It Takes a Village To Raise a Parent

It can be tough (and time-consuming and expensive) to “be green.” Taking actions — or intentionally not taking actions — can be even more challenging as a parent. Your brain is not always working correctly. All the sudden you have less time. Your priorities may have shifted. In this episode of It Takes a Village to Raise a Parent, host DJ Waldow chats with Emily Silverstein, former gDiapers Community Manager and current founder of Urban Oreganics. Emily knows how to “be green” and be a parent (no quotes). Even better, she shares her experience, wisdom, and tips with you — the listener. Oh, and she tells us HOW TO SAVE THE PLANET (kinda). Some of the highlights of the show include:   How and why Emily launched an organic skincare product company How Emily grew up in an “environmentally aware” ... environment Emily explains how her passions — for eco-friendly — grew once she had children Emily talks about how to educate parents about being more green How small, simple actions and decisions can make a huge impact Emily’s suggestions to “start small” and to “not be so hard on yourself” <<-- a good tip for parenting in general REUSABLE TO-GO BOXES and PRODUCE BAGS?!?! (who knew?) Organic is better than NOT-organic! Watch out for the word “natural” ... it means NOTHING. Links: Urban Oreganics — Emily’s company Emily on LinkedIn 

For many couples, passion and intimacy (and sex!) change after you have children. Time, lack of sleep, and other factors impact the sex lives of post-children couples. Is this just a fact of life or can you still have a passion-filled life with your partner after having children? Today’s episode (Part II of II) is all about sex ... well, passion and intimacy and reconnecting with your partner — after you have children.

For many couples, passion and intimacy (and sex!) change after you have children. Time, lack of sleep, and other factors impact the sex lives of post-children couples. Is this just a fact of life or can you still have a passion-filled life with your partner after having children? Join host DJ Waldow as he chat with Nate Bagley and Sarah Peck about a topic that impacts all couples, yet is rarely discussed.

Today’s episode is about dads. The transition for fathers into parenthood is different from what many mothers experience. Today we are talking to Chris May, one of the founders of SMS4Dads, which is a project that sends dads text messages to encourage and inform them about various childcare and fathering topics. This show is great for not only dads, but also moms, because we’ll be discussing how dads can become more engaged with parenting. Some of the highlights of the show include:  Why Chris thinks that dads have traditionally been the ones being left out of the parenting conversations and how this has been changing in both homes and in society. How trends on paternity leave have changed over the years, as well as thoughts on how to change cultural norms that discourage dads from taking their leave. Some of the ways that SMS4Dads is helping to literally put information into dads’ pockets. Why the texts help both parents to support each other, as well as why being on the same page is important. Why it’s important for dads to spend time alone with their child and to function as a co-parent rather than simply as a support person for the child’s mother.  

Today’s guest, Mercedes Kwiatkowski, is a triple board-certified physician: She is a pediatrician, and most of what she does pertains to child psychiatry. In addition, she’s a blogger, a mom of two young children, and a wife. Today’s episode focuses on being a parent and also being a child psychiatrist. Some of the highlights of the show include: Some ways that Mercedes relates her experience in child psychiatry to her parenting, and vice-versa. Mercedes’s thoughts on some of the differences between boys and girls and the stereotypes that pertain to each gender. How being a parent has changed the work-life balance for a family with two busy physicians. How Mercedes controls her stress and calms down after a tough day at work before she gets home. Thoughts on how parental stress lends to childhood stress and anxiety. How the overuse of technology lends to screen addiction and anxiety, as well as tips on how to curb this. The stigma of mental health issues and how talking about it and knowing what to do with kids and adults who are struggling can help. Also, thoughts on finding a balance between honesty and being strong when parents struggle with their own anxiety.  

Today’s episode is unique because we are interviewing Jess and James, who decided five years ago to pack up and sail around the world. They’ve had quite the journey, and perhaps their biggest adventures have been having two children, Rocket and Indigo, along the way. Whether or not you’ve ever considered living on a boat, you're sure to find our conversation fascinating and thought-provoking.   Some of the highlights of the show include:  Where Jess and James are now, what they did when they started, and what they are doing, and what their days are like.  How far in advance the family plans and when they plan on stopping their current lifestyle.  Some of the ways that the journey has changed from the time that it was just James and Jess to now.  What James and Jess miss about living in one place, as well as some of the benefits of living on a boat.  How James, Jess, and the kids make friends within the sailing community.  Some of the different milestones that children in the sailing community might reach before or after children who are raised traditionally.     

