3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms

I have been a striver my entire life — the kind of person who color-coded her notes, lost sleep to get straight A's, and genuinely believed that doing more and finishing faster was just who she was. Until the season when it didn't work anymore, and I found myself wondering if what I actually needed wasn't a better system, but permission to put some things down. This week's guest is Yvette Henry, author of Release, Rest, Remain: A 30-Day Devotional to Embrace Abiding Over Striving. In this episode, she gives language to something I think so many of us moms carry but rarely take the time to name — and a rhythm for living that actually feels sustainable. A note: this is a faith-rooted conversation, which isn't my typical format — but the three takeaways Yvette shares are for every mother, regardless of where you land spiritually. In this episode, you'll hear: 🤍 Why the tiredness you're feeling might have nothing to do with sleep — and the seven types of rest that actually replenish you 🤍 The glass ball and rubber ball framework — and how to tell the difference between what you need to protect and what you can safely let fall 🤍 What it can look like to remain present in your own life, even on the most ordinary days Presence is not a reward for finished productivity — it's available to you right now, in whatever ordinary moment you're standing in. I hope this episode reminds you of that. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 441: Self-Care for Moms That Actually Works // Mia Hemstad466: Permission to Pause129: Rethinking Meditation as Busy Moms // Dr. Leah Weiss Sponsors: Knix Teen: Go to knixteen.com and use code 3IN30 for 15 percent off. Shopify: Start your business today with the industry's best business partner, Shopify, and start hearing ✦[CHA CHING]✦ Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/3in30. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Happy 3 in 30 Day, my friends! Today is March 30th — which, numerically, is 3/30 — and years ago I dubbed this our national holiday. When I started 3 in 30, I did not set out to build a community. I was a busy mom who desperately wanted a parenting resource that would just get to the point already — and when I couldn't find one, I sat down at my kitchen table with a cheap microphone and created it. What I did not anticipate is that moms all over the world would listen, and that through it all, something that genuinely feels like a community would grow up around this little show. To celebrate, I asked the 3 in 30 community to send in voice messages and written notes about their favorite episodes and why those episodes mattered. In today's episode, you'll hear eight of those messages — each one followed by a short clip from the episode being mentioned. In this episode, you'll hear: 🎙️ A mom who finally stopped feeling guilty about resting — all because of one permission-giving line from one of our guests 🎙️ A mom who was walking alone during COVID when an episode about mom guilt made her feel, for the first time, like someone understood exactly what she was going through 🎙️ A mom who lost her mother years ago and started a food tradition with her own children after hearing an episode about keeping a loved one's memory alive — and how her kids now ask for it every year Almost nine years of getting to the point and actually helping busy moms in the trenches. That's what this community is, and I'm so grateful it exists — and that there is so much good here waiting for you whenever you need it. For full show notes click here. *** Featured Episodes: 293: Rethinking Housework // KC Davis 469: 3 Ways to Lighten the Load of Motherhood // Greg McKeown 24: Fighting Against Mom Guilt 186: Helping your Children Connect with Someone You've Loved & Lost // Dara Kurtz 461: "I Hate You, Mom" — How to Respond When Holiday Stress Brings Big Emotions 415: How to Get Help for Mental Illness // Sarah McKenna 416: When Someone You Love Struggles with Mental Health // Logan McKenna 433: Making Friends as a Mom: Why It's Hard — and How to Do It Anyway // Dr. Marisa G. Franco 118: How to Raise Confident Children // Marilyn Faulkner Episode Sponsors: Knix Teen: Go to knixteen.com and use code 3IN30 for 15 percent off. Skylight: Right now, get $30 off the 15-inch Calendar at MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Spring is a season I genuinely love, but it also has a way of sneaking up on me. One minute I'm enjoying the slower pace of winter, and the next I'm looking at my calendar wondering when it got so full. If you're coming off of Spring Break trying to find your footing again, or you can already see Maycember on the horizon and feel your shoulders creeping up toward your ears, this episode is for you. A few years ago, during one of those stretched-thin, running-on-fumes seasons, I shared three things that were genuinely helping me stay sane. I went back and listened recently and thought, these are still so good, and I wanted to share them again, because I think we could all use some practical tools to reach for when life piles up. In this episode, you'll learn: 🌸 The simple two-column list that cuts through mental overwhelm and tells you exactly what actually has to get done (and what can wait) 🌸 Why choosing just three non-negotiable soul care essentials — even tiny ones — can be the thing that holds you together during your busiest weeks 🌸 The mindset shift that keeps the spiral at bay, and why what you say to yourself during hard seasons matters more than almost anything else And one more thing worth mentioning — this episode is less than 15 minutes long. So if you're already feeling the busyness piling up and the idea of a full episode feels like one more thing on your list, this one was made for exactly that moment. Short, sweet, and full of things you can actually use. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 353: How to Declutter Your Busy Schedule // Miranda Anderson 333: How Can a Busy Mother Get Back to the Essentials? 463: What If Your Only New Year Goal Was to Let Go of the Shoulds? Episode Sponsors: Wildgrain: For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box - PLUS free Croissants for life - when you go to Wildgrain.com/3in30 to start your subscriptiontoday. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Last week, I found out that one of my kids' teachers unexpectedly lost her husband in a car accident. She's in her early 30s with a toddler, and when I was telling Ryan, I just started to cry. I don't often cry, so it surprised both of us a little. The truth is, I was crying for her — and for all of the heaviness that has been building in my heart for months. The political division, the international conflicts, the injustice — it has felt like a lot lately. My teenage son sometimes says to me when we talk about hard things, "Mom, why does life have to be so hard?" And I tell him, "I don't know, Buddy. But you're right — and I also know that it is beautiful too."This week's guest is Shannan Martin, bestselling author of the brand new book Counterweights, and she has a practice for holding both of those things at once. In this episode, you'll learn: 💜 Why Shannan writes down both the weights AND the counterweights every night — and what happens when you hold them together on the same page 💜 Why Shannan (a self-described introvert) pushes herself to gather people in her home regularly — and the surprisingly low bar she sets to make it actually happen 💜 The tiny silver fork that has become one of her most treasured daily rituals (you'll understand when you hear it) For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: March 30th is 3 in 30 Day — and this year I'm celebrating by highlighting YOU! Share your favorite episode and its impact at 3in30podcast.com/tellrachel before March 20th, and your message may be woven into a very special episode. Related Episodes: 424: When LIFE Doesn't Turn Out as Planned // Jessica N. Turner 401: How Radical Gratitude Can Change Your Life // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi 390: Living with Grief without Losing Yourself // Shelby Quinlan Sponsors: Shopify: It's time to turn those "What Ifs" into ✦[CHA CHING]✦ with Shopify today. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/3in30. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

I didn't learn until I was 40 years old that my body moves through four distinct phases every single month — and that each one of those phases affects my mood, my energy, my patience, and my ability to connect with the people I love. Which means that the version of me who felt so present and empathetic last Tuesday wasn't just "having a good day." And the version of me who snapped at everyone before dinner on Friday wasn't failing. Both of those women were showing up exactly on schedule — I just didn't have the language for it yet. This episode is about what becomes possible when we finally have that language, and how empowering it is to understand our bodies well enough to show up the way we actually want to — and to have real grace for ourselves when that's harder. This week's guest is Shara Jackson Harper, a licensed mental health therapist, hormone and cycle guide, and mother of five who helps women understand how their internal rhythms shape the way they show up for the people they love most. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ The golden conversation Shara had with her 15-year-old son — and the specific reason she believes the timing made all the difference ✨ Why most women are often carrying a "basket of shame" about their hard days, and what Shara says we can do with it instead ✨ The simple three-part formula Shara uses to talk to her own family about where she is in her cycle — and why her kids actually know what "lower bandwidth week" means So here's to understanding ourselves a little better, giving ourselves a little more grace, and showing up for our people in the ways we actually want to. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Hormone Cycle Guide: Shara has created a free handout with an overview of all four phases of the menstrual cycle plus a printable tracker to help you start noticing your own patterns. Grab it at 3in30podcast.com/cycleconnection. March 30th is 3 in 30 Day! This year I wanted to celebrate by highlighting YOU. I'm collecting voice messages from listeners sharing your favorite episode and what about it made an impact or stayed with you, and my podcast editor is going to weave them all together into one really special episode. Prefer to write it out instead? You can do that too. Just head to 3in30podcast.com/tellrachel before March 20th. It only takes a minute, and I really cannot wait to hear from you. Related Episodes: 410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina 314: How to Feel Like Yourself in Motherhood // Aleisha McKean 205: How to Coach Yourself Through Big Emotions // Georgia Anderson Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Skylight offers a 120-day guarantee—if you're not thrilled, full refund. Right now, get $30 off the 15-inch Calendar at MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. That's M-Y-S-K-Y-L-I-G-H-T dot com slash TAKEAWAYS Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

