Podcasts by Simple Families

The Comfort Crisis ft. Michael Easter from 2023-10-20T20:28:24

In today's episode, author Michael Easter, shares his work and theories on the topic of comfort. He posits that the growing rates of mental and physical health challenges may be rooted in the fact ...

Uncomfortable Things from 2023-09-22T16:03:08

As adults, we often avoid uncomfortable situations and even frequently rescue our children from uncomfortable experiences. We know, however, that experiencing discomfort can result in growth and re...

School Contentment ft. Niro Feliciano from 2023-08-17T22:20:21

It's Back-to-School season and today we are talking about about contentment--as it relates to our children's educational experience. I'm joined by Niro Feliciano (Author, Psychotherapist, National ...

#momfails Flipped from 2023-07-20T19:04

Let go of the pressure to be the perfect parent and start to embrace the teachable moments that you are (accidentally) creating. In this episode we are flipping around some common summer #momfails....

Reactivity ft. Hunter Clarke-Fields from 2023-06-29T18:13

At the heart of being an intentional parent is striving to calm our own reactivity. Reactivity...we all experience it. Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and podcaster, joins me today to discuss this top...

Connection&Wellness ft. Dr. Matthew Lederman from 2023-06-22T20:08:39

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Lederman, a physician and wellness expert that you might know from Forks Over Knives. His most recent book, Wellness to Wonderful (together with partner,...

Time Management from 2023-06-16T01:20

Time management can feel challenging for both children and adults alike. Today, I'm discussing some tools and strategies to start intentionally handing over this responsibility to our children. My...

Exposure ft. Leslie Cohen-Rubury from 2023-06-08T21:11

Today we're talking all about exposure: exposing our kids, and ourselves, to current events, different cultures and different parenting styles. With unlimited access in today's world, children and ...

Expansion + Contraction [re: The best parenting tool for summertime] from 2023-06-01T20:07:41

Today I’m sharing my best relationship tool. It’s called expansion and contraction. Expansion and contraction is a simple way to find the rhythm in your family. In fact, it’s probably something you...

Engagement ft. Erin Loechner from 2023-05-25T19:07:21

Creating a more engaging home environment for our children can be difficult given the mounting sources competing for their attention. It take intentionality and hard work. Our guest Erin Loechner d...

Fairness from 2023-05-18T18:14:48

"It's not fair!" is a statement uttered by most children pretty early and often. Let's delve into defining the difference between 'fair' and 'equal' and try to understand why children's brain can n...

Protecting Our Brains ft. Dr. Carl Marci from 2023-05-11T18:38:39

In continuing my quest to find a balance in my own use of digital technology, I found the book Rewired: Protecting your brain in the digital age. The author, Dr. Carl Marci, reviews mounting eviden...

Gut Health ft. Tina Anderson from 2023-05-04T18:10

There's a lot of buzz about gut health and probiotics--but it can feel overwhelming to digest it all (no pun intended). In fact, years ago, I remember standing in the supplemental aisle at the groc...

Punishment from 2023-04-27T18:57:58

I favor a positive parenting approach, so I don't use a lot of rewards and punishments in our house. However, there are times when these methods can be useful and I want to share some examples with...

Hitting from 2023-04-20T14:46:20

Let’s talk about kids who hit. Let’s also talk about adults who hit. This kind of behavior is taboo, especially as kids get older. I'll explore some basic reasons behind hitting and offer solutions...

Adventure + Motherhood ft. Majka Burhardt from 2023-04-13T16:32:20

When Majka Burhardt, social entrepreneur and world-class female rock/ice climber, found out she was pregnant with twins, she started writing her children letters. These raw, emotional and vulnerabl...

Addictive Technology ft. Gaia Bernstein from 2023-04-06T18:33

Many of us have made great efforts to control our technology use, but is it working? I've invited Gaia Bernstein, author of Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies to the podcast today...

Maternal Overwhelm ft. Erica Djossa from 2023-03-10T16:13

Today, I am speaking with the Founder of MomWell (formerly Happy as a Mother) Erica Djossa, who you may recognize from viral her maternal mental health memes on Instagram. Erica is a psychotherapis...

How to Raise an Adult ft. Julie Lythcott-Haims from 2023-02-16T23:12

Overparenting is a pervasive practice in our society today. My guest Julie Lythcott-Haims identified over-parented students in her former role as the Dean of Freshman and Undergraduate Advising at ...

Parent-Child Conflict ft. Dr. Ross Greene from 2023-01-26T07:00

While many parenting books detail the source of difficult childhood behavior or cover diagnoses, Dr. Ross Greene provides parents with a universal guide for dealing with challenging behaviors. In h...

Storytelling ft. Devan Sandiford from 2023-01-12T07:00

Sharing life stories will not only preserve family history but also simplify learning important life lessons. It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Devan Sandiford, distinguished writer and story...

Emotions ft. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett from 2023-01-05T19:52:06

As humans, we experience a vast array of emotions. We are sometimes confused about our own emotional experiences and often confused by the emotions of others (especially our kids!). Dr. Lisa Feldma...

Finding Your Holiday 'Why': Q&A with Denaye from 2022-12-15T16:38:49

When I asked listeners to send me questions for a holiday episode of Q&A, I received so many inquiries. Interestingly, so many of them contained the word 'Scrooge!' Iam answering your questions reg...

Magical Mindset Moments from 2022-12-08T17:08

I went into this episode not a huge fan of Disney, but my mindset has been shifted. I learned a lot from Jen Hoffman&Lauren Gaggioli, who dissect the life lessons of Disney movies on their podcast ...

Appropriate Toys? from 2022-11-30T17:59

Today I'm answering a listener's question on gift-giving. What do we do when a child asks for a holiday gift we don't want them to have? Links from the episodeSimple Families Episode 247: Over-gift...

Open Air Life ft. Linda Åkeson McGurk from 2022-11-10T16:29

FRILUFTSLIV is the Norwegian word describing a popular Nordic way of life: Passion for nature and getting outdoors. I loved learning more about this concept (and cultural differences) from Linda Åk...

Fall Q&A from 2022-11-03T14:07:49

I'm answering several listener questions today on a wide variety of parenting topics, including: extracurricular activities, handling challenging behavior at dinnertime, volunteering at your child'...

Soulshine ft. Mary-Robb Wilson from 2022-10-26T19:15:47

Parents are faced with all sorts of complicated questions from their children. Today, Mary-Robb Wilson is here to give us her wisdom to answer some big questions in her new book Soulshine. Links fr...

Introducing: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms from 2022-10-17T13:36:28

I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite podcasts. 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is hosted by Rachel Nielson, who is a lover of practical ideas, conversations with kindred spirits, and her ...

Bullying ft. Kayla Taylor from 2022-10-12T13:04

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. While many of us know someone or have been a victim of bullying ourselves, it remains a source of great pain for some of our youth with long-lasting e...

Manageable (Imperfect) Mornings from 2022-10-05T09:00

It's more than a month into the new school year, and many parents are feeling stress getting out the door in the morning for school and/or work. Although a consistent, smooth morning routine is nev...

Boundaries ft. Nedra Glover Tawwab from 2022-09-20T22:35:30

When it comes to setting boundaries, clarity saves relationships. Implementing boundaries is a vital component to building a healthy relationship, whether with a partner, relative or friends. After...

Parenting + Poetry ft. Maggie Smith from 2022-09-14T14:59

I've always been intimidated by poetry. However, Maggie Smith has changed that. Not only have I found myself enjoying poetry, but I've also found it to be a way to get off auto-pilot and center mys...

Mentorship in Motherhood ft. Deborah Porter from 2022-09-07T17:02

This generation is increasingly looking to peer groups and the internet for child-rearing advice--a change from the past. Today, I'm joined by coach Deborah Porter who shares the benefits of unders...

Mental Health ft. Ginger Zee from 2022-08-30T17:20:16

We have many academic and expert guests on the podcast, but today we have a meaningful story of lived experience. In this episode, Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and New York Times Be...

Child Anxiety, Part II: Parenting Styles ft. Niro Feliciano from 2022-07-26T15:56:35

Child anxiety rates are on the rise, therefore, it's a topic that feels familiar to many parents. Last week I discussed child anxiety with expert Dr. Eli Lebowitz. In today's episode, I'm joined by...

Child Anxiety, Part I ft. Dr. Eli Lebowitz from 2022-07-19T17:34

Child anxiety is a topic on the mind of millions across the world. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eli Lebowitz about his innovative Space Treatment method, which he outlines in his new book...

Traveling Different ft. Dawn Barclay from 2022-07-13T18:25

Many of us are hitting the road or taking to the sky this summer for travel. If you've traveled with kids, you know that it's not easy. And if you are traveling with anxious or inflexible children,...

Social Media ft. Lena Derhally from 2022-07-05T17:45

Social media gives us all an opportunity to create a false narrative of our lives. And too often, that narrative is of a life we wish we had or what we want to be. The result is a distorted sense o...

Introducing: Let's Change Beauty with Jess Weiner from 2022-06-30T09:00

I would love to introduce you to "Let's Change Beauty" - a podcast powered by the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Let’s Change Beauty features intimate conversations with esteemed experts and celebrated ...

Procrastination from 2022-04-14T18:00:55

Procrastination has been on my mind lately, so I invited an expert, Dr. Tim Pychyl, to dissect and explain the many examples I could list in my life where I find myself delaying tasks that feel ...

Analog Curious - Part II from 2022-04-07T23:26:25

Welcome back to Part II of Analog Curious (if you missed Part I, catch it here). In this episode, I continue to explore my analog curiosity and provide some useful ways I have been able to decre...

Analog Curious - Part I from 2022-03-31T19:43:43

If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I've been on a bit of a digital detox. Or what I'm calling, being"analog curious". This means I want to know what life feels like rely...

