Trust Me Mom

What does it really mean to raise a highly sensitive child?In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina Konovalova speaks with Hayley Abram, founder of Sensitive Sprouts and mom of two, about the realities of parenting a child who experiences emotions, sensory input, transitions, and everyday frustrations more intensely.Hayley shares how becoming a mother challenged everything she thought she knew about effort, routines, and parenting. After years of sleep struggles, intense meltdowns, and trying strategies that simply did not work for her son, her family learned that he was highly sensitive.That realization changed their approach.We talk about why traditional parenting advice may not work for every child, how to recognize patterns behind meltdowns, why some children hold themselves together at school and fall apart at home, and the surprising strategies that have helped Hayley’s family.Hayley shares why sleep has been so important, how spending time in nature helps her son regulate, and even why entering the house through the back door can make the transition home easier after an overstimulating day.We also discuss the parent’s own nervous system and why sleep deprivation can make it much harder to stay calm during difficult moments.And importantly, we talk about the strengths of highly sensitive children: empathy, determination, attention to detail, a strong sense of justice, and an incredible capacity for joy.As Hayley explains, sometimes parenting becomes easier when we stop trying to parent the child we expected and start understanding the child we actually have.00:00 Meet Hayley Abram of Sensitive Sprouts00:56 Life before motherhood02:00 When hard work doesn’t “fix” parenting03:34 Raising a highly sensitive child04:20 Sleep struggles and bottle refusal06:29 Feeling alone when other families don’t understand07:30 Discovering her son was highly sensitive08:30 How understanding temperament changed everything10:53 Why standard parenting strategies may not work11:16 Spotting patterns and triggers12:00 Sleep and regulation13:00 Food, energy and what helped their family14:00 The surprising back-door transition trick15:00 Why rock music helps him regulate15:50 Why nature makes such a difference17:52 Why kids hold it together at school and melt down at home20:56 Regulating yourself as a parent21:30 The impact of sleep deprivation23:46 Parenting differences in the Netherlands27:40 The superpowers of highly sensitive children31:22 Hayley’s advice for parents#HighlySensitiveChild #HighlySensitiveKids #Parenting #ParentingTips #EmotionalRegulation #Meltdowns #SensitiveKids #ParentingSupport #Motherhood #TrustMeMom

What happens when a cybersecurity expert realizes that even the best parental controls cannot protect a child from every online threat?In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 49), I speak with cybersecurity professional and mom Nidhi Srivastava, whose approach to online safety changed after her nine-year-old son experienced cyberbullying while playing an online game. Someone he believed was another child gained his trust, learned personal information about him, and eventually began sending hurtful messages.Nidhi had parental controls and security tools in place, but the experience showed her that technology alone is not enough. Kids also need the skills to recognize suspicious behavior, protect their private information, respond to scams, and feel comfortable telling a parent when something goes wrong.We discuss why banning technology may not be the answer, how parents can talk to kids about their online lives, what children should know before chatting with strangers in games, and why Nidhi believes cybersecurity should be taught as a basic life skill rather than a one-time lesson.Nidhi also shares what parents can do if their child experiences cyberbullying. One of her most important recommendations is to create an environment where children know they can come to you without immediately losing access to their devices. She encourages parents to listen first, avoid blame, teach children what information should remain private, and make conversations about online life as routine as asking what happened at school.We also talk about AI scams, deepfakes, voice cloning, online impersonation, and why children need practice developing the critical-thinking skills required to navigate an increasingly complicated digital world.Nidhi leaves parents with a simple message kids can remember when something happens online:Pause. Stop. Think. Act.00:00 Introduction01:48 How Nidhi became a cybersecurity professional02:57 When online safety became personal06:58 The digital education gap for kids09:29 Why banning technology may not work12:04 Cybersecurity as a life skill16:20 What parents may miss inside online games17:44 What to do if your child experiences cyberbullying20:00 The online questions parents should ask their kids23:43 How kids can learn to recognize deepfakes25:47 Can we detect AI-generated content?26:46 The four words Nidhi wants every child to remember27:55 Final thoughts#Cyberbullying #OnlineSafety #InternetSafety #ParentingTips #KidsOnlineSafety #DigitalParenting #Cybersecurity #TrustMeMom

