PODCAST · kids
Pick Your Battles
by Dayna Wilkie and Kaela Armstrong
Thank you for listening to Pick Your Battles! We are here to give you professionally, UNPROFESSIONAL parenting advice. We are just two moms laughing as we navigate parenthood and picking our battles along the way. Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, friend, or someone who knows a kid, you're in the right place. As we know, there isn't a manual that's given to you when you have a child and Kaela and Dayna are here to share their peaks, pits, and lessons learned along the way. Kaela is a stay-at-home mom and lives in southwest Michigan with her two children, two dogs, and husband, Zander. Dayna works full-time in the corporate world and has a son, a dog (whom she refers to as her firstborn) and her husband, Jimmy. The idea for this show, like Dayna's son, was born during the COVID pandemic and has been a fun and wild ride ever since.
Episodes
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Battle of Talking about Death with Kids
Not the most uplifting way to start the new year, but this is a topic that we both have been wanting to talk about for months now. Every family will be touched by death at some point - whether it's a friend, a pet, or a close family member (which in our minds PETS fall into of course). But the…
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Battle of Traveling with Other Families
We celebrated Atlas' birthday by taking a multi-family trip to Chicago, and BOY did we learn a lot. From schlepping 5 children ages 6 and under through the snowy streets of Chicago, through exhibits and tanks-gallore at the Shedd Aquarium, and in the halls for a giant hotel, we are all still...
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Battle of Infant and Pregnancy Loss
TRIGGER WARNING 1 in 4 women suffer from infant and pregnancy loss and October is the month that honors those losses. We welcome back our best friend and sister-in-law, Kelsey, to the show to talk about her journey with infertility, IUI, IVF, and ultimately losing her baby at 10 weeks pregnant....
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Battle of Different Parenting Styles
THIS IS A GOOD ONE Y'ALL. It probably goes without saying that no two parents parent the same, and maybe they shouldn't, but at the end of the day, it's still hard. Especially when your kid COMPLETELY disregards your discipline, but when threatened with the thought of your husband or wife getting...
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Battle of the Mental Load of Parenting
There is a never-ending list in our heads - things that need to get done every single day - and a lot of the time that list lives just in our brain. As this list then of course grows, it begins to add weight.
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Battle of Saving for College and More!
After sitting and chatting with Emily, from Raising Little Millionaires a few weeks ago- we instantly knew we needed a Part 2. Our first episode with Emily was structured around teaching our children responsibility with money. This episode, we focus more on money for college, learn about 529 and...
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Battle of the First Day of School ft. Wyatt and Maesyn!
We have officially kicked off the 2025-2026 school year and we thought including Wyatt and Maesyn on the podcast would be a fun twist to the show! Truth be told, they really just liked to look at themselves on the computer while they were talking (so stay tuned for the social clips) but we are…
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Battle of Teaching Kids About Money
Do you give your child an allowance? Do they have chores they are expected to do and others they get paid for? Do they really understand the value of a dollar and how to make smart money decisions? We sit down with Emily Holthaus, founder of the social media account Raising Little Millionaires,...
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Battle of the Hustle Culture
You know the song lyrics "every day we hustlin'"?! Raise your hands if that's your EVERY day as a parent!! (Kaela and Dayna both throw both hands up in the air) This episode is all about that hustle culture that whether you feel it or notice it or not it is very much a part of your day-to-day. As…
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Battle of Losing Your Job
Dayna got some big news right as summer was starting...she was told her job was being eliminated. The summer was going to be like every other - she would be working and Wyatt would be going to summer camp - but now that plan has changed. The good news is that it's SUMMER TIME IN MICHIGAN! This is...
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Battle of Early Bullying
Is it bullying or is it just kids being kids? Recently, Wyatt was playing at the park and we found ourselves in a... situation. Was it just boys playing rough or was it the early stages of Wyatt getting bullied? Meanwhile, Atlas is who is 2.5 is in his hitting stage of toodler-hood. Kaela wants…
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Battle of the Guilty Pleasures
We want to know so we asked the question - What is your guilty pleasure!? Is it watching trash TV? Is it cooking? What about reading or redecorating your house!? Whatever it is, enjoy it! Take time for yourself and do what makes you happy! It will make you a better parent. Listen here to find out...
