Hi, Fam!

Over the years I've been sharing things I'm learning about Parenting. Things I read in books, things I experiment on in my own lab (my family), and I've been sharing what has really resonated with me and what's worked for me.

But I must make a confession and expose the hypocrisy, the many contradictions and paradoxes that occur within me within my own mind, my family, my parenting practice, and what I outwardly preach.

There are many things that I am drawn to and believe in that I share with you. And then as time goes on, or perhaps just in the way that it resonates or works in my individual family and with my unique children, it didn't really work out that way or I opted for something else or I changed my mind.

In this episode I'm going to tell you about several things that I have preached outwardly that I still respect and support and believe in, but don't necessarily practice at home with my children.

[02:04] #1 Unschooling

[04:58] #2 Co-sleeping

[07:19] #3 Saying no

[08:53] #4 Time outs

[10:36] We pick and choose what works best for our family

[11:55] #5 Punishments

[14:37] #6 Monitoring content

[16:28] #7 Sticker charts

[18:31] #8 Minimalism

[20:08] #9 E.C. & cloth diapers

I hope that this liberates you from any dogmatic kind of thinking, any kind of perfectionism, any imagination or projection onto me that I am doing it perfectly. Because that is so far from the truth.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/110

So many of my clients and community members are stay-at-home parents; parents who aren't currently working or are working very minimally. A common struggle is a loss of identity or feeling like your value and your worth isn't recognized by others, or feeling like you've lost your confidence now that you "just stay at home with the kids".

In this episode I'm going to share how you can boost your confidence as a stay at home parent so you can be super confident and proud of who you are and what you're doing.

[01:15] Stop minimizing

[02:26] Show up each day

[03:52] Value your contribution

[06:10] Be interesting

[08:26] Address your money mindset

[10:45] Switch from feeling apologetic to grateful

[13:06] Think about what you're giving your children

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

• YouTube video How To Feel Phenomenal When You're a Mom (From Hot Mess to Energized!)

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/108

Every so often I'll get a note from a parent who's feeling guilty that they have to work so much and can't be home with their little kids.

So often these parents write to me saying they feel bad that the kids don't see them as much as they could, or they feel bad that they're distracted and that their attention is going elsewhere other than just their children.

I feel really passionate about this subject because here's one thing that I'm allergic to: dogmatic one-size-fits-all parenting advice.

When people make blanket statements like "mothers should be home with their babies" I think they're missing so much nuance and it's really doing a huge disservice to all of us parents who are unique individuals with very unique circumstances. We're all different. Our children are all different. Our needs, aspirations, goals, beliefs, value systems, cultures, origins, and our resources are all different.

And therefore the answer is always going to be, as Magda Gerber said: It depends.

In this episode I'll talk about why you should feel great if you're a working parent.

[03:19] One isn't better than the other [04:59] You're providing for your children [05:48] Making money is part of parenting [07:28] You're modeling for your children

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/108

Are you pregnant? If so, congratulations! And if you'd like your partner to be an amazing support to you during your birth (and who wouldn't, right?) then this episode is for you.

[03:37] 1. Communicate well and often

[04:58] 2. Create a to-do list

[05:41] 3. Education

[08:28] 4. Explain what is supportive

[09:23] 5. Ensure they know it's not personal

[09:47] 6. Give them tools

[10:20] 7. Practice positions & massage/acupressure points

[11:29] 8. Empower them to stay calm and take ownership

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/107

At the time of this recording, I'm pregnant with my fifth child. So far I've given birth in hospitals and birthing centers, and for a long list of reasons this time around, I decided to have a home birth. In this episode I'll be sharing how I've been preparing in order to set myself up for maximum success in my home birth.

This is a list of what has been working for me, and that I'm excited to do. Take and leave what works for you.

There are a million reasons to have, or to not have, a home birth. It's deeply personal. It 100% depends on your unique individual situation, and I'm not making any recommendations. You need to work with your healthcare providers and your intuition and do what's best for you.

Also, all births are beautiful and all we really want is for ourselves and our baby to be healthy. So if this isn't in the cards for you, don't worry. All across the spectrum, from C-sections to unassisted home births, it can be an incredibly empowering experience. There's no one right way to birth your baby into the world.

[01:39] 1. Share with supportive people

[02:57] 2. Create a great team

[04:27] 3. Make preparations for your other children

[06:29] 4. Prepare your space.

[06:44] We want to increase calming hormones and decrease stress related hormones.