What should parents do when they notice that something about their child’s development has changed—but their concerns are dismissed?In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast, Ekaterina Konovalova speaks with Dr. Kimberly Idoko, a board-certified neurologist, children’s rights attorney, mother, and author of The Miswired Child.Dr. Idoko shares the personal experience that shaped her career in medicine and how becoming the mother of a child with Rett syndrome transformed the way she thinks about parental intuition, early intervention, medical advocacy, and navigating complex healthcare systems.The conversation explores what parents can do when they have developmental concerns, how families may be able to access early intervention evaluations, and why parents can play an important role in communicating changes they observe in their children.Dr. Idoko also discusses questions parents may want to ask when medications are being considered, the importance of working with qualified healthcare professionals when evaluating nutritional or micronutrient concerns, and why supplements should not be given to children without appropriate guidance.The episode also looks at everyday factors that can affect a child’s overall well-being—including nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and emotional safety—and how small, sustainable changes may feel more manageable for families than trying to change everything at once.This conversation is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss concerns about your child’s health, medication, testing, nutrition, or supplements with a qualified healthcare professional.00:00 Introduction01:25 Why Dr. Idoko became a doctor02:41 Falling in love with neuroscience04:16 Becoming a mother during medical training05:30 When her daughter’s development began to look different06:11 Noticing an early developmental difference07:33 Choosing not to simply “wait and see”08:09 Understanding Rett syndrome09:41 The importance of early intervention11:42 What parents can do when they have developmental concerns13:06 Why parental observations matter14:01 Accessing an early intervention evaluation15:08 Why Dr. Idoko went to law school16:31 Becoming a children’s rights attorney17:14 Balancing medicine, law school, and motherhood18:11 Writing The Miswired Child19:19 Trusting what you notice about your child21:03 Advocating for your concerns to be taken seriously22:21 Looking at the bigger picture when a child is struggling24:33 Questions parents may have about medication25:26 Approaching medication thoughtfully28:59 When a child struggles with sleep, attention, or behavior31:43 What parents should know before giving supplements33:20 B12 supplementation: why individual needs matter34:08 Micronutrient testing and individual differences35:06 Can too many supplements be harmful?38:21 The cost of medical testing and access to care40:36 Making small changes instead of overhauling everything41:09 How one simple food swap can become a habit42:30 Food, sleep, emotional safety, and physical activity44:17 Closing thoughts#TrustMeMom #ParentingPodcast #ChildDevelopment #EarlyIntervention #ParentAdvocacy #Neurology #RettSyndrome #Parenting #ChildHealth #SpecialNeedsParenting #DevelopmentalMilestones

What if supporting a neurodivergent child requires more than simply letting them “face the consequences”?In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast, Ekaterina Konovalova speaks with Kathy Long, a mother of four and the founder and CEO of NixIt AI, an app designed to support executive functioning and everyday routines.Kathy shares how the premature birth of her first son changed her career path, how her family navigated ADHD, autism, sensory differences, and the transition into adulthood, and how those experiences inspired her and her husband to build NixIt AI.The conversation explores marriage during demanding parenting seasons, maternal guilt, selective eating, encouraging independence, creating appropriate boundaries, and helping children learn from consequences while giving them the support they need to succeed.Kathy’s message to overwhelmed mothers is simple: laugh more, slow down, find your community, and remember that taking a shower is a basic human need—not self-care.00:00 Introduction00:48 Meet Kathy Long01:41 How motherhood changed Kathy’s career02:01 A premature birth and an unexpected start06:14 The family story behind NixIt AI09:26 Protecting a marriage while parenting and building a company12:34 Why natural consequences do not always work13:13 “Permissive parenting” and understanding the nervous system17:34 Do parents of “easy” children take too much credit?18:12 Stay-at-home mom guilt versus working mom guilt19:23 Parenting when your energy is running low21:06 Kathy’s advice: Laugh more and slow down24:08 How overwhelmed moms can find community27:42 Your house is clean enough29:05 Choosing connection and joy over perfection31:22 Sensory challenges and selective eating32:53 How food autonomy created a budding chef37:18 Encouraging independence in neurodivergent children37:54 Using routines and NixIt AI for household responsibilities42:10 Boundaries, preparation, and appropriate consequences42:36 Why community matters and parenting gets better44:33 Closing thoughts#NeurodivergentParenting #ADHDParenting #AutismParenting #ExecutiveFunction #Motherhood #ParentingPodcast #TrustMeMom

