My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Tiombe Huggins. She specializes in self-care and fitness, with a particular focus on barre. She owns Living on the Butter Side, a small business inspired by her personal journey of embracing femininity and rejecting hustle culture.

Motivated by this shift, Tiombe created a brand centered on self-development that begins with self-care. Her brand delivers this empowering message to consumers through stationery products like journals and notepads.

Additionally, she is a certified Pure Barre Teacher and teaches at multiple locations throughout New York.

Tiombe and I discuss self-care, why it is so essential, and how it is not a luxury but a necessity.

Self-Care: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is often misinterpreted as a luxury—something reserved for special occasions or moments of indulgence.

However, true self-care goes far beyond pampering and relaxation; it is a fundamental component of maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Just as we prioritize nourishing our bodies with food and staying hydrated, tending to our emotional and psychological needs is essential for overall health.

When we neglect self-care, we risk burnout, diminished productivity, and an inability to show up fully in our personal and professional lives.

Self-care is not selfish—it is essential. By carving out time to rest, reflect, and recharge, we can better navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.

Investing in practices such as journaling, movement, mindfulness, or simply pausing fosters a deeper connection with ourselves. It allows us to address stress before it becomes overwhelming and creates a solid foundation for self-development.

When we treat self-care as a non-negotiable part of our daily routine, we empower ourselves to live more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling lives.

Connect with Tiombe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiombe-huggins-412736214/
and on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/livingbuttery/
TikTok (while you can still access it): https://tiktok.com/@livingonthebutterside

Next week, I will talk with the founder of an interactive and engaging program that helps children create empowering identities and gives them the tools to make better decisions when faced with today’s tough choices.

In the meantime, visit Expressivemom.com, follow @anexpressivemom on Instagram, and visit Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.  

As the founder of Good For You Girls, Kim protects girls from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals during one of the most critical times of their lives—puberty. 

With over 15 years of experience in the natural product and nutrition industries, Kim recognized the dangers of even trace levels of estrogenic chemicals for young girls.

Her passion for safe skincare was sparked when her two daughters, who faced challenges with asthma and allergies, began their transition into adolescence.

Shocked by the harmful ingredients in products marketed to tweens and teens, Kim set out to create a solution that was not only safe and effective but also age-appropriate.

Kim’s brand, Good For You Girls, became the first clean skincare line dedicated to girls in the United States.

Dubbed the “O.G. of tween skincare,” Kim has spent years leading the charge in helping moms connect with their daughters during this precious time of growth and transformation.

In this episode, Kim shares her journey of creating a transformative brand, her insights on the lowering age of puberty, and how her innovative products are making a difference in the lives of girls and their families.

If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of clean skincare for tweens or how to navigate these delicate years as a mom, this conversation is for you!

Why Awareness About Puberty Matters for Moms and Their Daughters

Understanding the changes their daughters will face during puberty is crucial for mothers of young girls. This transformative stage is more than a physical shift—it’s a delicate period where hormonal changes, emotional growth, and body awareness intersect.

With puberty starting earlier for many girls today, mothers need to be equipped with the knowledge to guide their daughters through these changes with confidence and care.

Awareness empowers moms to make informed decisions about their daughters’ health, including the products they use.

Many conventional skincare and hygiene items contain estrogenic chemicals that can disrupt hormonal balance, making it essential to prioritize safe and natural alternatives.

Beyond product choices, fostering open communication about these changes helps build trust and encourages young girls to embrace self-care practices.

By staying informed and proactive, mothers can give their daughters the tools they need to navigate puberty in a healthy, confident, and supported way.

Connect with Kimberly here:

Website: https://www.goodforyougirls.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodforyougirls

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodforyougirls

Pinterest: https://ro.pinterest.com/goodforyougirls/

 Next week, I will be talking with a self-care and wellness enthusiast. She shares the importance of self-care with her own brand of self-care stationery products as we get into a heavy-duty discussion about what self-care truly is. 

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

I had Darlene Taylor as my guest on The Expressive Mom Show today. Darlene is the author of It’s Not About Us: A Co-Parenting Survival Guide and helps others thrive post-divorce with grace and resilience.

A clinical social worker since 2010, she’s also been a Gender Studies professor, wellness coach, and diversity consultant. 

