We Are The Family Room

Karen shares that the podcast will be on a summer break and why! We can't wait to be back in the Fall with new episodes, stories, and support. Wishing our podcast family a great summer!Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Families with one child are far more common in the United States today than ever before, outnumbering two-child families for several decades. Yet, stereotypes and pressure still persist. On the podcast to talk with Karen about their families' decision to have one child is Cara Purgason and Snow Lau. Cara and Snow attended the same Parent & Me group with their sons years ago and have stayed really good friends.  While Cara and Snow both have one child, their feelings and experiences around the decision are very different!Cara and Snow share: -       If they discussed how many children they wanted to have before getting married and if that changed after having their sons. -       The pressure (or not) they feel from family or friends to have other children.-       If either has wavered in the decision to have one child.-       What they think about only child stereotypes and if it affects their parenting. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Mommy wine culture is pervasive and drinking while parenting has been normalized in recent years.  For many people, having a drink at night can feel like a reward for a hard day of parenting. Some parents find their alcohol consumption actually increases after kids as a way to not only reward themselves, but to reconnect with their relaxed and carefree past. There is a debate about how mom wine culture could be a troubling trend and is proof that the pressures of modern parenting are simply too much.On the podcast to share her story is Vanessa Garcia. Karen got to know Vanessa at The Family Room in Toluca Lake. She took Parent & Me with her daughter Scarlett, graduated and just recently aged-out of Toddler & Me. Vanessa has always been very open about her sobriety and shares  her story and what being alcohol- free in motherhood looks like for her.Vanessa specifically discusses: ·       How long she has you been sober and what caused her to make a change.·       How she navigates social events centered around drinking. ·       Advice she would you give someone who feels like their drinking may be problematic. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

We do want to share a trigger warning, as the content of the episode may be emotionally challenging. We always encourage listeners to check in with themselves and listen to how you are feeling.Birth trauma is described as any physical or emotional distress you may experience during childbirth. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 45% of new mothers experience birth trauma—and the repercussions of the experience can continue long after the birth itself affecting the postpartum period.Back on the podcast with me today is Marielle Skouras. You may remember Marielle from Episode 78 on Infertility and IVF. Marielle is a mom in our community, a licensed marriage and family therapist and facilitates our weekly online Postpartum Support Group. She is here today to discuss birth trauma—her own story and advice for healing from the emotional toll. Marielle discusses:- her hopes and expectations for childbirth - the birth story of her daughter- how it affected her postpartum experience- how she healed emotionally and physically- advice she would give others navigating birth traumaLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Karen often talks about her husband James on the show, so she decided to bring him for a special episode! Karen was a single mom when she met James and they discuss the early days of dating, who said I love you first, what it is like parenting three girls, what he thought when Karen told him she wanted to open The Family Room, and so much more. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Today on the podcast we are talking all about acupuncture and herbal medicine with Dr. Beck Hoehn.  Acupuncture can help with things from pain management to illness and infertility.  Living in Los Angeles, acupuncture feels very accessible and prevalent in our communities, yet there are somethings you may still be surprised to learn!Dr. Hoehn is a neighbor of ours in Toluca Lake and specializes in women's health. She is board certified in both acupuncture and herbal medicine and creates tailored wellness plans, setting achievable weekly milestones alongside her patients. With a master's from Emperor's College of Oriental Medicine and a doctorate from the Pacific College of Health Sciences, Beck's educational background speaks to her dedication and expertise. Dr Hoehn shares:- what drew her to acupuncture and Chinese medicine- the basic principles of both- three things people are surprised to learn about the practice- some common myths- her favorite part of her job Dr. Hoehn is a true joy and we are lucky to have her in our community!Links:Website: mightyriverwellness.comInstagram: drbeckhoehnLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Nature can be restorative and healing. On this episode, Karen chats with her friend Daniela Ray about her decision to move out of Los Angeles to connect with nature and where that decision has led her -- from homeschooling her two children, to running a nature school, becoming an herbalist, and starting her own business, Growing Up Rooted. Daniela shares:- why her family decided to move from Pasadena to Wrightwood and how the transition has gone- how the move changed her relationship with nature and her surroundings- her passion for herbs and how it has grown into a new business- advice for anyone looking to connect more with nature Daniela's life has been transformed by her move and reconnection to nature.  We hope you find this episode inspiring and a reminder to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us however you can. Links:Instagram: growinguprootedWebsite: growinguprooted.comLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Where we decide to raise our children is a fascinating topic, as many families today are raising their children in different places than their own childhood. Karen explores this topic with Bill Sy, a dad in our community and team member at The Family Room.  Karen met Bill almost ten years ago at playgroup in San Marino. Through chatting, she learned that Bill attended a boarding school not far from where she grew up.  Bill is now on The Family Room team and Karen later learned that while his parents are from the Philippines, his childhood was spent in Saudi Arabia, before he went to boarding school outside of Philadelphia, college in Michigan and now is raising his son in Pasadena.Childhood is shaped by the place or places where we are raised. Karen and Bill discuss how the different countries impacted Bill and how it affects his parenting today, too.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Cancer is not common in kids, but when it happens to your family it can be the most terrifying experience of your life. The good news is that many childhood cancers are highly treatable. Here today to share her daughter's story is Elsa Saldana. Many of you may know Elsa from our Toddler & Me program where she supports Gia or from playgroup in San Marino. It's a story of an unbelievably scary diagnosis, but also one of hope. We are so grateful to Elsa for sharing.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Brandi Andrews reached a point in her life when she was ready to have a baby. She was not in a romantic relationship and knew her path would be a bit less traditional as a lesbian woman. Her gay best friend Lawrence was  also ready to have a baby, too.  So after a lot of talking and a parental contract laying the foundation for a co-parenting framework, they decided to start the journey as parents together.  Their journey was filmed and shared on 9 Months by Courtney Cox. Brandi shares her story from meeting Lawrence to co-parenting with him today, including:how she and Lawrence met and went from best friends to parentshow friends and family reacted the process of getting pregnantthe details of their parenting contract what parenthood has been like how parenthood has affected  or changed her relationship with Lawrencewhat has surprised her the mostBrandi's story is unique, but many of the challenges are very relatable.  Her honesty, vulnerability,  and courage in parenting is refreshing and brave. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Many parents consider a career change after having a baby and going back to school can be the stepping stone to a new professional path.  While it can feel daunting to return to school as a parent, it does not mean it's impossible. On the podcast to share her story is Jaci Dial, a mom of two and former Family Room employee. Jaci always considered nursing school and decided to make the leap and start taking classes online during Covid. Jaci discusses the timing of going back to school and her path, how she balances school and parenting, what she has found helpful during this time, and advice for anyone considering making a change. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

