In the final episode of Very Good Enough, Jess and Layne process some real-time anxiety (this was recorded during the LA fires--you'll hear an air purifier in the background), figure out how to land this plane and let you know what to expect from us in the future. We also talk about how to manage anxiety when the world feels too big by identifying what IS in your power to influence and then doing that really well. When we say that we have LOVED making this podcast for you over the last 2+ years...there aren't words to fully wrap around the feeling. THANK YOU for being in this extended conversation with us. And...we're not disappearing! Make sure you're following us on Instagram so you don't miss what's next:Jess - @jess_hoverLayne - @enquirycoWe don't like good byes so consider this a "See you there!" 🤍
This is the second to last episode of this podcast and we are in our feelings about it. BUT before we say goodbye, we have one last Carl Jung quote to unpack with you: "Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically...on their children than the unlived life of the parent." We go pretty deep on how to hear your own desires, what reparenting yourself actually looks like, the brain development behind why your life becomes your child's model for their own...and a ton of other stuff. If there has to be a second-to-last, we're glad it's this one.Note: there is a gentle but audible hum throughout this episode--it's an air purifier, we recorded this during the LA fires.Related Episode: Mothers Not MartyrsJoin Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community: https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual!Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coachingFind us on Instagram:Jess - @jess_hoverLayne - @enquiryco
Welcome, dear friends, to the first of three final episodes of Very Good Enough. After a long break, Jess and Layne are back together ready to share what this journey has been like from each of our perspectives and how we independently arrived at the conclusion that, well, it's time to conclude. We recorded these conversations during the height of the fires in LA so you'll hear about our experiences with that in real time. Then we get into how to know when it's time to let something go, how to celebrate the ending of something good, and how to trust your life direction even when you don't totally know where it's taking you.Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community: https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual!Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coachingFind us on Instagram:Jess - @jess_hoverLayne - @enquiryco
Jess and Layne take some time to reflect on the conversations we've had with you over the course of this season. While Very Good Enough is on hiatus, you can still find us in REAL LIFE inside the Very Good Mothers Club community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month)! Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram
This episode digs into the isolating world of early parenthood. Jess and Layne explore why connecting with other moms (or literally anyone) is crucial for your mental and physical health and offer practical tips on building your support network. Learn how to combat "must be nice" syndrome--that creeping resentment towards partners or friends who seem to have it easier--and how friendship can help you identify these feelings and transform them into productive conversations about your needs. Whether you're a seasoned mom or new to the game, find out how to create meaningful connections and build community. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Drawing inspiration from a scene in "The Crown," Jess and Layne explore the idea of stepping into your own authority as a parent and trusting yourself to make choices. Key topics include: Dealing with guilt and second-guessing yourself The importance of flexibility and learning from experiences Communicating confidently with your partner and family members We offer practical advice on how to build confidence in your choices and accept that mistakes are part of the journey. Whether you're struggling with mom guilt, feeling overwhelmed by decision-making, or frozen with anxiety about the future, this episode is a reminder that you're uniquely equipped to wear the crown in your own life and motherhood journey. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Jess invites Layne's husband, Conner Cherland, into the studio (it's our living room) for a discussion on time management and life balance. Conner's unique perspective as an artist and entrepreneur offers fresh approaches to common challenges faced by busy moms. We talk about: Practical time management strategies when you're overwhelmed How to prioritize your goals (even if your goal is simply "sleep more") How to break down large tasks into manageable steps Embracing imperfection and celebrating small wins Layne and Conner share how they navigate gender roles and work toward equity in their relationship. Conner advocates for dads making sure moms get the time and space they need to de-stimulate and connect with themselves so they can identify what they really want. Conner teaches us how to manage our energy throughout the day, and why sometimes doing less can actually help you achieve more. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