Body-Brain Parenting from 2022-03-17T15:58:49

Let's redefine what"bad behavior"in childhood really means. So often, we view challenging behavior as a sign of our own shortcomings as parents, but our episode today explains that most difficul...

Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff from 2022-03-11T16:08:32

If you (or your loved ones) are living with clutter; trying to make space for connection over content; or moving to a smaller home or retirement community, then you'll love hearing from my frien...

Thank you, Mama from 2022-03-03T21:05:34

Mothers all over the world have faced similar challenges across generations. Today, I'm chatting with Ana Tajder.  Ana is the host of Thank you, Mama a podcast where she interviews woman from ar...

Accommodating from 2022-03-01T19:20:08

Today we are talking about accommodating, especially accommodating anxious behaviors in our kids. Sometimes accommodating is also known as enabling. This happens when an anxious person asks anot...

Idealizations from 2022-02-19T01:09:34

Parenthood rarely turns out as we expect. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Rachel Nielson, the host of the podcast 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms.  Rachel is a mother, teacher, and writer. In t...

Partnership from 2022-02-10T20:14:50

The postPartnershipappeared first onSimple Families.

Multigenerational Families from 2022-02-04T00:54:59

The postMultigenerational Familiesappeared first onSimple Families.

Mr. Chazz from 2022-01-27T22:13:15

Many of you listening are moving towards a more intentional approach to parenting, so I know you will enjoy this episode. Mr. Chazz Lewis is one of few male voices in the movement towards more r...

Living Small(er) from 2022-01-13T20:32:02

In today's episode I'm joined by Laura Fenton. Laura is a writer, editor, and the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She and I are chatting about the ways that small living has impacted ...

Firehose from 2022-01-06T19:21:20

As the world has grown busier, many of us have moved towards short-form content to get the knowledge and information we desire. Rather than reading a book or listening to a podcast, we want that...

Bookends from 2021-12-22T18:15:19

In 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, early parenthood may feel like a blur with a few major bookends that stand out in our memories. What will those bookends be for your family? Do you have con...

Messy Minimalism from 2021-12-16T19:19:13

Are messiness and minimalism compatible? In fact, we messy people probably need minimalism the most--because we can't handle having a lot of'stuff'. My guest today is Rachelle Crawford. Rachelle...

Lived Experience from 2021-12-09T21:27:40

On the podcast I often feature the voices of parents and professionals who support children. As support people, our vantage point is unique. But what about the viewpoint from those with lived ex...

Minimalist Christmas from 2021-12-02T16:08:45

It's that magical time of the year...you probably started to feel it back in October when the decorations hit the stores. The pressure to shop early and the FOMO has never been stronger. There's...

Family Connection from 2021-11-19T15:55:41

I'm thrilled to welcome our first Mother-Daughter duo to the podcast today. Quyionah Wingfield and her daughter Serenity are entrepreneurs. They've written books, launched online dance classes, ...

Too Many Toys from 2021-11-11T17:25:59

Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today's episode we are talking about why children don't need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys...

Diagnosis from 2021-11-05T14:59:57

What do I do if I think something is"wrong"with my kid? How do I know if my kid is developing okay? I hear these questions a lot. Today I'm talking about how to choose a professional and how to ...

ADHD in Motherhood from 2021-10-28T18:47:12

I frequently hear from women who are diagnosed with ADHD after entering motherhood. Those who are diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning. In short, executive functioning i...

Power Struggles from 2021-10-21T18:55:01

I find it confusing when we are told that as parents we need to set boundaries. We need to hold our ground. But so often when we do that, we end up in power struggles.  Power struggles can happe...

Interoception from 2021-10-13T16:20:43

Today, we are discussing interoception. If you don't know what that means, you aren't alone. You might be surprised to learn you know more about it than you realize. Interoception is sometimes c...

COVID Vaccines for Kids from 2021-10-06T14:24:52

The COVID vaccine is going to be available for younger children in the coming weeks here in the U.S.. I don't know about you, but this has been on my mind for some time. Today, I'm sharing my de...

Performance Reviews from 2021-09-30T18:25:56

Parenting is one of our most important jobs in life. But we also don’t get formal performance reviews like we do in the working world. Sometimes that can leave us guessing.  How am I doing? You ...

Live Recording: Your Simplicity Questions from 2021-09-24T13:56:05

Today I'm bringing you a live recording -- Your simplicity questions answered!

The postLive Recording: Your Simplicity Questi...

Back to Baseline from 2021-09-17T14:20:06

We just moved into a new house. We’ve been renting for almost a year and found a permanent spot right down the road. Even though it’s not a far move, it’s been a big move. Big life transitions l...

Hear the Message from 2021-09-02T15:28:13

As adults we are accustomed to a certain type of communication. Usually, it involves spoken word and it’s fairly civilized. That’s not always the case when it comes to communicating with our kid...

Movement from 2021-08-05T13:03:45

We all need to move. But in this busy world, it doesn't seem easy to make time and space for movement. As our culture has become more sedentary, this topic is increasingly important for all huma...

Start The Day from 2021-07-29T17:44:43

Starting the day...it can feel like a lot. It can be busy and overwhelming. There are so many things that need to get done and so little time to do them all. I know in many parts of the world pe...

Mental Clutter in Parenthood from 2021-07-14T15:11:30

Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels clut...

Listening from 2021-07-08T16:49:15

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is this:"My kids don't listen to me!"Generally, what this means is that you ask your kids to do something and they don't do it. Maybe you ask ...

Minimalism Your Way from 2021-06-24T18:20:49

Minimalism looks different for everyone. When Christine Platt found minimalism she expected it would involve moving towards an all-white, barren aesthetic. But in search of an intentional life, ...

Reminders from 2021-06-17T18:46:02

Get dressed. Brush your teeth. Say thank you. Eat your breakfast. Sometimes we sound like a broken record. We feel like we are prompting and reminding our kids to do things all day long...and so...

Fears of Simplicity from 2021-06-10T18:26:11

What if I get rid of something that I might need someday? How will my kids react? Making a big lifestyle change can feel scary. Moving towards simplicity is no exception to this. In today's epis...

Consequences from 2021-05-27T17:34:17

You should know this by now. I’ve asked you a hundred times. How could you forget?  Today we are going to talk about consequences, punishment, and discipline. How do we raise kids to take owners...

Be Like Bamboo from 2021-05-20T16:47:21

I’m going to start today off with a quote:  “We’re often afraid that if we give our kids an inch, they will take a mile. Every single grain of rice in their bowl must be eaten up, every toy in i...

Science from 2021-05-13T16:06:55

If you’ve tuned into the news at all in the past year, you’ll know that there’s a heck of a lot of controversy around science. Whether we are talking about climate change, masks, or vaccines you...

The Simplicity Connection from 2021-05-05T19:12:59

There are many ways in which society has constructed parenting to be far more complicated than necessary. The result is parental overwhelm. As parents, we all have the same goals. Raising happy,...

Summer Plans from 2021-04-29T16:58:17

Summer used to be synonymous with time-off and relaxation. But times have changed and many parents now feel a sense of dread and overwhelm around the unstructured time that comes during the summ...

Body Image from 2021-04-22T12:36

I’ve seen numbers that say over 90% of women are unhappy with their bodies. Our body image, or the way we perceive our own bodies, is impacted by family, friends, social media, the news, and mor...

Quick-Fire Q&A from 2021-04-14T18:13:35

In this episode, I'm doing a quick-fire Q&A. I have a long list of questions from you all and I'll be moving through, answering a variety of questions. We will be covering whether or not I have ...

Get Good with Money from 2021-04-08T17:13:10

For the longest time, I was a budget-resister. As a minimalist, I don't buy a lot of stuff so I didn't think I needed a budget. But I was wrong--moving towards a consistent, air-tight budget has...

Clean Up from 2021-03-18T20:29:09

"It's just too much."My daughter, who is newly 5, said this to me for the first time this week. She asked me to come clean up her room with her and when I walked in she sighed and said, “it’s ju...

Jillian from 2021-03-10T18:38:03

If you've been around the podcast for sometime, you will be happy to hear I'm bringing back the"Journey to Simplicity"series. In this series I chat with both friends and members of the Simple Fa...

Self-Doubt from 2021-03-03T17:50:53

The postSelf-Doubtappeared first onSimple Families.

Saying No from 2021-02-18T15:59:41

Saying ‘no’ can feel hard—especially to people we love. But if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, you might benefit from saying no more often. We have to take ownership over how we sp...

Therapy from 2021-02-12T16:45:07

We are nearly one-year into a global pandemic, therefore I’d say we are far overdue in talking about therapy. Therapy: Who needs it? How do you get started? Maybe you are interested in exploring...

Bedwetting + Accidents from 2021-02-04T17:41:51

The postBedwetting + Accidentsappeared first onSimple Families.

Outdoorsy from 2021-01-27T16:00:08

Maybe you don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy person. Maybe you have a kid who isn’t into nature. I totally get that. The truth is that nature can be uncomfortable. It’s often: Too bright.  Too...

Downsizing from 2021-01-21T06:01

Our family recently downsized in a big way. I've had many people ask why we sold our lovely home and the short answer is: It's complicated. My husband, David, is joining me in today's episode fo...

Know Better, Do Better Guilt from 2021-01-06T18:29:15

In today's world, we are inundated with information. Whether it be about parenting, cooking, art projects, gardening…the world is quite literally at our fingertips thanks to Google.  The result ...

Over-gifters from 2020-12-23T15:49:24

We are knee-deep in the holiday season, so let's take a moment to talk about over-gifters—these are people in your life, or especially your kid's life, that give more gifts than you'd like. Gene...

