I recently posted this quote on Instagram about discipline and many of you responded with questions on how to effectively discipline so children develop cooperation, problem solving, compassion, respect and other important life skills. There is not one right way to discipline that works for every child in every situation, but on this episode I share with you tips that will help you pick a response that fits each unique situation. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to listen to parenting advice with an open mind, filter it and implement what works for your family. Why you want to be your child's coach, and not just a dictator.How to raise children who cooperate with you because they understand "the why" and not because they are complying out of fear of you, your reaction or something they want being taken away from them. The goal is for children to do the right thing, because they understand it is the right thing to do.The importance of your children understanding why we're disciplining them.What effect positive discipline has on our children's emotional intelligence. Tips and creative solutions for setting boundaries and disciplining from a place of love. After listening to this episode you will have tools to discipline your children effectively and from a place of love so that you can raise emotionally intelligent children. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instincts

What an intense year this has been! For most of us, this pandemic has been very scary and rough, and for all of us, life as we know it has changed. So here we are, finding ourselves in a holiday season like no other - without being able to spend it with our friends and extended family and worrying about our children and how this will impact them. But just because we are going through a pandemic, and just because things are not as they usually are, doesn't mean the holidays are ruined. This holiday is an opportunity, an opportunity to create new family traditions, an opportunity to disconnect, recharge and build strong family connections. It is an opportunity to show our children that even in the midst of chaos, we can find peace, joy and love. This is the time to have a more intentional holiday season, and how do we do that? That's exactly what this episode is about. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instincts

Like most of you, I've had a life of very good moments but also some very hard moments. And over time, through life experiences and lots and lots of reading and studying I've come to integrate 3 core beliefs that have shifted the way I live my life. These beliefs have helped me become a more patient parent, let go of what I cannot control, and live a more fulfilling life. These beliefs have impacted my life in such a positive way that today I want to share these beliefs with you because they could impact your life in a positive way too. They could shift the way you see and live your life too and give you space to create a life that makes you feel happier, and that is more fulfilling. After listening to this episode I hope you look within at your own core beliefs and replace the beliefs that aren't serving you for beliefs that will serve you better. You can change your beliefs to improve your life, to become a more patient parent and to be happier, not some day in the future but now. I hope this episode inspires you to shift your perspective and starting seeing and living your own life in a different kind of way. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Breastfeeding is great for our babies, but it can be tricky sometimes when mom is retuning to work. Jada Glover, a Certified Lactation Counselor shares with us very useful and practical tips on how breastfeeding moms can make a smooth and successful transition from home back to work.  On this episode Mama Instincts and Certified Lactation Consultant Jada talk about: How to trouble shoot breastfeeding issues - most issues can be worked through so don’t give up hope!Tips for a smooth transition from home to workRecommendations on everything from bottles and pumps to bras and nursing padsWhat kind of milk stashes moms really need before heading back to workGeneral schedules for breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding baby when you return to workTips for maximizing milk supply and how to deal with decreased milk productionSelf care tips including ideas for how your partner can support you and babyBreastfeeding and pumping rights provided as part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 After listening to this episode you will be empowered to prepare yourself and your baby for a smooth transition from breastfeeding at home to returning to work. You will feel confident to trust your instincts and your bond with your baby as you create a new healthy lifestyle for you and your baby as a working mom. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

You have the power to break some unhealthy patterns and establish more realistic expectations for your children. Helping our children feel heard, loved and understood makes discipline easier, creates a base for managing emotions, builds a strong connection, establishes trust so our children come to us for help. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: The importance of raising emotionally intelligent childrenWhy is emotional intelligence the root of successful parentingTips for acknowledging your child's feelings so you can discipline them more effectivelyHow our own emotional baggage and triggers impact how we respond to our children's emotions and why it's important to keep this in checkHow teaching your children to acknowledging their feelings is that base needed for managing their emotions and building strong connections with you After listening to this episode you will be equipped to acknowledge your children's feelings, help them identify and understand their emotions, acknowledge your triggers, build strong connections with your children, become a safe place for your children to come with questions and for help.   For full show notes and mindfulness resources for kids, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

On this episode I share with you 3 daily practices to shift your mindset, lower your stress and anxiety and help you find happiness and peace in your current life situation. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How happiness is not some big thing that happens to us, but it is found in the every day little things.How we can control our attitude and our happiness.3 daily mindfulness practices that help us: start our day with a better mindsetrecognize and chose happinessfeel more grateful about the good things in our liveslower our stress and anxiety levels by focusing on the now and those things we can control over After listening to this episode you will understand how these 3 daily practices can help you stay in the present, shift your mindset and bring more joy into your life. I invite you to try these 3 daily practices for 30 days and notice the difference yourself, and of course, share your progress with me! After all, we're in this together. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

