Pick Your Battles

This is an episode about the "D word"...divorce.

IT'S SEASON 3 BABY!Thank you to all of our listeners who have been around since Season 1 Episode 1,c and those who are listening for the first time today. This is out fun little passion project and we are so thankful for another season dedicated to picking our battles. This episode, were chatting about ROAD TRIPS. Kaela and her husband, Zander, took the kids to visit their Aunt and Uncle in Florida over spring break. Rather than spend an arm and a leg for plane tickets, they risked their sanity and decided to drive! Packed with snacks, toys, games, prizes and movies- they hit the road and it was a surprising success all around.Listen in for tips and pointed if you're thinking about doing a long road trip- or if you're team Hell No (like Dayna) you can book that plane ticket! Stay up to date with our latest happenings, episodes and more buy following on on social media- @pickyourbattlesthepodcast - on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Remember, it's okay to pick your battles & it's okay if you pick the wrong one.

Being a parent isn't easy, and being a SINGLE parent, certainly takes the cake. On this episode of Pick Your Battles, we have the pleasure of talking with Erin, a single mom of two boys who is also a mental health nurse practitioner in south Jersey. Erin opens up about her navigating having two different fathers to her boys, co-parenting with them (or lack-there-of) and what she does to set boundaries and give herself some time to focus on her. She also recently started her own business called Reign Over Struggles where she provides help and guidance to women who are trying to get to a better place. To all those single parents out there - WE SEE YOU!!! Keep up the good work!!!

To post or not to post? That is the question. Social media is such a huge part of today's society, you really cant escape it. However, you can shelter your children from it. In a previous episode we talked about the "appropriate" ages for kids to be on social media. This episode, we're focusing on whether or not parents post their children on social media. With outside opinions and insights from Paula at The Balanced Mom, Candace Monacelli (a former west MI meteorologist), Krissy Bold from Mom Identity Project and more!Let's just say- after talking about this and hearing both sides of reasoning Kaela & Dayna both switched their personal accounts to Private. You won't want to miss this episode! To keep up to date on all of our social media (with or without our children), make sure you're following us on Instagram, Threads and TikTok. @pickyourbattlesthepodcast

You know you've "made it" when the trolls come out to comment on your shit...right?? If that's the case, count us as "MADE IT" because that's exactly what happened. Dayna created (what we thought) a very funny video that landed on the wrong side of TikTok. Those finger warriors had a lot to say about her parenting or lack thereof, and that CPS should pay her a visit?? We are counting this as a milestone achieved as well as gaining over 1,000 followers on Instagram and a tease when it comes to some PYB merch!!If you don't already, follow us on social media!Instagram: @pickyourbattlesthepodcastTikTik: @pickyourbattles_Facebook: Pick Your Battles the Podcast

We have hit some big milestones recently including....drum roll.... HITTING 80 EPISODES! That's wild! Although this is a short one, we wanted to make sure we celebrate with everyone and give you a look into all the work we have been doing, and of course the battles we picked, to get to this point. Thank you to all of our listeners, our social media followers, and our friends and family who are supporting us along the way! Here's to 80 more!Just remember - it's ok to pick your battles, and it's ok if you pick the wrong one.

Let's hear it parents, how long has your family been sick this season? Whether it's Influenza, Covid, RSV, you name it- it's been rough! This episode Dayna and Kaela chat about the sickness that ran through their families, days out of school and more. We're (not so) patiently waiting until spring and will gladly take the spring time allergies!

The Elora is a smart baby monitor that is revolutionizing the way we gather and use AI technology when it comes to parenting! Founder and CEO of Littleone.care, Ami Meoded, join us for part two where we further dive into the AI technology that is used in this baby monitor and how beneficial it can be for parents! This revolutionary baby wellness monitor is a revolutionary way to provide an added sense of security for parents and also provide data that parents can use daily. Thank you to Ami and everyone at LittleOne.Care for allowing us to dive into the world to AI technology and expanding our knowledge in the baby monitor department.

The Elora is a smart baby monitor that is revolutionizing the way we gather and use AI technology when it comes to parenting! Fouder and CEO of Littleone.care, Ami Meoded, joins the show all the way from Tel Aviv, Israel and explains how the technology works, how parents and caregivers can use the data and information as a partner to parenting, and how the device got it's name and logo! This is a two-parter, so stay tuned for part 2, coming out soon! In the meantime, follow the links below to learn more about Littleone.care and the Elora monitor! Website: https://www.littleone.care/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleone.care/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/little1careTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littleone.care

Kaela - you go girl!

The holidays are marketed as a joyous time or a time to laugh and be together. But let's be honest, it's usually filled with stress, driving from place to place, and being annoyed by people. Hopefully we can all make an effort to enjoy the time together and respect other's choices and healthy boundaries, like Kaela talks about! Also, what about the Elf on the Shelf?? Did your family commit to this tradition?