In this episode, Karen talks with Jen McLellan, founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast about plus size pregnancy, weight bias, body love, and so much more. Jen is a certified childbirth educator, published author, advocate and mother. Her work has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America and the Today Show, to People and Glamour magazines and publications like The Bump and the National Institute of Health. Jen shares her insights, experience and knowledge, including: her story and why she created Plus Size Birth and then the Plus Mommy Podcastthe effect of weight bias in healthcare and specifically during pregnancy the biggest misconceptions about a plus size pregnancy and birthtips on how to connect with a size-friendly care providerrecommendations for raising body positive kidsParents of all sizes will benefit from this conversation as Jen's perspectives and messages are not only insightful and impactful , but empowering. Links:plussizebirth.comPlus Mommy PodcastLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Family traditions are something Karen loves to talk about! She has done  solo episodes touching on her own family traditions including special times of the year like Christmas  and why she loves the Rose Parade.  From old traditions that are passed down through generations and connect us to relatives to fun and silly ones you create new with your own family, Denise and Karen chat about why they are important and ones they love.   Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Talking about dying and death with our children is something we will all eventually have to do, from a loved one to a pet, it is the natural course of life. What is overwhelming for parents is often confusing to kids and navigating how to manage grief with our children can be hard.  On the podcast to talk about this very topic is Lacey Holmquist. Lacey has a masters in Child Life and has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for almost 20 years. Child life specialists work closely with children and families in medical settings, serving as emotional support and helping families develop coping strategies. Lacey shares: what exactly a child life specialist doeshow parents should approach the topic of death and dyingwhat are some terms to avoid and what language she recommends instead advice on how to manage your own grief around your kidshow to think about and navigate funerals resources that could be helpfulLinks:The Dougy CenterChildren's Bereavement CenterWhen Dinosaurs DieCamp Good GriefLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