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Battle of Finances During Divorce
Since Dayna did her interview with Sarah alone, it's Kaela's turn to take the mic and chat with her "other half"...Jamie! In this episode, Kaela dives into the finances of it all. Who pays for travel baseball? If the kids are 3 years old today...who the hell pays for college 15 years down the...
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Battle of Contemplating Divorce
This is an episode about the "D word"...divorce. This episode Dayna chats with Sarah from Jacob’s Berger Family Law Firm in New Jersey. They talk about all aspects of family law, specializing in divorce and much more. Dayna asks about the ins and outs of being in this field of work, what’s the...
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Battle of Taking Road Trips with Kids
IT'S SEASON 3 BABY! Thank you to all of our listeners who have been around since Season 1 Episode 1,c and those who are listening for the first time today. This is out fun little passion project and we are so thankful for another season dedicated to picking our battles. This episode, were…
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Battle of Being a Single Mom
Being a parent isn't easy, and being a SINGLE parent, certainly takes the cake. On this episode of Pick Your Battles, we have the pleasure of talking with Erin, a single mom of two boys who is also a mental health nurse practitioner in south Jersey. Erin opens up about her navigating having two...
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Battle of Posting Your Kids on Social Media
To post or not to post? That is the question. Social media is such a huge part of today's society, you really cant escape it. However, you can shelter your children from it. In a previous episode we talked about the "appropriate" ages for kids to be on social media. This episode, we're focusing…
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Battle of the Trolls
You know you've "made it" when the trolls come out to comment on your shit...right?? If that's the case, count us as "MADE IT" because that's exactly what happened. Dayna created (what we thought) a very funny video that landed on the wrong side of TikTok. Those finger warriors had a lot to say...
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Battle of Growing a Podcast (and celebrating 80 episodes!)
We have hit some big milestones recently including....drum roll.... HITTING 80 EPISODES! That's wild! Although this is a short one, we wanted to make sure we celebrate with everyone and give you a look into all the work we have been doing, and of course the battles we picked, to get to this…
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Battle of the Sick Season
Let’s hear it parents, how long has your family been sick this season? Whether it’s Influenza, Covid, RSV, you name it- it’s been rough! This episode Dayna and Kaela chat about the sickness that ran through their families, days out of school and more. We’re (not so) patiently waiting until spring...
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Battle of New Technology for Babies- Part 2
The Elora is a smart baby monitor that is revolutionizing the way we gather and use AI technology when it comes to parenting! Founder and CEO of Littleone.care, Ami Meoded, join us for part two where we further dive into the AI technology that is used in this baby monitor and how beneficial it…
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Battle of New Technology for Babies
The Elora is a smart baby monitor that is revolutionizing the way we gather and use AI technology when it comes to parenting! Fouder and CEO of Littleone.care, Ami Meoded, joins the show all the way from Tel Aviv, Israel and explains how the technology works, how parents and caregivers can use…
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Battle of Winter Break
Parents, how did you survive winter break? Whether you battle with working from home, a SAHM with all the kids home, or need to hire a sitter…sometimes it just feels like you’re surviving until school is back in session. The holidays are so crazy, but those moments spent with family and friends…
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Battle of Holiday Traditions
The holidays are marketed as a joyous time or a time to laugh and be together. But let's be honest, it's usually filled with stress, driving from place to place, and being annoyed by people. Hopefully we can all make an effort to enjoy the time together and respect other's choices and healthy...
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Battle of Kids in Sports
It’s here…. Dayna has found herself in the land of children’s sports. What kind of parent is she going to be? The loud, mouthy one? The supportive and easy going one? Listen in as Dayna shares what sports Wyatt is currently interested in and hoe they are helping to foster that relationship to...