Prep Talks from 2020-12-16T22:07:40

We have different expectations for our kids’ behavior based on the type of environment that we take them into. Perhaps you feel at ease when you pull into a playground, and your kids can jump ou...

What's missing this holiday season? from 2020-12-10T16:43:07

Caroling at the holiday party,  The live stage performances,  In vivo religious gatherings,  Shared meals,  Santa's lap and festive parades,  plane rides or road trips.  People we love. There's ...

Santa from 2020-12-03T16:51:46

Let’s talk about Santa. I’ll start by saying this is not a kid-friendly episode, because we will be discussing Santa from the perspective of a parent. If you know what I mean. If you have a chil...

2020 Holiday Gift Guide from 2020-11-18T20:20:50

This gift guide isn't meant to literally click and buy (although I've included links for ideas). Instead, it is intended to make you think differently about gifting. Our kids may grow out of the...

Organize vs. Minimize from 2020-11-12T15:42

Organization can feel like a false promise of more. If only you could be more organized, you could manage MORE stuff. You could handle MORE on your calendar. But the truth is, the sheer quantity...

Simplify Feeding from 2020-11-05T17:22:22

We all want our kids to eat well. We will try anything and everything to make it happen. But what if sometimes we try too hard and end up mucking it up in the process? There is plenty to be said...

Hard Decisions from 2020-10-28T05:01:38

Today we are talking about upsetting our kids. Sometimes as parents, we have to make hard decisions for our kids. Decisions they don’t like. Decisions that upset them. We are talking about feeli...

Challenging Relationships (Part III) from 2020-10-21T15:37:24

In today's episode, Part III, we're going to talk about how we can work to improve and better understand the challenging relationships that we have in our lives. We will cover setting boundaries...

Challenging Relationships (Part II) from 2020-10-14T23:36:57

In last week's episode, we started talking about challenging adult relationships. I asked you to think about who that person(s) is for you. Now, this week we will talk about setting goals for th...

Challenging Relationships (Part I) from 2020-10-07T15:46:11

We all have challenging people in our lives. Maybe it's your brother or your mother or a best friend from childhood. Our goal is to try to start viewing this person through a new lens—so you can...

Spilling Anger from 2020-09-30T15:15:01

Stress can lead to anger and irritability. In today's episode, we are talking about how anger can spill over onto the people we love the most, including our partners and children. I'm sharing ho...

Messiness from 2020-09-23T14:16:41

For the first 30 years of my life, I struggled with messiness. No organizational system worked for me. In this episode, I'm sharing about my natural tendency towards mess and chaos along with ho...

Comparison, Envy, and FOMO from 2020-09-16T05:01:20

One of the greatest, if not THE greatest, obstacle to simplicity with kids is FOMO. The fear of missing out. We worry about our children missing out on toys, experiences, and opportunities that ...

Why Do Kids Whine? from 2020-08-26T05:01

Our family was on vacation recently--and my husband and I wanted to explore some new sights. We love to wander around and breathe it all in. My kids don't always share this joy. In fact, on this...

Screen Time Rules for Kids from 2020-08-19T05:01:58

Do you feel like you need some new screen time rules for your kids? There’s a good chance that your kids have consumed an increased amount of screen time during the pandemic. Whether it’s for wo...

Back to School Q&A from 2020-08-12T05:01

After our last episode, Educating Your Child in a Pandemic, I got a lot of questions. Today I'll be answering your questions about returning back to school this year. Show Notes/Links: Link to F...

Educating Your Child in a Pandemic from 2020-07-29T05:00:15

Right now, many of us are thinking about back to school decisions. Educating your child in a pandemic is no easy task. Homeschooling? Distancing Learning? In-person school? Even if we are privil...

Why Children Will Benefit from Fewer Toys from 2020-07-22T05:01:39

The toy industry sells us the story that our children need toys to be happy. In fact, we are sold the story that our kids need lots of new toys to be content. You may have come to believe that m...

Why Children Will Benefit from Fewer Toys from 2020-07-22T05:01:39

The toy industry sells us the story that our children need toys to be happy. In fact, we are sold the story that our kids need lots of new toys to be content. You may have come to believe that more...

Caffeine + Crisis Habits [Quick Wins] from 2020-07-15T05:01:14

We've all picked up on a few habits during this crisis--and some of those habits might not be serving us. Today I'm sharing more about my attempts to moderate caffeine, a habit that I've leaned ...

Simple Things I Say to My Kids from 2020-07-08T05:01

When we speak to our kids, words do matter. We don't have to get it right all.the.time, but I like to use the same phrases repeatedly to help drive home important lessons. Therefore, I’m sharing...

Rules [Quick wins] from 2020-07-01T05:30

In our house, we have three primary rules that guide the way we parent our kids. Today, I’m sharing the three rules and how we talk to our young children about them.  Here they are: Respect the ...

Mental Clutter 101 from 2020-06-23T20:35:47

Many of us have been decluttering our homes for some time. But what about our brains? Mental clutter is real. Parenthood can feel heavy. We are tackling the 10 reasons that parenthood feels clut...

Homeschool Reflections from 2020-06-17T05:01

We are wrapping up our first year of homeschooling and I wanted to share my reflections with you. I know that many people are considering homeschooling next year due to the pandemic, but our fam...

Reentry from 2020-06-10T10:23:45

Many people around the world are reentering and finding a new"normal"after several months at home. In today's episode we are talking about what this might look like. This includes communication ...

Talking to Kids About Race from 2020-06-03T05:02

Are you wondering how to talk to young kids about race? I'm so pleased to welcome Jasmine Bradshaw to the podcast today to share her insights. Jasmine and her husband Carter are the voices behin...

Pantry [Quick Wins] from 2020-05-27T09:37:33

Today I'm introducing a new format for summer. I'll be intermittently sharing some shorter episodes like this one that include a few straightforward tips and tools that you can implement right a...

Absolute Thinking from 2020-05-20T05:01:22

I love you, I hate you. You always yell at me. You never cook anything I like. Young children tend to think in black and white. Their feelings can be big, bold, and intense. In this episode, we ...

Parental Preference from 2020-05-13T05:10

Do your kids show a strong preference for one parent or the other? In today's episode we are discussing why this dynamic exists and some tips for helping to balance things out at home. Show Note...

High-Functioning Anxiety from 2020-05-06T05:01:31

In today's episode we are chatting about high-functioning anxiety. Many of us experience challenges with fear, worries, and anxiety. I'm sharing more about my experience and some of my favorite ...

Spending Plan from 2020-04-29T05:01:41

Today we are talking about minimalism, money, and developing a spending plan. For years I was a budget-resister. I wanted nothing to do with having a budget for our family. But now I'm singing a...

Eco-Friendly Families + Getting Kids to Take More Risks from 2020-04-22T05:01

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I am joined by Stephanie Seferian from the Sustainable Minimalists Podcast. We are chatting about realistically moving towards sustainability and r...

Kids + The News from 2020-04-15T05:01

In times like this, it can be hard to explain the News to our children. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Andrea Barbalich, the editor-in-chief of The Week Junior. The Week Junior is a brand...

Q&A|How can I design a play space for kids of different ages? from 2020-04-14T19:39:41

In today's episode we are discussing how to develop a play space that is suitable for children of multiple ages. Do we really need baby toys? Can we find toys that grow with children? How do we ...

How to Use a Reward Chart from 2020-04-08T10:39:45

Not all reward sticker charts are created equal. In today's episode, I'm going to explain how to use a reward chart effectively--and I will also explain why we don't use them very often. How to ...

Q&A|Am I doing enough to supplement my kid's education right now? from 2020-04-07T19:29:39

You are enough. You are doing enough. In today's episode, I'm taking a question that many parents across the world are wondering: Am I providing enough structure/educational stimulation for my c...

5 Tips for Stress Behaviors from 2020-04-01T05:01

Irritability. Potty accidents. Night wakings. Tantrums (child AND adult). Difficult behaviors can increase during times of stress. In today's episode we are discussing the implications of stress...

Q&A|How do you get kids to do quiet time? from 2020-03-31T05:01

Who could use a little quiet time right now? I see you nodding your head. Yes, me too. In today's episode we are talking about initiating quiet time with young children. During this period of so...

Hillary + Beatrice's Story from 2020-03-25T05:01

We all know that it's important to stay home right now--it is our social responsibility. The Weidner family is one of a million reasons this continues to be important. Today I am bringing you th...

Q&A|What should I buy to keep my kids busy during isolation? from 2020-03-24T05:11

If you have bored kids driving you crazy right now, the easy solution might be to shower them with new toys and activities to keep them busy. But sadly, Amazon doesn't have the answer to all our...

7 Tips for Social Distancing (with Kids) from 2020-03-18T05:01:17

I'm feeling grateful that I have the ability to work from home during this season of life. But having the whole family home right along with me isn't exactly a"walk in the park". Today I'm shari...

Q&A|Are you in a state of news overwhelm? from 2020-03-17T17:57:12

Are you inundated by the news right now? Is there such a thing as too much news? We are raising children in an era of constant exposure to the news--it hits us instantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a...

Partnership + Parenthood from 2020-03-11T12:23:46

Partnership is transformed in parenthood. Today I am joined by Shane Birkel, a podcaster and couples therapist. Shane and I are discussing communication and relationship patterns for partners du...

Q&A|How are you handling the spread of coronavirus? from 2020-03-10T10:05

I know you are already inundated with the news on COVID-19. But we are going to talk about it a little here today too--I'm taking a question from an audience member wondering how we are handling...

Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge from 2020-03-04T06:01:23

I'm joined by Courtney Carver, author of the brand new book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More. In today's episode, she shares her minimalist w...

