Less Drama More Mama

Four hundred episodes. For this one, I did something I've never done before. I asked you to send in your parenting questions by voice message, and I answered them on the show. This episode covers six real questions from moms in my community. We talk about things like a five-year-old's defiance and name-calling, feeling overwhelmed when everything feels urgent, high-conflict co-parenting exchanges, reacting to a teenager's phone calls, sibling rivalry, and disagreeing with a husband about consequences. There's a good chance something in this episode will speak directly to what you're navigating. https://lessdramamoremama.com/400

In today's episode, I'm sharing seven things loving moms do. These are the same things I teach inside Damn Good Mama, and they're what help moms start showing up differently at home. Of course, you love your kids deeply. But how do you show that love when your child is upset, pushing back, or not listening, and you can feel yourself getting pulled into a reaction you don't want? I walk through each of the seven things with personal stories and real examples from clients, so you can see what this looks like in real life, not just in theory. If you've ever struggled to show your love in those moments, this episode will help.

Your child is perfectly fine at home. Relaxed. Talkative. Maybe even sweet. Then you show up at school, wave a little too enthusiastically, and suddenly you're getting an eye roll, a sharp "Mom, stop," or something worse, right in front of their friends. When your child is rude to you in front of other people, it can leave you feeling embarrassed, hurt, and confused. Learn why this happens (especially in the tween and teen years) and how to respond in a way that keeps you feeling calm, connected, and confident. https://lessdramamoremama.com/398

Boys and girls move through the tween years very differently. They handle friendships, express emotions, and start testing their independence each in their own ways. And if you don't know what to expect, it's easy to misread what's going on. In this episode, the third in our tween series, I share what the research says about how tween boys and girls differ and what I saw firsthand as a therapist and school counselor. You'll hear about friendship patterns, emotional expression, academics, and what it looks like when your tween starts wanting more space. Take what fits your child and leave what doesn't. When you understand what's underneath their behavior, you can respond in a way that supports what they need. https://lessdramamoremama.com/397

The topic of puberty can feel intimidating for a lot of moms. Between their child's mood swings, body changes, and sudden self-consciousness, many parents aren't quite sure what to expect or how to talk about it. This episode addresses how you can support your child through this stage with more confidence. Puberty is about much more than physical changes. It's emotional, social, and relational too. When you understand what's happening beneath the surface, it becomes much easier to respond calmly and stay connected to your child. This episode will help you better understand what's happening during this stage and how to keep the lines of communication open with your tween. https://lessdramamoremama.com/396

The tween years don't just change your child. They change you. Around ages 9 to 12, your child begins the important developmental work of identity formation. They start caring more about their friends, forming stronger opinions, and creating more space between you. This shift can feel just as big for you as it does for them, and it requires a different kind of presence from you. The moms who come out the other side of the tween years with strong relationships aren't the ones who hold on the tightest. They're the ones who learn how to stay present and regulated while giving their kids room to grow. Whether you're parenting a tween now, approaching this stage, or looking back with older kids, this episode will help you understand what's really happening. https://lessdramamoremama.com/395

The nervous system is complex. But you don't need a neuroscience degree to understand what's happening in your body when parenting gets hard. In this episode, I'm breaking down nervous system terms every mom should know, so your reactions stop feeling so mysterious. When you understand the language of your nervous system, you can recognize what's happening in your body much earlier. And that changes how you respond in the moments that matter most. https://lessdramamoremama.com/394

Picture two moms. They both work full time. They both keep track of schedules, appointments, groceries, school emails, and everyone's emotional temperature. They both have kids who talk back, make messes, and test limits. One mom snaps more often than she wants to. She yells, feels out of control, and then carries guilt. The other mom gets activated too, but she recovers faster. She repairs more easily. She stays more connected to herself during stressful situations. What makes the difference? It isn't more love. It isn't more effort. It isn't more self-control. It's more nervous system capacity. In this episode, I explain what nervous system capacity is and how it shapes your reactions in everyday parenting. If you want to understand what determines how you respond under stress, this episode explains it clearly. https://lessdramamoremama.com/393

You know your triggers. You understand why certain things your kids say or do set you off. You've read the parenting books. You've listened to the podcasts. You know how you want to respond. And yet — in the moment — you still react. Why? Because survival patterns override insight. In this week's episode, I share how I shifted patterns in my love life — and how the same principles can apply to parenting. If you understand your triggers but still react in the moment, this episode will show you what's happening in your nervous system — and what shifts it. https://lessdramamoremama.com/392