Family Rules! The Podcast

Brooke Romney, author of 'I Like Me Anyway' and mother of four, dives into the joys of embracing imperfection in parenting. She challenges the unrealistic standards epitomized by Mary Poppins and shares her journey of accepting flaws. Brooke emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and open conversations with children about mistakes. With a focus on playfulness, she highlights that meaningful connections thrive on laughter rather than perfection, encouraging parents to celebrate individuality and foster growth through shared experiences.

You taught them to walk, talk, drive...but have you prepared your kids for the ins and outs of married life? Beyond just talking about the “birds and the bees,” sex educator Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife says it’s our job to equip children with a proper understanding of their bodies and sexuality. She talks to Brooke about how to take on this bigger topic…

Motherhood is one of life’s biggest milestones, but the truth is we’re all just winging it! Speaker and author Connie Sokol shares her personal growth journey into motherhood, as she and Brooke discuss what it means to remain true to you.

Lizzy Jensen, a mother of five and attorney, shares her insights on parenting and personal growth. She emphasizes that mistakes can be powerful teachers and encourages celebrating them. Lizzy discusses the importance of patience and recognizing small achievements in parenting. She highlights how forgiveness can strengthen family connections, using a humorous skiing story to illustrate the joy in learning from errors. Lizzy also introduces a mindfulness app for kids, promoting reflection and continuous learning in a nurturing environment.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, an esteemed author and psychotherapist, shares her expertise in child development and attachment. She redefines discipline, encouraging parents to see it as a teaching tool rather than punishment. Tina emphasizes the importance of understanding children's behavior and fostering emotional regulation. She also discusses the power of repair in parenting and the value of seeking support. Her insights provide a refreshing perspective, encouraging proactive, connection-focused approaches to parenting.

More than just background noise, research shows music can be a powerful tool - to teach, lift, motivate and inspire. So how can you leverage that power within the walls of your own home? With more than 30 years of experience, music educator Tami VanDusen shares practical, actionable ways to use music to invite the Spirit and ultimately strengthen your family as you do. She and Brooke talk about their musical “first aid kits.”

Grief is not an emotion - it’s a process. And it’s a tough topic Emilio Parga takes on everyday. As the founder of Solace Tree, a nonprofit organization that offers support to grieving children, teens and adults, Emilio shares with Brooke interesting insight about how children process loss...and how parents can feel more confident in helping their family through a trial like death.

Adventure is out there! One of the greatest ways to bond as a family is to spend time in the great outdoors. Natalie Ockey, founder of Utah’s Adventure Family blog, discusses with Brooke ways she makes her love for nature a priority in family life.

Mindfulness is more than just a trend. Clinical psychologist Dr. Liz Hale has spent her career helping couples and families build strong, healthy relationships, and she believes the power of the stillness plays a big role in those kind of connections. She shares with Brooke how the busy, everyday family can use their BRAIN (breathe, regulate, achieve, impact & navigate) to practice mindfulness.

Hands-on learning can happen anywhere! The Wright family purposefully fills their home with creativity and curiosity and, for mom Sarah Jane, the pay off is big. This author and illustrator tells Brooke how she uses an empty calendar and a full craft closet to foster bright young minds.