In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between body image, self-perception, and the role clothing plays in matrescence (the transformation into motherhood). After discussing the physical and emotional changes in our previous episode, we now turn our focus on how clothing choices and color psychology can empower us and boost confidence during this life-altering phase.

Joining us today is Bekah, an expert in the transformative power of clothing. Together, we explore how the colors we wear can deeply influence how we feel about ourselves in the mirror and, ultimately, in our daily lives. Bekah shares practical insights on how choosing colors that resonate with you can enhance your sense of self-worth, elevate your mood, and help you regain confidence as you navigate the unique journey of matrescence.

Whether you're struggling with a shifting body image or simply want to feel more empowered in your clothes, this episode offers valuable tools to help you connect with your inner strength, one outfit at a time.

What You’ll Learn:

• How color psychology impacts body image and confidence

• The role of clothing in matrescence and new motherhood

• How to use colors to boost self-esteem and emotional well-being

• The psychological link between how we dress and how we feel

• Practical tips for choosing empowering clothes during the transformative phase of motherhood

Links spoken about in the episode;

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02646838.2021.1916452#abstract

https://aestheticsofjoy.com/does-wearing-colored-clothes-change-our-feelings/

TW: addiction

In this emotional and candid episode, Maren and Eva sit down with Maria aka MamaMaria, who opens up about her journey with addiction, sobriety, and healing. Maria shares her powerful story of breaking generational patterns of addiction and finding strength in sobriety as a mother and stepmother. Growing up in a family impacted by addiction, Maria's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-compassion and community.

As a psychologist and Aware Parenting Coach, Maria offers insight into how addiction recovery and parenting intersect, and how she uses tools from her own recovery to support parents in their own healing journey. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of recovery, hope, and the importance of living life one day at a time.

Tune in for a raw, inspiring conversation about healing from addiction, breaking the cycle of dysfunction, and learning to parent with love and patience in the face of life’s challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

• How addiction can impact families and parenting

• Maria's personal story of sobriety and breaking generational cycles

• The intersection of addiction recovery and parenting

• Tools for self-compassion and emotional resilience

• How to manage life with sobriety and navigate the emotional toll of addiction

• The importance of community and support in the recovery process

• Practical tips for parents who want to break dysfunctional family patterns

If you are seeking any further assistance with this topic you can always reach out toAlcoholic Anonymous

In this festive episode, Maren and Eva are joined by Elizabeth, a passionate book club leader, as they dive into the hilarious and heartwarming book Why Mummy Drinks at Christmas by Gil Sims. Elizabeth shares her insights into why this book resonates so deeply with parents, especially during the holiday season.

They discuss the humorous take on the chaos of Christmas parenting, the pressures of gift-giving, and the overwhelm that comes with balancing family dynamics during the holidays. Elizabeth also shares how this book has sparked meaningful conversations in her book club, providing a perfect mix of humour and reality for modern parents trying to survive Christmas with their sanity intact.

This episode is a lighthearted yet thoughtful exploration of how we can manage parenting stress during the holidays and why it’s important to find joy and laughter in the madness. If you're looking for a laugh (and maybe a glass of wine) this Christmas, this conversation is for you!

This holiday season, we’re bringing you the ultimate Dam Parenting Christmas Giveaway! Eva and Maren have teamed up with our amazing community to offer Christmas gifts that are perfect for parents, families, and anyone navigating the joys (and challenges) of parenthood. From 1-on-1 consultations and counseling to fun playdates, insightful parenting books, and more – we’ve got something for everyone!

To join the Dam Parenting giveaway and make your holidays even brighter, follow us on Instagram, where we’ll be sharing all the exciting prizes starting December 1st. Enter to win some fantastic gifts that will support your parenting journey and bring some extra joy to your festive season!

Let’s make this holiday season about celebrating community, self-care, and helping each other grow as parents. Don’t miss out on these special giveaways – there’s more to come!

In this insightful episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with resident psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson to explore the transformative power of true compromise in relationships. We often hear that relationships are about teamwork, but the reality is, we’re also individuals with unique needs, perspectives, and experiences. So, how can we create a partnership that respects both individuality and unity?

Dr. Gibson unpacks what true compromise really looks like and how it goes beyond just finding a middle ground. It’s not about my way versus your way—it’s about our way, a solution that honors both sides and builds something stronger together. She highlights how empathy, vulnerability, and open communication are key to making compromise work, and why it should never feel like a sacrifice.

Together, they explore the emotional side of compromise, discussing how to avoid feelings of resentment and instead shift towards collaboration. Dr. Gibson also dives into the link between teamwork and long-term relationship satisfaction, offering practical tools for couples to better communicate, find creative solutions, and strengthen their bond.

Whether you’re trying to communicate more effectively or finding ways to approach compromise from a place of respect, this episode provides valuable insights into creating a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key elements of true compromise in relationships

• Why teamwork is essential for long-term relationship satisfaction

• How to avoid the sacrifice trap and approach compromise with empathy

• Practical tools for shifting from resentment to collaboration

• The role of vulnerability and open communication in finding common ground

Do you find yourself exhausted but still up late cleaning toys, folding laundry, or scrolling through your phone instead of heading to bed? You’re not alone. In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren explore the all-too-common struggle of Revenge Bedtime Procrastination—when parents sacrifice their precious evening hours for a moment of peace, productivity, or personal time after a hectic day of parenting.

