Sendy Mom

The Sendy Spotlight this week is on Maria Montessori, an influential figure in education known for her innovative approach that emphasizes independence, creativity, and hands-on learning. I highlight her journey as a pioneering woman in medicine and education, her establishment of the Montessori method, and include practical tools for parents to foster these values in their children.

Takeaways:

• Maria Montessori was one of Italy's first female doctors.
• She developed the Montessori method through observation of children's learning.
• Montessori believed in the power of a supportive environment for learning.
• Her first school, Casa de Bombini, opened in 1907.
• Montessori education prioritizes independence and creativity.
• Children learn best when they can choose their activities.
• Practical life skills are essential in Montessori education.
• Encouraging independence builds confidence in children.
• Creativity flourishes in a supportive environment.
• Persistence and resilience are key traits to model for children.

Mentioned in this Bonus Episode:
https://montessori-ami.org/resource-library/facts/biography-maria-montessori

“The Parenting Breakthrough” by Merrilee Browne Boyack
sendymom.com 

Learn about the importance of teaching children independence and a strong work ethic. We discuss the challenges of fostering and adopting children, the impact of childhood experiences on personal growth, and the significance of creativity in building relationships. Lani shares her journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned through navigating trauma and parenting challenges, emphasizing the importance of being real and supportive in the lives of children.

What you’ll Hear:

• Being a 'Sendy Mom' involves teaching children essential life skills.
• Work ethic is instilled through hands-on family experiences.
• Family traditions create lasting memories and connections.
• Creativity is essential for personal growth and expression.
• Starting a business can stem from a passion for creativity.
• It's important to embrace discomfort in the learning process.
• Teaching children to do hard things prepares them for life. There's a learning curve in trying new things.
• Ceramics can be a fun family activity.
• Adoption can be a challenging but rewarding journey.
• Reactive attachment disorder affects children's ability to connect.
• It's important to be real about struggles to help others.
• Love alone may not be enough for children with trauma.
• Personal growth often comes from facing adversity.
• Exploring new hobbies can lead to personal fulfillment.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Sendy Mom Podcast

00:54 Lani working with her Dad in Construction as a Child

03:05 Teaching Your Children to Work

07:04 Do or Do Not. There is No Try. Whiteboard Messages

08:37 Family Traditions and Memories

13:59 High School Experiences and Self-Confidence

17:30 Teach Children to Have a Full Life through Creativity

23:03 Starting a Ceramics Business

28:17 The Journey of Ceramics and Community

30:16 The Art of Ceramics and Family Engagement

34:42 Navigating the Journey of Adoption

35:03 The Challenges of Fostering and Adoption

38:34 Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder

44:42 The Impact of Trauma on Family Dynamics

49:51 Growth Through Adversity and Life Lessons

53:39 Rapid Fire Questions

56:21 Exploring New Interests and Hobbies

Find resources here: https://sendymom.com/2024/12/13/fostering-growth-creativity-and-courage-with-lani-adamson/

Sendy Spotlight:
Maria Montessori:
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'"
 "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed."

If you loved this episode, try:

Sendy Bucket Lists with Jeanetta Robinson

Seizing Opportunities: Adoption, PhD, and Saying Yes

Teaching Children to Work, Love, and Be Bored with Dorothy Scoresby

From $80 to an eBay Business: Sendy Entrepreneurship

In this powerful Sendy Spotlight, Becky Brouwer honors the life and legacy of Sacagawea—an Indigenous Shoshone woman who turned deep trauma into courageous leadership. Kidnapped as a child, forced into marriage, and abused by her husband, Sacagawea nonetheless became an essential guide, interpreter, and peacemaker on the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition—all while carrying her infant son. Her quiet strength, resilience, and ability to choose dignity in the face of dehumanization mirror the remarkable journey of this week’s guest, Faith.

Becky draws inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, inviting listeners to consider how personal choice, even amidst suffering, becomes a path to meaning and legacy. She also shares a passionate call to parents: pass on your values deliberately. Whether you're the first in your line to do so or following generations before you, you have the power to shape your family's future.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Sacagawea and a rallying cry to all Sendy Moms and Dads: teach with purpose. Lead with courage. Just send it.

Mentioned in the Show:

Mentioned in the Show:

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Surviving Sex Trafficking and Advocating for Change on The Sendy Mom Podcast

In this conversation, Becky Brouwer interviews Faith Robles, a survivor of trafficking, who shares her harrowing journey from childhood trauma to empowerment. Faith discusses her experiences with abuse, the normalization of trafficking in her community, and her eventual escape. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, healing, and legislative efforts to support survivors. Faith also highlights her aspirations for the future, including writing a book and continuing her work in advocacy.

