3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms

When I think about the kind of parent I want to be, I often think about my dad—steady, grounding, and always there. His quiet consistency has shaped so much of how I show up for my own children. And that’s why Glen Henry’s new book, Father Yourself First: Everything You Need to Become the Father Your Family Deserves, caught my attention.   Even though Glen wrote this book for fathers, the message is one every parent needs: to be a steady presence for our children, we first have to become our own source of stability. This conversation will help you see your partner—and yourself—with more empathy. It’s an honest, funny look at what happens when we slow down, let each other learn, and create a home where everyone is growing. Plus, you’ll also hear: 💜 Why I couldn’t stop laughing when Ryan pointed out that every light in the house was on. 💜 How inviting others to see your family’s real life can be one of the most meaningful ways to lead. 💜 What weight-lifting has to do with empathy—and why partnership in parenting might take more muscle than you think. Listen in for wisdom, warmth, and a few good laughs as Glen shares what it really means to “father yourself first.” For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Our annual Slow-vember Sale is happening now! Get $5 off all Flecks of Gold Journals—including the new camel leather edition (it’s absolutely gorgeous!)—through December 15. Slow down, savor the season, and notice the good in your motherhood. Related Episodes: 367: 3 Ways to Create Lasting Bonds with Your Kids // Mike Westover (Rachel’s Dad!) 365: Intentional Fatherhood // Tal Eyre 153: How to Actually Hear Your Spouse // Yvette and Glen Henry Episode Sponsors: Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

The holidays often bring equal parts joy and exhaustion. Between school programs, family gatherings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re giving everything you have...but still falling short of the calm and connection you crave. In this episode, psychotherapist and best-selling author Niro Feliciano shares three practical takeaways from her new book All Is Calm-ish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays. She offers gentle, research-backed tools to help you care for yourself and your family without burning out in the process. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎄 The surprising way to set the tone for your home for a calmer, happier holiday 🎄 The 5-word boundary phrase every mom needs in her back pocket 🎄 A two-minute mental reset for when the holidays feel like too much This conversation is your invitation to create a holiday that’s not perfect—but calm-ish, connected, and true to what matters most. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📣 During our Slow-vember Sale, get $5 off every Flecks of Gold journal—including the new camel vegan leather edition—at 3in30podcast.com/flecks. Because peace doesn’t come from doing more (it comes from noticing more!) Related Episodes: 406: Navigating Holiday Melancholy // Dr. Tanmeet Sethi 405: 3 Tips to Manage Your Mental Load During the Holidays // 3 in 30 Team 325: How to have Less-Stressful, More Meaningful Holidays // Desirae Endres from Minimal-ish Episode Sponsors: 💜 Motherhood Decluttered: Right now, get $30 off with code PODCAST, plus you’ll also get a free Buddy Pass to gift a friend so you can go through it together—but only through the end of the year. Find it at 3in30podcast.com/declutter. 💜 Factor: Eat smart at factormeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

With the holidays coming up, many moms wish they could visit family or plan a getaway—but the price of flights makes it feel impossible. That’s why I’m re-airing this popular episode with Amber Paul from Amber on Points, who teaches families how to travel for free (or almost free) using credit card points. A year after recording this, I’ve now been practicing what Amber teaches—and it’s truly changed what’s possible for our family. We earned about $12,000 in free travel this year, and my credit score has continued to go up. I know it sounds too good to be true, (that’s exactly what I thought at first!), but it’s real—and it’s absolutely worth learning. In this encore episode, you’ll learn: ✈️ Why opening multiple credit cards (responsibly!) can actually improve your credit score ✈️ How to use welcome offers strategically to earn far more points from the spending you already do ✈️ Why you might qualify for a business card even if you’re just side-gigging A quick note: conversations about money and credit can bring up a lot of feelings. Wherever you are in your financial journey, this episode is meant to spark possibility—not pressure. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: Grab the free companion guide (with Amber’s favorite starter cards) and sign up for our live Q&A with Amber on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 by clicking here! Related Episodes: 369: How to Teach Your Kids about Money // Abby Chipman 430: Plan Meaningful Family Travel Without the Stress // Meggie Busath 431: 3 Road Trip Hacks for Traveling with Kids // Brittney Hanks Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. AirDoctor: Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up to $300 off today! It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

