We all, as human beings with complex emotions, have a basic need to feel validated.

But what about when your teenager comes to you with an attitude or idea that you don't agree with? We know we as parents probably shouldn't say yes and jump right in every time.

When we immediately jump into the conversation with things like accusation, annoyance, giving our own opinion immediately, etc. we are probably going to feel like the enemy.

But when we lead with love and validate our kids' feelings, it helps them feel heard, boosts their self confidence, and strengthens our connection with them.

I want to challenge you to start with validating. Find the thing you can agree on first.

And when we intentionally work on seeing where they are coming from, there's a chance they may do the same in return! Though it's definitely going to take some trial and error.

Join me for today's episode for some real life stories along with examples on things we can say to validate their feelings and put us on the same team.

Do you ever find yourself feeling completely exhausted physically and emotionally? What about feeling the need to escape your emotions by eating a lot or constantly being on social media? There's a good chance you could be experiencing "parenting burnout."

The good news is- there are things you can do to fix this. You don't have to stay stuck and you're not alone!

If you're feeling burnt out, first check in with yourself physically. Brooke snow teaches that the four physical fundamentals are eat, move, sleep, and breathe.

Next, check in emotionally. Again from Brooke Snow- the four emotional fundamentals are being present, being grateful, being prosperous, and being joyful.

Now here's the thing. Our fundamentals are completely in our control. Things like other peoples' emotions and decisions and what they think of us are not. The burnout happens, when we are focusing on those things that are out of control.

Tune in to today's episode to figure out how to remedy this and put a stop to the parenting burnout!

If you struggle with this, feel free to reach out for a free 30-minute consultation with me and we'll work on it!

2 Nephi 2:25- Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

Matthew 11:28- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Brooke Snow's website

President Nelson's talk from this last conference

Today, I want to share a short, uplifting message with you.

In this episode of Music & the Spoken Word, "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy", we learn about the importance of the "lower lights" along the shore next to a lighthouse.

Without them, even experienced sailors can become disoriented or even dashed to pieces against the rocks of the sea!

We know the Jesus Christ is our light. Thank goodness he has that covered.

We don't have to be the lighthouse. But we are the lights on the shore, and we have an important role we are playing.

To keep our "lower lights burning," all we have to do is continue what we're already great at!

Maybe we are really good at making our home a fun place to be, or keeping yummy food to feed our teenage boys and all their friends. Maybe we're good at letting the unimportant things go, or facilitating wholesome recreational activities for our family.

Whatever it is you're good at- keep going!

We can't solve people's problems for them, but we can provide direction and support and love.

You're doing amazing. Have a great week!

Ether 4:12

First of all, if you want to be best prepared for this episode, go ahead and listen to these past episodes- Brain Science for Dummies and Nothing Has Gone Wrong.

But don't worry if you don't do that, I'll do a little review, and this episode will still stand on it's own!

Today we're talking about- you guessed it- tools for calming your brain.

Our survival brain is always first to kick in and alert us during a new situation. And sometimes it can be pretty loud!

Luckily we have a higher brain to make conscious choices with the thoughts we want to have, and calm our amygdala, our survival brain, down.

Listen to this episode to figure out how use some body work like allowing and processing your emotions, deep breathing, meditation, and paying attention to your five senses to do this.

The quote from President Nelson was in his message "Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish."

You may have heard me talk about our survival brain versus our higher brain before.

When we're facing a new or emotionally charged situation, our survival brain is always first to respond, saying something along the lines of "DANGER: Something is not right here!"

Often this sends us into fight, flight, or freeze mode.

But luckily, we also have a "higher brain" as human beings, that then kicks in and helps us analyze if we actually need to do something about it or not.

One of my very favorite thoughts that I choose when I am using my higher brain is the thought that nothing has gone wrong.

And it's always true!

Nothing that is happening with me or anyone I love is ruining God's plan for us- in fact, it's an important part of it!

Additional references:

Isaiah Chapter 61

"What Thinks Christ of Me?" by Neil L. Anderson (April 2012)

So, I've dealt with one or two (or a lot more) stressed-out teens in my lifetime. Each one responds differently, but there are three basic responses that we see in people.

Fight- they get mean!

Flight- they stay as busy as they can to distract themselves.

Freeze- this looks like laziness.

Now we know from past episodes that when emotions are high, intelligence is low. But here are some DO's and DON'Ts when it comes to trying to help.

DON'T take it personally.

DO agree with what you can

DON'T jump into the drama with them.

DO help keep things in perspective.

For some more ideas, have a listen to today's episode!

Just a reminder that this is the last week to sign up for my Love at Home group program! Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram for more information. I'd love to have you!

We all know at least one of them- the person that seems to be a ticking time bomb. Maybe it's a teenager, a spouse, or a sister-in-law. Anything you do or say could be the trigger that sets them off. Isn't it exhausting feeling like you have to tiptoe around them in order to keep them happy?

Well I have some great news for you- you don't! Our human experience is supposed to be messy, and so is theirs. It's not our job to try and control other peoples' environment, or their emotions. No matter what you do, they are going to react how they want to react and that is just fine.

I know it seems like we're doing such a nice thing at first, but it's not helping either party in the long run. Having a hard time grasping this concept? Have a listen and schedule a free 30 minute consultation with me by clicking here and we'll figure it out together!

Here's a link to The Sister Project website that I was gushing about at the beginning of the episode- you should seriously check them out.

And registration is open NOW for my "Love At Home" group program- you won't want to miss this! We'll be meeting on Tuesdays starting on October 11, but registration closes on September 28th. For more info, listen to the beginning of the episode and email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram. I can't wait!

How would you define prayer?

I personally like to think of prayer as connecting with God.

There have been so many instances in my life where I have prayed and prayed and prayed for something that I thought I needed, and that were certainly what we would call "righteous desires."

But when I didn't feel like I was getting the answers I wanted, my own plans started to consume my thoughts and I became frustrated. I felt "disconnected from God."

In today's episode I want to tell you a few stories of times when Heavenly Father has taught me a few things about prayers, and I want to share the secret on how we can feel connected to God whenever we want!

Here's the link for David O. McKay's take on meditation.

Have a fantastic week!

Chances are you've probably learned about opportunity cost at some point in your schooling. It's a technical term for what you're giving up by choosing one thing over another.

Today on the podcast we're talking about what some things you're focused on are costing you in your relationships. And are those things really worth it?

We'll talk about lots of different examples, but try to come up with some of your own, too! What do you want to change in your life so you can get that opportunity back?

I have another small group starting on September 13th! This group is  great way to get more affordable coaching, learn the tools you need to change your life and your relationships, and connect with others in a similar situation. For more information, sign up for a free call with me here, DM me on Instagram here, or email me at [email protected].

And here's the link to Dallin H. Oaks' talk from October 2007, "Good, Better, Best."

So you have a teen that just got their license, and can't wait to drive everywhere. You've been in the car with them, and now you sit there as they leave imagining all the terrible things that are "bound to happen." And how does that make you feel? Miserable of course!

I've been there. When something is coming that we are feeling unsure about, our brain wants to protect us from getting hurt. But unfortunately, all this does is make our brains feel all the negative emotion right now before anything even happens! And it's unlikely that any of those things will actually happen at all.

The strategy I have found most helpful in these situations is to prepare for the BEST, and know that even if the worst does happen, we are going to get through it. That's what faith is all about right? Have a listen to hear some examples of what I mean.