Welcome to Episode 5 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. World-renowned trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry joins us to explain how our emotions flow within families. When we understand how we’re connected by these invisible bonds, we can start to help each other regulate and feel just a bit better. We meet single dad Lovey, who’s been taking classes on emotional regulation as he raises his son. Lara Wilson explains how we can all be aware of small moments of emotional connection within our families every day.

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What Happened To You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

Brain First Parenting course with Eileen Devine

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Welcome to Episode 12 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. What kind of future can we imagine when it’s all we can do to get through today? Psychologist Dr. Chris Willard tells us about the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, and we’ll catch up with some of the parents we’ve visited throughout this season, to find out how they’re doing now. It’s inspiring to see the ways we can all grow through what we go through.

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From Denial to Hope: My Son’s ADHD Diagnosis Journey by Devon Pickens 

How We Grow Through What We Go Through by Dr Christopher Willard

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Welcome to Episode 11 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. Navigating the medical maze or the special education system often means speaking out. To become an effective advocate for your kids and yourself, you have to master the elevator pitch; setting aside visceral emotions and building a powerful case for what you need. Hear from parents who’ve found meaning and purpose in advocacy, and one who even made a movie about her life!

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No Letting Go 

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Welcome to Episode 10 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to support that child’s parents – but who has a village any more? Explore some ways to connect with other parents who really get it. We have a laugh with the refreshingly frank Shut Up Sisters who offer advice on how to deal with people who say or do insensitive things, follow Erin on her journey to build her own support network, and talk about the joys and perils of social media.

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Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid!

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Welcome to Episode 9 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. Kids with challenges often come with siblings, and those brothers and sisters need some TLC too. Not to mention your marriage or parenting partnership. We’ll give advice for nourishing family relationships as you all navigate difficult terrain. Mom Jeniece shares how she makes time for all of her children, and Emily Holl explains how her identity as a sibling led her to a career.

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Sibling Support Project / SibShops by Emily Holl

Special Needs Siblings by Jeniece Dortch

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Welcome to Episode 8 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. Join pastor, author, and dad Rev. Mantu Joshi and hear how he learned to find his best self while raising kids with exceptional challenges. Joshi explains what penguins have to teach us about resilience, and how to navigate the traffic circle of parenting, especially when kids are neurodivergent or highly sensitive. Plus we’ll explore the “parent mindset” and how it can shift our own experience, with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart.

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The Resilient Parent by Mantu Joshi

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Welcome to Episode 7 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. Are you the worst parent in the world? Of course not! But sometimes it’s hard to ignore your inner critic and outside pressures to realize actually, you’re doing ok. We’re here to remind you why you’re not a failure. Mindfulness expert and psychologist Dr. Susan Pollak joins us to talk about the power of self-compassion, and mom Amy tells us how she managed to let go of other people’s judgment.

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Self Compassion for Parents by Dr. Susan Pollak

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Welcome to Episode 6 of this 12-part series created to bolster parents and caregivers. We hear all the time that we have to put on our own oxygen mask first… but we’re really bad at taking that advice! When burnout isn't an option, you need to find ways to care for yourself in the midst of the swirl. Incorporating life-giving options for self-care into your day will help you show up for your kids. We’ll take a deep dive into mindfulness and learn the technique of ‘stapling’ from Caroline Welch. We’ll also poll some of our parents on their favorite self-care moments—it can be as simple as a glass of sweet tea!

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The Gift of Presence by Caroline Welch

Raising Resilience by Christopher Willard, PsyD

Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett

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Happy Thanksgiving! We're taking this week off to do a little resting, digesting, and catching up on the first 4 episodes (since they're all connected). But we still have some guidance for getting through a hectic week in this episode.

We'd like to send you all some thanks too! Thank you for listening, sending your feedback, and sharing! The show seems to be striking a deep chord with parents & caregivers. So many parents struggle, it's just not discussed enough.

If you enjoy A Little Easier, please share it with your friends. We're trying to lift as many parents, caregivers, and people who care for parents and kids.⁠ We’re an independent podcast so we need your support getting the word out. The more parents and caregivers we can reach, the better! ⁠

Thank you and see you next week!