A year ago this month, the travel and motherhood world lost Elise Caffee — blogger, adventurer, mother of three, and the woman behind the hashtag "take the trip." Elise believed, down to her bones, that making memories with your kids was always worth it — the chaos, the cost, the exhaustion, all of it. This episode is for her. This week's guest is Tiffany Rosenhan, Elise's dear friend, co-author, and co-founder of Jumelle Press. Together, they wrote Pippa and Poppy Adventure — a beautiful children's book about two identical twins exploring Europe — and Tiffany is here today to carry Elise's message forward. With spring break just around the corner, her three takeaways feel especially timely — whether you're heading somewhere far or just loading up the car for a day trip an hour from home. In this episode, you'll hear: 🧳 The story of why Tiffany's family pulled their kids out of school and traveled abroad for five months — and why she says she'd do it again without hesitation 🧳 What Elise's daughters did three weeks after she passed away, and what it reveals about the culture she built in her family 🧳 The surprising science behind why travel builds stronger memories in kids' brains than almost anything else you can do together So here's to loading up the car, booking the day trip, or simply putting the phone down and being present with your people this spring. The memories don't require a passport — they just require you. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: March 30th is 3 in 30 Day — and this year I'm celebrating by highlighting YOU! Share your favorite episode and its impact at 3in30podcast.com/tellrachel before March 20th, and your message may be woven into a very special episode. Related Episodes: 453: How to Travel for FREE with Your Family (Really!) // Amber Paul 418: Staying Home for Spring Break? 3 Ways to Make it Memorable (and Manageable!) // 3 in 30 Team 431: 3 Road Trip Hacks for Traveling with Kids // Brittney Hanks Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Bubs Naturals: Live Better Longer! For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at bubsnaturals.com by using code 3in30 at checkout. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

A few years ago, I read a book that made me think it was reading my mind. In the introduction, the author asks: Do you ever feel like you're running faster but not moving any closer to your goals? Do you want to make a higher contribution but you lack the energy? Are you teetering right on the edge of burnout? I wrote, "Yes, yes, yes!" next to each question in the margin of my copy. The book is Effortless by Greg McKeown, and it's the follow-up to his first book Essentialism, which I talked about in last week's episode. In today's episode, Greg talks about how we can lighten the load of motherhood without burning out. Greg acknowledges that life is genuinely hard—raising children is hard, paying the bills is hard, strained relationships are hard—and he's not promising to eliminate those hardships. But he does offer tools that can help lighten the load, and that's exactly what we talk about in this episode. In this episode, you'll learn: 💜 Why striving for 100% effort actually makes you less effective—and the optimal pace that will help you go further without burning out 💜 The question Greg asks when everything feels overwhelming (hint: it's not "what can I cut?" but something far more freeing) 💜 What radical gratitude actually means—and why it's the only thing powerful enough to counter the suffering we all experience in motherhood If you've been running on empty, if the mental and emotional load feels crushing, or if you're wondering how to keep showing up when everything feels so hard, this conversation will meet you right where you are. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: My Declutter Your Motherhood audio course walks you through the exact process I use to release the "shoulds" that don't fit me anymore and make room for what actually brings me joy. Related Episodes: 468: Stop the Runaway Train: How to Get Back to What Actually Matters 412: How to Overcome Overwhelm 401: How Radical Gratitude Can Change Your Life // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. Laundry Sauce: For a limited time only, our listeners get 20% off your entire order when you use code 3in30 at LaundrySauce.com. Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Right now I am definitely feeling the pull to simplify things in my life. I even said to my husband the other day, "I feel a bit like I'm on a runaway train!" Luckily, it's not the first time I've felt this way. I now know that this happens sometimes and life will suddenly accelerate faster than I intended. But here's what I've learned: I'm not actually on a runaway train. I can choose to get off. The harder question is how—and that's exactly what this episode is about. As I take a break from new episodes this month in an effort to get off the train, it was important to me to re-air this episode that essentially taught me how to figure out what actually needs my energy—and what doesn't. It's based on Greg McKeown's book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg's work has been part of my mental bookshelf for a decade, and these lessons about becoming an essentialist help me recalibrate whenever I need them. In this episode, you'll learn: 🚂 Why the word "priority" was originally singular (and stayed that way for 500 years)—and what that means for how we should be living our lives 🚂 The question Greg McKeown asks himself when he's overwhelmed in a hotel room at midnight that helps him figure out what actually matters right now 🚂 How to stop diffusing your energy in a million directions and start making real progress in the areas that matter most For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: I'm taking a break from airing new episodes during February so I can rest and honor the needs of my body, mind, and spirit. I'm practicing what I preach by sanctifying my soul care this month, and I hope these encore episodes inspire you to do the same. This episode beautifully supports the fourth principle of the Self-Assured Motherhood Framework: Sanctify Your Soul Care. Related Episodes: 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters 441: The 4 Types of Self-Care Every Mom Needs // Mia Hemstad 412: How to Overcome Overwhelm Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. Wildgrain: Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box—PLUS free Croissants for life—when you go to Wildgrain.com/3IN30 to start your subscription today. AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3IN30 to get up to $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

It's easy to notice when your marriage feels disconnected, but it's much harder to know what to actually do about it. And it's even harder to look at your own part in the dynamic instead of just wishing your partner would change. This Valentine's Week, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a relationship and sexuality coach whose work has profoundly impacted my own marriage. In this encore episode, she shares three concrete, actionable things we can do right now to become better partners and strengthen our marriages. In this episode, you'll learn: 💜 The one quality Dr. Jennifer looks for in a great partner (most of us avoid it, but it's what makes marriages actually work) 💜 Why how you handle disappointment matters more than compatibility 💜 What's really behind sexual disconnection—and it's not lack of desire Dr. Jennifer has a gift for helping us see our blind spots without shame, and this conversation gave me concrete things I could actually do instead of just wishing things were different. While this episode won't hand you a perfect marriage, it will show you how to stop waiting for your spouse to change and start working on what you can actually control. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Dr. Jennifer's book That We Might Have Joy: Desire, Divinity and Intimate Love is now available. I listened to it on audio and then immediately ordered the paperback so I could mark it up. Grab it here. I've created an entire playlist of relationship-focused episodes. Access it here. Related Episodes: 342: Communicating to your Partner that Things Need to Change // Eli Harwood 222: How to Repair after a Fight with your Partner // Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman 223: Sex and Motherhood // Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. First Day: For a limited time only, our listeners are getting an insane deal. Use code 3IN30 to get up to 57% Off at First Day dot com. That's up to 57% Off and a Free Gift with code 3IN30 at FirstDay.com. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Six weeks before I recorded this episode, I woke up early with my heart pounding so hard I couldn't ignore it. The house was dark, everything was quiet, and as I lay there thinking about the medication I was on, the surgeries I'd been through, the pace I'd been keeping, this thought came to me so clearly: This is my life. No one is going to fix this for me. I am the one who has to change this. I was dealing with chronic health issues, and my body was forcing me to confront some hard truths about how I was living. That morning, I realized I couldn't keep pushing through and ignoring what my body was trying to tell me. So I did something that terrified me—I took a full month off from my podcast even though I had 40 people waiting to be guests.That was back in 2019, and I'm re-airing this episode now because I'm taking my own advice again. This time it's different—my health issues from 2019 have resolved, and I'm not in crisis mode. I'm pausing this February simply because I need space to breathe, think, and recalibrate. I'm not waiting for the summer chaos or for things to fall apart. I'm choosing rest before I need it desperately, and I want you to know that you can do the same. In this episode, you'll learn: 🧘🏽‍♀️ Why waiting for the "right time" to rest might be the very thing keeping you stuck 🧘🏽‍♀️ The one realization that shifted everything about how I approach my responsibilities (hint: it starts with "I could...") 🧘🏽‍♀️ The three practical steps to taking a pause that actually restores you instead of just adding to your guilt If you've been running on empty and telling yourself you'll rest later, this episode is your permission slip. You don't have to wait for a breakdown to take a break. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Need help figuring out what actually needs to stay in your life and what you can let go? My Motherhood Decluttered course helps you clear the mental and emotional clutter so you can focus on what truly matters. Learn more by clicking on the link. Related Episodes: 441: The 4 Types of Self-Care Every Mom Needs // Mia Hemstad 437: Boundaries and Emotional Resilience in Motherhood // Dr. Jen Riday 320: Making Space for Self-Care: It Might Not Be As Hard As You Think // Dr. Nicole Sparks Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. Hand Lettered Design: You can get 10% off your order at Hand Lettered Design with the code Rachel10 at checkout. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

If you have a strong-willed child, you know how much energy they require—and if you have other kids too, you've probably wondered what this dynamic is doing to their siblings. Are they getting lost in the shuffle? Will they resent their brother or sister? Will they resent you? Many parents worry that their quieter child is fading into the background while the spicy one commands all the attention. And even though you're doing your best, it's hard to know how to protect all your kids when one requires so much more support. In this week's episode, I talked with Mary Van Geffen, author of the brand new book Parenting A Spicy One: Raising a Strong-Willed Child Without Breaking Their Spirit or Yours. Mary brings both personal experience as a former spicy child herself and professional expertise as a parenting educator, and she teaches us how to navigate sibling relationships in a way that protects everyone—including the child you might not realize needs protecting. In this episode, you'll learn: 🌶️ Why your "easy" child might be protecting you from their own needs (and what that quietly costs them as they grow up) 🌶️ What your spicy child secretly believes about themselves and their "perfect" sibling—and how it's hurting them both 🌶️ The Home Alone truth about strong-willed kids that changes everything (yes, Kevin McCallister is a spicy one, and we can learn from him) Whether you have a spicy child or not, this conversation will shift how you think about sibling conflict and what it actually takes to protect the relationships between your kids. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: If you're raising a spicy child and want help finding the joy in those big personalities, the Flecks of Gold Journal helps you notice and celebrate what's going right—even on the hard days. Use code 3in30 for 10% off! Related Episodes: 440: How to Parent Strong-Willed Children Without Breaking Their Spirit // Mary Van Geffen 452: You Yelled... Now What? How to Repair and Reconnect // Devon Kuntzman 332: How to Delight in Your Difficult Child Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. Laundry Sauce: For a limited time only, my listeners get 20% off your entire order when you use code 3in30 at LaundrySauce.com. Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

