After The Kids Are In Bed

In keeping with the spooky vibe of Halloween, in this episode, Hannah and I discuss real ghost stories from our own childhoods, and how we view them now that we're adults. We also talk about the strange and creepy things kids sometimes say. Is this all just our imagination, or are children, and some adults, just more tuned in to things beyond the veil? Can we really open windows to other planes of existence and if so, do we even want to? We discuss all this and MORE on this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope you enjoy it! . . Song is Lightness by Nomyn https://soundcloud.com/nomyn Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/2CDOZQC Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/yTIFnD_iAyM

In this episode Hannah and I discuss school shootings, school safety, gun control and how we talk to our kids about traumatic events when they happen. How do we explain these events to our kids when we hardly understand them ourselves? How do we assuage their fear when we don't have the answers and are afraid ourselves? What do we do, in our own communities, to help our families, our schools, our police and our neighbors to be safe? We discuss all these topics and MORE on this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope it's helpful.

In this episode Hannah and I do a 2021 recap and go over our most popular episodes from the last year, and list the locations around the world where most of our listeners are! Then we dive into the topic of friendships after kids. Balancing healthy friendships with adults outside the home once we become parents can be a challenge, but so rewarding! How do you make new friends as an adult, and do they also need to be parents in order for the friendship to last? What about friendships with people that are the same gender as our spouse? How do we keep friendships platonic and meaningful while still staying true to our significant others? We discuss all these topics and MORE on this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I talk about aging (and aging gracefully, if there is such a thing) gray hair, fine lines, wrinkles, weight gain and all the joys of raising kids while we are getting older. How does aging affect our parenting styles? How do we deal with our changing reflections as we age, and how hard do we fight against them? Do we ever learn to embrace these changes and go with the flow, and if so, how? What lessons can we learn along the way and how do we impart this wisdom to our kids so their process is easier? How do we like ourselves with older faces and bodies when we live in a society where beauty and youth are prized above all things? We discuss all these topics and MORE on this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I talk about transitioning into fall and heading back to school with our kids. After a year and a half of distance learning, what we are we most excited for and most afraid of? How are the kids coping with these changes and what is on their minds? What Covid protocols are in place and are they enough, or too much? We talk about all these things and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I get together to dig deep into a topic neither of us know much about – parenting children who identify as transgender. We feel that this is an incredibly important subject, and in order to gain a more authentic perspective, I interview my friend and fellow mother, Amber Brio. Amber speaks openly about her parenting journey with her son as he transitioned, and how she learned to be the parent he needed her to be. What can parents do if their child comes to them and is upset about, or unsure of, their gender identity? At what point is it good to get medical and psychological professionals involved? How can you support your child when you don't understand what they are going through, and is that understanding even necessary? How do you come to terms with your child choosing to be their authentic selves, if it is different from the person you thought you brought into the world? We talk about all these things and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it! A final note from Amber: As a parent, it is vital to let your child set the tone for your level of advocacy and how vocal you are. If they are at all uncomfortable with you speaking openly about these issues, don't. Being a loud, proud parent can feel like outing your child on repeat. It's not about you, don't press them about it. Be an advocate in the ways you vote, with the tone you set when these conversations come up, and by how well you show up for your child. Love wins.

