Less Drama More Mama

“Why am I always so tired?” “Why are my kids so disrespectful?” “Why is parenting so hard?” These can sound like self-reflection questions, but the assumptions built into them can keep leading you back to the same answers. This week, I’m bringing back one of the earliest episodes of the podcast because its central idea still holds true: The questions you ask shape what you notice and the answers you find. In this episode, I explain how to recognize questions that leave you feeling defeated and replace them with questions that help you understand yourself, consider new possibilities, and decide what you want to do next. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/423 The post Self-Reflection Questions for Moms – 423 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Your child’s teacher says they had a great day, but once they get home, the smallest thing sends them over the edge. After-school meltdowns can make it seem as though your child saved their worst behavior for you, but there may be more contributing to the reaction. In this episode, I’m looking at the demands your child manages at school, the transition home, and what happens during the afternoon. I’m also sharing how to stay grounded when your child is overwhelmed, hold boundaries without arguing, and recognize when the pattern deserves more attention. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/422 The post After-School Meltdowns: How to Help Your Kids Without Having One Too – 422 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The school nurse’s number flashes on your phone again. Your child has a stomachache, a headache, or another symptom that feels serious enough to make them want to leave school. They’ve been medically checked, and everything appears to be normal. The nurse says they’re okay. Your child insists they’re not. Now you’re caught between two concerns: What if you overlook something important? What if picking them up reinforces school avoidance by teaching them that leaving is the only way to feel better? There’s another possibility besides “They’re sick” or “They’re trying to get out of class.” Your child’s body could be responding to something their mind hasn’t recognized or put into words. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/421 The post When Kids Keep Asking to Go to the School Nurse – 421 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

When your child is struggling with homework, it’s hard to know how much you should get involved. If you step in, are you helping or taking over? If you back off, are you teaching responsibility or letting your child fall behind? The answer isn’t always obvious, especially when missing assignments and low grades start making you anxious. This week, I’m bringing back an older episode called "Homework Help." If homework and grades are already creating tension in your home, this episode will help you think differently about what may be going on and what your role should be. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/420 The post Homework Help (replay) – 420 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

My daughter thanked me at dinner the other night for "not letting" her drop out of college. She's an adult, so I couldn't have stopped her if I'd tried.🤷🏻‍♀️ What I did instead is why she thanked me. Like me, you may be working hard to parent differently from the way you were raised. You don't want your kids to feel afraid, dismissed, or powerless. You want a close relationship built on trust. Somewhere along the way, being the one in charge can start to feel like the opposite of being close. You worry that every limit you hold could damage the relationship you're working so hard to build. How do you lead your kids without controlling them? How does that change as they grow? For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/419 The post Take Back Your Parental Authority – 419 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Your child finds out they aren’t in class with any of their friends. They say their teacher is too strict. They come home crying and tell you they have no one to sit with at lunch. Your mind immediately jumps to: “This shouldn't be happening.” “They're going to be miserable.” “I need to do something.” While some situations require you to step in, a difficult first day or week of school doesn’t always mean something has gone wrong. A new school year is a transition, and kids need time to adjust to unfamiliar teachers, classmates, expectations, and routines. Today, I’m bringing back an earlier episode about how you can support your child through that adjustment without allowing your own worries to take over. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/418 The post Adjusting to a New School Year (replay) – 418 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

You’ve been looking forward to having your child home from sleepaway camp. Then they walk through the door exhausted, disappear into their room, complain that there’s nothing to do, or get annoyed the first time you remind them to put something away. It’s easy to wonder: Did they miss me? Are they happy to be home? Did camp change them in ways I don’t like? The transition from camp to home is bigger than it may appear. Your child is returning from a completely different world, and they may need time to figure out how the person they became at camp fits back into family life. In this episode, I’m sharing three adjustments kids make after sleepaway camp and how you can give your child room to bring their growing confidence, competence, and independence home with them. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/417 The post Helping Your Child Adjust to Being Home After Sleepaway Camp – 417 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

