Mom Life Handbook

If you're anything like me, the words 'summer break' might fill you with a mix of anticipation and dread. Sure, there's the joy of watching our kids run free, explore + simply delight in being kids. But then there's the mayhem + complete loss of any sense of time or productivity.

This episode is dedicated to taming the chaos. Let's unpack the elusive 'summer break schedule' together. And l'll talk about what you can do to make those summer days fun, cohesive + enjoyable for the whole family. I’ll teach you how to identify your family's priorities. We'll explore how to balance time spent on necessary tasks + sun-filled play as well. And of course, amidst all this, we won't forget about you. You're not a machine—you need a breather too. We'll delve into tactics to carve out those precious moments of serenity within the summer whirlwind.

So let's design a summer break schedule that works for you—not against you. It's not about rigid routines or striving for unattainable perfection. It's about harmony and balance. And it's about embracing summer—not just surviving it—with a sense of peace and joy. By the time we're done, you'll be geared up to face the upcoming summer days in a way that nurtures both you and your kids. It's time to turn the tide on summer chaos. Are you with me?

In This Episode:

1. You’ll learn to craft a flexible summer schedule that balances your needs and your children's, for a stress-free, enjoyable summer.
2. You’ll walk away with communication strategies to convey your expectations, ensuring a smooth, harmonious summer experience.
3. You’ll come to terms with the necessity of self-care + how incorporating "me-time" can recharge you, leading to increased presence and patience with your children.
4. You’ll gain valuable insights on how to align your daily activities with what truly matters to you and your family for a fulfilling summer.
5. You’ll explore ways to utilize your support system effectively, promoting a balanced and less overwhelming mom life during the summer season.

Related Links:

• Read the Show Notes
• Download the Free Summer Survival Guide
• Learn about the Routine Refresh
• Episode #005 | Creating Meaningful Connections: Embracing Imperfect—Yet Quality—Time As A Family
• Episode #008 | The Secrets to Getting More Done In Less Time
• Summer Break at Home

Overwhelmed by the thought of prepping for your upcoming family vacation? Juggling the never-ending to-do list and fretting over what might slip through the cracks? No worries—this episode of the Mom Life Handbook has got your back.In this chat, we'll explore real, practical strategies to streamline your vacation prep, no fluff, no fancy jargon - just simple, mom-tested advice. We'll talk about the big stuff, like how a little bit of advanced planning can save you from a whole lot of last-minute chaos. But we'll also dig into the details, like what exactly to pack to keep the whole family happy, and how to keep self-care on the radar, even when you're away from home.This isn't about making your vacation 'picture perfect.' It's about making it work for you - less stress, more rest, and more time to actually enjoy those precious moments with your family. Ready to do vacation prep differently? Let's dive in.

In This Episode:

1. You'll discover why advanced planning can transform your vacation from a stress-filled scramble into a smooth, enjoyable process, allowing you to enter your family vacation with a sense of calm and readiness, rather than anxiety and last-minute chaos.
2. You'll be able to anticipate potential challenges and plan accordingly by contemplating the key considerations in preparing for a family vacation discussed in this episode. This proactive approach will alleviate the common stressors of family vacations, giving you more space to savor precious moments with your family.
3. You'll have a clear guide on how to craft a packing list that is both comprehensive and efficient, eliminating the fear of forgetting something crucial at home. The ease of packing, with time to spare, will create a stress-free start to your vacation.
4. You'll learn about the essential items that should always be on your family vacation packing list. This knowledge will enable you to travel confidently, knowing that you and your family are well-prepared for the journey ahead, thus reducing worries and allowing for more restful and quality time with your loved ones.
5. You'll be equipped with practical strategies to prioritize your self-care even amidst the busyness of the trip. This shift in focus promises to transform not just your vacation, but your everyday life, with increased mindfulness and well-being.

