I Get It From My Mom: Authentic Conversations Between a Mother and Her Daughters on Parenting and Growing Up

Send a textFrom breastfeeding battles and toddler food rebellions to school lunch fatigue and the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question, feeding a family is never just about food—it’s about love, control, tradition, and survival. In this episode, Elissa shares her war stories from the trenches of motherhood: leaking pumps, picky eaters, Pinterest lunch fails, family dinners, and the nightly short-order kitchen.Along the way, she digs into the science behind kids’ nutrition, the emotional tightrope of body image, and the unexpected joy of teaching her daughters to cook. Because in the end, it’s not really about the peas or the pizza; it’s about the memories made around the table.And if you’ve ever wished there was an easier way to answer “What’s for dinner?”—good news. Elissa and a friend are building Fork & Tell, a new app that helps families and friends share, organize, and pass down recipes that matter. Think of it as the recipe box reimagined for real life. Stay tuned: it might just save dinner.Like a good meal, this episode is best when shared, so pass it along to a friend who’s ever faced the nightly dinner dilemma.

Send a textSending your kid to college? Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, nothing truly prepares you for the emotional, logistical, and “oh-my-gosh-how-did-we-forget-a-fan?!” reality of freshman year.In this solo episode, Elissa shares the unfiltered truth about getting ready for college move-in—what to buy (and what’s a total waste), how to handle the summer anxiety spiral, what really happens on move-in day, and the roommate, friendship, and academic adjustments no one warns you about.Drawing from her daughter Ava’s freshman year experience, Elissa dives into the emotional side of the transition for both students and parents, offers practical tips for packing and prepping, and even reveals the silver lining of life with a “temporary only child” at home.Whether you’re a parent bracing for goodbye or a student gearing up for your first semester, this episode delivers the mix of humor, honesty, and useful advice you won’t find on Pinterest. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s make this milestone a little less overwhelming.

Send a textWhat happens when your career hits pause… but the rest of your life keeps going?In this honest (and sometimes funny) solo episode, Elissa reflects on the past year since getting laid off after 26 years in the workforce. From job loss grief and imposter syndrome to the weird freedom of unscheduled days and a happy dog who thinks she now lives at home forever, this is a candid look at identity, parenting, and reinvention in midlife.Along the way, Elissa shares what surprised her most: how her daughters didn’t flinch when she stopped working, how her value was never tied to a paycheck in their eyes, and how, slowly, she’s learning to see herself that way too.If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or simply in between roles, professionally or personally, this episode is for you.For more reflections on parenting, career pivots, and trying to make sense of what comes next, follow along on:Threads: @elissa_igetitfrommymomSubstack: https://igetitfrommymom.substack.com/ 

Send a textEver wonder why moms always seem exhausted, even when their kids are older? In this solo episode, Elissa dives deep into the invisible weight moms carry, known as the mental load. From packing for summer camp with military precision to managing every social twist, school assignment, and forgotten hair appointment—this episode explores what it means to be the default parent, emotional first-responder, and household CEO all at once.Elissa shares honest stories about her own experience parenting teens, the never-ending to-do list running in her brain, and why letting go of perfection might just be the real key to sanity. If you've ever felt unseen, overextended, or like your family runs on your brainpower, this one’s for you.Emotional laborMental exhaustionTeen drama managementDefault parentingThere’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Just a whole lot of us doing our best. Hit play, take a breath, and feel a little less alone by sharing with a friend.

Send a text🎧 Dear Dads: This One's For You (Love, Your Teenagers)This Father’s Day, we’re turning the mic toward the men who made us—and made us laugh. In this heartfelt episode, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie reflect on the dads and grandfathers who shaped their lives, from delivery room heroics to softball sidelines, Broadway nights to backyard BBQs.You’ll hear funny stories, sweet memories, and a top-10 list of why their dad, David, is a true MVP—from concert planner and gift-giving king to grill master and family sarcasm lead. Plus, the girls honor their Papa and remember their Grandpa with love and laughter.Whether your father figure is a dad, a grandpa, a coach, or someone who just shows up, this episode is a tribute to the everyday love that anchors a family.Hit play for a feel-good listen full of real talk, teen perspective, and a whole lotta dad energy.Share it with a dad-figure you love and follow us on socials for behind-the-scenes content on TikTok @elissa-igetitfrommymom and Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom 