It's here…. Dayna has found herself in the land of children's sports. What kind of parent is she going to be? The loud, mouthy one? The supportive and easy going one? Listen in as Dayna shares what sports Wyatt is currently interested in and hoe they are helping to foster that relationship to continue his love of sports!

Does anyone else feel like the summer flew by? And now we're already over a month into the school year… mind blown! This year Wyatt and Maesyn both started preschool, so we chat about what that transition has been like. From early mornings, meltdowns and some great stories to tease Wyatt about for the rest of his life.

Imagine this - you're at the park and your child found an instant-bestie. Amazing, right? Only problem is, now they using words and saying things they never have and don't in your home. To make things more difficult, you were getting along with the parents at the park while they were playing. What would you do?? Kaela ran into this very problem recently...listen to find out what she did and what Dayna would do.

With more information than we could stuff into one episode, we're back for part two! Talking about puberty can be so awkward and uncomfortable. Yes, they touch on it in middle school- but there's so much more for our kids to know. What conversations can we have, as parents, to help prepare our kids along the way? Also touching on what chemicals we should stay away from and look for in our daily self care products. A huge thanks to Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, for joining us and teaching us so much along the way!

This episode we tackle a topic we've had on our list since the very beginning- puberty!With special guest Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls cosmetics, sharing her expertise on hormones and tackling these conversations. We are so grateful to Kim for talking with such passion about her products and sharing her knowledge with us. Stay tuned for part two- where we will ask more questions and dive deeper into these conversations!

It's been a wild summer! From traveling with Kaela's two toddlers, to Wyatt's dental mishaps- these kids have kept us on our toes. Dayna & Kaela will be lounging on a beach, with a drink in their hands, when this episode airs- for a well deserved all inclusive vacation! Don't forget to follow us on social media and subscribe on whatever platform you listen to our episodes!

Who doesn't love an adorable children's book?! Well, "Welcome to Winterberry Grove" is just that! Linda, the author and in all sense of the term 'brainchild' of this book series, reached out to us to be interviewed and it turns out that her story, and the story of Clover the mouse, is one of a kind. Order your copy of "Welcome to Winterberry Grove" below!https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Winterberry-Grove-Linda-Updyke/dp/196301300X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27A1AYQEXM8B2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bBJMylh-mIgPtjzZZwuLGA.r4ykwxRrWAGB9QKmYAQA4C4ml0fI3WMherTqxOOtJmw&dib_tag=se&keywords=welcome+to+winterberry+grove&qid=1721251856&sprefix=welcome+to++grove%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1

There's always some level of unpredictability that comes with raising a toddler. The unknown of what the hell is going to come out of their mouth, is one of them. Have you ever been in a public place and your child says just about the most mortifying thing you can imagine? Yeah, us too! How do you handle it? Laugh, make it a learning moment, ignore it completely? Whatever your tactic may be- we're right there with you…crossing our fingers and hoping our kids don't say some embarrassing sh*t, too.

Grab you tissues friends...Although this episode is a tough one to talk about, it's an important one. Pediatric cancer is a parent's biggest fear. Getting a diagnosis like that can feel like your world is caving in, and our guests on this episode, Griffin and Britt Coxe, know that feeling all too well. Their daughter Perry (such a cute name by the way) was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor on her right kidney when she was almost 5 years old. Thankfully, Perry made it through 49 weeks of chemo and radiation to help her beat cancer, but we know not every family's story ends this way. Through their cancer journey, Griffin and Britt started the High Hopes non-profit that helps other families in need while going through cancer treatment. They even helped pay for a child's funeral which is of course something no one wants to do, but that is what the family needed. Please find it in your hearts to share their story and foundation so others in need can be helped. You can visit their website at: highhopesnonprofit.com and on Instagram and Facebook @HighHopesNonProfit

We hope everyone felt pampered on Mother's Day! This episode we not only touch base on our Mother's Day, but also Kaelas “newish” role as a Stay At Home Mom. All the good, bad and ugly! Don't forget to subscribe on your preferred listening platform so you don't miss any upcoming episodes.

Raise your hands if you have traveled with toddlers. Now raise your hands if it was fun and enjoyable. Anyone? No? Yeah, we didn't think so. In this episode, Kaela talks about her trip flying from Michigan to Florida to visit her brother and sister-in-law and Dayna recalls the work trip she took with Wyatt flying out to California. Buckle up...there will be some turbulence here!

