Help Them Bloom

In this introspective solo episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendel shares a deeply personal story about taking an unexpected solo trip to Tel Aviv to visit her brother. With two kids, a full-time job, and the ever-present demands of daily life, Evelyn opens up about the internal and external resistance she faced simply for choosing herself—even just for a week.She unpacks the guilt many parents, especially mothers, carry around the idea of stepping away, and she challenges the myth of “martyrdom” in parenting—that being a “good” parent means being constantly available and self-sacrificing. Evelyn explores the origins of this belief and invites listeners to reflect on the damaging narrative that we must reach the point of burnout before taking care of ourselves.Using the metaphor of running on an empty gas tank, she offers a powerful reminder: you don't have to hit zero before you refuel. This episode is a call to action for all caregivers to give themselves permission to pause—not out of necessity, but out of self-respect and love.

What if what you're really missing in motherhood isn't more advice — but true connection?Marika Frumes is the founder of Mysha, an intentional community built for modern mothers. What started as a small WhatsApp group during her pregnancy — born out of a need for honest, vulnerable conversation — has grown into a thriving network of women supporting one another through every season of motherhood. Marika and Evelyn discuss identity shifts, imposter syndrome, and the quiet loneliness that can come when your closest friends aren't in the same life chapter. Marika opens up about the personal journey that led to Mysha's creation, how she transformed isolation into community, and why meaningful connection doesn't happen by accident — it starts with intention.Learn more about Mysha: https://myshapods.com/TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Birth of a Community02:45 Creating Connection Through Intentionality06:07 Navigating Motherhood Together09:11 The Power of Vulnerability12:02 Asking for Help: A Common Struggle14:57 Mothering Ourselves18:01 Building a Supportive Network20:55 The Importance of Community for Mothers☑️Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What if the discomfort you're feeling isn't a sign something's wrong—but a sign that you're finally getting closer to who you really are?Psychotherapist Liliana Retelny joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandelt to explore the often uncomfortable—but ultimately empowering—journey of self-discovery. Together, they dive into how parenting can trigger unexpected questions about identity, how anxiety often points to deeper unresolved wounds, and why therapy can be a gateway to a more authentic life. Liliana shares her insights from years in practice, unpacking how cultural and familial expectations shape us, and how letting go of perfection can lead to deeper connection—with ourselves and our children. This conversation is an invitation to embrace discomfort, ask big questions, and grow into the person you were always meant to be.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery02:54 Understanding Discomfort and Growth06:01 Parenting Challenges and Reflections08:52 The Impact of Parenting Styles11:51 Navigating Children's Individuality15:07 The Role of Fear in Parenting18:06 Encouraging Authenticity in Children20:59 The Weight of Parental Expectations23:51 The Importance of Personal Growth27:01 Embracing the Work of Self-DiscoverySTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What happens when you realize the way you were parented is now affecting how you parent? Licensed therapist and author Whitney Goodman, LMFT (@sitwithwhit) joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandel to explore the challenges adult children face when navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of boundary violations, the patterns that persist across generations, and how becoming a parent can resurface unresolved childhood wounds. Whitney shares powerful insights from her clinical practice, offering guidance on reclaiming personal power, setting and adjusting boundaries, and working toward repair—even in the most complicated family dynamics. Learn more about Whitney's work: linktr.ee/CallinghomeTAKEAWAYS: -Emotional immaturity is a leading cause of estrangement. -Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining relationships. -Apologizing to children can strengthen parent-child relationships. -Recognizing boundary violations is crucial for emotional health. -Parenthood can trigger unresolved childhood issues. It's important to empower children to express their needs. -Flexibility in boundaries is necessary as families evolve. -Repairing relationships after conflict is vital for connection. -Cultural norms influence how boundaries are perceived in families. -Therapy can help individuals navigate complex family dynamics.