We all lose our temper sometimes. That’s part of being human—and part of being a mom. But what happens next matters most. Because repair, not perfection, is what builds real trust with our kids. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Devon Kuntzman from Transforming Toddlerhood to talk about one of the most healing and hopeful skills a parent can learn: how to reconnect after those hard moments. Devon shares a simple, four-step framework for circling back after we’ve yelled or overreacted—so instead of getting stuck in guilt, we can model accountability, empathy, and growth. Even though Devon primarily teaches parents of toddlers, this conversation applies beautifully to kids of all ages (trust me—my teen and tween are proof!). In this episode, you’ll learn: 💜 The one phrase that instantly shifts your apology from surface-level to deeply connecting 💜 Why skipping this often-forgotten step in your apology can actually keep your child from trusting you fully 💜 A powerful, brain-based reason to “redo” the moment—and how this single practice can help you yell less over time You’ll walk away with words you can use, steps you can remember, and a renewed sense of grace for yourself as a beautifully human mom. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ☀️ Want to feel lighter in your motherhood? My mini course Motherhood Decluttered will help you simplify what’s weighing you down and reconnect with what really matters. For a limited time, your purchase includes a buddy pass so you can go through the course with a friend. Related Episodes: 004: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids // Ralphie Jacobs of Simply on Purpose 423: How to Parent a Strong-Willed Child Without Losing Your Mind // Kirk Martin 440: Tools for Parenting a “Spicy” Child // Mary Van Geffen Episode Sponsors: Skylight Calendar: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS Factor Meals: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off for 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Get delicious, ready-to-eat meals delivered—with Factor. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

This week marks the 8th birthday of 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms 🎉, and I wanted to celebrate it in a way that feels true to the heart of this community. Instead of looking back at download numbers or milestones, I invited someone who has quietly shaped nearly every part of this podcast behind the scenes for the past seven years: my dear friend and teammate, Molly Alexander. Recently, Molly made the bittersweet decision to step away from her role to pursue a new chapter, and it felt only right to honor her by sharing her voice here with you. As part of our conversation, she reflects on the three lessons that have shaped her most deeply during her years with 3 in 30—insights that continue to guide her motherhood and her life today. She talks about the surprising math equation that reframed how she approaches depression, the freedom she’s found in releasing old expectations of the kind of mom she “should” be, and the joy of moving beyond surface-level friendliness into real, honest friendship. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the story of 3 in 30 and a heartfelt reminder that growth often comes when we give ourselves permission to change, to soften, and to connect more authentically with others. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: In the episode, Molly references some things she learned while going through my Motherhood Decluttered Course (previously known as Declutter Your Motherhood). Click here to take the course yourself! Related Episodes: 079: How to Be a Friend Instead of Just Being Friendly // Brooke Romney 218: How can I enjoy having little kids close in age?// Molly Alexander 300: Coping with Illness or Pain as a Mom // Becky and Candace Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Cure Hydration: For 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Just go to curehydration.com/3in30 and use code 3in30 at checkout. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever caught yourself second-guessing something as small as what to make for dinner or as big as how to respond to a struggling child and felt completely paralyzed? As moms, we make thousands of decisions every day, and it’s easy to lose confidence in our ability to choose well, especially when we’re weighed down by “shoulds” from outside voices.  In today's episode, I’m joined by Jessica Frew, a decision coach who helps women rebuild trust in themselves and make choices that feel aligned with their true values. Jessica has lived through some incredibly complex circumstances (tune in to learn more! 