Podcasts about mudroom

The Hartford Residence, a 1932 home in Old West Austin, required architectural help to address flow and add living space while maintaining the home's original charm and honouring its historic neighbourhood. The team chose to maintain a single story for the 483 SF addition of a new primary bedroom suite and laundry/mudroom. Brick from the original rear façade was carefully preserved to clad the new Mudroom entrance and outdoor fireplace so they blend seamlessly with the original structure. The original layout of the living room, dining and kitchen created challenges placing furniture, had unused space and convoluted access between rooms. The revised layout creates spaces for gathering, optimizes usable floorspace and establishes visible and accessible connections from the front to the back of the house. The addition of a large island with bar seating activates unused space in the kitchen, while new windows offer connection to the backyard and cozy new screened porch.Carina has worked in the architectural field in Austin since 2003 and is recognized within the community for her ability to create well-designed, sustainable dwellings in a way that clients feel they have been heard and valued in the process. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on two AIA Austin Homes Tours, and a number of local media outlets and publications. Carina received a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a B.A. in Architecture and Art History from Rice University in Houston. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As fall ushers in a season of busy schedules and changing routines, I'm excited to welcome interior designer Lindsey Herod of Lindsey Herod Interiors to discuss transforming utilitarian spaces into stylish, functional areas. In this episode, Lindsey reveals her insider tips for transforming utilitarian spaces such as mudrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, kitchens, and garages into functional and elegant areas. Drawing from real-life routines and common oversights, Lindsey provides a comprehensive breakdown of often-forgotten elements to consider in your home design. Learn how to balance timeless charm with modern practicality, streamline your spaces for busy family life, and add personal touches. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their home's functionality while maintaining a sophisticated style.With over a decade of experience, Lindsey combines her deep Texas roots with sophisticated New York training to craft uniquely personal and stylish homes. Her work, featured in top national publications and recognized by the “Aggie 100,” reflects her expertise in blending traditional warmth with contemporary flair.RESOURCESVisit Lindsey's website.Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Join Gary and Jamie along with one of our Design Consultants Jennifer Zipfel as they talk about a project that we completed that included a mudroom, laundry room, powder bath and a walk-in pantry!

Today's episode is the story of a woman who moved beyond ethnic loneliness by embracing her ethnic identity and finding belonging. Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) (she/her) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. When she's not writing, speaking, or working, she's drinking chai, walking, or reading. Prasanta lives with her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.In this episode, you'll hear Prasanta and I discuss:The universal and nuanced experiences of loneliness for BIPOCHow to find agency and belonging for ourselvesTips for creating safe commmunityWhat Indian food teaches us about Indian cultureAnd how white folks can support BIPOC friends experiencing ethnic loneliness. Beyond Ethnic Loneliness is available wherever you buy books. Follow Prasanta on IG @prasantaverma and on X @vermaprasanta. Check out more of her work on her website, prasantaverma.com. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics, your faithful host, Pastor Josh Burtram, delves into a profound conversation with Prasanta Verma, author of the impactful book "Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging," published by IVP Press. Prasanta Verma, who holds an MBA and a Master of Public Health, shares her unique journey, having been born in India, raised in the Appalachian foothills, and now residing in the Midwest. Her diverse background and experiences provide a rich context for the themes explored in her book. Her work has been featured in Sojourners, Curator Magazine, The Indianapolis Review, Relief Journal, Mudroom Blog, Guideposts, and Pray A Word A Day.During the interview, Prasanta recounts her experiences of growing up as the only Indian immigrant family in a small Alabama town. She shares poignant memories of facing racism and the struggle for belonging, which shaped her identity and influenced her writing. The conversation delves into the concept of ethnic loneliness, a term Prasanta defines as the alienation and sense of not belonging due to one's ethnic and racial identity.Prasanta and Josh explore the broader implications of ethnic loneliness, discussing its impact on individuals and communities, and how it differs from general loneliness. They also touch on the role of faith communities in addressing and alleviating this unique form of isolation. Prasanta offers insights into creating inclusive spaces within churches and communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and celebrating cultural diversity.The discussion also covers the historical injustices faced by ethnic minorities and how these past events continue to influence present experiences. Prasanta reflects on her own journey of reconciling her ethnic identity with her faith, highlighting the importance of safe, supportive communities in the healing process.Buy Prasanta Verma's book: Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging: https://a.co/d/ebjMELEAbout our Guest:   Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. When she's not writing, speaking, or working, she's drinking chai, walking, or reading. Prasanta lives with her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsi "The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations Support the Show.To learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Interested in being trained within the Reformed & Confessional Classical Theistic tradition? Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Davenant Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Use code gggtrinity24 for $25 off Trinity Term! Make a one-time or recurring donation on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donor Box profile here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join us in the mission of introducing Reformed Theology across the world! Please help support the show on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!   WELCOME TO BOOK CLUB! Prasanta Verma (MBA, MPH) was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills in the South, and now resides in the Upper Midwest. Her essays and poetry have been published in Sojourners, Propel Women, (in)courage, Inheritance Magazine, the Indianapolis Review, Barren Magazine, and the Mudroom blog. She served as a speech and debate coach for over ten years. We want to thank ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IVP Academic for their help in setting up this interview and providing us with the necessary materials for this interview with Prasanta!   ⁠Purchase the book(s) here:⁠ Beyond Ethnic Loneliness: The Pain of Marginalization and the Path to Belonging   Have Feedback or Questions? Email us at: guiltgracepod@gmail.com Find us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@guiltgracepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@guiltgracepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guilt Grace Gratitude Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use! Looking for a Reformed Church? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠North American Presbyterian & Reformed Churches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gggpodcast/support

Join Gary and Jamie and one of our Interior Designers Rachel Broadstone as they talk about a project that we finished that has been getting a lot of attention on houzz.com! Topics include; what it is that makes this specific room so eye-catching, picking out the selections for these clients, and so much more!