I stood at the stove the other night, and in the span of ten minutes, I was asked where the charger was, where the batteries are kept, and where the headphones went. And I thought, why am I the only person in this house who knows where anything is? It's not that my kids are incapable. It's that my home isn't set up in a way that lets them help themselves. Everything requires me—finding things, remembering where things are kept, managing everyone's ability to function in our space. And that is exhausting. But what if your home could actually lighten your load instead of adding to it? What if the setup of your space could reduce the friction, the yelling, the constant need for you to be the only one who knows where things are? That's what today's conversation is about—thinking of your home as your parenting partner. In this episode, you'll learn: 🏡 Why your home might be working against you (and the small shifts that help it work with you instead) 🏡 The one question to ask during a meltdown that changes everything 🏡 How to identify the hotspot in your home that's draining your energy most (and what to do about it!)If you're heading into this new year wanting to lighten your mental load just a little bit, this episode is a great place to start. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Motherhood Decluttered: Today is the last day to get my Motherhood Decluttered audio course for $50 off with code MOREJOY. Get it today for $47 and revisit it anytime to help you lighten your mental load any time you shift into a new season. Learn more at 3in30podcast.com/declutter. Jan's Interactive Quiz: Download the free checklist, “101-Point Home Stress Diagnostic.” It’s packed with simple, practical shifts moms can start using right away to make their homes work with them instead of against them. Related Episodes: 411: Decluttering That Sticks: 3 Mindset Changes for Lasting Impact // Erica Layne 268: More Peace, Less Frustration: The Power of Family Systems // Susie Salinas 351: Is Your Messy House Getting You Down? // Carly Thornock Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. AirDoctorPro: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3IN30 to get up to $300 off. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. HungryRoot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/3IN30 and use code 3IN30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

I recently sat down to reflect on 2025, and I was honestly shocked by how much lighter my life feels now compared to just a few years ago. I'm not talking about having less to do. I'm talking about releasing the weight of expectations that never fit me in the first place. The guilt over my son's screen time, the pressure to have my spiritual life look a certain way, the belief that I had to maximize my income at all costs. When I started letting those shoulds go, something beautiful happened—I made room for so much more joy. In this episode, I'm sharing specific examples of how I decluttered my motherhood in 2025 and what shifted when I gave myself permission to stop performing and start living. You'll also hear the first lesson from my Motherhood Decluttered audio course, which walks you through the process I used to create this kind of lightness and freedom in my own life. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ The exact shoulds I released in 2025 (and the joy I found when I let them go) ✨ How decluttering your internal "motherhood closet" creates space for what actually matters to you ✨ Why letting go of heavy expectations isn't about doing less but about making room for more of what brings you aliveIf you've been carrying shoulds that don't fit you anymore, this episode will help you see that you don't have to become a "better" mom in 2026. You just need to become a less burdened one. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Motherhood Decluttered: My Motherhood Decluttered audio course is $50 off through January 19th with code MOREJOY. Get it today for $47 and revisit it anytime you shift into a new season. Learn more at 3in30podcast.com/declutter.Flecks of Gold: Today is the last day of the Flecks of Gold New Year's Sale! Get 10% off with code NEWYEAR. Related Episodes: 214: Simple Tips to Create New Habits in the New Year // BJ Fogg 411: Decluttering That Sticks: 3 Mindset Changes for Lasting Impact // Erica Layne 462: 3 Questions for the New Year Episode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. Wildgrain: Right now, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box—PLUS free Croissants for life—when you go to Wildgrain.com/3IN30 to start your subscription today. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

A few years ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop feeling completely overwhelmed by all the things I thought I should be doing better—as a mom, as a wife, in my work, in every area of my life. My brain was foggy, my to-do list felt impossible, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was failing at everything. So I grabbed a pen and started writing—and three questions emerged that helped me cut through the noise and get clear on what I truly valued, not what everyone else expected of me. In this episode, I'm re-airing that original conversation from January 2022, and then coming back at the end to share what's happened since—what worked, what didn't, and how I'm answering those same questions for 2026. This isn't about pressure or perfection. It's about growing in ways that align with YOUR values. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why you might be chasing growth without ever feeling successful—and how to fix that ✨ The uncomfortable question that instantly clarifies what truly matters to you ✨ How one small habit shift can create a ripple effect across your entire lifeIf you've been feeling like everyone else got a head start on 2026 except you, I hope this conversation reminds you that the right questions matter more than the perfect goals. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Motherhood Decluttered Sale! My Motherhood Decluttered course is $50 off through January 19th with code MOREJOY. New Years Reflections Worksheet: If you want a worksheet to go through these three questions for yourself, I created one for you. Print it off, grab a cozy drink, and spend 20 minutes getting clear on what you actually want this year, not what you think you're supposed to want. Flecks of Gold: Shop our Flecks of Gold New Year's Sale! Get 10% off with code NEWYEAR through Jan 12! Related Episodes: 410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina 011: Setting Goals without Sacrificing Sanity // Monica Packer of About Progress 214: Simple Tips to Create New Habits in the New Year // BJ FoggEpisode Sponsors: Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/3IN30. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/3IN30 and use code 3IN30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course *** 00:00:00 Intro 08:17:00 One: What Small Habit? 11:44:00 Two: What Is Success? 17:40:00 Three: What If Only 3 Years? 27:59:26 Summary

It's mid-December, everyone's running on fumes, and your child just screamed "I hate you." And even though you know it's the exhaustion talking, it still stings because you're killing yourself to make the holidays special, and this is what you get in return. The truth is, the holidays amplify everything: the excitement, the overstimulation, the meltdowns, and yes, the hurtful words our kids don't fully understand yet. But here's what I've learned after years of navigating big emotions with my own strong-willed kids: how we respond in these moments matters more than we think, and there are ways to handle it that actually strengthen our relationship with them instead of damaging it. This is an encore episode from March 2023, and I'm bringing it back because this message feels especially timely right now. I'm sharing audio from an Instagram Live I recorded about an experience with my son six years ago, and then I'll walk you through three things I've learned about what to do when your child says they hate you or uses other big, hurtful words that land like a punch. In this episode, you'll discover: 🎄 Why your instinct to "show them who's boss" in the heat of the moment actually backfires 🎄 The one-word response that validates your child's big feelings while protecting your own heart 🎄 How to know if your child needs outside support beyond what you can provide at home If your child has said "I hate you" to you this December, I want you to know you're not failing, and there is a way through this that brings you closer together instead of further apart. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Start 2026 with more connection and less guilt. The Flecks of Gold Journal gives you a simple way to notice the good in your child in just a few minutes a day. Grab yours before the year ends. 💜 Related Episodes: 452: How to Repair with Your Child After Yelling // Devon Kuntzman 232: Minimizing Power Struggles // Denaye Barahona 030: How to Coach Your Children through Big Emotions // Georgia Anderson 004: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids // Ralphie Jacobs of Simply on Purpose Episode Sponsors: AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3IN30 to get up to $300 off. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course *** 00:00:00 Introduction 03:02:00 The Story 18:46:00 One: Be the Adult 21:39:00 Two: Validate the Emotions 25:37:00 Three: Get Outside Support 29:20:05 Summary

As the days get shorter and the cold settles in, I can feel the pull to just hunker down and survive until spring, and I have to consciously choose not to give in to it. Maybe your winter is the literal season, the dark mornings and the gray stretches that feel endless. Or maybe your winter looks different—a season of grief, a transition you didn't choose, something in your life that just feels stuck and heavy and long. Either way, we've been taught to brace ourselves and push through hard seasons, to just survive until things get better. But what if there's a different way? What if the struggle isn't really about what's happening around us, but about how we've learned to relate to it? This week, I'm talking with Jamie from Rise Meditate, who spent years dreading winter and has now developed a beautiful framework for working with hard seasons instead of just enduring them. In this episode, you'll hear: ❄️ Why your winter struggle might have nothing to do with the actual weather (and everything to do with the stories you're carrying) ❄️ The study that proved fear can be passed down for 14 generations and what that means for your nervous system ❄️ What happened when Jamie finally stepped outside after years of avoiding winter (and why it felt like escaping from prison) I know winters—whether they're the actual weather or the seasons of life that feel impossible to get through—can be so hard. If even one thing from this conversation helps you feel a little less stuck or a little more empowered, that matters. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📔 Today is the last day to order the Flecks of Gold Journal and receive it before Christmas! This simple gratitude practice helps you notice and name the small, beautiful moments with your kids every day—and it's incredibly supportive of your mental health, especially during the "winters" of our lives. Order before midnight tonight at 3in30podcast.com/gold. Related Episodes: 414: Feeling Low Right Now? 3 Tools to Help You Cope // Sarah McKenna 406: Navigating Holiday Melancholy // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi How to Support a Friend during the Holidays who has Lost a Loved One // Rachel Gainer Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Right now, get $30 off the 15-inch Calendar at MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. Hand-Lettered Design: If you're looking for the perfect gift for a child or woman in your life who likes art or creativity, this is it. You can get 10% off your order at Hand Lettered Design with the code Rachel10. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