They dive deep into a recent conversation Eva had with her therapist about the overwhelming nightly tasks that follow the kids’ bedtime. From tidying up clutter to tackling the never-ending laundry pile and dealing with dishes, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time for rest. Together, they discuss the emotional and psychological reasons behind this nighttime chaos and how procrastination often keeps us from getting the sleep we so desperately need.

Eva and Maren also share practical tips for creating better bedtime routines for both parents and kids. What does a true wind-down ritual look like? How can we reclaim our evenings without sacrificing much-needed sleep? Tune in for actionable strategies to shift from chaotic, sleepless nights to relaxing, restorative ones for the whole family.

In this episode of Dam Parenting, Maren and Eva take a deep dive into the whirlwind of modern parenting—the endless to-do lists, the constant pressure to create magical experiences, and the exhaustion that comes with trying to do it all. From playdates, dance classes, and museum trips to birthday parties, gymnastics, and trampoline parks, parents often feel like they're juggling it all to “give our kids the best.” But is this constant hustle really serving anyone, especially parents and children?

Maren and Eva unpack how the desire to curate perfect childhood experiences often leaves everyone feeling drained. They explore the impact of social media, where curated timelines suggest that parents are never doing enough—whether it’s rushing to tick off activities like fruit-picking or squeezing in a photo-perfect moment. But does over-scheduling actually lead to joy, or are we losing sight of the special moments we’re trying to create?

In this candid discussion, they also tackle the guilt and pressure that come with the "Keeping Up with the Joneses" mentality. Can we slow down and reconnect with our families, focusing on quality over quantity? Join Eva and Maren as they share insights on how to find real joy in parenting without the constant pressure to do it all.

What You’ll Learn:

• The pressure of trying to give our kids the “best” experiences

• How social media affects parenting expectations and creates comparison anxiety

• The impact of over-scheduling and how it leaves both parents and kids feeling drained

• Why sometimes, less is more in parenting

• Tips to slow down and focus on what truly matters in family life

• How to fight the guilt that comes from not living up to social media standards

• How to embrace the simple joys of parenting without the hustle

In this episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren are joined by Faye from Kerr Psychology to explore the critical stages in a child's development, particularly their growing sense of self. Around the age of 4, children begin to compare themselves to others, and by age 7, they become increasingly aware of differences. As caregivers, we play a crucial role in shaping how children perceive themselves and their potential. The key to this process? Resilience.

Together, they discuss the profound impact of fostering a growth mindset in children, encouraging them to view effort as the path to success. Learn how to help your child shift their self-belief from "I can’t" to “I can’t...yet!” through the right kind of praise, a focus on effort over results, and promoting intrinsic motivation.

Faye, Eva, and Maren also delve into the importance of child-led play, particularly during key transitions, and the role of teaching emotional vocabulary to foster healthier self-expression.

Packed with practical tips and strategies, like reframing “don’t” statements, creating a toolbox for emotional management, and teaching children to embrace challenges as growth opportunities—this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to raise resilient, motivated, and emotionally intelligent children.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to nurture a growth mindset and encourage resilience in children

• The importance of effort-based praise and fostering intrinsic motivation

• Practical strategies to help children shift their mindset from “I can’t” to “I can’t… yet!”

• The role of child-led play in development, especially during transitions

• Teaching children emotional vocabulary for better self-expression

• How to transform “don’t” statements into positive guidance

• Practical tools for helping children manage emotions and embrace challenges as opportunities

In this gentle and grounding episode of Dam Parenting, hosts Maren and Eva are joined by international Montessori educator and author Simone Davies to explore the transformative power of slowing down in parenting.

Together, they dive into the beauty of letting children move at their own pace—turning simple everyday activities like walking down the street or pouring a glass of water into joyful, curiosity-led learning. Simone shares practical Montessori parenting tips to help you create a calmer, more respectful home environment—without pressure or perfection.

From setting up child-friendly spaces to balancing freedom with boundaries, Simone explains how small shifts in rhythm, patience, and presence can help parents raise confident, independent children. She also reminds us that Montessori is a mindset, not a product—and that parents are learning too.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by hustle-culture parenting and crave more mindful connection in your home, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to slow down, observe, and trust the process.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to integrate Montessori principles into daily routines

• Why slowing down fosters independence, curiosity, and confidence

• Practical tips for setting up Montessori-friendly home environments

• How to balance freedom and structure in parenting

• Why modeling calm is one of the most powerful things we can do

• Tools for building deeper, more connected family moments

• The importance of curiosity—for kids and parents

• How to stop rushing and start savoring your child's learning journey

It’s Book Club time again on Dam Parenting, and this month, Eva and Maren are joined by Elizabeth to dive into a parenting classic: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

First published over 40 years ago, this internationally bestselling parenting book has shaped how generations of parents approach communication with children—but how relevant are its methods today?

In this episode, the trio breaks down the book’s most powerful takeaways, what still resonates in the modern parenting landscape, and what might feel outdated in 2025. From active listening and emotion coaching to setting boundaries without yelling, they explore how the book’s tools can help parents create stronger, more respectful relationships with their children.

Whether you're new to gentle parenting or just need a refresh on better communication strategies, this episode offers practical insights, real reflections, and modern perspectives on a timeless parenting guide.

For more additional info, check out our IG:

https://www.instagram.com/damparentingpodcast/