With the upcoming election adding extra tension to our lives, Layne and Jess dig into the challenge of maintaining relationships when core beliefs differ. We discuss: How to maintain relationships when we disagree on parenting styles, politics, or worldviews? Strategies for having meaningful conversations about sensitive topics Navigating family dynamics when personal beliefs evolve over time How to approach differences in parenting choices (e.g., co-sleeping, vaccinations) Dealing with the impact of social media on our perceptions of others Learn how to create understanding, set boundaries when needed, and find common ground even when viewpoints clash. Because at the end of the day, if we all love our kids and try hard, we actually have a lot in common. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
You FLOODED our inbox over the last month with responses to our episode, "Fear + Force | Why we're leaving old school discipline styles behind." This week, Layne digs into your stories and questions. We cover: Is yelling ever ok as a parent? How do I get my toddler to listen? Is spanking child abuse? How to be in charge as the parent while still respecting my child's personhood How to manage power struggles with my toddler My 3-year-old gives me the silent treatment. What should I do? And much more! Huge thank you to everyone who shared their stories and thoughts. Listen to the original "Fear + Force" episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FcVJJ1VaqsWFyrogKEj8p?si=GAYjpbKURzO_VhtHvLImxg Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Is your little one starting preschool soon? Jess and Layne share their strategies from both the experienced mom and preschool teacher perspectives. Learn how to: Prepare your child (and yourself) emotionally for the first day Handle separation anxiety and tearful goodbyes Communicate effectively with teachers Create a smooth drop-off routine Understand your child's behavior before and after school Use transitional objects to provide comfort Connect with other parents and build your own support network Whether you're feeling excited or anxious about this new chapter, we have you covered with practical strategies, insider knowledge, and empathetic support to make your child's transition to preschool as smooth as possible. More from us about preschool: Youtube video from Jess' channel - https://youtu.be/jYchyCQYtzc?si=sxEiAkWpJIedSBiyS1 E2 His First Hard Thing - https://youtu.be/JCBj8odSbkw?si=EKt1LuzaRp2QI0lCS5 E6 Childcare vs. Mom - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HrZKzYul8hXKYD894s9dS?si=PrMFXGzcRWSa-YG1-Vj8DwBonus | Pooping at preschool - https://open.spotify.com/episode/23Uayk97l6CAr49NrGmh7y?si=ZkvsizQ4Sau4masvqGEKjgBonus | Is preschool important? - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6048h6fxgUWo2EJoTpgTyD?si=XxJnx0pEQmy49wulYgBFoQ Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Join us as we unpack a real-life playground incident and explore why labeling toddlers as 'mean' or 'bullies' misses the mark. We discuss why your little one's pushing or hitting is actually a direct route to getting what they want, not intentional meanness. We offer practical strategies for responding to aggressive behavior, setting boundaries, and teaching better tools. And we address the importance of healthy aggression in child development and how to channel it positively. Whether you're the parent of the 'pusher' or the 'pushed,' this episode offers compassionate insights and actionable tips for navigating this very normal developmental stage. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Today we're answering listener questions about a common parenting challenge: how to respond when your child becomes hyper-focused on YOUR emotions. We explore: Why preschoolers suddenly become aware of and fixated on their parents' feelings Navigating situations where your child witnesses your sadness or stress The dangers of leaning on your child for emotional support and healthier alternatives The importance of modeling healthy emotional regulation How to reassure your child while setting boundaries around emotional responsibility Discover practical strategies to nurture your child's emotional intelligence while maintaining your role as the caregiver in the relationship. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
We know mom's mental health has a huge impact on a child's emotional well-being, but the fact is: a lot of us have anxiety. Or postpartum depression. Or the other kind of depression. We're people. We struggle. So how do you parent well in the midst of mental health challenges? Today, Jess shares her personal journey with medication: what worked, what didn't and how to advocate for yourself in healthcare system. Layne shares how your mental health impacts your child's development and strategies for creating a stable environment, even when you're feeling bad. We address the delicate balance of sharing your emotions with your children, what's appropriate to discuss and what to keep private. Discover practical steps to prioritize your well-being, support your child's growth, and lean on your support system as a mom. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Is the constant power struggle leaving you drained? This week, Layne and Jess look at old-school methods of parenting that rely on fear and force to control children's behavior. We dive into how fear hinders internal motivation and discuss ways to foster cooperation. Jess shares her journey raising a strong-willed child, finding leadership without resorting to dominance. We discuss: The long-term effects of fear-based parenting on adults Why compliance shouldn't be our ultimate parenting goal How fear-based discipline impacts a child's decision-making skills How to maintain parental authority while fostering internal motivation And ya, we talk a little bit about spanking. Join us as we share personal struggles, insights, and practical tips for becoming the strong, compassionate leader your child needs. Previous episodes we mentioned: Season 3, Episode 11 | Best of Toddler Advice Season 5, Episode 9 | Less Gentle Parenting Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
