The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

March is National Sleep Month and to kick off our 3 part series dedicated to helping us get the best sleep possible, we have pediatric sleep consultant Becca Campbell joining Vanessa and co-host Kara to talk all things related to babies sleeping. Here are some tips from Becca:

Tip #1: Many moms like to have their babies close to them at night. A bassinet next to the bed is a great way to keep your newborn close. But then you might find yourself waking up to every coo and grunt. Try moving the bassinet to the other side of the room. Your baby is still nearby, but all those sweet nighttime sounds aren't disturbing your own sleep.

Tip #2: Does this scenario sound familiar? Baby is tired and cranky but won't go down for a nap, so you strap him in the car seat for a quick ride around the neighborhood to fall asleep? Becca says eliminate the props. Teaching your baby to fall asleep without pacifiers, bottles, or car rides allows them to self-soothe, so when they wake up 20 minutes into their nap, they can roll over and fall back asleep on their own.

Tip #3: It's 5 am and your toddler is ready to roll for the day... to buy ourselves more precious sleep, we give them a sippy cup of chocolate milk, turn a show on and go back to bed. Yes, we might get an hour or so of sleep, but this teaches your child that as soon as they wake up, they get their "fix". Becca suggests waiting at least 10 minutes before giving any drinks or shows or "fixes".

Need more help? Use code MOMFORCE to get $10 off Becca's sleep course. And check out her website for a free napping calendar.

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Vanessa and her sister Shelly are chatting with powerhouse, Meaghan Murphy. Meaghan is the editor-in-chief of Women's Day magazine, with previous experience at MTV, Victoria's Secret, Self Magazine, Cosmo, and Good Housekeeping. She's also a regular on TV shows like Live with Kelly & Ryan - and she has 3 kids! In this episode, she shares what her "secret sauce" is for managing life and finding joy every day.

Want to hear more from Meaghan? Follow her on Instagram: @meaghanbmurphy @offthegrampodcast and @theyaylist and follow hashtag #theyaylist for more inspiration on daily gratitude.

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We've all heard of Marie Kondo her method of decluttering that frees up space in your homes, closets, dressers, and attics. But did you know you can do the same thing for your motherhood? You can actually purge some of the things from the way you "mother" that don't spark joy! Vanessa is chatting with Rachel Nielson, host of the popular 3 in 30 Podcast, about how to take an internal inventory of your to-do list to make sure you have space and time for what you find most fulfilling.

So how do we declutter our motherhood, you ask? It's very similar to how you would declutter a physical space.

Step 1: Take inventory of how you spend your time. Write down everything you are currently doing - for yourself, for your kids, your job, etc.

Step 2: On a seperate sheet of paper, write down everything you think you should be doing.

Step 3: Look at those two lists and start Kondo-ing away! Mark which ones aren't sparking joy, or aren't necessary, or things that could be delegated to someone else.

Step 4: Once you've made this inventory of your life and you've eliminated or delegated things off your list, you're ready for the fun part! Now you get to fill that newly found time and space with things that you truly love including those things you've been missing out on.

Rachel reminds us to be careful not to compare to what we see other moms doing on social media. We are each different and the way we mother will be different too! But one thing is for certain...every mother deserves to have deep joy, clarity, and contentment in her life.

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We've got TWO sisters on today's MomForce Mini! Kara and Shelly discuss the whole gender reveal phenomenon. Are we crazy, but does a helicopter sprinkling colored confetti onto the onlookers seem a little much? ALSO - Kara spills the beans on a secret she's been keeping!

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For years, Ralphie Jacobs of @simplyonpurpose has been teaching parents to find the good in their children. Today, she is answering a few of the most common questions we see in our MomForce Facebook group.

Question 1: How do you discipline a child when they do NOT listen?

Question 2: How do you stop children from teasing and fighting with their siblings?

Question 3: How do you discipline a two-and-a-half-year-old?

Listen to the episode to hear Ralphie's answers and remember her words of advice, "It's never too late to make positive changes"!

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Valentine's Day, do you love it or hate it? Do you expect roses and chocolate? In this MomForce Mini episode, Leah talks about the unmet expectations she once had about love day back when she was dating her husband. She tells us how those have changed over the years and how her family of 9 (NINE!) likes to celebrate Valentine's day!

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Being married for 25 years is an accomplishment. Throw in raising 7 children and running a successful business and that is something to be proud of! Vanessa is joined by her husband Nate on this special episode where they share 7 tips for feeling more connected.

Tip 1. The Check-in.

Tip 2. Assume the Best.

Tip 3. Cheer Each Other On.

Tip 4. Date Each Other.

Tip 5. Have Fun!

Tip 6. Work at the Relationship.

Tip 7. Don't Compare.

Marriage and running a business are not for the faint of heart. But if you put the work in, you can reap the dividends and happiness in your marriage. And if all else fails, take Nate's advice, "I know that if I'm doing the dishes, Vanessa's happy".

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Vanessa and her sister Kara are joined by New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Bertsche, of The Kids Are In Bed. Rachel tells us how to be honest with ourselves about what we really enjoy and how to find our personal identity outside of motherhood.

Rachel suggests making a list of the things you can do for yourself as you make free time in your schedule. She shares what she enjoys doing, and encourages every mom and parent to enjoy the little indulgences along the way.

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Have you ever said something to your child or husband and then thought, "Oh my gosh. I am my mother!" Well for better or worse, our childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the way we were mothered all play a role in how we raise our own families.

Vanessa and her sisters Erika, Leah, Shelly, and Kara are joined by their mother April Munns to chat about how she's influenced each of their mothering styles. With 30 children between the sisters, they see little bits of their mom in themselves and celebrate their ability to see life through rose-colored glasses—something they inherited from her. April's ability to "remember the good stuff" is apparent as she recalls some funny stories and even some of the harder parts of life while raising 12 children.

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Handling finances as a married couple can be hard! It’s important to remember that not seeing eye-to-eye on things is the norm, not the exception. There’s a reason companies don’t employ two CFOs and countries don’t elect two presidents. If it doesn’t work there, what makes you think it will work at home? Divide and conquer for the betterment of the team! 

Vanessa is joined by the founder of Budget Bootcamp, Jordan Page, to discuss smart ways to get and stay on track. Much like going on a diet or beginning a fitness regimen, the first week is hard! Make fun goals. Whether you’re saving out of necessity or principle, it’s never easy. You have to find your personal motivation!

Head to our Show Notes page for an exclusive code for Jordan's Budget Boot Camp!

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