About 1 and 5 women struggle with infertility. If you haven't personally struggled with infertility yourself, you likely know someone who has. Infertility can feel all consuming, stressful, and lonely.  Joining Karen on the podcast to talk about her story of infertility and IVF is Marielle Skouras.  Marielle is a mom in our community, a licensed marriage and family therapist and we are so excited to announce will be leading our virtual Postpartum Support Group  every Wednesday from 3 to 4 pm.One of the reasons Marielle decided to specialize in working with people struggling with infertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period was because of her own journey walking a similar path.Marielle shares details of her IVF journey, including:-      how long her and her husband tried  before seeking fertility help-      why she shared her journey with friends and family-      the physical and emotional toll of IVF-      what the biggest surprise was in this whole journey-      what advice she would give to someone going through IVF right now-      how did the experience affect her work as a MFTLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Preparing to leave your job for maternity leave can feel daunting with so many loose ends to tie up for a smooth transition.  But what happens when you are let go from your job when you are 39 weeks pregnant?  That is exactly what happened to our guest  Erin Walnut.  Erin shares:- what was available to her through state benefits and how she navigated the complicated system- managing the emotional rollercoster of job uncertainity during the transition into motherhood- applying for jobs just week after her daughter was born- what she has learned through the process Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Mom influencers are part of a multibillion dollar industry. Many of us have complicated feelings about social media, yet we can't look away. Most of us follow influencers and learn about new products and tools to help win at motherhood. Making money on Instagram is a way for many moms to make money working flexible hours while still spending time with their young children.  In this episode, we are going behind the scenes and having a candid conversation about what it is really like to be a mom influencer with Celeste Wright.  Karen has known Celeste for about nine years since she started coming to playgroup at The Family Room with her daughter Lila. They became friends and Karen got to know her, Jake and Lila through various adventures. Celeste shares the ups and downs of being an influencer with us, including: how she  got introduced to the idea of being an influencer and eventually got her starthow people react to her job as an influencerhow much time does it generally take for a postresources and tools she has used to learn the business aspectwhat the coolest partnership she has been a part of what are  the biggest misconception about being a mom influencerYou can find Celeste on Instagram @celeste_wright Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Self-care has become a buzzword that is often associated with two things many new parents don't have a lot of right now: time and money. It is relentlessly marketed to parents, especially moms as the answer for burnout, yet can often feel like yet another burden mothers are failing at. An article in Motherly described the double edge sword of self-care like this:“At its best, self-care reminds mothers that they matter, too. It tells them that prioritizing their own wellbeing doesn't mean they're neglecting their families. It gives mothers permission to put themselves first, if only some of the time. At its worst, self-care culture, guilt trips us for being unable to add ourselves to the massive workload of modern motherhood.” That in fact, we don't need self-care, we need society to care. On the podcast with Karen to unpack self-care, what true self-care looks like and discuss if self-care is enough to fix parent burn out is Kim-Lan Dovan. Kim-Lan is a licensed marriage and family therapist and lead Parent & Me educator at The Family Room. Karen and Kim-Lan discuss: - what self care is and isn't- examples of self-care from treats to boundaries- why self-care is important and should be a practice- how self-care can be a double-edge swordLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

An article in the Washington Post in October 2023 described homeschooling as America's fastest-growing form of education-- by a wide margin. There is no doubt, that more and more families are embarking on non-traditional learning options. On the podcast to discuss her homeschooling journey with her three children is Damore Jensen. Karen met Damore when they were both new mothers in Boston and instantly became close friends.  Damore was a big part of Karen's village in the early days of motherhood and continues to be a dear friend today. She was an obvious choice for this episode in particular, as she is a veteran homeschooler with well over a decade of homeschooling experience. Damore discusses:- why homeschooling was right for her family- basics like how to comply with state regulations and tools she finds helpful- how she manages teaching three children in different academic stages- the importance of finding community- what she enjoys most about homeschooling- the biggest challenges and how she is navigated them- advice she would give someone considering homeschoolingLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Los Angeles is the epicenter of the movie and entertainment world. Right in our backyard we have movie studios, production companies, actors, and various industries that support Hollywood. Being a parent in the entertainment industry brings with it its own unique challenges and that is exactly what we are talking about in this episode. Joining Karen is Emily Bolt, an LA based Actor, Teacher, Improviser and Mom.  She is the creator/host of the Mommywood Podcast which provides a behind the scenes look into the realities motherhood and life in the entertainment industry.  She is also the co-creator/cohost of What's You're Movie podcast with her husband, Preston Geer.  Emily discusses  how her career affected the timing of having a baby, how her and her husband juggle their unpredictable schedules, and advice she would give to a new mom in the industry. Links:Instagram: @mommywoodpodcastLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