I’m currently in Georgia for my eighth summer as a grief specialist at Experience Camps, a nonprofit that provides free, one-week camps for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. While I’m there, I’m replaying Episode 158, “Lessons from Grief Camp,” which first aired on August 17, 2021. Even if your family isn't dealing with grief, the lessons in this episode apply to every parent. They're about what makes kids more likely to talk about their difficult emotions with you and how you can create the conditions that help them open up. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/416 The post Lessons from Grief Camp (replay) – 416 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Your child is in a bad mood. You offer suggestions, make a joke, or point out what’s going well. Nothing seems to help, and before long, you’re in a bad mood, too. It’s easy to feel responsible for turning their mood around. But what if supporting them doesn’t require changing how they feel? In this episode, I talk about why some kids seem moodier than others, why their moods can affect you so quickly, and how to support them without needing to cheer them up or taking their behavior personally, so their bad mood doesn’t have to become yours. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/415 The post When Your Child Is Moody: What Helps and What Doesn’t – 415 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Everyone gets angry. But not everyone recognizes it, lets themselves feel it, or knows what to do with it when it shows up. Sometimes anger is obvious. Other times, it looks more like irritation, resentment, anxiety, tension, or the need to control everything around you. You may not think of yourself as an angry person at all, but that doesn’t mean the anger isn’t there. In today's podcast episode, I’m talking about what happens when you suppress or repress anger, how it can affect your parenting, and what your body needs when anger shows up. You don’t have to choose between giving yourself permission to feel angry and helping your child feel safe. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/414 The post How to Release Anger Without Taking It Out on Your Kids – 414 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Have you ever looked at your child and thought, “Wow. You're so much like me”? At first, that recognition can feel sweet. You understand them in a way other people might not. But it can also create some blind spots. You may think you know what they’re feeling, what they need, or why something matters so much to them, when part of what you’re seeing is your own history. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about **three common traps of parenting a child who reminds you of yourself**, and what helps you notice when the similarities are helping you understand them versus keeping you from seeing them clearly. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/413 The post When Your Child Reminds You of Yourself – 413 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Have you ever reacted to your child and wondered afterward, “Why did that feel so big?” The thing they did was small. Your reaction was not. This week, I share the story of a mom in my program who had a huge reaction over a tray of sliders. She came to coaching convinced she knew exactly why she’d reacted. She was only partly right. Minutes into our session, we weren’t talking about sandwiches anymore. We weren’t even talking about her son. We were talking about a pattern that began decades earlier. In this episode, I’ll show you how we got there and why it matters if you’ve ever had an overreaction you couldn’t explain. If your reactions have ever left you feeling confused or ashamed, I hope this episode helps you understand yourself with a little more compassion. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/412 The post Why You Overreact as a Mom – 412 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

For years on this podcast, when I've talked about my dad, it's been in the context of understanding myself, my patterns, and some of my struggles. Most of us carry complicated feelings about our parents. We can wish some things had been different and still be grateful for what they gave us. Both can be true. This week, in honor of Father’s Day, I’m sharing the parts of my dad and our relationship that I haven’t talked about enough, and that I’m especially grateful for. You'll also discover a hidden talent of mine you've never heard on the podcast before.🤔 For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/411 The post This One’s for My Dad: A Father’s Day Tribute – 411 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

"Mom, I'm bored." "There's nothing to eat." "Can you drive me?" "He's touching my stuff." It's 10 a.m. and you've already refereed two arguments and answered the same question four times. And there are still nine more hours until bedtime. Summer sounded so relaxing back in May. No morning rush, lunches to pack, or homework to oversee. But those pressures just got replaced by different ones: constant togetherness, less structure, more driving, more meals, and more chances for everyone to get on each other's nerves. By mid-summer, you may notice you're more irritable and quicker to react than you want to be. And when that happens, the instinct is to assume you need better parenting strategies. Usually you don't. Your tank is running low, and this episode is about refilling the tank. I share five specific, doable things that protect your capacity, so summer feels a little easier until the buses come back. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/410 The post Five Things To Make Parenting Feel Easier This Summer – 410 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Over the past 14 years of coaching moms, I've learned a lot and changed my mind about a few things. You might assume I'm talking about time-outs, sticker charts, rewards, consequences, or some other parenting strategy. The truth is, my views on those things haven't changed all that much. What has changed is where I begin with a client and my understanding of why it's so hard to put good parenting advice into practice in the first place. In this week's podcast episode, I share how my coaching has evolved, what led me to explore nervous system work, and why the advice I give today sounds different than it did earlier in my career. If you've ever struggled with reactive parenting and wondered why knowing what to do doesn't always translate into doing it, this episode is for you. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/409 The post The Parenting Advice I No Longer Give – 409 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