In this episode of The MudRoom, and it's all about merging structured routines with spontaneous adventures! Now, I know what you might be thinking - routines and spontaneity don't exactly go hand in hand, right? But trust me, there's a delightful balance to be found, and I'm here to show you how. I share my top 4 tips to help you craft a day that nurtures your child's blossoming personality while keeping you sane. It's all about creating a beautiful harmony where discipline meets joy, and structure dances gracefully with spontaneity. If you've ever felt like the ringmaster at the most unpredictable circus, juggling daily schedules and the delightful surprises your little ones bring, then this episode is for you. I'll guide you through planning for flexibility, documenting your day with a visual schedule, adding spontaneity within routines, and even planning spontaneous days that break away from the monotony. Oh, and before I forget, if you're feeling guilty about not always enjoying playing with your kids, I've got another episode you might find interesting. It's called Why You Don't Have to Play with Your Kids (And Why It's Good for Them). I dive deep into this topic and explain why it's perfectly okay to not always be the playmate. I would love for you to join me in exploring these topics and more. So grab a cup of your favorite brew, find a comfy chair, and tune in to The MudRoom podcast. If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to follow, like, or subscribe - your support helps other parents find this valuable content. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

Put down that cup of cold coffee momma and come listen to this interview.  (Actually…bring it with you. You probably need it.) Parent's everywhere are walking around like zombies, absolutely exhausted and tired because their child is not sleeping.  Whether you're awake because your newborn just can't seem to sleep for more than 2 hours or if you've been up till 11 PM every night trying to convince your preschooler to stay in bed– You're tired. And that's why I'm thrilled for this interview with Eva Klein from My Sleeping Baby.  She became a certified sleep coach after experiencing the stark differences between her first and second born's sleep habits, and has since helped over 3,000 parents get their children to sleep.  ➡️ We talk about the serious effects of sleep deprivation on children's behaviour and parent's ability to care for children.  ➡️ The risks of downplaying/minimizing being exhausted for both parents and kids  ➡️ And the surprising truth about sleep training and its impact on your relationship with your child. Plus we discuss some other great perspective shifts so you can do away with the mom guilt and start prioritizing sleep for your whole family (you included).  This interview is for all my parents running on empty and surviving off of sheer will and caffeinated beverages. As my friend Eva said, “it doesn't have to be your normal just because it's common.” Connect with Eva Klein: Website: https://mysleepingbaby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysleepingbaby/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121914384529065/ Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

Anticipating transitions, Anticipating what you will need Anticipating and taking great care of your future self as. JOBSocks in the mud roomOrder in nightAllergy pills in the carExtra set of pants to avoid lack of clean clothesI am always here to help you connect with yourself and your son, sign up for a free mini session here to get coached and get that amazing relationship for yourself. or email me at natalia@coachingnatalia.com https://coachingnatalia.com/schedule-an-appointment/

Starting a new 5 part series that is called the Back To School Blitz! Join me for the next 5 days as we explore getting ready for the new school year!   Connect with me! Website: https://joylovinghome.com IG: https://instagram.com/joylovinghome Email: joy@joylovinghome.com Free Community: bit.ly/joylovinghomecommunity Waitlist for the Membership Group : https://joylovinghome.com/community  

Guest speaker Pastor Michael Zeigler. July 9, 2023 Sermon text: Psalm 84

“Sometimes what happens is the more help that we get, we start to lose a little part of that power about being a major part in our children's success; their happiness.” - Alex Leech Grab a (virtual) seat and a drink. We're talking about burnout and the impact it has on our parenting. I'm thrilled to be interviewing friend and neurodivergent teen parenting coach Alex Leech about what parents and caregivers can do when they begin to feel overwhelmed and consumed by everything that parenting requires.  Because if we're being honest, it requires a lot.  Especially if you're also navigating through raising a neurodivergent child, or if you're working through challenging behaviours with your child.  This interview is filled with gems like I know will have you nodding your head in agreement and spark some “ah-ha” moments.  We get into things like: Fears about offloading responsibility and caregiving tasks to other people What could self-care look like (hint* It's not always a visit to the spa)  Modeling self-regulation  How thinking about the worst possible situation can actually help

Summer is around the corner and for many parents, that also means school is closed and the children are home. ☀️ It's time to prepare.  You don't want to wait until you're 3 weeks into summer break and on the brink of losing your marbles before deciding to create a plan for what summer is going to look like for you and you're family.  I'm not just talking about prepping for summer vacations either.  Since a lot of households involve both parents working (whether that's at home or in the office), it can be tricky to navigate schedules, activities, and little ones wanting attention all while you're trying to attend a Zoom meeting or get ready to leave in the morning for work.  Being a business owner myself, I spend the majority of my days working from home so I know from personal experience just how hectic that can get.  In this episode of the Mudroom and I'll share:  Some important things to keep in mind when you're creating a schedule/routine for the summer How to create that schedule/routine but still be flexible enough for the changes of summer activities My hack for helping children keep track of summer camp activities and when you're available (vs when you're working)  And a very important thing to make time for that most parents are tempted to overlook Despite what all the parenting memes say about how horrible and stressful summer is with children home (not going to lie, some of them are funny), it doesn't actually have to be that way.  It can be filled with fun, adventure, and even still stay productive. ⛱️ Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