Now a life transitions coach and speaker, Darlene inspires people to recognize their strengths and achieve their best.

She enjoys time with her daughter in Los Angeles, obstacle course racing, beach outings, and tennis. Her multifaceted career and personal passions reflect her commitment to empowering others and making a meaningful impact.  

The Truth About Co-Parenting

Co-parenting is often portrayed as seamless teamwork, but the truth is far more complex.

It requires patience, compromise, and emotional resilience, as two individuals with different perspectives must collaborate for their child’s well-being. Effective co-parenting isn’t about perfection but prioritizing the child over personal conflicts. 

Communication is key but not always easy, especially when emotions run high.

Boundaries, consistency, and mutual respect can help create a stable environment. Ultimately, co-parenting is a journey of growth, where mistakes happen, but the focus remains on fostering love and security for the child, even amid the challenges of shared parenting.  

You can connect with Darlene:

Website: https://darlenetaylor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarlenetaylor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlenetaylor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdarlenetaylor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedarlenetaylor

Next week, I will be talking with a guest who started a company to keep girls away from toxic chemicals during puberty and has tips to help moms navigate meaningful conversations with their daughters. 

More about that next week. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also follow The Expressive Mom Show.   

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Erica Wiederlight. Erica is a renowned confidence coach, expert, and speaker who empowers individuals to embrace self-love, enhance their dating lives, embody pleasure, and achieve sexual empowerment.

She also addresses burnout and helps her clients transform from feeling "dusty and crusty" to radiating fabulousness and confidence.

As the host of the top-rated podcast Welcome to the Wiederlife, Erica shares her expertise with a global audience. Her work has been featured in prestigious platforms such as New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Galore, and Cosmopolitan magazine.

With an extensive coaching background, Erica is also a sought-after public speaker who has delivered inspiring talks at hundreds of venues, including studios, corporate offices, and summits. Her dynamic approach continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.

We cover topics that mostly surround caregiving, motherhood, and the consequences of burnout.

Motherhood and Caregiving Aren't Glamourous

Motherhood and caregiving are often romanticized as acts of pure joy and fulfillment, but the truth is far more complex. While these roles bring profound love and connection, they also come with an invisible weight that can lead to burnout.

Caregivers, especially mothers, are expected to be endlessly nurturing, patient, and resilient, often at the expense of their well-being.

The societal pressure to “do it all” — raise thriving children, manage households, and excel professionally — is overwhelming and unsustainable.

Emotional labor, sleepless nights, and the constant mental load can leave caregivers feeling depleted and unseen. Burnout manifests as chronic exhaustion, resentment, and even physical ailments, yet it's often dismissed or misunderstood.

Recognizing and addressing the realities of caregiving requires a shift in cultural expectations, better support systems, and a commitment to self-care. Honoring the caregivers’ humanity, not just their capacity to give, is essential.  

Connect with Erica on her website, www.wethelight.org, and on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/wethelight_llc.

Next week, I will talk to a clinical social worker, diversity consultant, and life transitions coach. She has drawn on her extensive experience to author a co-parenting survival guide that helps others navigate post-divorce parenting with resilience.

More about that next week. In the meantime, visit Expressivemom.com, follow @anexpressivemom on Instagram, and visit Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Atara Parkinson. Atara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in helping clients deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection.

She integrates somatic approaches in her practice, recognizing that holistic healing extends beyond the mind. Atara is passionate about supporting clients in creating sustainable visions for their lives, empowering them to gain clarity and achieve a balanced harmony of mind, body, and soul.
Believing that a strong therapeutic connection is essential, Atara understands that progress can be limited if clients don’t feel seen or understood.

She aims to align with her clients, fostering understanding and safety while helping them unravel beliefs that no longer serve their well-being.

Our main discussion is about postpartum anxiety as she tells her story, as this postpartum mental health disorder does not get enough awareness.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects many new parents. It goes beyond typical worries about caring for a newborn, manifesting as persistent, overwhelming fear and tension.

Symptoms may include racing thoughts, excessive worry about the baby’s health or safety, physical restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and even panic attacks.

Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety often focuses on "what if" scenarios that feel all-consuming.

While the exact causes vary, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the challenges of adjusting to parenthood can contribute.