In this year-end bonus episode, Karen shares the story behind why she loves the Rose Parade so much!  From childhood memories of the Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia to a promise she made to herself years later, the Rose Parade feels like magic to her every year.  Learn why. A giant thank you for listening and sharing the podcast with others. We hope you have learned, smiled or laughed and felt supported. We are really looking forward to next season!We will be off for the holidays, but back with new episodes starting on January 10th. We wish you and your family all a very happy and safe holiday. See you in 2024!   Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Ever wonder what exactly a postpartum doula does, what it is like being a postpartum doula, or interested in learning helpful postpartum tips from a doula today? We know feeling cared for and supported after birth and during the early weeks of parenthood can drastically improve the overall postpartum experience, which is exactly what a postpartum doula does.In this episode, Karen chats with Maria Pasqurelli, a postpartum doula here in Los Angeles about what it is like supporting families and what she has learned supporting so many. Karen and Maria specifically discuss: what inspired her to go into this workhow postpartum doulas support families and for generally how longfactors parents should take into consideration when looking to hire a doula to make sure it's the right fitwhat most parents are most surprised to learn once they are home with the babya few go-to tools for new parents (spoiler, many are for you, not the baby!)advice for new parents as they prepare for postpartumLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

With over 20 years of experience supporting thousands of families as a parenting educator, Gia Gambaro Blount has a front row seat to parenting and has seen many changes in parenting trends and philosophies over the years. Today on the podcast she shares some insights on what has changed since she started working with families and some common themes of what hasn't. While parenting is a process that constantly changes and evolves, Gia also shares some important tenets of parenting that we feel confident won't ever go off-trend.Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Juggling a career and motherhood and all the implications to both your professional life and your parenting is often a hot topic at The Family Room. The day to day struggles of trying to balance conflicting priorities can feel overwhelming and often put us in a position where we feel like we are regularly letting someone down, being forced to make difficult decisions, and often comes with a lot of guilt.  Joining Karen on this episode to discuss this topic is Jen Carfagno, on-air meteorologist at The Weather Channel, and co-host of America's Morning Headquarters. During her 20- year career with The Weather Channel, she has worked various schedules, covered severe weather from hurricanes to snow storms and tornadoes across the country, all while raising her two daughters with her husband, Neil. She also happens to be Karen's best friend from high school. This episode is about working moms, a successful career in science and television, sacrifices, and so much more. It is also a story about friendship and a reminder that your choices don't have to look like your friend's choices.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Experiences parenting multiracial children are unique and as diverse as the families are themselves, including different perspectives among parents within the same family.   In this Part 2 episode, Karen speaks with Kwamina Amonoo-Neizer, Melissa's husband from Episode 62.  If you haven't listened to that episode yet, you should go back and listen as it was a really interesting discussion! Not only are Melissa and Kwamina different races, but there are many cultural differences, too, as Melissa is White and grew up in California, while Kwamina is Black and grew up in Ghana. From racism to Ghanian culture and parenting differences, this episode covers a lot, and is important follow-up to the discussion with Melissa. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Around the world, cultures have different postpartum traditions and rituals to help support new mothers heal during the postnatal period. In many areas, that includes a confinement period of rest and special meals to promote recovery and lactation. The concept of Chinese confinement — “zuo yue zi,” or “sitting the month”— is when a new mother stays at home for one month to allow her body to rest after giving birth. In China, there are many resources for this practice, but for many Chinese Americans, the ancient traditions can feel very limiting and tensions can arise between mothers, daughters, and in-laws due to overzealous enforcement of customs. From not bathing for a month, to eating only hot food, and not going outside, it can put a lot of pressure on modern moms trying to navigate their postpartum period on their own terms.  On the podcast is Lucy Wang, a Chinese American mom to three to share how she charted her own postpartum recovery, adopting some of the rituals that she found helpful and letting other ones go. Lucy specifically discusses: what sitting the month looks like in China and in the United States for many, including the basic tenets of rest and warmth and why they are importantluxury postpartum recovery hotels the expectations from her mother and mother-in-lawhow she incorporated aspects of sitting the month into her postpartum period, including the specific foods she ate Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