Do you remember playing outside and then having to rush back to the house before the street lights turn on? There are great memories made outdoors and it's unfortunate that our children aren't getting to build those same kind of memories.  And those magical, happy feelings and memories you have playing outside isn't just nostalgia. There are some real health benefits for children to be outdoors!  I'm not talking about doing strenuous hiking trails and traversing through woods either (although if that's your thing, go for it!), even simply strolling through a park can have amazing effects on your child's mental and physical health.  So, in a day and time of tech and structured activities, I'd like to take some time to chat with you about why we should be encouraging and supporting our kids with getting outdoors much more often.  In this week's Mudroom episode I'll not only break down the benefits, but I'll also give you some ideas too.  Because I know being the loving parent that you are, there's a temptation to think you have to do something extravagant or elaborate for there to be a benefit to your child— which is overwhelming as f*ck. With so much on our plates already, there's no need to add more.  I'm sharing some very realistic and simple ideas for outdoor time that you can integrate into your weekends or afterschool schedule.  Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

What do you do when your mudroom or laundry room gets messy? Listen to why I think we need to normalize the fact that workhorse rooms should be aloud to work! *I said in the podcast that I would put the photo in the show notes but I can't figure it out. You can see it at one of the places below. Instagram: https://instagram.com/joylovinghome Free Community: bit.ly/joylovinghomecommunity Connect with Me: Website: https://joylovinghome.com Email: joy@joylovinghome.com  

Grab a scoop of ice cream, this is a special dedicated episode all about a parent's journey transforming their child's behaviour and becoming a more confident parent.  I'm excited to be chatting with Heather, mom of two children with ASD who I've had a privilege of working with inside of my curated parenting membership ParentAbility.  Heather joined ParentAbility after a year of challenges and road bumps while having both children home during the “unprecedented times” and now she's sharing her experience.  If you've had questions like: Would ParentAbility still work with my neurodiverse child? What parenting is like without the reward charts and timeouts If ParentAbility can truly help with meltdowns and sensory needs Then this is the episode for you!  I've had plenty of parents wonder if ParentAbility is right for them, and while I could shout from the mountain tops how skill building and strategic, proactive action can completely change your child's behaviour, you don't have to only take my word for it.  Hear it directly from another member!  It's great to hear about the growth and wins Heather has had and how it's changed her approach to parenting since joining. And of course it's exciting to hear about the leaps and bounds her children have made behaviour wise!  Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

Join Gary and Jamie as they talk about the do's and don'ts of a laundry room, mudroom, and everything in between! Topics include; vertical space, storage, lighting, flooring, and being creative with the spaces!

Grab a scoop of ice cream, this is a special dedicated episode all about a parent's journey transforming their child's behaviour and becoming a more confident parent.  I'm excited to be chatting with Heather, mom of two children with ASD who I've had a privilege of working with inside of my curated parenting membership ParentAbility.  Heather joined ParentAbility after a year of challenges and road bumps while having both children home during the “unprecedented times” and now she's sharing her experience.  If you've had questions like: Would ParentAbility still work with my neurodiverse child? What parenting is like without the reward charts and timeouts If ParentAbility can truly help with meltdowns and sensory needs Then this is the episode for you!  I've had plenty of parents wonder if ParentAbility is right for them, and while I could shout from the mountain tops how skill building and strategic, proactive action can completely change your child's behaviour, you don't have to only take my word for it.  Hear it directly from another member!  It's great to hear about the growth and wins Heather has had and how it's changed her approach to parenting since joining. And of course it's exciting to hear about the leaps and bounds her children have made behaviour wise!  Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mudroom/message

One thing most mid century homes lack is a modern mudroom…or any practical dedicated entry/exit space designed to catch those things that belong to the outside edge of your life. If this sounds like your home, you're not alone! Helping our one-to-one design clients to solve this challenge is part of nearly every mid century master plan here at Mid Mod Midwest. And solving this problem doesn't have to be that complicated! So today, we're talking about what your entry areas need and how to make that happen for your home.Get the full show notes with all the trimmings at https://www.midmod-midwest.com/1109

I'm gonna keep this one short and sweet! We're living in a technological age, and if you can't beat em', why not join them. The wonders of modern technology really can make life easier, and the little handy device that you're likely reading this email from, aka your phone, can even help you out with discipline believe it or not. While throwing on a Youtube video and handing over the tablet to get five seconds of peace can come in clutch, these apps are actually helpful for behaviour and supporting your child as they strengthen those executive skills I'm always talking about.

“Compassion and gentleness create something in us that is very solid and strong.” - Aundi KolberHow do you define strength? And does the phrase, “what doesn't kill you make you stronger,” really true? On today's edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the podcast, and they're going to unpack the essence of true strength and discover that God has, and always will be with us on our journey of becoming more beautifully human in the midst of adversity.Aundi's latest book, “Strong Like Water” releases on March 21st. The following links will offer you an opportunity to pre-order the book. Aundi has also made available some bonus content via her website, and we've provided that link below.Aundi is a frequent guest of Restoring the Soul; in fact, her “Try Softer” interview with Michael was the most downloaded podcast of ours to date. She is a licensed professional counselor from Castle Rock, CO; her work has been featured on Relevant, CT Women,  The Huffington Post, The Mudroom, Happy Sonship, and Circling the Story. We're always thrilled when Aundi can join us for the discussion - you're in for a real treat today.Helpful Resources:Bonus content from AundiPre-order Strong Like WaterBaker BooksTyndaleAmazonBarnes & NoblePrevious episodes with AundiEpisode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part 1, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part 2, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement"Episode 200 - Aundi Kolber, "Discovering Self Compassion"Contact Restoring the Soul:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.comThanks for listening!