It's December, and if you've been feeling like you're running on fumes, snapping at your kids over the smallest things, or desperately craving a dark room where nobody needs anything from you—you're not the only one! The holidays bring so much beauty and connection, but they also bring overstimulation, dysregulation, and that version of ourselves we don't always recognize. The one who gets sarcastic and snippy when our partner walks in and asks what's for dinner. The one who hates everyone around us by 5 PM, even though we love them deeply. This week, I'm joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., CEO and founder of Seed & Sew, globally recognized expert in emotional development, and author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and her newest book, Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, which just came out. Alyssa is here to help us understand what's actually happening in our bodies when we get overwhelmed—and more importantly, what we can do about it. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎄 Why I threw a waffle across the room one morning a couple of years ago, and what I learned about myself and nervous system dysregulation in the aftermath 🎄 Why regulating your nervous system isn't about "thinking your way out of it" 🎄 Five practical, accessible strategies you can use right now to stay regulated This conversation is exactly what I needed heading into December. Because when we understand our nervous systems and give ourselves the tools to regulate, we start showing up as the moms we actually want to be. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Take Alyssa's free sensory regulation questionnaire at seedquiz.com to discover what drains you, what recharges you, and how to support your nervous system this holiday season. ✨ Today is the last day of our Slow-vember Sale where Flecks of Gold is $5 off! This journal is designed to help you savor the small, sacred moments of motherhood and find beauty in the everyday chaos. Related Episodes: 449: 3 Simple Strategies to Prevent After-School Meltdowns // Alyssa Blask Campbell 405: 3 Tips to Manage Your Mental Load During the Holidays // 3 in 30 Team 325: How to have Less-Stressful, More Meaningful Holidays // Desirae Endres from Minimal-ish Sponsors: Hand-Lettered Design: If you're looking for the perfect gift for a child or woman in your life who likes art or creativity, this is it. You can get 10% off your order at Hand Lettered Design with the code Rachel10. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

You know that sting in your chest when one of your kids says "I hate you" or slams their door in anger? Every instinct in you wants to smooth it over, to fix it, to make them not be mad at you anymore. But what if your discomfort with their anger is actually getting in the way of the connection you're trying to build? In this episode, I'm talking with my longtime friend Eli Harwood, known online as Attachment Nerd. She's a licensed therapist, attachment expert, and bestselling author who earned secure attachment in her own life after a difficult childhood. Eli shares three simple phrases her mom said to her that helped heal their relationship and build trust between them—phrases any of us can start using today. In this episode, you'll learn: 💜 Why Eli's mom had to convince herself it was okay for Eli to be mad at her 💜 The difference between "right side up" and "upside down" parenting 💜 What Eli thinks about adult children cutting off their parents—and why nobody does this lightly Even if you didn't grow up with secure attachment modeled for you, even if you've made mistakes, you can start building that bond with your kids today. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Want to start noticing the good in your motherhood? The Flecks of Gold Journal is a simple one-line-a-day practice that helps you see your kids and your life differently. Grab yours here—it's the perfect gift for yourself or another mom this holiday season. Related Episodes: 387: Why Calming Yourself Helps Calm Your Child // Eli Harwood, MA, LPC 386: Raising Securely Attached Kids // Eli Harwood, MA, LPC 367: 3 Ways to Create Lasting Bonds with Your Kids // Mike Westover (Rachel's Dad!) Episode Sponsors: Factor: Eat smart at FactorMeals dot com SLASH 3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

You know that feeling when you're completely tapped out—when you can't give one more ounce of yourself to anyone, including you? That's not just exhaustion. That's burnout. And it doesn't mean you're failing at motherhood. This week is Thanksgiving 🦃, and for many of us, that means facing all the "lions"—family dynamics, cooking timelines, travel stress, and that never-ending holiday mental load. But here's the thing: your body doesn't know the difference between being chased by a lion and planning Thanksgiving dinner. And that matters more than you think. When I was a mom of young kids, I was deep in burnout—new baby who wouldn't stop crying, a husband working endless resident hours, and grief I hadn't processed from losing my own mom. I felt like the fire inside me had completely gone out. But I learned something powerful: recovering from burnout isn't about powering through or getting more sleep. It's about rekindling your fire in your body, your mind, and your spirit. In this encore episode (one of my all-time favorites), I'm sharing three science-backed strategies that helped me climb out of depletion mode—and that I still use today when I feel myself slipping. Even if you're not fully burned out right now, these tools will help you notice when you're heading in that direction and course-correct before you're running on empty. In this episode you'll learn: 🏃‍♀️ Why you hold onto every hard moment but forget the good ones by bedtime—and how to fix it 🧠 What Thanksgiving dinner planning and being chased by a lion have in common (spoiler: your nervous system can't tell the difference) 💓 The physical things your body needs to believe it's safe (because telling yourself to relax doesn't work!) Free worksheet! Download the Recovering from Mom Burnout worksheet with reflection prompts at 3in30podcast.com/recover For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Slow-vember Reminder! Find calm in the chaos with our Flecks of Gold Journal—on sale now for $5 off through December 8 at 3in30podcast.com/flecks. A quick daily note of gratitude might just be the simplest soul-care practice you add this season. 💜 Related Episodes: 441: The 4 Types of Self-Care Every Mom Needs // Mia Hemstad 413: What to Do When You’re Juggling Too Much // Amy Wilson 398: How to Plan for an Energizing (not Exhausting) Holiday Season // Dr. Amber Price Episode Sponsors: AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up to $300 off today! It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free 3-year warranty—an $84 value Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Managing ADHD during the holidays takes more than willpower—it takes understanding your brain and planning around it with compassion. When I started researching ADHD to help one of my kids, I didn’t expect to discover that I had it too. But learning how my brain works has changed everything about how I approach motherhood, especially during the busiest season of the year. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Marie Hann, author of Master the Mundane, to talk about how ADHD shows up in motherhood and how we can create calmer, more intentional rhythms through the chaos of the holidays. Amy’s wisdom helped me see my brain with more grace and gave me tools to protect my energy instead of pushing past my limits. Even if you don’t have ADHD, this conversation will help you navigate the mental load of motherhood with more clarity, calm, and self-kindness. In this episode you’ll learn: 🧠 How to recognize when you’ve slipped into “depletion mode” — and what to do to climb out of it. 🧠 How to build a holiday season that fits your brain’s actual capacity (not everyone else’s). 🧠 Why rest and creativity are non-negotiable if you want to avoid ADHD burnout. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Slow-vember Reminder! Find calm in the chaos with our Flecks of Gold Journal—on sale now for $5 off through December 8 at 3in30podcast.com/flecks. A quick daily note of gratitude might just be the simplest soul-care practice you add this season. 💜 Related Episodes: 403: Brain Science Simplified: How to Be a More Effective Parent // Dr. Dan Siegel 391: Parenting a Child with ADHD: How to Stay Calm and Connected // Rachel on The Childhood Collective 323: Parenting with ADHD // Alex Gilbert Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Cure Hydration: For 3 in 30 listeners, you can get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/3in30 with code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

When I think about the kind of parent I want to be, I often think about my dad—steady, grounding, and always there. His quiet consistency has shaped so much of how I show up for my own children. And that’s why Glen Henry’s new book, Father Yourself First: Everything You Need to Become the Father Your Family Deserves, caught my attention. Even though Glen wrote this book for fathers, the message is one every parent needs: to be a steady presence for our children, we first have to become our own source of stability. This conversation will help you see your partner—and yourself—with more empathy. It’s an honest, funny look at what happens when we slow down, let each other learn, and create a home where everyone is growing. Plus, you’ll also hear: 💜 Why I couldn’t stop laughing when Ryan pointed out that every light in the house was on. 💜 How inviting others to see your family’s real life can be one of the most meaningful ways to lead. 💜 What weight-lifting has to do with empathy—and why partnership in parenting might take more muscle than you think. Listen in for wisdom, warmth, and a few good laughs as Glen shares what it really means to “father yourself first.” For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Our annual Slow-vember Sale is happening now! Get $5 off all Flecks of Gold Journals—including the new camel leather edition (it’s absolutely gorgeous!)—through December 15. Slow down, savor the season, and notice the good in your motherhood. Related Episodes: 367: 3 Ways to Create Lasting Bonds with Your Kids // Mike Westover (Rachel’s Dad!) 365: Intentional Fatherhood // Tal Eyre 153: How to Actually Hear Your Spouse // Yvette and Glen Henry Episode Sponsors: Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