Send a textEpisode Title: Summer Camp Talk: What to Pack, What to Expect, and When Kids Are ReadyEpisode Summary:Is your child camp-ready, or are you just ready for a little peace and quiet? In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie dive into the world of summer camp - day camp, sleepaway, and everything in between.We talk about how to know if your kid is ready, how to choose the right camp (arts vs. sports, co-ed vs. single gender, etc.), and what really happens once they’re there. From Ava’s camp counselor stories to Maggie’s time as a camper-turned-waitress, to Elissa and David’s own camp experiences, it’s a hilarious, helpful, and heartfelt look at this rite of passage for so many families.You’ll hear:✅ Tips on what to pack✅ How to handle homesickness (yours and theirs)✅ The experiences kids and parents should expect✅ Why the camp photo portal is both joy and tortureWhether you're a first-timer or a seasoned camper parent, this episode will help you prepare—and laugh—through it all. Check out behind-the-scenes content on TikTok: @elissa-igetitfrommymom and Instagram: @i.get.it.from.mymom

Send a textPads, PMS & Period Panic: A Teen Survival Guide (With Mom)Episode Summary: Periods are natural—but the awkwardness, confusion, and panic that come with them? Totally avoidable. In this no-shame, no-secrets episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa and her daughters Ava (19) and Maggie (16) get real about all things menstruation.From early signs of puberty to that first OMG moment, to cramps, culture, and the best products out there—this is the real talk every tween, teen, and parent needs to hear. The trio shares personal stories (yes, including leaks), tips for managing symptoms, and how to talk to boys, dads, and even your doctor without feeling weird.Whether you're prepping your child, surviving your own cycle, or still hiding your tampon up your sleeve—this episode’s for you.Topics include:First periods and what to expectPuberty signs parents shouldn’t ignorePeriod products (pads, tampons, cups, etc.)How PMS really feels—and how to handle itCultural traditions & period taboosWhat we wish schools taught about menstruation🩸 It’s time to ditch the shame and start the conversation.Follow us: Instagram: @i.get.it.from.mymom  Threads: @elissa_igetitfrommymom  TikTok: @elissa_igetitfrommymom and @avamorgan.klein

Send a textJoin us for a very special birthday episode celebrating Ava turning 19! In this heartfelt journey through nearly two decades, Elissa shares the real story of raising Ava, her and David's firstborn—and how she taught them to be parents.Ava's Journey Highlights:Dramatic birth story and "juiciest baby" phase with reflux strugglesThe legendary three-day potty training standoff that showed her determinationFinding her passion in softball, including a grand slam home run on her 15th birthdayNavigating multiple school changes and learning to advocate for herselfHealth challenges, injuries, and social struggles that built her resilienceBrave decisions to leave situations that weren't serving her—from quitting softball to switching collegesKey Takeaways for Parents:How firstborns teach you to parent while you help shape themThe importance of letting kids advocate for themselvesRecognizing when it's time to support big changesWhy confidence means showing up even when things are hardPlus: Hear Ava's thoughts on her future—career goals, relationships, friendships, and what kind of mom she wants to be.Perfect for parents of firstborns and tweens and teens learning to trust their instincts. A celebration of growth, resilience, and figuring it out together.

Send a textSweet Dreams: Sleep Habits and the Importance of Sleep from Cradle to CollegeFrom sleepless newborn nights to college all-nighters, sleep—or the lack of it—is a shared thread through every parenting and growing-up journey. In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa and Ava (minus Maggie this time!) dive deep into sleep: how it changes as kids grow, why teens fight it, and how parents never really rest again.You’ll hear:Honest stories from the baby and toddler years (including night terrors and pacifier mishaps)The science of adolescent sleep cycles and why teens are biologically wired to stay up lateWhat chronic sleep deprivation does to teens’ mental health and performanceThe "eternal vigilance" of mom sleep (and why dads sleep through everything!)Power naps, dream talk, and nighttime routines that actually helpTips for improving your family’s sleep, from bedtime routines to sleep environmentsWhether you're a parent of little ones, navigating the teen years, or just trying to survive your own sleepless phase, this one’s for you. Comment, follow, and share it with a sleep-deprived parent.

