The Moms I Know Podcast

Have you ever felt that your family home was out of balance? That the chores were piling up and you were the only one juggling it all?  What if we told you that there is a system unique to your family's needs and abilities that will finally help you create peace in your home?  Meet Laura Hernandez, founder of Mama Systems.   “Calm house, calm life.” – Unknown.   In this final episode of The Moms I Know Podcast, we introduce you to Laura Hernandez, a mom to 10 children and teens, and the founder of her own small business, Mama Systems.  If anyone knows what overwhelm and chaos feel like, Laura does, and not only did she figure out a way to create peace in her own home and life, she's designed a system that will help you to discover peace in your home as well. No, there is not one system or structure for every family - it's not one size fits all - but Laura believes that every family can develop a system that works uniquely for them, she's been helping other families to achieve this goal for years, and she's here to help you, too. Listen in to learn more about Laura, how her family of 12 came to be, and how she works with families now to help them discover their family's unique strengths in order to develop systems that are sustainable and empowering for the whole family.  Laura says that the best things about creating systems in her own home are that she's now able to spend more time focussing on her own passions and she's more able to enjoy the time she gets to spend with the people she loves most.  The best part of this interview is that she's here with us today because she wants the same thing for you.  We hope you enjoy this episode.   About Laura Hernandez: Laura is a wife and mom of 10.  After adding 6 children to her family in 4.5 years, she decided that she needed to find a way to create peace in her home so that her large family could really mesh and thrive together.  After reading countless books on homeschooling, large family logistics, and family dynamics, she decided that she needed something different, something that uniquely fit the needs and abilities of her own family - it was then that Mama Systems was born.  Having discovered her own secret sauce, Laura now coaches other families through the process of defining their own systems through the use of schedules, deligation, incentives, and creativity with flexibility for all the realness of life.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

If you've ever attended a birthday party, graduation, wedding, or baby shower, you have participated in celebrating an important milestone in a person's life.  Persephone Rising Rituals co-create with individuals and families, meaningful ceremonies, rituals and rites of passage that invoke ancient wisdom and sacred practices to witness and honor a person's journey through some of the most meaningful and challenging of life's transitions.    “When a baby is born, so is a mother.” - Rachel Hollinger   It's easy to get caught up in the fast pace of life and to be overwhelmed by all the current events happening around the world.  One thing we know is that healing and rebuilding starts within ourselves, our families and our communities and how we honor and support ourselves and others through the many phases and changes of life.  Through rituals and rites of passage, both community and inner awareness are strengthened.   In this episode, Rebecca Tumason and Louisa Carter of Persephone Rising Rituals share some of the many ways that they support individuals and families through the assisted practice of rituals and ceremonies that inspire connection, strength, growth, and community as well as some of their own personal stories and experiences with rituals and ceremonies from their own lives.   Whether you are seeking big ways to honor some of the biggest milestones in your families lives or you're looking for simpler ways that you can honor the ordinary inside and around your home daily or seasonally, we think you'll really enjoy this episode.   Resources From This Episode: Persephone Rising Rituals on Instagram @persephone_rising_rituals NOURIS(her) Doula by Rachel Hollinger  Mother Rising by Yana Courtland, Barb Lucke, and Donna Miller Watelet - - -  About Louisa Carter: Louisa lives with her husband, two children and cat in Bozeman, Montana. She completed her doctorate in counseling psychology where she studied mindfulness, social justice and women's empowerment. Becoming a mother was akin to opening a portal into healing her own childhood and intergenerational trauma. It was also the catalyst for creating ritual and ceremony to help understand and move through important life phases such as miscarriage, childbirth and birth trauma. She is passionate about working alongside women to create support systems and is an advocate for the importance of self-care during the wildly transformative time of motherhood.   About Rebecca Tumason: Rebecca lives outside Bozeman, Montana on a little family farm with her husband, three sons and daughter. Her days are mostly filled with mothering and surrendering to the homemaker title which her wanderlust is learning to love. Her background is in art and design, which before kids, took her many places throughout the world. Experiencing and living immersed in different cultures instilled an understanding of the importance of rhythm and ritual. She has a design studio in Bozeman and when time allows loves to create objects and spaces that evoke a calm, sacred serenity.  Be it for a body. A ceremony. A room. Or a whole house.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

Have you ever wondered if the career path you were on before becoming a parent is still right for you now that you are raising your family?  Our guest for this episode, Carolyn Eckman of FIT4MOM Santa Cruz, joins us to share her story and her new definition of success in motherhood.   “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better weather by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here.  This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson   For this episode, we are joined by a very special guest.  Carolyn Eckman has been our administrative assistant extraordinaire for the past 4 years and is an integral part of the production of this podcast.  We have watched her and have been inspired by her evolution over the years and we are so excited to finally introduce you to her here.  Like many parents, Carolyn faced a hard decision after becoming a mama.  The cost of childcare was hardly offset by her salary and the trade-off of spending her days working in an office and away from her new baby caused her to adjust her compass.  On her daughter's first birthday, she launched her first entrepreneurial endeavor, Rebirth Business Consulting, and never looked back.  4 years later she is the owner of 3 small businesses that she operates from her home and has found more joy, more life-balance, and more time to spend with her family. If you've been feeling the pull to make a change in your life to make more room for the things that are important to you, this is an episode you won't want to miss.  Carolyn has been an inspiration to us and a joy to work and grow with.  We hope you enjoy this episode.   Resources From This Episode: Carolyn Eckman: @carolyneckman_ on Instagram Rebirth Business Consulting: https://rebirthbusiness.com FIT4MOM Santa Cruz: https://santacruz.fit4mom.com + @fit4momsantacruz on Instagram FIT4MOM Location Finder: https://fit4mom.com/locations Fun.For.Nails: https://rebrand.ly/fun-for-nails   - - - About Carolyn Eckman: Carolyn Eckman is a wife and mom of 2 living in Aptos, CA.  After becoming a mom, Carolyn realized the need to adjust her success compass and, with the support of her family, she left her 9-5 career 4 years ago.  She now finds herself in the position of supporting and bringing joy to other moms, whether that is by supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors as a business consultant with Rebirth Business Consulting, bringing them a touch of Sparkle with Fun.For.Nails, creating outdoor opportunities for exercise and community with FIT4MOM Santa Cruz, or volunteering with The Santa Cruz Babywearing Group.  When Carolyn isn't spending time with her family, dancing, or out in nature, she most enjoys creating opportunities for other mamas to feel empowered and successful in their own unique ways.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

An organized space creates a sense of security and peace of mind that allows our nervous systems to relax and feel at ease.  For this episode we had the privilege of sitting down with Mia Keenan, an organizing expert and the owner of Tidy Evolution, to learn more about the practice and benefit of the KonMari Method®.     “I want to live my life in such a way that it colors my things with memories.” - Marie Kondo   Growing up in a family that frequently relocated, Mia was drawn to organization as a way of coping with change.  As a child, these systems allowed her to create a calm and welcoming environment for herself in the midst of vulnerability and uncertainty.   It wasn't until later in life, after learning more about and eventually studying the KonMari Method® that she was able to correlate this behavior with the philosophy and benefits of organizing.  She is now an organizing professional helping families of all kinds create tidy spaces that bring more ease and flow to their daily lives. In this episode Mia candidly shares her story and experience.  From the philosophy of the KonMari Method® to practical tips for tidying up your own home in a way that incorporates your children and deepens your family culture and connectedness, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to begin your own tidy evolution.   Resources From This Episode: Mia Keenan: tidyevolution.com   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

