Join Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne in this engaging episode of "Life After Kids" as they dive into the heart of holiday connections beyond the typical hustle and bustle. As they fondly reminisce about their family traditions and share heartfelt stories, they highlight the importance of making the holiday season a time of deeper connection—not just with children but also with older family members.

Amid laughter and personal anecdotes, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne discuss how holidays have shifted in meaning as their children have grown. They emphasize the significance of fostering intentional conversations and integrating unique family traditions. This episode is filled with practical advice for creating lasting family memories, whether through simple traditions, capturing moments through photography, or introducing new family activities. Listen in to discover how you can transform this festive season into an unforgettable experience.

Holidays present a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with family members of all ages.

Balancing traditional holiday experiences with novel ones can enhance family bonds.

Capturing moments through pictures is valuable but should not replace genuine connection and engagement with loved ones.

Simple yet intentional conversation starters during family gatherings can create meaningful dialogues and strengthen relationships.

Encouraging family members to disconnect from technology can facilitate more authentic interactions.

Don't miss this heartwarming episode filled with rich holiday insights and practical tips for strengthening family connections.

Kiya Tomlin is a visionary designer and apparel manufacturer known for blending comfort with style. She is the creative mind behind the Kiya Tomlin brand, offering a range from ready-to-wear to bespoke couture designs. Inspired by the active lifestyle she leads as the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and as a mother, Kiya introduced her signature Impossible Dress in 2014, renowned for its ease and elegance. With her work rooted in her Pittsburgh-based factory, her collection is available online and in select boutiques across the country. Kiya also holds an NFL license, extending her fashion aesthetic to fans of the sport. Beyond her business endeavors, she's dedicated to philanthropy, contributing actively to multiple boards over the years.

Central to the discussion is the theme of "Invisible Woman Syndrome," which many women experience as they transition through midlife. Kiya emphasizes the importance of feeling seen and valued, sharing insights on how fashion can empower women by improving confidence and self-expression. She discusses the gap in the market for midlife women who seek clothing that is youthful yet appropriate, echoing concerns over limited media representation of aging women. Through her brand, Kiya aspires to champion diversity and inclusivity. Supporting the community, advocating lifelong learning, and embracing leadership roles are explored as key strategies for women to reclaim relevance and purpose during life after kids.

In this special holiday episode of Life after Kids, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne dive into the spirit of the season with their beloved "Favorite Things" episode. With enthusiasm, they introduce their curated list of gifts, from luxurious yet affordable fashion finds to unique culinary delights, perfect for filling wish lists or delighting friends and family. Dr. Lynne and Dr. Brooke focus on the joy of giving and receiving, with an emphasis on items that bring beauty and happiness without breaking the bank.

Gift Ideas Variety: Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn offer a diverse range of gift ideas suitable for different personalities and tastes, from clothing and skincare to specialty kitchen items.

Practicality and Affordability: The products featured, while luxurious, are also accessible, proving that elegance and practicality can coexist without a high price tag.

Personalization in Gifting: Emphasizing the power of an unexpected and unique gift, such as high-quality olive oil or personalized travel jewelry cases, showcases creativity in thoughtfulness.

Embracing Simplicity and Joy: The conversation highlights the importance of simplicity, joy, and treating oneself, alongside caring for others during the holiday season.

Treasured Traditions: Incorporating small traditions like keeping a five-year journal adds depth and sentimentality to the gift-giving process.

PJ Cabos Olive Oil: A premium Greek olive oil known for its high polyphenol content.

Farmacy Green Clean: A notable brand offering a highly acclaimed makeup remover.

Orcatini's: Insulated martini tumblers for enjoying cocktails on the go.

Five-Year Journal: A unique journal for tracking daily life over five years, encouraging reflection and memory-making.

Personalized Jewelry Case

In this heartwarming episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne delve into the impactful theme of giving and contribution during the holiday season. With a focus on the significance of December as National Giving Month, the hosts explore various ways to extend a helping hand, emphasize the richness it brings to life, and share personal stories that highlight the power of selfless acts. As they trace their experiences back to family traditions of giving, they illuminate the profound impact this can have not only on individuals but also on community well-being.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn underscore the benefits of not just monetary contributions but also the offering of time and presence. Using relatable anecdotes and insights, they suggest actionable steps for recognizing and acting upon opportunities to help those in need. The hosts explore the theme of fulfillment and meaning, stressing the importance of offering love and support to one's wider community, especially during vulnerable times like the holidays. Join them as they inspire listeners to view generosity as an integral part of life after kids, offering practical advice for those looking to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Contributing to others, whether through time, money, or skills, can lead to personal fulfillment and enrich life stages after children have grown.

Recognizing the needs within the community can open opportunities to provide meaningful support and build a legacy of kindness.

Practicing giving without expecting anything in return fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation for one's own blessings.

Small acts of generosity and inviting others into one's life during the holidays can combat feelings of loneliness and enhance the festive spirit.

Sharing personal experiences of giving not only promotes positivity but also encourages others to contribute generously.