Special needs motherhood can bring profound love and connection, but it can also leave caregivers chronically exhausted, isolated, and emotionally depleted. When there is no weekend, uninterrupted sleep, or predictable time to recover, how can a mother reclaim a sense of agency?In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast (Season 2, episode 47), Ekaterina Konovalova speaks with Susanna Peace Lovell, author, speaker, life coach, Reiki practitioner, co-host of the Brave Together podcast, and mother of a 20-year-old daughter diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and severe food allergies.Susanna shares her journey through postpartum anxiety and depression, her daughter Arizona’s early diagnoses, divorce, caregiving without traditional respite, and the difficult emotions many mothers are afraid to admit experiencing. She explains why caregiver depletion is real, how self-compassion can soften guilt and resentment, and why even mothers facing tremendous limitations still have some agency.Together, Ekaterina and Susanna discuss:What prolonged caregiving does to a mother’s physical and emotional reservesWhy special needs parenting can sometimes feel like a life sentenceHow to distinguish what you can control from what you cannotFinding tiny moments of rest while living in survival modeLetting go of unnecessary obligations and expectationsAsking for help and building a supportive communityHelping neurodivergent children develop emotional regulationSusanna’s personal experience using Reiki as a complementary practiceHolding on to hope when progress takes yearsThis is an honest conversation for mothers who love their children deeply but sometimes feel suffocated, resentful, overwhelmed, or desperate for rest. Those feelings do not make you a bad mother. They make you a human being carrying an extraordinarily demanding load.Learn more about Susanna at SusannaPeaceLovell.com and follow her on Instagram at @MamaPeace.Please note: Reiki is discussed as Susanna’s personal and complementary practice. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.00:00 Introduction01:34 Susanna’s unexpected motherhood journey04:53 Postpartum anxiety, depression, and severe allergies06:35 Recognizing missed developmental milestones07:32 Fighting to have a mother’s concerns heard08:18 Autism, ADHD, and anxiety diagnoses10:20 Divorce and building a life around caregiving12:53 Helping mothers feel less alone13:52 When special needs motherhood feels like prison16:19 What we can and cannot control17:08 Reclaiming agency as a caregiving mother19:54 The fantasy of escaping motherhood20:24 Self-compassion, resentment, and guilt22:31 The relentless labor of caregiving24:25 Why caregivers have no time to recover25:17 Caregiver depletion is real27:06 Finding five minutes of respite28:04 Letting go of the “shoulds”29:07 Support for mothers in survival mode30:25 Connecting with your child through presence31:38 Sensitivity, regulation, and energetic connection32:58 Susanna’s journey to Reiki37:35 Using Reiki with a neurodivergent child41:29 Helping children name and regulate emotions43:24 A final message for caregiving mothers44:33 Closing#SpecialNeedsParenting #CaregiverBurnout #CaregiverDepletion #SpecialNeedsMom #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentParenting #CaregiverSupport #MaternalMentalHealth #ParentingPodcast #TrustMeMomPodcast

What if a strand of hair could reveal a timeline of environmental exposures?In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, episode 45), Dr. Manish Arora, environmental epidemiologist, exposure biologist, founder and CEO of LinusBio, professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and father of triplet daughters, shares the personal and scientific journey behind his groundbreaking research.Dr. Arora explains how growing up during a civil war and malaria epidemic sparked his interest in environmental health. He later discovered that the growth rings inside baby teeth and hair can preserve biological information about nutrients, chemicals, and environmental exposures over time.We discuss the exposome, why the timing of an exposure can be as important as the amount, and how Dr. Arora’s experience with his neurodivergent daughter inspired his search for more objective ways to help families find answers earlier.Dr. Arora also explains the science behind ClearStrand-ASD, a hair-based laboratory test intended to help health care providers rule out autism, and Traced, a consumer wellness test that maps patterns involving essential and toxic elements.You will also learn about potential sources of lead, arsenic, cadmium, pesticides, PFAS, and other environmental chemicals, along with practical ways families can reduce exposure without becoming overwhelmed.Learn more:ClearStrand-ASD: https://www.clearstrandasd.comTraced: https://traced.lifeTo get a 30% Discount code for Traced, use the code "TRUSTMEMOM" at the checkout Disclaimer: ClearStrand-ASD is not a standalone autism diagnostic test and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA yet. Traced is a wellness test, not a medical diagnostic test. Always speak with a qualified health care professional about developmental concerns or possible environmental exposure.00:00 Introduction00:56 Meet Dr. Manish Arora01:52 Life as a father of triplet daughters02:15 From dentistry to environmental health05:56 How baby teeth preserve exposure history10:55 Why Dr. Arora began studying hair16:01 Hair analysis and early autism research18:46 ClearStrand-ASD and its regulatory status20:20 Eligible ages and test accuracy21:54 How families can order the test23:11 Hidden environmental exposures in the home27:45 Pesticides, microplastics, and PFAS29:51 Reducing exposure without creating anxiety31:07 What to do if elevated exposure is detected33:02 Why environmental toxins affect people differently35:43 Traced and environmental exposure monitoring37:35 Dr. Arora’s mission and final thoughts#TrustMeMom #EnvironmentalHealth #DrManishArora #Exposome #AutismResearch #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #ChildDevelopment #HealthyHome #ParentingPodcast #ParentingTips #LinusBio