There are many many questions we are faced with daily as parents and nothing is cut and dry.  With so much gray area, how do we confidently make choices that align consistently withour values and stand strong in our own intuition?  In this episode we give you 3 steps to stand confident in your parenting choices.   “Don't stand unmoving outside the door of a crying baby.  Go to your baby.  Go to your baby a million times. Demonstrate that people can be trusted.  That the environment can be trusted.  That we live in a benign universe.” - Peggy O'Mara   When it comes to following our hearts and our intuition as parents, it really comes down to how tuned in we are to our values and how deeply we're rooted in our convictions. When making choices of all kinds, from what we will eat and how we will conduct ourselves during pregnancy, to how we will birth and feed our children, how we will educate them, how and where we will live, how we will work, how we will navigate the use of technology in our homes, and so on and so forth, there will always be critics to question your choices or try to lead you down another path.   The way we navigate these choices is unique to each parent, child and family and we want you to be able to confidently make the choices that best serve you and your family. In this episode we give you 3 steps to stand confident in your choices as well as how to forgive yourself for any past choices you regret so that you can confidently move forward from this moment on with empathy and love.   Resources From This Episode: Peggy O'Mara: peggyomara.com   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

Can Feng Shui transform your life?  For our special guest on this episode, Sara Fletcher, it certainly transformed her outlook, empowered her to reach beyond her limits, altered the trajectory of her life, and elevated her to a new purpose.     "Nothing teaches children more than a parent who is willing to learn." - William Martin, The Parent's Tao Te Ching   The art of Feng Shui is to create energy flow throughout a space, and that is exactly what Sara does in her work as a Feng Shui Consultant.  By making changes - small or large - within a space, Feng Shui has the power to uplift, encourage, motivate, energize, and help you to become the highest good version of yourself.  But Sara's story begins long before she ever thought of walking this career path. Growing up, Sara was always drawn toward the elements of design and the power of creating beautiful, feel-good spaces.  It wasn't until later in life, when she suffered a medical crisis, that she stumbled upon Feng Shui as a catalyst for change.  Through her own life transformation, Sara has seen the power of Feng Shui first hand, and now as a Feng Shui practitioner, she helps others to transform their lives as well. Listen to the full episode to hear this mom's inspiring story.   Resources From This Episode: Sara Fletcher: Lovehomelifecenter.com The Parent's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents by William Martin   - - - - -  About Sara Fletcher: Sara Fletcher is an Intuitive Home Environment Guide, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner and Founder of Love Home Life.  She works with individuals and families who feel overwhelmed and ashamed in their home environments to develop healthier, more empowering relationships with their homes and STUFF.  Sara guides her clients to make conscious changes around them that lead to improvements in their mental, emotional and physical health, deeper connections in their relationships and a stronger ability to live up to their true potential in life.  She lives in the mountains of Santa Cruz, CA  with her husband and two teenage kids, and is currently preparing to launch her Home Metamorphosis Series of virtual retreats, designed for holistic women who are committed to radically upleveling their health, wealth, happiness and homes in 2022.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

For this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Kennedy, a Bio-Regulatory practitioner with a passion for naturally oriented wellness.  Join us for a lively conversation about childhood, lifelong learning, holistic wellness, motherhood, and everything in between.     “If you wish to understand the universe, you must first think of energy, frequency and vibration.” - Nikola Tesla   With the headlines today, more and more people are becoming interested in alternative approaches to health and wellness.  Our special guest for this episode, Kelly Kennedy, is an expert in this field.  She has been led to the practice of biological and energetic healing through some very personal life circumstances and it has brought her to a wonderful place.   In this dynamic interview, Kelly shares her personal journey with us from how she became interested in medicine, to her awakening to the power of energetic healing, to her decision to become a mom and everything her journey through motherhood has taught her.   We think you will enjoy listening to this dynamic interview as Kelly opens up about her personal childhood, her journey of lifelong learning, balancing work and motherhood, and everything in between. This episode provides an introduction to the world of biological and energetic healing and you'll leave feeling inspired for your own family wellness journey.   Resources From This Episode: The True Wellness Center: https://thetruewellnesscenter.com/ Not Meds Global: https://www.notmedsglobal.com/ The Beats Podcast: https://www.notmedsglobal.com/the-beats-podcast   - - - - - About Kelly Kennedy: Like many who enter the world of biological & energetic healing, Kelly Kennedy had her own traumatic experiences that stimulated her in finding another approach to health.  Her training started more traditionally at Cornell University with a desire to be an allopathic medical doctor.  However, one particular year she was faced with her own health matters and the premature passing of her father. These experiences confirmed what Kelly intuitively knew within her bones; that good health was not restored through prescriptions.   After twenty-three years of building a health and wellness practice based in Bio-Regulatory medicine, Kelly is now paving the way for a new wellness system to blossom. A Bio-Regulatory system, where therapists, doctors, and specialists work collaboratively within a paradigm that focuses on allowing the innate intelligence of each unique individual to truly heal the body.   Kelly loves to talk about Regulation and Lymph and is often referred to as the “lymph queen”. Kelly is physically based outside of Philadelphia, PA with her husband Ian (her original practitioner in this world, blessed to be his wife now) and their son Silas. She continues to see and help clients with a bio-regulatory approach at The True Wellness Center in North Wales, PA and in Bluffton, SC. You can find Kelly virtually at notmedsglobal.com, NOTMEDSglobal YouTube channel & Instagram handle as well as on her podcast “The Beats with Kelly Kennedy”. Kelly has many projects in the works; make sure to subscribe to stay in touch as she continues to bring her heart to the world.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube

As we search for ways to reconnect with ourselves and one another through big life and cultural transitions, we are reminded that music is medicine for the soul.  We're delighted to be joined for this episode by award winning singer-songwriter, Amanda West.  This episode is full of practical ways to bring more musicality into our daily family lives as well as hope and inspiration to guide us toward rewriting our relationship with music and singing together in our communities.   “No Mud, No Lotus” - Thich Nhat Hanh   If you've ever felt uplifted, energized or inspired by a song, then you've felt the power of music.  As humans we are rhythmic beings, drawn naturally to creating music and using it to process our life experiences and emotions, especially in community with our families and loved ones. For this episode we are joined by Amanda West, award-winning singer songwriter, music teacher, community leader, mother, and co-founder of Wombsong, U.S..  Amanda shares her inspiring story, the impact that music has had on her life from childhood through motherhood, and how she's managed to adapt and maintain her music career throughout the many phases of her life. From writing and performing her own music, to teaching music lessons and leading Wombsong circles, Amanda is committed to sharing the gift of music to enhance the lives of others and to remind us all that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy music and we can all benefit from it equally and powerfully.   Resources From This Episode: Amanda West: https://www.amandawest.com Amanda's Music: https://www.patreon.com/amandawestmusic Wombsong: https://wombsong.com The Circle Family Center: https://www.thecirclefamilycenter.org The Divided Heart: Art + Motherhood by Rachel Power Beth Berry - Revolution from Home   --- About Amanda West: Amanda West is an award-winning singer songwriter, music teacher, community leader and mother. Born with an old soul, she has devoted herself to a life of music and the study of what it means to be human. A native Californian, she grew up singing around campfires and recorded and released her first album of original songs at age 17. Earning a degree in Cultural Anthropology, Amanda set out to discover what it means to be human. This quest carried her around the world, touring with her music in both the U.S. and Europe, while releasing five more albums of mostly original compositions. In 2014 she co-founded Womb Song, U.S., an organization that supports womxn into motherhood through song. This work continues through community singing circles, rituals and workshops. Understanding music to be a part of our human birthright, playing an essential role in our experience of being alive, Amanda has found her life path and greatest joy through sharing music with others. She lives, creates and teaches in the unceded territory of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, now known as the Santa Cruz Mountains, with her British husband, two children and many musical instruments.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Join us for our 100th episode as we dive into a conversation of examining our own evolution as it parallels the current social and global period of evolution and change with an emphasis on what that means for all of us as parents and mothers.     “I am a human being, meant to be in perpetual becoming.  If I am living bravely, my entire life will become a million deaths and rebirths.  My goal is not to remain the same, but to live in such a way that each day, year, moment, relationship, conversation, and crisis is the material I use to become a truer, more beautiful version of myself.” - Glennon Doyle   In this episode, we provide insight and inspiration to help you stay focussed on your values and continue to be the guardians of childhood for your children especially during these deep periods of personal and global evolution where isolation, uncertainty, and fear can easily become commonplace. Since we know that being in community together, having a strong sense of self, and sharing stories with others helps with these challenges, we offer, from decades of experiences, proven ways that you can we continue to create the experiences that you need most right now as well as ways to help you stay motivated to continue pursuing a family life that is truly aligned with your value, and to help you stay positive and present in your interactions with your loved ones while you create more family togetherness and build a stronger family culture even through these unprecedented challenges.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Are you running on the hamster wheel, trying to do all the things that you think you're expected to do as a mom?  Join us as Toni-Ann Mayembe shares her experience of freeing herself from these external pressures to discover her most joyful and authentic expression of motherhood.   “A bird that's sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because it trusts not in the branch, but in it's own wings. Always believe in yourself.” - Unknown   Whether it be from family, friends, educators, or society in general, as parents it's common to feel the pressure of others' expectations and judgement.  It's also common that we jump in and try to meet these vast expectations to avoid the negative feelings associated with disappointment or feeling inadequate.   For this episode, we invite Toni-Ann Mayembe to offer another perspective.  You see, there are many ways to parent and the most joyful parent is probably not committing to lots of things that they don't want to do - there needs to be balance. Join us for this episode as we discuss ways to release the perfectionist mindset and offer you permission to begin to find your own path to a joyfully authentic parenting experience.   Resources From This Episode: Toni-Ann Mayembe's Ultimate Working Mom Hacks: https://the.realhappymom.com/working-mom-hacks   --- About Toni-Ann Mayembe: Toni-Ann is a full-time dentist, a reservist in the Navy, and the blogger and podcaster at Real Happy Mom. She is a wife and a boy mom that understands the struggle of juggling work and home. When she is not working, she enjoys watching WWE and watching stand-up comedy.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Inspiration and ideas for creating intentional moments to build a family culture that will support your child's development of both roots and wings.   “A meaningful life is composed of a series of meaningful moments.  If this is what we want then the ability to infuse each moment with meaning would seem to be a skill worth practicing.” - Bill Crawford   If the goal is to raise children who are confident and secure enough to go out into the world and find success in their lives, we first need to help them establish secure family roots. In this episode we offer inspiration and ideas for designing intentional moments that will create fertile soil for your children to root themselves and thrive.   Overtime these intentional moments become a family culture in which your children can always find comfort and security for a lifetime that will allow them the confidence to spread their wings and soar.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Have you struggled as a parent, to understand your child's needs or perspective?  This episode is all about how Astrology can be used as a powerful parenting tool to better understand and support your child.   "Childhood is destiny." - Carl Gustav Jung   As parents we know that our children do not come into this world as blank slates, instead they come with their personalities fully formed, ready to take on the world.  But how do we get to know this little person that just arrived in our family?  How do we understand them and help guide them to grow and thrive and be their best selves? Astrology can be such a useful lens through which we can get to know our child's uniqueness - and our own uniqueness, too.  We can examine and better understand the ways that we are similar and the ways that we are different, and to sigh with relief when we see that they simply experience the world differently than we do. In this episode, we are joined by Magali Morales, spiritual counselor, shamanic healer, and astrologer, to discuss the value of evolutionary astrology and specifically that of child astrology as a tool for modern parenting.   Resources From This Episode: Magali Morales - www.magalimorales.com   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play --- About Magali Morales: Magali Morales lives and practices in Santa Cruz, CA.  She has spent the last eighteen years helping hundreds of people heal, discover just how resilient they are, and tap into their innate navigational abilities using the tools of Astrology, Shamanic Healing, and Spiritual Counseling. About Evolutionary Astrology: Evolutionary Astrology is astrology for the intelligent, awake people of our time. Respectful of free will, cognizant of the difference between fate and destiny, Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool to help you get to know yourself at the deepest level, understand and embrace your life purpose, remove judgement, and guide you to be the best version of you.

We hope you enjoy this candid conversation about the challenges and triumphs of moving our families out of the places where we had put down our roots and into brand new spacious beginnings.    "To our children we give two things - one is roots and the other is wings." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe   For this episode, we sit down together to discuss the many ways in which moving has been both challenging and rewarding and how we've been able to preserve and recreate that sacred feeling of rootedness inside our  new homes.  We discuss everything from the initial decision making process, to what was left behind, how we're coping with the big changes, and what lies ahead for our families. We hope you'll join us and be open to exploring what things have helped you to create your sense of rootedness within your home and how you can allow for the expansion and changes that may come in your own life as well.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Yes, you can have it all, just not all at once.  Our special guest for this episode embodies that with such grace.  We hope you will enjoy this episode with our dear friend, Schena Kinyon.   "You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are set forth." - Kahlil Gibran   Meet Schena Kinyon.  Schena was born in India, has lived in 3 different countries, was raised by a single mother, has been a single mother herself, and is now married and raising her 3 children in California.  Now, at 53, after years of supporting her husband with his mission of teaching empathic communication, she is beginning a new professional project that is all her own.   Listen in to hear her inspiring story, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her insight into living and growing into your purpose. From independence to vulnerability through lessons learned from personal and professional challenges, Schena truly embodies having it all, just not all at once, and the ability to embrace the unfolding and timing of your life.   Resources From This Episode: Schena Kinyon: https://chaiwithschena.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Join us as we kick-off our 4th Season of The Moms I Know Podcast!  We are so excited to be continuing this journey with you and have lots of exciting things planned for this season!   “You could not step twice into the same rivers for other waters are ever flowing onto you.” - Heraclitus   As we head into 2021, we are increasingly aware that, no matter our differences, stories are truly what connect us.  As we listen to one another we gain an understanding of our similarities and cultivate empathy and compassion for others.  We broaden our world view and begin to replace misconceptions with truth.  We begin to begin to fear less and love more. So for this season of the podcast, our focus will be on sharing stories and celebrating that which unites us.  We'll be inviting women from all walks of life onto our show to give us a peak into their struggles, their accomplishments, their journey with motherhood, and their goals and dreams for the future. We hope that you will join us on this journey of listening with open hearts and open minds as we seek to give others a time, a place, and a platform to share their stories with the world.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

In the face of external stresses and pressures, as parents it's especially important that we preserve a sense of joyfulness for our children during the holidays.  This episode is full of ideas to inspire you to find creative ways to infuse your family values, excitement, and wonder into this holiday season.   “Intentional living means making choices for your life based on your greatest values, not the habits of others.”   If you asked us in March if we thought that this holiday season would be anything but gathering together with family to celebrate and enjoy our traditions, we would have answered like anyone else...  Yet, here we are.  In the face of so many global events, we are embarking on our holiday season.  So it's with this in mind that we sat down to brainstorm some inspiring ideas for you, to help you infuse some intention into your holiday season and find more family joy during this non-traditional holiday experience. Our goal for this episode is to inspire you to set intentions, to think outside the box, and to focus on your values this holiday.  There are so many fun and unique ways that we can bring the holiday spirit and sense of wonder into our hearts and homes this year.  We hope this episode will inspire and uplift you today.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