We know sex assigned at birth and gender identity are two different things. In toddlers, the idea of gender identity can be very fluid, but generally around age 5 or 6, most children are rigid about gender and preferences often due to social pressures and other factors.The number of young people in the United States now openly identifying as a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth is surging amid growing recognition of transgender identity and rights, awareness, and acceptance.  In this episode,  Erica Peterson shares her experience raising her transgender daughter, Finn, including:- when she noticed Finn expressed a gender identity that was different than the one assigned at birth- how she and her husband processed the new identity and supported Finn- how family and friends reacted to the news, including Erica's grandmother Helen's reaction- the important role of allies- how she found gender affirming care- what surprised her the most navigating the changes- the advice she would give others with a child questioning their gender identity This is a deeply personal and inspiring story and we are so thankful to Erica for sharing her experience, perspective, and big heart with us.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

**Trigger Warning: Lucie's story includes a traumatic birth**A stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for your baby can feel like a rollercoaster ride you were forced to get on. Very few people know in advance their baby will need to spend time in the NICU and the reasons babies are sent there can vary greatly from additional monitoring needed to serious health issues. Some babies stay a few hours or days while others stay weeks or months. Regardless of the length of stay, it is a scary and overwhelming experience being separated from your baby. On the podcast to talk about her NICU experience with her youngest daughter, Sadie, is Lucie Russo, a Family Room mom and now friend of Karen's. Lucie shares:her intense birth story delivering Sadie early during the height of Covidwhat it was like leaving the hospital without Sadiethe overwhelming guilt of trying to care for two kids and not being at the NICU all the timehow she cared for herself during that timeadvice for parents with a baby in the NICUrecommendations for how to support a friend whose baby is in the NICULove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Today we are replaying  Episode 15 from Season 1 on how to handle the holidays with extended family and a baby.  Last year around this time, we spoke with Kim-Lan Dovan, lead Parent and Me educator at The Family Room on how to navigate family expectations and dynamics during the holidays while also staying true to what is important to you and your parenting. The episode offers important perspective and so many great tips, we wanted to replay it. From parenting in front of our parents which is hard, to generational differences, basic logistics, like how do you handle the big family meal when it is right during bedtime, to unsolicited advice, this episode covers it all. Take a listen. We hope it helps you create boundaries, feel good about your choices and lay the foundations for a happy holiday season. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

It is that time of year again when many parents are thinking about getting professional family pictures for holiday cards. It can be a stressful process from finding a photographer and picking a date, to buying coordinating outfits everyone likes, which can include multiple trips to Old Navy, to bribing the kids to smile nicely, and on and on.We take a million pictures of our children, but not as many family photos and many simply live on our phones.  On the show today is Lucy Wang from Lucy Liora Photography to give us all the tips and tricks to getting great family photos whether with a professional or taking on your own. Lucy shares:why family photos are important from getting mom in the pictures to capturing special moments in timedifferent types of photo shoots availableadvice for preparing for a professional family photo shootpro tips for taking pictures yourself (hint: light really matters!)the value of printing photos and displaying them in your homeLinks:Website: lucylioraphotography.comInstagram: @lucylioraphotographyLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

More people are identifying as mixed race in the United State than ever before. The 2020 census showed a 256% jump in people identifying as multiracial over the previous 10 years. Mixed-race children are a growing part of that demographic.Raising multiracial children can present unique challenges for parents of any race, especially navigating issues related to racial identity and discrimination.Today on the show is Melissa Amonoo-Neizer. Melissa and her husband, Kwamina are the parents of two children. Melissa is White and grew up in California. Kwamina is Black and grew up in Ghana, where his extended family still lives today. During the episode Melissa discusses:navigating issues surrounding being a different race than her children what steps Melissa and Kwamina taken to address race with the kidswhen the children noticed their skin tone in relation to hers how they incorporate Ghanaian culture into their livesa Ghanian tradition her daughter took it upon herself to experienceother surprises, challenges and so much more Multiracial identity can be complicated. Experiences parenting multiracial children are unique and as diverse and beautiful as the families are themselves.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on the adventure of moving your family abroad for a bit? You are not alone! Thanks to the increase in remote working, more and more families have packed their bags and moved overseas in recent times.  On this episode, Karen talks with Mia Hemstad, a trauma informed self-care coach and a mental health advocate about her move overseas.  Mia moved from California to Portugal with her husband and two young children. Seeking a different quality of life and the needing a break from the fast-paced hustle of American culture, plus a desire for more travel and adventure, led Mia and her family overseas. On this episode Mia shares:·      what led her and her husband to the decision to move her family abroad·      how they picked Portugal·      what the process was like from getting a visa to the logistics of a big move·      information on the education and healthcare systems in Portugal·      the biggest challenges of a move abroad ·     advice she would give someone who is considering moving their family abroadMia also discusses how  the move created critical space for healing childhood trauma. This episode is an important reminder of the importance of making ourselves a priority.  Links:www.miahemstad.comLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

