Ever wonder what life lessons you can learn from a golden retriever? Join me on this heartwarming episode of Go Mama Pod where we explore how my adorable dog, Mose Leave It Dingus, has profoundly impacted our understanding of mental health and mindfulness. You'll uncover Mose's gentle spirit and instinctual behaviors, which teach us to be open, curious, and kind. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle's "Guardians of Being," we discuss how animals like Mose can open our hearts and encourage a more hopeful and kind outlook on life.

Journey through Mose's quirks, from chasing squirrels to lounging in a kiddie pool, and discover the simple joys that can enrich our lives. Learn how Mose's approach to managing anxiety can offer us healthier coping mechanisms for our own emotional challenges. We'll also delve into essential mental health lessons, including the importance of self-care, emotional regulation, and living in the moment. Tune in to let Mose's joyful presence inspire you to enhance your well-being and mental health. Don't forget to share your own "dingus" stories and pictures of your beloved pets on Instagram at go_mama_hub.

In the latest episode of Go Mama Pod, we tackle this essential topic head-on by sharing a real-life story where a friend's one-year-old daughter was picked up against her wishes. This eye-opening incident underscores the necessity of respecting a child's autonomy and recognizing their ability to communicate their needs, no matter how young they are. We provide actionable insights on how parents can proactively teach their children that their voices are powerful and deserve to be honored, setting the groundwork for future self-advocacy.

Join us as we further explore the importance of helping children understand how to say no and advocate for their own bodies. As their first and most important advocates, parents play a crucial role in balancing kindness with firmness to prioritize their child's comfort over pleasing others. Drawing from my own experiences as a former people pleaser, I emphasize the critical need to empower our kids to set firm boundaries. Don't miss this episode if you want practical strategies to support your child in becoming a confident, assertive individual from an early age.

Have you ever found yourself craving a chat over coffee with a friend but felt overwhelmed by the hurdles of connecting in our digital world? This latest episode is an  exploration of human connection, especially for parents navigating the complexities of modern life. A network of support is not just beneficial but necessary for our emotional and practical well-being.

You'll leave this episode with six compelling reasons to actively seek community and an array of practical strategies to combat the isolation that can sometimes accompany parenting.

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The latest episode delves into the often overlooked signals our children send us, demonstrating their capacity for communication and decision-making, and how we, as their guardians, can empower them by honoring these expressions. Tuning into our little ones' cues helps foster their self-assurance which can positively impact their future relationships. 

Practical tips to get started honoring your child's resilience and the benefits for their development.

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Who knew that three simple words, "Does this Matter?", could become a parenting tool powerful enough to diffuse tension and foster a more harmonious household? The latest episode reveals this transformative strategy and explains how it aligns with the deeper values we hold dear as caretakers. We're not just talking about choosing battles with toddlers; we're shaping the adults they will one day become. With the help of Dr. Pooja Lakshmi's wisdom from 'Real Self-Care,' we dive into an exercise that spotlights your core values.

The real-life examples I share—like whether waffles for dinner are a hill worth dying on—bring this strategy to life, demonstrating its everyday applications and benefits. From considering the kind of adult you want your child to become to assessing the deeper 'why' behind setting limits. Tune in if you're ready to align your parenting with what truly matters.

Real Self Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

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Ready to tackle parenting challenges—potty training and car seat cooperation? Let me guide you with a behavior chaining technique that promises to turn your bathroom challenges into an independent triumph, and your car seat struggles into giggles and joy. This episode is packed with visual aids, rewards systems, and a suitcase full of tips to ensure your little adventurer becomes the captain of their own potty journey. Plus, I’ll share some ideas for transforming car seat resistance into a game that will have your toddler completely willing to buckle up.

We also talk yelling. We all do it and most of us feel badly about it. We'll explore setting crystal-clear expectations, the power of timers, and the art of self-regulation to help us steer clear of shouting. Tune in as we chart a course toward positive communication and a legacy of love—because the only thing we want to raise in our homes are happy, healthy kids.

And remember, if you're in the western suburbs of Chicago, come find your people at our upcoming Go Mama meetup!

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Rachael reflects on her 2023-2024 holiday season. Introduces the concept of the "Nuh uh holiday list," detailing things she chose to say no to during the holidays.
Items on the Nuh uh Holiday List:
  1. *Elf on a Shelf:* 
  2. *Holiday Cards:* 
  3. *Gifts for Co-workers:* 
  4. *Preschool Teacher's Gifts:* 
  5. *Christmas Decorations:* 
  6. *Hosting Christmas Eve:* 
  7. *Holiday Outfits:* 
  8. *Gifts for Family:* 

Reflections and Outcomes:
  - Simplifying tasks led to increased presence at home and reduced stress.
  - Importance of being curious about what can be said no to or adjusted in upcoming events.
  - Consider personal outcomes of saying no and recognizing the option of a "half no."
  - Reminds listeners that saying no is setting boundaries and emphasizes the value of aligning choices with personal values.

Summary:
In this episode of GoMamaPod, Rachael McKenney reflects on her recent holiday season, introducing the concept of the "Nuh uh holiday list." The list outlines the intentional choices she made to say no to certain activities and traditions, focusing on simplifying and aligning actions with personal values. Rachael shares specific instances, including opting out of Elf on a Shelf, limiting holiday cards, forgoing co-worker gifts, and embracing a minimalist approach to decorations. The episode encourages listeners to consider what they can say no to and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries aligned with personal values. 

www.gomamahub.com/reframerest