Less Drama More Mama

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

Whatever you think about yourself gets reflected back to you as your external reality. So, if you want to know the quality of your thoughts about yourself, just look at your life right now. Are you satisfied with it? Does it reflect who you want to be? If not, tune in to this episode to learn how to change your self-concept, become the person you want to be, and create the life you want. https://lessdramamoremama.com/220

Sex and pleasure are often taboo topics for moms because they can bring up a lot of embarrassment, shame, and awkwardness. And yet, when you can learn to be more in touch with your sexuality, you can develop a better relationship with yourself and a more enjoyable experience of life. My guest today is Tilly Storm, a holistic sex and intimacy coach for elite leaders seeking to prioritize their pleasure and relationships. She's the host of The Multiorgasmic Mama Podcast and has been recognized as one of the top 20 sex coaches in the world by the Coach Foundation. Tilly is on a mission to re-imagine how society views sexuality, merging ancient sexuality practices with modern healing and integration modalities to support leaders in having the best sex of their lives and manifesting the life of their dreams. As a certified sex and intimacy coach, Tilly uses deep transformational tools and techniques inspired from the Taoist and Tantric arts, somatic healing, psychotherapy and a variety of coaching modalities to support high achieving men and women to experience epic sex and pleasure in the bedroom and beyond. In this interview, we talk about pleasure as a feminine superpower, and how getting in touch with your sexual side can give you more energy and even make you a better mom! https://lessdramamoremama.com/219

Last week, I ran a workshop called The Secret to Raising Respectful Kids (That No One Else is Talking About) and it was amazing! Prior to the workshop, I sent an email asking those who signed up to tell me ONE THING they most wanted to know, ask, or understand by the end of the workshop. They asked some incredible questions like . . . "I'd like to understand what respectful behavior exactly means, especially in the context of teenagers. What behavior is considered normal, and what should I address?" and "Why do my kids love to push buttons just for the sake of pushing buttons? When they see I'm upset and I've asked them 100 times to stop, why must they continue on?" Nodding your head yet? In today's podcast episode, I'm answering these (and several more!) questions about kids and respect. If you've been a parent for more than .5 seconds, I know this will resonate and maybe give you a new perspective on respect in your own home. https://lessdramamoremama.com/218

The word "investment" probably makes you think about money and the stock market. But you also make investments in your time, your energy, your growth and your well-being. Investing in yourself means gaining more knowledge, experience, and skills that will benefit you personally and/or professionally in the future. So, why do moms have such a hard time investing in themselves? Tune into this episode to find out why and how you can start investing in your future self today! https://lessdramamoremama.com/217

Today's guest on the podcast is Jen Lumanlan, the host of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast, a reference guide for parents of young children based on scientific research and the principles of respectful parenting. In this interview, Jen and I talk about the impact of different types of trauma on parenting and what she calls the "trauma of unmet needs." We discuss how understanding our own needs and the needs of our children can help us problem-solve in situations when we feel triggered. And you'll hear Jen answer an email I received from a mom wanting to help her son struggling with ADHD and ODD. Tune in for this information-packed episode that's sure to give you several insights and ideas to help you with your parenting. https://lessdramamoremama.com/216

International bestselling author Carla Naumburg, PhD, is back on the show with me to talk about her fifth and latest book, You Are Not a Sh*tty Parent: How to Practice Self-Compassion and Give Yourself a Break. In her unique down-to-earth, warm, and humorous way, Carla helps us understand the importance of self-compassion and gives us practical strategies to prevent and manage what she calls, "Sh*tty Parent Syndrome." If you've ever thought to yourself, "I'm such a shitty parent" (and who among us hasn't at some point?), get ready to change your mind. https://lessdramamoremama.com/215

Did you know I used to be a K-8 School Counselor? That experience has helped me SO MUCH in my work with parents. Last week, I got curious and asked my Instagram followers what questions they had for a former K-8 school counselor. And they delivered! If your child is in elementary or middle school, you'll definitely want to give this episode a listen and share it with others! https://lessdramamoremama.com/214

Join me for this special Grandparents' Day episode to learn seven things your child's grandparents wish you'd say to them. These seven statements will not only help them feel great, they'll also help position you as equals in adulthood and enhance your relationships! https://lessdramamoremama.com/213

My guest today is Abbi Perets, a mom of five who didn't want to choose between spending time with her kids and having a successful career, so she figured out a way to do both. Abbi started freelance writing when her oldest child was born. When her third child (who had special needs) was diagnosed with cancer, Abbi joined an online community for moms of kids with cancer and began sharing freelance writing tips. The moms who implemented her suggestions began making money to be able to afford healthcare and other basic necessities. As a result, Abbi founded Successful Freelance Mom to support and encourage women and mothers to create profitable freelance businesses that fit into their busy lives. Tune into today's episode to hear her incredible story and learn how you can create money while working from home and spending more time with your kids, too.

Moms don't give themselves enough credit for the impressive things they do every day. Tune in for this brief, but powerful episode about noticing and appreciating the amazing person you are now, AND setting goals you to impress yourself even more in the future. https://lessdramamoremama.com/211

Growing up, the first day of school was always a big deal in my house. But along with the excitement of getting new school supplies and shoes were feelings of nervousness, stress, and worry, too. In today's episode, I'm talking about the transition back to school and how you can make it easier on everyone. https://lessdramamoremama.com/210

I just returned from a week-long camp for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. It was my fourth summer there as a Grief Specialist, and every year I'm amazed by how transformative it is -- both for me and for the kids. Tune in to today's episode, where I share my top recommendations for how to support grieving kids, whether they're grieving the loss of a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, other family members, pets, or peers.

I love books. I love to read them, recommend them, share them, and give them as gifts. In this episode, I'm sharing six books that have had the biggest impact on me so far when it comes to parenting and life, and why I think they'd have a positive impact on you, too. https://lessdramamoremama.com/208

If you've ever promised yourself that you would learn from your past choices only to find yourself repeating them, this episode is for you. I'm sharing a five-step process to help you learn from your past choices and actually change your behavior to create more peace and calm in your home. Join me as I walk you through each of the five steps and share insights from my own life and coaching practice. https://lessdramamoremama.com/207

Co-parenting after divorce gets a bad rap, but my guest today is proof that it's possible to have a good relationship with your ex and co-parent peacefully. Mikki Gardner is a Certified Life Coach and Conscious Parenting Coach. She's a mom to three boys (her son and two bonus sons) and a dog. She co-parents with her ex husband and his wife, her partner and his ex-wife. Mikki is the host of the Co-Parenting with Confidence podcast and has a private one-on-one coaching practice, helping moms ditch the conflict and frustration of divorce and become strong, loving, confident co-parents without the other co-parent's participation. https://lessdramamoremama.com/206