The holidays often bring equal parts joy and exhaustion. Between school programs, family gatherings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re giving everything you have...but still falling short of the calm and connection you crave. In this episode, psychotherapist and best-selling author Niro Feliciano shares three practical takeaways from her new book All Is Calm-ish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays. She offers gentle, research-backed tools to help you care for yourself and your family without burning out in the process. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎄 The surprising way to set the tone for your home for a calmer, happier holiday 🎄 The 5-word boundary phrase every mom needs in her back pocket 🎄 A two-minute mental reset for when the holidays feel like too much This conversation is your invitation to create a holiday that’s not perfect—but calm-ish, connected, and true to what matters most. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📣 During our Slow-vember Sale, get $5 off every Flecks of Gold journal—including the new camel vegan leather edition—at 3in30podcast.com/flecks. Because peace doesn’t come from doing more (it comes from noticing more!) Related Episodes: 406: Navigating Holiday Melancholy // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi 405: 3 Tips to Manage Your Mental Load During the Holidays // 3 in 30 Team 325: How to have Less-Stressful, More Meaningful Holidays // Desirae Endres from Minimal-ish Episode Sponsors: 💜 Motherhood Decluttered: Right now, get $30 off with code PODCAST, plus you’ll also get a free Buddy Pass to gift a friend so you can go through it together—but only through the end of the year. Find it at 3in30podcast.com/declutter. 💜 Factor: Eat smart at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

With the holidays coming up, many moms wish they could visit family or plan a getaway—but the price of flights makes it feel impossible. That’s why I’m re-airing this popular episode with Amber Paul from Amber on Points, who teaches families how to travel for free (or almost free) using credit card points. A year after recording this, I’ve now been practicing what Amber teaches—and it’s truly changed what’s possible for our family. We earned about $12,000 in free travel this year, and my credit score has continued to go up. I know it sounds too good to be true, (that’s exactly what I thought at first!), but it’s real—and it’s absolutely worth learning. In this encore episode, you’ll learn: ✈️ Why opening multiple credit cards (responsibly!) can actually improve your credit score ✈️ How to use welcome offers strategically to earn far more points from the spending you already do ✈️ Why you might qualify for a business card even if you’re just side-gigging A quick note: conversations about money and credit can bring up a lot of feelings. Wherever you are in your financial journey, this episode is meant to spark possibility—not pressure. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Grab the free companion guide (with Amber’s favorite starter cards) and sign up for our live Q&A with Amber on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 by clicking here! Related Episodes: 369: How to Teach Your Kids about Money // Abby Chipman 430: Plan Meaningful Family Travel Without the Stress // Meggie Busath 431: 3 Road Trip Hacks for Traveling with Kids // Brittney Hanks Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up to $300 off today! It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

We all lose our temper sometimes. That’s part of being human—and part of being a mom. But what happens next matters most. Because repair, not perfection, is what builds real trust with our kids. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Devon Kuntzman from Transforming Toddlerhood to talk about one of the most healing and hopeful skills a parent can learn: how to reconnect after those hard moments. Devon shares a simple, four-step framework for circling back after we’ve yelled or overreacted—so instead of getting stuck in guilt, we can model accountability, empathy, and growth. Even though Devon primarily teaches parents of toddlers, this conversation applies beautifully to kids of all ages (trust me—my teen and tween are proof!). In this episode, you’ll learn: 💜 The one phrase that instantly shifts your apology from surface-level to deeply connecting 💜 Why skipping this often-forgotten step in your apology can actually keep your child from trusting you fully 💜 A powerful, brain-based reason to “redo” the moment—and how this single practice can help you yell less over time You’ll walk away with words you can use, steps you can remember, and a renewed sense of grace for yourself as a beautifully human mom. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ☀️ Want to feel lighter in your motherhood? My mini course Motherhood Decluttered will help you simplify what’s weighing you down and reconnect with what really matters. For a limited time, your purchase includes a buddy pass so you can go through the course with a friend. Related Episodes: 004: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids // Ralphie Jacobs of Simply on Purpose 423: How to Parent a Strong-Willed Child Without Losing Your Mind // Kirk Martin 440: Tools for Parenting a “Spicy” Child // Mary Van Geffen Episode Sponsors: Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS Factor Meals: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off for 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Get delicious, ready-to-eat meals delivered—with Factor. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