In this episode Hannah and I discuss get together for our first in-person podcast recording session since March 2020! We celebrate finally getting together and talk about all our Summer plans. Then we delve into internet safety and screen time. How do we teach our kids to put the phone/tablet/computer down and interact with people face to face, when we struggle ourselves? How do we lead by example when using screens is so enticing and addicting? As our kids get older and get online more and more, how do we keep them safe? What conversations should we be having with them, and just how honest should we be? How do we balance keeping tabs on their online activity and still honor their privacy? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I discuss the pets and animals in our lives and how they have enriched our family dynamics. When your kids ask you to bring an animal home (and at some point they definitely WILL) how do you decide whether or not to take on the responsibility? Even when kids promise they will do all the work with the family pet, how much time, energy and money do we, as parents, need to realistically invest? How do we know what pet is right for us, where do we find it and how do we give it the best home possible? How do we become animal advocates and help with the fostering and adoption of animals in need? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed Hannah and I discuss having the “birds and bees” talk with our third graders, and teaching them about pregnancy and childbirth. Then I interview Simone Garland and Kate McLane, two of my very best friends who just happened to have their first babies this past year, in the middle of a pandemic. They both share their personal experiences with everything from visits to the OB to private ultrasounds to delivery and family visits, all during a time peppered by the virus. And finally, they detail all the new Mommy and Baby gadgets they love, and can do without. We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I continue to record over the phone and safely distanced and chat about our feelings related to adoption. Both of us know people who have been in different roles surrounding adoption (and have seen the incredible ways adoption can change lives) but neither of us have experienced it first-hand. Then, I interview one of my dearest friends from childhood, Becky Hills Skolmoski. Becky talks openly about her personal struggles with infertility and how she coped with her feelings and eventually decided to give adoption a try. She then details the experiences she and her husband went through on their journey to parenthood and adopting their two children from different agencies. How do you even begin the process of adoption? How do you know what agency to go through? What can you expect from the adoption process and what kind of toll does it take on your life, and your finances? How do you open yourself up to a child, and a family, when you are picked as adoptive parents? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I have our daughters on the show for the first time ever! Her eldest, Iris, and my youngest, Viola, come on the show and talk openly about how they have been dealing with things this past year. From distance learning to screen time to the Coronavirus itself, these two third graders let us know their thoughts and feelings on everything that is going on. What is the hardest thing they have to deal with? How do they feel about being home and distance learning? How do they keep busy and have fun? What advice do they have for other kids that are dealing with being home, under quarantine? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I interview Shefali D’Sa, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in children age 0-18 and family therapy (and also happens to be a wife and mother of two). Shefali shares her wisdom and professional insight with us and offers some wonderful information about mental health check-ins, resources and myriad of other things related to our mental health, and the mental health of our kids. What do we need to look for, as parents, when evaluating our children (or ourselves)? How do we set a good example and get help for ourselves, if we need it? How do we know when to seek help for our children, and where do we start? How do we talk to our insurance about mental health coverage, and what do we do if we have no insurance? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode Hannah and I record over the phone once again, thanks to LA’s Covid numbers, and talk frankly about how this year has taken a toll on our personal mental health. We explore how we check in with ourselves, and our kids, to make sure we are all doing okay. And if we’re NOT okay, we discuss the different methods we are currently using to get help. After almost a year in quarantine, how do we even know what normal is anymore? How do we recognize the signs of anxiety and stress in ourselves and our kids, and what can we do about it? How do we know when its time to seek professional help? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, as a follow up to our last episode (EP 25 - I Can't Change Even If I Tried, Even If I Wanted To - Stories About LGBTQ Kids 1 – A Mom’s Story) we interview our first ever child in the equation! After hearing his Mom on our podcast, this week’s guest reached out and requested to come on the show and give us a glimpse into his perspective on things, and we couldn’t be happier about it! Growing up is difficult enough, but if you are someone who identifies on the LGBTQ spectrum (even nowadays) that can create a different set of unique challenges. Add to that equation a conservative culture and religious household and things can become even more difficult. How do you come to terms with all that you are feeling when you grow up with no representation of anyone who is like you? What do you do when your life-long church tells you that your sexual preference is okay, but acting on it is wrong? How do you continue to like yourself when your community doesn’t understand what you are going through and don’t support what they see as your “choices”? How do you come to terms with your parents when you decide you no longer want to be a part of the church they raised you in? How do you rebuild ideas for your “happily ever after” when you are on a path your family has no experience with? We talk about all these things, and MORE in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed, we hope you enjoy it!

Love is unconditional, right? That’s what they tell us, anyways. And honestly, it should be. What happens when your kids grow up and follow a path different from the one you imagined? What if they grow up and their true selves are something you, as a parent, are not prepared for? What if your church, your very belief system, tells you that what your child is, is wrong? These are the issues that some parents, even in 2020, are faced with when they find out that their children identify on the LGBTQ spectrum. Whether you are a church-going conservative or a weed-smoking hippie, most parents seem to have extra worry when their children “come out”, and some do not deal with it well. How do we normalize these things and search for the love in our relationships, even when we don’t understand what we are dealing with? How do we reconcile love for our church and support for our children, when they seem to be at odds? How do we learn to accept different lifestyles and be open to change when we are happy and set in our ways? Ultimately, how do we peel back the complicated layers and just remember to love our kids, and support them, no matter what? Please join us for a much needed conversation about these very personal topics, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

In this episode of ATKAIB Hannah and I discuss what we’re doing and what we’re EATING as school starts and we dig into online distance learning. We share stories and recipes, and talk about how we’re adjusting to working at home, schooling at home and preparing all the family meals at home. What special guidelines are we trying to stick to with food prep, and how are we getting around those guidelines? What are our go-to favorite meals that the kids actually eat? How do we balance nutrition with time, money and ease of preparation when it comes to meal planning? Please join us for a fun conversation about these interesting topics, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