Send a textFrom kindergarten applications to college essays, academic pressure starts early and only gets more intense. In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie get real about the emotional roller coaster of school stress. From NYC’s test-in school system to AP classes, SAT anxiety, and "study hacks" that don’t always hack it, they break down what students are really dealing with and how parents can help without hovering.🎓 What you’ll learn: ✔️ How early academic pressure is impacting kids’ mental health ✔️ Study strategies that actually work (and which don’t) ✔️ A real-time look at how different learning styles play out ✔️ What to say—and not say—to your kid before a big test ✔️ How to balance support vs. smothering (we’re looking at you, car ride quizzes)Whether you’re a parent trying to be a safe space, or a student who just wants a break from the pressure, this episode is for you.✨ Share your best study tip or school stress moment with us on Instagram at @i.get.it.from.mymom. And if you found this helpful, like, follow and share this episode and others from this podcast with other parents and kids who will benefit.

Send a textLikes, Filters & FOMO: What Social Media Is Really Doing to Our KidsEpisode Summary: Social media has become more than just apps and scrolling—it's where kids form their identities, build friendships, and (sometimes) lose their sense of self. In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie dig into the real impact platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and even Threads have on tweens and teens.Inspired by the Netflix documentary Adolescence, this candid conversation covers: ✅ When kids should get social media and how parents can prepare them ✅ Why likes, comments, and views can feel like self-worth ✅ How filters and comparison culture distort reality (even for adults) ✅ What cyberbullying can look like today and how to talk about it ✅ How to build real friendships in a world that feels curatedWhether you're raising kids in this digital era or trying to understand your own screen habits, this episode is packed with stories, perspectives, and some honest reflections—no filters included.Takeaways & Challenges: 📌 Normalize open conversations about what kids are seeing and feeling online 📌 Help teens understand the difference between “real life” and the highlight reel 📌 Encourage mindful posting, boundary-setting, and digital detoxes 📌 Remind them—and yourself—that likes ≠ loveConnect With Us: Follow our journey and join the conversation: 📸 Podcast Instagram: @i.get.it.from.mymom 🎥 Ava’s TikTok (college life, dorm hacks & real talk): @avamorgan.klein 🧵 Elissa’s Threads (parenting thoughts & unfiltered takes): @elissaaryn🎧 Hit play, share with a parent or teen you love, and tell us—what’s your relationship with social media right now?

Send a textEpisode 8: Maggie's Sweet 16: Navigating Babyhood, Childhood, Teen Years, and What’s NextIn this very special episode of I Get It From My Mom, we’re celebrating Maggie’s Sweet 16—with lots of laughs and memories.Elissa, Ava, and Maggie take a heartfelt (and hilarious) walk down memory lane, from Maggie’s early baby years, through the middle school challenges of COVID, to the confident, independent young woman she is today. We talk about:✅ What Maggie was like as a baby, toddler, and little kid✅ How COVID shaped her middle school years and friendships✅ Finding independence in high school and building her own identity✅ A fun Q&A about Maggie’s dreams for college, career, and family✅ Big lessons for parents and teens about growing up, supporting each other, and celebrating milestonesWhether you’re a parent raising a teenager, a teen navigating growing pains, or just someone who loves a good coming-of-age story, this episode will make you smile—and maybe tear up a little too.🎧 Listen now and help us wish Maggie the happiest Sweet 16!Takeaways: 📌 Parents—don’t wait for birthdays to tell your kids how proud you are.📌 Teens—your path is your own. You get to write your story, one chapter at a time.📌 Everyone—celebrate the people you love loudly, often, and with chocolate cake.👉 Follow us on Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom and share your favorite memories from your 16th year!

Send a text🎙 Episode 7: Family Vacations: Traveling with Children - The Chaos & ConnectionsWhat do vacations look like when you add strollers, snack bags, teen moods, and group chat chaos? In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie unpack what it really means to “get away” as a family: from the early days of packing baby wipes in every bag to navigating teen schedules, solo travel, and why sometimes a staycation hits just right.They explore:✅ Why traveling with kids at every age has its own (messy) magic✅ The real differences between relaxing, running around, and roughing it✅ How family trips shift from survival to connection✅ Lessons learned from big family vacations, school trips, and solo adventures✅ And why sometimes, the mishaps are what make the best memoriesThis episode is full of travel stories, honest parenting reflection, and a few packing tips you didn’t know you needed. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical beach or just planning how to keep your teen happy on spring break, this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in now and ask yourself: are you more “daily itinerary” or “go with the flow”?💬 Follow us @i.get.it.from.mymom and let us know your dream trip—or your funniest travel fail.✈️ Because no matter where you go, someone probably got it from their mom.

