Look Ma No Hands

What to you say to your child when they're slapping you in the face? Children's therapist Amanda Armbruster has an idea or two for how to deal with hitting, biting and a number of other normal behavioral issues we come face to face with in young children.

Megan Birkel might just be the most organized human being I've ever come across, but whenever I interview her, I come to find that it's so much more than that. Beyond the closets and clean kitchen is a woman who knows how to organize her life so that it's one she loves to live. This episode of "Look Ma' No Hands" will give you so many ideas, tips and suggestions on how to do the same.

I hate admitting it, but the question of whether to work or stay at home once I became a mother plagued me not just once, but after each one of my children were born. Each postpartum period, I fell victim to the ruthless debates that ensue over the subject and likely tortured myself a little over my "choice." Randi's take on this subject is the best one I've ever heard, and I hope it sets you free a little bit if this is something you've had difficulty with.

Coronavirus - and the fear of it - is spreading. Dr. Gail Clayton specializes in functional medicine and offers her protocol for preparedness in this episode of "Look Ma' No Hands." For more information from Dr. Clayton and downloadable protocols, visit her at DrGailClayton.com.

According to parenting coach Randi Rubenstein, "all behavior is communication." Through "conscious discipline", we can work with our children to unpack their emotions and create healthy patterns of communication that benefit the whole family.

This episode was brought to you by Social Mama App! SocialMama is support and friendship at every stage of motherhood. The app provides opportunities for women to create meaningful mom friendships and build your mom tribe, without shaming or guilt. Go to socialmama.us to learn more and download the app!

First things first: I'm an epidural girl. Second things second: Latina's incredible, non-judgmental approach to guiding women through childbirth and the postpartum period is why we were able to have such a candid, hilarious conversation about her natural birth experiences and what she knows about birth, perinatal and postpartum care as a doula and founder of Marley and Moo Maternity.

You can learn more about Latina and inquire about her services at marleyandmoomaternity.com or follow her on instagram, @marleyandmoo.

In my last Sex Talk with Dr. Emily Jamea of Revive Therapy, we discussed all the ins and outs (eh hem) of having a healthy sex life postpartum and what that really looks like. In this episode, I'm asking a different question of Dr. Jamea's colleague, Dr. Meryl Cohen: how do we talk to our children about sex?

Meryl Cohen is the author of "Why is this Sex Book Different from all other Sex Books?" and I think you'll find her commentary on how we introduce these kinds of conversations to our children fascinating. We also dive into a discussion about gender identity and more that you don't want to miss!

I humbly confess: I can't do it alone. Tune into this short solo episode for a story of a big miracle moment in my life and why I'm letting go of needing to do everything on my own.

I expected to talk about "cramming it all in" when I greeted Aimee Woodall for our interview, but instead our conversation evolved into a heartfelt chat about self-care, honoring our time and living a full yet un-frazzled life. I was so refreshed by Aimee's daily routine, perspective and workplace implementations such as an office concierge that helps her employees with daily tasks like dry-cleaning so they can actually focus on their work AND enjoy their time off on the weekends. Aimee founded The Black Sheep Agency, an Inc.com Best Place to Work and local brand strategy and creative agency that breaks barriers and activates people around causes that truly matter. She does all of this while raising two little ones (one of whom made an early and extremely emotional entrance that she discusses in this podcast) and I know you'll be nodding along with so much of what she has to say. 

In this episode of "Look Ma', No Hands", personal organizer Ellen Cooley confirms what I've long suspected: our outside "mess" or lack thereof is a reflection of whatever we have going on inside of us (not sure what that says about my vehicle, which could certainly qualify me for an episode of "Hoarders: Buried Alive.") Clutter can often stem from chaos, which obviously includes the chaos of raising little ones. How can we stay tidy with tinies? Ellen answers all of our questions and speaks to the way organization has helped her keep her own anxiety under control is this conversation you don't want to miss.

To learn more about Ellen or to work with her, visit her online at www.southernsequence.com or follow her on Instagram, @southernsequence.