Q&A|How do you teach little girls that they are more than pretty? from 2020-03-03T10:19:07

How do I teach my daughter to value her inner-beauty? How do I teach her that self-worth isn’t sealed into pretty? I will teach her that strangers can’t see the beautiful stuff on the inside. Ho...

Q&A|Is The Mental Unload™ right for me? from 2020-02-25T15:46:48

What if you are too overwhelmed to deal with your overwhelm? I hear this a lot. This week we are launching a new round of The Mental Unload™--my signature 7-day program that focuses on decreasin...

A Special Story from 2020-02-19T10:32:19

The truth is, parenthood rarely turns out how we expect. Today, I'm happy to introduce you to my friend Jen. I met Jen over twelve years ago--long before my motherhood journey began. She's the m...

Q&A|How do you occupy a young child? from 2020-02-18T16:49:38

We often feel a great responsibility to keep our kids occupied and happy. That can be a heavy burden to carry. In today's episode, we are talking about understanding this need and setting bounda...

Q&A|What if a kid says"yuck"at the dinner table? from 2020-02-11T06:01

What if your kid says"yuck"at the dinner table. Cooking a meal for your family is hard work and when your kids express distaste, it can really get under your skin. The truth is that most kids th...

Executive Function from 2020-02-05T06:39

What is executive functioning? As parents, it is important to understand that executive function is one of many components that is in-development in the early years of life. As our children grow...

Q&A|How do you handle sibling fights? from 2020-02-04T14:21:54

Do my kids fight? YES. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite tools and thoughts around sibling relationships. I'll be honest, this is one of my biggest challenges in parenthood. But with time, I...

Reflections on a Treat-Free Month from 2020-01-29T06:01

I am wrapping up a treat-free month with my kids. Back in December, the cookies, candy, and treats got more than a little out of hand. This month has been a learning process for my kids, but mor...

Mindful Eating in Parenthood from 2020-01-23T16:46:59

Anyone parenting with a busy schedule will tell you that the quality of food you are feeding yourself may be lacking. It can take time, thought, and effort to feed ourselves well. On the podcast...

Q&A|What about a kid who won't take"no"for an answer? from 2020-01-21T08:18

Do you have a kid who struggles to take"no"for an answer? That's the question we are covering today. The truth is, somtimes we need to firm up our"no"when talking to our kids--I'm giving you a f...

Marie's Story from 2020-01-15T10:47:16

In today's episode, I'm sharing a journey to simplicity. Marie, a Simple Families community member is giving us a closer look inside her day-to-day life. She's been working towards simplicity fo...

Q&A|Should you make kids apologize? from 2020-01-14T11:01

Should we insist that our kids apologize or say"I'm sorry"? I actually don't. However, both my kids have come to apologize and express authentic empathy in their early years (without my demandin...

Sleep + Parenthood from 2020-01-08T10:00

In three years of podcasting, I've never shared my own views on sleep. This is not an accident. The reality is that I'm afraid to approach this divisive topic. I do have a lot of opinions on the...

Q&A|How do you get kids to sleep in? from 2020-01-07T11:00

How do you get your kids to sleep in later? That's the question for the day. Although there is no magic bullet, I have a few tips to help you move in the right direction. Including some strategi...

Find Your People from 2020-01-02T21:43

Happy New Year! Today we are talking about the Simple Families"word for the year": Community. Building a community in parenthood can feel like"one more thing"we have to do. But it’s invaluable t...

My Year Without Alcohol from 2019-12-18T07:01

Back in January, I joined the sober curious movement as I gave up alcohol for the year as a New Year's Resolution. It was an amazing year and I learned so much about myself. Today I'm sharing my...

Scoot Over and Make Some Room from 2019-12-11T06:30

Stepping into new spaces can make anyone uncomfortable. For many of us, developing a relationship with an individual with special needs might be new territory. In today's episode, we have Mama/A...

Q&A|How to Talk to Kids about Santa from 2019-12-10T07:01:31

Are you wondering how to talk to your kids about Santa? That's what we are chatting about today. Actually, I'm introducing something brand new today! Starting in 2020, I'll be adding a second we...

Gillian's Story from 2019-12-04T10:36:19

In today's episode, I'm bringing you a Journey to Simplicity. I'm chatting with Dr. Gillian Goddard, a physician living outside of New York City with her husband and four kids. Although Gillian'...

Holiday Gift Guide from 2019-11-20T07:01:21

Ready for a mindset shift around gifts this holiday season? In today's episode, we are discussing how to gift with intention. This includes shifting the conversation around gift-giving with your...

Simple Holiday Prep from 2019-11-13T07:28:29

If you are striving to simplify the holidays this year, take a listen to my chat with three of my favorite minimalist mamas, Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement, Zoë Kim from Raising S...

When Your Cup Overflows from 2019-11-06T02:56:23

Some days I feel like every mother I know is ridden with stress and overwhelm. This type of parenthood seems to be slowly becoming the norm. In today's episode (episode 178) we are talking about...

Why Kids Need Art from 2019-10-30T10:32:13

I really don't know much about art, but I'm learning. One thing I know for sure is that art is important, for kids and adults alike. Today I'm chatting with author Meri Cherry about art + kids. ...

SFP 176: Conversation With My Husband from 2019-10-23T06:28:59

In honor of my birthday week, I'm bringing you a casual conversation with my husband David. It's his first appearance on the podcast and we are talking all things love, marriage, and parenting.<...

SFP 175: Early Bloomers from 2019-10-16T09:57:52

Parenting an early bloomer comes with its own set of challenges. Those of us who have precocious children know this well. Today, we are discussing the ins and outs of early blooming from a child...

SFP 174: Ambitious Travel with Kids from 2019-10-09T16:59:56

Right now, I'm tired. We just returned from a two-week international trip with our family. Today I'm sharing all the details: the plans, the obstacles, dealing with jet lag, letting go of expect...

SFP 173: Sustainable Fashion for Kids [with Brendan Synnott of Pact] from 2019-10-01T06:30:31

When it comes to kids, buying more sustainably can feel intimidating. If you are unsure of where to start or how to prioritize, we are chatting more about this today. Our guest is Brendan Synnot...

SFP 172: A Day in Denaye's Life from 2019-09-25T06:01:20

Life with young children is always evolving. The way we spend our time changes too. Finding the right balance that works for each of us is incredibly important. The way I spend my time is going ...

SFP 171: How to Talk to Kids about Money [with Liz, author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands] from 2019-09-18T06:01:52

Have you started talking to your kids about money? Money can be a taboo topic, even within families. In today's episode I'm chatting with Liz Frazier Peck author of Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stan...

SFP 170: Overly-Responsive Parenting? from 2019-09-11T06:02:48

Is there such a thing as overly-responsive parenting? I believe so. Early in parenthood I found myself being a mindreader. It is important to be in tune with our kids'needs, but we also need to ...

SFP 169: Too Many Toys? from 2019-09-04T19:28:10

Do your kids have too many toys? When it comes to toys, there is no perfect number. But in today's episode we are talking about why children don't need a lot of toys. Having an abundance of toys...

SFP 168: Hiking with Kids [How + WHY] from 2019-08-21T06:01:11

Life gets busy. Sometimes it gets hard to make time for the simple things--like taking your kids for a walk in nature. But the value of the free and simple things should never be underestimated....

SFP 167: The Love Languages + Children [with Diane Debrovner of Parents Magazine] from 2019-08-07T06:01:16

In today's episode, we are discussing the 5 Love Languages as they pertain to children. I am joined by Diane Debrover, the Deputy Editor of Parents Magazine where we talk through each of the Lov...

SFP 166: The Tip of The Iceberg (Brain Busyness) from 2019-07-23T06:01:11

Summer is supposed to be relaxing, yet I have found that this summer we've had a lot of transition, a lot of change, and my brain has been very busy. Therefore, today's episode is dedicated to j...

SFP 165: Journey to Simplicity|Jane's Story from 2019-07-10T09:18:21

Today I'm chatting with Jane Monnier about her journey towards reducing mental and physical clutter. Jane is a longtime member of the Simple Families Community. She's also is a rocket-scientist-...

SFP 164: Late Bloomers [with Rich Karlgaard of Forbes Magazine] from 2019-06-26T06:01:51

In today's episode, I am chatting with Rich Karlgaard, Publisher of Forbes Magazine, about his new book Late Bloomers. Rich is a self-proclaimed late bloomer. He's sharing more of his story alon...

SFP 163: Reflections on Bad Language + Potty Talk from 2019-06-19T06:10:29

It happens. All kids will use less-than-desirable language as they are growing up. Whether its potty words or outright profanity, we all deal with this as parents. Today I'm reflecting on how we...

SFP 162: Reading Aloud + Our Book Overhaul [with Emily Cook of Build Your Library] from 2019-06-12T13:48:33

I recently went through and did a huge book overhaul. I got rid of all the"twaddle"in favor of prioritizing high quality, well-written children's books. To quote today's guest Emily Cook,"well-r...

SFP 161: Behind-The-Scenes from 2019-06-04T16:46:29

It's officially book launch week! In today's episode I am sharing more about the publishing process behind Simple Happy Parenting, along with my goals and hopes for the book and what exactly I a...

SFP 160: Selfish vs. Selfless Parenthood [with Hunter of Mindful Mama Mentor] from 2019-05-29T06:11:48

There is a fine line between selfishness and selflessness in parenthood. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Hunter Clarke-Fields of Mindful Mama Mentor. We talking about martyrdom in motherho...

SFP 159: Slow Living with Kids: Painful or Delightful? from 2019-05-22T06:33:52

Slow living with kids...what does that look like? Frankly, the days can feel painfully slow. But sometimes they can be delightful. What gives? Today we are talking about shifting toward a slower...