With the holidays around the corner and all the stresses and challenges we are all still facing, this episode offers some creative ways to create meaningful experiences this holiday season.   “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that happiness is gratitude doubled by wonder.” - G.K. Chesterton   This special episode comes to you from the heart.  With the holiday season quickly approaching, we've heard so many parents express their sadness that traditional activities will not be possible this year.  We urge you to not give up hope. We are reaching out in response with this episode, to expand on this discussion and offer some inspiration and ideas for ways we can hold each other up, move forward through all that we are facing, and still manage to create meaningful experiences and joyful celebrations this holiday season. As parents it is so important that we maintain our children's sense of wonder and truly become the guardians of their childhood.  If we take a creative approach with an open mind, we can find ways to make this holiday season even more meaningful and magical for them and for ourselves. Let this holiday season be a time where we can simplify, sharpen the focus on our values, and raise our collective spirits so that we can enter the coming year re-charged and ready to take on whatever 2021 may bring.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

If you are curious about healthy movement or want to gain a better understanding of how to use space and movement to cultivate healthy relationships, then this episode all about Spacial Dynamics® is one you won't want to miss!   “Space provides the possibility for connection.” - Jaimen McMillan   If you've ever experienced the ability to project your attention into another place or to shift our focus from the physical space you occupy to a place where you feel truly connected with another person, then you've already had a taste of what Spacial Dynamics® teaches us. Perhaps now more than ever, this education and ability to really connect across great distance is becoming most valuable to our health and wellness as a society.   In this episode, we connect over Zoom with Heather Chappellet Lanier, a Spacial Dynamics®  international trainer and Registered Somatic Movement Therapist who shares with us how the teachings of Spacial Dynamics® can impact our relationships and activities of daily living.   Resources From This Episode: The Spacial Dynamics Institute: https://www.spacialdynamics.com/ Spacial Dynamics Women's Wellness: https://www.spacialdynamicswomenswellness.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play   --- About Heather Chappellet Lanier: Heather is an international trainer in Spacial Dynamics® and a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist. She leads workshops and provides private consultations and coaching utilizing the movement discipline of Spacial Dynamics®.  The thoughtful approach of Spacial Dynamics® is effective in enhancing personal and professional lives and relationships, and is featured in the landmark books The Fourfold Path to Healing, and Still Moving. Heather has been leading retreats from her home on Hill of the Hawk Farm for many years.   About Spacial Dynamics®: Spacial Dynamics® is a body of movement philosophy that teaches movement techniques for all ages.  It carries the understanding that the space we occupy includes not only the space our physical body requires, but also the space around us and the places where we focus our attention. > Learn More About Spacial Dynamics   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

As our third season is coming to a close, we are overwhelmed by all that has transpired over the past 8 or 9 months.    “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu   From Covid-19, to the murder of George Floyd, and now to the wildfires that are spreading throughout California, we've clung to community, discovered how deep our resilience runs, and we've been reminded of the preciousness of life and what truly matters most. This short episode is a message of hope for you as we continue to move through these unprecedented and most challenging times.   We want to remind you that we are here to support you in various ways.  Please visit our websites, https://www.themomsiknow.com, https://www.thefutureoffamily.com, and https://www.purplebeetfamily.com to learn more.  We will be taking a brief pause from the podcast, but we are still here for you! Please contact us if you are looking for support!    Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

In the past, a lot of focus was put on being "color blind," but now that we know better, we want our children to have "color-full" experiences, and this includes what they find on their bookshelves and reading lists. Classic literature tends to have a very Euro-centric attitude and we've often struggled with how to curate a more diverse reading library for our families that celebrates both the classics and diversity.  Amber O'Neal Johnston has done this exact thing beautifully. For this episode, Amber shares candidly from her family's own experience from being inspired by Charlotte Mason to navigating her children's experience with race and what she's been able to do for them by thoughtfully and purposefully curating their bookshelves. This episode is full of great ideas and resources to help you find great books for your family that celebrate both classic literature and diversity.  You won't want to miss it!   Resources From This Episode: Amber O'Neal Johnston: https://heritagemom.com/ and @heritagemomblog on Instagram Amber's Heritage Packs: https://heritagemom.com/index.php/2020/07/09/heritage-packs-adding-color-to-your-curriculum/ Living Books for All Peoples Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1959045184365402/ Parallel Narrative Website  https://www.theparallelnarrative.com/about Charlotte Mason City Living  https://charlottemasoncityliving.com/ Reshelving Alexandria  https://reshelvingalexandria.com/ Brown Sugar and Spice Bookstore https://brownssbooks.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play   --- About Amber O'Neal Johnston: Amber O'Neal Johnston fell in love with the principles of Charlotte Mason when her oldest was a preschooler. After wholeheartedly committing to follow Mason's philosophy, she became disheartened when months went by with little mention, if any, of the stories and accomplishments of black people in her school room. The literary quality of the books was better, but she found that the cultural emptiness she experienced as a schoolgirl was being perpetuated within the walls of her own home. Committed to bridging the gap for her 4 children, Amber has embarked on a journey of uniquely merging living books with life-giving books to ensure that their education is not a legalistic venture in Charlotte Mason but an honest experience that honors the Truth while helping her children to see the imago Dei in themselves and others. Amber speaks, writes, and shares her observations on home education, culture, books, global travel, and more, and when asked about her path she likes to smile and say, “In my house, Charlotte Mason has an afro.” Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Since its inception in 1919, Waldorf Education has been embraced world-wide.  In this interview with Susan Goldstein, we take a look into the past, present, and future of Waldorf Education and discuss its role in the face of current events.   "Imbue thyself with the power of imagination.  Have courage for the truth.  Sharpen thy feeling for responsibility of soul."  - Rudolf Steiner   The Waldorf model of education is a timeless and time-tested schooling method that is gaining more and more attention and accolades world-wide, but do you know how it began and how it's been evolving in modern times? For this week's episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Susan Goldstein, a seasoned Waldorf educator and mentor, to discuss most commonly raised questions about validity of Waldorf education. Plus, if you're wondering how Waldorf is adapting to modern times, current events, advances in technology, and racial disparities, in this episode we address all of this and more!   Resources From This Episode: Susan Goldstein: susgoldstein@yahoo.com Teaching as a Lively Art by Marjorie Spock: https://rudolfsteinerbookstore.com/product/teaching-lively-art/ You Are Your Child's First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin Dancy: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/216341/you-are-your-childs-first-teacher-third-edition-by-rahima-baldwin-dancy/ Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children by Stephen Spitalny: https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Parenting-Children-Stephen-Spitalny/dp/B01B9A3PCE The Five Golden Keys by Helle Heckmann: https://store.waldorfearlychildhood.org/products/five-golden-keys School as a Journey The Eight-Year Odyssey of a Waldorf Teacher and His Class by Torin M. Finser: https://steinerbooks.org/ebooks/school-as-a-journey-the-eight-year-odyssey-of-a-waldorf-teacher-and-his-class Frankfurt Memorandum: Rudolf Steiner and the subject of racism by Ramon Brüll and Dr. Jens Heisterkamp: https://www.themomsiknow.com/s/Frankfurt_Memorandum_English.pdf   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play   --- About Susan Goldstein Susan was born on February 8, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pa., the youngest of three children.  She attended public schools from K-12th grade.  When asked as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have said without hesitation, “a teacher”.  To Susan, it was clear that this was always going to be her path. She graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Education and began teaching in the Philadelphia Public schools.  She taught for several years, but always felt that something was wrong with what she was doing...somehow, something was missing. After the birth of her own two children, she taught in a private nursery school for several years where she began to see the importance of play and developing the imagination. When her own children were about to begin school, her family moved to Colorado, and in this rural community in Western Colorado, there was a Waldorf School.  A visit to this school was Susan's first taste of Waldorf education and immediately she knew that this was the education she had been searching for, and she began teaching in this little Waldorf school before even completing her Waldorf Teacher Training.  After two years of teaching a combined class of 4th/5th grade and then 5th/6th grade she enrolled at Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento.  She completed her student-teaching at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School and fell in love with both the school and the community.  She then taught three full class cycles, grades 1-8, in Santa Cruz. Since then, she has also worked as the Assistant Director of the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training and the Pedagogical Director of the Santa Cruz Waldorf School.  She has taught many courses over the years at BACWTT and also at Rudolf Steiner College's Public School Institute.  She has completed the Waldorf Remedial Education training and the Waldorf Mentoring training, and has had the privilege of traveling to many of the Waldorf schools throughout the United States, mentoring and evaluating Waldorf teachers.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Whether you're planning to stay connected to your child(ren)'s school and continue with distance learning in the fall or whether you are embarking on your first time as a homeschool family, we recorded this episode to give you some ideas of how you can structure your days for success.   “Opportunities for both academic and character growth cannot be discounted simply because your homeschool looks less and less like a public school.” - Anonymous   This fall there are so many options for how to continue your child(ren)'s education, but by and large, you will likely be doing some if not all of your learning in and around your own home, but this doesn't mean you have to be under your roof. In this episode, we discuss the issues of equity and resources, the dynamics and stresses of families with working parents, developmentally appropriate learning, and family school.  When you are learning at home, you have the ability to give your child(ren) and yourself space and grace. Listen in to get an idea of how a day in the life of family school could look for your family.   Resources From This Episode: The Homeschool Handbook: https://www.purplebeetfamily.com/familyschool The Moms I Know Homeschool Series: https://www.themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

