Why Giving to Others Makes You Happy  One of my all-time favorite memories was Christmas as a child. Family came in from out of town, there was good food, everyone was happy. Christmas was downright magical as a kid, and the presents didn't hurt either! Getting presents always seems like kids happy. (FYI, receiving gifts IS one of the five love languages!) But then something happens. You grow up and have your own babies, and you realize that GIVING those Christmas presents is a far more exciting experience.  It feels good to give. You feel happier when you make others happier.  But why? As it turns out, there is a little bit of science behind this too! A study from the Harvard Business School found that when individuals give, they activate the pleasure centers in your brain.  It literally feels good to make other people happy.  The Challenge

1. Give to another today.... it could be something big... it could be something small like the last piece of cake (especially if you really wanted it!)
2. You don't have to let us know what you did, but let us know when you're done... then you can continue to inspire others! (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) 
3. Encourage your family to start the challenge too!

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In this episode, Katie focuses on happiness -- and how you can achieve it. Happiness: What Is It? What Isn't It?  Happiness doesn't mean that everything always goes your way.  Happiness doesn't mean that you're over-the-moon ecstatic 24/7.  Far from it. Happiness means that you choose positivity. You choose to endure. You choose to look on the bright side. You choose to keep on keepin' on - even in the face of adversity.  Happiness is about the choices you make. Happiness is about choosing joy in your heart.  The 7-Day Happiness Challenge Because happiness is about the choices you make, there are things you can do to create a happier life, and the 7-day challenge can help you get there. Each day, I'll post a new challenge both here and on social media so feel free to follow along! 

1. Back to Nature
2. Give to another
3. Focus on meditation
4. Self-care
5. Attitude of gratitude 
6. Make a new goal
7. Affirmations 

I won't be leaving you alone either; I'll be doing the challenge with you, showing you science-backed reasons how these small acts contribute to happiness.    Join our community here.  

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In this episode, Katie introduces the 8 principles of Attachment Parenting and how they can relate "natural parenting." Natural parenting is about creating a lifestyle that is responsive, conscious, and responsible.

This episode briefly covers each of the principles of Attachment Parenting and how it can be used to parent by nature. 

She'll cover:

• What is natural parenting?
• What are the principles of Attachment Parenting?
• Is Attachment Parenting right for your family?
• How Attachment Parenting can create a lifestyle that fosters joy and happiness

 

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In this episode, Katie introduces the 8 principles of Attachment Parenting and how they can relate to any relationship - not just the parent-child relationship.  

She'll cover:

• Is Attachment Parenting new?
• What is the foundation of Attachment Parenting?
• Is Attachment Parenting right for your family?
• How A.P. can help strengthen any relationship EVEN if you're not parents yet

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

• A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman (aff link)
• The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby by Dr. Sears (aff link)
• Blog post mentioned: 5 Principles for Romancing Your Wife

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Disclaimer: I only share affiliate links to products I use and love.  When you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a commission for the sale at no additional cost to you. These purchases keep this blog and podcast running - thank you!

In the Season 2 Kickoff, Katie begins by exploring the common parenting labels.  Most importantly, she talks about the good - and the bad- aspects about each label.  Learning about what category you fall into, can help you learn about your own parenting strengths and weaknesses. 

In this episode, we'll cover:

• What the common parenting labels are 
• Helicopter parent
• Lawnmower parent
• Free range parent
• Attachment parent 
• Wolf Dad 
• Dragon Mom 
• The good and the bad qualities of such stereotypes 
• What you can learn by uncovering what your own label is 
• What type of parent are you? How can you use that info to bring more happiness into your family?

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What is your parenting label? What kind of parent are you - and how can you use that info to bring more joy into your life? Comment below!

This episode is a refresher of who we are and what our mission is... and what you'll learn by following along to this podcast. 

In this episode, Katie will talk about: 

• What "Cor Domum" means 
• Her inspiration for starting this podcast 
• What listeners will learn from the podcast 
• The goal of the podcast to inspire families to live better, happier lives 

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In this episode, Katie begins to tackle the topic of sleep. We all know sleep is good for us (duh) but sometimes we don't always get the highest quality of sleep.  Sleep is critical for a happy and healthy BODY and MIND. 

In this episode, we'll cover:

• How sleep plays a role in the body's natural detoxification process 
• The importance of a sleep schedule 
• Ways to improve your quality of sleep including
• What is a blue light
• Essential oils including how to make a "home spa" spray 
• How orange/amber lights induce sleep
• Cherry juice to help induce sleep 
• How sleep improve overall family life 
• WHAT IS YOUR SLEEP SCORE?

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Study done on blue lights
2. The orange light we use (affiliate link)
3. Where to buy lavender and cedarwood essential oil 
4. Where to buy tart cherry juice (affiliate) 
5. Home spa recipe:

   • -25 drops of dōTERRA® Serenity -20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil -15 drops of Vetiver essential oil -15 drops of Marjoram essential oil

   • Add to a 2 oz spray bottle -Fill the rest with water

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In this episode, your host Katie Trudeau shares explores why and how nature makes people happy and boosts moods.

In this episode, she'll explore:

1. A personal reflection of napping outdoors
2. Why Northern Europeans make a daily habit of the outdoor nap
3. The philosophical implications of a happy life and the great outdoors
4. The physical benefits of spending time outdoors

Resources mentioned:

• Hammock for napping outdoors
• Study linking outdoor play to decreased ADHD symptoms
• BBC article about Nordic babies napping outside

Connect with Katie: Facebook or Twitter If you’ve got a question about today’s episode or want to leave us a note, you can email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, parenting author Katie Trudeau explores the good that comes from serving your kids.  

In this episode, we'll cover:

1. Why modern parents are afraid to serve their kids

2. The notion that service is a mandatory teaching tool 

3. Why spoiling kids is not possible 

4. The reason why kids lack manners 

5. How service leads to love

Items mentioned: 

• The Five Love Languages
• Chamomile Tea - the tea that showed me who's boss! 

Additional gentle parenting resources: 

Interested in learning more about Attachment Parenting? I suggest these books: 

• The Attachment Parenting Book
• ToddlerCalm: A Guide for Calmer Toddlers and Happier Parents
• Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages (A Little Hearts Handbook)

 

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This may contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing additional but it does provide support for this blog and podcast. 

In this episode, parenting author Katie Trudeau dives into one of the myths surrounding gentle parenting and Attachment Parenting.  Even though Attachment Parenting is popular, there are still a lot of myths that need debunking. One of the most prevalent myths is that you'll end up with an out-of-control child. 

In this episode, we'll cover:

1. Why this myth came to be

2. The notion that gentle parenting does not mean lax parenting 

3. What is harsh punishment

4. Alternatives to spanking/timeouts that really do work 

• Time in
• Talking 
• Redirection
• Hug it out

Resources: 

Interested in learning more about Attachment Parenting? I suggest these books: 

• The Attachment Parenting Book
• ToddlerCalm: A Guide for Calmer Toddlers and Happier Parents
• Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages (A Little Hearts Handbook)

 

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