The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

Traditions show children that their family circle is a living link to a chain of generations. Research shows that much like displaying printed photos, practicing family traditions helps build children's identity and family connection. But holiday traditions can be overwhelming! You don't have to do ALL of the things in order to make your season magical.

Rituals and traditions can be as elaborate as planning daily activities for your Elf of the Shelf, or as simple as starting each morning with a kiss as you send your kids out the door. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Erika and Leah join Vanessa to discuss the traditions they had growing up, the traditions they bid adieu to as they got older, and the compromises they made when their spouses brought their own holiday traditions to the family.

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The first of a new series! Vanessa and her sisters are going to take turns giving their own "unpopular" opinion on a trending topic/debate/question. We love the diversity of our Facebook group, The MomForce, and would love for you to join the group and chime in on the conversations happening here.

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Are you frazzled at the mere thought of traveling with your children? Jessica Gee, mother of 3 from The Bucket List Family, has chosen to embrace it and has traveled to more than 80 countries with her family!

Vanessa chats with Jessica about her tips and tricks for traveling with kids. Everything from how to acclimate to time changes and introduce new cultures and foods, to what her favorite kid-friendly destinations are and how to travel on a budget.

And if you've seen any of The Bucket List Family's pics on Instagram or videos on YouTube, you know that documenting their travel is a high priority. Jessica shares her tips for capturing fleeting moments and the easy way she holds on to them forever.

Check out the Bucket List Family Chatbook HERE

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Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a great relationship with their Mother-in-Law, but Vanessa says she hit the jackpot! In today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa (a new MIL herself!) chats with her Mother-in-Law, Bonnie Quigley, about their success in fostering their in-law relationship. It's all about space, support, and respect.

As a special bonus, Bebe shares the gifts that she, as a Mother-in-Law, has cherished most (and don't we all need help with that!).

Follow along with Vanessa and the latest from The MomForce Podcast @vanessaquigley.

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Moms everywhere are overwhelmed: driven to tears, hyperventilating, rage cleaning, or perhaps hopping in the car and driving away. Caring for an entire family is challenging. Often we ask ourselves, are we doing enough? Are we fun enough, compassionate enough, patient enough?

Good moms have bad days. The newborn stage is hard. The toddler stage is hard. Teenagers are hard. Heck! Even our adult children are hard! On today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Leah joins Vanessa to talk about how they handle the weight that motherhood places on your shoulders. They discuss recognizing your own needs and taking action.

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and join in on our daily conversations!

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The oldest child in the family is often the guinea pig, but by the time it comes to establishing a curfew for the younger kids, parents are worn down and the rules become a bit more relaxed. Whether it's your first time dabbling into the world of curfews, or you've been there done that, determining the appropriate level of freedoms to give your kids is hard!

Whether you're going to follow the letter of the law or allow your child the flexibility to make their own responsible choices, you have the right to know where they're going, who they're going to be with, and how they're getting home (even if they roll their eyes at all your questions). On today's episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Erika talk about their own curfews growing up, how they enforce curfews for their own teens and tweens, and share some brilliant advice from the MomForce Facebook group.

No matter where you land on your curfew, it's important to let your expectations be known and stick to the consequences, should it come to that. Sometimes that's easier said than done, but remember what they say… "Nothing good ever happens after midnight."

Check out our instagram page @theMomForcePodcast for some fun extras!

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There are varying degrees of grief, but it is always complicated. Time heals, but grief never fully goes away. Rather it evolves and manifests itself differently over time. It is human nature to want to help those we love through difficult times. Sometimes our actions are helpful, sometimes our words are meaningful. But other times even the best intentions leave us with our foot stuck in our mouth.

In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Keenan Sanders, one of Chatbooks' original MomForcers and a mother who has experienced heartbreaking loss. Five years after the death of her daughter, she reflects on the lessons she's learned, the healing she's experienced, and provides insight on how others were able to help her through her darkest moments.

From discussing death with children, to showing friends and neighbors support, and the importance of being selfish as you heal, this episode covers some of the often overlooked aspects of grief. Everyone's rock bottom is different, and many people may never discover theirs. But all grief is valid and should be treated delicately.

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It's recommended that 4th graders get 10-12 hours of sleep per night. But kid's activities are often built around adult schedules! A nighttime routine is imperative for happy, healthy kids...but it's hard!

Kara and Vanessa discuss their evening routines to help their big and little kids get the sleep they so desperately need. They agree: you have to set a time to officially wind down for the evening. When you can, have a family dinner at a consistent hour and use that time to reflect on the highs and lows of the day. Allow children to wind down by reading or listening to an audiobook. But sometimes you might just have to give everyone a "sleep gummy". HEY...whatever works!

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Screentime. Devices. Social Media. Oh my! Our MomForce Facebook group is full of questions about raising children in a digital age. How old should your kid be before you allow them to play on an iPad? When is it appropriate to have a smartphone? What about a social media account?

Teaching online safety is just as important as teaching fire safety these days. Anna MacFarlane of "Kids are the Worst", joins Vanessa, to share her expertise on all things social media and parenting.

It's not IF your kids are going to see something bad online, but WHEN they're going to see it. When kids come across something they're not comfortable with, they need to feel like they can come to you about it. You can limit kids' exposure, but the best defense is good communication. Listen to Anna outline what has worked for her and her family.

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Motherhood and childhood go quickly. Looking at a photo and taking a moment to reminisce with loved ones is an antidote to the daily pushes and pulls of life. Not only is that magic... it's science! Vanessa is joined by developmental psychologist and University of Utah professor, Dr. Trisha Weeks, to discuss research that proves that printed photos strengthen families. Vanessa knew there was power in putting photographs in the hands of her children, but we wanted to test the science behind it!

One study (comprised of focus groups and over 15,000 survey respondents) illustrates how physical photographs build a sense of identity, increase self-esteem, and lower behavioral issues.

Documenting our family's story makes us feel like good moms… and it turns out we really are doing good for our children. It's science!

Check out the rest of our research at chatbooks.com/printed-photo-report

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