In recent years, there has been increased evidence and awareness that electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation warrant our attention if we are seeking to reduce symptoms in our bodies and optimize our overall wellness. For this episode, we are joined by Wendy Myers.  A heavy metals detox expert and functional diagnostic nutritionist in Los Angeles, CA, Wendy brings us lots of qualified information about the risks of EMF and EMR exposure as well as practical tips that we can easily apply to help support our own wellness. Whether you're suffering from symptoms and haven't found success with standard medicine, or if you are already enjoying healthful living, reducing your EMF and EMR exposure has the potential to help you take your wellness to the next level. We truly enjoyed this opportunity to meet with Wendy and hope you enjoy this episode.   Resources From This Episode: Wendy Myers: https://myersdetox.com/ and @MyersDetox on Social Media Coronavirus Support Series: https://coronavirussupportseries.com/ Theraprotect: https://thewellnesstrinity.com/product/theraprotect-emf-harmonizer-cell-phone-laptop-tablet-emf-shield-2-pack/ Harmoni Pendant: https://www.harmonipendant.com/ Pure Wave Mats: https://www.purewaveenergycenters.com/ Q-Link: https://www.shopqlink.com/ Morley Robbins, The Root Cause Protocol: https://therootcause.org/ Harry Massey, NES Health: https://www.neshealth.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play --- About Wendy Myers Wendy Myers is founder of MyersDetox.com. She is a heavy metals detox expert and functional diagnostic nutritionist in Los Angeles, CA. She is the #1 bestselling author of Limitless Energy: How to Detox Toxic Metals to End Exhaustion and Chronic Fatigue. Wendy hosts the Myers Detox Podcast about all things related to detox. She's passionate about educating people on the importance of detox to live a long, disease free life. She created the revolutionary Myers Detox Protocol and Mitochondria Detox programs after working with thousands of clients around the world.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed this summer and struggling to find a way to move forward, you are not alone.  This episode is full of ideas and resources to help you tackle that feeling of overwhelm so you and your family can break through the paralysis and begin to take meaningful action.   “The most beautiful realization of all was that motherhood has served as the primary vehicle for growth and transformation.  I have been both lost and found myself in motherhood.” - Beth Berry, Motherwhelmed   This summer, so many of the mother's we've been speaking with are feeling paralyzed by the amount of overwhelm they are experiencing in their lives.  From current events around the world, to the economic and educational decisions they are faced with making for their families, it's no wonder we're feeling weighed down and overwhelmed. In this episode, we share some amazing resources and suggestions for how to break through these negative feelings and find ways to take action.   As parents we know that the way we respond to these types of situations will inform how our children will respond throughout their lives as well, so it's important that we make conscious and intentional choices around these incredibly difficult and complex issues.  We hope you find this episode helpful and if you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, we would love to connect with you!   Resources From This Episode Beth Berry, Motherwhelmed: https://revolutionfromhome.com/the-book/ Oriah Mountain Dreamer, The Invitation: http://www.oriahmountaindreamer.com/

For this episode, Lisa Dominguez Abraham joins us to discuss some of the racial disparities in public education that have been highlighted by coronavirus and social unrest. She invites all of us to consider how our position and privileges impact the people around us, recognizing that this might be a particular challenge for white parents who haven't previously considered themselves what Robin DiAngelo calls “part of a racially socialized group.”    “I was taught to recognize racism only in individual acts of meanness by members of my group, never in invisible systems conferring unsought racial dominance on my group from birth.” - Peggy McIntosh, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, 1989   Although she's not an expert on these issues, Lisa shares her perspectives as a mom, community college English professor and Professional Development Coordinator. She believes parents help children locate themselves in terms of their relationships to their families, their communities, and the natural world, and that part of this awareness should include a consideration of their racial identity and privileges. While these topics might feel uncomfortable, parents can model for their children the way understanding oneself is a continual journey of personal growth and evolution. This episode is vulnerable and far from perfect, but we want to share more of these important conversations with you.  If you have any feedback or questions about this episode, we would love to connect with you to further the conversation.   Resources From This Episode: Lisa Dominguez Abraham: https://www.lisadominguezabraham.com/   ---   Lisa Dominguez Abraham is an English professor at Cosumnes River College, a school that has been noted as one of the 10 most diverse community colleges in the nation. She currently serves as the Professional Development Coordinator at CRC. Her poetry collection Mata Hari Blows a Kiss won the 2016 Swan Scythe Chapbook Contest, and her full-length book of poetry, Coyote Logic, came out from Blue Oak Press in 2019.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

When we take a look at the uncertainty of the future of education in the United States, we might not know what the future holds, but we do know how children learn best.   “A hybrid independent study program can be a wonderful model for the future.”   After sheltering-in-place for several months and going through graduation season without our traditional ceremonies, we are grappling with the realization that even when traditional school is back in session, it is going to be anything but “normal”.  Faced with this realization and the formation of parent-teacher task forces all across the nation, it's no wonder that so many parents are wanting to know more about other options.   In this episode, we want to share with you the details of what's worked for us and what we've seen work throughout our decades of experience as educators and mentors - the independent studies / homeschool hybrid program. This model could be the solution for the future of education as we all come together to create a new system that prioritizes the education, mental and physical health, and overall wellness of all of our children and our families.    Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

If you're considering homeschooling, you're likely also battling fears, anxieties, external pressures, logistical concerns, and many other worries.  In this episode with special guest, Linsey Hurley, you'll hear straight from a homeschool mom just like you, how she did it and why she thinks you can do it too!   "Children, they learn what they live." - Dorthy Law Nolte   The idea of setting out on your homeschooling journey for the first time probably feels overwhelming.  You may feel alone and unsure if this is really the best path for your family.  A lot of the moms we talk with feel concerned about how their children will keep up with their peers who are in a traditional classroom setting and how homeschooling will affect their children in the long term. In this week's special episode, we sit down with Linsey Hurley who graciously shares with us the ups and downs of her personal journey with homeschooling her 2 children.  Everything from their initial transition to homeschool to where her children are now, Linsey's concerns were some of the most commonly expressed by the moms we talk with daily. Through all the uncertainty, Linsey found her tribe, gained confidence, and learned the secret to successful homeschooling, but we'll let you hear it from her. Listen now to this special episode to learn how she did it!   Resources From This Episode: John Holt, Growing without Schooling: https://www.johnholtgws.com/ Grace Llewellyn, The Teenage Liberation Handbook: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/305758.The_Teenage_Liberation_Handbook Linsey Hurley, email: linsey@newview.org   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play   ---   About Linsey Hurley: Linsey Hurley has lived in Massachusetts all her life, attended UMass Amherst with a BA in agricultural economics a minor in Asian Studies and International Agriculture, worked on various farms, farmers markets, food coops, health food stores, and as a postpartum doula. She became certified as a Holistic Health Coach and is now working primarily with energy Healing technologies. Linsey Has 2 grown children - Joe who lives with his wife and daughter  in Thailand, and Elizabeth who is married with 3 children and lives in Istanbul. Linsey unschooled Joe and Elizabeth from grades 3-9.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