😘). Out of those experiences, she created her Be.Be.Be. Decision-Making Formula a simple framework that can guide us all to make bolder, more confident decisions.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  🫶 Why so many of us were first taught not to trust ourselves—and how to rebuild that trust as adults 🫶 A simple mindset shift that can instantly loosen the grip of guilt and judgment in your everyday life 🫶 How to know when you’re making decisions out of alignment—and the surprising signs that show up in your relationships when you are  If you’ve been feeling stuck or second-guessing yourself lately, I think this conversation will give you both the encouragement and the tools to move forward with confidence.  For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 👭 Motherhood Decluttered Buddy Pass!  I would love to invite you to enroll in my brief but impactful audio course. For a limited time, it comes with a free buddy pass so you can do it with a friend, two for one. You can go to 3in30podcast.com/declutter to get signed up and use the code podcast to get 20% off. Related Episodes: 435: How to Make Decisions Without Overthinking // Kendra Adachi of The Lazy Genius 349: Overcoming Decision Fatigue through Reflection // Emily P. Freeman 410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina Episode Sponsors: KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you noticed that since school started, your afternoons feel more chaotic? Maybe your child walks in the door, drops their backpack, and bursts into tears—or lashes out over the smallest thing. It can leave you wondering if something is wrong with them…or with you.   The truth is, what you’re seeing is incredibly common. In fact, there’s even a name for it: restraint collapse. After holding it together all day at school, kids often come home to the one place where they feel safe enough to release all the emotions they’ve been bottling up. And while it can be overwhelming to parent through these meltdowns, there are simple, practical ways to help them regulate and recharge. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, an educator, researcher, and founder of Seed & Sew. Alyssa explains why after-school meltdowns are so common and offers doable strategies you can put into place right away to help your afternoons feel calmer and more connected. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 🍎 The surprising brain-based reason why kids save their biggest meltdowns for home (and why it’s actually a sign of safety) 🍎 Two types of movement that recharge your child’s “battery” and keep afternoons from spiraling into chaos 🍎 A quick connection ritual that takes just 10 minutes but dramatically reduces sibling squabbles and attention-seeking behaviors Whether your child’s after-school crankiness shows up as slammed doors, snappy remarks, or full-blown tears, Alyssa’s insights will help you create calmer, smoother evenings for the whole family. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Related Episodes: 192: The Hidden Reason for Misbehavior (in kids AND parents!) // Wendy Bertagnole 306: Creating Back-to-School Routines for a Smooth Transition // Mika Perry 357: Tips for Staying Calm During Your Big Kid’s Big Meltdowns // Cheryl Cardall Episode Sponsors:  Skylight: Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to myskylight.com/TAKEAWAYS BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Do the ups and downs of parenting ever feel like a solo sport? You may have friends who love you, but when it comes to really opening up about your struggles and growth as a mother, do you feel like you have teammates—women who are working toward similar goals and cheering you on as you become the truest version of yourself?   In this episode, I’m sharing the voices of three moms from my Self-Assured Motherhood (SAM) program who describe how being part of this community has changed their lives. Their stories highlight the power of having a team in motherhood—mothers who are growing together, practicing new skills together, and reminding each other that none of us has to do this alone. In this conversation, you’ll hear: 💜 Christine’s story of how SAM helped her move from reactivity to repair—and the heartfelt note her daughter wrote that showed the difference 💜 Patty’s transformation from numbing “escape” habits to soul-care that actually restores her, and how that shifted her daughter’s trust in her 💜 Shelby’s growth over four years in SAM, from quiet participant to community leader, and how she learned to steady her thoughts instead of catastrophizing If you’ve ever longed for teammates in your motherhood journey, I hope you’ll see yourself in these women’s stories, and I hope you're join us in SAM! For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: 📣 Enrollment for the Self-Assured Motherhood program closes tonight at midnight (Monday, September 22, 2025), and then it won’t open again for an entire year!!!! We begin next week, and I would love for you to join us. Go to 3in30podcast.com/sam to sign up, and if you have questions, please reach out to me directly at hello@3in30podcast.com. Related Episodes: 315: A Word from our SAM Sisters 389: I’m a Seasoned Mom. Is SAM for me? // Wanda Opitz, SAM Alumni 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters   Episode Sponsors: AirDoctor Pro:  Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code 3in30 to get up to $300 off today. Air Doctor comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free three year warranty, an $84 value. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever noticed that some of the parents in Disney movies…aren’t exactly the best role models?   They love their kids deeply, but their fears, expectations, and blind spots often get in the way of connection. As I rewatched a few of these classics recently, I couldn’t help but think, "These parents could really use the Self-Assured Motherhood program!" In this episode, I’m sharing three SAM principles through the lens of Disney families—because studying cartoon characters makes everything more fun (and surprisingly relatable!): 🌊 Moana and the importance of Voicing Your Values—so family conflict becomes easier to navigate ☃️ Frozen and how to Support Their Struggles—instead of trying to “fix” everything for our kids 🐻 Brave and why we need to Gather the Good—to shift our focus from nagging to noticing strengths For full show notes, including takeaways, click ⁠here⁠. *** Announcements: 🧐 Don’t forget: the week this episode is released, I’m also offering my free masterclass: How to Lighten the Mental Load of Motherhood. You’ll leave with simple, practical tools to make your daily life feel lighter. 🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away a free Skylight Calendar to someone who shows up live at each class! You can sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠!  🎉 Enrollment for Self-Assured Motherhood (SAM) is officially open! This live 6-month program will guide you step by step through the SAM6 framework, giving you tools to feel clearer about your values, more confident in your choices, and more steady in the ups and downs of motherhood. Doors only open once a year and will close on September 22, 2025! 👉Learn more or sign up at 3in30podcast.com/sam. Related Episodes: 438: How Soul-Care Can Help You Enjoy Motherhood More: Real Stories from Moms Like You // SAM Sisters 389: I’m a Seasoned Mom. Is SAM for me? // Wanda Opitz, SAM Alumni 316: Considering the SAM Program? You MUST listen to this. Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/3in30 to get 10% off your first month of online therapy. KiwiCo: Tinker, create, and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code 3in30. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Have you ever been told that your perfectionism is a problem? Maybe you’ve felt like it’s the reason you’re stressed, restless, or never satisfied with yourself. But what if perfectionism isn’t actually the enemy? What if it’s a form of power that, when channeled with compassion, can actually bring you more joy and meaning? In this episode, I’m joined by Katherine Morgan Schafler, a psychotherapist and the author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control. Katherine offers a refreshing perspective: perfectionism doesn’t need to be “fixed” or hidden—it can be embraced and redirected in healthier, more adaptive ways. In this conversation, you’ll learn: 💜 The hidden difference between an idealist and a perfectionist—and why the distinction matters for how you show up in your daily life. 💜 A simple, practical exercise to clarify your values in this season of life, and why naming the values you won’t focus on is just as important 💜 Why so many “helpful” mantras for moms miss the mark—and how to reframe them in a way that feels empowering instead of dismissive. Whether you’ve always identified as a perfectionist or you’re simply curious about new ways to frame personal growth, Katherine’s insights will encourage you to rethink your tendencies with kindness and clarity. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: You're invited to my FREE Masterclass How to Lighten the Mental Load of Motherhood on September 10, 12, or 16. Using the Self-Assured Motherhood framework (the SAM6) I'll give you tools and perspective shifts to help you carry the load with more steadiness, clarity, and peace.   🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away one free Skylight Calendar at each class to someone in attendance! You can sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! Related Episodes: 267: How to Stop Procrastinating in the New Year // Monica Packer 413: What to Do When You’re Juggling Too Much // Amy Wilson 421: Overwhelmed with Housework? You’re not alone. // KC Davis Episode Sponsors: Skylight: Go to skylightcal.com/TAKEAWAYS for $30 off your 15 inch Calendar. Skylight also offers a guarantee—if in 120 days you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund. No questions asked. Factor: Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. (Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase.) Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***