What you’ll Hear:

• Faith Robles is an indigenous Mayan from Chiapas, Mexico.
• She experienced child neglect and abuse from a young age.
• Trafficking is often normalized in certain communities, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
• Faith's trafficker was also a minor, highlighting the complexity of trafficking dynamics.
• She escaped her trafficking situation in April 2014 by seeking help from the NYPD.
• Advocacy for survivors includes working on legislation to protect and support them.
• Healing from trauma is a long and complex process that requires support and understanding.
• Faith aims to write a book about her experiences to raise awareness.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and asking for help.
• Faith's future aspirations include continuing her advocacy work and reconnecting with her roots. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Faith's Journey

02:25 Understanding Trafficking and Its Roots

05:10 The Cycle of Generational Trauma

08:15 The Complexity of Victimhood

11:04 Faith's Escape and the Role of Law Enforcement

16:42 Help from a Stranger

19:11 Faith's work with We Are PACT Survivor's Council

22:33 Learning a Language is Sendy

24:48 Discrimination of Indigenous People in Mexico

30:02 Resources for Survivors

35:56 The Journey of Healing and Support

45:47 Finding Joy in Simple Things

49:43 Addressing the Root Causes of Trafficking and The Equality Model

52:00 Future Aspirations and Advocacy

01:01:30 Rapid Fire Questions

Find Resources here:

From Trafficking Survivor to Advocate: Faith's Story

Further listening:

Women Doing Something! Teaching Love with Rachel Miner of Bellwether International

How You Can Help End Poverty: From Crickets to Crops and Feeding the 7,000

Ukraine War and 'To Ukraine with Love': Building a $60M Nonprofit

Digital Detox and Upload Humanity with Amy Antonelli of HXP

Join me as we learn more about Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) in this week's Sendy Spotlight - Brave defender of right, Humanitarian,

Faithful Believer, Speaker, Humble Servant.

Kim Jonas is a mother who embraces challenges and adventures that push her out of her comfort zone. We discuss the importance of self-care, family dynamics, and the balance between personal aspirations and parenting responsibilities. We talk about the value of teaching children to take risks, the significance of family traditions, and the joy found in everyday moments.

Meet my Guest:

Kim Jonas is as at home in a group of people “working the room” as she is ministering to the one. She is a fearless defender of motherhood and her role as teacher and role model for her children. Kim’s family have developed traditions that bind their family together that include sendy things like traveling to Europe on bikes with her husband and five children, the youngest at only 9 years old. Taking opportunities to teach their children every day about things their family values, the Jonas’s deliberately take moments to build courage, resilience, and humility in their children.

What you’ll Hear:

• A Sendy mom is someone who does things that frighten them.
• Self-care is essential for being able to give to others.
• Balancing life and self-care can be challenging but rewarding.
• Teaching children to take risks is important for their growth.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children's experiences.
• Navigating life's challenges can provide valuable lessons for families.
• Education and personal growth are lifelong pursuits.
• Finding balance in motherhood requires intentionality and purpose.
• Physical activities can enhance mental health and family bonding.
• Creating traditions helps strengthen family connections

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Friendship Origins

01:55 Defining a 'Sendy Mom' 

05:52 Extroversion and Introversion

08:55 Parenting Philosophy and Risk-Taking

11:41 Navigating Entrepreneurship and Family Dynamics

14:19 Choosing a Life Partner and Family Values

14:48 Education Journey and Future Aspirations

17:08 Pursuing Hobbies and Personal Growth

19:10 The Importance of Motherhood and Personal Fulfillment

21:44 Sendy Parenting

23:28 Swimming and Triathlons

29:36 Bike Packing through Europe

30:53 Spontaneity in Travel

35:27 Teaching Life Lessons Through Experiences

37:48 Boating and Camping at Lake Powell

39:41 Exploring Family Traditions and Vacations

43:25 The Importance of Family Connections

45:05 Rapid Fire Questions

Find resources here: Fierce Family Love: Traditions, Europe Bike Trips, and Courage

Where to go next:

Fierce Family Love and the Ministry of Just Showing Up

Parenting Complex Needs, TBI, and Choosing Empathy with Candace Berquist

How to Say Yes When Life Feels Unfair: Raising Special Needs Kids, Cancer, and Loss