I've been getting this question a lot lately and I think it's a fantastic point of conversation. Let's chat about neurodiversity. First, a definition: Neurodiversity essentially refers to the variety of ways a person's brain can function and the impact that has on their behavioral traits. Those who are neurodiverse operate differently from those who are neurotypical. People refer to neurodiversity a lot in the context of children on the autism spectrum but it also includes ADHD, OCD, and sensory processing disorder, and others. Now, a lot of parents have sought out evaluations for their child/ren. And since we're a little further into the school year, and also because children have been on waitlists because of the pandemic, there's been a wave of parents receiving diagnosis for their kids and learning they're neurodiverse. It can be a lot for a parent to process and definitely a lot for a child. So the question is, how do you tell a child about their diagnosis? What age should you tell them? How do you explain something so complex? In this week's Mudroom I'm going to share how you can talk to your child about their diagnosis and neurodiversity in a way that's not overwhelming for them. Not only can this conversation be a great way to start helping them build an understanding of their own behaviours and feelings, it's also a great way to affirm and empower them if/when they start to notice their differences compared to their neurotypical peers. Chatting with your child about their neurodiversity isn't explored a whole lot so I'm excited for this convo! Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Chicken nuggets or quesadillas? Blue shoes or red slippers? Apple juice or orange juice? These seem like fairly easy decisions for kids to make, right? After all, you're supposed to give them options, right? You're trying to give them some agency over their life and help them feel included. Except lately whenever you give your child a choice, it's a catastrophe. They melt down, or they procrastinate about what they want until the options aren't even available anymore; maybe they've just been refuse every single choice you give them until you're both frustrated. So, what gives? Why do children struggle with decision making, even if it's two, seemingly simple options to choose between? Well, that's exactly what we'll be chatting about in this episode-- why children have a hard time making decisions and what you can do to help. Spoiler alert: it has to do with skill building, because while it feels like making a decision is just a matter of picking which option you like more, there's actually a few different skill sets that are needed for this. And once we pinpoint what those missing skills are, then we can start figuring out solutions and stop the chaotic cycle of indecision and tantrums. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Someone recently told me that I don't have a podcast or blog post on something I talk about all the time and my jaw just about hit the floor when I realized Oh crap! They're right! Though I know you've likely heard me talk about executive functioning skills before, I haven't “formally” discussed them outside of ParentAbility and I think it's a great time to remedy that! Because these skills quite literally dictate our ability to do just about everything. You know that morning routine you have; stumbling to the coffee machine to turn it on so your coffee is ready by the time you're done in the restroom? That's executive functioning skills. Calculating if you have enough time to do a U-turn and grab the form that needed to be turned in to your child's teacher today? Execute functioning skills. Choosing to take a deep breath and smile when a rude person shoves their way in front of you at the coffee shop instead of using colorful, potty words?

Declutter and Organize Your Home on day 6 of THE 2022 HOME ORGANIZING CHALLENGE!  It's the day we clear the clutter and make the drop zone mudroom area in your home function for your family.  The 2022 Home Organizing Challenge is here!  We are organizing a different area in your home each day for the first 20 days of 2022.  These are the perfect projects to tackle before the holiday hustle begins.  Listen daily on The Intentional Edit Podcast for tips and strategies on how to successfully declutter and organize the space of the day and be sure to follow along on Instagram @intentionaledit to see how Lauren has all these areas organized in her home.  Be sure to screenshot the 20 day checklist and share your progress as you complete each daily project.   It's the perfect time to begin purging and organizing your home!  Sign up to receive more details about the 2022 Home Organizing Challenge here - http://eepurl.com/c_G9z9  Get the checklist for the 2022 Home Organizing Challenge here! Do you want to get organized but struggle with making decisions on what to keep, toss or donate?!?!  In this episode I share a purging process that you can use to confidently answer the questions about what you should be keeping in your home and what you can let go of.  You are about to learn how to identify clutter, purge items that are no longer serving a purpose in your home and feel good about donating them.   Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss an episode of The Intentional Edit Podcast.  If you are struggling with daily tasks, clutter, organization, and finding any sort of work/life balance, The Intentional Edit Podcast is for you.  It's time to stop the chaos and create a life you love by implementing systems that put an end to the overwhelming, unorganized parts of life and finally, bring simplicity to your life and home. Now is the time to say goodbye to overwhelm, get organized and create systems so that you can live your best life at home and beyond.  Simplify your life and home by creating routines, maximizing systems and decluttering!   Meal Planning - https://www.intentionaledit.com/mealplanningcourse/  Simplified Home Masterclass – https://www.intentionaledit.com/simplified-home-masterclass/ 1:1 coaching with Lauren – A custom plan just for you!  Topics include decluttering, organizing, time management, home routines & systems, daily/weekly schedules and more. https://www.intentionaledit.com/coaching/ Connect with Lauren @intentionaledit on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and TikTok Join the NEW Facebook group for The Intentional Edit Podcast Listeners – Declutter, Organize & Create Systems to Simplify Your Home & Life  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1812445665608486 Everything is here – www.intentionaledit.com

Chicken nuggets or quesadillas? Blue shoes or red slippers? Apple juice or orange juice? These seem like fairly easy decisions for kids to make, right? After all, you're supposed to give them options, right? You're trying to give them some agency over their life and help them feel included. Except lately whenever you give your child a choice, it's a catastrophe. They melt down, or they procrastinate about what they want until the options aren't even available anymore; maybe they've just been refuse every single choice you give them until you're both frustrated. So, what gives? Why do children struggle with decision making, even if it's two, seemingly simple options to choose between? Well, that's exactly what we'll be chatting about in this episode-- why children have a hard time making decisions and what you can do to help. Spoiler alert: it has to do with skill building, because while it feels like making a decision is just a matter of picking which option you like more, there's actually a few different skill sets that are needed for this. And once we pinpoint what those missing skills are, then we can start figuring out solutions and stop the chaotic cycle of indecision and tantrums. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

There's nothing quite as lovely as the beautiful, musical sound of a child whining at you from across the room. I mean, what parent doesn't love that heart-warming screech of “he took my toooooyyyyy”? It's one of the best parts of being a parent.