It’s the 23rd episode of ATKAIB, and Melissa interviews her best friend and husband of 23 years, Andrew Curtis! In his first ever visit to the show, Andy discusses his take on things as the Dad of the house. Whether it is a more laid back approach to discipline, or stricter ideas about clothing guidelines, he brings a completely different voice to the parenting discussion in the Curtis home. Is it better to be more liberal and give your kids more freedoms, or should we err on the side of caution and take a more conservative angle? How have our own upbringings altered the way we approach parenting, and how do we align our points of view to be an effective team? As our children grow up and the roles and balance changes, how do we remain on the same page without fighting? Please join us for a fun conversation about these interesting topics, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

In this episode of ATKAIB Melissa and Hannah record over the phone once again, and keep on social distancing. They discuss the current events regarding race relations and police brutality in America, and share how they talk to their own kids about racism. Then Melissa interviews businesswoman, friend and mother of 4, Jolaine Oliver, who happens to be a woman of color. Jolaine speaks candidly about her feelings and views. She shares how she prepares her children for all life has to offer, and all life throws at them. Is change really possible? How honest can we be with our children about race issues in America? What can we all do to help make things better, right now, for everyone and specifically people of color? When awareness isn’t enough how do we inspire change and educate ourselves and the next generations? Please join us for a wonderful (over the phone) conversation about these important topics, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

This episode kicks off Season 2 of ATKAIB! In this episode Melissa and Hannah record from afar, over the phone, and discuss how things are going with online distance learning in a world dominated by Covid-19. Then Melissa interviews seasoned homeschooler and mother of 8, Chaundra Wilson. Chaundra shares her take on how to effectively teach children at home and build lasting relationships and connection in this crazy time. How do I make sure I’m doing enough and teaching my kids effectively at home? How do I get over my feelings of inadequacy to trust myself and my parenting, even in this difficult time? What tips and tricks can be learned from parents who homeschool full time? How can I enjoy this time and use it as a positive experience within my family unit? Please join us for a wonderful (over the phone) conversation about this topic, and more, in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode, Melissa and Hannah discuss how they (and their families) are coping with the current Stay At Home Order in LA due to the Coronavirus pandemic. How do you deal with the day to day stress of full time parenting 24/7, homeschooling, working from home, losing jobs, worrying about money, worrying about getting sick, getting what you need at the grocery store, feeding everyone, keeping the house clean, keeping everyone entertained, getting good sleep, staying healthy, washing your hands, paying your bills, never going out, not going CRAZY? Please join us for a wonderful (over the phone) conversation about this topic of the moment, and more, in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode, Melissa and Hannah discuss the current topic of the moment: Coronavirus (YIKES) and then delve into the topic of communication and how it relates to disciplining your kids. How do we really communicate and connect with our kids in today’s world? What kind of discipline is appropriate and more importantly, effective? Are modern kids really just undisciplined brats who need a good whoopin, or is there more to it? How do we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with our kids and most of all. Human, and listen to their perspective at the same time? Please join us for a wonderful conversation about this very personal subject, and more, in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode, Melissa and Hannah interview Melissa’s friend Marissa, and hear her personal journey with infertility, fertility treatments and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). How do you wrap your brain around your own infertility when you want a baby more than anything? What kind of toll does it take on your body, your marriage and your savings account? What options are out there for couples who are having difficulty conceiving in this modern day? How can we normalize this discussion and help those who are looking for answers and most of all, hope? Please join us for a wonderful conversation about this very personal subject, and more, in this episode of ATKAIB.

Most families dream of owning a home someday, but it can be an incredibly difficult process to go through. Or, maybe you already own a home, but cannot fathom putting yourself through the motions again (on purpose) to refinance. From preqals and preapprovals to appraisals and the inundation of paperwork required, applying for and obtaining a mortgage loan can be one of the scariest things we put ourselves through as adults. Is it really necessary? How do you stay sane? Just WHO is this elusive Underwriter that gets to decide (basically) everything you can qualify for? Why, oh, why, do they need so much paperwork? Please join us for a fun and informative conversation about all this, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

It’s that funky time of year at the end of December… It’s not quite the new year, but we’re not quite done with the holiday fodder. Are the kids back in school yet ? No, they are still here, wreaking havoc. Are the decorations still up? Most likely. Can I drink before noon? Oh, you betcha! So, while you deal with your own holiday clean-up (or NOT) take a listen as we laugh and talk about our own holiday traditions and how we make it through this stressful time. From Christmas cookies, to putting up the tree, to our best memories of Christmas ever, how can we make the holidays more about experiences and less about things? Please join us for a fun conversation about all this, and more, in this episode of After The Kids Are In Bed.