The subject of nonviolent communication has been one that we have long been believers in and recently we've been wanting to deepen our education and commitment to learning and implementing these valuable tools within our own lives.   See me beautiful, look for the best in me That's what I really am and all I want to be It may take some time It may be hard to find But see me beautiful. See me beautiful, each and every day Could You take a chance? Could You find a way? To see me shining through In everything I do And see me beautiful. See me beautiful, look for the best in me That's what I really am and all I want to be It may take some time It may be hard to find But see me beautiful. See me beautiful, each and every day Could You take a chance? Could You find a way? To see me shining through In everything I do And see me beautiful. "See Me Beautiful" by Marshall Rosenberg   Today, we are so excited to welcome Katherine Winter-Sellery, CEO of Conscious Parenting Revolution, to the show to share with us her deep knowledge and understanding of non-violent communication and how its implementation can greatly benefit our relationships with our children, our partners, and ourselves. Katherine shares specific tools of nonviolent communication that we can all strive to use throughout our relationships, both to heal our own trauma and to cultivate relationships of trust and respect with those around us.   Resources From This Episode: Katherine Winter-Sellery, Conscious Parenting Revolution: https://www.consciousparentingrevolution.com   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play   ---   About Katherine Winter-Sellery Katherine Winter-Sellery is the CEO of the Conscious Parenting Revolution and co-creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, a program that applies conflict-resolution skills to communicating more effectively with children and adults. Through her popular training, she has taught thousands of parents, educators, and other professionals in a half dozen countries how to minimize misunderstandings and melt-downs, and to communicate with more collaboration, cooperation and consideration. Passionately committed to healing inter-generational dysfunction, she is the host of three TEDx talks on listening for unmet needs, unconscious communication, and speaking out, and she is the co-author of three books on unconscious parenting. Katherine trained with the late Marshall B. Rosenberg, creator of Nonviolent Communication. She also studied Thomas Gordon's Parent Effectiveness Training and is certified as a facilitator and as a Leadership Effectiveness Instructor. She holds certificates in Matrix Re-Imprinting, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is trained in BreakThrough, a method to address triggers, as well as Focusing, an inner relationship dialogue technique.  She is a trained mediator, and teaches breathing meditation with the Art of Living Foundation. She holds a B.A. from the University of Denver where she also attended law school.  After more than 15 years of teaching the Guidance Approach to Parenting, Katherine founded the Conscious Parenting Revolution to help people locate and understand their own triggers, avoid family resentment developing into retaliation, rebellion and resistance.  Her desire is to support parents to create safe and stable homes and families.  The founder and chair of the National Summit on Mental Health and Mental Fitness summer 2019, (with sponsorship by the International Association for Human Values), she brought together more than 50 scientists, politicians, mental health care providers, businesses and spiritual leaders with more than 500 attendees for a conference that looked beyond mental health treatment to holistic mental wellness. The Summit culminated in the largest-ever group meditation in the United States, when more than 7,000 people meditated together in Denver's City Park joined by over 1 million online.  Katherine has been married to John Sellery for more than 30 years, and together they have two children, Pia just graduated from USC and Sam is a young architect working in San Francisco. Katherine and John now make their home in several cities around the world.  She is launching her popular training online.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Tired of gathering around the tv and longing for connection and conversation with your children or your partner?  This episode is for you! When we can be intentional about designing and creating spaces that naturally inspire connection, gathering, and conversation, they can become a part of our family culture and we can have these experiences more often and with more ease.  Maybe it's a physical place like the kitchen table, the backyard fire pit, or the hot tub.  Or maybe it's a frequent shared experience like going for long drives, getting pedicures, doing beach cleanup, gardening, or scrapbooking.  The type of “place” you create can take many forms, the important thing is that it becomes a constant on which your family can rely.   There are so many benefits to creating safe places for family connection.  In this episode we share many of our personal “places” with you and hopefully inspire you to cultivate some of your own.  Whether your children are young or whether they are teenagers or even adults, it's never too late!  Whether your home is small or expansive, you can create these intimate gatherings anywhere!  There's no time like the present!   Resources From This Episode: Virginia Wolf, A Room of Her Own   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Too many activities and pressures leads to feelings of stress and anxiety, that's why we've made Time and Space our second tenet of Family School.  This episode is all about how to slow down and create more time and space for your family.     “It will be hard to create a quiet place where your children can find their souls, you must first quiet your own world and then approach theirs. They are accustomed to the barrage of noise and will complain loudly in its absence, but you can find a quiet way. What can you do today? A walk, a book, a simple game.” - William Martin, The Parent's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents   We see it all the time.  Parents want to give every thing and every opportunity they possibly can to their children.  The intention is good and yet there are always consequences. When we, as parents, slow down our lives, we set an example for our children that tells them it's ok for them to slow down as well,  that it is ok to be still, and that they are enough without constantly reaching for more. When we create time and space, we create room for mindfulness, movement, and breath - the foundational building blocks of wellness.   It's about limiting our activities, prioritizing play, being present, strengthening your family culture, and so much more.     Resources From This Episode: The Moms I Know, Family School: https://www.themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Are you worried about the new CDC guidelines for the reopening of schools in the United States?  Are you wondering what's going to be best for your family?  Are you considering the possibility that there may be other alternative ways to educate your children? "Learning is not the product of teaching; learning is the product of the activity of learners." - John Holt With the recent release by the CDC of their guidelines for the reopening of schools, we sit down to discuss all the options that are available to families during this time.  How can we grapple with the effects this will have on the learning that is able to happen within those 4 walls?  How can we diminish the stress and anxiety of everyone involved? Considering the impact all of this will have on the learners, the educators, and all of the households affected by this new paradigm, let us offer you some alternative options to consider and help mobilize you to become an active participant in designing your child's learning environment. From getting in touch with your local school administrators to the many options available to you through the umbrella of homeschooling, we want to encourage and empower you during this unprecedented time to, above all else, remain focussed on and to do what is best for your family.   Resources From This Episode: Shannon Hayes, Radical Homemakers: http://theradicalhomemaker.net/books/ Kym John Payne, Simplicity Parenting: https://www.simplicityparenting.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

For a time such as this...  It is now more important than ever that we raise the next generation to be the bold leaders of tomorrow.  This episode features an exciting episode with Sabrina Ann Zielinski, aka Mama Z, of Natural Living Family.   The 5 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance   When you listen to this episode, you'll really see how the 5 P's really define life in the Z House.  In this exciting interview with Mama Z, author of the bestselling book The Essential Oils Diet, we talk everything from family wellness and time management as a mother of 4 with a baby on the way to being a guardian of childhood and homeschooling during the events of Covid-19. We love the unique perspective that Sabrina shares in this interview.  Her passion for family wellness and her heart for serving others shine through in everything she puts forward.  There's sure to be something in this episode for everyone!   Resources From This Episode: Sabrina Ann Zielinski & Dr. Eric Zielinski, Natural Living Family: https://naturallivingfamily.com/   --- SABRINA ANN ZIELINSKI is the author of the bestselling Essential Oils Diet book, and has pioneered natural living since 2014 when she started the blog NaturalLivingFamily.com with her husband. A certified group fitness and martial arts instructor, health coach, lactation consultant, and a DIY guru, “Mama Z” is also the reigning Mrs. Georgia America and has used her natural health platform to inspire millions across the world through regular radio, podcast, documentary & TV appearances.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