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Estrangement05:01 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries 10:10 Recognizing Boundary Violations 21:33 Maintaining Healthy Relationships with ChildrenSTAY CONNECTED:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can couples sustain intimacy and connection after becoming parents while also fostering healthy, open conversations about sexuality with their children?Dr. Lisa Paz (@drlisapaz) returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to explore the complexities of maintaining a romantic partnership amid the demands of parenthood. They explore the emotional and mental load that often falls on women, the importance of intentionality in scheduling intimacy, and the critical role of communication in sustaining a fulfilling relationship.Beyond partnership dynamics, the discussion shifts to the crucial topic of guiding children's sexual development. Dr. Paz and Evelyn emphasize the need for ongoing, open conversations about anatomy, consent, and healthy sexuality—equipping parents with the tools to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for these discussions.Learn more about Dr. Lisa Paz: https://www.drlisapaz.com/Explore her courses & training: https://www.drlisapaz.com/courses/ Takeaways:✔ Transitioning from parent to partner requires conscious effort.✔ Scheduled intimacy can strengthen connection and satisfaction.✔ Women often enter intimacy from a state of neutrality.✔ Self-pleasure plays a role in women's sexual wellness.✔ Carving out time away from children helps preserve a couple's identity.✔ Open, ongoing discussions about sexual development foster a healthy understanding.✔ Using anatomically correct terms normalizes conversations about bodies.✔ Parents should be the primary source of information on sex and relationships.Chapters:00:00 Navigating the Transition from Parent to Partner06:02 Creating a Headspace for Intimacy12:02 Reconnecting as Partners After Kids18:43 Prioritizing Connection in Relationships28:50 Establishing Open Communication About Anatomy and ConsentSubscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889☑️Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How do you navigate the intersection of motherhood, career, and self-care while maintaining a strong sense of identity?Zoe Rapoport, a licensed psychologist and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, joins Evelyn Mendal to explore the multifaceted challenges women face in balancing motherhood, career, and self-care while remaining true to their authentic selves.Zoe offers profound insights into the complexities of assertiveness, the pressures of societal expectations, and the journey of rediscovering identity, particularly after becoming a mother. They discuss the art of setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing self-care without guilt, and modeling healthy behaviors for children in an age shaped by the influence of social media.Learn more: Rapoport Psychological Services https://www.rapoportpsychological.com/Zoe Rapoport Consultinghttps://zoerapoportconsulting.com/ Follow Zoe:  @zoerapoport1360  @zoerapoportconsultinghttps://www.instagram.com/zoerapoportconsultingTakeaways:-Women often grapple with assertiveness across various aspects of life.-Rediscovering identity is a key focus for many mothers.-Societal pressures can overshadow personal desires.-Intentional boundaries are crucial for self-reconnection.-Mothers frequently experience guilt when prioritizing their needs.-Modeling balance and boundaries benefits children.-Social media can negatively affect self-worth and expectations.-Assertive communication is essential in relationships and parenting.Chapters:00:00 Empowering Women: A Journey into Leadership06:07 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Self-Discovery13:45 Modeling Healthy Boundaries for Kids18:38 Navigating Social Media and Self-WorthJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you'd like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can high-achieving women balance control with connection, joy, and self-care in motherhood?Priya Rednam-Waldo, a mother of 4, licensed therapist, CEO and coach, joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to share her expertise in guiding women through this transformative life stage of motherhood. Priya delves into the unique challenges high-achieving women face, from the pressure to excel in parenting to managing cultural expectations and anxiety. She highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, embracing individual parenting styles, and fostering a supportive community. With a focus on self-care and redefining success, Priya reminds parents that every family's path is both unique and valid.Learn more about Priya's work: https://priyarednamwaldo.com/Follow along @priyarednamwaldo https://www.instagram.com/priyarednamwaldo/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/Takeaways:-High-achieving women often struggle with the transition to motherhood due to control issues.-Parenting is not just about achievements; it's about connection and joy.-Cultural pressures can lead to anxiety in parenting, making it feel like a performance.-Finding joy in small moments is crucial for a fulfilling parenting experience.-It's important to prioritize self-care to manage the mental load of parenting.-Every parent has a unique style that should be embraced and respected.-Community support is vital for navigating the challenges of parenthood.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Parenthood00:58 Priya's Journey: From Military to Maternal Mental Health04:35 The Control Dilemma in Parenthood09:11 Cultural Pressures and Achievement in Parenting13:20 Creating Meaningful Moments with Children18:30 Understanding and Managing Parental Anxiety22:54 Balancing Mental Load and Family Time27:00 Embracing Individual Parenting Styles30:41 Finding Community and Support in Parenting34:12 Rediscovering Joy in ParenthoodJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you'd like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomcoVisit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Let's make a difference together!

