It’s more than cake and balloons.

What does it really mean to celebrate someone — especially our kids? Is it about big parties and perfect gifts? Or is it something deeper?

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about the heart behind celebration: the power of being seen, known, and cherished. We’ll share stories of moments we felt celebrated, and explore how simple, intentional gestures can speak louder than any party ever could.

Because at the end of the day, celebration says:
✨ I see you.
✨ You matter to me.
✨ Your needs and wants are important.

Let’s raise kids who feel this kind of celebration — every day.

Marriage is hard. And if you’re in a tough season, you are not alone!

On today’s episode, we sit down with Empowered to Connect's very own Mo and Tona Ottinger, as they share their marriage journey with honesty and wisdom.

What happens when you and your spouse aren’t on the same page? When you realize marriage isn’t as simple as A + B = C? Your marriage doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—but growth happens when we extend the same compassion to our spouse that we do to our kids.

As Mo shares on the episode:
"This is harder than I thought… and there is a gift in the growing."

Join us for this powerful conversation about love, struggle, and the beauty of learning together.

Show notes: 
Stress capacity window downloadable 

If you’ve been around here for even a minute, chances are you’ve heard us mention the word “attachment.” Attachment isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how our kids feel safe, loved, and connected. But what is attachment really, and why does it matter so much?

In this episode, we’re covering:

- What attachment is (and what it’s not!)
- How it’s built over time through everyday moments
- Why it’s about patterns of connection, not perfection

When we do our best to tune in and meet our child’s needs, we help create secure attachment, which in turn deepens our connection with our kids.

#parentingpodcast #empoweredtoconnect #connectedparenting #attachment101 #attachment #parenting

This week on the podcast, Jill Stockburger joins us to explore how art, music, and movement provide powerful ways to express, heal, and connect—at any age!

Art isn't just about creativity; it's a language of healing that reaches us when words fall short. From little kids to teens and adults, anyone can use artistic expression to process emotions, find meaning, and even rewire the brain for resilience.

We’re diving into the neuroscience behind why art and play help, and how they’ve been used throughout history as a way to communicate, cope, and create beauty in hard times.

If you or your child struggle to express emotions, this episode is for you!

#parentingpodcast #empoweredtoconnect #connectedparenting #expressiveartstherapy #arttherapy #thepowerofplay

We’re all on a journey of growth—learning, evolving, and discovering new parts of ourselves. Each of us brings unique personalities, gifts, passions, and stories to the table. And guess what? There’s room for all of us!

You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re allowed to be exactly who you are, right where you are.

This week, we’re sitting down as friends and coworkers to talk about how we’ve grown—as people, as spouses, as parents! Join us for an honest conversation about the beauty of evolving and the freedom in embracing who you are today.

Join us this week as we go back to the basics! What is stress? Did you know that there are multiple types of stress, and not all of it is bad?! What is trauma? How do stress, trauma, and adversity impact us and our kids?

In this episode, we’re breaking down:
- The different types of stress + trauma
- How trauma affects brain development, the body, and the spirit
- The difference between everyday stress and life-altering trauma

Let’s get back to the basics and build a better understanding together!

Click here for a list of resources, including printables, podcast episodes, videos, and more!

On this week’s podcast episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of worthiness with the incredible Courtney Tierra! Courtney reminds us of a powerful truth: Our worth exists simply because we do. It’s not tied to grades, appearance, or accomplishments— just by being here, we are worthy and hold inherent value.

Today, we will discuss:
- How knowing your worth can empower better decisions
- The importance of affirming your child and building them up
- Why grace and kindness—toward yourself and the kids in your life—are game-changers
- The impact of language, especially around adoption, on a child’s sense of self

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for parents who want to instill confidence, self-love, and resilience in their children while continuing their own lifelong journey of embracing worthiness.

If you want to learn more about Courtney and her story, you can find her website by clicking here. 

You can buy purchase book on Amazon or by visiting her website. 

If you'd like some Worthy merchansise, you can find it here! 

Finally, follow Courtney on Instagram @theworthyreminders. 

 What if we embraced the slower pace of winter instead of resisting it? In this episode, we’re talking about “wintering”—not just as a season, but as a state of being. We’ll explore why rest and recovery are essential, even when they feel hard to prioritize; and in doing this, we are actually modeling for our kids that it is okay to have needs!

We are human and limited, and being able to name our needs and have them met within our family structure is a beautoful picture of connection. Join us this week as we talk through what it could look like to embrace the slowness of this next season! 

It’s that time of year again….New Year’s Resolutions! Some of us love them, some of us… not so much. But no matter how you feel about resolutions, RE-ADJUSTING can give moments to reflect.

Seasons change, jobs change, responsibilities change— what if, instead of looking for more ways to perform, we took the time to ask ourselves:
- What do I want more of this year?
- What do I want less of?

Instead of resolutions that feel rigid or overwhelming, what if we focused on creating checkpoints? Little moments to check in with ourselves, reflect, and adjust.

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into how resolutions (or the freedom to skip them!) can actually bring freedom and rest in 2025.

Let’s explore how this year can be more about progress than perfection.

If you aren’t familiar, Cultivate Connection is our “flagship” parenting course. In it, you'll learn helpful parenting practices and strategies for kids of all ages! These practical skills are rooted in research on brain-based parenting, attachment, trauma, sensory processing, and more. You can participate in Cultivate Connection through a local Facilitator in your area. If you lead, support, or encourage parents, consider joining our Facilitator Training!

This week, the Wooley’s tell us why they decided to become Cultivate Connection Facilitators, how it impacted their relationship and their family, and they mention some of their favorite parenting tools they’ve learned along the way!

If you have ever considered becoming a Facilitator, this is the episode for you! Learn how Cultivate Connection and Facilitator training works, details about the class, and how you can apply for our next cohort which starts in January! 

 Are you a parent who wants to learn more? You can apply to be a Cultivate Connection Facilitator by clicking here! The new cohort begins January 7th, 2025!