This is part two of The Impact of Pregnancy Loss. During part one, we talked to Jessica Daggett, who is the mom of three living children and who has also lost two babies during pregnancy. She told us the story of her daughter being born still and about a subsequent miscarriage. If you haven’t already listened to that, please do that first so that you can pick up where we left off. If you have listened to part one already, sit back and listen to part two. We are continuing the conversation to help people who have experienced a loss as well as those who know people who have lost a baby. Some of the highlights of the show include: How Jessica’s oldest daughter dealt with the death of her first sister and how that experience has impacted her. The painful process of telling others about a miscarriage. Also, Jessica talks about why the miscarriage was, in some ways, more difficult than her stillbirth. How Jessica explains to strangers how many children she has. Ways to respond when hearing about a lost baby that would be helpful to the parents. How pregnancy loss has changed who Jessica is as a wife, a mother, and a human being. How Jessica celebrates and acknowledges the lives of her children that she lost. Advice for moms and dads who have experienced a loss, as well as tips for including grandparents and other relatives who are also affected by the loss.

Cute Alert! Cute Alert! Cute Alert!  It started as a simple text to a few dozen dads: --- So … working on a Mother’s Day “Special Edition" of the gDiapers podcast, It Takes a Village to Raise a Parent. I'm asking dads to help me record audio of their kid(dos) answering the following question: What do you love about your mom? You can record on your phone, your laptop, whatever. Oh, and this will be a surprise for the moms … so SHHHHH. Here is what I need: Together (or separate), I need each kid to say their name, their mom's name, and then what they love about their mom. Like this: "Hi. I'm Van. My mom is Kristina Milan. I love my mom because she gives the best snuggles." Record the video then text or email me the video. --- The results were, well, ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. From “she let’s me watch TV” to “she gives the best snuggles” … listen and watch as two dozen+ of the cutest kiddos share what they love about their mom. Watch full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq5I6WVYC4w P.S. It’s not too late to record your own video of your own kiddos and share it with mom! Do it. Now.

Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent or adopting a child through foster care? Whether or not you already have biological children, becoming a parent through foster care is a completely different experience, and you won’t want to miss this episode!  Today we are talking to Gini Dietrich, the owner of two businesses and the author of two books. She is also a mother and a wife, and she will be discussing her journey of adopting her daughter through the foster care system. She has some great perspective on the trials and tribulations that go along with adopting through foster care, and she will be sharing her advice for anyone who wants to go through the process themselves. Some of the highlights of the show include: Why Gini and her husband decided to adopt rather than pursue infertility treatment. How the foster-to-adopt process works, as well as the trials that the Dietrich family experienced during the early weeks and months of fostering their baby. How visitation worked with Gini’s daughter’s biological mother during the time that they were fostering. Why foster parents are not supposed to post information or photographs of their foster children, as well as why biological parents are given many chances to get their child back before the child is available for adoption. What life has been like since the adoption has been finalized. How Gini handles contact with her daughter’s biological mother now. How the bonding process with an adopted child can differ from the bonding process with a biological child. Gini’s best advice for people who would like to foster or adopt through the foster care system.

Pregnancy loss is a common occurrence, with about one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage or infant loss. It’s a difficult topic to talk about, however, and sometimes women feel alone after experiencing such a loss. Today we are going to be talking to Jessica Daggett, a wife, mom, and doula. She has three children and has experienced pregnancy loss twice. She has so much to share that we decided to split the interview into two parts, with this being part one.   Whether or not you have experienced a pregnancy loss, this is a show you won’t want to miss, since chances are good that someone close to you will be affected by the loss of a pregnancy.  Some of the highlights of the show include:  What Jessica and her husband had planned when it came to having children and what ended up happening in terms of spacing and pregnancy complications.  Jessica’s pregnancy loss of her daughter, Daphne, at 34 weeks -- how she found out, how she felt, and how she got through the days between finding out and delivering her baby.  Daphne’s birth story.  When and how Jessica and her husband decided to try again for another baby and the difficulties that they had.  Jessica’s feelings during her third pregnancy when she got to the last trimester, which was when she lost Daphne.  Jessica’s second loss, how it happened, and what caused her second-trimester miscarriage.     

Today’s world is filled with technology. In some ways it helps parents, and in other ways it hinders us. You can probably look at your use of devices and technology and agree with both of these takes.  Carley Knobloch, a self-described digital lifestyle expert has been on the Today Show and is the Smart Home host on HGTV. She’s the mom of a teen and a preteen, and she has a lot of insight on technology and how it can be used as a parent. She’ll talk about some apps that have helped her and the way that she uses technology to organize her life so she can make more special moments with her kids.  Some of the highlights of the show include:  Ways that technology has helped Carley be a better parent, as well as ways that it has impeded her good intentions.  How to model and encourage good behavior when it comes to technology when you don’t meet your ideal standards yourself.  Some specific technology that helps Carley with her parenting.  How Carley teaches her kids how to use technology, and why it’s important not to assume that teens know how to use all types of apps and technology despite knowing how to use their own social media platforms.  Types of technology that can make someone a less effective parent, as well as how Carley has learned to achieve some balance so she can get her work done while still being in the moment with her kids.  Carley’s best piece of advice for parents who want to focus on using the best technology for what they want to do. 

