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

Winter can be hard on moms. And right now, much of the U.S. is dealing with extreme cold, dangerous wind chills, school closures, and being stuck inside more than usual. When your world shrinks and your responsibilities don't, parenting can feel even heavier. In this episode, I break down why winter affects your mood, energy, and nervous system. You'll also hear four grounded ways to get through winter without pushing yourself harder. If winter feels challenging for you, this episode offers understanding, relief, and practical support for getting through this season with more gentleness and intention. https://lessdramamoremama.com/391

The hardest part of parenting for me, especially as my kids get older, is watching them make a choice I wouldn't make and letting them do it anyway. I have to take a breath and remind myself—it's their lives, not mine. In today's episode, I share a personal story about a time when my daughter and I had very different perspectives and how I navigated the tension between trusting her autonomy and honoring my own values. If you've ever felt torn between wanting to protect your child and wanting them to become independent, this episode will resonate. https://lessdramamoremama.com/390

There are thoughts many moms have that feel too scary, shameful, or unacceptable to say out loud. Thoughts like: "I don't like my kid right now." "I can't do this anymore." "I wish I could just disappear." And almost immediately, those thoughts are followed by guilt, shame, or a voice that says, What kind of mother even thinks this? That's what today's podcast episode is about. Not fixing those thoughts. Not reframing them. Not judging them. But about the importance of speaking your truth—allowing yourself to say what's real, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. https://lessdramamoremama.com/389

If procrastination has been a lifelong issue for you, as it has been for me, there's a good chance you've spent years trying to solve it. More discipline. Better systems. Tighter deadlines. Pep talks. Shame. And if any of that actually worked, I'd be the first one to tell you to do it. This week's episode looks at procrastination through a nervous system lens, as a response that once served a purpose. When you understand why your system learned to delay, avoid, shut down, or stay busy with everything except the thing that matters, the pattern starts to make sense. And when something makes sense, you can respond to it differently. You don't have to push harder or fix yourself. As you start noticing what your body is doing, you can learn to work with it and take small steps forward. https://lessdramamoremama.com/388

January can come with a lot of pressure. Set goals. Build momentum. Hit the ground running. Fix what's not working . . . and do it fast. Today's episode goes in the opposite direction. Instead of talking about how to change faster, I talk about why slowing down is often the fastest way to get different results in your parenting. When something isn't working, it makes sense to want it fixed immediately. Especially if you're snapping at your kids, feeling guilty, or watching yourself repeat patterns you swore you'd stop. The instinct is to push harder and try to do better. What I see over and over, though, is that trying to change too quickly actually keeps moms stuck in the same patterns. Listen to the episode to see how slowing down can move you forward faster this year. https://lessdramamoremama.com/387

I've been choosing a Word of the Year every December since 2014. It's a practice I return to because it gives me a steady way to orient myself toward how I want to show up, what I want to focus on, and who I want to become. A Word of the Year can reshape your parenting without the pressure and rigidity of traditional goal setting. In this last episode of the year, I share what my 2025 word taught me in ways I didn't expect, and which word I'm choosing for 2026. I also give you tips on choosing a word for yourself that supports your growth, rather than coming from self-criticism or "fix yourself" energy. This episode is reflective, practical, and meant to help you move into 2026 with more intention and aliveness. Do you have a word for 2026? Let me know what it is! https://lessdramamoremama.com/386

In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 was the Year of the Snake, associated with shedding old layers and releasing what no longer fits. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which represents forward movement, momentum, and action. As we head into the last weeks of December, I wanted to bring back an episode from the podcast archives that fits naturally with this transition and discusses what it takes to reinvent yourself from the inside out. https://lessdramamoremama.com/385

For many families, this is one of those years where the holiday gift budget just doesn't stretch the way it used to. And that can bring up stress, guilt, and fear of disappointing the kids. This episode reminds us that meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive, and your kids don't need more stuff to feel loved. I'm sharing creative, budget-friendly gift ideas that help the holidays feel special without overspending or filling your house with things that will be forgotten by January. You'll see how some of the best gifts cost very little, as they're rooted in time, attention, and thoughtfulness. https://lessdramamoremama.com/384

Winter break can feel overwhelming when routines disappear and expectations rise. Days lose their rhythm. Decision-making never ends. And even small things can feel harder than usual. In this episode, I share a calmer way to get through winter break in one piece, with simple insights that help days feel more manageable, without doing more or trying harder. https://lessdramamoremama.com/383

Winter break can bring up a mix of emotions for moms. You might want to enjoy the extra time with your kids, but the lack of structure, routine, and personal space can make the days feel harder than you expect. This episode breaks down what actually happens in your brain and body when the kids are on break, so you can understand your reactions with more clarity and compassion. Once you understand what's underneath all the overwhelm, you can make the days feel lighter and easier to handle. https://lessdramamoremama.com/382

The word "magic" has come up in almost every one of my coaching sessions this month. If you're feeling responsible for creating a picture-perfect holiday season, you're not alone. What starts as excitement quickly turns into rushing, planning, and managing everyone's experience. The ease and joy you wanted? Gone. In today's episode, I talk about how your stress affects your child more than you realize—and what actually creates the kind of magic they'll remember. https://lessdramamoremama.com/381

When my older daughter was in preschool, I volunteered to be the room mom. After that year, the teacher asked if I wanted to do it again. I said no and felt zero guilt. None. I simply didn't want to spend my time that way again. Saying no made my life easier, not harder. As the holidays approach, many moms convince themselves they should say yes to things they don't want to do (e.g. class parties, hosting, baking, gifting, organizing, coordinating), and then wonder why they feel stretched thin and resentful by December 15. In today's episode, I'm talking about why holiday boundaries can feel so hard and what to do about it. If you struggle to set and enforce boundaries, especially at the holidays, this episode will help you understand why your body won't let you say no, and what needs to change for you to protect your limits without abandoning yourself. https://lessdramamoremama.com/380

You know that lump in your throat you try to swallow when you want to hold back tears? Most of us do it automatically. We tell ourselves we have to be strong because crying will make our kids worry, or that holding it together proves we're in control. But what if tears aren't a sign of weakness at all? What if they're a gift to you and your kids? In this episode, I'm sharing why sadness isn't something to fix or avoid. You'll learn how allowing yourself to feel it (and sometimes express it in front of your kids) can regulate your nervous system, deepen your connection, and show your kids what emotional health really looks like. https://lessdramamoremama.com/379

Nervous system work is the missing piece for so many moms who've tried therapy or mindset coaching and still find themselves reacting in ways they don't like. In this episode, I'm sharing clips from an actual coaching session of mine. Over the course of the episode, you'll hear a mom's nervous system move from activation and anxiety to calm, relief, and hope—and I'll walk you through what's happening at each stage. If you're curious about what somatic coaching is and how it can help you stay calm and connected, tune in to this episode. https://lessdramamoremama.com/378

With Halloween just a few days away, I'm revisiting an early episode of the podcast that's still incredibly relevant. I'm talking about the masks we wear as moms — not the kind that come with costumes and candy, but the ones we put on to appear calm, capable, or cheerful when we're actually struggling underneath. You'll hear how these emotional masks keep us from the genuine connection we crave, and how learning to take them off can bring more peace, confidence, and authenticity into your life and relationships. If you've ever felt like you had to hold it all together on the outside while quietly unraveling inside, this episode is for you. https://lessdramamoremama.com/377

When your child is yelling, swearing, or completely losing it, your nervous system instantly screams, "This isn't safe!" You might find yourself fighting back, shutting down, or trying to fix the situation—none of which actually helps. In this week's episode, I share a powerful story of one of my clients that shows what regulation looks like when a child's emotions are running high. You'll hear how she stayed calm and steady while her teen son was yelling and swearing, how she communicated with him, and how she created connection between them. If you want to know what it actually looks like to be regulated in the middle of your child's storm, this episode will show you the way. https://lessdramamoremama.com/376

You know those times when everything seems fine . . . no crisis, no chaos . . . and instead of relaxing, you feel restless, uneasy, or suspicious? That's your nervous system struggling to trust safety. After years of running on stress, stillness can feel like danger. In this week's episode, I'm unpacking why safety can feel unsafe and how to retrain your system to trust it again. You'll learn how to recognize when your brain's pulling you back into dysregulation and the steps to help yourself stay grounded when safety feels uncomfortable. If you've ever found yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop—or even creating drama when life starts to feel too good—this episode will help you understand what's really happening and how to work with your body, not against it. https://lessdramamoremama.com/375

Sometimes the thing holding you back isn't your kids, your schedule, or even your past. It's a belief you learned long ago that still feels true. Beliefs like: "I have to do everything perfectly or I've failed." "It's selfish to take time for myself." "If I ask for help, I'll look weak." These thoughts can quietly shape how you show up as a mom—how patient you are, how much pressure you put on yourself, and how willing you are to reach out for support. In this week's episode, I share what elephants (yes, elephants) can teach you about breaking free from the beliefs that keep you stuck, so you can parent with more calm, confidence, and self-compassion. https://lessdramamoremama.com/374

As moms, we can carry so much guilt. Every time we lose our patience, yell, or withdraw, it's easy to carry those moments around and let them weigh on us. But what if those moments weren't proof you're a bad mom, but signals from your nervous system? In this week's episode, I share how self-forgiveness isn't just about being kind to yourself, but about understanding what's happening in your body. When you recognize your reactivity as nervous system information, you can stop fighting yourself and start working with your biology. Forgiving yourself with this deeper awareness doesn't just break your own cycle of self-criticism. It also shows your kids that mistakes are human and that repair is always possible. https://lessdramamoremama.com/373

Today is the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. Even if you don't celebrate it like I do, this time of year has so much wisdom to offer us as moms. Rosh Hashana is about reflection, renewal, and intention—three practices that can completely transform the way you parent. In today's episode, I invite you to pause, look honestly at your parenting, and decide how you want to show up for your kids in the year ahead. https://lessdramamoremama.com/372

We've spent the last several weeks on the podcast exploring fight, flight, freeze, and fawn — all the ways your nervous system jumps in to protect you. Today, in the final episode of the From Protection to Connection series, I'm talking about what happens when your nervous system actually feels safe. Discover what nervous system regulation really looks like in parenting, why co-regulation matters, and how your regulation sets the tone in your home. https://lessdramamoremama.com/371

In this episode of Less Drama More Mama, I'm unpacking one of the most misunderstood nervous system survival responses: fawn. From the outside, fawning looks like kindness, helpfulness, or flexibility. But underneath, it's really your nervous system trying to keep you safe through people-pleasing and self-sacrifice. I share personal and client examples, as well as practical ways you can start showing up authentically while still maintaining love and connection with your kids. If this resonates with you, don't miss my free workshop, It Ends With Me, happening this week. You'll discover your unique survival patterns, how they're impacting your parenting, and what to do about them. Sign up at lessdramamoremama.com/free-workshop https://lessdramamoremama.com/370

You're running on empty…and can never seem to refill your tank. You stare at your to-do list…but can't make yourself move. You go quiet when your kids need you most…and then beat yourself up for shutting down. This is the freeze response — your nervous system's way of protecting you when life feels too big or too much. In today's episode, I'm breaking down what the freeze response is, how it shows up in your parenting, and what to do about it. If you ever feel stuck, numb, or overwhelmed, this episode will help you understand what's happening inside you and how to take small steps toward calm, connection, and confidence. https://lessdramamoremama.com/369