"I've always had the sense of, I have been so blessed in my life... How could I not do something in return for that?" - Dr. Brooke

"It’s not just like, oh, this is a good thing and we should give back. It’s actually seeing how much you get back when you give." - Dr. Lynn

"Sometimes the best thing if you are struggling is when you have problems, the best thing you can do is take the focus off your own problems and go help somebody else." - Dr. Brooke

"If you're taking so much, sometimes you need to give some back to feel balanced." - Dr. Lynn

"Just keep your ear open and keep your eyes on the ground for stories of people in need... If you are determined to find somebody to help, you will." - Dr. Brooke

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by the power of giving and discover practical ways to bring more meaning to your life and the lives of others. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and heartwarming stories shared by Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn in this engaging conversation. Stay connected with "Life After Kids" for more uplifting and insightful episodes.

In this engaging episode of Life After Kids, hosts Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne explore the theme of maintaining the magic of the holiday season when children have grown up and family dynamics change. Their insightful conversation empowers parents to find new ways to celebrate and connect, even when traditional family gatherings evolve. Through personal anecdotes and valuable strategies, the episode provides a fresh perspective on embracing the holidays with joy and creativity.

Discover how to create holiday magic with teenagers and adult children as Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn delve into topics like appreciating simple moments, introducing novel traditions, and understanding personal tendencies regarding past, present, and future thinking. Their discourse is enriched with practical tips for maintaining connection, fostering quality time, and enhancing the holiday experience, whether spent alone, as a couple, or with extended family.

Creating New Traditions: Finding and fostering novel experiences can keep the holiday spirit alive, even as family dynamics change.

Appreciating Simple Moments: Focus on the small details that bring joy and magic to everyday experiences during the festive season.

Navigating Change Positively: Embrace the shift in holiday traditions when children grow or are unable to visit, viewing this as an opportunity for new experiences.

Mindful Connection: Prioritize quality time and meaningful interactions over commercial or material aspects of the holidays.

Leveraging Personal Strengths: Understanding and utilizing personal time-based talents can enhance holiday celebrations and personal fulfillment.

Life After Kids Website

Follow Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more insights.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to transform how you celebrate the holiday season, turning challenges into joyful opportunities. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes of Life After Kids for more inspiring conversations!

In this lively episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn delve into the importance of celebrating milestone birthdays, particularly focusing on the big 5-0, and the conversation isn't just about birthday parties, but a broader discussion on embracing the aging process with gratitude and a sense of joy.

The episode underscores the transformative power of celebration, not only in marking the passage of time but also in enhancing psychological well-being. Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn discuss how adopting a mindset that celebrates aging as a privilege can uplift spirits. Key themes also include the importance of planning events that resonate personally, whether through small gestures or grand excursions. With valuable insights and personal anecdotes, this discussion provides listeners with ideas on how to make the most out of life’s significant moments, ensuring they leave a lasting, positive impact.

Celebrate Milestones: Emphasize celebrating significant birthdays like the 50th as a joyful acknowledgment of life and its achievements.

Personalize Celebrations: Plan events that align with personal passions and interests to ensure satisfaction and enjoyment.

Shift Mindsets: View aging positively, considering it a privilege that not everyone gets to experience.

Considerate Planning: Thoughtful preparation for celebrations — big or small — can create lasting memories and minimize stress.

Expand Celebration Ideas: Think beyond birthdays and include family reunions, anniversaries, or professional milestones in the celebration mindset.

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: Follow "Life After Kids" for more insights and story updates from Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne.

Website: lifeafterkids.com - Access free resources and detailed information about the podcast.

No matter how committed, focused, or hardworking you are, and no matter how much time you have spent on the Life after Kids Goals Framework, inevitably, life beyond motherhood will have its fair share of setbacks. Setbacks are a natural part of life's journey, and learning how to effectively deal with them is the central theme of the discussion on this week’s episode of Life after Kids. We share personal stories, highlighting how different "mom types" of the What’s My Purpose Quiz—from analyzers to diligent doers—handle life's challenges. This episode is filled with essential strategies and insights to help listeners cultivate emotional resilience and transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Stay tuned for more suggestions and strategies on navigating an empty nest or almost empty nest. And, for more insights and personal development tips through setbacks, tune into today’s full episode of Life after Kids.

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne

PS... Don't forget to follow us!

Have your children grown up and moved out, leaving you navigating a new reality? Join us as we delve  into how women can rediscover their purpose once their primary role as caregivers shifts. This episode of Life after Kids offers valuable insights into the emotional and psychological challenges mothers face when transitioning from full-time parenting to an empty nest. We provided practical advice for mothers who are feeling a loss of identity, including key strategies to overcome feelings of irrelevance.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing the shift from caregiver to finding new relevance and purpose can be challenging but is crucial for personal growth after children leave home.
• Understanding personality types, especially the Enneagram, can guide mothers to rediscover fulfilling roles that align with their inherent strengths.
• Taking steps such as volunteering, exploring creative outlets, and focusing on self-care can help combat feelings of irrelevance or lack of purpose.
• Embracing personal identity shifts and seeking opportunities to use caregiving skills can lead to a meaningful and rewarding life post-parenting.
• Connecting with supportive communities and utilizing resources like the "What's Your Purpose?" quiz can illuminate new paths for fulfillment.