Send a text🎙 Episode 6: Money Talks (and Sometimes Argues): How We Spend, Save & See It Differently From allowance debates to the pull of online shopping hauls, this episode of I Get It From My Mom dives deep into how families talk (and sometimes clash) about money.Elissa and her teenage daughter Maggie get candid about growing up with financial privilege—but also learning to appreciate what they have. They cover everything from budgeting, chores, and the pressure to keep up with social media, to grandparents’ generosity, the reality of working teens, and what The White Lotus can teach us (or not!) about comfort and privilege.💸 In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why their family never did traditional allowance—and whether that was the right move ✅ The impact of growing up in a big city surrounded by wealth and struggle ✅ The rise of impulse spending from TikTok hauls and Instagram ads ✅ When teens should get a job and what they learn when they do ✅ The influence of generous grandparents—and how to balance gratitude vs guilt ✅ The White Lotus Test: Could you live without your creature comforts? ✅ How to raise kids who value money and give back generouslyWhether you're a teen trying to manage your first Venmo balance or a parent wondering how to start the money conversation, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and reflection—without the financial jargon.🎧 Tune in now for honest, funny, and thoughtful money talk across generations.📲 Follow, share, and leave us a review—it helps us reach more families looking to open up real conversations. And tell us on our Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom: What’s one thing you’ve spent money on that was totally worth it—or a total waste?

Send a text🎙 Episode 5: Friendship Advice for Teens (And Their Parents): How to Deal, Heal, & Know When to Let GoFriendship can be one of the most joyful—and complicated—parts of growing up. In this episode, Elissa and Maggie (15) dive into the highs, lows, and drama that come with being a friend (and having them) at every age.They break down:✅ How we make friends as kids, teens, and adults✅ What makes a friendship worth keeping—and when it’s time to walk away✅ Why some friendships fade and others turn toxic✅ When to talk to your parents about friend drama✅ The role social media plays in comparison and conflict✅ Tips for kids (and parents!) on making new friends, especially after big life changesThis mom and daughter keep it honest, insightful, and (as always) a little bit hilarious.🔹 Takeaways & Challenges:📌 Kids: Know that not all friendships are forever—and that’s okay.📌 Parents: You can’t fix everything, but you can be a safe place to land.📌 Everyone: Good friends make you feel seen, safe, and supported. If it’s more stress than joy… it might be time to let go.💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom and tell us: 👉 What’s the best (or worst) friendship advice you’ve ever gotten?📲 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe & share!

Send a text🎙 Nature vs. Nurture – How Much of Who We Are is Because of Mom (and Dad)🔹 Episode Summary: Are we born this way… or did our parents make us this way? In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie dive into the age-old debate of Nature vs. Nurture. From emotional habits to sense of humor, salty vs. sweet preferences to zodiac signs and birth order—they break down:✅ What traits are definitely genetic vs. totally learned ✅ What are the debatable qualities that are possibly a combination of nature and nurture ✅ Whether your star sign or birth order actually explains your personality ✅ If it’s possible to really change who you are—or if we’re all just our parents with better playlistsWith plenty of laughs and some surprising insights, this episode explores how much of who we are is in our DNA… and how much we choose along the way.🎧 Listen now to hear who’s the most stubborn, who’s the biggest planner, and who blames Mom the most (spoiler: it’s all in good fun).🔹 Takeaways & Challenges: 📌 Parents—some things about your kids just are. Support them instead of trying to “fix” them. 📌 Kids—just because you inherited something doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. Own it—or shape it. 📌 Everyone—ask yourself: What’s one thing you love (or hate) that you know came from your family?💬 Join the Conversation: 👉 What quirky trait did you get from your mom or dad? Tell us on Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom! 👉 Share this episode with someone who’s definitely their parents’ twin (in the best or most annoying way 😅)📲 Follow & Subscribe so you never miss an episode!🌱 Whether it’s nature, nurture, or a bit of both—how we grow is up to us.

