Let’s face it: parenting today feels harder than ever. We’re juggling schedules, screens, school drop-offs, dinner chaos, and about 4,792 questions from our kids all before 10 am.

So how in the world are we supposed to connect in the middle of all that?

In this heart-opening episode, I’m joined by one of my most trusted parenting experts and dear friends, Caley Kukla, childhood development expert and parent coach, to talk about what real connection looks like in the middle of real life.

We’re busting the myth that you need “quality time” carved out on the calendar to build strong relationships with your kids (spoiler: you don’t need 3-hour crafts or curated Pinterest moments). Instead, Kaylee shares simple, powerful ways to reconnect in your existing routines—car line, mealtimes, even the chaos of the after-school rush.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “failing” at connection because of busy schedules, short tempers, or missed moments—this episode will be a balm for your soul.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The truth about connection bids—and how to respond to your child’s need for attention without adding more to your plate
• What “serve and return” means (and how it can transform your everyday parenting interactions)
• Why hour-long crafts aren’t required to build deep connection
• How to authentically connect with yourself—so you can better connect with your kids
• What repair looks like when you’ve lost your cool (and why it matters even more than “getting it right”)
• How to stop should-ing yourself and release guilt around not “doing enough”
• Small mindset shifts and systems (like the donation station + body scans) that make a big difference

Resources & Mentions:

Join Clutter Cure Club Want to create a home that feels light, peaceful, and aligned with what truly matters? Inside CCC, we turn powerful mindset shifts (like today’s episode) into small, doable changes that last. 👉 Join me inside the Clutter Cure Club (https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercureclub-page837548)

Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 Sign up here (https://www.katyjoywells.com/simplify)

Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes and real-life simplicity. @katyjoywells

Loved This Episode?

Please share it with a mom friend who’s feeling overwhelmed or guilty about “not connecting enough.” Let her know: she’s not behind. She’s just one small moment away from deeper connection.

And if this episode helped you breathe a little deeper—would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others find the show and join the Simplifier community. 💛

Ready, Set, Simplify. —Katy