From the outside, you look like you're doing fine. Maybe even great. So why does it feel like you're one "that's not fair!" away from losing it? It's the difference between two things that look similar from the outside, but feel nothing alike on the inside. One of them is exhausting. The other creates a little more ease and a little less struggle. In this episode, I'm breaking down which one you've probably been doing, why it stops working, and what it looks like to move toward something different. If you're tired of working so hard just to keep it together, press play. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/408 The post Holding it Together vs. Having it Together – 408 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Today’s episode is the final one in the Mental Health Awareness Month podcast collaboration I organized with a few other parenting and mental health podcast hosts. We each chose one episode from our own show to share on the others’ podcasts throughout the month. This episode comes from Dawn Friedman’s podcast, Tell Me It Will Be Okay. Dawn has worked with kids and families for more than 30 years as a preschool teacher, clinical counselor, parent educator, and parent herself. Her work focuses mostly on supporting parents of anxious kids. In this episode, Dawn talks about something she calls “judicious giving up,” which is about stepping back from the urge to immediately fix a parenting problem and getting curious about what’s actually going on underneath it. Sometimes the bedtime struggle isn’t really about bedtime. The school refusal isn’t really about school. The behavior isn’t always the whole story. Dawn also talks about how parenting struggles can bring up our own fears, expectations, identities, and beliefs about who we think we’re supposed to be as parents. At the end of the episode, I share some of my own thoughts about nervous system patterns, emotional reactions, and why insight alone usually isn’t enough to change the way we respond. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/407 The post Parenting Problems Aren’t Always What They Seem with Dawn Friedman – 407 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

"I don't want to go." "Can I just stay home?" "I don't even care about that anyway." When your anxious child says these things, it can feel kinder (and easier) to let them skip the party, stay home from school, or avoid taking the bus. But short-term relief often creates bigger anxiety in the long run. For Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm sharing an episode from Cynthia Coufal's podcast, The Teen Anxiety Maze. Cynthia is a school counselor and teen anxiety coach who has spent more than 25 years helping kids understand and manage anxiety while building confidence and independence. In this episode, Cynthia breaks down the connection between avoidance and anxiety, why some kids convince themselves they don't care about things they deeply want, and the powerful shift from “I have to” to “I choose to.” At the end of the episode, I share a few of my own thoughts about what stood out to me and how it connects to the work I do with moms. This episode is packed with practical examples and an important perspective on discomfort, resilience, and what helps anxious kids (and moms) grow. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/406 The post Helping Anxious Kids Do Hard Things with Cynthia Coufal – 406 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I put together a small podcast collaboration with a few other hosts who talk about parenting, anxiety, and emotional health. Each week, I’m sharing one of their episodes here on the podcast, followed by a few of my own thoughts on what stood out to me and how it applies to you. Today’s episode comes from Leah Davidson’s podcast, Building Resilience. Leah is a speech-language pathologist and nervous system resilience coach who works primarily with women in midlife. In this episode, she talks about parenting older kids without over-functioning. As kids get older, our relationships with them change. You may go from being very involved in their day-to-day lives to feeling more on the outside, observing instead of guiding. And even though your intention hasn’t changed, the way your efforts are received can start to shift. If you’ve been feeling unsure about when to step in, when to stay quiet, or how to stay connected without taking things personally, this episode will give you a helpful framework. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/405 The post When Your Kids Don’t Need You the Same Way Anymore with Leah Davidson – 405 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

You've probably heard the phrase, "If you don't ask, you don't get." And yet, asking for what you want can feel surprisingly hard. You hint. You wait. You hope someone notices. And when they don't, you end up feeling frustrated, unseen, or resentful. When you don't ask, you don't just miss out on what you want. You limit how much support you allow yourself to have. This comes up a lot around Mother’s Day, when so many moms hope to feel seen and appreciated but end up feeling let down. In this episode, I'm breaking down why so many moms struggle to ask for what they want — and what to do about it. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/404 The post Asking For What You Want – 404 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Divorce is often talked about as a legal process or a decision between two adults. This week’s episode shifts the focus to your child’s emotional health. My guest, Erica Komisar, is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parenting expert who has spent decades helping families through divorce. She says that divorce itself isn't what harms children most. It’s the instability, conflict, and disruptions to attachment that surround it. We talk about what supports kids through separation, why certain stages are more vulnerable, and how to focus less on what feels “fair” to the parents and more on what is right for the child. If you’re going through a divorce, or considering one, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what your child needs from you. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/403 The post How to Protect Your Kids Through Divorce with Erica Komisar – 403 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