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Battle of the First Days of School
Does anyone else feel like the summer flew by? And now we’re already over a month into the school year… mind blown! This year Wyatt and Maesyn both started preschool, so we chat about what that transition has been like. From early mornings, meltdowns and some great stories to tease Wyatt about…
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Battle of Habits From Other Kids
Imagine this - you're at the park and your child found an instant-bestie. Amazing, right? Only problem is, now they using words and saying things they never have and don't in your home. To make things more difficult, you were getting along with the parents at the park while they were playing.…
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Battle of Talking About Puberty - Part 2
With more information than we could stuff into one episode, we’re back for part two! Talking about puberty can be so awkward and uncomfortable. Yes, they touch on it in middle school- but there’s so much more for our kids to know. What conversations can we have, as parents, to help prepare our…
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Battle of Talking About Puberty - Part 1
This episode we tackle a topic we’ve had on our list since the very beginning- puberty! With special guest Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls cosmetics, sharing her expertise on hormones and tackling these conversations. We are so grateful to Kim for talking with such passion about…
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Battle of Summer Shenanigans
It’s been a wild summer! From traveling with Kaela’s two toddlers, to Wyatt’s dental mishaps- these kids have kept us on our toes. Dayna & Kaela will be lounging on a beach, with a drink in their hands, when this episode airs- for a well deserved all inclusive vacation! Don’t forget to follow us…
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Battle of Writing A Children's Book
Who doesn't love an adorable children's book?! Well, "Welcome to Winterberry Grove" is just that! Linda, the author and in all sense of the term 'brainchild' of this book series, reached out to us to be interviewed and it turns out that her story, and the story of Clover the mouse, is one of a...
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Battle of the Sh*t Kids Say
There’s always some level of unpredictability that comes with raising a toddler. The unknown of what the hell is going to come out of their mouth, is one of them. Have you ever been in a public place and your child says just about the most mortifying thing you can imagine? Yeah, us too! How do…
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Battle of Pediatric Cancer
Grab you tissues friends... Although this episode is a tough one to talk about, it's an important one. Pediatric cancer is a parent's biggest fear. Getting a diagnosis like that can feel like your world is caving in, and our guests on this episode, Griffin and Britt Coxe, know that feeling all…
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Battle of Being a Stay at Home Mom
We hope everyone felt pampered on Mother’s Day! This episode we not only touch base on our Mother’s Day, but also Kaelas “newish” role as a Stay At Home Mom. All the good, bad and ugly! Don’t forget to subscribe on your preferred listening platform so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes.
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Battle of Traveling with Toddlers
Raise your hands if you have traveled with toddlers. Now raise your hands if it was fun and enjoyable. Anyone? No? Yeah, we didn't think so. In this episode, Kaela talks about her trip flying from Michigan to Florida to visit her brother and sister-in-law and Dayna recalls the work trip she took...
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Battle of Hosting for the Holidays
Happy 2024!! We hope you all had a great holiday season and are off to a fabulous start of the new year! It is no secret that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. Whether you are traveling around to every family member's house or hosting and having all of those family members…
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Battle of DAYNA Deciding to Move
As if we don't have enough going on...but since we last talked to you guys...DAYNA decided to jump on the "sell our house" bandwagon! There were lots of little battles within this process like having to keep a. house in prestine condition because there could be a showing at any time, or being...
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Battle of Deciding to Move
Lots of life updates in this months episode. The biggest one being- Kaela and her family are moving! Prepping a house to be sold and going through showings is crazy, throw in two under two- and it's a little insane! Listen in on their reasoning why they decided to move, the challenges they faced...
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Battle of Being a Dad
Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! This episode is special to us because both Jimmy and Zander have agreed to play along with our shenanigans. We ask these dads a few questions about fatherhood, in our version of The Newlywed Game. Listen in to see if we guessed what their...
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Battle of Sharing
You think sharing as an adult is hard, imagine being a toddler! This episode we chat about what works for us when it comes to teaching our kids to share. Until kids learn to play together, sharing is such a hard thing for them to grasp. We also have an announcement to share with our listeners, so...