Support from therapy, mindfulness practices, and sometimes medication can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Connect with Atara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atara.parkinson/

You can also connect with Atara through Grow Therapy: https://growtherapy.com/provider/ownouyj8jb86/atara-parkinson as well as Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/atara-m-parkinson-pasadena-ca/452206  

Next week, I will be talking with a confidence coach, expert, and speaker. Her work highlights self-love, dating, embodiment, pleasure, burn, and sexual empowerment. More about that next week.

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also follow The Expressive Mom Show.  

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Sonia Dong. Sonia Dong is a dynamic entrepreneur, accomplished author, dedicated philanthropist, and loving mother of two passionately committed to living a joyful and abundant life.

As the driving force behind Henkaa, a socially impactful clothing brand, Sonia leads with a mission to empower women and girls worldwide.

The brand celebrates versatility and sustainability in fashion and channels its success into meaningful change by donating 1% of all sales to initiatives that help girls and women unlock their full potential.
Sonia’s dedication to personal and professional growth is reflected in her contribution to the co-authored book Mamas Gotta Grow.

In her heartfelt chapter, she shares her journey of overcoming the pressures of perfectionism and embracing the transformative power of gratitude. 

Through candid storytelling and actionable insights, Sonia reveals how shifting her mindset allowed her to find greater fulfillment in her personal and professional life.

Her story inspires other women, encouraging them to redefine success, prioritize self-compassion, and cultivate a mindset of abundance and appreciation.
The Truth About Women and Perfectionism

Perfectionism often weighs heavily on women, fueled by societal expectations to excel in every role—be it as professionals, caregivers, or individuals.

This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt, stifling creativity and authentic self-expression. 

Women may feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards, fearing judgment or failure if they fall short. However, embracing imperfection can be liberating.

By focusing on progress over perfection, women can build resilience, foster self-compassion, and prioritize what truly matters.

Letting go of the perfectionist mindset paves the way for growth, balance, and a more joyful, fulfilling life rooted in authenticity and self-acceptance.

Connect with Sonia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniadong
https://www.instagram.com/soniadong
https://www.instagram.com/henkaa
https://www.henkaa.com/

And be sure to check out Mamas Gotta Grow. 

Next week, I will be talking with a guest about the realities of postpartum anxiety and how this needs a lot more attention than it is getting.

More about that next week. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com.

Also follow The Expressive Mom Show. I’m also on Medium at MsMir.medium.com.  In the meantime, take care of yourself and chat with you next week.

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph. D., a scientist-educator and Founder of Fit Learning Online. 

Dr. Nix Berens co-developed an instructional system based on behavioral science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed learning for children worldwide. 

Her programs deliver a year’s academic growth in just 40 hours, targeting skills like reading fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness, mathematics, problem-solving, and expressive writing.

Starting in a University of Nevada broom closet, she expanded Fit Learning to over 30 global locations. 

Dr. Nix Berens now resides in Long Island with her husband and two children, overseeing Fit Learning centers in Long Island, New York City, and Connecticut.

She continues her mission to empower learners of all abilities. Her first book is Blind Spots: Why students fail and the science that can save them.

Connect with Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens on her website: https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkberens/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.n.berens

Next week, I will be talking with an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and mom who currently leads a socially impactful clothing brand, where 1% of all sales are donated to help girls and women reach their fullest potential.

More about that next week. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressive mom.substack.com.

Also follow The Expressive Mom Show. I’m also on Medium at MsMir.medium.com.  

She is passionate about showing families how to help their complicated kids thrive rather than just survive. Gabriele works with children and their families 1:1 and in groups.
How Complex Kids Can Thrive Against Odds

Children with complex needs—whether they have learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other challenges—often face unique obstacles in their development.

However, with the right support and environment, these kids can thrive in ways that may not always be immediately visible. Real growth happens when we look beyond labels and focus on nurturing their individual strengths and potential.
Traditional educational and behavioral methods may not be the most effective for many of these children. A more personalized approach that recognizes their specific challenges and strengths can make all the difference.

For instance, behavioral science-based methods and targeted teaching strategies that break down tasks into manageable steps can help these kids build confidence and competence.
It is also crucial to create a supportive home and school environment that values effort over perfection and fosters a growth mindset. Encouraging resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-advocacy skills can empower these children to overcome barriers and thrive.
When we approach each child as a unique individual and tailor our strategies to meet their needs, we create opportunities for them to succeed—on their terms.

