Mommy Couch Confessions

Not every family unit looks the same and as blended families become more and more prevalent, being able to navigate healthy relationships as partners in parenting can mean all the difference for the children in the middle. Join me as I talk with Umeko Smith, self-defense expert and entrepreneur as she shares how she has (and still is) purposefully curating healthy parental relationships so that her blended family can live in peace and thrive. Umeko is the owner of Juss Defense, as a certified self-defense instructor whose purpose  is for women to feel empowered and prepared. You can check out her website here and on  Instagram and Facebook for what she calls "common sense self defense & endangerment prevention skills."

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Providing our children with the lifestyle better than what we had is the goal of many parents. The idea of "better" can extend to everything from education to opportunities but how mindful are we of overcompensating in areas we felt unfulfilled? Even as we see children younger and younger operating tablets, smartphones and electronics we have to remind ourselves that they have access to equipment far more expensive than the toys and trinkets of our day. When is it too much? How often do we evaluate our motives and intentions to be sure that we are doing what they need as opposed to what we think they want? Join me and my friend Deonna Jernigan on the couch as we discuss this topic and dive into the intricacies of compensation as a single parent.

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We have all heard the adage, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me." Join me on the couch as I challenge that statement and the ideals that go along with it. Words have the power to build or tear down, to give life or death to situations and when used as a weapon can cause more damage and pain than any stick or stone thrown at us. I hope this message about words (one of my favorite things in this world) open your hearts and minds as it did when I received it myself. Now, get comfy and settle in for a chat with me on the couch!

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Before any of us were parents, we were our parent's children. We adopted traditions, responses and habits that naturally affect how we parent and filter in to the decisions we make in parenthood. While they may not be harmful or detrimental, we must ask ourselves, is this what we want for our family? Adopting new traditions, changing the ways things are done in your home and unit can be difficult. And to be honest, sometimes met with resistance from the other branches of the family tree. Join me as I discuss why it's important to let your branch grow in a different direction when needed so that your blooms (children) can blossom as they were created to. See you on the couch!

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Happy New Year Y'all! As we kick off 2021, being mindful that the goals we set and intentions we establish is important. Making sure that we make time and space for consistent effort in order to meet those goals will be challenged on many fronts in motherhood. It is possible to change habits and do the work to improve. Join me and Dekeshia Alexander, founder of EmpowHer and ProjectMe-12 week personal training program as she shares her insights and tips from a coaching perspective. As a military spouse, entrepreneur, homeschooling mom of six (four on earth and two in Heaven) she's knows a bit about how the power of distraction and showing up for her crew can hinder progress but she chose to overcome and use her experience and skills to help other busy moms do that same. You can connect with her online at EmpowHerFitness.org, Facebook and join her group here, for more tips and insights on how to show up for yourself!

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Join me on the couch with my friend, Thy Guintivano, as we discuss the realities surrounding not so "perfect" holiday gatherings. As we come off the heels of Christmas, many didn't have a gathering that was full of fellowship and memories and it wasn't just because of COVID. As Thy shares her experiences with family and mental health, we acknowledge that showing up for yourself and setting boundaries are some of the best gifts you can give yourself.

It is so very easy to allow the dreams and aspirations we hold dear to slowly slip away as we function in everyday life. Setting goals that fill our hearts and align with our skills sometimes feel impossible when the demands of daily roles and responsibilities never seem to let up. Today on the couch, come sit with me as I share why it is of the utmost importance to dust the cobwebs off those goals and to break out a fresh pen to reignite and make plain the vision!

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Hey Y'all! For the most part, we have been conditioned to equate learning to academic achievement. But what happens if we step back and educate our children on topics and subjects that may not be heavily academic in nature but will equip them mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the future?

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In this episode, my guest on the coach, Lakendria Dinkins owner of Hold Your Crown, LLC shares her story of motherhood which began as a teenager. The trials, traumas and triumphs she shares are not only eye-opening but empowering. From a place of transparency and vulnerability we get to hear the heart of a mother and the perspective of the woman she has become. You can find Lakendria's brand, Hold Your Crown on Facebook, Instagram and her website here. 

Look forward to seeing y'all next time, here on the couch!

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Hey Y'all! The list and demands of motherhood are many but making time and space to protect your peace will help you stay centered on this journey of raising Little people.

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