Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers

If you’ve ever questioned whether your child is getting enough play, the right kind of play, or if you should be doing more, this episode is going to take a huge weight off your shoulders.

In this episode, we break down what actually matters when it comes to play in the toddler years, so you can stop overthinking it and start feeling confident in what you’re already doing!

In this episode, we cover:

•  What “play” really looks like for 12–24 month olds 
•  Why play is critical for brain development, learning, and connection 
•  How much play toddlers actually need each day 
•  The different types of child-led play (and why they matter) 
•  A deep dive into screen time and electronic play 
•  Do kids need constant narration (like Miss Rachel), or can we relax? 
•  The best types of toys and materials for this age 
•  How to set up a simple, functional play space (even in small homes) 
•  Why boredom is actually a good thing for kids 
•  The biggest misconceptions about toddler play

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• connect with Andy HERE

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DIVING DEEP into something most parents never think twice about… but definitely should: The shoes you put on your kid's feet are affecting their brain development, posture, and even how they move for the rest of their life. 👀

In this episode, I’m joined by Andy Bryant to break down why being barefoot matters, what’s actually happening in your child’s feet when they walk, and how the wrong shoes can quietly work against their development.

If you’ve ever grabbed a cute pair of toddler shoes without thinking twice… this might completely change how you shop moving forward.

In this episode, we cover:

•  What “natural foot function” actually means 
•  Why the early walking stage (12–24 months) is so critical for foot development 
•  How nerve endings in the feet connect to brain development and sensory input 
•  Why being barefoot supports balance, coordination, and overall development 
•  The potential long-term effects of overly supportive or restrictive shoes 
•  How footwear can impact posture, hips, and alignment 
•  What to look for in a healthy shoe (and why toe space matters) 
•  The truth about barefoot shoes and minimalist footwear 
•  Should kids wear socks? What about snow boots? 
•  Is toe walking normal (and when should you pay attention)?

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• connect with Andy HERE

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If you're interested in "early potty training" this is the episode you want to listen to!

In this episode, we cover:

• What elimination communication (EC) actually is
• The benefits of starting potty learning earlier
• The difference between full-time vs. part-time Elimination Communication
• How to start elimination communication with a toddler (12–24 months)
• What the “wrap up” phase looks like
• When and how to transition out of diapers
• Common myths about elimination communication (and what’s actually true)
  
  and more!

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• connect with Go Diaper Free HERE

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If you’ve ever felt like the noise, the mess, the constant needs of motherhood, are  too much... listen in, this episode is for you!

We’re talking all about mom overstimulation with Alexis Adams, founder of Confidently Therapy. 

Feeling overstimulated is something that we all experience and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom it means you’re a mom!

In this episode we cover:

• What’s physically happening in your body when you feel overstimulated 
• Why moms today may experience more overstimulation than previous generations 
• The difference between overstimulation, burnout, and mom rage 
•  Whether you can increase your tolerance for overstimulation or not 
•  How overstimulation affects the way we respond to our kids 
•  Where the pressure we feel as moms actually comes from 
•  Practical ways to pause and not “lose it” in the moment 
•  Releasing guilt around using tools like screen time

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• Connect with Alexis HERE 
Want her 90 day reset resource?? Just DM her the code word 'RESET' 

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This episode breaks down how the early years SHAPE the brain without the fear based parenting messaging.

We talk about how a child's brain is built through relationships, play, and emotional experiences, and why your presence matters more than perfection. From handling big toddler emotions, to supporting kids who aren’t talking yet, to understanding how your own stress impacts your child’s nervous system, this conversation helps moms focus on what truly makes a lifelong difference.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What people mean when they say early childhood shapes brain development
• How toddler brain development is shaped by relationships and daily interactions
• Releasing parenting pressure while still supporting healthy emotional development
• The powerful things happening in early childhood that parents often underestimate
• Simple at-home rhythms that support emotional regulation in toddlers
• How to raise emotionally intelligent kids starting in toddlerhood
• Emotional validation vs over-validating toddler emotions
• Everyday parenting moments that shape a child’s emotional brain
• How to support emotional development in babies and toddlers who aren’t talking yet
• How a parent’s mood, stress, and nervous system affect a child’s developing brain
• Why play is critical for brain development, connection, and emotional resilience
• How play builds emotional intelligence in early childhood
• Simple daily ways to build strong, resilient, emotionally healthy kids

This episode is a must-listen for moms of babies and toddlers who want to support healthy brain development, emotional intelligence, and secure attachment — without spiraling into parenting perfectionism.

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• connect with Jordyn HERE

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if you have a child aged 0 months to 12 years old, this episode is for you!

Between different types of seats, confusing guidelines, and your parents or in-laws constantly asking you, "when can they be forward facing?" it's a lot.

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat to break down car seat safety in a way that actually makes sense. We’re covering exactly how to choose the right car seat for your child, when to make transitions, and the most common mistakes parents don’t even realize they’re making.