Optimism can be difficult when you're a parent in the middle of a challenging time period with your kid. When your kid has been smacking everybody who comes within a 2 foot radius or stripping off their clothes in public whenever you tell them no, hearing “but look at how far they've come” makes you want to roll your eyes. But even though they haven't stopped the behaviour completely, there's still plenty of reason to recognize progress. Even small, incremental steps. And it's not just to make you as the parent feel a little less miserable (although, that's a solid reason to celebrate).

https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference (Become a patron of this podcast), and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference (Patreon). ********** https://www.dorothygreco.com/ (Dorothy Littell Greco) is an author, photojournalist, writer, and marriage coach. Dorothy feels equally at home speaking in front of hundreds or standing behind her camera without saying a word. Her words and images offer hope and encouragement to those longing for healing, reconciliation, and joy. Her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, MOPs, Relevant Magazine, Christians for Biblical Equality, The Mudroom, Sojourners, Biola Center for Marriage and Family, Christine Cain's Propel for Women, Perennial Generation, Patheos, and The Englewood Review of Books. http://www.dorothygreco.com/my-book/ (Making Marriage Beautiful), herr first book, was published by David C Cook in January of 2017. Her second book, https://www.ivpress.com/marriage-in-the-middle (Marriage in the Middle), was published by InterVarsity Press in September of 2020. Past and present photography clients include: The National Geographic, New England Home Magazine, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Yankee Magazine, Mass General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston University, Knopf Publishers, Lexington Christian Academy, Boston Trinity Academy, Arnold Arboretum, Houghton Mifflin, and many more. I have won several awards from Communication Arts Photography Annual and National Press Photographers. She is a graduate of Boston University and a member of https://redbudwritersguild.com/ (Redbud Writers' Guild) and the https://thepelicanproject.com/ (Pelican Project). She has been married to Christopher for 31 years, and they have three grown sons and two amazing daughters-in-law. She loves walking on beaches, traveling, seeing great theater, and kayaking. She also enjoy spending time with friends and figuring out how to make awesome paleo meals. She joins us to talk about restoring marriage to the mutuality it was intended to be. Enter to win one of 2 copies of each of Dororthy's books in the giveaway! Find Us Online: https://www.instagram.com/aworldof.difference/ (@aworldof.difference) on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/A-World-of-Difference-613933132591673/ (A World of Difference) on Facebook, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/loriadbr (@loriadbr)Other EPS mentioned in this podcast: https://www.podpage.com/a-world-of-difference/s3e49 (EPS 49 Dr. Mimi Haddad) (CEO of https://www.cbeinternational.org/ (Christians for Biblical Equality)) https://www.podpage.com/a-world-of-difference/s2e31 (EPS 31 Dr. Graham Hill) https://www.podpage.com/a-world-of-difference/s2e21 (EPS 23 Kate Wallace Nunneley) of the https://juniaproject.com/ (Junia Project) https://www.podpage.com/a-world-of-difference/s2e30 (EPS 30 Dr. Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer) Check out https://justicerevival.org/ (Justice Revival) and the #Faith4ERA campaign to get people of faith to help pass the ERA. *** The A World of Difference Podcast is brought to you in partnership with https://www.missioalliance.org/ (Missio Alliance). Join us to discuss this episode, previous episodes or for other thoughtful conversations at our https://www.facebook.com/groups/651922025855936 (Facebook group). We'd love to have you stop by and share your perspective. Stay In Touch: Connect on Facebook and Instagram with thoughts, questions, and feedback. Rate, review and share this podcast with anyone that would love to listen.   Find Us Online: https://www.instagram.com/aworldof.difference/ (@aworldof.difference) on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/A-World-of-Difference-613933132591673/ (A World of Difference) on Facebook, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/loriadbr (@loriadbr) & on Clubhouse...

Our brain's are a marvelous thing! Maybe you've heard it compared to a super computer before, and it's because it pretty much is. From how it processes and stores information to its uncanny ability to learn new things and adapt. But even more amazing? We're constantly sharing information with one another. Our brain's might be like super computer's but it still needs a very human component to function, connection. The emotion that comes from interacting and strengthening our relationships with other human being's is such an important aspect of our growth and this is definitely a crucial part of children's growth and development. They need to be connected to you. Literally. Well, not as in getting wires attached to one another or having them on your hip all day- but the way you connect with your child/ren has an impact on their brain development and how they process their emotions and subsequent behaviour. Curious how this works? Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