How can parents in high-conflict co-parenting prioritize their child's well-being? Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to discuss how divorcing or divorced parents can navigate challenges while prioritizing their child's well-being. Together, they address common fears, like whether divorce will “mess up” kids, emphasizing that it's not the divorce itself, but parents' actions, that shape a child's long-term health and happiness. Drawing on her personal experience as a child of divorce and a co-parent, Michelle highlights the power of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and focusing on the child's needs over personal conflict. The conversation explores managing emotions during the divorce process, supporting children's feelings, and cultivating critical thinking skills to help kids process their experiences. They also share strategies for maintaining neutrality in co-parenting, navigating high-conflict situations, and empowering parents to focus on what they can control.  Takeaways Parents often struggle with their emotions affecting co-parenting. Children's feelings about divorce are valid and should be acknowledged. It's crucial to support children's relationships with both parents. Healing from past trauma is essential for effective co-parenting. Children need to learn critical thinking skills to navigate their feelings. Validating children's feelings helps them process their experiences. Parents should avoid projecting their feelings onto their children. Managing discomfort in children is a key part of parenting during divorce. Consistent support from one parent can help children thrive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Divorce Coaching and Co-Parenting 06:04 Emotional Impact of Divorce on Co-Parenting 11:58 The Role of Ego in Co-Parenting Dynamics 18:03 Supporting Children Through Divorce 23:52 The Importance of Validating Children's Feelings 30:03 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-Parenting

Can the transformative journey into parenthood ignite an identity crisis, redefining one's sense of self and purpose? Jael Toledo, MS MFT, a seasoned marriage and family therapist, joins podcast host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to explore the intricate process of identity formation, particularly within the realms of parenthood and relationships. Together, they examine how the profound experience of becoming a parent can challenge one's identity, the critical role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships, and the lingering influence of childhood trauma on parenting approaches. Jael highlights the importance of cultivating curiosity over judgment, practicing effective communication, and nurturing connection amid the inevitable chaos of family life. She provides insight into the evolving stages of parenting and their impact on both individual parents and the couple's dynamic. They also uncover the emotional complexities of differing parenting styles and the deep influence of fear on parenting decisions. She callsl for self-regulation, intentionality, and partnership to navigate these challenges and foster a supportive, harmonious family environment. Takeaways: ✅-Parenthood can trigger identity crises, prompting self-reflection. ✅-Curiosity can lead to personal growth and understanding in relationships. ✅-Vulnerability is essential for deep connections between partners. ✅-Trauma from childhood can resurface during parenting. ✅-Effective communication is key to navigating relationship challenges. ✅-Setting intentional check-in moments can strengthen couple connections. ✅-Understanding the stages of parenting helps in managing expectations. ✅-Couples must adapt their roles as their children grow. ✅-Fear can significantly influence parenting decisions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Identity Formation 05:59 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects 12:07 Communication and Expectations in Couples 18:04 Stages of Parenting and Their Effects 23:01 Navigating Transitions in Parenting 29:19 The Dynamics of Different Parenting Styles 39:42 Self-Regulation and Communication in Relationships

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal! This season dives even deeper into the challenges, joys, and nuances of modern parenting. From navigating children's mental health and managing co-parenting dynamics to tackling tough conversations like talking to your kids about sex, Evelyn shares science-based strategies that prioritize connection and empathy. Whether you're dealing with sibling rivalry, supporting a child labeled as “defiant,” or exploring the mental health impacts of your parenting choices, this podcast is your safe space to embrace the realness of raising kids. Join Evelyn for a season full of compassionate advice and actionable tools to help both you and your child thrive in today's world.

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of perfectionism in parenting and its impact on children. Join us as we explore with psychologist Eva Benmeleh on how the pressure to be the "perfect" parent can shape our behaviors, expectations, and, ultimately, our kids' development. We learn how to deal with kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Eva shares insights, personal stories, and discusses practical strategies for fostering a healthier mindset.

This episode is for US parents, as people. Most of us, especially mothers, are functioning at less than optimal levels of wellness and energy,..and most of us don't even know this about ourselves. We've almost succumbed to the fact that health and wellness is a luxury, or that we should come last. As a result, Chloe Harrouche,  health strategist and the Founder and CEO of The Lanby, has created a space and system that makes sure we understand and respond to our individual health needs. In this episode we talk about why we neglect our health needs, and where to even start when taking charge of our own health and wellness.  As a special treat, Chloe has offered our listeners a discount on Just The Labs—a comprehensive one-time assessment with 98 biomarkers, paired with a 45-minute consultation to provide tailored health insights.  For $50 off, use code HATCHBLOOM.