SFP 158: Practical Steps to Simple, Happy Parenting [with Desirae Endrees of Minimalish] from 2019-05-15T06:01:37

I get to be on the other side of the table today! In today's episode, I am being interviewed by the host of Minimalish, Desirae Endrees. I had the pleasure of being a guest on Minimalish last we...

SFP 157: Our Decision to Homeschool from 2019-05-08T18:54:33

In today's episode I am sharing more about our decision to homeschool. Homeschool was never in the plans for our family, so I will tell you more about our decision to go down this path. I'm also...

SFP 156: Little Bits of Happiness [with authors Marc and Angel Chernoff] from 2019-05-01T19:46:22

Changing your mindset and finding joy usually doesn't happen overnight. Baby steps, right? In today's episode, I am chatting with authors and happiness experts Marc and Angel Chernoff. We'll exp...

SFP 155: Simple Happy Parenting [The First Chapter of My New Book] from 2019-04-24T09:28:43

On the podcast today I am reading the first chapter of my new book, Simple Happy Parenting: The Secret of Less for Calmer Parents and Happier Kids. Show Notes/Links: Preorder the book: Simple Ha...

SFP 154: Simplifying Parenthood [with Nicole Smith] from 2019-04-17T06:26:10

Simplifying parenthood may sound like a lofty goal. But in today's episode, I am chatting with Nicole Smith, a mother who has made huge strides. Nicole is sharing her'Journey to Simplicity'that ...

SFP 153: Simple Living + Free-Range Parenting with Big Kids [with Tsh Oxenreider of The Art of Simple] from 2019-04-10T06:53:36

In today's episode, Tsh Oxenreider is sharing more about her"Journey to Simplicity". Tsh is a wife and mother of three who has been on the path towards a simpler, more intentional life for over ...

SFP 152: The Fear of Underparenting from 2019-03-27T07:53:52

Overparenting is a phenomenon that happens for many parents who have the best of intentions. We want the best for our children and as a result, we want to do everything and be everything for the...

SFP 151: The Comparison Game [with Erica Layne of The Life on Purpose Movement] from 2019-03-20T10:39:33

In the age of social media, it's impossible to avoid"the comparison game". In this episode, I am chatting with my friend Erica Layne from The Life on Purpose Movement. We are exploring the tende...

SFP 150: Tips on Choosing Childcare + My Experience with the Au Pair Program from 2019-03-13T07:36:09

Since we brought our first au pair last summer I have received nearly constant questions about the experience. So today, I am sharing my thoughts on all types of childcare arrangements (includin...

SFP 149: The Science Behind Outdoor Play + Movement [with Carla Hannaford Ph.D.] from 2019-03-06T14:52

Last week, we had a primer on the importance of outdoor play with Linda Åkeson McGurk. This week, I am re-airing an important follow up piece on the scientific perspective on this topic. In toda...

SFP 148: Getting Kids Outside in ALL Types of Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] from 2019-02-27T08:12:44

Today I have one of the top Simple Families episodes! I am re-sharing my chat with Linda Åkeson McGurk about the importance of getting kids outside in all sorts of weather--even in the heart of ...

SFP 147: Mothering Without A Village [with Lora Amigo] from 2019-02-20T10:37:31

The journey into motherhood isn't easy for any woman. But after giving birth here in the U.S., there is societal pressure to return to a"normal life"almost overnight. In other cultures, this tra...

SFP 146: International Perspectives in Parenting [with Devishobha Chandramouli of Kidskintha] from 2019-02-13T10:19:45

As a parent raising children in the United States, I realize that I have a lot to learn from other cultures around the world. In today's episode, I am exploring an international perspective with...

SFP 145: Q&A - Why Do Some Kids Turn into Angry Zombies with Screen Time? from 2019-02-06T08:54:54

Why is it that some kids turn into zombies in front of a screen? Then they get angry and act crazy when we turn it off? That's what we are talking about in today's episode. I'm going to be skimm...

SFP 144: Talking to Young Kids about Sex [with Amy Lang of Birds+Bees+Kids] from 2019-01-30T11:06:26

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Amy Lang about sex. She's sharing her best tips on how to talk to kids about sex, the human body, teaching consent, and the sexualization of childhood. This...

SFP 143: Q&A - How do you handle when your parenting choices clash with others? from 2019-01-23T07:10:10

The way that you parent will look very differently from that of your close friends and family members. Today I am answering a listener's question. We are discussing how to manage these relations...

SFP 142: Organization for Everyone [with Rachel Rosenthal] from 2019-01-16T07:01:50

In today's episode I am chatting with professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. If you are anything like me, you might struggle with complex organizational systems. Rachel is bringing her best ti...

SFP 141: Q&A - Can you tell us more about your 2019 resolution? from 2019-01-09T10:02:37

If you've ever wanted to drink less alcohol, then you might want to tune into this episode. I've had a lot of questions about my 2019 resolution to give up alcohol--even though I wouldn't classi...

SFP 140: Slow Resolutions [with Erin Loechner] from 2019-01-02T12:00:41

In today's episode I am chatting with Erin Loechner. Erin is an author, blogger, designer, and mother of two. She shares her journey towards simple living along with her best tips for making slo...

SFP 139: Q&A - How Do I Get My Kid to Play Independently? from 2018-12-27T10:47:21

Independent play doesn't come easily to all children. In today's episode we are discussing what to expect from independent play as well as how to support our children to do it more often. When i...

SFP 138: Q&A - Is Your Social Media Actually Real Life? from 2018-12-18T10:49:37

About 95% of everything I put on the internet is real life, not staged. The other 5% includes things like the photo in this post, because I generally don't frolic in fields in pretty dresses. To...

SFP 137: Let's Stop Hurrying our Children [with Janet Lansbury] from 2018-12-12T09:44:38

I don't know about you--but my kids have the tendency to move slowly. They function on their own timeline. The result is that as parents, we often find ourselves"hurrying"them to speed up and ge...

SFP 136: Taking the Road Less Traveled [with Rachel from Sage Parenting] from 2018-12-04T07:01

Taking the road less traveled is not always simple. During the holiday season the list of obligations grow rapidly and saying"no"can seem out of reach. Today I am chatting with Rachel Rainbolt f...

SFP 135: Choosing Great Toys [with Lizzie Assa from The Workspace For Children] from 2018-11-28T07:01:29

Buying new toys for our children can be exciting--but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many options out there and our children are inundated with marketing materials. Today I am chattin...

SFP 134: Happier for the Holidays [with Gretchen Rubin] from 2018-11-19T02:14:43

We all believe that the holiday season is the happiest time of the year. But is it really? Today I am chatting with Happiness Guru Gretchen Rubin about finding happiness in the holiday season. Y...

SFP 133: Holiday Q+A [Part II] from 2018-11-14T07:01:49

Welcome back to Part II of the Holiday Q&A (If you missed Part I, catch it here!). Rachelle Crawford from Abundant Life with Less and Zoë Kim from Raising Simple are joining me to answer the res...

SFP 132: Holiday Q+A [Part I] from 2018-11-07T07:01:37

The holidays are upon us. I am here to tell you that you don't need to do or buy all.the.things. Today is the first of a two-part series focused on answering your questions about living a more i...

SFP 131: Rewiring Our Brains for Gratitude [with Josie Robinson of The Gratitude Jar] from 2018-10-31T06:01:25

Dare I say that developing a gratitude practice is actually easy? I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly small acts of gratitude have changed my life. In today's interview I am chatting with ...

SFP 130: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations in Motherhood [with Natalie from Better Postpartum] from 2018-10-24T06:01:55

Starting in the early days of pregnancy we set expectations for ourselves. Perhaps your kids won't have screen time. You will breastfeed for one year or more. Your kids will only eat organic. In...

SFP 129: Work Can Be Self-Care [Meghan Fitzgerald of Tinkergarten] from 2018-10-17T06:01:27

Most of us feel like there's no way we could add one more thing to our plate. But the truth is that starting a side-hustle (or part-time passion-driven work) can actually be a form of self-care....

SFP 128: Living Coffee'til Cocktails [with Brooke Conley] from 2018-10-10T10:15:35

Sometimes there is so much to be done that we find ourselves needing coffee to wake up in the morning and wine to take the edge off and calm down in the evening. In today's episode I am talking ...

SFP 127: Simple Q&A|Too many gifts, siblings quarrels, social media + kids from 2018-10-03T06:01:02

Today on the podcast I am sharing a Q&A episode. That means I am taking your questions and giving you my honest, unfiltered answers. In this episode we are talking about how many gifts to give, ...

SFP 126: How to Give Your Child the Very Best [with Bill Deresiewicz, author of Excellent Sheep] from 2018-09-26T06:01:46

As parents, we just want to give our kids the best. We want to give them opportunities and send them to the best colleges. Sometimes that means signing them up for all the classes and starting t...

SFP 125: The Value of Just Staying Home [with author Rahima Dancy] from 2018-09-18T06:01:19

In today's society we often feel like we need to be out and about, entertaining our children and staying busy. In this episode I am joined by author Rahima Dancy. We are discussing the education...

SFP 124: Rethinking Education in the Early Years [with Aubrey Hargis of Child of The Redwoods] from 2018-09-12T06:01:49

[Heads up--there's a wee bit of audio issues in the first part of the interview, but hang it there--it gets better!] This month we are going to be rethinking education. For anyone that has follo...

SFP 123: Simple Q&A from 2018-09-05T06:01:17

Back by popular demand, today's episode is a Q&A format. I am answering a variety of your questions about positive parenting, minimalism, moving, homeschooling, and childcare [all rather unapolo...