Related Links:

• Show Notes
• Work with Erin
• Free Family Vacation Prep Checklist
• 10 Travel Tips Every Mom Needs to Know
• Surviving + Even Enjoying Long-Haul Flights with Kids

In this episode of the Mom Life Handbook, we're diving deep into a topic that hits home for so many of us: how to be a calm parent. For all the busy millennial moms out there who sometimes feel they're on a hair-trigger, who feel like they're not handling stressful situations with their preschoolers or elementary-aged children as well as they'd like, this one's for you.

We start off by shedding light on our own nervous system, understanding how it impacts our reactions, and how we can take charge of it. You'll be amazed at how this simple understanding can significantly shift the way you navigate your mom life.

Then we'll move on to practical techniques like deep breathing, something you can easily fit into your busy schedule. This isn't your typical advice; we're talking about using compassion to navigate tense moments and asking ourselves two crucial questions that can change the dynamics of our interactions.

We're also going to be brutally honest about the importance of taking a break. As busy moms, sometimes we see this as a luxury, but in reality, it's a necessity for us to show up as the best version of ourselves for our kids.This isn't just about providing tips; it's about creating lasting change in your life. And trust me, the change is not just possible, it's attainable. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. So, join me in this episode, and let's embark on this journey together towards becoming calmer, happier parents.

In This Episode:

1. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how your reactions to stress are linked to your nervous system, equipping you with the knowledge to better navigate stressful parenting moments.
2. You'll learn a simple and effective deep-breathing technique that can be used at any time to regain calm and composure, supporting you in maintaining a balanced emotional state amidst the chaos.
3. You'll discover how choosing compassion over teaching in tense situations can transform your parenting experiences, fostering stronger and more understanding relationships with your children.
4. You'll grasp the importance of identifying what both you and your child need in stressful situations, allowing you to respond with empathy and wisdom rather than reacting impulsively.
5. You'll embrace the value and necessity of taking a break, acknowledging that self-care isn't just about indulgence, but crucial to your overall well-being and effectiveness as a parent.

Related Links:

• Show Notes
• Work with Erin
• Free Connection Guide
• Quality Family Time: Strategies for Meaningful Connection
• 7 Signs Your family Is Feeling Too Much Stress

• You'll uncover why accepting 'busyness' as a permanent state might be limiting your life's potential.
• You'll see how prioritizing your own balance positively impacts your family.
• You'll gain the ability to adapt these actionable insights to your own unique lifestyle and personal values.

• Read The Show Notes
• Shop The Always Pan from Our Place
• Learn More About Eisenhower Boxes
• Related Listening: The secrets to getting more done in less time
• Related Listening: How to slow down when life is busy

Ever find yourself avoiding stress at all costs, only to find yourself as stressed as ever? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the ways we unintentionally create a domino effect of stress in motherhood and offer a fresh perspective on how awareness of these patterns can shift your entire day for the better. The best part? It's all about recognizing, not criticizing. So instead of feeling judged, you'll feel seen.So, why should you tune in? Because awareness is the first step to breaking the cycle, and this episode could be your aha moment. We explore both active-behavioral and active-cognitive coping mechanisms that are real, applicable, and transformative. These insights aren't just food for thought; they're actionable steps towards a more peaceful and intentional mom life. By the end of this episode, you'll see the undeniable advantage of confronting avoidance with open arms and an open mind.

In This Episode:

• You'll discover how to reclaim your sense of control, even when life throws curveballs your way, reducing that overwhelming feeling that can hijack your day.
• You'll learn the psychological reasons behind your avoidance habits, giving you the insight you need to change these patterns and feel more understood and self-aware.
• You'll find actionable steps to tackle issues you've been avoiding, leading to more time for yourself and quality time with your family.

Related Links:

• Read the Show Notes
• Join the Mom Life Reset
• Tune In: Getting Unstuck: How to Embrace the Now for a Happier Family Life
• Tune In: How To Be A Better Mom In Just 15 Minutes
• Tune In: Getting Unstuck: How to Embrace the Now for a Happier Family Life
• Read: Avoidance Coping + Why It Creates Additional Stress from Very Well Mind