When parents are considering joining my membership program ParentAbility or when they join the Facebook community and start learning more about the discipline methods I teach, there's always this lingering concern: Am I being strict enough? I know this concern generally comes from genuine care for their child/ren. We don't want our kids growing up into little gremlins with no discipline and wrecking havoc across Targets, restaurants, and schools. We're trying to raise them to be respectful, kind, and caring problem-solvers who are able to hear the word “no” without trying to swipe off all the toys on the shelf in retaliation. So the fear that “gentle parenting” is too soft on children and means you let kids do absolutely anything they want has snuck its way into parenting circles far and wide. The truth is that there's a difference between being authoritative vs being an authoritarian. And this distinction is crucial when it comes to understanding positive and respectful discipline methods and techniques. This episode I'm going to share what the difference is between authoritative and authoritarian and how this applies to our parenting methods. And hopefully clear up the misconception that gentle parenting means you have to be a permissive doormat to the whims of your 3-year-old. You absolutely can still set boundaries and expectations with your child while still respecting them as individual human beings who are still growing and learning. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

EP228. Renee almost broke the internet because she asked her husband to NOT make pancakes on Saturday mornings. She dives into pancake-gate and reads some angry TikTok comments. And, if Kim Kardashian had a mole on her face, it would be removed without a scar. Finally, she explains the boxes in the mudroom saga between her and her husband. RENEE REINA Instagram: @themomroompodcast | @reneereina_ TikTok: @reneereina_ Facebook Community Youtube: Renee Reina- The Mom Room Podcast SPONSORS BetterHelp. Forager Project. MixSupps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to our children, parents are assigned the role of protector, a pillar of strength, always knowing the answer and in complete control of the situation. So, when something becomes overwhelming, or we get frustrated, sad, even angry, there's almost this panic to hide those emotions from our children. It's a borderline taboo and for a lot of parents it feels wrong. I don't think parents outright hear someone tell them “don't let your kids see you cry” but the idea that showing “negative” emotion in front of our kids is a bad thing is subtly suggested. How many movies have you seen where the mom smiles as she waves her kid off to school, double checks to make sure no one else is around, and then falls apart behind the closed door? Or silently crying in the drivers seat and insisting everything is okay to shield the children from their sadness as if it's this dangerous thing? And if we're brave enough to dig a little deeper here, maybe you've learned it from you parents or other adults in your life when you were younger. There are so many adults who can't recall seeing adults be vulnerable when they were children. Besides anger (or happiness), there aren't many millennials who remember seeing their parents openly share other emotions, much less witness how they navigated or resolved that moment. The fear is > crying or showing strong emotion in front of your kids is going to harm them in some way. So the message current parents learned from that > don't cry in front of your kids. I want to explore that a little bit. In this week's mudroom we're going to have a heart-to-heart about crying in front of your kids. We'll dig a little bit deeper into how our own experience as children may have shaped our view about expressing emotions now that we're parents. How showing feelings in front of your child can actually help them with their own emotions. And the important part of this process that kids need to see- because yes it's okay to express emotions, but we also don't want to constantly be losing our $hit in front of them either. There's a caveat (and I'll admit, it's not something that comes natural for a lot of us). Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

There is nothing quite as triggering to parents as their child biting. I mean…who the heck opens their mouth and decides to latch onto another human's skin?! It's wild when you think about it like that. But the answer is young children. Young children do that. Whether it's at home and your kid is just randomly chomping into your arm while you play. Your toddler sinking their teeth into their baby brother when upset. Or maybe you get that dreaded “ouchie note” home and a little frown from their daycare teacher letting you know your kid has been leaving teeth imprints on friends. Biting is actually a pretty common “misbehavior”. It's not a pleasant time. But it's also not necessarily a thing to panic over either. Don't get me wrong, we're going to take it seriously, especially if they're breaking skin, but we're not gonna lose our minds over it. And I'm going to tell you why. In this episode I'm going to explain the 3 main reasons why children bite. So whether you think they're biting out of anger, just randomly drive-by biting, or seeming to get a kick out of seeing the person's reaction, those reasons all still tie back to the big 3. Once you learn what those 3 reasons are, it's going to be much easier to stop the biting- and I'll bet it'll relieve some stress you might have about it too. So, ready to find out why children get the urge to gnaw on someone? Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

“Redshirting” or delaying enrolling your child into Kinder (or 1st grade if you chose to skip Kinder) and keeping your child back a year is a question I get asked about frequently. There's a lot of anxiety and stress about the decision to redshirt or not red shirt, and to be honest there's a whole bunch of controversy and drama about it too. So I figured I'd go ahead and chat about it in this week's Mudroom. I get asked a lot about it because I made the decision to red-shirt my oldest son, which I've openly talked about before. He's currently getting ready to step into the exciting world of being a 3rd grader but would have been going into 4th grade. And I didn't make that decision lightly. There's a whole bunch of reasons why you might choose to hold your child back a grade and a whole bunch of reasons why you might decide against it. In this episode I'm not going to try and convince you to do one or the other. But I will share my experience and reasons for red-shirting my oldest and some things you might want to consider when making a decision of your own. BTW- If you are thinking this over, know that there are tons of factors that come into play with this decision, including what you're legally allowed to do. I'm not throwing out any legal advice whatsoever (so, please for the love of everything good don't take it as legal advice) but I will also share the general steps I took to make sure I didn't land myself in any trouble. Cause I know finding the information can be a little overwhelming. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

“Validate their emotions” is a phrase that has taken on almost a comedic meaning. Along with the general misunderstanding that gentle parenting means let-your-kids-run-wild and baby talk your 5 year old, Validating emotions has also been misunderstood as absurdly pointing out your kid is crying (in a baby voice of course) and then awkwardly standing there staring at one another for a while. And I'll admit, I've had my fair share of laughs watching the Instagram reels where parents share their frustration about it. It feels silly to have your toddler stomping around the kitchen and borderline bear growling at you and then saying “aaawww…you must be sooooo angry!” Well duh. What gave it away, the stomping or the bear growls?