In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 44), Ekaterina sits down with Makena Sage and Gigi Sage, a mother-daughter coaching duo, authors of The Wisdom That Raised Me, and co-founders of Way of the Muse.Makena shared her transition from a successful marketing career into coaching, the concept of a “shadow career,” and how motherhood changed her identity, marriage, work, and sense of self. She opened up about postpartum anxiety, the early strain on her relationship, and the importance of honest communication, support, and intentional connection with a partner.Gigi, a mother of five and longtime coach, shared wisdom from raising children across different decades, living an unconventional life, homeschooling, traveling with kids, and creating family systems rooted in communication, acknowledgement, teamwork, and respect.Together, Makena and Gigi offer practical and deeply honest advice for new moms, working moms, couples navigating the transition into parenthood, and women who feel stuck between who they used to be and who they are becoming.To learn more about Makena and Gigi, check their website: https://wayofthemuse.com/00:00 Intro00:38 Welcome to Trust Me Mom01:05 Meet Makena and Gigi Sage01:41 Makena’s journey from marketing to coaching02:59 The idea of a “shadow career”04:32 How motherhood changed Makena05:54 The hardest parts of early motherhood07:28 How having a baby challenged Makena’s marriage09:21 Gigi’s coaching support for Makena and her husband11:51 Marriage, money, and honest conversations14:19 Why couples need to talk before the baby arrives16:26 Gigi’s life as a mother of five18:30 Raising children through an unconventional life21:49 Why every parent will “mess up”24:08 Homeschooling, travel, and learning through experience26:13 Building strong family relationships28:39 How to create family team meetings29:22 The power of acknowledgement32:06 How to avoid turning family meetings into criticism36:04 Why appreciation changes relationships37:22 Two simple practices for couples after having a baby39:49 Boundaries, big families, and different communication styles43:28 Asking for what you want without blaming or criticizing45:10 Advice for exhausted new moms46:09 Motherhood as a season48:24 Rediscovering yourself after motherhood49:10 Matrescence and the butterfly metaphor50:12 Closing thoughts#TrustMeMom #Motherhood #ModernMotherhood #Matrescence #NewMomLife #WorkingMoms #MomLife #MotherhoodJourney #Postpartum #MarriageAfterBaby #ParentingAdvice #FamilyCommunication #MotherDaughterDuo #WomenSupportingWomen #WayOfTheMuse