Encouraging women to embrace their unique caregiving nature while finding new avenues to express it, this compelling episode of Life after Kids inspires listeners to seek and seize the opportunities life presents after their children have left the nest. Tune in to uncover more wisdom and actionable advice as we help you to thrive in the next exciting chapter of your life.

RESOURCES:
The What's My Purpose Quiz
The Road Back To You: Book
The Life after Kids Goals Framework
The Life after Kids Membership Community
The Life after Kids Website


Timestamp Summary
| 0:00  | Rediscovering Purpose After Children Leave Home
| 4:26  | Finding Purpose and Overcoming Feelings of Being Lost
| 7:17  | Rediscovering Purpose Through Caregiving and Volunteering Opportunities
| 14:20  | The Joy and Challenges of Parenting During College Breaks
| 15:13  | Finding Fulfillment and Joy in Life After Parenthood
| 16:43  | Balancing Selflessness and Personal Needs in Enneagram Type 2
| 18:46  | Prioritizing Self-Care and Finding Purpose Beyond Home
| 21:23  | Embracing Change and Finding New Ways to Care
| 25:09  | Exploring Enneagram Types for Post-Parenting Fulfillment

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne


PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

Have you ever noticed that your productivity and mood naturally ebb and flow with the seasons?  And as when we turn the clocks back, heading full steam into winter months and less daylight, it may become increasingly harder to remain upbeat and active. 

Welcome back to Life after Kids, where today's conversation dives into understanding how seasonal changes impact productivity and emotional wellbeing, especially for women. Learn about the variations in our productivity throughout the year, and explore how women’s energy levels and moods fluctuate with the sunlight and seasons. Get empowered with insights to leverage productive periods while embracing natural ebbs with tranquility.

Key Takeaways:

• Productivity has natural ebbs and flows, with specifics varying according to the season and even menstrual cycles.
• Many women reportedly feel more extroverted and productive during daylight-rich months such as September and October.
• Utilizing Vitamin D supplements and sunlamps can help mitigate winter blues and sustain emotional equilibrium.
• Understanding and embracing natural downtimes can improve overall well-being, helping one plan around these fluctuations.
• Grounding and infrared therapies were discussed as beneficial practices, enhancing mood and providing both mental and physical benefits.

Looking for more insights? Tune into the full episode of Life after Kids to explore in-depth how seasonal changes affect productivity and emotional growth while picking up practical tips to embrace these changes with positivity. Stay with us for more enlightening conversations on navigating the choppy waters of life after the kids are grown.

RESOURCES:
Grounding Mat
Grounding Yoga Mat
Light Therapy Lamp
Fast Like a Girl Book
Vitamin D


Timestamp Summary
| 0:00  | Leveraging Seasonal Changes for Productivity and Emotional Wellbeing
| 5:20  | Maximizing Productivity: Timing and Seasonal Trends
| 13:47  | Harnessing Cycles and Sunlight for Optimal Productivity
| 17:52  | Combating Winter Doldrums With Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure
| 25:00  | Embracing Winter's Slower Pace for Health and Wellbeing

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne


PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok

If you miss taking care of and snuggling your babies now that they’re grown and your house is feeling quiet, it might be time to consider a pet!

In this episode of Life after Kids the central theme revolves around the significance of pets in our lives, particularly during transitional times such as when children have left home. This episode is a tribute to the power of animals to provide companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose as families navigate new phases in life.

Key Takeaways:

• Pets can greatly alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide comfort during transitional life phases like children leaving for college.
• Owning a pet has numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and increased oxytocin levels.
• Pets are excellent companions that encourage physical activity, which is beneficial for overall health, especially as we age.
• Volunteering with animals or even starting a pet-related business could be a purpose-driven venture for those passionate about animal care.
• Finding ways to overcome challenges like travel constraints when owning a pet can make the decision to adopt easier and more attractive.

Listen to today’s episode of Life after Kids to learn more about the health benefits of owning pets.  For insightful discussions and valuable support as you navigate life after kids, continue the journey with us down the path to a fulfilling life post-parenting.

"Pets help us release stress and lower our blood pressure," illustrating the profound health impact animals can have on humans.” Dr. Brooke

Don’t forget to post your pictures of your furry friends in your story and be sure to tag us on instagram @life.afterkids so we can share it!

RESOURCES:

Upshot Dog Rescue

Heal Animal Rescue

The Oxytocin Podcast


Timestamp Summary
| 0:00  | The Importance of Pets for Connection and Mental Health
| 5:32  | The Emotional Benefits of Pets During Life Transitions
| 12:13  | How Pets Enhance Fitness and Social Connections
| 14:33  | The Bond Between Humans and Animals: Goats, Horses, and Pigs
| 17:58  | Exploring Pet Ownership and Alternatives for Animal Lovers
| 22:54  | Passion for Animal Rescue and Adoption

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne


PS... Don't forget to follow us!
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok