Less Drama More Mama

Remember that time you shouted an obscenity as a kid without having a clue what it actually meant? Yeah, me too. 😳 Cursing kids is a topic that's been buzzing in my coaching sessions, and I bet you've had your moments with it, too. So, today we're tackling this "fudgy" topic once and for all. Sit back and enjoy the episode for insights on how to handle these "colorful" parenting moments. https://lessdramamoremama.com/270

In today's episode, I sat down with my almost-18-year-old daughter, who's going by the nickname "Mars" these days, for an honest chat that's filled with wisdom, laughter, and a whole lot of love. She discusses her experience touring colleges, her thoughts about leaving home and becoming more independent, and our evolving relationship as mother and daughter. Mars talks about making new friends and embracing social independence, and offers valuable advice for moms who may be concerned about their children's social lives in college. This interview captures how our relationship has grown over the years and how it continues to evolve as we venture into a new stage of life together. https://lessdramamoremama.com/269

Enrollment for Damn Good Mama is open and today, you're in for a treat! We've got four incredible moms sharing about their experiences inside the program. First you'll hear from Katie, whose day-to-day life was filled with frustration and conflict, and didn't quite match the family life she'd imagined. She decided it was time for a change, and hoped that by transforming her inner world, she would see positive shifts in her external reality. Then you'll meet Tara, who wanted to strengthen her relationship with her teenage son during his senior year of high school. Her goal was to support his growing independence while maintaining a cool and confident demeanor, even when they butted heads. Next, you'll hear Sarah discuss how she came to the realization that her need for control negatively impacted her parenting, and how she turned things around. Finally, you'll hear from Lisa about navigating the challenges of estrangement from her daughter and finding support in a group of understanding and non-judgmental moms. These stories highlight the power of growth and support within Damn Good Mama. Don't miss your chance to join by September 30th! https://lessdramamoremama.com/268

Parenting is full of surprises, but one of the most unexpected aspects is the flood of opinions from everyone around you – whether it's your mom, in-laws, outspoken friends, people at church, or even strangers. It can sometimes feel challenging to stand your ground when someone disagrees with you. In this week's podcast episode, I'm delving into the art of handling these situations gracefully. After listening, I hope you start to feel more confident about your own parenting decisions, even when others disagree with them. As long as you're making decisions thoughtfully and with love, you're doing your best as a parent. Ultimately, that's what truly matters. https://lessdramamoremama.com/267

This week, I'm excited to have Rhonda Farr back on the podcast. Rhonda is a certified Life Coach who specializes in connecting men and women through the practice of emotional intelligence and emotional intimacy. She teaches high-achieving men how to become aware of emotions and communicate with vulnerability, so they can enjoy more intimacy with the people they love. Rhonda is a woman in a man's world. She has four sons, was raised with only brothers, and now operates a full time coaching practice with the most amazing men who are ready to stop chasing external validation and start creating the life that truly makes them happy. Tune in to hear Rhonda pull back the curtain on how men are conditioned, the role shame plays in their interactions, and how to communicate with them in helpful ways. https://lessdramamoremama.com/266

Grandparents' Day is coming up this Sunday and sadly, for some kids, it may not be a very enjoyable holiday because they don't get along with, or even like, one or more of their grandparents. As moms, we can feel a number of emotions about this from hurt and heartbreak to frustration, disappointment, and guilt. So, do we try to convince our kids that grandma and grandpa are great, act as a mediator between them, or force them to spend time together? While there's no one right answer, in this episode I'll talk about my own experiences, both as a granddaughter and as a mom, and then offer some thoughts about how to deal with the issue overall. https://lessdramamoremama.com/265

It's finally here! Today is the official launch day for my new book Less Drama More Mama: How to Go from Frazzled and Disrespected to Calm and Connected! I almost can't believe this is actually happening, and I am so excited to share it with you! This book is something I've dreamed about for a long time, and I believe it can and will do so much good. I hope that every mom who needs it, finds it. Motherhood is one of the best blessings I've ever experienced and it's really cool that I get to show my daughters what's possible and build a legacy for them. And that's what I touch on in this week's episode. It's a little different than you might expect – full of thank-yous, acknowledgments, and an exercise for you to do to help you feel grateful and abundant in your own life. https://lessdramamoremama.com/264

If you haven't heard yet, my book, Less Drama More Mama: How to Go from Frazzled and Disrespected to Calm and Connected, is releasing next Tuesday, August 29th at 9AM PST (10AM MST/11AM CST/12PM EST)! 🎉🎉 I've been working on it for over a year, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you. This week's episode of the podcast is a flip of the script. Instead of interviewing, I'm being interviewed! My friend and copywriter, Hannah Fleace, took over hosting and interviewed me about what it was like to write the book, where the ideas came from, and so much more. I'm excited to share a little of my heart about why I wrote this book. Spoiler: it's for YOU. It's for all the moms looking to find relief from feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or guilt. It's for the moms still figuring things out and making their way. It's for the moms who believe deep down that things can be better and they're not alone. My deepest wish is that you'll find relief in its pages and know how supported and loved you are. https://lessdramamoremama.com/263

The transition from summer to school can be tricky for everyone, so getting clear about expectations and goals for the upcoming year can help everyone feel more prepared and at ease. By involving everyone in setting goals around family, home, and school responsibilities, you can foster a sense of ownership and teamwork within the family, which not only helps lighten the load for you, but also teaches your kids valuable life skills. Tune in to this episode to find out how to ensure a smooth transition and create a sense of shared purpose as you start the new school year. https://lessdramamoremama.com/262

Throughout the month of July, my Damn Good Mama group and I embarked on a 30-day challenge based on the bestselling book How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price. We took steps to reshape our relationships with our smartphones, and the results were truly remarkable. Tune in to hear about what the challenge entailed, what we noticed about ourselves, and how you can break up with your phone, too. https://lessdramamoremama.com/261

Today I'm joined for the second time by Hunter Clarke-Fields, a mindfulness mentor, the host of the Mindful Mama Podcast, #1 Bestselling Author of Raising Good Humans, a mindfulness meditation teacher, and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. We're talking about her brand new book, Raising Good Humans Every Day: 50 Simple Ways to Press Pause, Stay Present & Connect with Your Kids that hits bookstores on August 1st. The book has 50 super short chapters that each offer actionable advice you can incorporate into your life right away, and is fantastic for parents with kids of all ages. Hunter guides us through some tools and strategies, and I can't wait for you to listen! https://lessdramamoremama.com/260

After decades of working with families, and as a mom myself, I can tell you that one of the biggest "hacks" to parenting is letting kids learn through their own mistakes. As simple as that sounds, it can be extremely challenging for parents (especially moms) to allow mistakes and consequences to occur. So in this episode, I'm talking about the benefits of letting your kids learn through natural consequences. You'll realize how much more effective it is than nagging, lecturing, and getting into power struggles for raising responsible and resilient kids/adults. https://lessdramamoremama.com/259

Do you wish you could connect more with your kids, but have trouble finding the time? Would you like ideas for screen-free family fun? If so, this episode is for you! I've compiled a list of 31 ways to connect with your kids in ten minutes or less that don't involve screens, are mom-tested, and kid-approved. Tune in to get fresh ideas and spark some more of your own. https://lessdramamoremama.com/258

Today's guest is my good friend and Certified Teen Coach, Kendra Huffman. Kendra helps teenagers find relief from anxiety, stress, and pressure from trying to feel "enough." She helps them release the need to be perfect, and replace it with more self-confidence and self-compassion. This episode is packed with great wisdom and tools for dealing with your own anxiety and helping your teens with theirs, too. https://lessdramamoremama.com/257

After working with hundreds of moms, I know I'm not alone in feeling anxious about the decisions our kids make. I'm not alone in tightening my grip when I can't control my kids, their decisions, or their behavior, either. So today, when America celebrates Independence Day, consider this episode your invitation to release some control and allow your children the freedom to take more risks and make more mistakes. In the long run, those experiences will help pave the way to their successes and deepen your relationships! https://lessdramamoremama.com/256

I've had lots of experience disciplining other people's kids in my role as clinician in an adolescent day treatment program, as a religious school teacher, a camp counselor, and a school counselor. But when it comes to disciplining other people's kids in my role as a mom, it feels a bit tricky because I don't want my behavior to impact my kids' friendships in a negative way. In this episode, I'm talking about the three most important things to focus on when it comes to dealing with other people's kids so you can handle situations with confidence, compassion, and respect. https://lessdramamoremama.com/255

Fun fact: Today (June 20th) is World Productivity Day. I'd never heard of this holiday, but since productivity is a common struggle among moms, I thought I'd take the opportunity to share some hands-on, practical strategies you can start using today to help you get the important things done in less time, so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy with people you love. Whether you want to feel more productive or less overwhelmed and bombarded by your to-do list, this episode is for you. https://lessdramamoremama.com/254

If you had to guess, what do you think dads struggle with the most? That's the very first question I asked today's podcast guest, Tommy Geary, and his answer might surprise you. Tommy is a life coach who helps take the pressure off high-performing men so they can be better leaders, husbands, and dads, and I asked him to come on the podcast in honor of Father's Day (which is this Sunday!). We talked about a number of topics, and his perspective was so refreshing. So, grab your guy, jump in the car for a short drive, and give this a listen. https://lessdramamoremama.com/253

This week, I'm hosting Christine Bongiovanni, a love and relationship coach with 30+ years of experience guiding women to loving relationships with themselves and their lives. After considering a divorce from her second husband, Christine discovered a process that allowed her to turn her marriage around, which she now uses to help other couples (and individuals) go from co-existence to interactive, loving partnerships. Tune in to hear Christine's best tips for prioritizing your partnership and keeping your marriage strong after having kids. https://lessdramamoremama.com/252

Are you on Team Structure or Team Spontaneity when it comes to summer schedules? In today's episode, I'm discussing the benefits of both, so you can find the perfect balance for you and your family. Tune in to soak up some ideas and ensure yours is a summer to remember (for all the right reasons)! https://lessdramamoremama.com/251

Do you feel stressed at this time of year? The last weeks of school can involve many activities, including class parties, recitals, assemblies, proms, graduations, and final exams. Summer is very close, mama, so hang tight and check out this episode for a few moments of inspiration and sanity. https://lessdramamoremama.com/250

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day this past Sunday! If not, you're not alone...and this is the episode for you. Maybe you didn't get the things you wanted, everyone completely forgot, there was conflict, or it didn't feel as special as you would have liked it to feel. Tune into this episode to hear how to handle when celebrations are a letdown. You can also come back and listen to this episode when you feel disappointed after a celebration of any kind. https://lessdramamoremama.com/249

Today's episode was inspired by a friend of mine who wanted to know how to navigate Mother's Day when she doesn't feel loving towards her mother-in-law. Perhaps you can relate when it comes to celebrating your own mother or mother-in-law. While these relationships can feel challenging at times, it's possible to start feeling better about them and change your future interactions with them, starting today. Tune in and have a drama-free Mother's Day this year! https://lessdramamoremama.com/248

If you had to pick ONE word to describe parenting, what would it be? I recently saw this question on Facebook, and while there were many positive words in the comments (rewarding, humbling, blessed, to name a few), the most common answer was challenging. Ain't it the truth? Parenting can be SO challenging! But sometimes we can make it harder on ourselves than it needs to be. So, on today's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing 7 of my most powerful strategies for making parenting easier and more fun. If you're feeling stuck in a rut with your parenting, dread heading home after work, or are at your wit's end getting your kids to listen to you, there's AT LEAST one strategy here that will be a game-changer for you. https://lessdramamoremama.com/247

With nearly 250 episodes of the podcast, it's unlikely that you've heard or remember them all. That's why I've taken clips about different parenting tools I've discussed and compiled them into one episode for you today. I'd love it if you'd let me know which tools you've utilized and what your experience was like. You can email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @lessdramamama. Also, please refer to each episode's show notes for additional information and helpful links. https://lessdramamoremama.com/246

For a reason you'll hear about in this episode, I decided to go to my barre class last week without a T-shirt. It was a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least. And it's tied directly to this week's podcast episode all about self-confidence. Tune in to find out exactly what happened and how to generate more self-confidence as a mom. https://lessdramamoremama.com/245

The way I write in my journal has evolved over time, but one thing remains the same: journaling is one of the simplest, most effective practices in my life for understanding my feelings, manifesting what I want, and building stronger relationships. In this episode, I'm sharing some ways you can start feeling better and growing closer to your kids just by making a habit of writing every day. If you're a little skeptical about journaling, have no clue how to get started, or aren't even exactly sure what it means, pop in your headphones, mama, and listen in. This is one of those small things that can be a catalyst for creating big change in your life. https://lessdramamoremama.com/244

One of the keys to creating a good relationship with your kids is taking care of the other important relationships in your life - like the one with your spouse. And since it's Spring – the season of love – I've rounded up my best tips and advice about handling marital issues from previous episodes and put them into a new one to help you create the loving and peaceful home you dream about. Even if you're a single mom like me, this episode can help you navigate other important relationships in your life, so be sure to tune in. https://lessdramamoremama.com/243

For 16 years, my mom drove the same car until it literally wouldn't drive anymore. Despite knowing it was time to get a new one, she just kept putting it on hold. And when her car finally did go kaput, she ended up spending a lot of money on a car she didn't really love. We often think that taking action early will be MORE costly than waiting it out. But that's rarely ever true. In today's episode of the podcast, I'm getting really real with you about taking action to improve your family situation and what's likely to happen if you continue to wait. https://lessdramamoremama.com/242

This week, I'm chatting with three incredible moms who are wrapping up the inaugural round of Damn Good Mama. First you'll meet Katie, who sometimes felt discouraged about the dynamics in her home with three kids, and wanted to be more intentional about the way she parented them. Next, you'll meet Amanda, who dreaded going home after work in the evenings. With two teenage daughters, she knew there would always be some kind of conflict when she walked in the door. And finally, you'll meet Jessica, who realized she needed help bringing peace and happiness back into her home after becoming a widow two years ago. Tune in to this episode to hear the incredible transformations of these three amazing mamas. https://lessdramamoremama.com/241

In January, I committed to going to Barre classes three times a week and hip hop every Thursday night. Then I got COVID, and two weeks went by without me going to any classes. When I started to feel better, I had to decide: do I keep my commitment to myself to exercise four times a week? Or do I continue resting and relaxing? In this episode, I share my perspective on commitment and what I chose to do. If keeping commitments to yourself is something you struggle with, this episode will give you a giant dose of inspiration and determination. https://lessdramamoremama.com/240

We're more than halfway through my group coaching program, Damn Good Mama, and two of our moms recently shared that they felt things were getting worse in their homes...not better. While that might sound frustrating, it's actually a very common occurrence. And surprisingly, it means they're doing something right. In this week's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing why you might feel like things get more chaotic or out of control in your home, especially after implementing the tools and techniques that I share on this podcast, and what you can do about it. https://lessdramamoremama.com/239

Your imagination is a very powerful tool that you can use to create your ideal relationships. In today's podcast episode, I'm revealing how you can become the mom you want to be just by "acting as if" you're already her now. This is truly one of the simplest and most effective tools you can use to start seeing changes in your family. I can't wait to share it with you! https://lessdramamoremama.com/238

Relationships don't happen by accident. And that is really good news. Even if you don't love your relationships with your kids right now or wish your interactions with them were different – it's good news because those things can change. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing a concept that has the power to transform your relationships into the beautiful, loving, and joyful ones they can be. And it starts by understanding that your kids are a mirror of the thoughts and assumptions you carry about yourself, your kids, and your relationships with them. It might sound a little "out there," but this is one of the most powerful things any mom can learn. https://lessdramamoremama.com/237

Recently, I had an experience with my daughter where my initial reaction was to get scared and then so angry I wanted to yell at her. But I didn't. In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly what I did to stay calm, connected, and confident in my parenting, and how you can learn to do the same in three really simple steps. This works at EVERY age and stage of parenting, so if your first reactions are usually like mine, make sure you listen in! https://lessdramamoremama.com/236

Have you ever noticed how quick people are to assume the worst in others? Maybe you've even recognized this tendency in yourself. When we assume the worst in others, it negatively impacts our experience of life, our mood, and especially our relationships. How often are you assuming the worst intentions from your own kids? This episode is full of examples that every mom can relate to – from kids not doing their chores to teens who come home late. If you're ready to instantly improve your relationship with your kids, this is one episode you don't want to miss! https://lessdramamoremama.com/235

Today's guest is my friend and colleague, Jamie Berman. She's a Master Certified Coach with a background in Spiritual Psychology, and specializes in all things money, mindset, and manifestation! Jamie helps her clients go from underearning to making 6-figures and beyond in their businesses without overworking or hustling. In this interview, Jamie shares how her views on money have changed over time. She also talks about issues specifically related to stay-at-home moms and working moms, and spills the tea on how she chooses to spend her money to get the most out of life. https://lessdramamoremama.com/234

I'm a big believer in the power of affirmations. Not only have they made a huge difference in my own life, but my clients use them all the time to achieve incredible results. This week on the podcast, I'm sharing all about affirmations – what they are, how to use them, and how they can specifically help you achieve your parenting and relationship goals. If you're looking for a really simple way to start getting more of what you want, this is an episode you don't want to miss. https://lessdramamoremama.com/233

Today's episode is about changing your state; not in the sense of shifting where you physically live, but where you mentally live. Your "state" refers to your dominant way of being in the world and consists of your attitudes, perceptions, assumptions, beliefs, feelings, and actions. If you don't like the results you're creating in your life, it may be time to change your state. Tune into this episode to learn more. https://lessdramamoremama.com/232

When presented with an opportunity to make a change for the better or go after a goal, many moms don't take it. They choose to stay stuck. But why? In today's episode, I'm sharing my thoughts about what stops us from doing the things we KNOW will benefit us and move us forward in life, and how to get unstuck. https://lessdramamoremama.com/231

Happy New Year, mama! I hope you're having an amazing start to 2023. Did you set a resolution or goal yet? I recently read that 54% of American parents make New Year's resolutions, and while I think setting goals is amazing, why we set them and how we think about them ultimately determines whether or not we will attain them. Most of the time, I see parents set goals with the idea that they'll be happier on the other side of achieving them. And it's exactly that kind of thinking that prevents them from getting the happiness they want. This seems totally counterintuitive, I know, but it's true. And on today's first episode of the new year, I'm sharing why. https://lessdramamoremama.com/230

This week's episode is a twist on self-care that you probably haven't heard. When they think about self-care, many moms imagine bubble baths, a few minutes of quiet time (locked in the bathroom), or a warm cup of coffee before a hectic day begins. Today I'm sharing a strategy that's been a huge mood-lifter for me, and I know it can do the same for you. Plus, it's not a run-of-the-mill idea you'd find on a Pinterest list of "25 self-care activities for moms." Take care of yourself, mama, and have a Happy New Year! https://lessdramamoremama.com/229

We've already talked about the first two pillars of the More Mama Method – Control and Connection, and this week we're talking about Competence. Do you know what to do when your kids have totally different temperaments and don't respond to the same parenting approach? Or what to do when kids are uncooperative? Or when you feel totally overwhelmed by life? This episode addresses all those things from the lens of competence, and I can't wait to share them with you! https://lessdramamoremama.com/228

In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing a really personal story about an argument I had with my ex-husband and some of the derogatory things he said to me. The reason I'm sharing this with you is because I know almost every mom deals with disparaging remarks at some point -- whether they come from someone else or, more likely, their own mental narrative. But the story doesn't end the way you probably think it does, and my reaction might surprise you. Tune in to hear what happened and how my experience can benefit you!

Last week, I shared the first pillar of my signature framework The More Mama Method, which is the process I take my clients through to help them create happier lives and better relationships with their kids. This week, I'm sharing the second pillar. It's a word we use often in parenting, but it has a totally different definition in my method: Control. When you hear that word, you might think about controlling your kids or their behavior, or something you feel flew out the window a long time ago. In this episode, I'm sharing what control really means and what it looks like in a thriving family. https://lessdramamoremama.com/226

Since coaching so many clients over the past ten years, I've identified several common themes and obstacles moms face that I address again and again. With the help of my business coach, I thought through the exact steps I take to help moms overcome these obstacles and mapped out my unique process that I'm now referring to as "The More Mama Method." In this episode of the podcast, I'm delving into the first of three pillars that make up my signature framework. Understanding this pillar is the foundation for creating strong, safe, trusting, and loving relationships when it comes to parenting. I can't wait to share it with you! https://lessdramamoremama.com/225

Do you feel overwhelmed just thinking about the amount of "stuff" your kids will get during the holidays and where to put it all? We've been conditioned (here in the U.S. especially) to believe that more is better. But where there is too much stuff, fewer things are truly valued. Attention spans are shorter. Anxiety, overwhelm, and boredom are greater. And there's a need to fill every void with – you guessed it – more stuff! With holiday shopping about to be in full swing, I wanted to share a few ideas for how you can limit the amount of clutter that enters your home this year and still give your kids an unforgettable experience filled with meaningful gifts. https://lessdramamoremama.com/224

The holidays are approaching, and your social media accounts are about to be flooded with photos and quotes about gratitude. This year, I wanted to talk about gratitude in a way you might not have heard before. Most of us are used to expressing gratitude after we receive a gift or achieve a goal (which is an excellent practice!), but today I'm sharing how you can practice feeling gratitude in advance of getting a result to attract the things you want into your life. I also discuss how to experience gratitude for the things you don't want, too. This episode could be the one that changes everything for you and your family, so don't miss it! https://lessdramamoremama.com/223

My guest on today's episode is Master Coach instructor, Molly Claire. She was my very first life coach back in 2018. She's a 7-figure business builder with a blended family of 10 (yes, 10!). Molly has dedicated her life and business to helping women overcome their own limits, make the money they want, and have the time, freedom and flexibility to be with the people in their lives that matter the most (especially the little ones). I'm always learning so much from Molly and I'm excited for you to meet her, too. If you're curious about what coaching can REALLY do for you as a mom (and how it changed my life and Molly's for the better!), you'll want to tune in. https://lessdramamoremama.com/222

Do you often worry about what others think of you? If so, you're not alone. Many of the moms I speak with give more weight and attention to other people's opinions than to their own, causing themselves unnecessary drama and suffering. In this episode, I explain why other people's opinions aren't as relevant as you think they are, and how to stop caring as much about what others think of you. https://lessdramamoremama.com/221