Grab your tissues. We hear from Brittany, one of my amazing and strong followers, about her son, Cole, who has high risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia and her son, Hudson, who has Chron's Disease.Thank you so much to Brittany for sharing her and her family's story. In the episode, we cover:

Brittany, you’re here today to share with us about life as a family with two small kids, one diagnosed with cancer and one with chrons disease back to back. But tell us about how life was for you just before these awful news?

Tell us about what led up to these diagnoses, what made you do the testing?

You have to often shift between mom and caregiver, tell us about how this works between you and your support system and how has it impacted your mental health?

What has helped you get through all of this?

How can we best support a friend with a child with cancer?

Brittany is a suburban Chicago mom of 2 boys and a childhood cancer advocate.IG: @brittmagnus_Brittmagnus.com


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Motherhood through Childhood Cancer & Chronic disease w/Brittany Magnus

I'll go first: Motherhood is a dang rollercoaster and sometimes I feel like I'm just hanging on. My name is Nina and I am the host of Mama Knows. I truly believe that every mama *knows.* Have you ever held your crying child and just said or thought "I know honey." YOU, mama, know what is best for your family and sometimes it's different than what the other mama knows. This podcast is an ongoing, honest conversation around motherhood, mental health, parenting and relationships...the good, bad and funny. Join in weekly for tips, strategies, tools and conversation that will leave you feeling less alone!

Kids & Family

Parenting

You have just experienced a loss of a loved on or a family pet. How do you tell your kids about it? What do you tell your kids? Navigating these conversations is difficult, especially when you, yourself, are grieving too. Here from an expert in the area so you feel prepared when you need to have these conversations.What we cover in this episode:1. Talking about death is a difficult and hard subject especially with kids. What approach should we take when we talk to our kids about death? 
2. Developmentally, when do children understand the concept of death? How does this affect how I talk to them about death and grief?
3. A loved one or pet just died. Talk me through how you would tell your child and what you avoid in the conversation?
4. How often should I check in with my child about the loss? Do I bring it up or do I let them bring it up?
5. I am mourning the loss of our loved one toAbout Sidu:Sidu Arroyo-Boulter is a family psychotherapist in Texas, specializing in difficult family dynamics and parenting. Sidu is passionate about helping parents deepen their emotional understanding of themselves so that they can welcome their child into rest, acceptance, and belonging.Find Sidu on Instragramhttps://www.instagram.com/conscious.parents/?hl=en
______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

How to talk to kids about death (all ages) w/Sidu Arroyo-Boulter

Guilt and shame are often feelings that come up when parenting. You aren't alone! These aren't feelings you need to be ashamed of or suffer alone in. Michelle helps us learn to shift of our perspective and minimize the shame and guilt that comes up during parenting. Questions:
1. What is the difference between guilt and shame when it comes to parenting?
2. What do you often see that parents feel most guilty about?
3. How do we shift our perspective and make the mom guilt productive rather than a negative thing? 
4. How can we minimize the shame we feel as a parent?
Michelle Tangeman Bio:
Before opening Michelle Tangeman Behavioral Health as a child and family therapist, I served as a Clinical Manager for STAR of CA where I oversaw a clinical team providing children’s behavioral treatment programs. I have extensive experience in individualized behavior intervention, Functional Behavior Assessments, school-based services, family-focused intervention, early start services, and social skills training and have provided these services to families across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. I have also completed the training as part of the Postpartum Support International’s Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training Program.When I’m not helping parents and families as a therapist, I’m a mother of two beautiful children. As a parent, I know how challenging it can be. Combining my personal experience as a parent along with my behavioral health background, I launched my online education company, Thriving Toddler. Through Thriving Toddler courses and free resources, I aim to help as many people as possible become the parents they want to be.
I’m also a podcast host and the co-founder of the Parenting Understood podcast. My co-host and I are passionate about teaching parents about evidence-based interventions grounded in science to make a positive impact on the parent-child relationship.
Website: https://michelletangeman.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thriving.toddler/