For the final episode of the season, I am honored to chat with Lina Acosta Sandaal, MA, LMFT, a respected development expert, author, and founder of Stop Parenting Alone. She has just transitioned to interim Head of School at KLA. We discuss everything from “how to choose the right school for your kid” to what we think about gentle parenting and other trends out there. We get into some of the most important life skills we strive for our kids to develop, and how to preserve our relationships in the process. Let's dive in!

Sometimes it almost feels like we can describe our lives and identities as the pre-kids version of us versus the post-kids version of us. One of the areas, of many, that tend to become impacted by having kids is intimacy with our partners and security within our own bodies/identities. All of this can feel hopeless at times, or even like a big loss for women. Additionally, a mother's everlasting mental load can be a blocker of intimacy and connection. Dr. Lisa Paz, marriage and family therapist, talks us through the challenges that women face both immediately postpartum and even years after having kids. She also provides us with practical suggestions for feeling more secure in our bodies, reconnecting with our partners, and finding intimacy once again—even if it is in a new way. Let's dive in! Disclaimer: Sexual Content--appropriate for adults only.

I have found one of my favorite motivational speakers ever—in my morning workout classes! Casey Gilbert, Fitness Instructor and Online Coach, works with individuals to get them “Un-stuck” and back on track with their fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Casey has literally made me a more mentally strong person, leading me to be a better mom, wife, friend, and person. I am so inspired by the way he can motivate people that I asked him to come on the podcast and give us some insight into how he does this and how we can take some of it for ourselves and share it with our kids. As someone who has battled with anxiety and depression, Casey also uses his social media platforms to de-stigmatize mental health (especially in boys/men) and makes sure to show people that what you see on the outside is not the full story. We also talk about childhood core beliefs, and what kids really need to hear from their parents. There are so many great nuggets in the episode and I'm certain you will leave more inspired and ready to face challenges. Let's dive in!  IG: @CaseyfGilbert  http://Caseygilbertfitness.com

On this episode, Fia Aliotta , certified mindfulness coach, explains why mindfulness can be such a beneficial tool and approach in life—and how we can start introducing this to our kids at a young age. We also talk about the importance of self-compassion, especially for those kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Self-compassion is a part of developing a growth mindset. We also cover what co-regulation and co-dysregulation looks like, as well as what we can do to help shift the emotional energy of our child (and within ourselves). Lots of good stuff in this one so let's dive in!Fia Aliotta  www.kindfullywithfia.com IG  @kindfullywithfia

Mom rage. What is it? How do we get there? How to cope in these really tough moments!? We are so lucky to have Dr. Tanya Cotler, Clinical Psychologist, author and speaker who specializes in reproductive mental health, infant mental health and parent-child attachment on this episode. We also cover tough parenting topics like shame, separation anxiety, parent triggers, boundary-setting, and more. We talk, in depth, about Dr. Cotler's repair map, a guide she uses with parents to access both self-compassion and compassion for your children on your path to reconnect and preserve your relationship. There is so much wisdom in this episode—Let's dive in!

Okay parents- TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT SEX can surely give some us the heeby jeebies! Let's take all the advice we can get on the matter- and the first being that these anatomy/consent/touch conversations should happen much sooner than most people think. In this episode I chat with Dr. Lisa Paz, who holds a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology and is a Board Certified Sex Therapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also a mom of 3 boys. She guides us so nicely on the how-to's in what can feel like such a tricky area for many. We also touch on intimacy after kids, but will have an entire other episode dedicated to this in the near future! Dr. Paz has an online course on talking to kids about sex. Lisa Abbie Paz, LMFT, PhD www.DrLisaPaz.com Let's dive in. 

Featuring Natalie Goldstein of Rise Child Development, in this episode we talk about the importance of understanding just how much our sensory systems, and the way they dictate our bodies and brains, really matters. Sensory processing matters in the way make sense of children's behaviors. It also matters in the way we can help our children regulate (or even dysregulate). Every child (and parent) has their own sensory profile/preferences and it can make the world of a difference to explore it. I find this topic fascinating and also critical—I hope every parent listens! Let's dive in!

While we don't have full control over our children's development, there are influences we have on the way our children develop. In this episode, SLP, Vanessa Stocki chats with me about how to create an enriching environment to support speech and language development in your child. She gives up practical daily strategies that we can practice at home with our little ones. Vanessa gives us her opinion on screen time for littles (you may be surprised by it!) and at the end we talk about when to look for extra support (red flags). Let's dive in.  

