The Village: Postpartum Community That Actually Helps

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo sport… yet so many moms are doing it alone (with Google as their co-parent 🙃). In this episode, Dream Center Director Jody Dow shares the heart behind The Village—a weekly space where postpartum moms get real community, real support, and practical emotional wellness tools.

3 Key Takeaways

• The Dream Center is built on relationships, not "services": help for today + hope for tomorrow.

• Postpartum isolation is real—especially after COVID—and community can be the difference between spiraling and steadying.

• The Village isn't a gripe-fest: it's a champion culture of celebrations, support, and "me too."

One Simple Script to Try "Hard is hard… but hard isn't bad."

CTA Want support (or want to be a champion for other moms)? Book a free discovery call + grab my free Emotional Tools 101 video series—both linked in the show notes.

Want to get involved in The Village? Click Here.

Follow the Springfield Dream Center on Instagram

If you've ever tried to explain your way out of a meltdown and watched it spiral… you're not alone. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, I'm joined by Sherrie Williams for a grounded, hope-filled conversation about what's really happening during meltdowns—and what actually helps.

We talk about reframing "disrespect," regulating yourself first (even when you're triggered), and how calm—not logic—is what brings kids back online.

3 Key Takeaways

• Meltdowns are communication, not a personal attack. Behavior is often a signal of an overwhelmed nervous system.

• Regulation comes before teaching. Kids can't access logic when their thinking brain is offline.

• Assume "can't," not "won't." Compassion and connection help kids recover faster.

One Simple Script to Try

"We'll talk when your thinking brain is back. I'm right here."

CTA

Want help applying this at home? Book a low-pressure discovery call and grab my free Emotional Tools 101 5-video series—both linked in the show notes. I'm rooting for you 💛

Follow Sherrie @ https://www.instagram.com/intentionalmotherhood/

Visit Sherrie's site https://www.sherrieanne.com/

Grab Sherrie's FREE Cultivate Your Values Guide HERE

Valentine's week doesn't need more romance pressure—it needs better words. In this episode of Emotions with Ease, Jami shares simple, real-life scripts couples can use when arguments get stuck on repeat. These aren't magical fixes—they're guardrails that protect connection when emotions run hot.

3 Key Takeaways

• Most couples don't argue because they don't care—they argue because they don't have the words.

• Scripts help your nervous system stay online so conflict doesn't turn into damage.

• One small language shift can change the entire "dance" of an argument.

One Simple Script to Try "I'm not mad at you. I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now."

CTA Want more support? Book a free discovery call and grab my free Emotional Tools 101 video series—both linked in the show notes.

If weeknights feel like one long meltdown—from the car ride home to bedtime—you're not alone.

In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn sits down with Kristin Harrington, occupational therapist and mom of two, to talk through practical, body-based tools to help kids regulate after school—without shame, power struggles, or unrealistic expectations.

👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series

⏱ Timestamps

• 0:00 – Welcome + why after-school regulation matters 3:00 – Why kids fall apart after school 6:30 – What to do right at pickup (car tools that help) 10:45 – Sensory buckets explained (overflowing vs. empty) 14:30 – Movement ideas to release after-school energy 18:30 – Indoor movement when you can't get outside 22:30 – Dinner time strategies (choices + connection) 26:30 – Nighttime tools to calm the nervous system 29:30 – Kristin's personal regulation tool + wrap-up

🧠 What You'll Learn

• Why kids often unravel after school (even on "good" days) How to support regulation in the car, at home, and at bedtime What a "sensory bucket" is and why it matters Why movement before calm activities is key How connection helps the nervous system settle

🚗 Right-After-School Tools (Car + Pickup)

• Have something ready before pickup (snack, fidget) Music (sing or sit quietly—both count) High / Low / Buffalo game (parent joins in) Respect personality: some kids need to talk, others need silence

🧺 At-Home Regulation: What to Ask Yourself

• Is my child's sensory bucket overflowing or empty? Do they need movement or quiet connection? Have they eaten yet? (Chewy snacks help many kids regulate.)