Happy 2024!!We hope you all had a great holiday season and are off to a fabulous start of the new year! It is no secret that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. Whether you are traveling around to every family member's house or hosting and having all of those family members come to you - it's tough. Kaela hosted for the first time in her beautifully renovated house and Dayna traveled to her in-laws despite being in the process of moving out of their house and moving to an apartment.

As if we don't have enough going on...but since we last talked to you guys...DAYNA decided to jump on the "sell our house" bandwagon! There were lots of little battles within this process like having to keep a. house in prestine condition because there could be a showing at any time, or being willing to be flexible around dinner or bath time (also thanks to random showings), but in the end, it will all be worth it. Listen to episode 24 to hear about Kaela's life since her big move and where Dayna (and Jimmy and Wyatt of course) will be living next!

Lots of life updates in this months episode. The biggest one being- Kaela and her family are moving! Prepping a house to be sold and going through showings is crazy, throw in two under two- and it's a little insane! Listen in on their reasoning why they decided to move, the challenges they faced getting the house ready for listing and the battles they will have to pick along the way.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!This episode is special to us because both Jimmy and Zander have agreed to play along with our shenanigans. We ask these dads a few questions about fatherhood, in our version of The Newlywed Game.Listen in to see if we guessed what their answers would be!

You think sharing as an adult is hard, imagine being a toddler! This episode we chat about what works for us when it comes to teaching our kids to share. Until kids learn to play together, sharing is such a hard thing for them to grasp. We also have an announcement to share with our listeners, so listen in for some podcasting news!

Our Mothers day special- featuring the best Yaya, Malinda!Kaela and her mom sit and talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of parenting. From their favorite things, the hardest parts and the differences in raising kids. Though times and rules have changed over the years, she gives her input of how to turn babies into successful adults.Listen in to hear more!

This episode, we interview Chesley- owner of Say Cheese GR. Not only is she a mom, but she found a passion and turned it into a thriving business! If you're thinking of taking a leap and believing in yourself- do it!

I think we can all agree that it's the cutest when toddlers are learning to talk, even if you don't understand majority of the words coming out of their mouths. Then they talk more and more and as their parent, you start to understand what each incoherent word means. So while someone may not understand what your child is so desperately trying to say, you know from across the house that they're asking for their favorite show. Who doesn't love when a toddler talks their ear off?!

If you're like Kaela, your toddler struggles with everyday ordinary things. For example, bath time! Same time, every single day- yet lately she's been throwing a fit! Unsure what to do or how to help, Kaela enrolls her in swim class! Listen to this weeks episode to hear more about the struggles and hopes of breaking this new found fear of water!

Before you have kids, you don't truly understand the crucial role of nap time. Not only for babies and toddlers, but for parents! This episode we talk about the battle of choosing to skip nap and being flexible with plans. We know it's hit or miss with kids around nap time- you never know how it'll go! Listen in to see how Dayna and Kaela both handled skipping naps.

This episode, our special guest is our best friend, Becca! Becca is not only a mom of two but is going back to school to be the best version of herself she can be. Becca is at Grad school at Michigan State University, to complete her doctorate degree. If that's not dedication- we don't know what is! Listen in to hear more about WHY Becca went back & the advice she gives for those thinking of taking a step to better themselves.

It's SPRING BREAK, which in Kaela's case means no daycare and a crazy week at work. Oh, did we mention her husband took a trip to Florida? Single parents, how do you do it?! From juggling two kids and work this mama is EXHAUSTED. Cheers to you, I see you and bow to you!

This week not only do we have a special guest, but we also have a guest co-host! A nasty stomach bug is going around West Michigan and Kaela, Maesyn, and Atlas all got it. Dayna's husband Jimmy had it the week before, but thankfully she, Zander, and Wyatt avoided it (for now...#prayerhandsemoji) In order to not miss a week, Dayna's mom Joanne, more commonly known to most as "JoJo", joined Dayna in the closet and talked about what it's like being a grandparent and a parent to a daughter with a kid of her own. Don't worry, although she does an amazing job at this whole "podcasting thing" Kaela is feeling much better now and will be back next week ;)

This episode is dedicated to all the friends who put forth the extra effort and give grace to those of us learning to balance being a parent and friend! Do you ever get a text, read it, and then NEVER respond? Same. It's not because we don't want to chat- it's because a kid is crying, needs help going potty or wants a snack. Our guest (and Kaela's Sister in Law), Kelsey, talks about what she has learned having her friendships change. She's watched many friends have kids and seen first hand how their lives change. She gives advice on how to be there for them and how to best stay in touch!

Was transitioning your toddler to a “big kid” bed easy or difficult? Dayna shares her story about Wyatt's transition so far, and shares a funny story from over the weekend. Though transitions like this can sometimes be nerve wracking, it's something we all have to prepare for!