From an Iranian refugee camp to becoming a Hollywood and Disney executive, Maryam Mehrtash’s story is one of resilience, courage, reinvention, and the power of storytelling.In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina speaks with Maryam Mehrtash, a mother of two, writer, and former Disney leader who most recently led global promotions and partnerships at Marvel Studios (theatrical & Disney+). Maryam shares her incredible journey of fleeing Iran as a child, growing up in Canada as the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs, building a career in entertainment, and balancing motherhood with ambition, creativity, and personal growth.Maryam opens up about her family’s sacrifices, her grandmother’s life as a Kurdish Iranian actress and singer, the impact of Disney storytelling on her childhood, and the full-circle moment of eventually working at Disney. She also shares practical advice for working mothers, including how she manages demanding work, young children, invisible labor, partnership, self-care, and the courage to keep building the life you want.This conversation is for every mother, immigrant, dreamer, creative, and woman who is trying to honor her past while building a bold future.Find Maryam’s Substack: This Is Not a Memo at https://thisisnotamemo.substack.com/00:00 Introduction00:50 Meet Maryam Mehrtash01:30 Fleeing Iran as a child03:00 Storytelling, Disney, and family legacy04:30 The sacrifices of immigrant parents06:35 Growing up in Canada08:00 From theater kid to business school09:00 Moving to Los Angeles and building a Hollywood career10:11 Landing the first job in LA11:47 Motherhood, career, and the pandemic16:30 Relentless prioritization as a working mom18:39 What happens when kids get sick?20:34 Managing the invisible load at home23:30 Communication, calendars, and partnership25:00 The mid-year check-in that changed her life26:21 Self-care, rest, and staying energized27:03 Friendship and community after kids29:30 Knowing your limits as a mother31:51 The full-circle Disney moment33:22 Advice to her younger self37:05 Showing children what is possible38:00 Maryam’s first business at age six40:00 Family teamwork and immigrant resilience43:50 Encouragement for tired working moms44:35 Courage as a muscle46:00 Reinvention after being laid off47:00 Writing, Substack, and becoming an author48:38 Closing thoughts48:51 Where to find Maryam#TrustMeMom #MaryamMehrtash #WorkingMoms #Motherhood #ImmigrantStory #IranianWomen #DisneyExecutive #HollywoodExecutive #WomenInLeadership #CareerAndMotherhood #MomLife #Storytelling #Resilience #Courage #Reinvention #WomenSupportingWomen #ThisIsNotAMemo

When Nasha Fitter’s third daughter was diagnosed with a devastating rare genetic condition, her entire world changed overnight.In this inspiring episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, episode 42), Nasha shares how she went from ambitious entrepreneur and Harvard MBA to full-time caregiver, advocate, and founder of organizations helping thousands of families navigate rare diseases.We talk about:• motherhood and ambition• burnout and unpaid labor• marriage under pressure• grief and resilience• raising a child with severe disabilities• building support systems• why moms need help, rest, and communityNasha also shares practical advice for exhausted moms, parents navigating diagnoses, and couples trying to survive difficult seasons together.00:00 Intro01:03 Meet Nasha Fitter02:06 Growing up ambitious as an immigrant daughter03:42 Marriage, motherhood & unequal labor05:22 Life before her daughter’s diagnosis06:05 The devastating FOXG1 diagnosis07:44 Surviving with 3 kids under 410:22 Grief, acceptance & emotional healing13:40 Why moms need help and rest18:35 Building therapies and rare disease organizations20:40 Advice for parents after a diagnosis22:13 What daily life looks like now26:13 Marriage struggles and staying together31:25 Fairness, communication & parenting roles33:11 Her daughter’s incredible progress34:41 Gene therapy and hope for the future35:38 Advice for exhausted moms38:27 Building deep friendships and community39:40 Final thoughts#TrustMeMom #SpecialNeedsParenting #RareDisease #Motherhood #WorkingMom #Caregiver #FOXG1 #ParentingPodcast #WomenInBusiness #MentalLoad #MarriageAndParenting #MomLife #DisabilityAwareness #ParentingJourney

In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 41), Ekaterina talks with women’s relationship coach Ada Gore about self-abandonment, people-pleasing, resentment, dating, marriage, divorce, motherhood, and learning how to stop disappearing inside your own life.Ada shares her personal story of being fired as a single mom, rebuilding her identity, healing generational patterns, and helping women reconnect with their needs, intuition, and power. This conversation is for women who feel depleted, stuck, resentful, or unsure how to reclaim themselves in relationships.00:00 Introduction00:51 Ada’s awakening after being fired06:34 Financial fear, scarcity, and safety15:44 Childhood conditioning and learned helplessness17:20 Turning trauma into growth23:55 Why journaling can change your life27:30 Resentment as a sign of self-abandonment33:55 The martyr complex and generational trauma41:36 Self-abandonment in dating and relationships42:32 Red flags, dating standards, and feminine energy52:16 Why women should not lower their standards55:07 Marriage, over-functioning, and emotional leadership1:06:47 When grace is not enough1:16:38 Self-honesty, divorce, and walk-away power1:23:02 Dating after divorce and finding the right partner1:27:48 Closing thoughts#TrustMeMom #SelfAbandonment #WomenHealing #RelationshipAdvice #PeoplePleasing #Motherhood #DatingAdvice #MarriageAdvice #DivorceHealing #WomenEmpowerment #AdaGore #SelfWorth #EmotionalHealing #GenerationalTrauma #HealthyRelationships