SFP 122: Intentional Fatherhood [with Clark Davis] from 2018-08-29T06:01:30

Today is the first ever male guest on the podcast. While it's long overdue, I am happy to welcome my friend Clark Davis. Clark is the final interview in the series'Journey to Simplicity'this mon...

SFP 121: Minimalism + Parenthood [with Kristen Puzzo] from 2018-08-22T06:01:48

This is my favorite podcast episode yet. This month we are exploring the journey to simplicity in four real-life families. Because minimalism just makes good sense for families. Today I am chatt...

SFP 120: Trading my Job for Simplicity [with Lilly Neubauer] from 2018-08-15T06:01:09

Some people make big life changes in search of simplicity--Lilly Neubauer is one of them. When the busyness in her life spiraled out of control, Lilly quit her job to get her family back on trac...

SFP 119: Living an Abundant Life with Less [with Rachelle Crawford] from 2018-08-08T06:01:31

We are launching off a new 4-part series:  Journey to Simplicity. I am interviewing four real families about moving towards minimalism and how it has impacted their lives.  Today I am chatting w...

SFP 118: All-Natural Biohacks for Kids [with author Jena Pincott] from 2018-08-01T06:01:51

We know the environment in which we live and the food we eat have an impact on the development of our children. In today's episode I am speaking with author + science writer Jena Pincott about a...

SFP 117: Finding the Balance of Work Vs. Play in Childhood [with Jeanne-Marie Paynel of Voila Montessori] from 2018-07-26T06:01:47

The value of play in childhood is often underestimated. Our children need to play and when pushed into academics at a young age they miss vital opportunities to develop and grow. In today's epis...

SFP 116: Raising Naturally Curious Children [with Nicole Roccaro] from 2018-07-18T06:01:51

Children benefit from the opportunity to play in open-ended, unstructured environments. Today I am talking with Nicole Roccaro from Naturally Curious Children. We talk about finding a balance in...

SFP 115: The Benefits of Rowdy Play [with Frances Carlson of Big Body Play] from 2018-07-11T06:01:44

Horseplay is developmentally beneficial for our growing children. If you have a kid who plays rowdy, then you need to hear this. We need to find a way to encourage this behavior rather than disc...

SFP 114: The Importance of Play from 2018-07-03T06:01:47

Never underestimate what your children are learning through play. In the early years, play is the main vehicle for learning and education. In today's episode, I will be introducing you to the im...

SFP 113: Simplifying Child Behavior|Troubleshooting"Time-Out" from 2018-06-27T06:01:43

Child behavior is anything but straightforward. My children are well-behaved, but as humans--they have their"moments". As parents, we can feel powerless when our kids aren't cooperating or being...

SFP 112: Do we control our kids? [With Hunter from Mindful Mama Mentor] from 2018-06-20T06:01:35

In today's episode I am chatting with Hunter Clarke-Fields of Mindful Mama Mentor. Hunter specializes in mindful parenting and in this episode we are talking about control in parenting. As paren...

SFP 111: How You Talk to Kids + Why it Matters [with Tracy from Zero to Five] from 2018-06-13T06:01:45

The words that we speak to our children become their inner voice. And the average woman speaks 20,000 words per day. While we can't always be intentional in the way we speak to our children, we ...

SFP 110: Raising Successful Kids [with Krista from A Life in Progress] from 2018-06-07T06:01:50

What does it mean to"raise successful kids"? Today I am chatting with Krista from A Life in Progress. I knew I could rely on Krista to bring some excellent perspective to this topic and she come...

SFP 109: Make your home child-friendly, rather than child-proof [with Nicole from The Kavanaugh Report] from 2018-05-30T06:01:11

Parents spend a great deal of time and money baby-proofing the home. But how does this process impact our kids? Today, I am chatting with Nicole from The Kavanaugh Report. Nicole and I are both ...

SFP 108: Moving, Minimalism, and Building a Happy Home from 2018-05-23T06:01:58

Zoë Kim has lived in 24 homes in 13 different states. She's an expert at moving and has a healthy dose of wanderlust, but she also manages to connect to the communities in which she lives. In to...

SFP 107: How I Created a Home I Love from 2018-05-14T06:01:20

I haven't always lived in places that I love. But I have found gratitude and contentment in some surprising places. Today on the podcast, I am sharing how I created a home that I love along with...

SFP 106: Love Where You Live [with Melody Warnick, author of"This is Where You Belong"] from 2018-05-08T06:01:44

  In today's episode we are exploring the idea of"putting down roots"and becoming attached to the places that we live. Melody Warnick shares her own personal experience and the research on this ...

SFP 105: The Basics of Organic Gardening [with Beth from High Sierra Permaculture] from 2018-04-30T06:01:09

Have you ever dreamt of starting an organic garden? Today on the podcast I am chatting with my friend and homesteader Beth Brettell from High Sierra Permaculture. She's a former designer turned ...

SFP 104: Food Made Simple [with Erin from The Humbled Homemaker] from 2018-04-24T06:01:43

As mothers, we often carry the heavy responsibility of feeding our families. Despite what Pinterest leads us to believe, cooking for a family doesn't have to be fancy. In today's podcast episode...

SFP 103: The Minimalist Kitchen [with Melissa from The Faux Martha] from 2018-04-17T06:00:56

We know that the kitchen is the most used room in the house--yet simplifying the kitchen is anything but easy. On the podcast today I am chatting with Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha. Melissa...

SFP 102: It's Not About Nutrition [with Dina Rose Ph.D.] from 2018-04-10T06:01:16

Every parent wants to feed their children nutritious food. That probably means a heaping dose of vegetables, ample proteins, and a well-rounded source of vitamin-rich foods. Even if we know what...

SFP 101: How I Feed My Family from 2018-04-03T06:01:36

In our house, mealtimes are pleasant. My kids eat well and we enjoy each others company. I don't have it all figured out, but I do have a Ph.D. in Child Development with a research background in...

SFP 100: How to Meditate Without Meditating [with Shawn from the Abundant Mama Project] from 2018-03-27T06:01:33

I don't have a regular yoga or meditation practice, although I wish I did. Yet each day I find moments of mindfulness and presence in regular activities. In today's podcast episode I am speaking...

SFP 99: Perfectionism in Motherhood [with Catia Holm] from 2018-03-20T06:01:13

She's skinny, ?crafty, active, accomplished in her career, family-focused, and well-dressed (all the time, even at drop off). She's the perfect mom. She's the mom that we are secretly striving t...

SFP 98: Sleep + Parenthood [with Dr. Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor] from 2018-03-12T06:01:07

Parenthood is notoriously associated with sleep deprivation. Good sleep goes beyond just getting kids to sleep through the night. Do any of these things resonate with you? At the end of a long d...

SFP 97: Mindfulness for Kids [with Jessica from Lily Pad Yoga] from 2018-03-07T07:01:20

Stress and overwhelm are an epidemic in childhood--which means mindfulness for kids has become essential. As adults, many (if not most) of us carry significant amounts of stress and overwhelm on...

SFP 96: Simple Families in March from 2018-03-01T07:01:44

In today's episode, I am sharing some simple (yet exciting) changes coming to the podcast and the Simple Families Community. Listen in to hear more, and click here to join the conversation for t...

SFP 95: A Day in Denaye's Life from 2018-02-12T07:01:34

In today's episode I am sharing more about what my typical day looks like. Like many women, I am always seeking to find a balance between having a career and spending quality time with my family...

SFP 94: The How + Why of Traveling with Kids [with Amanda, my best friend and travel guru] from 2018-02-05T07:01:02

Traveling with kids can be intimidating and even downright scary. But it's also rewarding. In today's episode, I have a special treat. I am chatting with my best friend and travel-with-kids-guru...

SFP 93: The Science Behind Outdoor Play + Movement [with Carla Hannaford PhD] from 2018-01-29T07:03:02

In today's episode, I talk with Carla Hannaford, world-renowned biologist and outdoor advocate, about her studies on the connection between movement and brain development. If you are brand new t...

SFP 92: Why do babies need to crawl? from 2018-01-29T07:01:20

In today's world of baby gadgets and excitement around milestones, many babies are skipping the crawling stage and going straight to walking. But is this actually a good thing? In today's episod...

SFP 91: How do you choose children's books? from 2018-01-24T07:01:45

There are so many children's books out there, how do you choose what to include in your home library? In today's episode, we talk about why not every classic makes the cut in our family and what...

SFP 90: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather [with Linda from Rain or Shine Mamma] from 2018-01-22T07:01:54

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Today, Swedish mother Linda Akeson McGurk joins us to talk about raising our kids to be more connected with nature. Linda's new book is on...

SFP 89: Soulful Simplicity [with Courtney from Be More With Less] from 2018-01-08T09:43:22

This week, I am excited to be talking on the podcast with Courtney Carver from Be More With Less. On the blog and podcast, I frequently discuss the"how"of minimalism. But in this episode, Courtn...

SFP 88: How can I get older kids into simplifying? from 2018-01-03T07:01:53

We need to respect our children and their desires--but we can also help to steer them to buy more intentionally. In today's episode we discuss how to get older children on board with simplicity ...

SFP 87: Simple Fitness in Motherhood [with Cari from Fit Mama in 30] from 2018-01-02T07:01:58

Fitness and nutrition are on the minds of many at the beginning of a New Year. As we transition into motherhood, our bodies change. I know for me personally, the way I view my body changed after...

SFP 86: How do you move toward a calm, simple holiday season? from 2017-12-14T07:01:46

Is your holiday season feeling busy? In today's episode we talk about how to find calm this holiday season--including tips to keep it simple. How to combat busyness? How to minimize decorating? ...

SFP 85: All About Sugar [with Megan from The Lyons Share Wellness] from 2017-12-07T07:11:01

In today's episode I have an interview with Megan Lyons from The Lyon's Share Wellness (Facebook | Instagram). Megan is a health and wellness coach based in Dallas, Texas and provides services w...