Aging Sendy: Lessons from a WWII Survivor at 81

Have you thought about being on a podcast or taking up a new hobby or passion? Mary Jean Ridges embraces fear and showing up in spite of it. Born in Idaho and raised Kaysville, she attended Davis High School, Weber State University, and the University of South Carolina where she obtained a Masters in Social work. She is the 4th of nine children and was raised by parents of opposite upbringing, one from New York and one from West Virginia. She and her husband are raising 4 children, 3 who live at home. She is a licensed clinical social worker at Wasatch Behavioral Health Mountain Peaks Clinic. She enjoys being a ride leader with NICA, riding with all 4 of her children on the local mountain bike team for the past six years. I love her desire to share her story and willingness to listen to other people’s stories.

What You'll Hear:

• Pain can be a gift that helps us recognize when something needs fixing.
• Being a Sendy Mom means embracing challenges and encouraging others.
• Family support is crucial in fostering confidence and risk-taking.
• Cultural experiences can broaden perspectives and promote empathy.
• Service and humanitarian work can lead to personal fulfillment and growth.
• Parenting should focus on teaching competence and independence.
• Engaging in hobbies can provide joy and a sense of accomplishment.
• Community connections are vital for emotional support and growth.
• Overcoming fears can lead to deeper relationships and personal satisfaction.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sendy Moms and Community

03:03 Defining a Sendy Mom

05:42 Family Background and Influences

07:49 Encouraging Risk-Taking in Children

09:46 Life Lessons from College and Travel

12:39 Mary Jean's mother's work in a Leporasorium

16:32 Healing from Trauma through Forming Relationships

25:41 Empowering Children Through Responsibility

33:16 Navigating Risk and Freedom in Parenting

36:19 The Balance of Passion and Practicality

38:35 The Joy of Hobbies and Lifelong Learning

40:50 Cow-Co-ops with the neighborhood Cow

47:39 Facing Fears and Embracing Vulnerability

51:49 Rapid Fire Questions

Find all resources here: Competence Breeds Confidence with Mary Jean Ridges

Luke Whitlock - Red Bull Rampage

Cabrini - TV Show

Stories we Tell - Joanna Gaines

Homosexuality Reframed: Growth Beyond Gay - Thomas Pritt, PhD with Ann Pritt PhD

Christian Medical College Vellore

Sendy Spotlight:
Dr. Paul Brand "I thank God for pain. I cannot think of a greater gift I could give my leprosy patients.”

Where to go next:

Fostering Growth, Creativity, and Courage in Children

Music, Disability Parenting, and Playing for the Love of It

The Joy of Motherhood and Hyde Park Academy

\Normalize the Risk: 7 Lessons from Jenn Drummond on Setting Impossible Goals

Have you ever wondered what to say to your kids when you know you need to say something? In this conversation with Sendy Mom Amy Lucas, we talk about parenting, establishing healthy boundaries, and the significance of listening and understanding in relationships. We touch on the challenges of navigating friendships for children, the art of mediation, and the value of apologizing.

Amy is a Mediator at Utah Dispute Resolutions. Amy organizes a book group, and keeps up an incredible library of recommendations on Good Reads. Check her out at amylucas. She has rated 675 books! Her instagram handle is booknook75.

Find Resources Here: Hard Conversations, Healthy Boundaries, and Mediation

On Apology by Aaron Lazare M.D.

The Depression Cure by Steven Ilardi

Freakanomics Podcast

We Were the Lucky Ones - TV Show

Hester - A Novel by Laurie Lico Albanese

https://www.goodreads.com/amylucas

Louisa May Alcott is My Passion with Susan Bailey

Boston Women’s Heritage Trail

Sendy Spotlight:

Quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott

Takeaways:

• Being sendy is having hard conversations, recognizing when you’ve behaved badly and apologizing.
• Listening to understand is a vital communication skill.
• Even people who are more risk-averse physically take chances in some areas of their life.
• Resilience is fostered and learned through experience. 
• Get to work to overcome disappointment or weariness.

Where to go next:

Radical Acceptance with Miriam Wood

Embracing Change, Making Choices, and Finding Joy: Jen Lambert’s Inspiring Story

Anxiety, Faith, and Falling Upward with Karissa Dodds

Faith Pioneer: Building Women's Community in Switzerland

Sherrie became a mother over night. She talks about the challenges and the joys of adopting her daughters. She shares insights on her journey with diabetes, community support, the importance of empathy, and her academic pursuits in food studies, all while emphasizing the value of recognizing opportunities and fostering connections with others.