This week marks the 8th birthday of 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms 🎉, and I wanted to celebrate it in a way that feels true to the heart of this community. Instead of looking back at download numbers or milestones, I invited someone who has quietly shaped nearly every part of this podcast behind the scenes for the past seven years: my dear friend and teammate, Molly Alexander. Recently, Molly made the bittersweet decision to step away from her role to pursue a new chapter, and it felt only right to honor her by sharing her voice here with you. As part of our conversation, she reflects on the three lessons that have shaped her most deeply during her years with 3 in 30—insights that continue to guide her motherhood and her life today. She talks about the surprising math equation that reframed how she approaches depression, the freedom she’s found in releasing old expectations of the kind of mom she “should” be, and the joy of moving beyond surface-level friendliness into real, honest friendship. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the story of 3 in 30 and a heartfelt reminder that growth often comes when we give ourselves permission to change, to soften, and to connect more authentically with others. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: In the episode, Molly references some things she learned while going through my Motherhood Decluttered Course (previously known as Declutter Your Motherhood). Click here to take the course yourself! Related Episodes: 079: How to Be a Friend Instead of Just Being Friendly // Brooke Romney 218: How can I enjoy having little kids close in age?// Molly Alexander 300: Coping with Illness or Pain as a Mom // Becky and Candace Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Cure Hydration: For 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Just go to curehydration.com/3in30 and use code 3in30 at checkout. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever caught yourself second-guessing something as small as what to make for dinner or as big as how to respond to a struggling child and felt completely paralyzed? As moms, we make thousands of decisions every day, and it’s easy to lose confidence in our ability to choose well, especially when we’re weighed down by “shoulds” from outside voices. In today's episode, I’m joined by Jessica Frew, a decision coach who helps women rebuild trust in themselves and make choices that feel aligned with their true values. Jessica has lived through some incredibly complex circumstances (tune in to learn more! 😘). Out of those experiences, she created her Be.Be.Be. Decision-Making Formula a simple framework that can guide us all to make bolder, more confident decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🫶 Why so many of us were first taught not to trust ourselves—and how to rebuild that trust as adults 🫶 A simple mindset shift that can instantly loosen the grip of guilt and judgment in your everyday life 🫶 How to know when you’re making decisions out of alignment—and the surprising signs that show up in your relationships when you are If you’ve been feeling stuck or second-guessing yourself lately, I think this conversation will give you both the encouragement and the tools to move forward with confidence. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 👭 Motherhood Decluttered Buddy Pass! I would love to invite you to enroll in my brief but impactful audio course. For a limited time, it comes with a free buddy pass so you can do it with a friend, two for one. You can go to 3in30podcast.com/declutter to get signed up and use the code podcast to get 20% off. Related Episodes: 435: How to Make Decisions Without Overthinking // Kendra Adachi of The Lazy Genius 349: Overcoming Decision Fatigue through Reflection // Emily P. Freeman 410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina Episode Sponsors: KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you noticed that since school started, your afternoons feel more chaotic? Maybe your child walks in the door, drops their backpack, and bursts into tears—or lashes out over the smallest thing. It can leave you wondering if something is wrong with them…or with you. The truth is, what you’re seeing is incredibly common. In fact, there’s even a name for it: restraint collapse. After holding it together all day at school, kids often come home to the one place where they feel safe enough to release all the emotions they’ve been bottling up. And while it can be overwhelming to parent through these meltdowns, there are simple, practical ways to help them regulate and recharge. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, an educator, researcher, and founder of Seed & Sew. Alyssa explains why after-school meltdowns are so common and offers doable strategies you can put into place right away to help your afternoons feel calmer and more connected. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 🍎 The surprising brain-based reason why kids save their biggest meltdowns for home (and why it’s actually a sign of safety) 🍎 Two types of movement that recharge your child’s “battery” and keep afternoons from spiraling into chaos 🍎 A quick connection ritual that takes just 10 minutes but dramatically reduces sibling squabbles and attention-seeking behaviors Whether your child’s after-school crankiness shows up as slammed doors, snappy remarks, or full-blown tears, Alyssa’s insights will help you create calmer, smoother evenings for the whole family. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 192: The Hidden Reason for Misbehavior (in kids AND parents!) // Wendy Bertagnole 306: Creating Back-to-School Routines for a Smooth Transition // Mika Perry 357: Tips for Staying Calm During Your Big Kid’s Big Meltdowns // Cheryl Cardall Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to myskylight.com/TAKEAWAYS BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Do the ups and downs of parenting ever feel like a solo sport? You may have friends who love you, but when it comes to really opening up about your struggles and growth as a mother, do you feel like you have teammates—women who are working toward similar goals and cheering you on as you become the truest version of yourself? In this episode, I’m sharing the voices of three moms from my Self-Assured Motherhood (SAM) program who describe how being part of this community has changed their lives. Their stories highlight the power of having a team in motherhood—mothers who are growing together, practicing new skills together, and reminding each other that none of us has to do this alone. In this conversation, you’ll hear: 💜 Christine’s story of how SAM helped her move from reactivity to repair—and the heartfelt note her daughter wrote that showed the difference 💜 Patty’s transformation from numbing “escape” habits to soul-care that actually restores her, and how that shifted her daughter’s trust in her 💜 Shelby’s growth over four years in SAM, from quiet participant to community leader, and how she learned to steady her thoughts instead of catastrophizing If you’ve ever longed for teammates in your motherhood journey, I hope you’ll see yourself in these women’s stories, and I hope you're join us in SAM! For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📣 Enrollment for the Self-Assured Motherhood program closes tonight at midnight (Monday, September 22, 2025), and then it won’t open again for an entire year!!!! We begin next week, and I would love for you to join us. Go to 3in30podcast.com/sam to sign up, and if you have questions, please reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Related Episodes: 315: A Word from our SAM Sisters 389: I’m a Seasoned Mom. Is SAM for me? // Wanda Opitz, SAM Alumni 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters Episode Sponsors: AirDoctor Pro: Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up to $300 off today. Air Doctor comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free three year warranty, an $84 value. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever noticed that some of the parents in Disney movies…aren’t exactly the best role models? They love their kids deeply, but their fears, expectations, and blind spots often get in the way of connection. As I rewatched a few of these classics recently, I couldn’t help but think, "These parents could really use the Self-Assured Motherhood program!" In this episode, I’m sharing three SAM principles through the lens of Disney families—because studying cartoon characters makes everything more fun (and surprisingly relatable!): 🌊 Moana and the importance of Voicing Your Values—so family conflict becomes easier to navigate ☃️ Frozen and how to Support Their Struggles—instead of trying to “fix” everything for our kids 🐻 Brave and why we need to Gather the Good—to shift our focus from nagging to noticing strengths For full show notes, including takeaways, click ⁠here⁠. *** Announcements: 🧐 Don’t forget: the week this episode is released, I’m also offering my free masterclass: How to Lighten the Mental Load of Motherhood. You’ll leave with simple, practical tools to make your daily life feel lighter. 🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away a free Skylight Calendar to someone who shows up live at each class! You can sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! 🎉 Enrollment for Self-Assured Motherhood (SAM) is officially open! This live 6-month program will guide you step by step through the SAM6 framework, giving you tools to feel clearer about your values, more confident in your choices, and more steady in the ups and downs of motherhood. Doors only open once a year and will close on September 22, 2025! 👉Learn more or sign up at 3in30podcast.com/sam. Related Episodes: 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters 389: I’m a Seasoned Mom. Is SAM for me? // Wanda Opitz, SAM Alumni 316: Considering the SAM Program? You MUST listen to this. Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever been told that your perfectionism is a problem? Maybe you’ve felt like it’s the reason you’re stressed, restless, or never satisfied with yourself. But what if perfectionism isn’t actually the enemy? What if it’s a form of power that, when channeled with compassion, can actually bring you more joy and meaning? In this episode, I’m joined by Katherine Morgan Schafler, a psychotherapist and the author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control. Katherine offers a refreshing perspective: perfectionism doesn’t need to be “fixed” or hidden—it can be embraced and redirected in healthier, more adaptive ways. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 💜 The hidden difference between an idealist and a perfectionist—and why the distinction matters for how you show up in your daily life. 💜 A simple, practical exercise to clarify your values in this season of life, and why naming the values you won’t focus on is just as important 💜 Why so many “helpful” mantras for moms miss the mark—and how to reframe them in a way that feels empowering instead of dismissive. Whether you’ve always identified as a perfectionist or you’re simply curious about new ways to frame personal growth, Katherine’s insights will encourage you to rethink your tendencies with kindness and clarity. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: You're invited to my FREE Masterclass How to Lighten the Mental Load of Motherhood on September 10, 12, or 16. Using the Self-Assured Motherhood framework (the SAM6) I'll give you tools and perspective shifts to help you carry the load with more steadiness, clarity, and peace. 🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away one free Skylight Calendar at each class to someone in attendance! You can sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! Related Episodes: 267: How to Stop Procrastinating in the New Year // Monica Packer 413: What to Do When You’re Juggling Too Much // Amy Wilson 421: Overwhelmed with Housework? You’re not alone. // KC Davis Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Go to skylightcal.com/TAKEAWAYS for $30 off your 15 inch Calendar. Skylight also offers a guarantee—if in 120 days you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund. No questions asked. Factor: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. (Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase.) Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Many moms hesitate to set boundaries because they don’t want to seem selfish or unkind. But what if boundaries are actually one of the most compassionate things you can offer to yourself and to the people you love? In this special episode, I’m sharing an interview I did with JoAnn Crohn of the No Guilt Mom Podcast for her Happy Mom Summit. JoAnn graciously gave permission for me to re-air our conversation here, and I can’t wait for you to listen. Together, we dive into: 🫶 Why boundaries are actually acts of love, not selfishness 🫶 How to articulate your boundaries in a way that is clear and kind 🫶 What to do when others push back, and how holding your boundaries can strengthen trust in your relationships If you’ve ever struggled with resentment, exhaustion, or guilt when trying to meet everyone’s needs, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement to start setting boundaries that feel aligned and compassionate. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Sign up for my FREE Masterclass: How to Lighten Your Mental Load. Setting clear boundaries is one way to significantly lighten your mental load as a mom, and I'm going to teach you several others in this free zoom class to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more in control! Related Episodes: 437: Boundaries and Emotional Resilience in Motherhood // Dr. Jen Riday 379: Principle #4 // Bolster Your Boundaries [The SAM Framework] 413: What to Do When You’re Juggling Too Much // Amy Wilson Episode Sponsors: goPure Beauty: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code 3in30 at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com, use code 3in30, and you’re all set. And after you buy, do us a favor—when they ask where you heard about goPure, tell them it was from our show! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to stick to goals that matter to you, but you can follow through easily when someone else is counting on you? Or why one of your children seems to resist every rule, while another lives for structure and routine? This week’s guest, Sarah Joslin, walks us through a personality framework that has the power to transform the way we see ourselves and our kids. Based on The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin, this simple but powerful model explains how we each respond to expectations—and how we can use that understanding to build better routines, boundaries, and relationships in our homes. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🫶 How understanding your own patterns can help you stop self-sabotaging and start making aligned choices 🫶 What might be happening beneath the surface when your child resists your requests or breaks down over structure 🫶 The surprising reason one-size-fits-all parenting strategies rarely work... and what to do instead Whether you’ve taken The Four Tendencies Quiz or this is your first introduction to the concept, this conversation is a helpful, judgment-free starting point for anyone who wants to show up with more clarity and compassion for themselves and the people they love most. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📣 Click here for Sarah's handout that will summarize The 4 Tendencies and how they look in motherhood. 📣 The doors to the annual SAM Program will be opening in a couple of weeks! Join the waitlist to receive the best discount when doors open in September! 📣 Want to join SAM, but finances make that impossible? We're offering full and partial scholarships for the Self-Assured Motherhood program, and applications are open now through August 29th. Related Episodes: 426: What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Kid (Even Though You Love Them!) 368: Using the Enneagram to Improve our Relationships // Kelsey Lincoln 314: How to Feel like Yourself in Motherhood // Aleisha McKean Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. AirDoctorPro: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3IN30 to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free 3-year warranty—an $84 value! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

As school routines settle back in, many moms start looking for a better rhythm with meals—something that feels less chaotic and more doable. But for many moms (myself included), feeding a family brings up more stress than we’d like to admit. We put so much pressure on ourselves to do it “right,” and when our kids complain or the fridge is empty or we’re too tired to cook, it’s easy to feel like we’re failing. And if you’re dealing with a picky eater (or a few!), that stress can multiply quickly. If that’s you, I really want you to hear this week’s conversation with my friend and SAM Sister, Celeste Noland. She’s a mom of five with a deeply grounded and grace-filled approach to family meals—and I think her ideas will bring you both relief and fresh energy. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🍕The surprising connection between food struggles and nervous system dysregulation—and how to create more calm around the table. 🍕 Practical, doable strategies for when you're too burned out to make one more decision about dinner. 🍕Why giving yourself permission to break the rules might be the key to making meals feel joyful again. Let this episode be your permission slip to make things easier, lighter, and a whole lot more realistic, starting today. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: To get the free printable recapping Celeste's E.A.T. Framework, click here. The doors to the annual SAM Program will be opening in less than one month! Join the waitlist to receive the best discount when doors open in September. Related Episodes: 347: When Making Dinner Feels Like Drudgery // Rachel on Didn’t I Just Feed You Podcast 302: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food // Natalie Shay 255: How to Get Family Dinner on the Table (+ Why It Matters!) // Kelsey Nixon Episode Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/3IN30 today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. GoPure Beauty: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code 3in30 at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com, use code 3in30, and you’re all set. And after you buy, do us a favor—when they ask where you heard about goPure, tell them it was from our show! BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