Many people find themselves in the often difficult position of being a single parent. My guest today, Jessica, has been raising her daughter as a single parent. Jessica talks about some of the challenges she has faced and she has some great advice to share on things she has learned along her journey as a single parent. Listen in as Jessica gives some great advice for not just single parents, but for all parents as well.   Highlights from this episode: Jessica’s decision to be a single parent How Jessica’s family and faith provide support to her The dynamics of dealing with a different set of rules between her home and her daughter’s father’s home Why is is so important for single parents to put aside pettiness and focus on what’s best for their child How Jessica’s daughter handles the split-time between her two homes The relationship Jessica has forged with her daughter The positive aspects of being a single parent Jessica shares her advice to other single parents   Quotes by Jessica:  “The hardest thing single parents will have to do is get along with the other person (parent) when they don’t want to.”  “Single parents should humble themselves, check the pettiness.”  “You have a choice on how you’re going to make it a positive relationship.”          

There are no two ways about it: Being a new parent is hard. And that is exacerbated if a new mom has pregnancy-related or postpartum depression and anxiety. Today we’re talking to a mom named Andrea who has suffered from anxiety since early childhood. Just about every parent has either gone through PPD or knows someone who has. We are going to delve into Andrea’s story in the hopes that it might help you relate it to your own experience or to that of a friend or relative. Some of the highlights of the show include: Andrea’s first experience with panic and anxiety and how she remembers it decades later. How and why Andrea hid her depression and anxiety, and why mental health screening forms weren’t helpful. How depression and anxiety affected Andrea during her pregnancy, including physical manifestations of anxiety. How an outpatient program for anxiety helped Andrea cope during the last month of her pregnancy. The importance of having a support system and how Andrea found a supportive friend through her program. How parenthood changes friendships. The quote that has become Andrea’s mantra: “It’s not forever; it’s just for right now.” Coping mechanisms and how Andrea manages her depression and anxiety. Andrea’s best advice on self-care for moms who are struggling with pregnancy-related or postpartum depression and anxiety.

Today’s episode is a bit different than the last several, because it’s going to focus on gDiapers, the most eco-friendly diaper out there. If you haven’t heard about them, they’re disposable diaper liners that go into super-cute pants. We’re going to chat with Marta Long and Shelly Yoast, two moms who know a thing or two about fashion. They’re going to talk about style and how gDiapers fits into it.  How style changes from trendy to mom-in-her-sweatpants once a baby comes along, even in a very trendy and style-conscious mom.  Why a mom might feel just fine about leaving the house not dressed to the nines, and how wearing comfortable clothing can actually be a confidence boost.  Some thoughts on how priorities change when a child comes along.  How a mom can translate her sense of style to her child’s style with gDiapers.  The transition for moms to one child and to two children when it comes to getting dressed and wearing makeup.   The mom-bob: What it is and why some moms want it.  How Shelley used LuLaRoe leggings to satisfy her sense of style.     

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss is very common, but it’s not talked about very much. If you have been through a miscarriage, you might feel very alone. We’re going to talk about that today.  Our guest is Krista Parry. She will be sharing her story of her loss, from early-stage to later-stage miscarriage. She talks about how sharing her feelings and her journey on social media has helped her and her family come to terms with the loss and the grief. She’s also impacted others who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, as they now know that they’re not alone.   Some of the highlights of the show include:  Krista’s plans for her family, as well as medical issues that caused her to have difficulty conceiving.  How Krista was surprised by her second and subsequent pregnancies after struggling with infertility.  The differences between a very early loss and a later loss.  Why Krista made the choice to share about her miscarriage on social media.  How Krista grieved and coped after her second miscarriage while also mothering her two little boys.  The difference between her grief and that of her husband.  Why Krista urges women who have had miscarriages to share their stories with others.  How Krista’s beliefs helped her and her children to find comfort after the loss.   