By embracing their complexity and celebrating their progress, we can help complicated kids thrive and unlock their true potential.

Connect with Gabriele through her site, 
https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/, and on Instagram, @gabriele-nicolet.

Be sure to listen to her podcast, The Complicated Kids Podcast: https://complicatedkids.com/.

Next week, I will be talking with a guest who is a scientist-educator who uses behavioral science to transform the learning abilities of children worldwide. More about that next week.

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressive mom.substack.com. Also follow The Expressive Mom Show. I’m also on Medium at MsMir.medium.com. 

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb. Dr. Garcia-Webb is triple board-certified in internal, lifestyle, and obesity medicine. 

She produces a weekly YouTube series, Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan, and provides life coaching to help people fix the One Big Thing blocking their weight loss. 

Her innovative private practice combines concierge weight medicine with life coaching, and she is also an internist at an academic medical center in Boston, MA.

The topic is about mindful eating during the holidays and body positivity. 

Mindful Eating - Tackling Food Noise and Portions This Holiday
The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and often an abundance of food. While the festive spreads are delightful, they can also trigger "food noise" – the mental chatter about what to eat, how much to eat, and the guilt that sometimes follows indulgence.

This noise can be particularly overwhelming when surrounded by family traditions and endless options at holiday gatherings.
Practicing portion control can help quiet this noise without sacrificing enjoyment. Start by using smaller plates to naturally reduce serving sizes.

Fill half your plate with vegetables or salad, leaving the other half for proteins and starches.

Savor each bite and listen to your body’s cues to avoid overeating. It’s not about restriction but rather striking a balance that leaves you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Remember, food is part of the celebration, not the sole focus. Shifting your mindset to savor the experience of being with loved ones and enjoying meaningful traditions can help reduce food-related stress.

By practicing mindful eating and portion control, you can fully enjoy the season’s flavors while prioritizing your well-being. After all, the holidays are meant to nourish the soul—not just the stomach.

Connect with Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WeightMedicinewithDrMeghanMD, and her website, www.weightmedicinemd.com.

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will chat with a guest who is a child development specialist and parent coach who discusses how neurodiverse kids can thrive.  

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now. 

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Amy Weber. Amy Weber is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in individual and group therapy for children and families.

She is also an expert in child/adolescent psychotherapy and parent coaching. She addresses developmental challenges such as picky eating, toilet training, and sleep difficulties, with a particular focus on supporting families navigating neurodivergence and trauma.

As an author of children's books and a parenting blogger, Amy also co-hosts the YouTube channel The Playful Therapists of Speak, Learn, & Play, where she shares valuable insights into the inner worlds of neurodivergent children.

By combining neuroscience-based strategies with a compassionate approach, she helps parents better understand their children's behavior and foster meaningful, connected relationships beyond traditional reward systems.

The Truth About Raising Neurodivergent Children

Raising neurodiverse children means most families frequently find themselves dealing with unique challenges, many tending to be emotionally, physically, and socially exhausting for the family.

Common causes of stress include frustration and loneliness from isolation due to a lack of understanding or support from people such as those in the extended family, educators, or peers.
Another added stress is the constant need for advocacy for all these resources, accommodations, and therapies.

It could mean fighting through schools for an IEP, dealing with insurance companies to get coverage, or managing multifaceted medical appointments—the time and effort can feel overwhelming.
Another major stressor is the financial burden. Many specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, and private interventions are very expensive, so families are stretched thin. These responsibilities, in addition to a job and other family concerns, very often lead to the parents' burnout.
Parents can't help but feel quacks of guilt, concern, or bereavement when societal expectations for the child can't be met. Daily life is unpredictable, and the risk of sensory sensitivities and meltdowns can make home life chaotic, straining relationships and mental health.
Resilience, love, and personal growth also form part of the journey for many families.

Connect with Amy on her sites, https://www.amyweberlcsw.com/ and  https://speaklearnandplay.com/, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/speaklearnandplay, Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/amyweberlcsw/ and her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@ThePlayfulTherapistsofSLP.

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will chat with a triple board-certified guest in internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine. We will be talking about diet culture and the holidays.  In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now.