When you think about decorating your home, do you feel inspired... or just overwhelmed? Many moms dismiss design as something extra or unnecessary. But what if creating a space you love could actually support your well-being, reduce stress, and help you feel more grounded in your motherhood? In this episode, I’m joined by Valerie Bradshaw, a longtime Self-Assured Motherhood Sister and home design enthusiast, who shares how to approach decorating with color, confidence, and alignment with your personal values. It’s not about impressing others—it’s about creating an environment that reflects who you are and how you want to feel in your home. Together, we explore why our surroundings matter so much, and how simple, intentional design choices can transform not just our spaces but our mindset, energy, and even our relationships. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 🌷 How a famous study revealed that beautiful spaces can change how we see other people 🌷 Why decorating your home might actually help you like your kids more (really!) 🌷 A mindset shift that will free you from comparison and help you embrace your own version of beauty Whether you love design or feel completely out of your depth, this episode will give you a fresh lens (and a gentle roadmap) for creating a space that feels like you. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Click here for Valerie's handout that will guide you through decorating a room in your home. The doors to the annual SAM Program will be opening in less than one month! Join the waitlist to receive the best discount when doors open in September. Related Episodes: 428: What Fashion Taught Me About Motherhood (Yes, Really!) // Julie Allen 321: How to Design a Home Full of Stories // Carly Thornock 374: Using Values to Guide Your Spending // Jen Smith of Frugal Friends Podcast Episode Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/3IN30 today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to skylightcal.com/takeaways. Factor: Get started at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

We talk a lot about self-care as moms, but most of the time, the examples we’re given (bubble baths, massages, solo Target runs) only scratch the surface. The truth is, there’s not one kind of self-care. There are actually several distinct forms of care we need, and they each serve a different purpose in our lives and in our motherhood. When we only reach for one type, it makes sense that we still feel burned out, even after “taking a break.” This week on the podcast, I’m joined by self-care coach Mia Hemstad, who shares her simple, powerful framework: The 4B’s of Self-Care© to help us better identify what we need (and when!). You'll hear: 💜 The four distinct types of self-care (and why each one matters) 💜 How to identify which kind you’re craving (and which one you’ve been avoiding) 💜 The surprising connection between mental clutter and unfinished tasks 💜 How to release guilt and give yourself permission to meet your needs with intention This conversation beautifully supports the fourth principle of the Self-Assured Motherhood Framework: Sanctify Your Soul-Care—and it's the perfect time, whether you're still in the thick of summer or easing into back-to-school rhythms, to pause, check in, and reflect on what kind of care you need most right now. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: The Self-Assured Motherhood program opens again next month! If this episode resonates, be sure to get on the interest list here. You can get Mia’s free printable guide to the Four B’s here. Related Episodes: 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters 380: Principle #5 // Sanctify Your Soul-Care [The SAM Framework] 320: Making Space for Self-Care: It Might Not Be As Hard As You Think // Dr. Nicole Sparks Episode Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/3IN30 today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. KiwiCo: Tinker, Create, and Innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30 Let’s Connect: Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Oh, the stories I could tell about raising a strong-willed child. But the truth is, if you have a spicy one of your own, you don’t need to hear my stories because you’ve got plenty of your own! Parenting an intense, persistent, sensitive kiddo is a daily rollercoaster. And sometimes, what you need most isn’t another “quick fix”… it’s a wise, compassionate mentor who truly gets it. That’s why I’m so excited to re-share this conversation with Mary Van Geffen, an international parenting coach who specializes in helping moms of "spicy" ones. Mary’s work is rooted in self-compassion, calm leadership, and connection over control - and her advice is the kind that actually works for kids who don’t respond to conventional parenting strategies. This episode is part of our SAM 6 Summer Series, where we’re exploring the six principles of the Self-Assured Motherhood Framework. Today’s focus is the sixth and final principle: Support Their Struggles. It’s about showing up for your child with tenderness in their hardest moments - and learning how to support yourself in the process, too. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🌶️ What to do when your child’s intensity makes you wonder if you’re the problem 🌶️ A daily mindset mantra that can transform how you see your spicy one 🌶️ Why your physical posture might be sending your child a louder message than your words Whether your summer has been sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, I hope this episode will remind you that you’re not alone… and you’re doing better than you think. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Want to reflect on how you’re really doing in motherhood right now? Take the free Self-Assured Motherhood Framework Assessment. It’s a quick check-in that gives you a visual snapshot of where you’re thriving and where you might need more support. Related Episodes: 426: What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Kid (Even Though You Love Them!) 423: How to Parent a Strong-Willed Child Without Losing Your Mind // Kirk Martin 357: Tips for Staying Calm During Your Big Kid’s Big Meltdowns // Cheryl Cardall Episode Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/TAKEAWAYS today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now. Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to skylightcal.com/takeaways. GoPure: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code 3in30 at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com, use code 3in30, and you’re all set. Motherhood Decluttered Course: My Motherhood Decluttered audio course is a step-by-step guide to help you inventory your overwhelm, edit your expectations, and make room for more joy. It comes with a free Buddy Pass so you can do it with a friend, so go to 3in30podcast.com/declutter to learn more. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of constant correction, nagging, lecturing, or repeating yourself while your kids seem to tune you out? It happens to almost every parent at some point. In the moment, it can feel like the only option… but learning a new way of responding can be a game-changer. Today’s guest, Ralphie Jacobs of Simply On Purpose, shares three powerful tools that can shift the emotional climate in your home by focusing on connection, encouragement, and play (rather than punishment or control). She teaches that one of the most effective ways to improve behavior is also one of the simplest: notice what your kids are doing right. Tune in to learn: 💡 The parenting habit that’s scientifically proven to reduce misbehavior by 80% 💡 What to say instead of “stop that” when your child is doing something you don’t like 💡 The surprising way to turn a meltdown around - using humor, imagination, or even Altoids This episode is a beautiful example of the fifth principle in my Self-Assured Motherhood Framework, Gather the Good, which is all about learning to see and savor the small moments of beauty in your day. Because what you focus on grows. And when you start focusing on the good in your kids, your home, and yourself… it changes everything. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Motherhood is always evolving (and so are we!). If you’re looking for a simple way to check in with yourself and see where you’re currently thriving and where you might want more support, take my free Self-Assured Motherhood Framework Assessment. Related Episodes: 304: Motherhood is hard. This helps. 426: What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Kid (Even Though You Love Them!) 434: How to Actually Enjoy Summer as a Mom Episode Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/TAKEAWAYS today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. GoPure: For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code 3in30 at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com, use code 3in30, and you’re all set. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