In case you haven't noticed yet, we love a good old-fashioned F-bomb...and S-bomb...and MF-bomb...a lot of swearword "bombs". Now that there are kids in the picture, it's been a tough habit to break. Both Wyatt and Maesyn are at the age where they are picking up on everything we do as parents so we are trying to make sure that our foul-language-mouths aren't one of those habits. It's been pretty fucking hard though...

Imagine sending your baby off to college- okay, now take a deep breath. The first step is all those college applications.Our guest Meghan (who is actually Dayna's boss!), talks about what life has been like working through all the details- from college tours, applications, and acceptances.If you're nearing this stage, listen in to hear some great tips Meg has discovered that might make your life a little easier!

As this episode is being uploaded, we are in the middle of a winter storm warning here in Michigan which includes freezing rain, snow, and an ice storm. So it's only appropriate that this week's episode is about that feeling of cabin fever when you have kids and can't go outside to play. Depending on where you live, there might be some great options to entertain (and let's be honest, most importantly tire out) your kids during crappy weather. If you have more ideas than the ones we talk about, please let us know so we can add them to our "bag of tricks"!

We've all been here, right? One day your child loves carrots and green beans and the next they think it's the most disgusting thing in the world. You're not alone! Do kids do better when you introduce them to many different cuisines and flavors? Or do we all eventually end up begging them to eat the chicken nugget?

One year of Pick Your Battles the Podcast! This episode we celebrate by announcing our giveaway winners. We've had such a fun year and persevered even during our busy times of year. We also touch base with Kaela, who talks about her first day back at work. Did she cry? Listen in to find out!

This episode is a follow up to the Postpartum depression episode. We talk with postpartum coach, Jaree Williams, who speaks on how to balance life after birth. Whether it's maintaining open communication with your spouse, finding your village or finding time in the day to put yourself first. Jaree offers a variety of services to parents to help them navigate their new life and help make the transition a little easier.You can follow Jaree and learn more about her services on Instagram: @jaree.williams

This episode might be a tough one to listen to. The "baby blues" or "postpartum blues" affects 60-80% of all new moms. Postpartum depression affects between 10-20% of all new moms. Dayna is one of those 10-20%. Although Dayna and Kalea have been best friends for years, there is a lot Kaela doesn't know about Dayna's struggle with depression. This episode includes some laughs, but also a lot of tears. We hope that this honest, raw, and real conversation helps those who are also struggling or even those of us who think we might know someone struggling, find the help they need.

Maternity leave, some hate it and others love it. Catch up on Kaela's maternity leave before she wraps up and goes back to work. Find out the difference from one to two kids and how no two babies are the same!

Potty training- something we all have to do but there is no clear cut way to do it. While some children learn through rewards and treats, others may not. Some catch on quickly and others may take time. You know what…THAT'S OKAY! There is no right way to potty train, as long as you are consistent and trying your best! We're right there with you in the thick of it. You got this!

We're baaacckkkk! Happy new year! What a better way to kick off a new year and new season than to talk about the holidays.Whether you stayed home, traveled, got sick or stayed healthy- we all know the holidays can be stressful. Throw in some kids, and now you're really in for a treat. Dayna and Kaela recap it all- from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Don't forget to listen in every Wednesday for new episodes and topics. IT'S SO GOOD TO BE BACK!

Giving birth- quite literally a labor of love. They ask for your birth plan and you prepare yourself mentally for what's ahead. But what about when your birth goes NOTHING like you planned? Well then, we're in the same boat. This bonus clip is the story of Atlas's birth, how he quickly came into our world and left his mama speechless. Though the birth may have been traumatic, we are thankful for a healthy baby boy.

We've hit 40 episodes & we're wrapping up Season 1! What a better way to celebrate than looking back at our favorite moments, what we would do differently, and what we're most excited for in Season 2. We cannot thank all of our followers, supporters and listeners enough! The past 40 episodes have been so much fun and we have learned so much. We also get to experience the highly requested, Zander Zone as a farewell to season 1. We won't be gone long, just long enough for Kaela to learn how to juggle life with 2 kids.

Finding the perfect daycare can be tricky. What questions should you ask? What happens if you no longer like the services? And sometimes, you find the PERFECT spot but still need to switch!This episode Dayna and I both battle with switching our kids daycare, for very different reasons.Pick Your Battles drops weekly on Wednesdays and can be listened to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!

Part two of our first-ever round table interview- Pregnancy and infant loss.This episode you'll get to hear about how everyone grieved, what they do to honor their babies, and what they've learned from their experiences. They also share what NOT TO say to someone battling loss!We are super appreciative of Janice, Lindsey, Lauren & Ryan for sharing their stories and sharing their hearts. We love that even though this may be a difficult topic, we were still able to create some laughs along the way.