• 🏃‍♂️ Movement Ideas That Actually Help

Outside (when possible):

• Playground time Ball play (catch, soccer, basketball) Bikes, scooters, chalk, barefoot time

Inside:

• Jumping, crawling, rolling in a blanket Nugget couch play Obstacle courses Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying) ✨ Tip: Add structure ("10 jumps" vs. "go play") to avoid overstimulation.

🍽 Dinner Time Support

• Offer choices ("With me or alone?") Let kids help when possible Create a calm space if they need distance Sit together when you can—connection regulates

• 🌙 Nighttime Tools to Calm the Body

• Deep pressure (hugs, squeezes, pillow sandwich) Rocking or gentle movement Sensory bins, Play-Doh, coloring Stretching, yoga, calming music Consistent routine (same order every night)

💛 A Gentle Reminder

After-school meltdowns aren't bad behavior. They're a nervous system asking for support.

Small, proactive tools—used consistently—can change the entire rhythm of your evenings.

🎧 Want Support?

If you're listening and thinking, "I want help applying this in my home," you can book a low-pressure discovery call using the link in the show notes. We'll talk it through and see what feels supportive for your family.

I'm rooting for you.

If you've ever tried to explain your way out of a meltdown and watched it get worse… this episode is for you.

In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn explains why logic doesn't land during meltdowns, what's actually happening in your child's brain and body, and how to bring calm back online using one simple tool, one tip, and one script you can use right away.

👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series.

⏱ Timestamps

• 0:00 – Welcome + what this episode covers

• 2:30 – Why explaining makes meltdowns worse

• 5:45 – What's happening in the brain during a meltdown

• 9:20 – Why logic can't land when Wise Owl is offline

• 12:30 – The "Soothe First, Talk Later" tool

• 16:30 – Fewer words, more calm (the biggest shift for parents)

• 20:45 – Scripts to use during meltdowns

• 25:10 – Common mistakes (no shame)

• 27:30 – Encouragement + next steps

🧠 What You'll Learn

• Why meltdowns are body-first, not behavior-first

• What happens when the Watchdog brain takes over

• Why logic and lectures don't work during dysregulation

• How calm opens the door for learning

• What to say instead of explaining or arguing

🧰 One Tool: Soothe First, Talk Later

When emotions are high:

1. Soothe the body (breathe, soften, lower your voice)

2. Connect ("I'm right here.")

3. Talk later — once calm returns

You can't teach a skill to a brain in survival mode.

💡 One Tip to Remember

Shorten your words. Lengthen your presence.

If your child is losing it:

• Talk less

• Stay close

• Let your calm do the work

Your regulated body becomes the calm their brain borrows.

🗣 One Script to Try

"We'll talk when your Wise Owl is back. I'm here."

Other options:

• "Let's help your body first."

• "Your brain needs a break to get calm."

💛 Encouragement

Your child isn't giving you a hard time — their brain is having a hard time. Regulation isn't permissive. It's what makes learning possible. Calm first. Teaching later.

🎧 Want Support?

If you want help applying this in your home, you can book a low-pressure discovery call using the link in the show notes. We'll talk it through and see what feels supportive for your family.

I'm rooting for you. 💛

If your child seems more regulated everywhere except at home, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn explains what the Wise Owl Brain is, why it goes offline so easily, and how to support it in everyday parenting moments—without lectures or power struggles.

👉 New here? Grab my free 5-video Emotional Tools 101 series.

⏱ Timestamps

• 0:00 – Welcome + why this topic matters

• 2:15 – Why kids fall apart at home

• 5:40 – What the Wise Owl Brain is

• 9:30 – Why logic doesn't work during meltdowns

• 12:10 – The Wise Owl Check (parent tool)

• 16:45 – Building Wise Owl skills before hard moments

• 20:30 – Scripts to use at home

• 25:10 – Common mistakes (no shame)

• 27:40 – This week's practice + encouragement

🧠 What You'll Learn

• What the Wise Owl Brain (prefrontal cortex) actually does

• Why kids "lose it" where they feel safest

• One simple check to prevent escalation

• What to say when emotions are high

• Why regulation comes before teaching

🎯 One Thing to Try This Week

Choose one hard moment (mornings, bedtime, homework). Practice the Wise Owl Check for yourself before responding.