How can we, as the "guardians of childhood," protect, strengthen and nurture our children?   “Watch over our child. Guide him safely from the ways of harm. Keep happy his heart, brave his soul, and rosy his cheeks. Guard with your life his hopes and dreams, for he is all that we have, all that we are, and all that we will ever be.” - William Joyce, The Man in the Moon   Family schooling is all about living and learning together as a family with a focus on relationships and building a strong sense of connectedness, belonging, and family culture.   "Guardians of Childhood" is our first tenet of Family Schooling because we firmly believe that it is imperative to protect, preserve, and honor childhood if we are going to give our children all that childhood has to offer them. The early years of life are where children can cultivate their sense of creativity, collaborative play, problem solving, and learn about the world by experiencing nature. In this episode we dive deep into what this might look like as a part of daily family living with lots of examples to help you begin or grow this practice within your own family.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

If you've heard us talk a little bit about family school and you're interested in learning more about how you can bring this philosophy into your home, this episode is for you.   "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." - Angela Schwindt   In this episode, we answer your questions about what family school includes, what are the benefits, and why we believe so strongly in this philosophy.   We began this conversation about family schooling before the events of Covid-19 took place.  It grew organically for us out of years of working with homeschool families and conversations we've had together over the past decades.  Now, perhaps more than ever, it is essential that we turn our focus to this way of living and learning together. This episode is an introduction to our 5 tenets of Family School.  Listen now to learn more!   Resources From This Episode: The Moms I Know, Homeschool Resources: https://www.themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

With so many families being forced into homeschooling situations right now, we want to share our take on how families of all kinds can craft their own unique homeschool situations by simply living and learning together, a concept that we call Family Schooling. This episode was recorded prior to the events of Covid-19. but even before so many of you began asking, we were feeling energetically pulled in this direction and recorded this episode to begin sharing our passion and a series of resources designed to help you navigate the choices you face when you are planning your own homeschool environment for your family.  If you're wondering what Family Schooling is, listen to this episode now!  If you're wondering if there is a way for you to figure this out, yes there is!  If you're looking for resources, recommendations, and support, we are here to help you!   Resources From This Episode: Check out the resources we have for you at https://www.themomsiknow.com/homeschool, follow us on Instagram @themomsiknowpodcast, and feel free to send us a DM or email with your personal questions! Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, The Biology of Belief: https://www.brucelipton.com/books/biology-of-belief   --- Please Note: This episode was recorded before the events of Covid-19 took place.  We decided to release this episode to you as it was originally recorded because, although we had no idea what was right around the corner for families all across the globe, we believe the content is relevant and may be especially helpful during this time.  We hope you and your loved ones are well.  You may find additional resources to help you during this time at our individual websites: thefutureoffamily.com and purplebeetfamily.com.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

In this episode, we share our 3 simple tips for homeschooling to support you wherever you are in your homeschooling journey.   “The human capacity for burden is like bamboo, far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance.” - Jodi Picoult   Whether you are homeschooling your children by default during the Coronavirus pandemic or considering the possibility of homeschooling your children for other reasons, it is going to require a great deal of resilience, inner strength, and intention.   In this episode we want to inspire you with 3 simple steps to help you flip the script and make learning at home fun.   Resources From This Episode: Outschool: https://outschool.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

We've all been thrust into this new normal and many of us feel like we're trying to keep our heads above water. For those of you who may be feeling like homeschooling your children is not something you signed up for, this episode is for you.   “The oak fought the wind and was broken. The willow bent when it must and survived.”  - Robert Jordan   We want to invite you to pause, breath, and realize that perhaps the water isn't actually as deep as you thought it was, perhaps there is time and space to pause. How are we responding to this new challenge of educating our children at home? We may be receiving lesson plans, worksheets, and deadlines from our beloved classroom teachers, but once we are educating our children at home, the objectives have to shift. The goal of doing school at home is not to recreate the classroom, but to create a loosely structured system that works for your family that meets the objects and works for your children and your family as a unit.   Resources From This Episode: The Moms I Know, Homeschool Resources: https://www.themommsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Having a daily experience with nature has countless benefits for our mental and physical wellbeing.  For this episode we welcome Linda McGurk, author of the book There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, to share with us how this simple wellness routine has impacted her journey through motherhood.   “We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this earth and to tell our stories.  These are the moments when the world is made whole.” - Richard Louv   The importance of outdoor play is something that we've talked about on this podcast many times, but until now, we haven't really touched on the ways that nature benefits us as well, as human beings and as mothers. We're delighted to have Linda McGurk join us for this episode's conversation about motherhood.  Linda's book, There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, has been an inspiration to us while raising our own children and in this episode she shares with us how her own parenting journey inspired her to write the book as well as how she has chosen to take her own life lessons and apply them to her parenting and lifestyle choices. We are excited to share this episode with you, we hope you enjoy Linda's inspirational journey, and that you will find a way to get yourself outside today - no matter the weather!   Resources From This Episode: Linda McGurk, There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge): http://lindamcgurk.com/book/ Linda McGurk, Rain or Shine Mama Blog: http://www.rainorshinemamma.com   --- Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish American journalist, blogger and author of the parenting memoir There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge) which was published by Touchstone in 2017 to critical acclaim. Her writings about Scandinavian parenting have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online publications across the world, including Time.com, Parents.com, Outdoor Families Magazine and more. McGurk is a fierce advocate for the Nordic outdoor tradition and believes that the best childhood memories are created outside, while jumping in puddles, digging in dirt, catching bugs and climbing trees. In 2013, she started the blog Rain or Shine Mamma to chronicle the adventures of her own two wildlings and to inspire other parents and caregivers to get outside with their children every day, regardless of the weather.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

When the going gets tough, we look within ourselves, within our faiths, and within our families for strength, guidance, comfort, peace, and love.  If we are able to draw on our best practices and solid foundations, we find ourselves emerging from these times with a greater sense of both self and community.   “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world indeed it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead   In this world we are living in, a new paradigm has emerged.  We have been thrust into new challenges and are now trying to define our new roles and responsibilities as parents and as citizens of the world. For this episode, we have invited, friend and colleage, Dr. Sarah L. Shulman, to join us for a conversation all about parenting in this new dynamic. Whether you are listening to this episode during the events of 2020 and Covid-19 or you are coming to this episode later on down the road, you will find ideas and inspiration for conscious parenting in the face of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that stand the test of time.     Resources: Dr. Sarah L. Shulman, The Resiliency Project: https://sarahlshulman.com/   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

No matter where or how you are educating your children, the most valuable thing is that we are coming together with our children so that we can learn and grow together.     “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” - Thomas S. Monsen   Regardless of where and how you choose to educate your children, there will be ups and downs.  There will be triumphs and struggles.  There will be lessons to learn and accomplishments to celebrate.  In this episode we invited a friend, mentor, colleague, and mother of 4, Roxane Rybee, to join us in this conversation about parenting and family schooling. This episode is full of ideas and inspiration to help you through whatever challenges you may be facing in your family's educational journey.  Drawing from Waldorf Education philosophies, we invite you to breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy the simple things.   Resources For more ideas, inspiration, and resources for family schooling, visit https://www.themomsiknow.com/homeschool    Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

2020 is a year of distillation. Taking stock. Asking ourselves what do we have? What do we want? What do we see?  Join us in this episode and expand your vision for the future.   “If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet. How important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” - Fred Rogers   As we embark on a new year, a new decade, we invite you to take a look at where you are and who you are as well as where you are going and who you are becoming.  What is your vibration? This new year, the year of the rat, offers you an opportunity to look ahead into your future.  What are you hoping to impart on others? How do you want to structure your life?  What do you want to create for yourself and your family this year? Knowing that every conscious thought creates our environment, what intentions can you set for yourself that will help you create the environment you want for yourself and your family this year? In this episode, we also want to share with you what has been becoming more clear for us and where we are planning to head this year. We hope you find this episode inspiring and helpful as you consider your current circumstances and look ahead to the future.   --- Please Note: This episode was recorded before the events of Covid-19 took place.  We decided to release this episode to you as it was originally recorded because, although we had no idea what was right around the corner for families all across the globe, we believe the content is relevant and may be especially helpful during this time.  We hope you and your loved ones are well.  You may find additional resources to help you during this time at our individual websites: thefutureoffamily.com and purplebeetfamily.com.   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

