If you have a strong-willed child, you know that traditional parenting strategies just don’t work. No amount of reasoning, bribing, or threatening seems to move the needle—and sometimes, the more you push, the harder they push back. So what does work?In this episode, I’m joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. With his signature humor and straight-talking style, Kirk shares practical strategies for understanding and guiding strong-willed kids—without constant power struggles.Tune in to learn: ✨ The quickest way to change your child’s behavior (hint: it has little to do with them!) ✨ How to de-escalate meltdowns -- without saying, "Calm down!" ✨ The power of using body posture and tone to foster cooperation ✨ Why strong-willed kids thrive in adulthood—and how to survive their childhoodFor a FREE printable with tips for de-escalating meltdowns, along with a private podcast feed that includes all of the episodes I've produced on raising strong-willed kids, click here! My friend, if you're feeling exhausted, frustrated, or just plain out of ideas with your strong-willed child, this episode is for you. And please know I'm in the trenches with you, and I'm rooting for you! For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. ***Announcements: For a FREE printable with tips for de-escalating meltdowns, along with a private podcast feed that includes all of the episodes I've produced on raising strong-willed kids, click here! Related Episodes:242: What to Do When Your Kids are Fighting // Dr. Laura Markham266: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids // Wendy Snyder391: Parenting a Child with ADHD: How to Stay Calm and Connected // Rachel on The Childhood CollectiveEpisode Sponsors:Acorns Early: Ready to help your kids learn the value of money? Just head to acornsearly.com/3in30 or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us!Wild Grain: For a limited time, Wild Grain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you start a subscription.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 lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course***

Have you ever asked your kids about their day, only to get one-word answers in return? Or sat across from your spouse on a long-awaited date night and struggled to find something meaningful to talk about? Communication can feel hardest with the people we love the most—but what if we could change that?In this episode, I sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg to explore what makes someone a super communicator and how we can apply these insights to deepen our most important relationships.Tune in to learn: 💜 Why conversations feel disconnected—and how to fix it 💜 Simple yet powerful ways to ask better questions and spark meaningful discussions 💜 A proven technique to make sure your loved ones truly feel heardThese small shifts can strengthen your marriage and help you connect more deeply with your kids. I hope you find them as helpful I have! For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.***Related Episodes:368: Using the Enneagram to Improve our Relationships // Kelsey Lincoln340: How to Be a Safe Place for your Sweetheart// Eli Harwood342: Communicating to your Partner that Things Need to Change// Eli HarwoodEpisode Sponsors:Acorns Early: Ready to help your kids learn the value of money? Just head to acornsearly.com/3in30 or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us!  Team Supercrew: Check out Team Supercrew and find out what parents and educators are raving about. Visit TeamSuperCrew.com and use code 3in30 at checkout to get 10 percent off. You'll also get a free gift: step by step reading imaginary play guides that helps you and your child learn these important emotional regulation skills.Hello Fresh:  HelloFresh is America's number one meal kit. Get up to 10 free meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/3in3010fm.  GoPure Beauty: Tighten, lift, and restore elasticity in your neck because your skincare routine shouldn't stop at your jawline. For limited time, our listeners get 25 percent off GoPure with code 3in30 at checkout. That's gopurebeauty.com/3in30. Use code 3in30.Let’s Connect!Join me on Instagram!Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course***

KC Davis, a mom, therapist, and author of "How to Keep House While Drowning," shares invaluable insights on housework and self-care. She introduces the concept of 'care tasks,' helping listeners reframe their cleaning and organizing as acts of self-kindness. KC discusses powerful affirmations for releasing guilt about household messes and reveals a clever system to simplify laundry. Through her personal experience, she emphasizes the importance of embracing chaos as a sign of family life and prioritizing rest for mental well-being.

Are you raising a neurodivergent child? If so, you know the journey can often feel isolating, exhausting, and uncertain. How can you teach them the essential skills they need? How do you build a strong relationship with them? Are there other moms who share your struggles?In this episode, I’m thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with Kim Gameroz, the founder of Teaching Inside Out and a leading expert in helping parents and teachers cultivate social and emotional skills in children. Kim's insights are truly transformative, and I believe you'll find her approach both empowering and practical.In this episode, you'll hear: 💜 Strategies to maintain patience when your neurodivergent child isn’t meeting expectations—along with actionable tips to help them succeed.💜 Suggestions for how to find your support people as you're raising a neurodivergent kid (and why it's so important!) 💜 A simple yet impactful strategy that can create positive change for those around you.I hope you find this episode as helpful as I did! Kim exudes such warmth and connection that is sure to fill you with hope and validation. You've got this!For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. ***Related Episodes:419: 3 Things Moms of Children with Disabilities Want You To Know // Katie Blackburn323: Parenting with ADHD // Alex Gilbert317: Helping Your Children Advocate for Themselves // Dr. Traci BaxleyEpisode Sponsors:Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/3in30 to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Factor: Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/factorpodcast and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. 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 lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course***

Katie Blackburn, contributing writer and author, shares her heartfelt experiences as a mom of children with disabilities. She offers thoughtful scripts to help neurotypical kids understand and support their peers. The discussion navigates the fear of saying the wrong thing and emphasizes the power of compassion in fostering connections. Heartwarming anecdotes showcase simple gestures that uplift families in the disability community. This insightful conversation serves as a guide for anyone wanting to provide genuine support.