Small pauses lead to big shifts.

💛 Want Support?

If you'd like help applying this at home, you can book a low-pressure discovery call using the link in the show notes. We'll talk it through and see what feels supportive.

I'm rooting for you.

🎙 Episode 26: The January Reset for Moms — Regulating Before You React

January is supposed to feel like a fresh start—but for most moms, it actually feels exhausting.

In this episode of Emotions with Ease, emotional wellness coach Jami Glenn shares a gentler way to reset: by regulating your nervous system before you react. No life overhaul. No added routines. Just small, doable moments that create more calm and connection at home.

You'll hear:

• Why "calm kids" actually starts with a regulated mom

• A 20-second reset you can use in the moment to slow reactivity

• Simple January rhythms that support overwhelmed nervous systems

• A ready-to-use script that buys you time and teaches kids emotional regulation

If January has you feeling on edge, this episode will help you pause, breathe, and respond with more clarity and compassion.

👉 Looking for extra support? You can book a low-pressure conversation with me through the link in the show notes. We'll simply talk it through and see what feels helpful.

I'm so glad you're here—and I'm rooting for you 💛

BOOK FREE CALL HERE

3-VIDEO SERIES HERE

In this episode of Emotions with Ease, Jami Glenn invites listeners into a real, honest conversation with her daughter about big emotions—especially anger—and what truly helps kids move through them. No expert jargon. No perfectly polished parenting moments. Just a child's perspective on what feels supportive (and what doesn't) when emotions run high.

Jami's daughter shares that when anger shows up, she often goes to her room—but she doesn't want to be alone. What helps most is when her parents come into the room, sit with her, and simply listen. Not fixing. Not rushing. Just being there. She explains that being given time to breathe and use her regulation strategies makes a big difference, and that calm parental presence helps her feel less alone in hard moments.

The conversation also gently names what feels unhelpful to kids: when parents don't come in, don't listen, or when everyone in the family is dysregulated at the same time. In those moments, kids can feel ignored, which makes it even harder to calm their bodies and emotions. This episode offers parents a rare, meaningful peek into the inner world of a child and reminds us of a powerful truth: kids don't need perfect parents—they need present ones who are willing to listen first.

As the new year approaches, many families start asking the same questions: What do we want more of? What do we want less of? And how do we actually make that happen without adding one more thing to our already-full plates?

In today's short and practical episode, Jami shares one simple gratitude practice her family is intentionally adding back into their emotional wellness toolbox in 2026—and why this version of gratitude actually works.

(And no, this is not the "be thankful and stop crying" kind of gratitude. We don't do emotional bypassing around here.)

You'll hear how to build gratitude into your existing family rhythms, why it helps calm the nervous system, and how it supports emotional regulation, connection, and healthier brain patterns—for kids and parents.

Resources Mentioned: Gratitude Journal for Kids

⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Highlights

0:09 – Why this conversation matters right now Looking ahead to the new year: what to add, what to take away, and why small rhythms matter more than big resolutions.

2:15 – The gratitude myth (and what gratitude is not) Why gratitude sometimes gets a bad rap—and how "just focus on the good" can actually backfire.

4:05 – The family gratitude practice we used (and loved) A simple, three-minute journaling rhythm plugged into bedtime—no pressure, no forcing, no homework vibes.

7:10 – Why modeling matters more than making it mandatory How this practice was "caught, not taught," and why that made all the difference.

10:45 – What happened when life got hard Why the practice fell away during a tough season—and why we're intentionally bringing it back.

13:30 – The science behind gratitude (the parts that actually matter) How gratitude:

• calms the nervous system

• lowers stress hormones

• increases emotional regulation

• interrupts negativity bias

18:40 – Gratitude and emotional language How this practice builds emotional awareness, vocabulary, and quicker regulation in hard moments.