For some this part can be the most fun and for some the most confusing… In this episode, let us simplify it for you.   “When the atmosphere encourages learning, the learning is inevitable.” - Elizabeth Foss   The goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages learning. It doesn't have to and shouldn't cost a fortune and it doesn't have to overwhelm your home. Listen to this episode for inspiration and ideas to design your homeschool environment uniquely for your family. For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

So many things can be accomplished by establishing and honoring rhythms. Rhythms in nature and within our bodies can offer opportunities for discovery and learning, and rhythms that we construct help us to set the tone and pace for personal success.   “Sometimes we just have to stop, feel the pulse of the earth, the rhythm of the seasons, and the internal voice that was once our childhood friend.” - Fennel Hudson   This episode is all about observing and creating appropriate rhythms within your homeschool system as well as discovering and utilizing the many resources that are available to you as a homeschool family. For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Once you've decided to homeschool, there is an overwhelming amount of information to digest. In this episode, we give you an overview of the various educational philosophies and types of curriculum that you will have available to use.   “Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom.” - Rudolph Steiner   Remember that every child in unique and that as a homeschool parent, you have the ability to pick and choose what you believe will work best for your children and you also have the ability to shift and change your strategy or schedule any time that you feel it's in your child's best interest. We hope this episode will help you begin to understand how you can setup your own unique homeschool experience that honors your children and allows them to learn the way they learn best. For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Any time we decide to make a choice in our lives that is a bit counter-culture or that varies from the societal standard, we are going to receive opposition, whether that be from society, friends, family, or others.   “It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” - LR Nost   You may hear many people speak from their own fears or biases. Some people will want to support you and your decisions and others simply will not understand or accept them. As parents, you are your child's first teacher and no one knows your child as well as you do. In this episode, we want to help you find confidence in your decision making so that you can move forward with conviction and follow your intuition to do what you know is best for your child. Of course, there will be hick-ups along the way. We want to assure you that if you are committed, YOU CAN DO THIS. Give yourself space and grace and continue to grow and learn with your child throughout your journey. Listen in for more inspiration, encouragement, and information to help you get started! For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

In this episode of The Moms I Know: Homeschool Edition, we expose our own personal stories, specifically our backgrounds and experiences with educating our own children as well as our experience working with other homeschool families.   “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do.” - Brené Brown   We truly believe that Family Schooling, living and learning together as a family, is the best way to create a strong family culture of lifelong learning and to nurture our children's sense of creativity and curiosity for learning as well as to strengthen their ownership of and investment in their own educational experiences. This episode offers some great insight into our personal choices and resources to help you begin to strengthen your commitment to customizing your children's learning experience whether you choose to homeschool or supplement your child's public or private school education with enriching activities at home. For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

It's no secret that we are lifelong advocates for learning and passionate about encouraging parents to be active participants in their communities and in the learning experiences of their children.  As homeschooling experts, we've created this mini-series to help you discover a creative way to design a unique homeschool experience that will work for you and your family.   “Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist. It should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges. It should allow you to find values which will be your roadmap through life.” - John Taylor Gatto   We've designed The Moms I Know: Homeschool Edition mini-series in response to many of our listeners' feedback and questions in regards to making tough decisions about the educational options available for their children. In this episode, we give you a sneak peak into the series and what we will be covering over the course of these 6 episodes. We assure you that if homeschooling is something you are interested in, this series will offer you information, guidance, and support to help you educate your children in whatever way you feel is best for them, no matter your level of education or where your children are in their schooling journey. We hope this episode will inspire you to keep listening and to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We look forward to supporting you and your family as you navigate this journey together. For more information about Family Schooling and to check out The Moms I Know Homeschool Handbook, visit us at: themomsiknow.com/homeschool   Subscribe Now: iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

It's that time of year again.  Time to turn inward and create a truly memorable holiday experience.     The season of festivities and wonder is waiting for you to unwrap joy and gaiety.   The holidays can be such a special time to enjoy quality family time, but with all the business and commercialism, how can we slow down and focus on our true family values? In this episode we offer examples from our own family experiences as well as countless other ideas from decades of experience working with families. From community experiences, to games and traditions, we hope that this episode will inspire you to approach this holiday with intention, simplicity, and wonder. Happy Holidays!

Parenting from a place of peace and calm is one of the greatest challenges we face as moms.  Doing our self-work to heal our own trauma is key to being able to provide the best support and guidance to our children.  This conversation runs deep and special guest, Tamara Iglesias, is an expert on this topic.   “Having your child's back means meeting their needs and feelings above the expectations, opinions, and eyes of others.”  - Tamara Iglesias   In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Tamara Iglesias to the show.  Tamara is the founder of WellyNest, a conscious parenting company that focuses on shifting the way we raise our children by bringing awareness of self into the parenting journey. Tamara shares her personal experience as well as how she works with families to support their effort to raise their children with the gift of wholeness and freedom from the scars and baggage we tend to carry as adults.   Releasing our own trauma is essential to being able to sit with our children in their most difficult moments and have the strength to support them through their own challenges as they grow.     Resources From This Episode: Tamara Iglesias, WellyNest: http://www.wellynest.com/  

As we round the corner from summer to fall, we can all begin to sense the internal struggle to slow down and fall back into a routine.  In this episode, we explore how we can support ourselves and our families to thrive through this challenging transition.   “Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much life she had time for.” - Unknown   Whether we are traveling, camping, swimming, playing or just enjoying the early mornings and late nights, summer is a time for expansion.  As it draws to a close in late August, we can feel ourselves resisting the change. Sometimes we have an urge to hold onto that energy and to keep going full speed, but what our best health really calls for is a pause, a slowing down and nourishing of our minds and bodies.   In this episode, we explore ways to support our best health, for ourselves and our families, as we transition back into our fall/school routines and how to embrace and celebrate the changing seasons.   Resources From This Episode: Jessica Prentice, Full Moon Feast: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/full-moon-feast/ Tasha Tudor, A Time to Keep: https://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/shop/books/product/time-to-keep Diana Carey & Judy Large, Festivals, Family & Food: https://www.amazon.com/Festivals-Family-Food-Diana-Carey/dp/095070623X Theodore Roosevelt, The Man In The Arena Shonishin Pediatric Acupuncture

In the spaciousness of summer, we find room for expansion, daydreaming, and reconnecting with our desires.  In this episode, we explore the female experience of desire in all aspects of today's society and discuss how we can lean into our desires to live more fully in our truth.   “It thrills us and torments us.  It controls our thoughts, destroys our lives, and it's all we live for.  Yet, we almost never speak of it. And as a buried force in our lives, desire remains largely unexplored.” - Lisa Taddeo, Three Women   Pause for a moment, take a few long deep breaths, and think about your dreams.  Many times in our lives, we have choices to make that will lead us down one path or another.  Leaning into our dreams and desires can act like a compass to help us navigate those difficult life choices while staying in alignment with ourselves. In our society, women are often encouraged to tamp down our desires and to put own dreams on hold for the sake of our families and loved ones or for fear of judgment or ridicule from others.  We challenge you to lean into those desires, speak your dreams into existence, find those who will support you, and don't be ashamed.   Resources From This Episode: Lisa Taddeo, Three Women: https://www.lisataddeo.com/ Lisen Stromberg, Work, Pause, Thrive: https://lisenstromberg.com/work-pause-thrive-book/