When it comes to having kids with a partner who practices a religion different from your own, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to blending faith and customs, especially for your children. Just like everything else in families, religions can be blended.Unlike older generations for whom incorporating religion into parenting was the norm, that is not the case today. Though having children can reconnect you to faith in an effort to pass down experiences, traditions, and beliefs. Lexsea Mann, Family Room Parent and Me educator, is back on the podcast with Karen to discuss blending traditions and raising children in a faith you were not raised in. This casual conversation covers what Lexsea and Ben discussed before having kids, navigating Hanukkah and Christmas trees, the different reasons Karen and Lexsea incorporate religion into their families and so much more.Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Children need loving, attuned parents, not necessarily in the same house. Today on the podcast, we are talking about separation, co-parenting and divorce. Even the most amicable separation is life-changing for young children and parents. But it doesn't have to damage the children in the long run. Being a content single parent and the best version of yourself is better than modeling an unhealthy relationship. It can be the right decision for your family and also the hardest. Back on the show today is Melissa Merritt. If you listen to the podcast, you will remember Melissa from episode 49, Choosing a Dual Language Immersion Program where she shared what it was like sending her kids to a dual language preschool and elementary school program. Melissa shares her story of separating and divorcing from her husband when her son and daughter where three and five years old. Melissa shares:- when she started thinking separation and divorce may be the best path- the steps in the process, including therapy and mediation- how she and her husband told the kids- all about co-parenting from the custody arrangement to making family decisions- the rollercoaster of emotions from grief, shame, guilt, to relief and peace- the hardest part and the biggest surpriseA happier parent is a better parent.  Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Secondary infertility — the inability to have another child after having a first — affects about 11 percent of couples and takes families by surprise. The reasons  or lack of clear reasons are often the same for secondary infertility as primary infertility. And the emotions are often the same too, from sadness, to jealousy, and anger.  But now, because you are already a parent, you are surrounded by people growing their families, which can make it extra painful.In this episode, Liz Fischer, friend of Karen and Family Room educator, shares her secondary infertility journey.  After the birth of her son Henry, Liz did not anticipate the years of trying to have a second baby. Liz shares:- when she realized there was an issue trying to have a second baby and the interventions, from hormonal to medical, she tried- hurtful remarks by people who assume you're going to have more kids- feeling disconnected from parent friends she made the first time around- the effect on her relationship with her husband and tips to navigating the situation with a partner - managing the uncertainty of infertility and the emotional toll it took on her- advice she would give anyone struggling with second-time infertility Note, this episode does discuss loss. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Cold and flu season is quickly approaching and many of you have likely already scheduled your little one's flu shot. Did you know seven out of ten kids fear going to the doctor? Going to the doctor may never be something your child looks forward to doing, but it is an important part of staying healthy.  As parents, there are things we can do to reduce the stress and anxiety of annual visits, shots, and even medical emergencies. Joining Karen on this episode is Rita Ho-Bezolla. Rita is an entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, mom to two, and founder of Piper +  Enza. Piper + Enza provides families with engaging stories, toys, and expert resources focused on a variety of kids' health topics, both physical and mental with the goal to empower our next generation to play an active and confident role in their healthcare from the very beginning. Rita and Karen discuss: - how to proactively change the narrative around doctor appointments with your kids-  how to help prepare your child for a doctors appointment or a procedure- ways to advocate for your child- why you shouldn't lie if something will hurt - tips and tools to help with fear of needles (there are things to make it better!)- advice for parents whose little one has trauma from a scary medical emergencyThis is a really helpful episode for all parents with tips to navigate different medical situations from routine appointments to the unexpected emergency room visit. Links:Piperandenza.comLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Something often shared by parents in many of our classes is a sense of imposter syndrome when it comes to their new roles as parents from doubting your abilities to a feeling of not belonging. Joining Karen this week is Kim-Lan Dovan, marriage and family therapist and lead Parent & Me educator to help us understand what imposter syndrome is, why it happens and what you can do to overcome it. Karen and Kim-Lan specifically discuss: why new parents are particularly susceptible to imposter syndromewhat are the effectsthe causes of imposter syndrome, including the pressure to achieveplus tips to work through itWhile most people experience some self-doubt when facing a new challenge, this episode also shines a light on when that becomes more all-encompassing and ultimately steals your joy. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