22:15 – Teaching kids "both/and" thinking Why gratitude helps kids hold mixed emotions without black-and-white thinking.

25:40 – Gratitude strengthens connection How shared gratitude increases bonding, safety, and predictable moments of connection.

28:00 – The two questions every family can ask for the new year You don't need a full planning system—just one clear question and one doable rhythm.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Gratitude is a skill, not a personality trait

• You don't need more time—just a better rhythm

• Gratitude works best when it's optional, modeled, and low-pressure

• It helps calm the nervous system without dismissing hard emotions

• Small, consistent practices create long-term emotional resilience

🌱 A Simple Question to Try This Week

Ask yourself (or your family):

• What do we want more of in 2026?

• What's one small rhythm that could support that?

And on the flip side:

• What do we want less of?

• What needs to come off the calendar—or out of our language—to make space?

💛 Want More Support Like This?

If conversations like this resonate with you, you'll love the Same Page Parenting Workshop—where we help families get aligned, clear, and calm using practical tools and shared language.

👉 Stay tuned for the next workshop date 👉 Or email me at [email protected] and tell me:

• what you're adding to your year

• or what you're ready to let go of

I'd love to hear from you.

Christmas break is magical… and also a lot. Cold weather, packed schedules, sibling conflict, and nowhere to burn off energy can turn emotions big fast.

In this short, cozy episode of Emotions with Ease, I'm joined by a very special guest — our daughter— to share real, kid-approved tools for emotional regulation when going outside isn't an option.

These are simple, practical strategies we actually use in our home to help kids move through big feelings and return to calm — without yelling, screens as the only solution, or pretending emotions don't exist.

Resources Mentioned: Worry Strategy Cards from Counselor Keri

⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Highlights

2:00 – Why Going Outside Helps Regulate Emotions Movement matters — but what happens when you're stuck inside?

4:00 – Tool #1: The ABC Grounding Game Naming things you can see from A to Z to calm anxiety and refocus the brain.

6:30 – Tool #2: The Mindful Minute (5-4-3-2-1 Senses) Using the five senses to come back to the present moment.

9:00 – Tool #3: Deep Belly Breathing + Cuddling Co-regulation, connection, and calming the Watchdog brain.

12:00 – Tool #4: Dance It Out Why blasting music (yes, even Adele) helps release emotional energy.

14:30 – Bonus Idea: "The Floor Is Lava" Creative movement that gets wiggles out without leaving the house.

16:00 – Encouragement for Parents You don't need perfect days — you just need tools.

🧰 Emotional Regulation Tools Shared in This Episode 🧠 ABC Grounding Game

• Name something you see starting with A, then B, then C…

• Helps shift the brain out of anxiety and back into the present moment

👀 Mindful Minute (5-4-3-2-1)

• 5 things you see 4 things you hear 3 things you smell 2 things you touch 1 thing you taste

💛 Deep Belly Breathing + Cuddling with a Co-Regulator (aka- parent)

• Hand on heart or belly Slow breaths from the diaphragm Co-regulation calms the amygdala (aka the Watchdog brain)

🎶 Dance Breaks

• Crank up Siri Choose one song per person Big movement helps release emotional energy fast

🛋️ Creative Movement Indoors

• Pillows on the floor "The Floor Is Lava" Jumping, balancing, laughing = regulation

🌱 Key Takeaways for Parents

• Emotional regulation doesn't stop during winter — it just needs creativity

• Body movement is one of the fastest ways to calm big emotions Co-regulation (your calm helping their calm) matters deeply

• You don't need more discipline — you need more tools

• Kids can learn to name and use tools when they're taught in calm moments

💬 A Gentle Reminder

Big emotions don't mean you're doing something wrong. They mean your child's nervous system needs support.

And the good news? You already have what you need — tools, connection, and presence.

If this episode was helpful:

• Share it with another parent navigating Christmas break

• Save it for the next rainy or freezing day

• Try one tool this week — that's enough

And if you want more tools like these, head to my website for workshops, courses, and family-friendly emotional wellness resources.

Rooting for you — and wishing you a cozy, regulated holiday season. 🎄💛