On this special episode I'm interviewing child psychologist and head of school at the Seneca Academy, Dr. Michelle Parker, on how to support our children mentally, emotionally, academically and socially during the pandemic. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to share information about the pandemic with your children without overwhelming them Age appropriate tipsHow to follow your children's leadModeling social-emotional skills How to identify and reduce our children's stress How children process the stress and fear present in our homesHow to leverage a schedule and routine to alleviate anxietyHow changes in children's normal behavior are a form of communicationWhat behavioral changes can be expected Tips for strategic use of technology How to balance self-care for parentsHow to manage sibling dynamicsWhy prioritizing social-emotional development is more important than academic development After listening to this episode you will feel confident in understanding, anticipating and supporting your children's social emotional development throughout the chaos of our new lives during the Pandemic. You will be inspired to find a routine that balances your children's needs with your own to create a healthy home environment. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

On this podcast episode I talk about how to approach this pandemic, how we can deal with the changes and uncertainty. But most importantly, I ask you what are you going to make this mean? And share with you some ideas of how we can turn this experience into something positive in the end.  On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: Coping with the uncertainty of the futureHow to stay present and live in the momentHow to respond to feelings of fearWhat does this pandemic mean for our communities and society? How have our priorities and choices changed?How can we reshape our world?Can we build new communities, based on cooperation and kindness, once this is over? After listening to this episode you will feel empowered to stay calm, stay present, and stay connected while you create a new normal during the pandemic. You will be inspired in intentionally creating a new, better, life after the pandemic and will answer to yourself: What will you make it all mean? For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

On this podcast episode I interview Angela Pruess, licensed family therapist with a background in Child Psychology, Child Development and Play Therapy, founder of Parents with Confidence and parent of three children, two with special needs. On this episode we talk about: Why it's important to raise emotionally healthy childrenHow to raise emotionally healthy children: where to startwhat are the important things to focusways to help your child understand their emotions Why it's important for children to learn how to communicate how they feelHow teach your children to deal with big emotions, instead of just reacting to themWhat you should be doing as a parent to raise emotionally healthy childrenTips on raising a strong-willedHow to deal with people who don't understand your strong-willed child Sign up to a FREE workshop on how to raise your strong-willed child  After listening to this episode you will understand why it's so important to raise emotionally healthy children, how you can do that even if you have a strong-willed child. Plus you will get the tools to begin this journey with your family.  For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

In today's world, it can be easy to find judgement about your parenting but not always that easy to find support.  On this podcast episode I talk to you about: Motherhood and sisterhoodSupporting other womenMommy WarsHow we can help other parents learn by our exampleListening to your heart and being a source of love After listening to this episode you will hopefully be thinking about how you can lift up the mothers around you and inspire them instead of passing judgement. For full show notes, click here. -- *The Mama Instincts Podcast is sponsored by one of my favorite products: Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

There are times when kids feel as if they have no control over anything and then there are times when there are so many options that it's completely overwhelming to them. Both situations can lead to meltdowns or frustration. But this simple trick will help your child feel like they have some control in their life while also maintaining boundaries. Give your child the option to choose. Broccoli or peas? Painting or play dough? Quiet time or book time? Puzzles or Legos?  On this podcast episode I talk to you about: How you can empower your children by giving them choicesFinding opportunities to offer your child choicesHow to keep it simple so it's more effectiveHow giving your children choices actually prepares them for the futureHow giving choices actually helps to set boundariesWhat you need to know before offering choicesThe right and the not-so-right way to offer choices After listening to this episode you will see the benefit to both you and your child that comes from giving choices. And most likely, this will become an important parenting tool for you, just like it has for our family. For full show notes, click here. -- *The Mama Instincts Podcast is sponsored by one of my favorite products: Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Traveling as a family is something that I truly love but I know flying with kids can be very stressful for many parents. Have you put off travel plans because you were too nervous to fly with your child? Do you find flying with your child extra stressful? There can be challenges when traveling with children but there are many ways you can be prepared for these challenges, making the entire process easier for not only your children but also for you.  On this podcast episode I talk to you about: How to help manage your children's expectations during travelPacking the right carry-on for your kidsMy emergency protocol Snacks, snacks, snacks!Why I bring lollipopsManaging our own expectations After listening to this episode you will feel more confident about flying and traveling with your children! Travel and exploration are one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Don't let fear stop you! For full show notes, click here. -- *The Mama Instincts Podcast is sponsored by one of my favorite products: Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Imagine a life where you never got a say. How would that make you feel and how would you even learn to make good choices? This what being a kid feels like sometimes. That's why I want to share with you a simple activity we call "Kid Time". By practicing this activity children feel like they have some control over their lives, learn to make good choices and discover new things they love. Check it out to find out if this is the right approach for your family too!  On this podcast episode I talk to you about: How little say children often have in their own lives and how we would feel if we were in their shoes.How and why giving kids some decision-making power helps to empower them and teaches them how to make good choicesHow to practice "Kid Time" with your childrenHow to create boundaries with freedom during "Kid Time"Why this is a great activity to build a strong bond with your child. For full show notes, click here. -- *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Many of us live our lives on autopilot, without even realizing it. The problem with living on autopilot is that we end up repeating our parents’ old patterns and life just happens to us. If you’ve ever wondered how you can start changing your life for the better and how you change the way you parent, this is episode is for you. On this podcast episode I talk to you about: The conscious and subconscious mind and how they work togetherThe role of your subconscious mind in life and parentingHow to notice the negative mental chatter (and stop it)How subconscious beliefs are formed and why we might want to change themA powerful technique: intentional pauseHow to use awareness to stop old patterns and your autopilot After listening to this episode you will understand how to use intentional pauses and awareness to shift your life and parent from the heart. For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