This conversation is full of gentle reminders and practical ideas for building rhythms of care into your everyday life... so you’re not just making it through motherhood, you’re actually enjoying it. You’ll hear from three incredible moms: Celeste, Tiffany, and Abby, who each found their own way to prioritize soul care. Not the spa-day kind, but the kind that fits into the cracks of real life. The kind that helps you feel more like yourself again. In this episode, you’ll hear: 💜 How to kindly remind yourself that you matter too, even on the hardest days 💜 A powerful wake-up call one mom had while tracking her time—and what she changed as a result 💜 A creative way to infuse soul care into kid-filled outings, so you can show up fully and savor the moment These stories beautifully illustrate one of the core principles of my Self-Assured Motherhood framework: Sanctify Your Soul Care. When we honor our whole selves (body, mind, and spirit!), we show up with more strength, more presence, and more joy for the people we love most. You are worth caring for, and this episode will remind you how to start. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: If today’s conversation resonates, I know you’ll love the ⁠Self-Assured Motherhood Framework Assessment⁠—a free tool to help you see where you're thriving and where you may need more support in your emotional well-being. Related Episodes: 170: Taking Care of Mama after a Baby // Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd Bath Co. 318: Combating Emotional Fatigue while Caregiving // Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts 320: Making Space for Self-Care: It Might Not Be As Hard As You Think // Dr. Nicole Sparks Related Sponsors: K12: Go to K12.com/TAKEAWAYS today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now. Skylight: Go to Skylightcal.com/takeaways for $30 off your 15-inch Calendar. Factor: Get started at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box.AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3IN30 to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free 3-year warranty—an $84 value! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Emotional resilience is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a mom - and let’s be honest, it’s also one of the hardest to master. From toddler tantrums to teen drama, from work stress to family dynamics… there’s no shortage of moments that can leave you feeling stretched thin and emotionally spent. And there’s no season that tests this quite like summer, when the routines are loose, the noise is constant, and everyone seems to need something from you all day long. That’s why I’m re-airing this powerful conversation with Dr. Jen Riday, a mom of six with a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies and host of the Vibrant Happy Women podcast. Jen combines research-backed wisdom with real-life experience to help women build emotional resilience... and the healthy boundaries that make it possible. Because here’s the truth: You can’t be emotionally resilient without boundaries. Boundaries aren’t about controlling others, they’re about protecting your peace. Learning to say, “This is what I will do to care for myself,” is one of the most courageous and transformative skills you can develop as a mom. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🔅 The mindset shift that helps you stop absorbing everyone else’s emotions 🔅 A simple way to create emotional “margin” in your day (no bubble baths required) 🔅 How to set boundaries that actually stick—without guilt or drama If you’re feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or emotionally drained this summer… this episode is for you. For full show notes and takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Wondering how you're doing in motherhood? Grab your free SAM Framework Assessment today! Related Episodes: 251: How to Set Boundaries with your Children // Stacey Collins 258: Boundaries with Kids Part 2 // Stacey Collins 136: How to Set Loving Limits with your Children, Part 1 // Dr. Katie Penry 137: How to Set Loving Boundaries for your Children, Part 2 // Dr. Katie Penry Episode Sponsors: Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/3in30 to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. KiwiCo: Build the best summer ever with KiwiCo! Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series. Head to kiwicode.com/3in30 and use promo code 3in30. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Ever catch yourself comparing your motherhood to someone else’s? In this heartfelt episode, my friend and motherhood mentor, Julie Bastedo, shares how a simple moment of comparison while cooking dinner led her to a powerful mindset shift: you don’t have to be all the things—you just have to be yourself. This conversation is a beautiful example of the second principle in my Self-Assured Motherhood framework: Celebrate Your Strengths. When we stop trying to be the mom we think we should be, and start honoring the mom we are, everything changes. Tune in to hear: 💜 A surprising mindset shift that can instantly deflate mom guilt 💜 A practical trick for quieting comparison (it involves a sticky note!) 💜 Why one of the kindest things you can do for yourself is unfollow 💜 How embracing your “non-strengths” can actually increase your confidence As you listen to this conversation, I hope you feel what I always feel when I talk to Julie: less pressure, more peace, and more acceptance of who you are. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: If today’s conversation resonates, I know you’ll love the Self-Assured Motherhood Framework Assessment—a free tool to help you see where you're thriving and where you may need more support in your emotional well-being. Related Episodes: 428: What Fashion Taught Me About Motherhood (Yes, Really!) // Julie Allen 410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina 314: How to Feel like Yourself in Motherhood // Aleisha McKean Episode Sponsors: Tushbaby: Visit tushbaby.com and start customizing your own carrier. Make sure to use code 3in30 for 20% off your first order. Summer Survival Guide: I want to make sure you know about an amazing resource my team created. It is a summer hacks PDF, full of activity ideas for the whole family, sanity saving tips for parents, and road trip ideas. This is a curated list of ideas our team has used and found successful over the years. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by a decision–spinning in circles, overanalyzing every possible outcome, and feeling like you can’t move forward until you get it just right–I'm here to tell you that the struggle is SO real. I’ve been there. In fact, decision-making used to be one of my biggest struggles as a mom. But over the past few years, I’ve been on a quiet quest to become a more confident, grounded, and calm decision maker. And one of the people who has helped me the most on this journey is today’s guest: Kendra Adachi, the two-time New York Times bestselling author of The Lazy Genius Way and The Lazy Genius Kitchen. In this episode, Kendra shares three practical mindset shifts that can help you feel less frantic and more empowered the next time you’re faced with a decision–whether it’s what to make for dinner or whether to buy a piece of land for your dream home. Tune in to learn: 💡 A simple strategy that builds your confidence as a decision-maker (and why you should start with the little things) 💡 The powerful question that brings instant clarity when you’re overwhelmed by too many options 💡 How to avoid making “everything matter” during the decision-making process This conversation is a beautiful example of the first principle in my Self-Assured Motherhood Framework—Voice Your Values—which is all about getting clear on what matters most to you so you can make aligned decisions in your motherhood. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Grab my free Values Guide at 3in30podcast.com/values to explore what your values are. Record your golden moments this summer with my Flecks of Gold journal. Related Episodes: 349: Overcoming Decision Fatigue through Reflection // Emily P. Freeman 375: 3 Ways Voicing Your Values will Help Lighten Your Mental Load // Rachel Nielson on the Happy Mom Summit 269: How to Create a Morning Routine that will Last // Sara Dean Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch calendars by going to skylightcal.com/takeaways. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Summer can be such a gift—but it can also feel like a lot. Whether you're a few days in or several weeks deep, this season tends to stretch us in new ways as moms. We want to make memories, stay present, and still meet our own needs—but how? In this solo episode, I’m introducing you to the SAM 6, a new streamlined version of the Self-Assured Motherhood framework that I’ve been teaching for years. These six principles are designed to help you feel more grounded, fulfilled, and confident in your motherhood, including during the summer months. If you’ve ever felt burned out from doing “all the things” or unsure of how to balance your kids’ needs with your own, this episode will help you recalibrate. I’ll walk you through each of the six principles and offer simple, specific ways you can apply them to your summer, so you can enjoy this season more fully and in a way that truly reflects you. In this episode, you’ll discover: ☀️ Why you might be feeling burned out—and how to get back into alignment ☀️ A simple mindset shift that can help you enjoy your summer more (even in the chaos) ☀️ What your calendar might be saying about your true values For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Take the Self-Assured Motherhood Assessment Grab a Flecks of Gold Journal – use code SUMMER for 10% off Related Episodes: 315: A Word from our SAM Sisters 371: 3 Spaces to Organize for the Most Summer Fun // Jen Martin from Reset Your Nest 427: A Simple Framework for a “Balanced Summer” // Jenny Layton Episode Sponsors: Factor Meals: Factor meals arrive fresh and ready to eat. Get started at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Making new friends as an adult is challenging—and motherhood often makes it even harder. Between family responsibilities, full schedules, and emotional fatigue, it can feel like there’s no space left for connection. And even when we do show up, it’s not always easy to know how to move from polite small talk to real, meaningful friendship. In this episode, psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins me to unpack why friendship often feels so complicated in adulthood—and how we can begin to build the kind of relationships we long for. Whether you’re starting from scratch or hoping to deepen the friendships you already have, this conversation will give you both clarity and compassion for where you are—and the tools to take a small step forward. This episode will help you: 🤗 Break out of the “I showed up but still feel lonely” cycle 🤗 Rewire your mindset to believe people actually want to be your friend (because they do!) 🤗 Recognize the hidden habits that may be quietly sabotaging your ability to connect 🤗 Learn what to do when you feel like you’re trying…but still not clicking with anyone If friendship has felt harder than you expected in this season of life, this episode will remind you that you’re very much not alone—and that meaningful connection is still possible. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 400: 3 Modern Manners for Friendship // Brooke Romney 386: Raising Securely Attached Kids // Eli Harwood, MA, LPC 417: The Sneaky Ways Comparison Creeps Into Conversations (and How to Stop It) // Kathie Gwilliam Episode Sponsors: Brightbox: Go to brightboxes.com to check out all their thoughtful options. Whether you're sending encouragement, appreciation, or just a little joy, Brightbox makes it easy to spread light. Factor: Get started at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

We want to raise kids who are responsible, capable, and financially wise—but it’s hard to know where to start. It can feel especially tricky to teach life skills like money management and personal responsibility without constant reminding or frustration. In this episode, I’m joined by Saren Eyre Loosli, founder of Power of Families and one of my earliest parenting mentors. Saren is a mom of five and a family systems expert who shares a simple, sustainable way to teach these skills within the flow of everyday life—without turning your home into a battleground. Summer is an ideal time to reset routines and try something new. This episode will give you practical tools and a clear framework to help your family work together more smoothly. You’ll hear: 💰 A clear structure for helping kids earn and manage their own money 💰 How to connect allowance to responsibility and attitude, not just tasks 💰 A system for daily routines that fosters independence and ownership 💰 Tools for tracking money and chores that work for all ages This conversation is both practical and encouraging, especially if you’ve been wanting more clarity (and less conflict) around chores, allowance, and life skills at home. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 369: How to Teach Your Kids about Money // Abby Chipman 350: Rethinking Chores: A Quick Mindset Shift to Help with Overwhelm 373: Teaching Children to Work Without Being a Drill Sergeant // Danielle Porter Episode Sponsors: Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/3in30 to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. KiwiCo: Build the best summer ever with KiwiCo! Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/3in30. BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Summer is almost here… which means it’s road trip season! If you’re gearing up for some long drives with your kids in tow, this episode is packed with practical tips to help make those hours in the car smoother, more fun, and a little less chaotic. Brittney Hanks—mom of four and the genius behind Home and Kind—is here to share her favorite road trip hacks that she’s developed over years of cross-country drives with her kids. She’s all about simple systems that ease the mental load for moms and bring more connection and joy into everyday moments. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or just trying to survive your first long haul with littles, Brittany’s creative ideas will have you feeling calm, confident, and ready to roll. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🚗 A clever way to visually track your progress (and keep kids from asking “Are we there yet?” every five minutes) 🚗 How to turn a gas station stop into a fun, energy-boosting family relay 🚗 The best podcasts and audiobooks for a variety of ages that the whole family will enjoy 🚗 Why embracing flexibility—and letting some of your usual rules slide—can actually lead to more meaningful connection You’ll come away from this conversation feeling inspired and equipped to make your summer road trips less stressful and a lot more special. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Click here to receive my Travel Hacks for Families handout Related Episodes: 402: How to Travel More as a Family without Breaking the Bank // Amber Paul 363: Tips & Tricks for Family Travel // Meesha Slade 370: How to Adventure As a Family // Chamaine WollenzeinEpisode Sponsors: Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/3in30 to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Storyworth: Give the “dads” in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years—Storyworth! Right now, save $10 during their Father’s Day sale when you go to Storyworth.com/3in30! Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch Calendars by going to Skylightcal.com/takeaways. Aquatru: Today my listeners receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “3IN30” at checkout. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***