Ever started something with the best intentions—only to walk away, thinking, “I guess it’s just not working”?

In this episode of Breathe Easy Parenting, we explore the quiet moments when progress feels invisible, change feels too slow, and we’re tempted to give up. Catherine shares powerful personal stories, parenting insights, and research-backed truths about how long real change takes—especially when it comes to habits, behavior, and emotional growth in children.

Topics we cover:

• Why the brain craves instant feedback (and how it tricks us into quitting too early)

• How to navigate the messy in-between stage of change

• What science actually says about habit formation (spoiler: it’s not 21 days!)

• Real-life classroom + parenting examples of staying consistent

• The power of repair, repetition, and rooted growth

If you’ve ever felt discouraged mid-journey—this episode is your reminder that quiet progress is still progress.

Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Let’s talk about staying one more day.

🧠 Learn More – Research Referenced:

• Lally, P. et al. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674

🎧 Subscribe, share, and connect at breatheeasyparenting.com or on Instagram @breatheeasyparenting

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This episode is unlike anything I’ve done before. For the very first time, my mother and I sat down to record a conversation together—and while parts may feel choppy or carefully edited, every moment is filled with care, respect, and intention.

We kept things light, touched on memories that felt safe, and created space for her voice to be heard without pressure or discomfort. This wasn't just a podcast—it was a quiet, courageous beginning.

You won’t hear everything. Some moments were just for us. But what you will hear is something rare: the voice of a woman who raised me, and the gentle unfolding of connection between a mother and daughter—one that I hope continues to grow.

This episode is a reminder that connection over correction matters—even when we are mother and daughter as seasoned adults.

Take a deep breath, lean into the conversation, and honor the small steps toward healing and understanding.

📩 Let’s connect! Send me a message on Instagram ⁠⁠@breatheeasyparenting⁠⁠ and let me know your biggest takeaway!

✨ Connect with me:• ⁠⁠⁠Breathe Easy Parenting⁠⁠⁠

✨Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other parents find the show and build a community rooted in connection over correction!

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What does a thriving village really look like when it comes to raising our children—and how do we start rebuilding it today?

In this heart-opening conversation, Catherine sits down with Ellie Knott, a fellow parent coach and preschool teacher, to explore how we can reconnect families and schools in a way that supports everyone—parents, educators, and most importantly, our children.

Together, they unpack:

• What’s missing from our communities and why it matters

• The mental and emotional toll of parenting in isolation

• What a “reimagined village” of connection and support could look like

• Simple, doable steps for parents and school staff to start rebuilding trust and community—today

Whether you’re a parent navigating school meetings, a teacher craving more connection with families, or someone passionate about raising children in a healthier, more united way—this episode is for you.

🌱 Take a breath, lean in, and let this be your invitation to reimagine what’s possible.

💛 Take a Moment to Reflect

Who’s in your village right now—and who might you want to invite in?
What’s one small step you could take this week to build connection—with a teacher, another parent, or even your child?

🌱 It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.
Sometimes, a simple hello or a shared moment of understanding is enough to start rebuilding the village.

💬 If something from today’s episode spoke to you, DM me or tag @breatheeasyparenting—I’d love to hear your reflections.

🧑‍🏫 About Ellie Knott:

Ellie Knott is a dedicated parent coach with a deep passion for supporting families in creating meaningful, everyday moments. After six years of teaching preschool, Ellie is shifting her focus to empower parents, helping them navigate the challenges of raising children and fostering stronger connections within their communities.

With a firm belief in making the magic of childhood accessible in every moment, Ellie guides parents to step into the roles they aspire to play, offering expert guidance and personalized coaching to help them become the parents they truly want to be.

Looking to learn more or get support from today’s guest?

💬 Visit Ellie Knott at:
👉 elliechasecoaching.com

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Take a deep breath and lean into this short but powerful episode on something we’re all feeling but rarely talk about—how disconnected our communities have become, and what that means for our children. In this solo episode, Catherine explores the heart of the village concept: why it's missing, why it matters, and how we can start rebuilding it today. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about children and mental health, this episode will stir your hope and invite you to dream of a better future—together.
🌿Tune in now to plant the seeds for reconnection.

✨ Coming next week: A full interview with a special guest to deepen this conversation and share actionable steps for building bridges between home and school.

💛 Breathe easy—you’re not alone.

Surprise guest on today’s episode! While I was recording early this morning, one of my twins woke up and joined me. So you’ll hear a little cameo from him today—just a sweet impromptu moment we’re sharing with you. 😊🌿 Feeling like everyone else is blooming while you're barely holding it together? You're not alone. In this spring-inspired episode of Breathe Easy Parenting, we're digging into gentle, soul-soothing ways to reset—especially when you're running on empty.

🌱 Weeding out the guiltLet go of the heavy expectations that no longer serve you.

🌸 Water what mattersFocus on micro-moments of joy that strengthen connection with your children.

☀️ Sunlight breaks for the soulDiscover tiny resets—like fresh air or a moment of stillness—to recharge your nervous system.

🌼 Plant a reset ritualSimple grounding practices to help you breathe, reset, and bloom—no matter how chaotic your day feels.

As you listen today, I invite you to reflect:

🌱 What old expectations or “shoulds” are you ready to weed out this season?
🌸 What small, joyful moments have you overlooked that are actually watering connection?
☀️ When was the last time you let the sunlight touch your skin—or gave yourself even one moment to breathe?
🌼 What’s one reset ritual you’d love to try today, even if it’s just for one minute?