SFP 84: How should I handle potty training regression? from 2017-12-06T07:15:04

Potty training regression is discouraging and frustrating. In today's episode we discuss how to handle a situation when a child suddenly starts having accidents after they've been successfully p...

SFP 83: How can I handle an early riser? from 2017-12-06T07:01:46

Early risers can leave moms and dads feeling exhausted and irritable. In today's episode we talk about how we can survive this common stage, especially with little ones who still require some su...

SFP 82: How do you handle whining/complaining? from 2017-11-15T07:01:14

Dealing with a child that whines and complains a lot is draining. In today's episode we talk about how we can help model the kind of attitudes we want to see in our children, along with how to v...

SFP 81: I am terrified that my kid will choke, what should I do? from 2017-11-09T07:01:33

Starting solids with your baby can be intimidating, especially when you add in the worry of choking. In today's episode we talk about baby led weaning and how you can tell if your baby is just g...

SFP 80: How should I handle a clingy baby? from 2017-11-08T07:01:35

Most babies go through a stage with separation anxiety. Even though it's a normal development stage, it can be hard on both mom and baby. In today's episode, we discuss how to handle a clingy ba...

SFP 79: SPECIAL EPISODE: How can I reduce the mental load? from 2017-10-30T06:01:09

The mental load in motherhood is overwhelming. In today's special episode, we are discussing why this matters and what we can do about it. Denaye also introduces a simple, 4-step plan to begin p...

SFP 78: How can we start enjoying our child more? from 2017-10-19T06:01:19

It's very easy to get overwhelmed by parenting a high-needs child. Today I discuss my top recommendation for understanding and improving challenging behavior.

The post Listen

SPF 77: What are your thoughts on the term"good boy/good girl"? from 2017-10-18T06:01:02

Sometimes we get into the habit of saying certain things to our kids--but maybe we need to reassess our words. Today we are discussing the reference to being a"good girl"or a"good boy".

Th...

SFP 76: How do you handle food sharing? from 2017-10-04T16:46:02

I don't really recommend food sharing. In today's episode, I discuss why.

The postSFP 76: How do you handle f...

SFP 75: Does my kid eat too much? from 2017-10-03T16:42:07

Today we are discussing how to manage hunger and weight in early childhood.

The postSFP 75: Does my kid eat too much?appea...

SPF 74: How can I find a middle ground with other caregivers? from 2017-09-28T06:01:18

In today's episode we discuss collaborating with your child's caregivers. I lay out some specific communication strategies that I use and give you an example of a personal situation I am facing ...

SPF 73: How do you handle friends who have different parenting styles? from 2017-09-27T06:01:24

Parenting can be divisive when it comes to friendship. Today we discuss what happens when two friends parent differently, including what to do...and what not to do.    

The postListen

SFP 72: When should my kid"know better"? from 2017-09-21T06:01:50

In today's episode we are talking about"when kids should just know better."I explain why I don't really like this phrase and a new way to look at these situations.

The postListen

SFP 71: How can we play outside as a family? from 2017-09-20T06:01:52

Playing outside seems so simple and natural, but often it doesn't happen that way for many families. In today's episode we are discussing how to promote outdoor play in families.

The post<...

SFP 70: What do you do when a kid bites? from 2017-09-14T06:01:04

Many children go through a stage where they bite, hit, or otherwise use behaviors that are undesirable. In today's episode we discuss how these behaviors typically aren't aggressive, instead the...

SFP 69: Why do kids repeatedly ask the same questions? from 2017-09-13T06:01:40

Do you have a kid who asks the same question repeatedly? Or how about one who constantly requests the same movie, book, or song? In today's episode we are discussing why kids need this type of r...

SFP 68: How can I get my kid to stay in bed? from 2017-09-07T06:01:27

In today's episode I am sharing the best parenting advice I have ever heard along with my thoughts on keeping a small child in a bed.

The postListen

SFP 67: How should I handle young children who masturbate? from 2017-09-05T06:22:37

  Masturbation and genital touching in your children is a natural and normal part of development. In today's episode we discuss how to address this concern when necessary.

The postListen

SFP 66: Should kids play with toy guns? from 2017-08-31T06:01:53

Even if we don't buy toy guns for our children, they may decide to turn sticks and other devices into make-believe guns. In today's episode we talk about this type of play and whether or not we ...

SFP 65: SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Choose a Preschool/Daycare from 2017-08-30T06:06:16

In today's special episode we take a closer look at choosing a preschool/daycare for your children. I explain how I made the decision for my own children and important factors to keep in mind du...

SFP 64: What to do about kids who compare themselves to others? from 2017-08-24T06:12:03

It can be hard to listen to our kids compare themselves to others. Today, we are discussing"social graces"in young childhood and how to support children through this challenge.

The post Listen

SFP 63: How do you refuse hand-me-downs? from 2017-08-24T06:08:45

In today's episode we discuss hand-me-downs. It can be hard/awkward to refuse a generous offer from a family member or friend--so today we talk about doing it graciously. We also discuss best ti...

SFP 62: What are your thoughts on rowdy play? from 2017-08-17T06:08:59

Rowdy play can be scary for parents to watch, but this type of play has huge benefits for our kids. In today's episode we are discussing the benefits of horseplay.

The postListen

SFP 61: How do you keep a routine when away from home? from 2017-08-17T06:03:33

Keeping kids on a schedule while traveling is difficult. In today's episode, we discuss the importance of children getting good sleep--regardless of where they are lying their heads.

The p...

SFP 60: What are your thoughts on managing Legos? from 2017-08-10T06:08:31

Today we are talking about Lego overload and how to contain it all. We also discuss great toys for older kids. LINKS:  The Toy Detox

The postListen

SFP 59: How do you survive with a kid who can't be contained? from 2017-08-10T06:01:58

In today's episode, we discuss how to manage kids who don't like to be contained: whether it be in the carseat, the shopping cart, or the stroller. Today's sponsor: KIND snacks [more details her...

SFP 58: What is a good first bike? from 2017-08-03T09:02:40

Today we are discussing options for first bikes. I explain my personal favorites and a little about my distaste for powerwheels. LINKS: Amish Bike (Valley Road Wood Works) Wishbone 3 in 1 Bike (...

SFP 57: How do you handle a child changing the subject? from 2017-08-02T09:00:13

When you ask your kid to do something and they have their own agenda...it can be so frustrating. Today we are discussing how to move things along when a little one is filibustering the day. LINK...

SFP 56: What are your tips on moving with kids? from 2017-06-29T06:01:21

Moving with kids is hard--we are currently in the midst of it in my family. In today's episode I am sharing tips for moving with young children.

The postListen

SFP 55: Do your kids drink milk? from 2017-06-28T06:10:48

In today's episode we are talking about whether I give my children milk. I also discuss the transition from formula/breastmilk to cow's milk after the first year of life. Show Notes/Links: How I...

SFP 54: How do I handle unwanted gifts? from 2017-06-22T06:00:47

Gifts serve so many purposes. They excite the gift giver and receiver. They can make the gift giver feel like they are leaving a part of them when they aren't present. But it's deeply ingrained ...

SFP 53: How should I handle sibling disputes? from 2017-06-21T06:00:31

The sibling relationship sets the stage for many relationships to come. We need to let our children use this dynamic to practice handling conflict. It will be anything but graceful in the early ...

SFP 52: How much preschool does a kid need? from 2017-06-15T06:00:07

In today's episode we discuss how often a kid needs to go to school--we discuss how to find that magic window of time and how to shed the guilt around it.

The postListen

SFP 51: What do you give as birthday gifts? from 2017-06-14T06:00:53

Gifting at birthday parties can be tricky for those trying to be intentional. In today's episode I discuss my personal favorite gifts to give at parties. LINKS: Seedling Craft Kits Back to the R...

SFP 49: SPECIAL EPISODE: Exactly How I Feed My Kids [Your Questions Answered] from 2017-06-06T10:51:49

I recently explained exactly how I feed my kids [read the post here]. I loved the enthusiastic response that I received from readers and members of the Simple Families community. Because of the ...

SFP 50: How do you handle laundry? from 2017-06-06T06:59:13

I have shared before that I have a daily laundry habit--and it's amazing. In today's episode I am answering a question about this and telling you how I make it happen at our house. LINKS: The Si...

SFP 48: How Do I Deal with a Complainer? from 2017-05-18T06:00

Does your child whine and complain throughout the day? In today's episode I discuss how to handle a complainer.

The postSFP 48...

SFP 47: How Do I End Bedtime Meltdowns? from 2017-05-17T06:00:40

Bedtime can be a struggle for children--regardless of the age. In today's episode we discuss this topic.

The postSFP 47: How D...

SFP 46: What is the best timing for potty training? from 2017-05-04T06:00:26

On the podcast today I am explaining the best timing for potty training--and it might not be what you think. SHOW NOTES/LINKS My favorite tips and tools for potty training The"Oh Crap"Book

SFP 45: What can I do about separation anxiety? from 2017-05-03T06:00:05

Separation anxiety has a way of making us feel very loved and very crazy. We are talking more about this on the podcast today.  

The postListen

SFP 44: How should I handle back talk? from 2017-04-26T06:00:27

In today's episode we are discussing about"back talk". I give you my best strategies for handling it and some tips to keep in mind.  

The postListen

SFP 43: How much should I expect my kids to clean up? from 2017-04-25T06:00:49

Today we are discussing the best way to get your kid's on board for clean up. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: The Toy Detox The Cooperation Mini-Course

The postListen

SFP 42: Are baby classes worth the money? from 2017-04-18T06:01:25

In today's episode I am discussing the pros and cons of enrolling a young child in classes.