Spring Break is coming up, and if travel isn’t an option this year, don’t worry—you can still make it a fun and memorable week for your kids and yourself at home! In this episode, Abby, Stacey and Steph, three members of the 3 in 30 team, share simple, stress-free strategies to make your staycation special—without feeling like you have to entertain your kids 24/7, including:🌷 Creative, low-prep activities that keep kids engaged without draining your energy.🌷 The one sanity-saving strategy every mom needs to recharge and enjoy the break. 🌷 A simple way to lighten the mental load of planning the week.Plus! We’ve put together a Free Download: 50 Spring Break Staycation Ideas to take the guesswork out of your planning. Grab it here!Spring Break at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a time for connection, fun, and even a little rest. We hope this episode helps you do just that!For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. ***Announcements:Click the link to receive a printable with 50 Spring Break Staycation Ideas.   Related Episodes:405: 3 Tips to Manage Your Mental Load During the Holidays // 3 in 30 Team402: How to Travel More as a Family without Breaking the Bank // Amber Paul237: Our Best Hacks for Summer! A Crowdsourced Episode from the 3 in 30 CommunityEpisode Sponsors:Hello Fresh: HelloFresh is America's number one meal kit. Get up to 10 free meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/HelloFreshPodcastLet’s Connect!Join me on Instagram!Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course***

Kathie Gwilliam, an author and speaker, shares her insights on the subtle ways comparison infiltrates our conversations. She reveals three common phrases that fuel comparison and offers healthier alternatives. Kathie emphasizes the importance of mindful communication, particularly around children, to foster confidence and self-acceptance. She also discusses how to introduce oneself with assurance and encourages listeners to appreciate their unique journeys without comparison. Her tips aim to cultivate a more positive dialogue, both personally and socially.

Logan McKenna, a general surgeon and adventurer who has conquered the heights of 49 U.S. states, shares heartfelt insights on supporting a partner struggling with mental health. He discusses the nuances of providing emotional support while managing frustration and feelings of helplessness. Logan emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding joy amidst challenges, along with practical tips like personalized therapy and animal therapy. His compassionate approach reminds listeners that understanding and love are crucial in navigating these difficult journeys.

After my daughter Sally was born, I stopped sleeping. During the day, I had a hard time looking at my baby because I didn’t feel like I could take care of myself, let alone her. Up to this point, I had managed my natural melancholy okay on my own, but after a terrifying panic attack, I reached out for professional help. I attribute my quick decision to get help to my older sister, Sarah, who has fought mental illness since she was a young teenager. This time of year can be especially difficult for many emotionally. That’s why I’m dedicating three episodes to the focus on mental health in motherhood. On Monday, you heard Sarah and I discuss depression in motherhood. Today’s episode is focused on how to get professional help. Next week, you’ll hear from Sarah’s husband, Logan, about how to support a loved one who’s struggling with mental illness. In this second episode of the series, we discuss: - A practical tip to help you stay honest with your doctor & therapist- A few helpful thoughts if you’re scared to try medication. - Two kinds of therapy you might not have thought about before. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. Whether you are struggling with mental illness or you have a loved one who is, I hope you find this series of episodes helpful. [Free Download ] Guide to Nurturing Yourself when Managing Depression // To support you even further, I’ve created a packet that includes actionable ways to support yourself in depression and how to support a loved one who is struggling, as well as a QR code that links to a private playlist of all of the episodes I’ve released about mental illness. Whatever battles you’re fighting right now, my friend, I want you to know you’re not alone. ***Announcements: To receive the guide I created with actionable ways to support yourself or a loved one with mental illness, click here.  Related Episodes:414: Feeling Low Right Now? 3 Tools to Help You Cope // Sarah McKenna319: Three Tools I Use to Manage Anxiety and Depression184: Living Well with Depression & Anxiety // Jenny ShowalterLet’s Connect:Join me on Instagram!Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course

This time of year, I struggle more with depression. The winter months can be a really hard time - and I know it’s just not me! That’s why I truly feel like it’s important this time of year to talk about mental illness in motherhood. To give this topic the full focus it deserves, I’m dedicating the next three episodes to focusing on mental health in motherhood. This week, you’ll hear previous episodes I aired with my beloved older sister, Sarah, where we discuss depression in motherhood and how to get help with mental illness. After that, I will air a new episode with Sarah’s husband, Logan, about ways to care for a loved one struggling with mental illness. In this first episode of the series, we discuss:  One way depression manifests itself that you might not recognize (hint: knowing this might help you not feel so guilty when it hits).  A simple tip to help on those days when depression makes it too hard to even eat.  A helpful rule of thumb to use when deciding which self-care strategy you need most.  For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. Whether you are struggling with mental illness or you have a loved one who is, I hope you find this series of episodes helpful. [Free Download ] Guide to Nurturing Yourself when Managing Depression // To support you even further, I’ve created a packet that includes actionable ways to support yourself in depression and how to support a loved one who is struggling, as well as a QR code that links to a private playlist of all of the episodes I’ve released about mental illness. Whatever battles you’re fighting right now, my friend, I want you to know you’re not alone.***Announcements: To receive the packet I created with actionable ways to support yourself or a loved one with mental illness, click here.  Related Episodes:319: Three Tools I Use to Manage Anxiety and Depression300: Coping with Illness or Pain as a Mom // Becky and Candace184: Living Well with Depression & Anxiety // Jenny ShowalterEpisode Sponsors:Wild Grain: For a limited time, Wild Grain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box plus free croissants in every box when you start a subscription.Let’s Connect:Join me on Instagram!Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my lifeFind Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course***