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Battle of Being a Grandparent part 2
Our Mothers day special- featuring the best Yaya, Malinda! Kaela and her mom sit and talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of parenting. From their favorite things, the hardest parts and the differences in raising kids. Though times and rules have changed over the years, she gives her input…
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Battle of Starting a Business
This episode, we interview Chesley- owner of Say Cheese GR. Not only is she a mom, but she found a passion and turned it into a thriving business! If you’re thinking of taking a leap and believing in yourself- do it!
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Battle of Understanding Toddler Talk
I think we can all agree that it’s the cutest when toddlers are learning to talk, even if you don’t understand majority of the words coming out of their mouths. Then they talk more and more and as their parent, you start to understand what each incoherent word means. So while someone may not...
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Battle of Bath Time & Swim Lessons
If you’re like Kaela, your toddler struggles with everyday ordinary things. For example, bath time! Same time, every single day- yet lately she’s been throwing a fit! Unsure what to do or how to help, Kaela enrolls her in swim class! Listen to this weeks episode to hear more about the struggles…
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Battle of Skipping Nap Time
Before you have kids, you don’t truly understand the crucial role of nap time. Not only for babies and toddlers, but for parents! This episode we talk about the battle of choosing to skip nap and being flexible with plans. We know it’s hit or miss with kids around nap time- you never know how…
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Battle of Going Back to School
This episode, our special guest is our best friend, Becca! Becca is not only a mom of two but is going back to school to be the best version of herself she can be. Becca is at Grad school at Michigan State University, to complete her doctorate degree. If that’s not dedication- we don’t know what...
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Battle of Solo Parenting
It’s SPRING BREAK, which in Kaela’s case means no daycare and a crazy week at work. Oh, did we mention her husband took a trip to Florida? Single parents, how do you do it?! From juggling two kids and work this mama is EXHAUSTED. Cheers to you, I see you and bow to you!
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Battle of Being a Grandparent
This week not only do we have a special guest, but we also have a guest co-host! A nasty stomach bug is going around West Michigan and Kaela, Maesyn, and Atlas all got it. Dayna's husband Jimmy had it the week before, but thankfully she, Zander, and Wyatt avoided it (for now...#prayerhandsemoji)…
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Battle of Adult Friendships
This episode is dedicated to all the friends who put forth the extra effort and give grace to those of us learning to balance being a parent and friend! Do you ever get a text, read it, and then NEVER respond? Same. It’s not because we don’t want to chat- it’s because a kid is crying, needs help...
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Battle of Transitioning to a Big Kid Bed
Was transitioning your toddler to a “big kid” bed easy or difficult? Dayna shares her story about Wyatt’s transition so far, and shares a funny story from over the weekend. Though transitions like this can sometimes be nerve wracking, it’s something we all have to prepare for!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Thank you for listening to Pick Your Battles! We are here to give you professionally, UNPROFESSIONAL parenting advice. We are just two moms laughing as we navigate parenthood and picking our battles along the way. Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, friend, or someone who knows a kid, you're in the right place.
As we know, there isn't a manual that's given to you when you have a child and Kaela and Dayna are here to share their peaks, pits, and lessons learned along the way.
Kaela is a stay-at-home mom and lives in southwest Michigan with her two children, two dogs, and husband, Zander.
Dayna works full-time in the corporate world and has a son, a dog (whom she refers to as her firstborn) and her husband, Jimmy.
The idea for this show, like Dayna's son, was born during the COVID pandemic and has been a fun and wild ride ever since.
HOSTED BY
Dayna Wilkie and Kaela Armstrong
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pick Your Battles have?
Pick Your Battles currently has 102 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pick Your Battles about?
Thank you for listening to Pick Your Battles! We are here to give you professionally, UNPROFESSIONAL parenting advice. We are just two moms laughing as we navigate parenthood and picking our battles along the way. Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, friend, or someone who knows a kid, you're...
How often does Pick Your Battles release new episodes?
Pick Your Battles publishes regularly with 102 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Pick Your Battles?
You can listen to Pick Your Battles on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pick Your Battles?
Pick Your Battles is created and hosted by Dayna Wilkie and Kaela Armstrong.
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