Sherrie Gavin is a PhD Candidate at the University of New England, Australia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Southern Utah University as a member of the Phi Alpha Theta history honour society. Her work can be found in The Journal of Mormon History, Meridian Magazine, The Friend, and more. Her book, Baptism and Boomerangs is available at Cedar Fort Press and she has a memoir titled Turning Pink was released by BCC Press in April 2025. She and her spouse, Bruce are the parents of the loves of their lives, Cheyenne and Elizabeth. 

What you’ll Hear:

• Being a Sendy mom means recognizing and seizing opportunities.
• Understanding other perspectives can deepen our understanding of the world.
• Gratitude is essential in navigating life's challenges.
• The Boy Scouts promote inclusivity and adventure for children.
• The Relief Society has a rich history of supporting women and families.
• Adoption can be a beautiful journey filled with challenges and growth.
• Empathy is vital in supporting others during difficult times.
• Trusting ourselves as parents is key to raising confident children.

Chapters:

00:00 What is the Sendy Mom Podcast

03:26 Defining a Sandy Mom: Embracing Opportunities

05:45 Sherrie's Journey: Background and Family

11:54 Living with Diabetes: Challenges and Gratitude

14:32 The Passion for History: Curiosity and Inspiration

19:09 The Boy Scouts: Building Courage and Community

22:24 The Relief Society: Women Supporting Women

31:07 Adoption Journey: Welcoming Two Daughters

36:39 Navigating Challenges: Tools for Parenting

38:57 Navigating Advice and Expertise

39:45 The Challenge of Offering Help

41:14 The Balance of Parenting and Trust

45:16 Exploring Feminist Food Studies

53:12 The Power of Community Through Food

55:34 Rapid Fire Questions

Find Resources Here: Seizing Opportunities: Adoption, PhD, and Saying Yes

From Betty Crocker to Feminist Food Studies

The Polygamist Wives Writing Club

QuotesbyChurchofjesuschristwomen

Recipes for Love and Murder on Acorn TV or Prime Video

The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Sendy Spotlight:

Camilla Eyring Kimball (1894-1987) “Make the most of every opportunity!”

Where to go next:

Sendy Bucket Lists with Jeanetta Robinson

Fostering Growth, Creativity, and Courage in Children

The Truth About Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (And Why You’re Not Alone)

How to be Awesomer: Coaching Your Body and Your Mind to Reach Your Potential

In this episode of the Sendy Mom podcast, I’m talking with my long-time friend Jeanetta Robinson. Jeanetta talks with me about her experiences growing up in a large family, her adventures in Brazil and in China, and her involvement in charity work. Jeanetta created a bucket list when she was young that she continues to work on today. We also talk about raising twins, and treating your children as individuals. Our Sendy spotlight is on Harriet Tubman. Slavery is still an issue today. Practical advice is given for assisting people in dangerous circumstances. So many ways to be Sendy!

What you’ll Hear:

• A Sendy Mom embraces new experiences and challenges.
• Growing up in a large family fosters independence and resilience.
• Trying new things can lead to unexpected adventures.
• Bucket lists can motivate personal growth and exploration.
• Community support is crucial in achieving personal goals.
• Helping enslaved people today involves awareness and reporting
• Charity work can provide perspective and fulfillment.
• Learning a new language can enhance cultural experiences.
• Sibling rivalry can be navigated with open communication.
• Failure can lead to valuable self-discovery and growth.
• Pursuing personal interests is essential for happiness.

Find Resources here:

Ep. #004 - Sendy Bucket Lists with Jeanetta Robinson

Hotlines for Confidential support and assistance for victims of trafficking 24/7

• National Human Trafficking Hotline⎮1-888-373-7888 or TXT 233733
• U.S. Dept of Homeland Security Tip Line⎮1-866-374-2423
• National Sexual Assault Hotline⎮1-800-656-4673
• Love146⎮1-877-LOVE146⎮1-877-568-3146
• Polaris Project⎮1-888-373-7888

National Women’s History Museum - information about Harriet Tubman

“The Chosen” - by Chaim Potok

The Land of Made Up Languages - by Arika Okrent

Where to go next:

Fierce Family Love: Traditions, Europe Bike Trips, and Courage

Teaching Children to Work, Love, and Be Bored with Dorothy Scoresby

How to Connect with Your Children: The Surprising Science of “Good Enough” Parenting

Cautiously Crazy with Marty Klingler