“Motherhood” means so many things: pregnancy, partnering, parenting, redefining oneself as a wife and mother and still knowing who you are, making hard decisions and loving well. Watching your children be born and grow up, get married and sometimes go away. Join Dr. Christina Hibbert, clinical psych…
Motherhood – Dr. Christina Hibbert
Homeschooling: it’s a hot topic in motherhood right now, and has increased in popularity in recent years. Moms want options when it comes to their children’s education, and for many, homeschooling is the answer. What does it take to homeschool your children? Is homeschooling a good option for you and your family? How can you get started? And how can … Read more about this episode...
What’s the secret to greater energy in motherhood? Exercise, of course. Moving our bodies helps us keep up with all the little bodies in our home and can increase self-esteem, mental health, and happiness, too. But it isn’t always easy to get that workout in when you’re a mom, is it? Especially when you don’t know where to begin. Today, … Read more about this episode...
Father’s day has arrived once again and it’s a perfect time to reflect upon all the good the men in our lives do—for us, as moms, and for our children. It’s too easy, as mothers, to be so caught up in our own experience of parenthood and family that we forget to notice the unique contributions and gifts fathers have … Read more about this episode...
“It’s summer again!” This phrase usually brings excitement to kids, but for moms? It may bring a mix of emotions. “How will I entertain the kids all summer?” “What about our routine?” “How do I keep my sanity when the kids are ‘bored,’ the house is a mess, and I haven’t had a break?” Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! … Read more about this episode...
“It takes a village to raise a child;” we’ve all heard the saying; but what about “It takes a village to raise a mother?” It’s just as true, if not even more so. We need each other through this motherhood experience. We need safe, support villages that build us up and foster self-confidence in parenting. How can we build our … Read more about this episode...
Serving others is a huge part of being a mother, and of being human. I know for many of you, like me, service and contribution is a top priority, along with family and faith. How can we serve in ways that will truly make a difference in the lives of others? How do we know who needs our help most? … Read more about this episode...
If there’s one thing most moms want, it’s greater peace and calm amidst the storms of motherhood. Mindfulness is the way. Associated with greater physical and mental health, better sleep and relaxation, and an overall calmer, more present state of being, mindfulness can make a huge difference in your, and your family’s, life. In today’s episode, I’m talking with Manuela … Read more about this episode...
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Mother’s intuition” and “women’s intuition,” but do we really believe in it? Even more importantly, do we know how to listen and trust our own intuition? Call it conscience, a gut feeling, the Spirit, or whatever else, the most important questions is “How do we develop our intuition and learn to trust it?” What benefits … Read more about this episode...
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Zion Ponderosa’s Women’s Adventure Retreat, in southern Utah, along with 10 other women of all ages, locations, and personalities. Together, we tried things we’d never done before—from rappelling to zip-lining to a helicopter tour of the awe-inspiring Zion National Park, to simply spending a week with a group of women … Read more about this episode...
In honor of my brand new book, “8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise,” which is officially out TODAY, I want to share some of the secrets of health, self-esteem, family success, and happiness I have gained through researching and writing this book. We all want to be healthy, happy, to feel good about ourselves, and to build … Read more about this episode...
“ADHD.” We hear the term all the time, but what does it really mean? How can we tell if our child is struggling with ADHD, and perhaps most importantly, how can we find the right treatment and solutions? As parents, it can be especially challenging to parent a child with ADHD, and even more so if you struggle with ADHD … Read more about this episode...
Motherhood is fraught with difficult, and often traumatic, experiences. From traumatic childbirth, to helping our children through trauma, to facing our own past and present pain, trauma requires understanding and the right kind of help in order to fully heal. Today, we are tackling this tough topic, sharing tools to help you, your children, and those you love, cope, deal … Read more about this episode...
“I don’t have time to exercise.” “I’m too busy, tired, and/or stressed.” “It’s just too hard!’ If these, or other roadblocks (or excuses!) have blocked your success and motivation with exercise, then this show is for you! Research shows exercise not only helps us get physically fit; it’s also key to greater physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health… Read more about this episode...
The more I write and speak on self-esteem and self-worth, the more I hear from parents, “How do I help my child develop healthy self-esteem?” As a mom, that’s one of my main questions, too: “How can I ensure my daughters (and sons) grow into confident, self-loving adults?” Today, I’m talking with Tenielle Shenae, self-esteem advocate, speaker and founder … Read more about this episode...
Personal growth can be challenging, and when you’re a mom, it might feel like there’s no time to left over for “choosing to grow.” Yet, the lens of motherhood provides unique opportunities for personal growth as well as relationship growth. In fact, it’s often through our relationships we grow the most. In this episode, Michelle Duncan Wilson, founder of Soul … Read more about this episode...
As a mom, I love using essential oils to improve the overall health and wellness of myself and my family. They have truly changed my family’s life! But when I first started, I didn’t understand what essential oils really were, and I was especially clueless about how and when to use the many different kinds of oils, and what they … Read more about this episode...
What can you do when a friend, family, or community member is in need? We all need help at some point or another, whether in times of trial or loss, with the addition of a new baby, or even just in the midst of “normal” life stress. But when it comes to reaching out to others in their times of … Read more about this episode...
Are you a perfectionist? What does “perfectionism” really mean? How do we know if we’re struggle with perfectionism? What’s the problem with it anyway? I’m talking with perfectionism expert, Sharon Martin, LCSW, psychotherapist author of the blog, “Happily Imperfect,” and we’re sharing our best strategies for how to identify and overcome perfectionistic tendencies, unrealistically high expectations, and … Read more about this episode...
What can you do to reclaim your marriage during and after maternal depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, grief, or major life stress? My guest, prolific author and international perinatal mood/anxiety disorders expert, Karen Kleiman, says we must start working on our relationship while working to overcome our challenges if we want our relationship to last. Based on her book, “… Read more about this episode...
Parenting is tough, whether you have one child or several. “What’s the secret to finding the right family routine?” “What about discipline, allowance, and teaching responsibility?” “How do I juggle it all and still find time for myself?” I’ve gathered four of my favorite mom “tribe” members and mentors together for this episode, packed with real, “let’s get down to … Read more about this episode...
“I just don’t feel like myself;” “I’m afraid of everything;” “I think I’m going crazy!” These are a just a few of the things you might hear in your mind when facing a maternal mental health crisis, like depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, or even, at the extreme, psychosis. Maternal mental health is complex and can change at a moment’s notice, … Read more about this episode...
The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and postpartum are varied and real, leaving us hormonally off-balance, depleted, and in need of healing. Many cultures have practices that promote the mother’s healing, but too many western traditions contradict it. How can we heal after childbirth in a steady and balanced way? And how can we prepare ahead of time—in pregnancy … Read more about this episode...
One of the most common questions I hear as a psychologist is, “Why is it so difficult to change?” When it comes to motherhood, change is about the only thing we can count on. Our children continually change and grow, but are we “choosing to grow,” too? Even if we want to change, how can we make positive, lasting change? … Read more about this episode...
Do you consider yourself a “leader?” As mothers, we most certainly are—leaders in our home, relationships, with our children, and in the world. In what ways do we, as mothers, lead? And how can we develop our ability as leaders? My guest, Dr. Christi Hegstad–leadership coach, author, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc–says we can start by being … Read more about this episode...
New Year’s is one of my favorite times—a time of reflection, a time of new direction, a time of opportunities for change and personal growth. How can we set ourselves up for success this new year? My guest, “Project Life” founder and CEO, Becky Higgins, says we can “cultivate the good life, and record it.” Join Becky … Read more about this episode...
Though we like to hope the holidays will be peaceful, unfortunately, the stress of being with family can bring with it unwanted conflicts, too. In fact, relationships can feel pushed to their limits this time of year. That’s why I’m sharing one of my favorite episodes, featuring my husband, OJ Hibbert, and me, as we talk all about how to … Read more about this episode...
The holiday season is a time of peace, love, and joy—right? At least, that’s what it’s supposed to be. Yet, for many of us moms “the most wonderful time of the year” is really the “most stressful time of the year!” Today I’m talking with Eirene Heidelberger, creator of GIT Mom, helping moms Get It Together, and we’re … Read more about this episode...
“Mom style”—we’ve heard the term, and we all know what it means. Usually, it refers to losing our style when kids come along, because we’re just too busy, exhausted, and worn out to care or keep it up! It’s time to reclaim the term “mom style” as we help you reclaim your personal style! In this fun episode of Motherhood, … Read more about this episode...
“Balance”—as moms, we’re all seeking it, but are we finding it? Between home, family, relationships, and work (either inside or outside of the home), how can we feel that elusive sense of “balance” we all desire? My guest, Katie Richardson, founder of PUJ Baby Products, says it’s all about habits. Today’s episode examines the concept of home-family-work balance … Read more about this episode...
Parenting is the toughest job on the planet, one that not only pushes us physically and emotionally each day, but that forces us to dig deep, to change, and to grow. New York Times Bestselling author and Oprah’s Lifeclass and Soul Series guest, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, joins me in this transformative episode as we examine a new way to … Read more about this episode...
No time is more stressful for moms than the holiday season—more to do, less down time, and so many decadent meals and treats everywhere you turn! How can we stay fit and healthy through the holidays and during other stressful times of life? Is it just an oxymoron? Or is it truly possible? My guest, Kathy Kaehler—bestselling author, lifestyle … Read more about this episode...
Play is a crucial part of healthy development for our children, and guess what? It’s an essential part of a healthy YOU, too. Through play, we can better understand our children, their needs, and what we can do to help them through the hard times. We can also strengthen relationships and build connections that last a lifetime. And when we … Read more about this episode...
Childhood mental illness is more common than most parents think. Research shows 15 million children are currently diagnosed with a mental illness, with even more children at risk for developing mental illness later in life. Adolescence increases the risk for mental illness and especially depression, with 11% of teens experiencing a depressive disorder by age 18 (8 Keys to … Read more about this episode...
We’ve all been there—pushed to the edge of sanity by parenthood, growing in frustration, and saying things we keep promising ourselves we won’t say again! Why is it so challenging to keep our calm as moms and dads? Today’s guest, Dr. Rosina McAlpine, tells us why and offers valuable, practical insights for how we can change, for how we … Read more about this episode...
Let’s face it: marriage isn’t easy. In fact, research shows the one thing couples who “make it” have in common is this: they know how to resolve conflict. Stress, disagreements, arguments, and even fights are part of every marriage, even “healthy” marriages. The difference is that couples who last also have the skills necessary to not only overcome conflict, but … Read more about this episode...
Loss of any kind can be painful, overwhelming, and difficult to cope with, but perinatal loss presents unique challenges that can impact a mother’s relationships, how she feels about herself, and her future. In this episode, my guest, psychotherapist, blogger, and speaker, Sharon Martin, LCSW, and I discuss how mothers can cope with, heal, and carry on after perinatal … Read more about this episode...
If there’s one thing most moms have experienced at one time or another, it’s burnout. Too much to do, too little sleep, too little self-care. What causes burnout? Is it different than depression? And how can we prevent it? My guest, Dr. Julie Hanks, author of The Burnout Cure, joins me to explore the many ways we moms … Read more about this episode...
If there’s one thing that can make or break a relationship, it’s self-esteem. Self-esteem, or how we feel about ourselves, influences how we give and receive love—especially with our children and spouse/partner. But self-esteem isn’t the whole picture. In fact, I propose the pursuit of self-esteem is a myth, that really, it’s all about discovering and embracing self-worth. … Read more about this episode...
Creativity is a huge part of being a mom; from parenting children to home-making, to fulfilling our own dreams. In fact, being a mother is, by definition, a creative pursuit: we literally creators of life and families. How can we nurture our creativity, keep it alive and kicking, and use it to uplift and inspire our children, families, communities, … Read more about this episode...
Emotional changes, like “The Baby Blues,” are a big part of pregnancy and postpartum, affecting 4 of every 5 women. 1 in 5 will go on to experience a pregnancy or postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, like postpartum depression. Together, these disorders are considered the most common complication associated with childbirth, yet most new moms never receive adequate education about … Read more about this episode...
Motherhood is, by nature, a busy time. But it doesn’t have to mean an end to your own dreams and goals. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business, using your creativity to beautify your home or community, or share your talents in order to help others and make the world a better place, there is a way to be … Read more about this episode...
The mothering years can be a vulnerable time—for mental illness, for loss, for distress. What can we do to help those who are struggling, alone, in the dark? In this important episode, my guest, registered nurse and maternal mental health advocate, Carole Sheehan, M.A., and I, discuss “the dark side of motherhood.” We discuss why motherhood is such a … Read more about this episode...
The years of 7-12 are commonly known as the “tween” years. They’re no longer little kids but they’re also not quite adolescents; they’re somewhere in between. What challenges do tweens face? And what challenges do we, as parents, face in raising them? Join me and my guest, Holly Budde, creator of the “Tweenspot” blog, as we discuss how … Read more about this episode...
There are all kinds of “quirky” kids out there—from those who struggle socially, to those whose interests fall well outside the norms, to those who have trouble communicating, understanding others, or just plain fitting in. Join me and Dr. Mark Bowers, pediatric psychologist and author of 8 Keys to Raising the Quirky Child, as we discuss how to … Read more about this episode...
Whether you’ve been through it yourself or not, chances are, all mothers will face depression at some point or another—with yourself or someone you love. How can you tell when you’re experiencing depression? And what can you do to overcome? Join me and my guest, Jennifer Peterson, mom, writer, & creator of The Joy Finders blog, as we discuss what … Read more about this episode...
The body and mind are inextricably linked, and when we fail to take care of one, it directly impacts the other. Specifically, emotions, like grief, heartache, stress, and overwhelm, can become stuck in our muscles, leading to physical and mental health problems. In this episode, we’re talking about how to heal emotions and mental health by caring for our … Read more about this episode...
As parents, one of our main jobs is to raise responsible, independent children, but when they go—to college, to high school, or even to kindergarten—it can break your heart. How can we prepare ourselves, our children, our spouse/partner and our relationships for the time when the kids grow up and leave home? My guest, Laura Morey, is a mom, video … Read more about this episode...
If there’s one thing all moms have in common it’s this: Motherhood is busy! Most of the time, we’re just trying to “keep all the balls in the air,” but could there be a simpler way? In this episode, I’m talking with Robyn Pearce, host of WebTalkRadio’s “Getting a Grip on Time: Do More with Less,” and … Read more about this episode...
One-third of all kids say they’ve been bullied, 30% admit to being the bully at one point or another, and 15% of high school students say they’ve been cyber-bullied in the past year. Has bullying become an epidemic in our day? If so, how do we raise awareness of bullying, prevent it, and help those who are already stuck in … Read more about this episode...
Do you have a “picky eater?” Do you struggle to help your children eat nutritiously, healthy, or “right”? In this episode of “Motherhood,” we’re talking with Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC/SLP, author of Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating, about how we can foster our children’s healthy eating, make mealtimes more peaceful, and overcome the worries, and especially … Read more about this episode...
In this episode of Motherhood we’re talking about fatherhood—or, more particularly, about the positive impact dads have on our children both now and throughout their life. Based on my blog post, In Praise of Fathers, I’m sharing the research-based ways fathers impact kids for the better, and moms—you are the key! Join me and my special guest, Dr. Daniel … Read more about this episode...