Modern Mom Probs

In this podcast episode, Tara welcomes Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a pediatrician and advocate for holistic health and integrative medicine. They discuss the impact of excessive screen time and social media on mental health, particularly in children and teenagers.Drawing from a study by Sapien Labs, Dr. Joel explains how the study found a correlation between the age of first smartphone and poorer mental health outcomes, such as self-harm. He likens the situation to the historical shift in attitudes towards smoking, urging us to address the issue of excessive screen time and social media use among children and teenagers. Dr. Warsh explains how dopamine plays a large part in device addiction and how to seek out dopamine naturally. Dr. Warsh also shares practical tips on how parents can set boundaries for their children's device usage. From having designated phone-free times to encouraging other hobbies, he provides a roadmap for parents to navigate this digital age. He also discusses the issue of poor posture caused by screen time and suggests exercises and ergonomic adjustments to mitigate the problem.If you’re struggling with screen time in your home, you should listen to this episode!Links:www.instagram.com/@drjoelgatorwww.raisingamazingplus.comhttps://sapienlabs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sapien-Labs-Age-of-First-Smartphone-and-Mental-Wellbeing-Outcomes.pdfSupport the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode, Tara is joined by Ryan Viktorin, Fidelity Investments Financial Consultant, on the topic of planning for the unexpected, in particular, life insurance planning.During this Life Insurance Awareness Month, Ryan shares her takeaways about life insurance, including when to start thinking about it, what it covers and why it's important to protect yourself even if you aren't currently in the workforce.Ryan explains how protecting your family's financial future is more attainable than you may think.If you've ever thought "I didn't know I needed life insurance," then this episode is for you! This episode is sponsored by Fidelity.Links:www.fidelity.com/termlifeSupport the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How would you have liked it if your parents shared every embarrassing detail of your childhood with friends and family? It’s a good thing the 80s and 90s weren’t that documented. Just think about the hairstyles and outfits alone!In this week’s podcast episode, Tara interviews Dr. Devorah Heitner, an expert in media technology and society and author of the new book, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. Tara and Dr. Heitner explore the concept of 'sharenting' - parents sharing about their families online. While it can be a way for parents to seek recognition and maintain connections, Dr. Heitner encourages us to engage in real-life conversations and respect our children's privacy. One phone call with a good friend can be more beneficial than 1,000 Instagram likes.The pair also discuss the importance of teaching children about consent and privacy. By respecting their privacy at home, parents can guide children to understand the ethical implications of sharing content without consent. They also stress the need to prepare kids for situations where they may encounter inappropriate content or unsolicited messages online. They even highlight the importance of teaching kids about their options when faced with negative comments or uncomfortable situations online.What’s a parent to do in this brave new digital world? Dr. Heitner emphasizes actively mentoring kids and having open conversations about online behavior, even if it’s uncomfortable. Instead of covertly monitoring their activities, she encourages parents to establish parameters for online behavior and focus on teaching kids to be mindful of the impact their posts can have on others.If you’re a parent living in the 21st Century, then this episode is for you! Links:https://devorahheitner.com/https://devorahheitner.com/growing-up-in-public/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Tara welcomes celebrity cookbook author, TV star, and host of MTV’s hit series Deliciousness, Tiffani Thiessen to talk about her new book, Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers.In this episode, Tara and Tiffani discuss how to take your leftovers from blah to bangin', and why reducing food waste is a cause that's close to Tiffani's heart. They also tackle a classic modern mom problem: never knowing what to do with leftovers.So if you're looking for some dinner inspo, or just want to learn how to level up your leftovers, this is the episode for you!Links:https://tiffanithiessen.com/https://tiffanithiessen.com/here-we-go-again/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you a “good enough” mother?On the latest episode of Modern Mom Probs, Tara welcomes Dr. Tanya Cotler, a seasoned psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health and the parent-child relationship. Dr. Cotler explored the idea of the "good enough mother," a term coined by Donald Winnicott in the 1950s. Being a good enough mother means finding a balance between not being overly precise or intrusive in parenting, while also not being dismissive. This approach allows the child to develop into their true self while still receiving the necessary care and support from their mother. Dr. Cotler explains that if a parent is overly hands-on or too dismissive, there is not enough space for the child to develop their own identity. This can lead to the development of a false self or a coping mechanism like people-pleasing. The key is finding the sweet spot!To explore further, she touched on the phase of maternal preoccupation in early motherhood, where the mother is completely focused on the child. However, as the child grows, there needs to be space for them to become their own person. Good enough mothering also involves allowing the child to experience failures and frustrations, which helps them develop trust and frustration tolerance.In this insightful, relatable conversation, Dr. Cotler also emphasizes the need for mothers to create space for themselves, allowing for a range of emotions and reducing shame. She discusses the concept of rupture and repair in parent-child relationships and highlights the importance of inner repair through self-reflection. She is currently working on a book that explores maternal mental health and parent-child attachment.If you’ve ever wondered if you’re a “good enough” mother, you should listen to this episode.Links:https://drtanyacotler.com/https://www.instagram.com/drcotler/https://renni.ca/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Tara had the pleasure of welcoming Brooke Romney, author of the best-selling books 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) and 52 Modern Manners for Kids. Their conversation revolved around the importance of teaching manners and social skills to children and how these contribute to a successful and connected life.Brooke, a mother of four boys, shared her insights on how teaching manners is not just about appearances, but about helping kids feel successful on the inside. This, in turn, boosts their self-confidence and relationships. Teaching social skills and manners has long-term benefits, such as building confidence and liking oneself from within. Brooke shared her favorite manners from her books, including the importance of introducing oneself and finding new friends if current friendships are consistently negative.In today's digital age, kids often miss out on observing the world around them. Brooke emphasized the importance of parents stepping in to teach their children manners and social skills. Tara and Brooke discussed the importance of building awareness as a foundational skill for teaching manners. This includes being aware of their surroundings, "reading the room," and knowing when it's appropriate to talk about certain topics.Tara and Brooke emphasized the need for parents to actively teach these skills, as they are not always absorbed naturally. Some adults who were not taught these skills struggle with loneliness and feeling awkward in social settings. Brooke's books provide a starting point for conversations about manners and social skills, and they include roleplay and discussion scenarios to engage younger children.Brooke's book, 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, is a fantastic resource that helps parents prepare their teenagers to be successful in social situations. It provides teens with answers to common questions about their interests and hobbies, making them feel less alone in their learning process.Teaching manners and social skills to children and teenagers is not just about making them appear polite. It's about equipping them with the tools they need to be successful, confident, and connected individuals. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to soak up all the social skills knowledge. Let's raise some polite and confident children together!Link:https://brookeromney.com/https://www.amazon.com/52-Modern-Manners-Todays-Teens/dp/1735854433/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you get what you want professionally?Betting on yourself.This week Tara welcomes on-air personality Bethany Braun-Silva to the pod. Bethany is not just an on-air parenting entertainment and lifestyle expert, but also a fellow podcaster and author of the inspiring new book "Like a Mother: Banish Guilt, Blaze Your Trail, and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love."Bethany shared her journey from being an editor to becoming an on-air personality. Her story is a testament to the power of taking risks and betting on yourself, even when faced with rejection.In this fun and lively conversation, Tara and Bethany delved into the title of Bethany's book, discussing how treating themselves with the same love and support they give to others can create a better world. Remember, creating a life you love doesn't always mean chasing big dreams; it could be as simple as loving yourself more. They agreed on the significance of speaking to ourselves with the same care and encouragement as they do loved ones. Practices like body positivity and manifesting can make a world of difference. Tara shared her secret tip for building self-confidence. It’s a keeper.If you want to start living a life you love, listen to this episode!Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Tara welcomes fellow only child Jen Dalton, creator of the Instagram account "One and Done Parenting." Tara and Jen both share their experience as only children with only children. Jen explores her decision to have only one child due to a traumatic birth experience. Tara shares her journey of infertility and miscarriages before finally having her son.They also discuss the benefits of being an only child, such as developing strong social skills in uncomfortable environments, making them naturally social adults. Tara and Jen also explore the benefits of having only one child, such as saying yes more frequently to their child’s requests and having the ability to focus on their child's needs and desires without having to consider the needs of multiple children.Jen and Tara address negative stereotypes and potential loneliness, particularly around the holiday season as well as the importance of building a supportive community outside of blood relatives. For families on the fence about having another child, Jen suggests asking themselves if they truly wish to have another child in their care and considering their long-term goals. She emphasizes that children should be wanted by both parents and that having doubts should be explored before making the decision to introduce another baby into the family.In conclusion, the conversation highlights the joys and challenges of being a 'one and done' parent. It's a decision that comes with its own unique set of challenges, but ultimately, it's about creating a loving and nurturing environment for our children.If you are or if you have ever considered being a “one and done” parent, definitely listen to this episode!Links:https://www.instagram.com/oneanddoneparenting/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, Tara interviews Dayna Abraham, author of "Calm the Chaos: Raising the Most Challenging Children." Dayna shares her personal journey of raising a child who didn't fit the mold and struggled with various challenges. Springing from that experience, she developed a framework that helped her own family and other parents facing different parenting challenges. Her story is a testament to the fact that parenting is not about perfection, but about understanding, acceptance, and resilience.Dayna introduces the concept of "riding the storm," a strategy for handling tough moments in parenting. It's about focusing on safety and waiting out the storm before reaching the empowered family stage, where problem-solving and strong relationships can flourish. Tara and Dayna discuss the five steps to calming the chaos-Getting to Safety, Restoring Energy, Finding Calm in the Moment, Getting Ahead of the Moment, and Building a Family Team. These steps use a consistent framework throughout: You. Connect. Understand. Empower. Then putting all these together into a plan. As part of the plan, Tara and Dayna emphasize the importance of finding educational options that meet a child's needs. Dayna's book offers honest insights and reminds parents that our children are not broken and that understanding and accepting them for who they are is the most important job we have as parents.If you have a child who doesn’t “fit the mold,” definitely listen to this episode. Links:Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/calmthechaosparenting/ YouTube Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/c/Lemonlimeadventuresblog TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daynadabraham Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayna-abraham-550279106/ Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, Tara welcomes Sehreen Noor Ali, co-founder of the Sleuth, a startup that gives parents better directions on early childhood health. They had an enlightening conversation about the challenges of modern motherhood and how technology can be a game-changer when determining if something is “up.”Sehreen shared her personal experience of struggling to find information and support for her daughter's medical journey, which led her to co-found Sleuth. Tara and Sehreen emphasize the importance of trusting one's instincts as a parent and the need for accurate information and emotional support. They also discuss the role of technology, such as AI, in providing helpful information to parents. Sehreen emphasizes the importance of managing anxiety, both for the child and the parent. She introduces us to tools like Sleuth's tracker that can help capture and understand what's happening in the moment, reducing anxiety by providing a clearer picture of what is normal and what may require attention. Tara and Sehreen acknowledge the overwhelming responsibilities that come with parenting a child with special needs. Serene also suggests finding ways to alleviate some of the stress, such as using telehealth services and resources like the Coping Cat books and online courses, like GoZen.The episode concludes with a discussion about respecting children's privacy online while simultaneously finding solace in social media communities. It's a tightrope walk, but with careful steps, it's achievable. Links:https://www.sehreen.com/https://hellosleuth.com/https://www.copingcatparents.com/https://gozen.com/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.