In this episode, Jess shares what she learned through surviving cervical cancer about why prioritizing your well-being is crucial for your entire family's health and happiness. We get into: Practical tips for communicating your needs to your partner How to identify what you truly need when feeling overwhelmed Why mom's wellness is essential for your family's functioning Easy ways to incorporate rest into your busy schedule We explore how to embrace guilt-free rest and share actionable advice for weaving REAL self-care into your daily routine, even with young children. Don't wait until you're sick or burned out – learn to prioritize your needs and create a more balanced, fulfilling life for yourself and your family. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
This week, Layne and Jess reframe fairness into a more powerful concept: equity, ensuring everyone gets what they need. We offer practical scripts to explain this concept to your child, and discuss how to navigate those inevitable one-toy toddler meltdowns. This episode dives into: Why "no fair" complaints emerge around age 3 and how it relates to brain development Understanding the difference between fairness and equity Emphasizing that parents' needs matter too in family dynamics Guiding children through disappointment and unfulfilled wants Building resilience and empathy in kids by focusing on meeting diverse needs Communicating effectively with your co-parent about family needs Prioritizing needs based on your values and current circumstances Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Book a 1:1 coaching session with Layne: https://www.enquiryco.com/coaching Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
To kick off Season 6, Jessica and Layne revisit the transformative power of loving your life, even amidst the challenges of raising young children, recovering from cervical cancer and figuring out how to pay bills. Jess introduced us to the mantra "I love my life" in the final episode of last season and while you don't need to hear it to enjoy this episode, it is a conversation that genuinely changed us both and we recommend listening when you can (find the link below)! Today we build on that with a discussion about how to find strength and "love your life" even on your worst days. We share stories about times in our lives when things "went good" instead of going bad. We offer encouragement about how to trust that the dark times are part of a story that's worth loving and that good things will continue to come in your life. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Season 5, Episode 12: I Love My Life | How to stop waiting and start loving your life now - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/JXo2kMmICKb Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
Jess is back to give us an update on her cervical cancer surgery and recovery. We take some time to reflect on the past few months and the conversations we shared with you. Thanks for listening! We'll be back in a bit. In the meantime, binge your favorite episodes and TELL YOUR FRIENDS! Follow us @verygoodenoughpod for updates during the break! Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual!
In this episode, Jess and Layne face one burning question: how can you truly love your life RIIGHT NOW? We discuss the trap of waiting for our circumstances to change before we can live a life we love and our tendency to overlook our wins, constantly moving the goalposts, missing the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments. From recognizing the dreams you've already achieved (like becoming a mom!) to finding joy in the daily grind of motherhood, this conversation is all about the power of a simple shift in perspective – deciding to love your life now, rather than waiting for it to change in the future. Because that dream life you want? You might just be living it already! Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco
In this episode, we dive into the importance of being direct and clear when communicating with your toddler. Say goodbye to the endless search for the "right" parenting language or trying to follow every expert's advice. We discuss why using straightforward language and saying what you mean can strengthen your connection with your child, build trust, and reduce frustration for both of you. Discover how prioritizing clarity over trendy parenting lingo can make your interactions more authentic and effective. We explore practical tips for being real with your toddler in the moment, without getting caught up in the latest parenting trends or trying to find the perfect phrasing. Unlock the power of direct communication and foster a deeper understanding with your little one. Share your thoughts or ask a question - verygoodenoughpod@gmail.com Join Very Good Mothers Club to be a part of our community and join our live monthly calls (4th Tuesday of every month): https://verygoodmothersclubhouse.com/share/7ah7WID0giU77Bz0?utm_source=manual! Find us on Instagram: Jess - @jess_hover Layne - @enquiryco