What if the reason you're so busy all the time isn't actually because you have a lot to do? What if it's your body's way of avoiding the uncomfortable emotions you'd rather not feel? In today's episode, I'm diving into the flight response -- your nervous system's way of saying, "this feels unsafe, so let's escape." You'll learn why you feel compelled to stay busy with household tasks instead of slowing down to connect, and why you suddenly remember an "urgent" task every time you think about having a hard conversation with your teen. Listen now to learn how to get grounded when your flight response kicks in, so you can finally be present for the moments that matter most. https://lessdramamoremama.com/368

If you've ever raised your voice and instantly regretted it, felt your whole body tense when your child ignored your request, or snapped at your child for something seemingly small, chances are you've felt the fight response in action. Those moments can leave you questioning yourself as a mom, when in reality, your nervous system is simply trying to protect you. Building on last week's overview of the nervous system, part two of my From Protection to Connection series dives into what the fight response actually looks like in parenting. Spoiler: it's not just the big blow-ups. By the end, you'll be able to recognize fight patterns for what they are – automatic responses in your body, not a personal failing. That awareness alone can give you the space to respond with more calm and connection in the future. https://lessdramamoremama.com/367

Back-to-school season is here, and for many moms, that means more stress, more rushing, and more moments that push you to your limit. Maybe you've found yourself yelling, shutting down, or saying yes when you really wanted to say no and then thinking, "Why do I keep doing this? I know better!" These reactions aren't personal failings. More often than not, they're your nervous system slipping into survival mode without you even realizing it. And many of those responses were wired into your nervous system in childhood, when you first learned what it took to feel safe. This episode will show you that when you start noticing what's happening inside your body in those heated moments, you take the first step toward changing what happens inside your home. https://lessdramamoremama.com/366

"Mothering is messy and interrupted and loving." "Motherhood is about making mistakes and repairing them. And that's how we learn." "As moms, we do our best. We make it up as we go along and we muddle through." Those are some of the things Dr. Margo Lowy wishes someone had told her earlier in her parenting, and it's exactly what she shares in this week's episode of the podcast. Dr. Lowy is a psychotherapist and the author of ​Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood​. She holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales, where she researched maternal ambivalence, and she's a columnist for Psychology Today. In our conversation, we discussed the parts of motherhood no one likes to talk about... the moments when you don't feel loving, when your kid is being a "little sh*t," and you wonder if you're even cut out for this. Dr. Lowy brings compassion and clarity to the feelings so many moms carry quietly, and helps you see them not as failures, but as part of the full, human experience of being a mom. Tune in for this compassionate, grounded insight that every mom needs to hear. https://lessdramamoremama.com/365

As my summer hiatus comes to an end, I've been reflecting on how I spent my time during the past two months and the insights I gained. I'm excited to share what I've learned with you and how it can help you show up as a more grounded, present mom. In today's episode, I'm giving you a recap of my summer, including the lessons that can support you in your parenting and emotional well-being as you head into the new school year. https://lessdramamoremama.com/364

Recently, I found myself crying over things that normally wouldn't faze me, running on broken sleep, dragging through the day, and binge-watching TV more than I'd like to admit. Everything seemed heavier than usual. I realized I was in a funk. I know I'm not the only mom going through this right now, especially as the slower pace of summer starts to shift and everything feels a little "off." After listening to this episode from 2020, I took my own advice and it helped me feel more in control, more grounded, and less stuck. If you're feeling blah, unmotivated, or just not yourself lately, I hope it helps you, too. Please note: If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or are considering suicide, please get professional help. This podcast is not a substitute for personal treatment by a mental health care provider. Remember — you are not alone. Others are here to help you get through this difficult time. Hotlines that are available 24/7: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 Parental Stress Hotline – Help for Parents 800-632-8188 Alcohol & Drug Abuse Hotline 800-729-6686 National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 https://lessdramamoremama.com/363

Have you ever heard one of your kids say, "You love them more than me"? It's easy to dismiss, but sometimes those comments open the door to a deeper reflection: Is there a pattern here I haven't noticed? This week on the podcast, I'm bringing back an episode that explores the uncomfortable (but important) question: Do I have a favorite child? You'll hear how favoritism shows up in everyday parenting, why your thoughts matter more than you might think, and how your kids' perception of favoritism can impact your relationship with them. https://lessdramamoremama.com/362