______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

Mom Guilt vs. Mom Shame w/Michelle Tangeman

I struggle with being productive with my ADHD. Am I alone?Normal tips to be productive and organized just don't work for me and I am beginning to realize that I need to work with my ADHD instead of against it!In comes, Brooke Schnittman, who answers all my questions:1. As someone with adhd I want to better organize my day, but I struggle with traditional to do lists. Why aren’t these traditional ways working for me? What can I do instead to organize my to do list and life?
2. Why are some tasks harder than others for people with adhd? For example: answering emails or texts can be so daunting even though it only takes minutes to answer. How can I make these tasks seem like less of a big deal?
3. What is the ADHD disruption cycle and how can I overcome it?
4. How things can I do routinely to better improve my attention, focus, and momentum?Brooke's book:  Activate Your ADHD Potential : for adults with ADHD who are looking to build momentum and stop overwhelm and underwhelm.InstagramWebsiteabout Brooke:Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
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Brooke's personal journey, being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and marrying into a family of ADHDers, has provided her with profound insight and empathy for her clients. In 2002, she embarked on her mission to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. She earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Penn State University and her Master's Degree from New York University, specializing in Students With Disabilities.
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With over two decades of experience, Brooke has worked closely with thousands of individuals with ADHD, utilizing her comprehensive knowledge and expertise to guide them toward success.

______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

Organizing tasks and completing to do lists with ADHD w/ Brooke Schnittman

If you haven't heard of attachment theory or don't know which attachment type you are start here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/attachment-theory-toxic-relationships-w-mac-stanley/id1610026077?i=1000633976705.This week Dr. Morgan helps us anxious attachment girlies (+ guys) feel more secure in our relationship. We cover:1. Can you do a quick recap on what the attachment styles are, especially anxious attachment?
2. What does self abandonment look like as someone with anxious attachment?
3. Why might someone with anxious attachment abandon themselves and turn to codependency?
4. Why is codependency a bad thing in relationships?
4. How can someone with anxious attachment prevent self abandonment?websiteinstagramabout Dr. Morgan:Hi, I’m Dr. Morgan
I’m a relationship coach, attachment theory expert, and creator of the E.S.L. Relationship Method. My mission is to help women get off the dating rollercoaster, raise their self-worth, and attract the healthy relationship they’ve always wanted. I created the Empowered.Secure.Loved. Program because I knew women needed a clear path to secure attachment and love that lasts. With the science of attachment theory, data from hundreds of clients, and my own experiences I created a program that transforms you from lonely, to loved.
______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

Heal your relationship: Anxious attachment and how to move to secure w/Dr Morgan

I am currently trying to not procrastinate right now so this epiosde is coming at the best time. This week Chelsey Newmeyer helps us best utilize our time so we can feel better and accomplish more.The questions we answered this week: 
1. I will admit that I can be a procrastinator, how do I unlearn procrastination habits?
2. I feel like I don't have enough time in the day to finish the tasks that need to be completed, let alone, do anything enjoyable/spend time on any hobbies. How can I better organize my day so I don't feel so booked?
3. What is time blocking and how can I implement it in my life?
4. I haven't been feeling very productive lately. What are some tips to being more productive in daily tasks or at work?
5. You helped me have some free time, but now I feel guilty for relaxing and feel like I should be tackling other projects. How do I rest without guilt? 
Chelsey Newmyer is a nerd for all things time management and productivity. After years of reading frustrating productivity advice that didn't match her life, she started her productivity coaching business to help solopreneurs, and 9-5ers maximize their time by getting the personalized productivity systems they need to reach their goals. Chelsey is a Navy spouse and currently lives on Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba with her husband, son Nolan, and her dog, Leia. When she's not working, she's hanging out with her new baby, drinking lots of coffee, or listening to podcasts while reorganizing something in her house. 
______________________________Did you love this episode? BUY ME A COFFEE for support!Find me on Instagram@balkanina@mamaknowspodcastFind me on TikTokBalkaninaSubscribe to my NewsletterPrivate Facebook Motherhood-Podcast CommunityMama Knows FBDisclaimer: This podcast does not provide any medical advice, it is for informational purposes only!

Motherhood through Childhood Cancer & Chronic disease w/Brittany Magnus

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