When our family life is chaotic, flexible systems and using the power of habits and habit stacking can help us survive - and even thrive - in the most difficult seasons of our motherhood - especially if our kids have special needs. Today I’m talking to Katie Keene, homeschooling mom of five, about her experience balancing everything by leveraging the power of simple systems.
Katie Keene is the host of the top 1% globally rated podcast Her Home and Heart, and host to a membership community of beautiful Christian homeschooling families on the journey to peace at home and generational family success despite the challenges of raising a special needs child.
Her mission is simple: to ensure that no family breaks apart simply due to lack of tools to create a SOLID, peaceful, and joyful family foundation at home.
Katie is most passionate about helping special needs families create strong bonds and deep roots.
Learn more about how she teaches moms to build a successful and joyful home, and to grab coupons, freebies, and links to Katie’s best kept secrets go to https://linktr.ee/familysuccess
Resources Mentioned:
Katie’s Podcast, Her Home & Heart
My interview on Katie’s podcast
Katie’s Facebook Group - Charlotte Mason Homeschool Lifestyle for Christian Families
Connect with Katie on Instagram
Related Episodes:
Episode 50: 5 Must-Have Back-to-School Routines for Overwhelmed Moms
Episode 57: Want Your Routines to Stick? 3 Habit Hacks You Have to Try!
Episode 60: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Sustainable Habits and Routines with Brandy Coffin from The Nourished Mom
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Grab a free 10-minute clarity call at https://calendly.com/simplebyemmy/clarity
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

74 // Creating Flexible Systems That Overcome Overwhelm with Katie Keene

*TOP 1% PODCAST FOR MOMS*

I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.


Hey there, mama. Are you tired of all the STUFF crowding your home, calendar, and mind? Do you wish you could say goodbye to the endless to-do list running around in your head, while you’re running around in the middle of the mess? Want to declutter but don’t know where to start? Are your dreams buried under piles of toys and laundry?

Welcome to Moms Overcoming Overwhelm, where you will find proven and practical solutions to declutter your home, head, and heart.  If you’re ready to reclaim your precious resources of time, energy, attention, and focus and create the motherhood and life you want on YOUR terms - this podcast is for you.

Hi, I’m Emily - a wife, #boymom, and simplicity seeker. I struggled to get pregnant and felt completely overwhelmed - until I discovered decluttering could create the physical and emotional space I needed to become a mom.

Now, two kids later, I’ve transformed my life and motherhood by developing simple systems around decluttering, capsule wardrobes, kids stuff, cleaning and tidying, meal planning, time management, and more- and I can’t wait to share them with you!

If you’re ready to reclaim the time and energy you crave, be present with your kids, and finally enjoy the life and motherhood you SO deserve - let’s kick overwhelm to the curb, shall we?
Grab your lukewarm coffee, your notebook and pen, and clear off some counter space! Let’s do this.
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - ＞ info@simplebyemmy.com  
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don’t Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/ 
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/ 
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!

Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms at www.tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm
Step 2: Become an Insider by receiving the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms newsletter at https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

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Summer is right around the corner. Are you ready? Today I'm sharing the 3 things I'm NOW to simplify and prepare for an amazing summer!
Related Episodes:
Episode 41: Fed Up with the Question “What’s for Dinner?” Stress-Free, Simple Meal Planning for Busy Moms with Lauren White from the Intentional Edit Podcast
Episode 53: Cleaning Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming! 8 Ways to Make it Stress-Free
Episode 26: Loathe Laundry? Learn to Love it with my 20-Minute System
Episode 35: The One Habit That Keeps Your Home Clutter-Free with Lisa Lizotte from the Habits and Home Show
Episode 46: Declutter When Your Kids are Home for the Summer with These 3 Simple Hacks 
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

127 // 3 Things I'm Doing Now to Make Summer Easier

Did you know that the average American child receives over $6500 worth of toys before they reach their teens (source) but 8 of 10 kids play with 20 toys or fewer (source)?
If your home is filled to the brim with toys - most of which your kids never touch - then a toy library may be a solution for you!
Lisa Bourven is mom of two and was a stay-at-home-mom for almost nine years after leaving her career in corporate-level retail operations and analytics. She is married to a Frenchman and earned a graduate business degree in France, where she experienced the joy of living in a small space with less. After seeing the need for a “stay and play” solution that would alleviate many problems in her family’s life (boredom, toy clutter, waste, budget, and tiny play space), The Toy Nest was born.
On today’s episode, Lisa and I speak about why she started The Toy Nest, the benefits of borrowing toys and enjoying the community that a toy library offers, and alternative options to borrow toys if you don’t live close to a toy library.
Do you live in Northern Virginia? Here’s a special offer when you visit the Toy Nest and mention the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm podcast - you’ll get one month of Flock membership for the price of Fledgling membership!
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Lisa on The Toy Nest website, Instagram, and Facebook 
Find a MomCo (formerly MOPS) group near you
USA Toy Library Association and the International Toy Library Association can help you find a toy library near you
 
Related Episodes
Episode 13: Dreading the Influx of Toys After Christmas? 4 Ways to Limit Your Kids’ Presents Without Feeling like a Grinch
Episode 34: Are Toys Taking Over Your Home? Tackle Toy Clutter with my 5-Step Plan for Busy Moms
Episode 71: Listener Questions Answered (Part Two): How to Approach an Overwhelming Room, Too Many Toys, and “Generous” Relatives Who Give Us Stuff We Don’t Need!
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

