Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2389:

Maureen Gaspari’s letter to mothers of highly sensitive children acknowledges the deep empathy, patience, and strength required in their parenting journey. She shines a light on the challenges and small victories that make this role uniquely rewarding, reassuring parents that their understanding, support, and unwavering love are exactly what their child needs.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/mother-highly-sensitive-child/

Quotes to ponder:

"I want you to know that I see you and that you are not alone."

"The fact that you are asking these questions proves that you’re an awesome parent. Your child is so lucky to call you mom."

"You are their voice when they can’t find the words, their strength when they aren’t brave enough yet, and their rock when they need to let all their emotions out."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2388:

Dr. Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt provides practical and empathetic techniques for handling interactions with difficult people, whether they are situationally stressed or inherently challenging. Her approach emphasizes maintaining calm and control, recognizing underlying stresses, and using strategies to de-escalate or disengage when necessary, ultimately empowering us to protect our well-being while achieving smoother, more effective interactions.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@jeckleberryhunt/cool-tricks-to-deal-with-difficult-people-and-get-what-you-want-momf-swearyourwaytosanity-cb8452058931

Quotes to ponder:

"Take a deep breath (a literal deep breath); you will likely be more effective at ending it so you can move on."

"Let it all hit you and slide right off like you are covered in Teflon. It isn’t about you."

"You can be smarter in getting what you want by manipulating the situation to your advantage."

Episode references:

The Feeling Good Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-Handbook-David-Burns/dp/0452281326

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2387:

Irene Elias explores how to rebuild self-trust after past mistakes by embracing self-compassion and realistic self-assessment. Her insights encourage letting go of repetitive self-doubt and viewing each day as an opportunity for growth, guiding readers toward self-acceptance and resilience.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://selflovejunkie.com/how-to-trust-yourself-when-youve-screwed-up-in-the-past/

Quotes to ponder:

"To constantly seek out similarities from past traumas in the face of new experiences is a natural defense mechanism embedded in us."

"It’s quite easy to feel that we are doomed to be forever intertwined with such things."

"Each day and each opportunity is unique, it’s challenging, but essential."

Episode references:

BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2386:

Kyle Benson explores how successful couples manage emotional disconnection by focusing on the power of repair. Even in the healthiest relationships, conflicts are inevitable, but what sets emotionally connected couples apart is their ability to recover from these ruptures. Benson emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendship, emotional understanding, and effective repair attempts to sustain a strong, loving bond.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/repair-secret-weapon-emotionally-connected-couples/

Quotes to ponder:

"How couples repair is what separates the relationship Masters from the Disasters."

"The real difference between the couples who repaired successfully and those who didn’t was the emotional climate between partners."

"Your repair attempt is only going to work well if you have really been a good friend to them, especially lately."

Episode references:

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718

The Science of Trust: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Trust-Emotional-Attunement-Couples-ebook/dp/B005459RHI

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2385:

Krista O'Reilly Davi recounts how discovering the Four Tendencies personality framework transformed her parenting, particularly with her Rebel daughter. By understanding each child's unique responses to expectations, Krista fosters a more respectful and harmonious family environment, allowing her children to thrive according to their natural strengths.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/four-tendencies-better-parent/

Quotes to ponder:

 "My daughter, you see, is a Rebel."

"Understanding The Four Tendencies helps me present information and requests in ways that are far more likely to receive a positive response."

"Becoming a student of my children led to an overarching sense of respect in our home for each individual to be who we are with less judgment and more celebration."

Episode references:

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Tendencies-Indispensable-Personality-Profiles/dp/1524760919

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Before-Habits-Happiness/dp/0385348630

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2384:

Dr. Jenny Brockis explores the secret to a longer, happier life by drawing on findings from the Harvard Adult Development study and the concept of social integration seen in Blue Zones. The key to both health and longevity isn't wealth or status, but the quality of our relationships and everyday social interactions, emphasizing the importance of staying connected face-to-face with others in our communities.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2021/2/25/the-one-thing-that-makes-for-a-happier-longer-life/

Quotes to ponder:

"How happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health the best predictor at age 50 of your physical health at age 80 isn’t your cholesterol level, but how satisfied you are in your relationships."

"Your social integration is about how much you interact with others around you."

"Failing to connect with others regularly, face-to-face, damages our health, our mental wellbeing, our cognition and shortens lives."

Episode references:

Robert Waldinger's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness

The Village Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Village-Effect-Face-Face-Healthier/dp/0307359549

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2383:

Cara Harvey offers a practical guide for parents on how to create a cleaning routine with their kids, helping them develop lifelong skills while taking some stress off the parents' shoulders. Harvey emphasizes the importance of showing, supporting, and ultimately trusting children to manage specific household zones, providing detailed steps on how to set them up for success. This method not only builds responsibility but also creates a structured system that benefits the entire family.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/cleaning-routine-kids/

Quotes to ponder:

"It is so much easier to clean without my kids! However, I promise, the reward comes in the work you put in upfront."

"My general rule of thumb is, if the child is old enough to make the mess, they are old enough to be a part of a system to learn to clean."

"It’s important to remind your kids of the reasons they are being asked to keep the house clean, how much you appreciate them for being a part of the process, and celebrate them for mastering each zone."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2382:

Shawna Scafe offers realistic advice for managing two children under two years old, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and lowering expectations. She reminds parents that it's okay to let go of perfection, accept help, and prioritize simple joys like outdoor time and one-on-one moments. Balancing two little ones is challenging, but embracing the chaos with patience and humor can make it a fulfilling journey.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/two-kids-under-two-years-tips-and-advice/

Quotes to ponder:

"Parenting can be like triage - treat the most distressed first and don’t feel guilty for letting one cry while you are helping the other."

"Lower the bar for yourself and prepare to be uncomfortable for a while, because sometimes UNCOMFORTABLE is also NORMAL."

"You will be amazed at what you learn to do while rocking, burping, nursing a baby."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2381:

Shawna Scafe shares practical advice for parents expecting to have two children under two years old, offering tips on solo playtime, managing toddler expectations, and creating hands-free games to engage older siblings. With a focus on keeping routines simple and making time for self-care, Shawna provides realistic strategies to help parents balance the demands of two young children.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/two-kids-under-two-years-tips-and-advice/

Quotes to ponder:

"You are about to become a person held together by spanx, coffee, and energy bars. But don’t worry, it won’t last long. That’s a lie, the hours and days will inch relentlessly along - it’s the years that dash past."

"Take the time to foster solo playtime in your firstborn so they don’t rely on your constant entertainment."

"Peace at all costs is not peace."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2380:

Kristena Eden delves into the stress and tension that often accompanies family gatherings during the holidays, offering practical strategies to restore connection. She suggests group nature walks, meeting in neutral locations, and accepting family differences to transform potentially stressful encounters into opportunities for growth and bonding.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://corelivingessentials.com/holiday-happiness/

Quotes to ponder:

"Our constant show-and-tell ego mode causes us to lose our close connection."

"Walking together, even for a short while, builds stronger connections."

"It really is ok to be different. We can still love them where they are, even if we don’t agree with them or their actions."

Episode references:

BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com

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