In this episode, in the spirit of Halloween, Melissa and Hannah tackle the SCARIEST subject known to mankind… Talking to kids about SEX. Its so awkward, its so hard, its so necessary! From consent to birth control to gender and sexuality spectrums, todays issues are way more complex than I recall from my youth. Please join us for a great conversation about this very important subject, and more, in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode Melissa and Hannah continue and finalize their interview of Melissa’s good friend Valerie for a first-hand account of the infidelity that she was faced with in her marriage, and how she dealt with it. Please join us for this amazing culmination to Valerie’s story (part 2 in a 2 part special episode).

In this episode Melissa and Hannah interview Melissa’s good friend Valerie to get a first-hand account of the infidelity that she was faced with in her marriage, and how she dealt with it. Valerie’s story is truly incredible and worth a listen. Are we really as faithful as we THINK we are? When faced with the reality of a cheating spouse, or cheating ourselves, how do we get to the bottom of the question of WHY? Can we ever forgive and move on and be happy again? How deep do the lies go and how do we repair? How do we teach our children about these uncomfortable things when they rear their ugly head? We talk about all this and more in this episode of ATKAIB (part 1 in a 2 part special episode).

In this episode Melissa and Hannah share stories about saying no when it is needed, standing up for yourself and quitting that job. How do we teach our children to stand up for themselves in life if we don’t know how? When we go through life transitions that impact our family unit, how do we balance telling our kids the truth, but not oversharing? When dealing with finances and careers, how do we support our kids in following their dreams when so many of us gave up on our own, long ago? We talk about all this and more in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode Melissa and Hannah share stories about death (the death of both loved ones and pets), and how they deal with it and talk to their kids about it. How do we teach our children about the harder facts of life when we, ourselves, don’t have all the answers? What coping skills do we need to work on as adults, in order to usher our kids through these rough patches of life? When dealing with grief and the idea of the afterlife, how do we find the balance between being honest and arming our kids with knowledge? We talk about all this and more in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode Melissa and Hannah talk about ageism and how it affects them at work and in the world. We all have ideals, opinions and prejudices about "people of a certain age" whether that means kids, teens, adults or the elderly. How do we teach our kids to be open and tolerant of all ages when we have our own issues? We talk about all this and more in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode Melissa and Hannah talk about screen time and how it plays a huge part in the lives of many parents and kids today. How do we keep our kids safe and sane in a world that is lived more online than in person? How do we, as parents, lead by example and learn to put our phones down and connect? We talk about all this and MORE in this episode of ATKAIB.

In this episode we discuss dating, the rules we were subject to as kids and teens, and how that has translated into our parenting styles. It can be hard to know how to balance things out as our kids grow up into young adults, a little humor always helps!

In this episode we discuss our dealings with mental illness on varying levels, in our own lives and with our own families. We try to break down stigmas and encourage anyone who is struggling to ask for help, because there is no shame in needing some extra support!

This is episode 6 of our podcast, After The Kids Are In Bed, where we talk about parenting our children as they grow into adulthood themselves, and the unique set of challenges that brings. We bring in our FIRST GUEST ever, Los Angeles Realtor and my good friend, Cynthia Eccles. Cynthia is a single Mom with three adult daughters and she joins in the fun sharing stories (and coping mechanisms) with our listeners. I hope you enjoy it!

This is episode 5 of our podcast, After The Kids Are In Bed, where we talk about LIES. As in, the lies we tell to our kids and the lies our kids tell us.

After The Kids Are In Bed (ATKAIB) is a parenting podcast by LA Moms Melissa & Hannah. They each have 2 kids, husbands who work in production & a dog.

After The Kids Are In Bed (ATKAIB) is a parenting podcast by LA Moms Melissa & Hannah. They each have 2 kids, husbands who work in production & a dog.

After The Kids Are In Bed (ATKAIB) is a parenting podcast by LA Moms Melissa & Hannah. They each have 2 kids, husbands who work in production & a dog.

After The Kids Are In Bed (ATKAIB) is a parenting podcast by LA Moms Melissa & Hannah. They each have 2 kids, husbands who work in production & a dog. They use storytelling from their own lives, and humor, to share experiences and advice.

After The Kids Are In Bed (ATKAIB) is a parenting podcast by LA Moms Melissa & Hannah. They each have 2 kids, husbands who work in production & a dog. In this first episode Melissa and Hanna chronicle their own pregnancy journeys, including miscarriages, unplanned pregnancies, secondary infertility, natural childbirth and more!