, check out her links:  Facebook Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn Website YouTube Education at Home in 10 Simple Steps Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essentail Minute | InTune

Being a mom is challenging, and navigating single motherhood adds a whole new set of emotional and practical hurdles. But what if you could move beyond just surviving and step into thriving? In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Airs, a leadership coach, resilience researcher, and founder of a dedicated program for single mothers. With a background in psychology, Lucy helps women transition from emotional overwhelm to empowered decision-making- allowing them to build a strong, confident, and fulfilling life for themselves and their children. We talk about the emotional and practical challenges single moms face after separation, the power of resilience, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to big transformations. Lucy shares actionable strategies to help you regulate emotions, model strength for your kids, and navigate this journey with confidence. If you're a single mom looking for tools to feel more in control, regain your confidence, and create a life you love, this episode is for you. To find out more about Lucy, check out her links:  Website Personalised 10-day Resilience Plan Other Links:Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Essential Minute | Balance

When your child is struggling at school, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming—not just for them, but for you as a parent. You want to help, but where do you start? In this episode, I sit down with Scotti Weintraub, founder of Reframe Parenting, parent coach, and school navigator, to talk about how shifting our perspective can change the way we support our children's education. Instead of viewing school challenges as roadblocks, we discuss how to turn them into opportunities for growth and success. We dive into the red flags that may signal your child is struggling, how to open up productive conversations with teachers, and why taking action now is essential for long-term academic and emotional well-being. Scotti shares insights from her own journey as a "forged-in-fire" parent advocate and provides strategies for working with schools in a way that leads to real solutions. If you've ever felt lost or frustrated trying to help your child succeed in school, this episode will give you a new perspective and the tools to move forward with confidence. To find out more about Scotti, check out her links:  InstagramLinkedIn School Support Personality Quiz Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Essential Minute

Mom guilt—two words we all know too well. Whether it's second-guessing decisions, feeling like we're not enough, or worrying about the impact of every little choice, the weight of guilt can be exhausting. In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Fox Starr, therapist, writer, and maternal mental health advocate, to talk about why mom guilt is so persistent and how we can manage it in a healthier way. As a licensed social worker and author of Am I Doing This Right?, Rebecca shares insights on navigating guilt, building resilience, and finding confidence in the messy, unpredictable journey of parenting. If you've ever questioned your choices as a mom, this episode is for you. Listen now and learn how to let go of the guilt and embrace the journey. To find out more about Rebecca, check out her links:  Website InstagramLinkedIn Get Her Book Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Learn More About The Essential Minute!

Moms are natural caretakers, but what happens when we forget to take care of ourselves? In this episode, I talk with Mary Dibble, an award-winning life coach dedicated to helping moms break free from self-doubt and embrace a life of purpose and confidence. Mary shares her personal journey of overcoming addiction, limiting beliefs, and self-sacrifice, and how those experiences shaped her mission to help moms prioritize themselves without guilt. We discuss self-care, the power of community, and how modeling resilience helps our kids grow into strong, confident individuals. If you're ready to stop feeling stuck and start living with purpose, this conversation is for you. To find out more about Mary, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Radiant Mom Rising Free Gift Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Essential Minute