If you want to feel confident that your child is safe every time you get in the car, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode we cover:

• The 6 key questions every parent should ask when choosing a car seat
• How to choose the right car seat for your baby or toddler
• The full car seat timeline (infant seat → convertible → booster)
• When it’s actually safe to forward face your child
• The most common car seat installation mistakes parents make
• How to know if your car seat is installed correctly

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• Connect with Michelle HERE

• Pinch test video HERE

• Inside out trick video HERE

• Car Seat Finder Quiz HERE

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Every single parent needs to listen to this episode!!! CLICK PLAY and listen all the way through. My word, jaw dropping stuff!!!

We talk about the gut microbiome, common disruptions like antibiotics and parasites, and simple ways to help kids thrive from the inside out.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice about toddler nutrition or gut health, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tips to support your child’s gut naturally, understand warning signs, and feel confident navigating everyday challenges!!

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the gut microbiome is and why it matters for toddlers
• How early life factors shape a child’s gut health
• Signs your toddler might be struggling with gut issues
• Common disruptions: antibiotics, parasites, and diet
• Practical ways to support a healthy gut through food and lifestyle
• How to recover gut health after antibiotics
• How to spot and manage parasites in young children
• One simple step parents can take today to support their child’s microbiome

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• Connect with Dr. Song HERE

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In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more personal side of my story and talking about something I don’t discuss often on the podcast: my faith.

If you’ve been listening for a while, you know I’m a devout Catholic and my relationship with the Lord has deeply shaped how I experience motherhood. Especially in the moments that feel messy, exhausting, or overwhelming.

Today we’re talking about why modern motherhood often feels so chaotic, the pressure to control every detail of parenting, and why true peace as a mom doesn’t come from having everything perfectly figured out.

I also share how my faith life has changed since becoming a mom, what prayer looks like in this busy season, and how inviting God into ordinary moments of motherhood has completely shifted my perspective.

If motherhood feels overwhelming right now, this episode is a reminder that peace isn’t waiting on the other side of a perfectly clean house or perfectly behaved kids, it’s available right in the middle of the chaos

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why modern motherhood feels so overwhelming
• Social media comparison and parenting pressure
• Helicopter parenting and the desire to control outcomes
• How faith can change the way we experience motherhood
• Finding God in ordinary motherhood moments
• Praying as a busy mom
• Surrendering control and trusting God in parenting
• Finding peace in the chaos of raising young children

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

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In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the real numbers, real strategies, and real mindset shifts that make one-income living doable, even in today’s economy!

I’m joined by Mammas On A Budget to talk through what their family budget actually looks like on one income, how to reduce financial stress without feeling restricted, and practical ways moms can bring in extra money without taking on a full second job.

This conversation is not about extreme frugality or deprivation. It’s about intentional spending, contentment, and building a family life that aligns with your values.

If you’ve ever thought, “We could never afford for me to stay home,” this episode will give you tangible starting points and fresh perspective.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a real life one income family budget can look like
• Common reasons moms assume staying home isn’t possible 
• Simple budgeting advice for families transitioning to one income
• Budget tips
• Joint vs. separate bank accounts
• Credit card strategies for organized spending
• How to avoid financial stress and constant restriction on one income
• Mindset shifts around contentment, materialism, and comparison
• Smart shopping strategies and price matching
• Practical ways moms can earn an extra $500–$1,000 a month from home
  Flexible, stay-at-home-friendly income ideas

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

• Connect with Selah Joy  HERE

The apps we discussed for earning money back:

• 🔥 Fetch (scan receipts) - linked HERE 🔥
• 🔥 Upside (for gas) - linked HERE 🔥
• Coin Out (scan receipts) - linked HERE
• Rakuten (online shopping) - linked HERE

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Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids, has been sounding the alarm for years: in our effort to protect our children, we may actually be holding them back.

In this conversation, we dive into what’s happened to childhood over the past few decades, why independence is declining, why parents feel more pressure than ever to supervise and structure everything, and what it’s costing our kids.

From helicopter parenting and “bulldozer” parenting to overscheduled calendars and screen heavy childhoods, we unpack how modern parenting norms may be limiting the very skills our kids need to thrive.

This episode isn’t about judgment. It’s about perspective, and practical ways to raise capable, confident, independent kids in a culture that often pushes the opposite.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The message behind Free-Range Kids and why it still matters today
• The essential skills children need to grow into independent, resilient adults
• Why modern parenting culture often discourages independence
• The downsides of helicopter parenting and bulldozer parenting
• How overprotection can increase anxiety in children
• Why mixed-age play and community matter more than we realize
• Whether kids actually prefer structured activities, screens, or unstructured play
• The power of giving kids real responsibility
• What the Let Grow movement is and how it helps families foster independence

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re hovering too much… or worried that giving your child more freedom feels risky in today’s world… this episode will challenge and encourage you in the best way.

Raising independent kids doesn’t mean being uninvolved. It means gradually stepping back so they can step forward.

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IMPORTANT LINKS

•✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼

• Check out Laila’s Clean Makeup Bag Staples HERE

• Or shop the whole nontoxic makeup site HERE
          ◦ Use Code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off!

Read Lenore's Book HERE

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