Buckle up because we're going to talk about a serious topic for this week's Mudroom. Recently there's been a big surge in discussion around things like spanking and physical punishment out of love for their children. “Spare the rod- spoil the child” kind of energy. I do want to make this perfectly clear: we don't spank children around here. You won't ever hear me say: spank your child, a small pop is okay, a little tap is fine. There is no justification for physically harming your child. There is no place for it in discipline (or anywhere). Cool? Cool. That said- since it's a topic of discussion that's popped up recently in the free parenting group And it's seemed to have stirred up some interest in trauma bonds. I've talked about it before but given the response from the community it seems like it's worth discussing again. So in this week's Mudroom conversation I'm going to explain what trauma bonds are, what that looks like in a parent/child relationship, and how it impacts children. I do want to say, I know this can ruffle some feathers. The term itself trauma bond is really heavy and intense, but it's our job as parents to be brave enough to face the hard stuff. To come to terms with the difficult parts of raising a child and learning so we can do better. So this is my invite for you to be brave, and join this conversation to and see what you learn. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

I don't know about you but for myself and alot of people I know, we were raised being told that interrupting was rude. So it's understandable that we as parents get frustrated every time their child bursts into the middle of their conversation to ask why puppies and cats don't get along while waving a coloring sheet of a puppy and cat snuggling in your face. It's a bit rude (and a bit annoying). And kids do it alot. You might have attempted to correct this by telling them “stop interrupting” and unsurprisingly that doesn't work. Not to mention they take your break in conversation to tell them to “stop interrupting” as a green light to continue interrupting and squeeze in whatever it is they wanted to tell you. I mean, might as well while they've got your attention anyway. The good news is children don't do this to be rude on purpose, or to be disrespectful. There are certain skills that they need to build and strengthen to recognize that they're interrupting and then further keep themselves from doing so. This can be especially difficult for some children, especially if it's something they're super excited about. That's why in this week's Mudroom I'm going to go over: Why children interrupt The solution to help your kids stop interrupting And the key to making sure they're able to resist interrupting (especially when they're eager to share with you or someone else.) Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Today I am experimenting with what it would be like for you to turn this podcast on and work with me through your space as I work through mine. Today's focus is the mudroom. I cover the 5 steps I follow when organizing any space. Join me! Community: bit.ly/joylovinghomecommunity Email: joy@joylovinghome.com IG: https://instagram.com/joylovinghome  

Let me just ask- have you started yet? You know, searching Pinterest for cute “I'm starting Kinder” picture ideas, buying all school supplies, and all the generally cute and fun stuff we parents get sucked into doing when Kindergarten is just around the corner. Chances are, if you have a 4/5 year old, you're prepping for that transition either this upcoming August or in the upcoming year (feels far away but it's not really). And while there's usually a bunch of excitement for this huge milestone, you might have noticed something that a ton of parents go through around this time. Your child is…what's the word…emotional to say the least. Everything is a dire situation for them it seems. It's a meltdown over the smallest things. Big emotions over every inconvenience or change. You probably feel like you're walking on eggshells wondering what's going to set off the next outburst. This is a pretty common developmental stage that I like to call The Limbic Leap and the good news is that it's completely normal. I have a whole episode that goes in depth about what's happening in the brain during this stage but essentially, their brain's “alarm system” is growing and recalibrating. And until it gets it shit together your child is hypersensitive to the unexpected and to change. Which brings us back to Kindergarten. No, in most cases parent's don't need to be concerned about their child entering Kindergarten as a menace. But this is a big change for children, even if they've been in daycare or preschool and they're going to need some extra help and support navigating this new change. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Tick Click Tick Click That was the sound a child was making over and over while sitting his his mothers lap and waiting to be called into the office. And with every tick and click you could see her patience slipping away. Eventually she put her hand over his and asked him to please stop making that noise. It seemed like he handn't even realized he was making the noise, because he looked up surprised and stopped. You might also notice your child seems to just make random noises and sounds, or sometimes it's just a looooooooong stream of continuous chatter that has no rhyme or reason besides just to make noise. I'm just gonna come right out and say it- sometimes it's annoying as hell. But there's a reason behind why children make these noises. In this episode, we're going to revisit the topic of why kids make loud, repetitive, and annoying noises and what you can do if you feel like you're losing your mind over it. You might even be surprised to learn that the reason why kids make these noises, is similar to the reason why adults to do certain things too. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Summer is here! ☀️ Or at least nearly here for most of us. And while the kids may be free for shenanigans for a few weeks, parents often are not. Whether that's because you're working, have younger children who need attention, or you simply don't want a kid at your heel all summer complaining about having nothing to do, it's time to make a game plan. And I've got an easy one to share with you that'll make summer break manageable (and dare I say fun?) for everyone. This is going to be particularly helpful if you have a child who's prone to the “I'm booooored” woes and expect you to cure it. In this episode we'll chat about: The role parents take on during summer that you should drop immediately Why a routine vs a schedule is a better option for summers The 3 things you definitely want to include in that routine Plus the boundary you want to set from the very start of summer break if you have any intention of getting anything done during the next few weeks. Feeling the summer vibes and excitement? Me too! Let's kick it off with a great start by preparing for it now. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Summer is in full swing which often brings about a whole lot of buzz about extra-curricular and enrichment classes. I'm talking swim, dance, acting, art, violin, soccer, all the things. I mean, let's be honest. It's freaking ADORABLE to see your kid in their little mini uniform wandering around the field while the coach/instructor tries to corral them all back in. Or celebrating their first score/performance/award? The pride parents feel is basically at the same level it would be if they had won the Olympics or something. That's why I want to start off by saying I do not hate extracurricular activities. I know there are lots of parenting experts out there who are vehemently against these classes for kinder and younger but I don't think signing your 4-year-old up for cheerleading is the most awful thing you could do to a child. But are the classes needed? No. They aren't missing out on developmental skill-building if you decide to never sign them up for afterschool piano lessons. Should you force them to participate? Also no. “But children need their parents to push them to try new things! Sometimes you gotta force them so they learn.” I've heard that line and similar statements before and again: no, we shouldn't force them. And I'm going to tell you why in this episode. I'm going to share the 3 reasons to sign up your kids for extra-curricular/enrichment classes and how we as parents may have gotten a little bit off track about its purpose. And, if you do sign them up for a class, an unorthodox tip to help them get the most out of their class. For my parents who have kids who just blank stare at their instructor during Karate or break out with their own choreography in tap dance, this tip can really help remove the battle of the wills between you and your child about participating and practice. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