On today's podcast episode we're going to talk about how powerful our beliefs are when it comes to shaping our lives and how you can use this power to shape your child's internal voice. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How self development benefits not only you but your entire familyWhat are beliefs and how the influence usHow to change your beliefs to serve you betterThe impact your choice of words and actions have over your child's belief system and how to use this power wiselyHow to explain to your child why people might have different beliefs and why that shouldn't affect their own beliefs For full show notes, click here. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

In honor of my 4 year old's birthday, I'm sharing with you the story of how she came into the world. Yes, you read the title right. She ended up being born in our home, when our original plan was to have her at a hospital. And on this episode I tell you all about it and what we did afterwards. This is the story of my unplanned home birth. For full show notes, click here. -- *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Taking a break is always good, because it gives you a refreshed new look on life. On this podcast episode I share with you a few surprising realizations I had this summer that are helping me become an even more loving and peaceful parent. This episode will inspire you! And it sets the tone for our future episodes so I hope you enjoy it. For full show notes, click here. *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

As moms we tend to put ourselves last, especially when we have young kids. Sometimes even the thought of making time for ourselves can sound stressful because time is one of the things we all could use more of. But in order to be a peaceful, patient and loving parent you need to feel this way inside first. How can we accomplish this easily? By practicing self-care! Self-care doesn't need to be hard, elaborate nor take a lot of time. And the easiest way to practice self-care and to recharge yourself is to carve out a little space in your home for you. Having a space in your home that is dedicated to self-care is a physical reminder of how important it is to take time for you, mama. To refresh and recharge yourself so that you can tackle the rest of your life with vigor. On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: A simple change you can make in your physical space to help you to be a happier, more peaceful parentWhy every mom needs a self-care nook, even when she doesn't think she needs itHow to set up a self-care nook in your homeWhat kind of items should be in your self-care nook After listening to this episode you will be inspired to make a space in your home for YOU. This will be a reminder for you to take care of yourself physically and mentally, in order to maintain your happiness and to be a more peaceful parent. For full show notes and resources click here. *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

How do you get your child to cooperate? And is it possible to get your child to cooperate in a happy manner and without tears? Yes! Teaching cooperation in children is not only an important lifeskill they need to develop but it's essential to have a happy home life. On this podcast episode I am going to show you how to get your child to cooperate using positive parenting strategies. In other words, you will learn how to get your child to cooperate without having to raise your voice, demand it and without having to deal with power struggles. These strategies teach children how to cooperate instead of forcing them to cooperate.  On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: How to get your stubborn child to cooperateGentle strategies to get your child to cooperate without tearsThe key to getting your child to happily cooperateHow to inspire your children to come up with win-win solutions for when you need them to cooperate After listening to this episode you will be inspired to try these new strategies to get your child to cooperate because it will not only get your child to peacefully cooperate but it will teach how to come up with creative and win-win solutions.  For full show notes and resources click here. *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group

Do you ever go to bed thinking tomorrow you're going to rock at this parenting thing only to wake up feeling exhausted and like there's nothing left of you to give? Or maybe you started off your day feeling great but as the hours went by exhaustion started creeping in and you find yourself being less patient with your kids... If you're a parent of little ones this is probably something you struggle with regularly or at least, a few times a month. Sleep depravation is real, especially when you have a baby or young children, and it's hard to function properly and be a calm parent when we're exhausted. So, how do you parent when you're feeling exhausted? What do you when you're feeling so tired that you find yourself loosing your patience with your kids? How can you be a peaceful and positive parent when you can barely function due to lack of sleep? That is exactly what this episode is all about! On this episode Mama Instincts talks about: The most important thing you should when you're feeling exhaustedHow to parent peacefully when you feel like there's nothing left in youCreative ways to sneak in more sleep and relaxation time in your busy dayHow to keep your children busy so that you can recharge while being with themWhat's a secret toy stash and how to use itTips on how to be a good parent when you're having a rough day After listening to this episode you will feel inspired to approach those day when you're feeling exhausted in a different manner - you will have the tools you need to be a happy and peaceful parent when there's not much left of you to give. Plus, you will have ideas on how to keep your kids entertained on these rough days so that you can get through your day in the most peaceful way. For full show notes and resources click here. *The Mama Instincts Podcast is proudly sponsored by Regular Girl - a symbiotic blend of soluble fiber and probiotics. Use code MAMA at checkout to get 10% off your first order. -- For more parenting inspiration: let's connect on Instagramvisit Mama Instinctsjoin our free private Facebook group