The Top Five Stressors Faced by Modern Parents ... and some ways to Cope. 

In this episode, Jenny talks about the five frustrating situations that most parents face. 

The  top five stressors that Jenny discusses are : Time, Money, Expectations, Workload, Education... (and a bonus 6th issue she touches on briefly is  Screen- time)

After briefly explaining why each area might be fraught with complication, Jenny offers some hope, encouragement, and ideas to relieve the stress for each area mentioned. 

Other Links/ Mentions : the list on Her.ie that lists the 40 tasks moms do each and everyday. 

Whether you are on a tight budget, or simply concerned with the realities of the supply chain , Jenny has ideas for you!

Toys to make with your kids, toys your kids can make, and toys you can make and give them for Christmas 

Mentions:

Busy Books 

Felt: Beads, Shapes, Pillows, Characters, Counting Cards

Scrap wood :Blocks, Toy Houses, Boats

Thrift Stores : search for high quality handmade toys, a small bookcase you can repurpose as a dollhouse

Cardboard: Lacing Cards, Marble Tracks, Play mats, and more

Dollar Store : Clothespins, Wooden beads,  thick wrapping paper 

Things to Sew : Doll Clothes, Barbie Clothes , 

Active Toys : Bean Bag Toss, DIY Shuffleboard , Hobby Horse, 

Want to leave Jenny a message? Copy and paste this link :

https://anchor.fm/jenny828/message

For Baby :

* Set the Stage

* Actual Self Soothing doesnt begin until baby is atleast 4 months old

* Swaddle

* Rock and SIng 

* Instrumental Music- it's not just for Egg Heads 

*White Noise 

* Warm Baths, Lotion, and Bedtime Routines 

* Get some Sunshine 

For You : 

Hot Drinks

Comfy Clothing

Music 

Chatter Box

Good book 

Treats

 A Distraction

A project 

Yoga*Journal* Pray * Meditate * Shower*Walk *Verbally Process* Pillow talk * Punching Bag *create *hugs and all that mushy stuff...

In this episode, Jenny discuses tips and tricks to get some quality sleep, when the quantity may be hard to come by. Jenny explains why the optimal nap times are 20 minutes and 90 minutes, and why you want to avoid 30 minute naps. 

Mentions :

Black Out Curtains

White noise machine 

Miracle Blanket

Lectio 365 app 

Lazy Genuis episode 171 "Ten Things Saving My Life Right Now" for  Kendra's 17 minute nap hack 

Finding Friends, Making Friends, Being a Friend....

In this episode, Jenny talks about the various friendships young moms need, as well as some ideas on how to go deeper in the relationships you already have. 

* Go Deeper : Ask questions of your Sister, Mom, Mother in Law, Friends....

* Do you need a Mentor, or someone to relate to? Answering this will determine whom you approach for a new friendship.

* Mentor Possibilities : Older Women at your church, community group, in your neighborhood (as always use intuition and discernment)

* Need a new mom friend? Be a friend ! Go First. Ask them to meet you at the park, over for coffee, etc...

* Community= Common Unity 

What do you and your potential friend have in common?

Also, dont automatically disqualify those at different circumstances/stages than you . 

* Thanks for listening ! 

Leave Jenny a message : 

Email Jenny : [email protected] 

Check out her website : https://jennyleewoodwardphotographyllc.com/

1 ) Sit, Hold, Snuggle your baby guilt- free. You cannot spoil them, and this is such a short season in your life. 

2) Document : Document both the reality and the mess, as well as a few more posed photos of baby.  Use what you have - DSLR, Camera Phone, Point and Shoot. Documenting means we are telling a story. Some things to snap pictures of : Baby Diapers hanging to dry on a clothesline, onesies spilling from a laundry basket, the toy that makes baby instantly stop crying, . If you are doing your baby's portrait yourself:  get close to a window, natural lighting is best. Fill your frame with baby, and don't forget to snap photos of those tiny hands, feet, and rosebud mouths.

3) Breathe. The Newborn season only lasts 8 weeks. It all gets easier. 

4) Take some videos. Don't save it for the crawling stage. Video your baby as she is right now. 

5) Schedule Some Downtime for yourself, and follow through. 

6) Encourage Sibling Bonding 

7)Journal - as intricate or simple as you wish

8)Remember there are no rewards being handed out for self sufficiency.

9)Fill Yourself as You Fill Baby's Tummy

10) Back Up Those Photos 

- External Hard Drive 

- Amazon Prime Photo App

(not a sponsor) 

https://anchor.fm/jenny828/message - link if you want to leave Jenny a message

Email Jenny @ [email protected]

Visit her website : https://jennyleewoodwardphotographyllc.com/ 

* Jenny is not a Medical Doctor, and the Advise given should not be taken as Medical Advice*

Mentions : 

* Mayo Clinic for helpful articles : Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic

*Download Free Guides from Mercy Kids : https://lp.mercy.net/ 

* Sorta Awesome : Ep. 90 Exploring hope and healing for postpartum depression — Sorta Awesome (sortaawesomeshow.com)

(This is a Podcast Episode) 

* Mayo Clinic for Baby Blues Symptoms list , PPD Symptoms 

* Main Take Away ? You are not a bad person, nor are you a bad mother if you are struggling,

* Web MD, for when to seek help: A Visual Guide to Postpartum Depression (webmd.com) 

(This is a slideshow)

* Who can you reach out to? Your Doctor, Your Child's Pediatrician, Your OBGYN, A counselor (for the medical symptoms)

* for Moral Support: Friend, Family, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Neighbor, Pastor/Pastor's Wife, Small Group Leader... 

Email Jenny at [email protected] or leave a voice message via Anchor.com

It can be distressing when your little one is not feeling well. In this episode, Jenny dishes up some things to consider, signs to watch out for , and a healthy dose of compassion. 

Topics Covered:

Overall Considerations 

Colds

Flu

Colic

Janudice

Upset Stomach

Herbal Remidies

When to Call the Doctor

Tried, True and Still Working Tips and Tricks 

And, on this episode * Special Guest Bella who chimes in form time to time. 

In this episode , Jenny shares 10 things that Well-Intentioned People oftentimes feel inclined to tell new parents. Along with a few bonus tips that have been verbally foisted upon her.

Need to a laugh, need someone to Commiserate with ? Listen in! 

In this episode, Jenny is joined by her special guest, Bella to talk through some of the issues surrounding bringing home a new little one. 

Mentions : Baby blues ,

 Mental Health,

 How to support a new mom, 

Special considerations, 

Outfits to leave the hospital in ,& other necessities,  

Common Challenges facing New Parents , and some ways to overcome them

A baseline on what to expect from Baby during their first week

Our cultures' current view on babies 

What the Bible has to say about babies and children