What can Japanese parenting teach us about raising calm, capable kids? This week, I’m talking with Lisa Katayama, author of The Japanese Way of Parenting: What It Taught Me About Raising Mostly Calm, Caring, Capable Kids. Lisa was born and raised in Tokyo and now lives in Northern California. In our conversation, we talk about what stood out to her as she raised kids in the U.S. while drawing from the values she grew up with in Japan. We discuss differences between American and Japanese parenting when it comes to independence, routines, choices, meals, cleanliness, self-care, and being on time. Lisa shares how Japanese culture often emphasizes structure, respect, and guiding kids in a way that helps family life feel calmer. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is that it’s not about finding one right way to parent. It’s about noticing what resonates and taking what works for you and your family. Lisa also shares practical ideas from her book, including the concept of douzo, a gentler way to offer and share, and why making parenting more playful can shift the tone at home. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/402 The post The Japanese Way of Parenting with Lisa Katayama – 402 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Have you ever been in a situation with your child where you can feel it escalating while it’s happening? They’re getting more upset, you’re talking more, explaining more, trying to get things back on track, and at the same time, you can tell it’s not helping. In this episode, I’m breaking down five common things moms do that feel right in the moment, but make things worse. These are the patterns that escalate conflict, create power struggles, and leave you feeling frustrated, even when you’re trying your best to handle things well. I’ll walk you through what’s happening and what to do instead, so you can respond in ways that help things settle rather than making them bigger. If you’ve ever walked away from a situation thinking, “Well, that didn't work,” this episode will give you a different way to approach it. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/401 The post How to Handle Your Child’s Behavior Without Making It Worse – 401 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Four hundred episodes. For this one, I did something I've never done before. I asked you to send in your parenting questions by voice message, and I answered them on the show. This episode covers six real questions from moms in my community. We talk about things like a five-year-old’s defiance and name-calling, feeling overwhelmed when everything feels urgent, high-conflict co-parenting exchanges, reacting to a teenager’s phone calls, sibling rivalry, and disagreeing with a husband about consequences. There’s a good chance something in this episode will speak directly to what you’re navigating. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/400 The post Ask Me Anything: Tantrums, Sibling Conflict, Co-Parenting, and Staying Calm – 400 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven things loving moms do. These are the same things I teach inside Damn Good Mama, and they’re what help moms start showing up differently at home. Of course, you love your kids deeply. But how do you show that love when your child is upset, pushing back, or not listening, and you can feel yourself getting pulled into a reaction you don’t want? I walk through each of the seven things with personal stories and real examples from clients, so you can see what this looks like in real life, not just in theory. If you’ve ever struggled to show your love in those moments, this episode will help. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/399 The post 7 Things Loving Moms Do – 399 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Your child is perfectly fine at home. Relaxed. Talkative. Maybe even sweet. Then you show up at school, wave a little too enthusiastically, and suddenly you're getting an eye roll, a sharp "Mom, stop," or something worse, right in front of their friends. When your child is rude to you in front of other people, it can leave you feeling embarrassed, hurt, and confused. Learn why this happens (especially in the tween and teen years) and how to respond in a way that keeps you feeling calm, connected, and confident. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/398 The post When Your Child Is Rude to You in Front of Others – 398 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Boys and girls move through the tween years very differently. They handle friendships, express emotions, and start testing their independence each in their own ways. And if you don't know what to expect, it's easy to misread what's going on. In this episode, the third in our tween series, I share what the research says about how tween boys and girls differ and what I saw firsthand as a therapist and school counselor. You'll hear about friendship patterns, emotional expression, academics, and what it looks like when your tween starts wanting more space. Take what fits your child and leave what doesn't. When you understand what's underneath their behavior, you can respond in a way that supports what they need. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/397 The post Parenting Tween Boys vs Girls: What’s Different and Why It Matters – 397 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The topic of puberty can feel intimidating for a lot of moms.  Between their child’s mood swings, body changes, and sudden self-consciousness, many parents aren’t quite sure what to expect or how to talk about it. This episode addresses how you can support your child through this stage with more confidence. Puberty is about much more than physical changes. It’s emotional, social, and relational too. When you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, it becomes much easier to respond calmly and stay connected to your child. This episode will help you better understand what’s happening during this stage and how to keep the lines of communication open with your tween. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/396 The post Puberty and the Tween Years: What Moms Need to Know – 396 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The nervous system is complex. But you don’t need a neuroscience degree to understand what’s happening in your body when parenting gets hard. In this episode, I’m breaking down nervous system terms every mom should know, so your reactions stop feeling so mysterious. When you understand the language of your nervous system, you can recognize what’s happening in your body much earlier. And that changes how you respond in the moments that matter most. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/395 The post Tween Years 101: As Your Tween’s Identity Shifts, So Does Your Role as a Mom – 395 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The nervous system is complex. But you don’t need a neuroscience degree to understand what’s happening in your body when parenting gets hard. In this episode, I’m breaking down nervous system terms every mom should know, so your reactions stop feeling so mysterious. When you understand the language of your nervous system, you can recognize what’s happening in your body much earlier. And that changes how you respond in the moments that matter most. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/394 The post Nervous System Terms Every Mom Should Know – 394 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Picture two moms. They both work full time. They both keep track of schedules, appointments, groceries, school emails, and everyone’s emotional temperature. They both have kids who talk back, make messes, and test limits. One mom snaps more often than she wants to. She yells, feels out of control, and then carries guilt. The other mom gets activated too, but she recovers faster. She repairs more easily. She stays more connected to herself during stressful situations. What makes the difference? It isn’t more love. It isn’t more effort. It isn’t more self-control. It’s more nervous system capacity. In this episode, I explain what nervous system capacity is and how it shapes your reactions in everyday parenting. If you want to understand what determines how you respond under stress, this episode explains it clearly. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/393 The post How to Build Nervous System Capacity for Calmer Parenting – 393 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