Send a text🎧 Episode 3: Rules Are Made To Be...Questioned?Rules—they’re everywhere. From what time you get home to whether or not you really need to wear a jacket. In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie sit down for a spirited and funny conversation about the rules that shape our homes, our choices, and our sanity.They dig into:✅ The real reason parents make safety rules (hint: it’s not just to ruin your night)✅ Why some rules feel arbitrary and how teens really feel about them✅ How expectations shift between siblings—and whether younger kids have it easier✅ What happens when there are too many (or too few) rules in a familyFrom bedtime battles to Uber protocols to clean-room debates, this episode unpacks how rules evolve, how they’re enforced, and why the best ones actually prepare you for life.🎧 Listen now and decide for yourself—are these rules totally fair, or just plain frustrating?🔹 Takeaways & Challenges:📌 Parents—explain the why behind your rules. You might get more buy-in than you think.📌 Teens—ask yourself: “Am I annoyed by the rule, or do I just not like being told what to do?” (👀)📌 Everyone—think about the balance between structure and freedom. Are your household rules setting you up to thrive?💬 Join the Conversation:👉 What’s the most debated rule in your house? Share it with us on Instagram @i.get.it.from.mymom!👉 Know a mom or teen who's constantly arguing about curfews or cleaning up? Send this their way!📲 Follow & Subscribe so you never miss an episode!📌 Because sometimes, questioning the rules… leads to better ones.

Send a text🎙 Talk Less, Listen More🔹 Episode Summary:Listening—it sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest things to do, especially between parents and kids. In this episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie get real about why truly listening (without interrupting or rushing to fix things) is so important in their relationships. They break down:✅ Why parents sometimes give advice when kids just want to vent✅ How kids can do a better job of actually hearing their parents out✅ The little signs that show when someone really needs to be listened to✅ The balance between giving advice and just being presentThe trio shares personal stories, a few hard truths, and some much-needed laughs about the messy art of communication. By the end, they even challenge each other (and their listeners!) to be better listeners this week.🎧 Listen now and find out if you’re more of a talker or a listener!🔹 Takeaways & Challenges:📌 Parents—next time your kid starts talking, ask: “Do you want advice or do you just need to vent?”📌 Kids—try listening to your parents before immediately saying, “I know” (because sometimes… they’re actually right 🙃).📌 Everyone—watch for non-verbal cues when someone’s not talking. Silence can say a lot.💬 Join the Conversation:👉 Have a funny (or frustrating) listening fail? Tell us in the comments on Instagram at @i.get.it.from.mymom!👉 Share this episode with a mom or daughter who needs to hear it!📲 Follow & Subscribe so you never miss an episode!👂 Let’s all commit to talking less and listening more! 💛

Send a text🎙 Working Moms & Mom Guilt🔹 Episode Summary: Working moms, we see you—and we get it. The constant juggling act, the guilt trips (both self-imposed and from others), and the worry about whether we’re doing enough for our kids. In this first episode of I Get It From My Mom, Elissa, Ava, and Maggie take a deep dive into the realities of growing up with a working mom.They explore: ✅ The early days of maternity leave ending and the struggle of returning to work ✅ How kids actually feel about their moms working (spoiler: it’s not as bad as we think!) ✅ The balance between being involved and giving kids the independence they need ✅ Whether working mom guilt even matters in the long runThrough honest conversation and some hilarious throwback stories, this episode sheds light on what it’s really like for both moms and their kids as they navigate careers, parenting, and everything in between.🎧 Listen now for some real talk on work, motherhood, and letting go of the guilt! (And pardon the audio inconsistencies in our first-ever podcast!)🔹 Takeaways & Reflection: 📌 Moms—your guilt is real, but your kids may not even feel it the way you think. 📌 Kids—parents work hard, but that doesn’t mean they love you any less. 📌 Everyone—family balance looks different for everyone, and that’s okay!💬 Join the Conversation: 👉 What’s your biggest struggle as a working mom (or as a kid of one)? Share your thoughts in the comments on Instagram at @i.get.it.from.mymom! 👉 Tag a working mom who needs to hear this episode!📲 Follow & Subscribe so you never miss an episode!💼💛 Let’s ditch the guilt and celebrate the chaos of working motherhood!