Last week while venting to a friend about her day, my mom caught herself telling a negative, victimy story. When she realized this, she switched to talking about what went well that day instead, and completely shifted her mood. This reminded me about how the stories we tell ourselves matter. They shape how we feel and how we show up as moms. If you're telling yourself, "I can't stop yelling," "Nothing's working," or "I'm failing as a mom," you don't have to stay stuck in that story. You have the power to change your story—and today's summer playback episode will show you how. https://lessdramamoremama.com/361

Wondering how to handle it when your kid curses for the first (or next) time? Swearing can stir up a lot of emotions for moms, including shame, anger, worry, and embarrassment. Whether it's your 6-year-old testing limits or your teen trying to sound cool, how you respond matters more than the fact that they used a four-letter word. In this episode, I talk about why kids swear, how to stay calm when it happens, and what kinds of consequences (if any) actually help. You'll also hear stories from my own life and coaching practice, along with a surprising research study about cursing and pain tolerance that might shift your perspective. It's the kind of episode that will help you stay calm the next time an f-bomb drops—whether it comes from your kid or slips out of your own mouth. https://lessdramamoremama.com/360

Have you ever felt like silence is a luxury you can't have? Or when you finally get it, it feels uncomfortable? If quietness feels unsettling instead of relaxing for you, you're not alone. When the noise stops, your brain scrambles to fill the gap, and your body can tense up or feel restless. The good news is, quiet time is one of the simplest ways to lower stress and feel calmer, and you don't need a silent house or hours of meditation to get it. If sitting in silence feels impossible, this episode is exactly what you need. Your body can learn to feel safe in the quiet — and the peace you get in return is worth it. https://lessdramamoremama.com/359

This year, Dalia went straight from school to camp with no break, and the stress of that transition came out in some pretty big emotions. Two nights before she left, she came into my room crying, saying how much she was going to miss me and didn't want to go. Hearing her say those words tugged at every protective instinct I have. So I pressed play on this old episode to remind myself exactly why giving her this experience is so important — and how to stay steady, even when her anxiety made me question whether I was doing the right thing. If you've ever struggled when your child feels anxious or says "I want my mommy!" (whether they're four or twenty-four), this replay will help you trust their resilience (and yours!) and keep the long view in mind. https://lessdramamoremama.com/358

If you've ever thought that fully allowing a big emotion like anger, fear, or grief might swallow you whole… ...or that if you let yourself really go there, you'd lose control, fall apart, or not be able to come back… ...this episode will offer a fresh perspective. In this week's summer playback, I'm sharing a practical and powerful tool I teach moms to help them manage their emotions in a healthy way: the 90-second rule. When you understand what's really happening in your body during those intense emotional moments, you stop bracing against them. You stop resisting and start expanding your ability to be with what you feel without being overtaken by it. That's what helps you build emotional resilience and helps you stay calm and present with your kids when they're having big feelings, too. https://lessdramamoremama.com/357

What if every emotion—anxiety, anger, overwhelm—was like an unexpected guest knocking at your front door? You could pretend you're not home and hope it goes away (that's avoiding). You could yank the door open and yell at it to leave (that's reacting). Or you could open the door just a crack and try to hold it shut while the guest pushes to get in (that's resisting). But there's another option that most moms were never taught. You could simply let the emotion in. Offer it a seat. Sit with it for a little while and give it a chance to be seen and heard. When it's had that moment of recognition, it'll get up, say "Thanks for seeing me," and leave on its own. Being able to allow emotions is one of the most powerful skills you can learn, not just for your own emotional well-being, but so you can model and teach it to your kids, too. This episode walks you through four common ways people manage emotions and the one that actually helps you stay calm, present, and in control. It's the first in my 2025 Summer Playback Series, and it's just as relevant now as when it first aired. https://lessdramamoremama.com/356