He made it on here! Okay, I know our version of co-parenting doesnt work for many people, but take a listen to our story. In this episode we get up, close, and personal about our dynamic—and the blended family aspect. We talk about the hard stuff, the easy stuff, and the important stuff. We share how it's been to confront our not-so open-minded community in doing things our own, unique way. Let's dive in!

It's been a minute!I love the podcast. And every time I tried to come back to this space, something big got in the way (like having a baby)…and with the most recent event being, the October 7th massacre and violence vs. civilians in Israel. Then the growing wave of antisemitism, and the climate of violence and intolerance in general. It's definitely been a lot to navigate emotionally, especially as a Jewish mother. Here's to hoping the new year brings more light and kindness. Let's dive in. 

Girls are starting to diet really young (some at age 6). We are seeing more concerns with body image and relationship with food show up earlier and earlier. In this Episode, Registered Dietitian Raquel Papu Cohen & Soli Faerman of Luna interview me on why this is happening and how we can help model healthier body image and relationship with food at home with our young kids. They chime in from a dietitian's lens. It's an episode you don't want to miss! You can find out more about their virtual hub, Luna at https://www.joinluna.co/ or follow them on instagram at @join.luna

I'm this episode, I chat with Jessica Sawiki, a certified child sleep consultant in the “Gentle Sleep Coach” program, in representation of all sleep-deprived parents out there (so….everyone

In this episode, Sarah Rotterman, mindfulness educator, joins me in the exploration of a taboo emotion in our society, anger. We talk about its purpose and the importance of allowing its existence in our life. We then cover when it becomes problematic and Sarah gives us some practical tools, games, and metaphors to help teach our children about their own anger, as well as how to help manage it in healthy ways. Let's dive in!You can learn more about Sarah Rotterman at https://www.rottermind.com/ .

Many parents struggle with “picky eating”—but sometimes resistance to new foods goes beyond just being “picky.” Join me in this conversation with speech pathologist and feeding therapist, Melanie Gorin, who walks us through some of the other reasons behind picky eating, some of the signs to look for for when to find more support, and for some tips and tricks around helping kids try new foods and making mealtime fun.  Melanie Gorin @melgslp melgslp@gmail.com

Fantasy: my kids will love each other at first sight and be bonded forever.Fantasy: I will “just know” how to balance it all and parent both kids, in totally different stages. Reality: it's all more complex than this! In this episode, I share with you what's been one of the biggest transitions and adjustments of my life—going from one child for 8 years, to two children (and back to the newborn stage). I share with you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Happy listening! 

 By now we all know the physical health benefits that exist with moving our bodies, but adding sports to your kid's life can extend the benefits way beyond the physical. In this episode Stephanie Dargoltz, LMHC, sports psychology consultant, and founder of Head In The Game, chats with me about the mental health benefits and important life skills, such as resilience, that can come from introducing your kids to sports, even at a young age. We talk about what to do when your kid wants to quit because they aren't good at something, as well as how to guide our kids through their wins and loses. It is such a cool episode that you don't want to miss! Find out more about Stephanie's work with athletes by visiting her website (https://www.sdheadinthegame.com/)(please hyperlink this to. The word website) Or contact her at stephanie@sdheadinthegame.com

Many parents fear getting their children evaluated—and this makes sense. The fear of labels comes up for many. How will a diagnosis affect a child in their school? Amongst their peers? Or generally in their life? In this episode I invite Dr. Sanaa Mrabet, a licensed psychologists that provides evaluations to children as young as 18 months. She helps us better understand when a child may benefit from getting evaluated, how to go about it, and how to confront parental fears that may arise in the process. This is an important topic that is often not talked about enough as mental health diagnoses still carry stigmas, It is important that with information and conversations such as these, we continue on the journey to de-stigmatize mental health. For more information on Dr. Mrabet, visit www.potentialitysolutions.com

I am SO excited about this episode. Those of you that have worked with me, or followed me for a while know that I preach (and practice) conscious parenting. Many of you have heard about Conscious Parenting by now–it is such a revolutionary framework for how to raise our kids–but how do we implement it? And what gets in the way of it? Well, who better to answer these questions than the Conscious Parenting guru herself, Dr. Shefali! Dr. Shefali tells us about her new book, The Parenting Map, and digs into some of the deep concepts that it carries. We chat about some of the parenting misconceptions we hold–around our parenting fantasies, our parenting fears, our parenting responsibilities, and on honoring the essence of our children. I ask Dr. Shefali to talk about one of the biggest triggers I hear from parents–disrespect. We talk about what it takes to embark on a more conscious journey when it comes to raising our children–a practice that we must commit to, and one which requires our own self-work. You don't want to miss this one! You can find Dr. Shefali's powerful new book here–and I highly recommend it! Dr. Shefali received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. She has written four books, three of which are New York Times best-sellers, including her two landmark books The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family.

