This week is all about words - Jess expands her vocabulary and Layne tells the story of when a 3-year-old used the spiciest language ever heard in a preschool classroom. We talk strategies for teaching children how to choose their words, use powerful language and express themselves appropriately (including a solid script for how to respond to toddler swearing...because it happens, folks!). 

We answer a listener question about why her two-year-old is so strong willed, what role "gentle parenting" plays and how to survive the tantrums. This is our deepest dive into toddler behavior so far on this podcast and it is juicy!

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

Like Batman standing arms outstretched while the bats swirl around him, we share our own origin stories of living through moments of utter chaos to emerge more regulated, experienced parents and teachers. We talk about when lack of sleep becomes an emergency for a new mom, asking for help from your support system and how to prioritize emotional regulation while caring for children. 

From food to environment to community and mental health, taking care of yourself IS taking care of your child! And for those moments when you lose it (like everyone does) we talk through how to apologize to children and repair the relationship. 

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

A culture is being set in your family, either consciously or unconsciously. This week we get into how to lead your family's culture with intention, how putting words to your values gives you confidence when other moms do things differently and how we can nurture non-judgmental communities. There's a lot of encouragement packed in - to offer compassion to yourself, cultivate empathy for other parents and hold respectful space for each other as each of us cares for our children the best we can...even when we disagree. 

We take a listener question about what is effective "discipline" for a one-year-old / young toddler that may (or may not) surprise you :)

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

Gentle TW: we are handling a tender topic this week. While no alarming details are shared, there is reference to sexual assault and a broad conversation around the safety of women and girls. Take good care of yourselves; feel free to skip or circle back to this episode when the moment is right for you <3

This week we take a question from Jess' seven-year-old daughter about "bad guys." Jess talks about a mother's urge to promise her child that nothing bad will ever happen to them. Layne shares her experience of surviving an encounter with a "bad guy" and some real-life, practical skills that can actually keep children safer. We talk about the power of teaching little girls how to grow into women who value their own experiences and use their voices.

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

This week Jess explains why she is so careful about what kind of parenting content she consumes. We talk through how deal with contradictory parenting advice, trust your mothering instincts and let go of suggestions that don't match your parenting style (such as, wearing avocado on your nipples to coax your baby to nurse). A listener asks how to transition a toddler into daycare when he's upset and we discuss how to helping your child overcome challenges instead of rescuing them builds self-esteem and confidence.

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

As we mentioned in the episode, we recently did deep dive into tips for transitioning your child to daycare or preschool - you can watch it HERE!

This week Layne reveals why she doesn't have any babies (yet?) and explains her fears and doubts about motherhood. Jess speaks to the comedy and confusion of parenting a little boy who loves his penis (as they all do) and how to maintain your identity when you also have to be someone's mom. We discuss why toddlers are the best and how community can keep you going when you feel like drowning. A listener whose toddler has "love aggression" asks how to keep her child from hurting the new baby and nurture their sibling relationship at the same time.

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram

In their first podcast episode EVER, Jess and Layne take deep breaths and learn how to correctly speak into microphones. They compare themselves to pilots and discuss how to handle turbulent times in life, how to keep perspective and how we can be "the village" for each other. Jess explains the podcast's name, shares how she handled making mistakes early in motherhood and what makes a good mother. Layne talks about why she's afraid of becoming a mom and how teaching preschool made her a better person. Then we discuss how parents can be more present, how to understand your child from their own perspective and how mindfulness can enrich your relationship.

Join Very Good Mother's Club to be a part of our community and get your questions answered on a future episode!

Find Jess at Jessica Hover on Youtube and @jess_hover on Instagram

Find Layne @enquiryco on Instagram