[08:41] 5. Prepare for the birthing process

[10:58] 6. Set aside something comfortable to wear

[12:00] 7. Set out some pictures

[12:25] 8. Have snacks on-hand

[14:10] 9. Put thought into your presentation and communication

[14:51] 10. Have the car seat ready to go

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

• My friend Andrea's video (Go Diaper Free) about having a free/unassisted home birth.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/106

By the time you're reading this, I hope to have had my fifth baby. But at the time of this recording, I'm pregnant with number five, and I want to share some self-care tips for when you're pregnant. To some, self-care is a luxury. But I believe it's a necessity.

It's been a hectic, crazy time in my life being home with my kids and running my business. Even so, I prioritize self-care and it has made this pregnancy so much more joyful for me.

And I want to share those tips with you because I think self care is something that sometimes goes out the window. When we're parents to young children, especially when we have a lot of stress going on, when we're busy with work or running a home, we often take care of everyone except ourselves.

Unfortunately, that is not a sustainable strategy. We are likely to burn out. We are likely to build resentment and we are likely to not perform the best that we can.

I know I'm so lucky to be able to do all of these things, and not everyone is able to prioritize self-care. So just like with all my work, take what works for you and leave the rest. It may or may not resonate. But if it does, I hope you find this helpful and inspiring!

[03:17] I like to feel put together and wear things that don't make me feel extra "frumpy"

[04:02] 1. Dress and get ready for the day

[07:10] 2. Move your body

[08:40] 3. Prioritize your sleep

[08:52] 4. Intermittent fasting

[11:44] 5. Eat well & take supplements

[12:29] 6. Address fears and past birthing trauma

[14:59] 7. Take care of your mind

[17:20] 8. Declutter, organize, and decorate

[18:38] 9. Make your home comfortable

[19:18] 10. Incorporate nature

[21:34] Ask yourself "How can I make this work for me?"

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

• The Paula Method
• Pregnancy & birth meditations

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/105

This is my true parenting story of how I discovered the parenting hack that saved me. I was postpartum, working full-time with a newborn, toddler, preschooler, and no help.

I wondered, when does parenting get easier? Is there another way? I was in a dark place when a sudden crisis made me discover the solution to my parenting overwhelm and stress.

Learn how to get your child playing independently in my FREE parenting course going on now that will get you out of overwhelm to enjoy parenting with little kids at home.

[03:08] The dragon costume fiasco that sent us halfway around the world
[05:30] What I learned from a palliative nurse at my lowest point.
[08:47] What happened when I entered the research rabbit hole.
[11:17] The day I told the preschool teacher my kids wouldn't be coming back
[17:15] The simple parenting hack that saved me.
[20:05] The solution that freed me from my stress and overwhelm.
[22:00] There are parents manning a chatbox right now...

★ theparentingjunkie.com/challenge ★

Get your kid playing for 3 hours a day in just 3 weeks! Click the link above to sign up for FREE: grab your guide, the 21 daily videos, and weekly live workshops - it's FREE and only available April 5 - 26, 2021!

If you would like your home to look more beautiful and sophisticated, even on an inexpensive budget while you have little kids at home, then this episode is for you.

My background is in graphics, branding, and identity design. I love talking and thinking about all things design. Primarily from the functional perspective, but also from the aesthetics.

I believe deeply that the things we see around us influence our psychology, influence our behavior, influence our emotions, and they matter. They're tools that we can use to influence how we feel and behave, and how our children feel and behave as well.

You can certainly spend a lot of money on this, but you don't have to. Even when buying things on a budget (or using what you already have), there are things you can do in order to make your home feel more sophisticated, more to your taste, even when there are little children around.

In this episode I'm going to cover 10 common areas that can be addressed to help your home feel more sophisticated and beautiful.

[02:10] #1 - Toy storage

[04:11] #2 - Kid's artwork

[05:19] #3 - Family pictures

[06:06] #4 - The entry way

[07:23] #5 - Household items

[08:27] #6 - Child specific items

[09:21] #7 - Continuously declutter

[10:09] #8 - Adult-like furniture

[12:03] #9 - Future-proof furniture

[13:06] #10 - Linens

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

• Join my membership, Present Play!

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/104

Have you heard of the law of attraction? It's something that I read about and hear about often. And in fact, it's something that I intuitively really connect to and practice in my life. Today I'm going to talk with you about how I use the law of attraction to create a life that I love, and invite you to do the same!

[05:30] #1 - Get clear on what you want

[08:55] #2 - Focus on what you want

[10:01] #3 - Ignore what you don't want

[14:41] #4 - Practice gratitude

[15:16] #5 - Elevate your expectations

[20:53] "Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor." Rumi

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

• Check out my free Facebook group, Love Parenting With Avital
• Join my membership, Present Play!

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/103