It’s easy to scroll through social media and feel like every other parent is doing it better—handling emotions, avoiding mistakes, and saying all the “right” things. So what do we do when we get it wrong? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu, Erika Price, and Wendy Mar—open up about their own parenting missteps and what recovery really looked like. From overreacting in the moment, to kids getting access to things sooner than expected, to learning how to take ownership and keep the door open for honest conversations, the moms remind us that mistakes don’t define us as parents---repair, connection, and love do.

Asking for help can feel tricky—especially when you worry about burdening others. Lisa and her Council of Moms—Emilie Campbell, Sunny Mahe, and Julie Taylor—open up about how to move past people-pleasing habits and embrace honesty with the people around you. From building a support system you can lean on, to offering service in return when you’re able, to learning that true friendship makes space for give and take, the moms share how they’ve learned to both ask for and accept help with grace.

Back-to-school season feels like a fresh start, but how do you keep that blank-slate energy alive once the chaos sets in? Lisa and her Council of Moms--Cree Taylor, Amy Hackworth, and Michelle Love-Day--share their tried-and-true strategies for attempting to stay organized and grounded through the school year. From the power of a Sunday reset, to forming habits that really stick, to knowing what’s worth sacrificing (and what’s not), these moms get real about what works and why school routines don’t look the same for every child.

What happens when your child’s behavior changes the moment you’re not around? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Julie Suazo, Erika Price, and Dr. LaShawn Williams—take on the challenge of raising kids who sometimes act one way at home and another in the world. From teaching your child that they carry your family’s name, to helping them see childhood as practice for making good choices, the moms share insights on guiding behavior you can’t always correct in the moment. They also talk about the power of sitting down with your child and asking, “What do you think someone should always be?” to help them define their own values. This conversation is full of perspective, honesty, and ideas for shaping kids into thoughtful, responsible decision-makers—whether you’re there to watch or not.

When your teen starts driving, everything shifts--from curfews, to responsibilities, to even your daily connection. Lisa and the Council of Moms--Erika Price, Amy Hackworth, and Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu--talk about what it’s like to support your teenager’s growing independence while still keeping them safe. From listening to their opinions to setting clear boundaries, the moms explore how to stay close even as your child pulls out of the driveway and into the next phase of growing up.

When it comes to blended families, everyone seems to have an opinion--and not all of them are helpful. Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms--Brittney Phillips, Liz Palmer-Bastian, and Tammy Hall--open up about the stigmas and doubts they faced while blending their families. From receiving unsolicited comments to dealing with internalized shame, the moms share how they’ve learned to set emotional boundaries, redefine what family means, and protect their joy. Whether you're in a blended family or love someone who is, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and a reminder that every family is worthy and whole.

What do you do when the people helping raise your kids don’t share your vision for what matters most? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Josephine, Wendy Mar, and Hilary Craner—tackle the challenge of parenting with different priorities. They share tips on how to stay unified without losing what matters most to you, the importance of pausing before responding, and how to build a family culture rooted in love even when you disagree. If you’ve ever felt torn between standing your ground and keeping the peace, this conversation offers wisdom and real life perspective.

Do you dread bedtime? The Council of Moms--Ruth Aguirre, Whitney Call, and Lindsay Clark--tackle one of parenting’s most exhausting challenges: getting everyone to sleep. From toddlers who won’t stay in bed to teens who won’t go to bed, they share what’s helped them shift from dread to (occasional) peace. The moms talk about setting clear ground rules, being honest about their own needs, adjusting routines around the trickiest sleepers, and offering choices without giving up boundaries. If bedtime feels like a nightly battle in your home, this episode is for you.

How do you teach kids to sincerely apologize when it's appropriate— and mean it? Lisa and the Council of Moms-- Erika Price, Amy Hackworth, and Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu break down teaching kids real manners, starting with sincere apologies. They share how to model respectful behavior, practice with role play, and help kids connect to feelings so they can lay the groundwork for genuine connection. Plus a few tips for raising kids not just to be polite, but truly sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

Not every kid has a clear passion and that’s okay. But how do you help them discover what lights them up? This week on The Council of Moms, Lisa is joined by Shima Baughman, Cimony Mahoney, and La Beene to talk about helping kids find their “thing.” They share how they’ve explored new hobbies alongside their children, why being bored is actually a gift, and how to reframe hobbies as a source of joy and not pressure. From team sports to quiet crafts, they discuss trying lots of new things, embracing the journey, and finding connection along the way.