126 // Drowning in Toys? Embrace a “Borrow, Don’t Buy” Mentality by Using Toy Libraries - with Lisa Bourven from The Toy Nest

Why are some people more emotionally attached to stuff than others? The key may be our attachment styles that were developed from infancy and childhood.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the four attachment styles, how they impact our relationships as an adult, and three reasons why an insecure attachment style may play a part in emotional attachment and potentially sabotage our decluttering efforts.
Resources Mentioned:
Attachment Styles and How They Affect Adult Relationships
Why We Become So Attached to Our Belongings
Insecure attachment style is on the rise for American students - 2014 study
Brain registers things we own as an extension of ourselves - 2013 study
Buying stuff is a “psychological salve” that can give us the comfort relationships lack - 2017 study 
Download my free workbook - The 5 Mindset Shifts to Help You Let Go of Clutter
Related Episodes: 
Episode 11: Holding onto EVERYTHING Sentimental? 3 Decluttering Hacks you HAVE to Try
Episode 24: Instead of “Does it Spark Joy?” Ask These 4 Questions to Help You Declutter
Episode 32: Stop Believing These 7 Lies About Your Stuff
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

125 // Struggle To Let Go of Stuff? THIS May Be Sabotaging Your Decluttering Success

Many of the mamas in the Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Facebook community have shared that they struggle with ADHD, and many have been recently diagnosed. In fact, Epic Research recently reported that the percentage of adult women who were newly diagnosed nearly doubled in the U.S. between 2020 and 2022.
ADHD impacts attention, focus, and impulsive behavior, and can make activities like decluttering (that require sustained focus and attention) difficult.
On today’s episode, productivity expert Alicia Cohen dives into ADHD - what it is, what it isn’t, and the productivity tips that will benefit anyone who struggles with sustained focus and attention - even if you don’t have ADHD.
Alicia Cohen specializes in prioritization and time management. She built her business, Alicia Cohen Designs, based on her own journey of overcoming her overwhelmed and frazzled life -- what she calls the "hamster wheel marathon" -- and now teaches others the methods that she discovered and uses personally.
With Alicia’s support, busy people learn intentional planning, effective productivity, and high-impact mindset shifts that enable them to transform from constantly feeling behind to designing lives that work and feel good.
Alicia is based in the U.S. where she lives with her husband and children. She finds great joy in homeschooling her children and marvels at how blessed she is.
 
Resources Mentioned:
Definition of ADHD that Alicia references from the National Institute of Mental Health
Connect with Alicia on her website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
Snag Alicia’s freebie and learn her Top 3 To-Do List Hacks to Get Immediate Results
 
Related Episodes: 
Episode 21: Is Your To-Do List Out of Control? Here's How to Focus on What Actually Matters - with Jessa Raye from Caught Up in Motherhood
Episode 37: Take Control of Your Time and Be a More Intentional Mom with Julie Redmond from Mom Made Plans
Episode 40: Too Tired to Tackle Your To-Do List? You’re Probably Not Doing These 3 Things
Episode 62: Feeling Scattered? Use the Power of Checklists to Declutter Your Mind with Danielle McGeough from the Plan Goal Plan Podcast
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

124 // The Rise of ADHD in Women and How to Be More Productive When Focus is a Challenge - with Alicia Cohen

Is it challenging to get your home management systems to “stick”? Do you get excited to try something new, it works for a few weeks, and then life happens and your systems go off the rails? I got you, mama!
In today’s episode I’m diving into 5 simple home management systems you can actually stick with to help your home - and your life - run smoothly!
Resources Mentioned:
*FLASH SALE!* Between now and May 12th, I am offering 20% off my in-person and virtual decluttering coaching services for FIRST TIME clients who are podcast listeners!
When you book your service, make sure to mention the Mother’s Day sale when answering the question, “How did you hear from me?” to enjoy the discount.
Calls need to be booked by - but not completed by - May 12, 2024.
The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi 
Related Episodes: 
Episode 26: Loathe Laundry? Learn to Love it with my 20-Minute System
Episode 41: Fed Up with the Question “What’s for Dinner?” Stress-Free, Simple Meal Planning for Busy Moms with Lauren White from the Intentional Edit Podcast
Episode 53: Cleaning Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming! 8 Ways to Make it Stress-Free
Episode 35: The One Habit That Keeps Your Home Clutter-Free with Lisa Lizotte from the Habits and Home Show
Episode 103: Always Playing “Whack-a-Mole” with Your Kids’ Clutter? 3 Mistakes You’re Probably Making
***
I help moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts.
Contact - > info@simplebyemmy.com 
Podcast -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast
Learn -＞ www.simplebyemmy.com/resources 
Connect -＞ Join our free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Instagram -＞ @simplebyemmy and @momsovercomingoverwhelm
 
*** Don't Know Where to Start? ***
5 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/5steps/
5 Mindset Shifts for Decluttering -＞ https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Wanna work with me to kick overwhelm to the curb, mama? There are three options for you!
Step 1: Join a supportive community of moms plus decluttering challenges to keep you on track at the free Facebook group Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms
Step 2: Sign up for the weekly Decluttering Tips and Resources for Overwhelmed Moms Newsletter and see samples here: https://pages.simplebyemmy.com/profile
Step 3: Get more personalized support with in-person or virtual decluttering coaching! www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

74 // Creating Flexible Systems That Overcome Overwhelm with Katie Keene

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