***Trigger Warning: Blakley's story contains loss. Please take care of yourself if you are not in the place to listen at this time***Between 10 and 15 percent of known pregnancies end in pregnancy loss, yet despite how common pregnancy loss is, many parents and families suffer in silence and don't get the support they need. On this episode Karen is joined by Blakley Graham who shares her story of stillbirth with her first son Elijah, how she healed and continues to do so,  what pregnancy was like after loss, and how she remembers Elijah today. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

The dynamics of partner relationships is something we could probably talk about all the time, as there are so many elements of your relationship that change after having a baby. On this episode Karen chats with Ellie Baker,  a relationship coach with degrees in psychology and counseling,  specifically about making intentional decisions around work, childcare and money with your partner. These issue can cause great strain in a relationship as you both navigate new identities, pressure, and priorities. Ellie addresses the biggest pain points for couples when it comes to money, how to manage big income disparities in a relationship, ways to set priorities, and tips for getting on the same page. Ellie Baker is the founder of Coupld, which she describes as a gym for your relationship offering sessions to help couples keep their relationship strong during the transition into parenthood.  Links:Instagram: @coupldcoWebsite: coupld.coLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

As the We are The Family Room podcast hits its first year and The Family Room approaches year nine since opening our doors, we thought it was a good time for Karen to share The Family Room story!  From her Mommy and Me class in Boston, to moving to Pasadena as a single mom, having twins and discovering the shocking lack of support for new parents, making a career change and taking the giant leap to create community, The Family Room story is a good reminder that life is not often linear and it is never too late to follow your dreams. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

We talk a lot about comparisons at The Family Room. Comparisons to other peoples experiences from pregnancy to early parenthood and beyond can make us feel terrible about our own journey. There is a popular saying that comparisons can be the thief of joy. Another comparison trap that everyone with two or more children has intentionally or unintentionally fallen into is sibling comparisons. In this episode Karen talks with Denise about sibling comparisons, why they are harmful,  how to avoid falling into the comparison trap, what to do instead to promote sibling sibling relationships, and more. Denise is a mother of two and teaches yoga at The Family Room in addition to leading the second time Parenting and Me group.Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses and can affect many of us in varying degrees. It's hard not to be anxious in our modern world. Becoming a parent can increase anxiety even more with intensified concerns about the world and keeping our children safe.Dr. Lauren Cook joins Karen to talk about anxiety caused by everything from gun violence to everyday parenting concerns, tips to help manage it, and when to seek help. She also discusses her upcoming book Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World, including why anxiety is at an all time high and helps normalizes the experience for listeners. Dr. Lauren is therapist with a practice in Pasadena, a consultant, a speaker, has been interviewed by too many outlets to list but includes CNN, the New York Times and Parents, and has well over 200,000 followers on TikTok where she regularly shares mental health tips. She hosts a podcast called The Board Room Brain.  Dr. Lauren is also a mom to an adorable baby boy and a Family Room parent. Links:Generation Anxietydrlaurencook.cominstagram: @dr.laurencookTikTok: dr.laurencookThe Brain Health Book ClubThe Boardroom Brain podcastLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

As a follow-up to Episode: 48, we continue the conversation about having a special needs journey with Elise's husband, Quinn. Karen speaks with Quinn about what the experience has been like for him.  He speaks very candidly about his struggles in accepting his son's early diagnosis, learning to be ok with life looking different,  the ways he and Elise encourage and help each other in their journey, and advice for anyone else going through it. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Dual language immersion school programs have become increasingly more popular with more and more families considering them. On this episode Karen talks to Family Room mom Melissa Merritt about the ins and outs of enrolling her two children in dual language programs. Melissa's children started in a dual language preschool and then transitioned into a dual language kindergarten program. Melissa shares what it was like sending her non-native speakers into a classroom where they didn't know the language, how they adapted, all about researching, applying and choosing a dual language immersion kindergarten program and more. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Being a parent is hard. But being the parent of a child with special needs can seem downright impossible and completely overwhelming at times. In a candid conversation, Karen talks with Elise Lovejoy, a friend and Family Room mom all about navigating her son's Crosby's autism diagnosis.  Elise shares their story from the early signs that her son had different challenges, to denial and diagnosis, how to fight for local and school based support, effects on relationships including friends and her partner, the importance of community, plus truly practical tips and valuable advice for anyone navigating a similar path. Through fear, frustration and uncertainty, there is also unwavering love, pride and joy. Whether you have a child with special needs or know someone who does, everyone will learn and grow from this episode. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

