Parenthood Prep

Do you ever wonder how to raise your kids to be engaged, responsible citizens? I know, it sounds crazy because they're tiny and civic responsibility seems like something to worry about way off in the future. But the truth is, the experiences our children have from an early age shape how they interact with their communities and the world around them.

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Siegel-Stechler, a researcher at the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. As an expert in civic development and political socialization, Kelly shares invaluable insights on how parents can foster a sense of agency, community engagement, and civic responsibility in their kids from a young age.

Tune in this week to discover the power of everyday moments in setting your children on the path to becoming active, engaged citizens.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/31

Whether you're exclusively bottle feeding, supplementing with formula, or expressing breast milk, there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need and developing healthy eating habits. From choosing the right bottle and nipple size to knowing when to increase the amount you're feeding, I've got you covered.

There's a ton about bottle feeding that nobody has told you, but by the end of this episode, you'll feel confident and empowered in tackling any bottle-related challenges that come your way.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/30

As a sleep training expert, I see firsthand the incredible progress babies can make when they master the ability to roll over and find a comfortable sleeping position. It's a game-changer for their sleep quality and a significant milestone in their growth.

Join me as I dive into the importance of giving your baby the space and opportunity to practice rolling and other physical skills. I share the truth about turning your baby over when you notice them sleeping on their front, and you'll learn practical tips on how you can support their learning process, both during sleep training and playtime.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/29

Do you ever feel like your child's personal servant, catering to their every whim and desire? If you want a balanced, equitable relationship with your child instead of waiting on them hand and foot for the rest of their life, this episode is for you.

For today's conversation, I'm joined again by the brilliant Margaret Mason Tate, a coach, consultant, and teacher who has a wealth of experience working with parents and raising her own son. Together, we dive deep into the importance of setting boundaries, fostering independence, and avoiding winding up with an incapable adult baby because you were your child's 24/7 problem-solver.

Tune in this week as Margaret shares her insights on how to differentiate between a child's statement of desire versus an actual request, and why it's crucial to resist the urge to jump in and fix everything for them.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/28

Does bathtime, baking, or playtime with your baby or toddler often feel like a never-ending struggle, leaving both of you feeling frustrated and cranky? It's easy to focus on the outcome and overlook the joy in the process. But what if there was a way to make these moments more enjoyable and fulfilling for both of you?

If you want to get way more enjoyment out of activities with your kids, this episode is for you. I discuss how to approach daily activities by focusing on the process, not the product. I also share some insights on how this approach can benefit your child's development and learning.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/27

Do you ever feel like you're constantly cleaning up after your kids with no end in sight? Are you tired of being the magical cleaning fairy while your children blissfully play, oblivious to the mess they've made? If you love your kids but hate the mess they make, this episode is exactly what you need.

Tune in this week as I share my best tips for getting kids of all ages involved in the cleanup process. I share how to ask your kids to clean up, when the best and worst times are to get them involved with tidying, and you'll learn how to make it both fun and developmentally beneficial for your child, instead of taking on the role of magical cleaning fairy at the end of every day.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/26

Getting a baby to sleep is one thing, but sleep for us adults is just as important and we overlook it way too much. When you're tired, you aren't looking after yourself, you're probably eating junk, not exercising properly, and making bad decisions. Sound familiar?

If you've tried everything and still can't seem to get a good night's rest, don't despair. With a few simple changes to your habits and environment, you can become an adult sleep training success story.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/25

Are you finding it difficult to manage your time with a new baby at home? Feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list and struggling to carve out moments for yourself? Time management as a new parent can seem like an impossible task, but in this episode, I'll share practical strategies to help you bring more balance and structure to your day.

Tune in this week to learn tried-and-true time management strategies that will not only help you thrive in your new parenting role but also make space for much-needed self-care.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/24

Are you struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? Feeling anxious and unsure about the sleep training process? Teaching your baby any new skill is challenging, but in this episode, I dive into the four C's of sleep training that will give you the confidence and tools you need to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you deserve.

Join me this week to learn proven strategies for navigating the sleep training journey with less stress and more success. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle sleep challenges head-on. Sweet dreams are on the horizon!

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/23

This episode drops on Labor Day, but this episode is about dropping something entirely different on another kind of labor day. Preparing for birth and delivery can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, special guest Brittany Pruneau, founder of Enlightened Expectations, shares her expertise on how to get ready for Labor Day (the one where you give birth, not the holiday) and your new reality.

Tune in to learn Brittany's top tips for feeling confident, empowered, and not freaked out as you embark on this exciting, terrifying journey into parenthood. Whether you're a first-time parent or have been through it before, this episode is packed with valuable insights and explanations you don't want to miss, including all the need-to-know details around pooping during delivery.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://www.happyfamilyafter.com/22