You know your triggers. You understand why certain things your kids say or do set you off. You’ve read the parenting books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. You know how you want to respond. And yet — in the moment — you still react. Why? Because survival patterns override insight. In this week’s episode, I share how I shifted patterns in my love life — and how the same principles can apply to parenting. If you understand your triggers but still react in the moment, this episode will show you what’s happening in your nervous system — and what shifts it. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/392 The post How Nervous System Work Changes Your Parenting – 392 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Winter can be hard on moms. And right now, much of the U.S. is dealing with extreme cold, dangerous wind chills, school closures, and being stuck inside more than usual. When your world shrinks and your responsibilities don’t, parenting can feel even heavier. In this episode, I break down why winter affects your mood, energy, and nervous system. You’ll also hear four grounded ways to get through winter without pushing yourself harder. If winter feels challenging for you, this episode offers understanding, relief, and practical support for getting through this season with more gentleness and intention. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/391 The post Why Parenting Feels Harder in Winter (And What Helps) – 391 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The hardest part of parenting for me, especially as my kids get older, is watching them make a choice I wouldn’t make and letting them do it anyway. I have to take a breath and remind myself—it’s their lives, not mine. In today’s episode, I share a personal story about a time when my daughter and I had very different perspectives and how I navigated the tension between trusting her autonomy and honoring my own values. If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to protect your child and wanting them to become independent, this episode will resonate. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/390 The post Letting Them Walk Their Own Path (Even When You Don’t Agree) – 390 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

There are thoughts many moms have that feel too scary, shameful, or unacceptable to say out loud. Thoughts like: “I don’t like my kid right now.” “I can’t do this anymore.” “I wish I could just disappear.” And almost immediately, those thoughts are followed by guilt, shame, or a voice that says, What kind of mother even thinks this? That’s what today’s podcast episode is about. Not fixing those thoughts. Not reframing them. Not judging them. But about the importance of speaking your truth—allowing yourself to say what’s real, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/389 The post The Relief of Speaking Your Truth as a Mother – 389 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