Artist. Massage Therapist. Mother of 3 “high energy” boys. Angie Smith is busy, yet somehow maintains calm — and balance — through it all.  Angie first identified herself as an artist when she was 10 years old. She launched her career before having her first child; however, once she had her first son (now 10 years old) her art career “went on pause.”  We discussed the balance between art and motherhood; between chaos and art.  Notable Quotes by Angie:  “I was fully-emerged in being a mother. I did not really create in the time he was born until he was 18 months.” “I was so wrapped up in being the best mother I could be to him, that I put everything for me on hold for a bit … including art.” “I felt it all come back to me. It made me happy. It made me calm. When he woke up, I felt like I was a better mother.” “Easier to balance now that I have 3 children. They are their own little tribe now.” “100%. Having children has made me a better artist.”   Links: Angie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AngieMae14/ Angie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngieSmithArt/

Guilt. It’s something that we all experience, but it could be more prevalent once you become a parent. Mom guilt, dad guilt, working parent guilt -- there are more types of guilt than can be named, and most parents feel it at some point! Left unchecked, guilt can build upon itself. The good news is that while you might always experience it to some extent, guilt is a manageable feeling. Kim Graham-Nye, one of the co-founders of GDiapers, talks to us today about the guilt she has as a parent. She still struggles with it, but she’s found ways to deal with it. If you experience guilt, and you probably do, be sure to tune in to learn some strategies for handling it. Some of the highlights of the show include: ● How Kim ended up being a working parent, including her background and early career history and how she got into having her own company. ● When Kim’s mother-guilt took hold and why it became overwhelming. She talks about what she felt guilty about, but as a mom and as a business-owner. ● How leaving her company for a few months gave her needed perspective as far as guilt and family life was concerned. ● Why guilt is universal, particularly among moms and how it does not discriminate between working and stay-at-home parents. ● Kim’s thoughts on work-life balance and why it’s so elusive. ● Why unrealistic expectations can lead to guilt. ● Thoughts on the differences between mommy-guilt and daddy-guilt.  

Being a CEO is tough. Being a parent is even tougher. Today we are going to be talking to Rhea Drysdale, the CEO of Outspoken Media. Rhea is also the parent of a four-year-old and a one-year-old. As you can imagine, she has a lot on her plate! She is going to share her experiences of being pregnant, breastfeeding, recovering from a difficult delivery, finding her groove as a new mom, and then transitioning from one child to two, all while also remaining CEO of her company. Some of the highlights of today’s show include: How Rhea’s experience finding out that she couldn’t control everything changed her as a mom and as a CEO. How the kindness of strangers helped Rhea survive the first year as a new mom and a CEO. Some lessons that Rhea has learned about being a CEO while pregnant, a mom of one, and a mom of two. Why Rhea found it easy to bond with moms who had been through traumatic experiences. What she would do differently the third time around, if she decides to have another baby. How Rhea handled communication with her team members while on maternity leave. How parenting helped Rhea appreciate the wisdom of moms who have gone before her. Questions Rhea has asked herself to help find balance between work and parenting. How Rhea handles working-parent guilt and how she depends on her support system to help her keep it under control.  

Sleep: It’s something we all need, and something we probably don’t get enough of. As parents, we tend not to get enough sleep. If we want to function well and be better parents, however, we need to make this a priority. While it’s important for us to make sure that our little ones get enough sleep, it’s just as important that parents get the sleep that they need. Today we’re going to get some great tips on doing just that.  We’re talking to two sleep experts. The first is Dr. Krishna Sundar, who is the medical director of the Sleep/Wake Center at the University of Utah. The second is Natalie Willes, who is a sleep consultant at babysleeptrainer.com and is an expert on baby and toddler sleep. Some of the topics we’ll discuss today include:  What sleep medicine is and how it pertains to getting better sleep, particularly when there are sleep disorders and issues with how the body responds to sleep. Why sleep is so critical to who we are as human beings and as parents, as well as why sleep is one of the three main pillars of health. The cumulative health effects of sleep deprivation. How screens (smartphones, tablets) impact our sleep. Sundar’s best tips for new parents who need to get more or better sleep. The importance of getting your kids to sleep better so you, as a parent, can sleep better. Natalie’s tips for parents to help them get more sleep. Natalie’s thoughts on naps.  

The moment that you get home with your newborn, you’re hit with the feeling that you have no idea what you're doing. Today we’re going to talk to a panel of seasoned moms about what to expect that first night and how to prepare yourself for the reality of being in charge of a brand new baby, especially if it’s your first time. No one really prepares you for how you will feel, and of course it’s different for everyone. So if you’re going to be bringing home a baby soon, you won’t want to listen to this informative and entertaining discussion! Our speakers today are Christine, a PICU nurse and mom of four boys ages five and under; Ashley, who is the community manager at GDiapers and the mom of a nine-year-old and a toddler; and Rachel, a new mom to a baby girl. Some of the topics you’ll hear about include: Advice on how to prepare for the big day when you bring home your baby. The moment that Christine felt like she could really handle having a baby. How moms and dads might prepare the second time around and how bringing home a second baby differs from bringing home the first baby. Ashley describes the first day after bringing her first baby home, when reality set in. How Rachel’s premature delivery and post-birth complications made the transition to home a bit less settled than it would have been if the baby had waited until her due date. What worked for each of the moms when it came to those first days at home.