The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour joins Vanessa, and co-host (and sister) Shelly, to talk about how to manage stress and anxiety. "Stress occurs anytime we are adapting to new circumstances." Dr. Damour says that feelings of stress aren't always bad - they are a normal human function that can lead to growth and durability. But what happens when that stress is too intense? She suggests staying away from negative coping strategies. Those can be poor eating habits, not getting enough exercise, and substance abuse. Instead, look to maintain social connections, get outside more, and take care of your body.

Dr. Damour has a step-by-step strategy that we can all use to help get us through any meltdown. Click HERE to see it!

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This is an uncertain time, full of worry and anxiousness. Being pregnant can intensify those feelings! In this MomForce mini-episode, Vanessa is chatting with her sister Kara about her experiences being pregnant with baby #5 during a pandemic. Lets just say, thank heavens for FaceTime!

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Social distancing has upended most of our lives, we've been told to "stay safe, stay home". And while that is exactly what we need to do, it's created a dire situation for many businesses that rely on the public to keep their doors open. Without major corporations backing them, these "ma and pop" shops have had to get creative in how they continue.

Vanessa Quigley is joined by her husband Nate, Chatbooks co-founder, as they chat with three local restaurant owners about how they have adapted to the current situation.

Click here to watch Waffle Love's TV show

Vanessa and Nate's podcast episode on The Nitty Gritty Podcast

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The lack of GNO's and lunch dates on the calendar has left many of us feeling isolated and alone. On today's MomForce Mini, Vanessa chats with her sister Shelly about staying connected while keeping physical distance. Psssst - Call your girlfriends, you both will feel better because of it!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

There is an acronym that is having its time in the spotlight: WFH. Working From Home is not a new concept, but due to the world wide pandemic and #socialdistancing, many of us have found ourselves trying to figure out how to make the most of this new norm!

Chatbooks co-founder and podcast host Vanessa Quigley is talking to Ashley aka AB, our marketing product manager about how she is managing her WFH schedule while having a 6 month old baby at home.

Vanessa also gets some best tips from some veteran WFH Chatbooks employees. Did you know the majority of Chatbooks Customer service team is all remote, and mostly all mothers - 12 babies born to our MomForce team this past year! ! So when questions come up about how to balance WFH and motherhood (and for so many of us - HOMESCHOOLING) we knew we would get the best tips from these women.

Tip 1: Krista, who has been WFH for 10 years says do NOT get rid of "me time"! Whether it is a walk outside or taking a bath, taking care of yourself is what will give you the stamina to keep going.

Tip 2 : Hilary likes to block out 30 minutes in the day to tidy up. With kids home all day and schoolwork and homework and meals, the house can get away from you. Take some time to pick up - enlist kids to help. Having a tidy workspace can help improve everyone's mood and productivity.

Tip 3 : This tip comes from Ashley, who knows all too well that the 3pm slump happens at home as well as at the office! Her go to fix - Dr. Pepper! Find something that you love, a treat, a drink, a snack and allow a moment of indulgence.

Tip 4 : Alyce is 100% cool with tech! When she really needs some time to buckle down and get work done, or if she needs to take a call with a client, allowing screen time for her kids is top of her go to strategy! And especially now, with kids home from school, all day, everyday, relaxing whatever screen limits you may have just might prove to be the best course.

This sudden change of circumstances can be hard. On everyone. It might take a hot minute to find what works for you and your family. Vanessa's final tip is it's ok to let things go! And we get a new day to try again! Good luck mamas! We are rooting for you.

Check out The MomForce Facebook group for lots more advice on WFH, homeschooling, self care and more!

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Social distancing has given us a lot more time at home with our families. So what are you doing with all of that time? On this MomForce Mini episode, Vanessa chats with her sister Erika about family time. Be ready to hear about some creative game nights!

Here's 36 super creative and totally free family games to try at home!

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Host Vanessa Quigley and co-host Erika to talk to licensed sex therapist and sleep expert Christine Lawler about the science behind our sleep routines. Here are a few of Christine's tips:

Tip 1. If you don't fall asleep within 20 minutes of lying down, get out of bed and go do something productive until you start to feel drowsy.

Tip 2. Stop the negative talk. When we tell ourselves, "I'm a terrible sleeper", we create an association that can make it difficult to get rest. Our beds need to be the place where we sleep, not scroll social media.

Tip 3. Find your ideal amount of sleep. Some people can function perfectly on 6 hours while others need 7.5 hours. Christine helps her clients find that sweet spot that allows them to get the most beneficial night's sleep.

Tip 4. Talk about sex. Tiredness can be interpreted as disinterest. Open conversations about where your head is at can clear most confusion about desire and frequency.

Tip 5. It's ok for both partners not to go to bed at the same time. You may just need to get more creative at when you can be intimate.

You can check out Christine's websites The Peaceful Sleeper and Christine Lawler for more tips and resources on both topics!

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Did you ever think you'd be homeschooling all of your kids? Well whether we like it or not, many of us are getting that opportunity right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And in today's MomForce Mini Vanessa shares some of her experiences homeschooling 5 of her 7 children and why she loved it!

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Host Vanessa Quigley is joined by co-host (and sister) Shelly to talk to pediatric sleep expert Lauren Olson about how we can get our kids to sleep - and Shelly REALLY needs the help. Her darling 18-month-old is waking up 5x a night. Here are a few tips Lauren shared:

Tip 1. Try not to give your toddler food an hour before bedtime - their bodies will be wanting to digest instead of falling asleep. BUT - if you have to give a snack, did you know bananas have tryptophan in it??? Go with that.

Tip 2. Make sure your child is getting their caloric needs met during the day.

Tip 3. Wean your child off their dependency. If they are falling asleep with a bottle, Lauren tells us to only offer half a bottle. And then the next night, maybe it's water instead of milk. And then the next night, it's a sip of water.

Tip 4. For a child that used to be a great sleeper but suddenly stops, look for outside stressors. Has there been a change in their daily routine? Are they going through a growth spurt? Is a parent traveling more? A new baby? Once you identify that stressor, you can help talk your child through their feelings.

Tip 5. If your child wakes up scared, redirection works well. Christine gives the example of giving them a "dream stick" or rock so that when they wake up afraid, they can hold the stick or rock and feel mom's love for them.

Tip 6. If you give melatonin, 2-3 days max. Don't rely on it as a permanent solution to sleep problems.

And perhaps the best tip of all, be patient. For more information on Lauren and her sleep solutions, check out https://www.sleepandthecity.com/

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!

Social distancing is the new buzzword. And Vanessa and Erika are giving their take on the news surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Pssst, as mothers of 7 children each, they really aren't hoarding toilet paper. One package lasts them til Wednesday! Stay calm, everyone. Wash your hands and take care of your neighbor!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!