If procrastination has been a lifelong issue for you, as it has been for me, there’s a good chance you’ve spent years trying to solve it. More discipline. Better systems. Tighter deadlines. Pep talks. Shame. And if any of that actually worked, I’d be the first one to tell you to do it. This week’s episode looks at procrastination through a nervous system lens, as a response that once served a purpose. When you understand why your system learned to delay, avoid, shut down, or stay busy with everything except the thing that matters, the pattern starts to make sense. And when something makes sense, you can respond to it differently. You don't have to push harder or fix yourself. As you start noticing what your body is doing, you can learn to work with it and take small steps forward. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/388 The post Procrastination is Protection – 388 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

January can come with a lot of pressure. Set goals. Build momentum. Hit the ground running. Fix what’s not working . . . and do it fast. Today’s episode goes in the opposite direction. Instead of talking about how to change faster, I talk about why slowing down is often the fastest way to get different results in your parenting. When something isn’t working, it makes sense to want it fixed immediately. Especially if you’re snapping at your kids, feeling guilty, or watching yourself repeat patterns you swore you’d stop. The instinct is to push harder and try to do better. What I see over and over, though, is that trying to change too quickly actually keeps moms stuck in the same patterns. Listen to the episode to see how slowing down can move you forward faster this year. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/387 The post Why Slowing Down is the Fastest Way to Change – 387 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

I’ve been choosing a Word of the Year every December since 2014. It’s a practice I return to because it gives me a steady way to orient myself toward how I want to show up, what I want to focus on, and who I want to become. A Word of the Year can reshape your parenting without the pressure and rigidity of traditional goal setting. In this last episode of the year, I share what my 2025 word taught me in ways I didn’t expect, and which word I’m choosing for 2026. I also give you tips on choosing a word for yourself that supports your growth, rather than coming from self-criticism or “fix yourself” energy. This episode is reflective, practical, and meant to help you move into 2026 with more intention and aliveness. Do you have a word for 2026? Let me know what it is! For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/386 The post 2026 Word of the Year – 386 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 was the Year of the Snake, associated with shedding old layers and releasing what no longer fits. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which represents forward movement, momentum, and action. As we head into the last weeks of December, I wanted to bring back an episode from the podcast archives that fits naturally with this transition and discusses what it takes to reinvent yourself from the inside out. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/385 The post How to Reinvent Yourself in the New Year (Replay) – 385 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

For many families, this is one of those years where the holiday gift budget just doesn’t stretch the way it used to. And that can bring up stress, guilt, and fear of disappointing the kids. This episode reminds us that meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive, and your kids don’t need more stuff to feel loved. I’m sharing creative, budget-friendly gift ideas that help the holidays feel special without overspending or filling your house with things that will be forgotten by January. You'll see how some of the best gifts cost very little, as they’re rooted in time, attention, and thoughtfulness. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/384 The post Creative Holiday Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank – 384 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Winter break can bring up a mix of emotions for moms. You might want to enjoy the extra time with your kids, but the lack of structure, routine, and personal space can make the days feel harder than you expect. This episode breaks down what actually happens in your brain and body when the kids are on break, so you can understand your reactions with more clarity and compassion. Once you understand what’s underneath all the overwhelm, you can make the days feel lighter and easier to handle. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/382 The post Don’t Let Winter Break Break You, Part Two – 383 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Winter break can bring up a mix of emotions for moms. You might want to enjoy the extra time with your kids, but the lack of structure, routine, and personal space can make the days feel harder than you expect. This episode breaks down what actually happens in your brain and body when the kids are on break, so you can understand your reactions with more clarity and compassion. Once you understand what’s underneath all the overwhelm, you can make the days feel lighter and easier to handle. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/382 The post Don’t Let Winter Break Break You, Part One – 382 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

The word "magic" has come up in almost every one of my coaching session this month. If you're feeling responsible for creating a picture-perfect holiday season, you're not alone. What starts as excitement can quickly turn into rushing, planning, and managing everyone's experience. And the ease and joy you wanted? Gone. In today's episode, I talk about how your stress affects your child more than you realize—and what actually creates the kind of magic they'll remember. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/381 The post Holiday Magic Your Kids Will Remember – 381 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