Hard truths in the world are hard enough to navigate for yourselves—but how should we navigate them with our kids? Parents come to me often wondering how much we should tell our kids about the hard stuff. Is it better to expose them to tough subjects, or is our job to shield them from the pain? Join me in this short episode for my philosophy around this and to learn handle this dilemma with my own daughter.

For some reason, having only one child feels like some sort of an anomaly these days, especially in the American culture. Some of us are at peace with having an only child while some of us struggle with the guilt of whether or not our child will be okay enough without siblings. For this episode, I invited Tara Clark, author, content creator, and founder of Modern Mom Probs— who not only has an only child, but happens to be one herself, to share her personal experiences and insights with us. I also share parts of my own motherhood story, and how I learned to make peace with just my daughter before getting pregnant many years later. Tara Clark, author and content creator can be found on IG @modernmomprobs or on her website. Her book, Modern Mom Probs, can be found here! Tara also has a great podcast, which you can find and subscribe to, right here!

Sometimes what we don't say with our words, but with our bodies is just as, or even more, important. We are constantly communicating with our bodies through facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, posture, and so on. Our nonverbal communication is really significant in how we relate and interact with others, especially our kids! Kids are wired to pick up on nonverbal cues before the verbal so it is not only important for us to understand their cues, but to be mindful of ours. In this episode, Dr. Cassie Feldman, PHD, joins me in exploring the world of nonverbal language, with what we should be mindful of in our parent-child dynamic, and then gives us strategies to practice some good body-language skill development with our kids.

Putting a positive spin on things, finding the bright side, and asking people to seek gratitude comes natural to a lot of us parents. We do this from parent to parent and even more, we do this with our kids when they are showing discomfort or disappointment in something we don't necessarily understand or agree with. Whitney Goodman, LMFT and author of Toxic Positivity, joins us in helping to explain this phenomenon, and then gives us some ways to counteract it. You can find Whitney on her wildly popular instagram, and you can find her amazing book, Toxic Positivity, here

Expectations very often don't meet reality and we all know this. Why is it then that we have a hard time when it comes to accepting our kid's feelings around certain experiences!? Join me in this solo episode where I openly share with you my pregnancy announcement to Liv and how she actually feels about it all—as well as how we are all dealing! NEWS! Come learn with me in my next webinar: Raising Resilient Children next week Dec 8th. Recording will be sent out to all whether you attend live or not!

There is all this buzz around learning to eat intuitively—but did you know we can actually start to set these healthy habits (or interfere with them) as early as infancy and toddlerhood? I chat with Monica Auslander, RDN, all about how to help your kids nurture a healthy relationship with food. We also talk picky eating and common mealtime battles (including SNACKS all day, treats, food refusal), and Monica leaves us with some good language and strategies to use.

Parenting is hard enough as it is, so parenting with an ex-partner adds an entirely different level of challenges. In this episode, we talk with Michelle Dempsey-Multack, a certified divorce coach and author of Moms Moving On (https://momsmovingon.com/), about the most common co-parenting challenges and receive some golden nuggets of wisdom to help us navigate these tough waters. You can find out more about the services Michelle offers on her website, (https://momsmovingon.com/) or catch her motivational posts on her instagram, @themichelledempsey

As parents, partners, children, professionals, and individual humans, we have to learn to wear SO many hats. How can we understand our identity? What happens when we feel lost and disconnected to who we are or want to be? Jael Toledo, MFT, explains the process of identity formation, why we go through identity crises, and how we can become the architects of our own identities. You can connect with Jael through her website (https://jaeltoledo.com/) or on her IG page @jaeltoledok . I am so excited for her new program, SOY, to launch this January!

Some kids follow script more easily while others tend to march to the beat of their own drum. We often hear these boundary-pushing kids being labeled as more “difficult,” “stubborn,” or “defiant.” In this episode we talk about how to understand these kids in a new, more adaptive way so that we can better parent to their needs. You can find Erin Morrison, certified conscious parenting coach, on her instagram @itstheconsciousmom or check out her website https://theconsciousmom.com/ to work with her 1:1 - she is a wealth of knowledge!

A one-minute introduction into the Help Them Bloom podcast. The reasons behind why created this and what I hope you will gain from it.