Take a deep breath, lean into the conversation, and remember: connection over correction. 💛

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In this heartfelt episode, Catherine reads a letter from a parent feeling overwhelmed by their child’s challenging behaviors—and the school's response to it. Drawing from her own parenting journey and years of working with children and families, Catherine shares five practical ways she supports her child and herself during difficult moments.

This episode offers real talk, grounded strategies, and a reminder that you’re not alone—your child isn’t broken, and neither are you.

Take a deep breath and join us in centering connection over correction.

📲Follow along on Instagram: @breatheeasyparenting

📲 Follow Along on Facebook! Join the Breathe Easy Parenting community for parenting tips, encouragement, real-life reflections, and practical tools to support your journey.

📍 Follow here: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/BreatheEasyParenting/⁠

Let’s connect and grow together—because parenting doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional. 💛

💭 Reflect with me:

• When your child’s behavior is labeled “challenging” by others, how do you feel—and what story do you tell yourself about it

• Do you feel pressure to fix it quickly… or space to understand it deeply?

• What would it look like to trust that your child’s struggle is an invitation—not a failure?

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In Episode 16, I share briefly on a webinar I presented on how conscious parenting transformed not only how I show up for my children—but also how it saved my marriage. I explore the roots of perfectionism, how old patterns show up in parenting, and the powerful shift that happens when we turn inward instead of reacting outward. You’ll hear practical tools from my own journey, including nervous system regulation, reframing behavior as communication, and leading with connection over correction. If you're ready to break generational cycles and create a calmer, more connected home, this episode is for you.

✨ Book your free strategy call: www.breatheeasyparenting.com
📲Follow along on Instagram: @breatheeasyparenting

📲 Follow Along on Facebook!
Join the Breathe Easy Parenting community for parenting tips, encouragement,real-life reflections, and practical tools to support your journey.

📍 Follow here: https://www.facebook.com/BreatheEasyParenting/

Let’s connect and grow together—because parenting doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional. 💛

💭 Reflect with me:

• What parenting patterns are you noticing inyourself that come from your own childhood?
• How do you respond when your child has bigemotions—do you pause, or do you react?
• What would it feel like to parent with moreconnection and less pressure?

Related Links spoken in Podcast:

Tapping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVg50ox8czo&t=235s

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What do Cesar Millan’s dog training methods have to do with parenting? More than you might think.

In this solo episode, we explore the power of calm, assertive leadership—and how your energy directly shapes your child’s behavior. You’ll hear real-life stories from raising my twin boys, along with practical tools and nervous system insights that will help you navigate challenging moments without guilt, punishment, or yelling.

We’ll talk about why guilt doesn’t show love, how natural consequences build confidence, and why clear boundaries rooted in connection and respect are essential for raising emotionally secure children.

Parenting doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. And when we model emotional regulation, empathy, and calm leadership, we create a ripple effect of trust, resilience, and peace in our homes.

Take a deep breath, lean into the conversation, and remember: connection over correction.

✨ Connect with me:
Website: Breathe Easy Parenting
Instagram: @BreatheEasyParenting

If this episode speaks to you, share it with another parent, leave a review, and let’s grow—together. 💛

I believe in blending heart-centered parenting with research-backed strategies. If you’re curious about the science mentioned, here are a few sources I love to reference.

📚 Key References from This Episode:

• Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Gemignani, A., & Santarcangelo, E. L. (2018). "How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, Article 353.

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Have you felt disconnected or overwhelmed in your parenting lately? Often, in the rush and stress of daily life, we overlook one of our most powerful tools—play. In this episode, Catherine Kelly shares how intentionally incorporating playful moments into daily routines helped deepen the bond with her twins, creating more joy and reducing everyday stress. Learn practical, everyday ways to incorporate intentional play and foster stronger bonds with your children.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation! DM Catherine on Instagram or visit breatheeasyparenting.com for more resources.

✨ Join the conversation:

• What playful moments bring you joy with your children?

• How do you integrate play into your daily routines?

• What's one new playful habit you'll try today?

✨ Remember: connection over correction, progress over perfection.

📸 Instagram: @breatheeasyparenting

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Are you seeking validation in your parenting? Whether it’s from family, your partner, or even social media, the need for external reassurance can leave us feeling anxious and disconnected from our instincts.

In this episode, I share personal stories of when I struggled with validation—like when my son was bitten and no one believed me, or when my child kept looking to me for approval before trusting himself. I also explore how I used to turn to social media and online resources instead of trusting my own parenting intuition.

We’ll talk about how to break the cycle, model self-trust for our children, and take small steps toward embracing internal confidence rather than external approval.

💛 Let’s continue the conversation! DM me or leave a comment:
📌 Where do you seek validation?
📌 Have you caught yourself looking for reassurance in your parenting?
📌 What’s one way you’re working on trusting yourself more?

✨ Join me for this deep conversation and remember: connection over correction, progress over perfection.

📩 Let’s connect! Send me a message on Instagram ⁠@breatheeasyparenting⁠ and let me know your biggest takeaway!

✨ Connect with me:• ⁠⁠Breathe Easy Parenting⁠⁠

✨Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other parents find the show and build a community rooted in connection over correction!

📖 Additional Resource:
Looking for more strategies on transitioning to peaceful parenting? Check out this article from Psychology Today:
➡️ 13 Tips to Transition to Peaceful Parenting

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