While we many expecting couples take classes to learn how to care for their new babies, often parents don't consider how to take care of themselves during the life-changing transition and beyond. In this episode Karen is joined by Lauren Hays and Megan Dalton.  Lauren Hays is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and boy mom to three. Lauren's co-founder Megan Dalton is a marketing guru and mom of 3 under 6.  On a mission to change the landscape of maternal mental health and to identify its role and importance to overall wellness, they created The Matrescence --  a maternal mental health community providing a space to learn, heal, and grow. Karen, Lauren, and Megan discuss integrated wellness and why it is so important to new moms.  From true self-care tips, to ways to improve mental health, common pitfalls, advice for working parents and more, this episode provides  helpful insights and important perspective for all new parents. Links:thematrescence.com@thematrescenceLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Language development is an essential part of your child's growth. Speech and language impact your child's social interactions, behavior and academic skills. A whole new world opens up when your child can communicate with words! Speech and language delays are the most common type of developmental delay in children. Between five and twelve percent of children ages two to five years are diagnosed with a speech or language delay.Stephanie Masek, a speech and language therapist and owner of Jabber Dogs, a private speech, language, and occupational therapy group in San Marino joins Karen to discuss how to promote language development with your child, how to know if your child is just a bit on the later side of the language development scale or if they are delayed, plus common questions about sign language, learning a child language and differences between girls and boys. LinksJabberdogs.comLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

This topic grew out of the What's for Dinner discussion in Episode 38 with registered dietician Elise Compston. If you haven't listened to that episode you should! It is hard to talk about food and not talk about feelings around food and our bodies. As we know, body image is complex, from the way we feel about our body to the way society values it. Children are exposed to thousands of messages every day about how to look and as media exposure continues to increase, talking to kids about body positivity is more important than ever.As parents, we can help set a foundation for body positivity at a very young age. Helping your child develop a healthy relationship with food and their body often starts with awareness and self-reflection. Elise is back on the podcast to share ways we can teach and model body positivity to our children. Elise shares:- how your relationship with food affects your child- what is intuitive and mindful eating- how to approach feeding your child- ways to encourage body positivity  and things to be mindful ofLinks:Compston KitchenYour Latina NutritionistLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Children outgrow clothing quickly and often have items in their closets with tags on them from gifts yet to be worn. Buying secondhand clothing can not only save you money for the next ever-frequent growth spurt, but is an eco-friendly and sustainable option everyone should consider.  In this episode Karen is joined by Samira Husein, the owner of Dakota + Rowan, a cute secondhand store located in Sierra Madre, California. Samira shares her tips to get the most out of shopping secondhand, how to find high quality pre-loved items, stigmas around thrifting, how the shopping process works, why and how she turned her passion for thrifting into a business,  and so much more. Links:@dakotaplusrowan_dakotaplusrowan.comLove the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

Early intervention is critical in addressing developmental delays and the good news is that there is support for you and your little one through the Regional Centers in California. They provide free services such as speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to support your growing child. Many of our families have gained important support through the Regional Center, but not everyone knows about the resources that are available or how to navigate what can feel like a complicated system. Erin Rae is a mother of two who used the Regional Center to obtain speech and language support for her son. In this episode Erin shares her experience, the process, how to advocate for your child,  and helpful tips about working with a Regional Center.Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/

For better or worse, how we parent is naturally influenced by our own childhood experiences. Some things we want to recreate because they made us feel good as children, and some things we feel strongly about doing differently. How we approach parenting is deeply rooted in our early experiences. Thinking about your own childhood can help you become more aware of the meaning behind your reaction toward your own child. Making sense of our own past, processing and creating a narrative of our experiences is critical in how we relate to our kids. In today's episode Sepideh Hakimzadeh, MA/LMFT from Whole Mother Therapy joins Karen to talk about the importance of breaking generational cycles when raising children. From how siblings are treated to trauma, Sepideh and Karen discuss the many ways our own childhood affects our parenting, why it is hard to undo, and tips to do just that. Love the show? Subscribe, Rate, & Review! https://www.familyroomcenter.com/podcast/