The postSFP 42: Are baby classes w...

SFP 41: Should we do arts and crafts at home? from 2017-04-17T06:00:23

You don't need to do a lot of arts and crafts activities to meet your kid's needs. In today's episode, I am discussing why this is. SHOW NOTES/LINKS: Why I Don't Do Pinterest-Worthy Activities W...

SFP 40: How do I get my child to play independently? from 2017-04-11T06:00:34

Independent play can be difficult to teach to toddlers. In today's episode, we talk about how to encourage this type of play and the benefits.  

The postListen

SFP 39: How can I incorporate a simple play space in my living room? from 2017-04-10T06:00:02

You don't need a separate play room for your kids--having the toys in the living space has it's advantages. In today's episodes, I will discuss what to keep in mind when combining the living spa...

SFP 38: What to do when time-outs aren’t working? from 2017-04-04T06:00:44

I hear this time and time again: time-outs don't work. So why do we keep using them? In this episode we talk about why I don't recommend time outs for very young children. Cooperation Mini Cours...

SFP 37: How do I handle competition between siblings? from 2017-04-03T06:00:11

Parents are not referees--it's important that they realize that early. In today's episode, we talk about managing competition in sibling relationships.

The postListen

SFP 36: How can I teach kids to let go of their possessions? from 2017-03-30T06:00:23

It's not always easy to let"things"go. In today's episode, we discuss how to keep the conversation positive with kids--along with two key questions to ask.

The postListen

SFP 35: How should I discipline very young children? from 2017-03-29T06:00:19

On the podcast today I am answering a question about how to discipline very young children.

The postSFP 35: How should I disci...

SFP 34: Is it possible to have a simple birthday party? from 2017-03-28T06:00:38

Birthday celebrations shouldn’t be complicated—they should be focused on what is important. In today’s episode, I discuss why we should keep celebrations small, intimate, and focused on the need...

SFP 33: Should I change my toddler's bedroom? from 2017-03-27T06:00:59

In this episode we discuss switching a child’s bedroom in anticipation of a new sibling. I also talk about making the switch from the crib to a toddler bed. 

The post Listen

SFP 32: How do I repurpose the things I have from decluttering? from 2017-03-21T06:00:41

In today's episode we are discussing how to repurpose items we have from decluttering.

The postSFP 32: How do I repurpose the ...

SFP 31: How do I stop my kid from interrupting? from 2017-03-20T06:00:46

Every parent deals with kids that interrupt. Today we are discussing two approaches of how to handle this challenge.

The postS...

SFP 30: How do I handle family members who give too many gifts? from 2017-03-16T06:00:42

Many of you are probably blessed with family and friends who love to give your children gifts. In this episode we are discussing how to talk to family members about toy minimalism.

The pos...

SFP 29: Should I encourage my kids to do things they aren’t good at? from 2017-03-15T06:00:43

Our kids are not going to be good at everything. In today's episode we discuss how to approach a child that is not having success in sports or other activities.

The post Listen

SFP 28: How do I end food battles with my kid? from 2017-03-14T06:00:59

Sometimes our kids can feel impossible at meal times. In this episode, I give my best advice--and it might surprise you.

The postListen

SFP 27: When should I interrupt my kid's play? from 2017-03-13T11:18:14

In today's episode I am answering a question from a mother about pretend play. She wonders how often she should intervene when there are disagreements or when the play shifts to an inappropriate...

SFP 26: What should I do if my baby gets bored? from 2017-03-09T07:00:49

Sometimes babies get restless--but how much entertaining should we do as parents? In today's episode I answer a question about how to handle a restless, bored baby.

The postListen

SFP 25: How much transition can a kid handle? from 2017-03-08T07:00:03

In today's episode we discuss how to handle big transitions with toddlers--things like moving, starting a new school, and having a new baby.

The postListen

SFP 24: How do I prepare for my first baby? from 2017-03-07T07:00:24

Preparing for your first baby can be overwhelming. Today I discuss how I suggest you spend time preparing during pregnancy, including some of my favorite books. Show Links/Notes: The Best 5 Book...

SFP 23: How does toy minimalism work with different aged siblings? from 2017-03-06T07:00:56

In today's episode we discuss how to maintain a minimalist play space when you have children of various ages. Show Notes/Links: Video Tour of our Minimalist Playroom The 25 Best Toys Get the Toy...

SFP 22: How much should I push my kid to succeed? from 2017-03-02T07:11:50

In today's episode I respond to a question about how much we should push our kids to be successful. I explain that parents should provide support when teaching new skills, but kids might actuall...

SFP 21: Should I encourage my kid to be friendly to strangers? from 2017-03-01T07:00:05

In today's episode we are discussing how to handle the"stranger danger"talk with your children. I am not a fan of putting fear and anxiety into children. I think you can educate them and prepare...

SFP 20: How do I cut out the bottles? from 2017-02-28T07:00:55

It can be difficult to wean a baby off of a bottle. In this episode I discuss the transition from formula/breastmilk to cow's milk. I also explain the attachment to the bottle and why this proce...

SFP 19: How do I prepare my child for a new sibling? from 2017-02-27T07:00:30

In this episode I will discuss three things to consider when preparing your child for a sibling. We will also discuss what type of behavior and emotions you might encounter from a young child du...

SFP 18: How Should I Handle My Shy Child? from 2017-02-23T07:00:08

In this episode I answer a question from a mother about her child that is shy and slow to warm up. I discuss ways to support and encourage her.

The postListen

SFP 17: Am I Traumatizing My Kid When I Leave Him at Daycare? from 2017-02-22T07:20:32

In this episode we talk about making the difficult transition to daycare as a toddler. I discuss why it is so difficult for kids to separate and give (a strange) analogy.

The postListen

SFP 16 : What Age Should Kids Start Preschool? from 2017-02-21T09:01:21

It seems like kids are starting school earlier and earlier. In today's episode, I will be discussing how to decide on the best age for a child to start preschool. Highlights: Preschool vs. Dayca...

SFP 15: How Will My Kids Benefit from Minimalism? from 2017-02-20T07:00:38

The kids of today need minimalism. In this episode I am sharing with you some of the benefits of minimalism with kids and family. Highlights: What is minimalism? Four benefits for our children. ...

SFP 14 : How Do I Put an End to Food Throwing? from 2017-02-16T07:00:21

Kids shouldn't be playing with their food. That means making a mess should be the exception, not the expectation. In this episode I will discuss how to handle throwing and playing with food at m...

SFP 13 : How Can I Get My Kid to Go to Bed? from 2017-02-15T07:00:46

It can be hard to get kids to go to bed. In today's episode, I am answering a question about how to get a child to go to bed (and stay in bed). Highlights: Bring the positive energy. Pattern you...

SFP 12 : How Do I Teach My Kid To Share? from 2017-02-14T07:00:10

Sharing is hard. In this episode, I am explaining why sharing can be such a struggle for young kids. I will also introduce the strategy that we use at home to handle sharing easily and effective...

SFP 11 : How Do I Stop My Kid From Misbehaving? from 2017-02-13T07:00:41

Our kid's behavior can be frustrating--particularly when they won't"stop"when we ask them to stop. Today we are talking about why it's so hard to get kids to"knock it off"and how we can handle t...

SFP 10 : How Do I Get Started With a Small Wardrobe? from 2017-02-04T16:31:25

I got rid of my oversized wardrobe in favor of creating a tiny collection of clothing articles that I really love. This has been an amazing change in my life. In this episode, I will share with ...

SFP 09 : How Do I Get My Kids To Cooperate? from 2017-02-04T16:08:59

Getting our kids to cooperate with everyday tasks can seem impossible. Brush your teeth, take a bath, put your shoes on...even the simple things can be a struggle with young children. In this ep...

SFP 08 : Why Isn't Time-Out Working? from 2017-02-04T15:58:03

Nearly all parents resort to using"time-out"with their kids at some point. But the problem is it rarely works. In this episode I explain how to use time-out correctly and why I don't really use ...

SFP 07 : What Is the Best Way to Start Solid Food with Babies? from 2017-02-04T15:48:22

The first year of feeding solid foods to babies is incredibly important. In this episode, I am giving you tips to get started the best way possible. The Highlights How to introduce tastes How to...

SFP 06 : How Much Do You Play With Your Kids? from 2017-02-04T15:40:10

In this episode I am answering the question,"how much do you play with your kids?". I don't actually play with my kids very much and I am going to give you an explanation of why. The Highlights ...

SFP 05 : How Do You Feed Your Kids? from 2017-02-04T15:22:37

My doctoral research was on raising good eaters--so it's no surprise that my kids turned out to be just that--good eaters. In this episode I am going to share with you how I feed my kids. The Hi...

SFP 04 : What Does It Mean To Parent With Intention? from 2017-02-04T15:13:35

The idea of"parenting with intention"is something that I talk about a lot on the blog and in the podcast. In this episode, I explain what this phrase means and how to start parenting more purpos...

SFP 03 : How Do You Choose Great Toys? from 2017-02-04T15:07:51

I am a huge advocate for kids having fewer toys--something I call toy minimalism. As we talked about in episode 2,  kids who have fewer toys play better and smarter. The key to having fewer toys...

SFP 02 : Why is it Better to Have Fewer Toys? from 2017-02-04T14:41:23

Two years ago we got rid of the toys. As a result, my kids play more creatively and independently. In this episode, we are going to discuss how toy minimalism will benefit your kids. The Highlig...

SFP 01 : About the Podcast + Host from 2017-02-04T04:25:51

It's here! The Simple Families Podcast has officially launched and we are starting episode 1 with a little background on the blog, the format of the podcast, and a little about your host (me!). ...