Play is more than just a way to pass the time- it’s how kids learn, connect, and thrive. But for many parents, knowing how to “play right” with their kids can feel confusing, exhausting, or even a little overwhelming.

In this episode, I sit down with Jill Lerman, a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and mom, to explore the true power of play and why it doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be effective.

We unpack the misconceptions around play, how to shift from being your child’s entertainer to becoming their facilitator, and why independent play is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child (and yourself). Jill also shares how play builds emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

From playroom setups to screen time detox strategies, this episode is packed with practical, empowering tips to help you bring more joy and ease into your parenting through the power of play.

To find out more about Jill, check out her links:  Website Podcast Free Guide to Independent Play At Any Age

VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute: Citrus Bliss

Do you ever end your day wondering where the time went? You're constantly busy, yet it still feels like you're falling behind. If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and ready to take back control of your schedule, you're going to love this conversation.

In this episode, I chat with Erica Dirkes, time management coach and founder of Mindful Time Coaching. Erica shares why women in particular carry the pressure to do it all, how mindset plays a critical role in how we manage our time, and practical strategies that help moms feel more accomplished- without burning out.

We talk about the top time wasters moms don’t even realize are draining their energy, how to communicate your needs with your family, and why shifting your inner dialogue can change everything. Erica also shares simple, doable routines and how to build habits that stick because thriving doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing what matters.

To find out more about Kristina, check out her links:  Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Free Time Management Guide

VIPs (Very Important Parents) Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essential Minute | Balance 

Homeschooling comes with a lot of questions… and even more misconceptions. Will my kids fall behind? Will they miss out on social skills? Can I really teach them myself?

In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Heagh-Avritt, founder of Vibrant Family Education and host of the Bringing Education Home podcast. With 27 years of teaching experience and a passion for holistic, personalized learning, Kristina is on a mission to help families see what homeschooling really looks like.

We dive into the top myths about homeschooling and why they simply don’t hold up. From fears about socialization and structure to concerns over college and time management, Kristina shares practical insight, real-life success stories, and reassuring advice for parents considering this educational path.

If you’ve been curious about homeschooling but feel stuck in the “what ifs,” this episode is here to bring you clarity, confidence, and encouragement.

To find out more about Kristina, check out her links:  Facebook Facebook Group Instagram LinkedIn Website YouTube Education at Home in 10 Simple Steps Schedule a Free Coaching Call Now! Essentail Minute | InTune

Being a mom is challenging, and navigating single motherhood adds a whole new set of emotional and practical hurdles. But what if you could move beyond just surviving and step into thriving?

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Airs, a leadership coach, resilience researcher, and founder of a dedicated program for single mothers. With a background in psychology, Lucy helps women transition from emotional overwhelm to empowered decision-making- allowing them to build a strong, confident, and fulfilling life for themselves and their children.

We talk about the emotional and practical challenges single moms face after separation, the power of resilience, and how small shifts in mindset can lead to big transformations. Lucy shares actionable strategies to help you regulate emotions, model strength for your kids, and navigate this journey with confidence.

If you’re a single mom looking for tools to feel more in control, regain your confidence, and create a life you love, this episode is for you.

To find out more about Lucy, check out her links:  Website Personalised 10-day Resilience Plan Other Links:Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Essential Minute | Balance

When your child is struggling at school, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming—not just for them, but for you as a parent. You want to help, but where do you start?

In this episode, I sit down with Scotti Weintraub, founder of Reframe Parenting, parent coach, and school navigator, to talk about how shifting our perspective can change the way we support our children’s education. Instead of viewing school challenges as roadblocks, we discuss how to turn them into opportunities for growth and success.

We dive into the red flags that may signal your child is struggling, how to open up productive conversations with teachers, and why taking action now is essential for long-term academic and emotional well-being. Scotti shares insights from her own journey as a “forged-in-fire” parent advocate and provides strategies for working with schools in a way that leads to real solutions.

If you’ve ever felt lost or frustrated trying to help your child succeed in school, this episode will give you a new perspective and the tools to move forward with confidence. To find out more about Scotti, check out her links:  InstagramLinkedIn School Support Personality Quiz Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Essential Minute

Mom guilt—two words we all know too well. Whether it’s second-guessing decisions, feeling like we’re not enough, or worrying about the impact of every little choice, the weight of guilt can be exhausting.

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Fox Starr, therapist, writer, and maternal mental health advocate, to talk about why mom guilt is so persistent and how we can manage it in a healthier way. As a licensed social worker and author of Am I Doing This Right?, Rebecca shares insights on navigating guilt, building resilience, and finding confidence in the messy, unpredictable journey of parenting.

If you’ve ever questioned your choices as a mom, this episode is for you. Listen now and learn how to let go of the guilt and embrace the journey. To find out more about Rebecca, check out her links:  Website InstagramLinkedIn Get Her Book Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Learn More About The Essential Minute!

Moms are natural caretakers, but what happens when we forget to take care of ourselves? In this episode, I talk with Mary Dibble, an award-winning life coach dedicated to helping moms break free from self-doubt and embrace a life of purpose and confidence.

Mary shares her personal journey of overcoming addiction, limiting beliefs, and self-sacrifice, and how those experiences shaped her mission to help moms prioritize themselves without guilt. We discuss self-care, the power of community, and how modeling resilience helps our kids grow into strong, confident individuals.

If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start living with purpose, this conversation is for you. To find out more about Mary, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Radiant Mom Rising Free Gift Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now!Essential Minute 

Did you know that 70% of people experience trauma in their lifetime? Many of us carry this pain without realizing its full impact—on our bodies, our minds, and even our relationships.

In this episode, I talk with Mor Yelvington, an energy healer and coach who helps women release trauma and reconnect with their bodies. We dive into how unresolved trauma, especially sexual trauma, manifests as anxiety, stress, and even physical symptoms. Mor shares how healing at an energetic level can help moms feel more grounded, confident, and even improve their relationships (yes, including in the bedroom!).

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself or struggled to reclaim your power, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. To find out more about Mor, check out her links:  Facebook Instagram YouTube Free Gift Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Learn more about Passion.

Losing a child is one of the hardest things a parent can face, yet so many moms feel isolated in their grief. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Senn, a certified coach and loss mom, who shares her personal journey of losing twin daughters to stillbirth and how she now helps other moms navigate their healing.

We discuss the emotional impact of loss, the challenges of finding support, and how to move forward while still honoring your baby’s memory. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to better support someone who has, this episode provides insight, compassion, and hope.

Tune in now for an important conversation about healing, support, and finding light in the darkest times. To find out more about Jennifer, check out her links:  Facebook Group Website Podcast Free Gift

Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Essential Minute 

Parenting is hard, but what happens when we commit to showing up, even when life gets messy?

In this episode of Mom Essentials, I sit down with Queon Wilcox, host of the Mediocre Dads Podcast and active duty Army dad, who shares his journey of refusing to settle for mediocrity in parenting. From growing up adopted to raising his own family, Queon dives into the importance of presence, prioritizing relationships, and breaking the cycle of disengaged parenting.

If you're ready to redefine what it means to be a good parent while balancing work, life, and family, this is a must-listen! To find out more about Queon, check out his links:  Facebook Instagram Website Join the C.A.L.M. Parenting Facebook Group Now! Essential Minute