So there are these cute videos on Reels and Tiktok where both parents stand on either side of the child and count to three- then they run in opposite directions and wait to see who the child follows. And it's this cute little trend that everyone gets a little laugh from when the child hurries after the same parent every time. But… It stops being so funny when it keeps happening over and over again. It can sting a bit to see your child light up every evening when their other parent walks through the door after they spent the day screaming their head off. Why do they turn into this sweet little cherub for their other parent? Or watching them sweetly cuddle up on their lap during family movie night while slowly scooting you away with their foot? Like- what the heck? You might put on a brave face and smile but jeez does it suck sometimes to feel like the other parent is the favorite! But what if it's flipped? Maybe you're the favorite parent right now and you're worried that your partner might be a bit hurt about it and you're not sure what to do. It's not like you can shun your child's love (don't do that lol). Don't worry. The good news is that parental preference and love aren't the same things. They might prefer the other parent more, but it's not a competition of love. In this episode, I'm going to break down exactly what's happening developmentally when your child seems to be picking favorites and how you can handle with (without trying to bribe your child to love you more). We've discussed this in the past and it's always helped parents to know what's going on in their child's brain when this happens so they can stop overthinking about why the other parent is “better” and start focusing on what really matters. So let's chat about your child seeming to like their other parent more (or why they seem to have latched on to you). Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

This is important, okay? Not too long ago we discussed how to pick out a daycare program for your child and I love being able to support parents with such a huge milestone. Whether it's their first time being cared for outside the home or if they're simply changing programs - it's important to make sure that the program is a good fit for your child. But there's a topic that really needs its own separate conversation. And that's inclusion vs integration. Some schools will use the phrases like they're an “inclusive school” as a buzzword but when it comes to the actual practice of inclusion- what they really mean is integration. And this seemingly minor difference in words matters. Even though some programs and people use the two phrases interchangeably, they're two very different things and it has a huge impact on the quality of care your child receives. And really just their overall wellbeing. This is especially important if you have a child who is differently-abled, neurodiverse, or identifies with a minority and/or marginalized community. So in this episode conversation we will be discussing: Exactly what makes inclusion different from integration How this difference impacts our children And what that looks like in practice (and what to look for/ask about when you tour potential daycare and programs) Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

If you're reading this there's a pretty good chance that you're either looking for a preschool/daycare or that decision is looming in the near future. (And boy does the time fly by! You'll blink and it'll be time to choose.) There's a lot to consider and it can be overwhelming. A lot of parents focus on the logistical things- which is completely reasonable! It's important to consider if it's on your way to work or if you want a center vs a more homelike environment. Those types of features are definitely something to think about. But it always breaks my heart when I hear parents say after all that research they're still facing challenge after challenge after they enrolled their child/ren and it turns out to be the completely wrong environment for their kid. It stings a bit more too if you've shelled out some cash for a registration fee if we're being honest… I want to remind you if that's the situation you're in now- it's not become to some parental failure or lapse of judgment. There are lots of places that check all the general positive marks and then end up not working out. The factors that can make a real difference between a quality preschool and the ones that don't work out aren't always as obvious as a nice-looking classroom or big playgrounds. With over a decade in the early childhood field, I have an advantage of knowing what to look for and what questions to ask- things that parents might not necessarily think of, which is okay! That's what I'm here for. In this MudRoom episode, I'll be sharing what to look for when picking out a preschool and how that makes a difference in care. So next time you go on a tour you'll have some clarity about what actually makes a great daycare/preschool and you can keep a sharp eye out for those green (and red) flags before enrolling. Grab the Scripts to Manage the Top 10 Crazy-Making Behaviours: prnt.link/scripts Watch the video recording here: Join the Parenting Posse: prnt.link/group the Mudroom is recorded live every Wednesday at 1:30pm ET/ 12:30pm CT/ 10:30am PT on Facebook: facebook.com/arfamilyservices --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mudroom/message

Another poop story? Yes. Kail's new house dilemma is neverending! Lindsie explains the parasite cleanse and shares how she almost got kidnapped! Duggar talk CONTINUES! Kail is now a plant goddess and Lindsie talks about why she doesn't believe in spanking kids. Thank you to our sponsors! Boll & Branch: Go to bollandbranch.com and get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use promo code COFFEECONVOS at checkout. Care/of: For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code COFFEE50 Stamps.com: Sign up at Stamps.com with promo code COFFEE for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale. Chime: Sign up today! Get started at chime.com/convos Native: Get 20% off your first order by going to NativeDeo.com/convos , or use promo code CONVOS at checkout KiwiCo: Get 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on any crate line with code COFFEE at kiwico.com