When my older daughter was in preschool, I volunteered to be the room mom. After that year, the teacher asked if I wanted to do it again. I said no and felt zero guilt. None. I simply didn’t want to spend my time that way again. Saying no made my life easier, not harder. As the holidays approach, many moms convince themselves they should say yes to things they don’t want to do (e.g. class parties, hosting, baking, gifting, organizing, coordinating), and then wonder why they feel stretched thin and resentful by December 15. In today’s episode, I’m talking about why holiday boundaries can feel so hard and what to do about it. If you struggle to set and enforce boundaries, especially at the holidays, this episode will help you understand why your body won't let you say no, and what needs to change for you to protect your limits without abandoning yourself. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/380 The post Why Holiday Boundaries Feel Hard and What to Do About It – 380 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

You know that lump in your throat you try to swallow when you want to hold back tears? Most of us do it automatically. We tell ourselves we have to be strong because crying will make our kids worry, or that holding it together proves we’re in control. But what if tears aren’t a sign of weakness at all? What if they’re a gift to you and your kids? In this episode, I’m sharing why sadness isn’t something to fix or avoid. You’ll learn how allowing yourself to feel it (and sometimes express it in front of your kids) can regulate your nervous system, deepen your connection, and show your kids what emotional health really looks like. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/379 The post Why It’s Good for Your Kids to See You Cry Sometimes – 379 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Nervous system work is the missing piece for so many moms who’ve tried therapy or mindset coaching and still find themselves reacting in ways they don’t like. In this episode, I’m sharing clips from an actual coaching session of mine. Over the course of the episode, you’ll hear a mom's nervous system move from activation and anxiety to calm, relief, and hope—and I’ll walk you through what’s happening at each stage. If you’re curious about what somatic coaching is and how it can help you stay calm and connected, tune in to this episode. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/378 The post What Really Happens in a Somatic Coaching Session – 378 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

When your child is yelling, swearing, or completely losing it, your nervous system instantly screams, “This isn’t safe!” You might find yourself fighting back, shutting down, or trying to fix the situation—none of which actually helps. In this week’s episode, I share a powerful story of one of my clients that shows what regulation looks like when a child's emotions are running high. You’ll hear how she stayed calm and steady while her teen son was yelling and swearing, how she communicated with him, and how she created connection between them. If you want to know what it actually looks like to be regulated in the middle of your child’s storm, this episode will show you the way. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/377 The post The Masks We Wear – 377 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

When your child is yelling, swearing, or completely losing it, your nervous system instantly screams, “This isn’t safe!” You might find yourself fighting back, shutting down, or trying to fix the situation—none of which actually helps. In this week’s episode, I share a powerful story of one of my clients that shows what regulation looks like when a child's emotions are running high. You’ll hear how she stayed calm and steady while her teen son was yelling and swearing, how she communicated with him, and how she created connection between them. If you want to know what it actually looks like to be regulated in the middle of your child’s storm, this episode will show you the way. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/376 The post How to Stay Regulated When Your Child Isn’t – 376 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

You know those times when everything seems fine . . . no crisis, no chaos . . . and instead of relaxing, you feel restless, uneasy, or suspicious? That’s your nervous system struggling to trust safety. After years of running on stress, stillness can feel like danger. In this week’s episode, I’m unpacking why safety can feel unsafe and how to retrain your system to trust it again. You’ll learn how to recognize when your brain’s pulling you back into dysregulation and the steps to help yourself stay grounded when safety feels uncomfortable. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop—or even creating drama when life starts to feel too good—this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and how to work with your body, not against it. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/375 The post When Safety Feels Unsafe – 375 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.

Sometimes the thing holding you back isn’t your kids, your schedule, or even your past. It’s a belief you learned long ago that still feels true. Beliefs like: “I have to do everything perfectly or I’ve failed.” “It’s selfish to take time for myself.” “If I ask for help, I’ll look weak.” These thoughts can quietly shape how you show up as a mom—how patient you are, how much pressure you put on yourself, and how willing you are to reach out for support. In this week’s episode, I share what elephants (yes, elephants) can teach you about breaking free from the beliefs that keep you stuck, so you can parent with more calm, confidence, and self-compassion. For full show notes and information, visit https://lessdramamoremama.com/374 The post Breaking Free from Beliefs That Keep You Stuck – 374 appeared first on Less Drama More Mama.