Mama Knows

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Amie Anger discuss the complexities and concerns surrounding sleepovers for children. They explore the risks associated with sleepovers, including potential exposure to inappropriate behavior and the impact on children's well-being. Amie shares her experiences as a mother and a therapist, advocating for families to set boundaries and consider alternatives to traditional sleepovers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and children about safety, trust, and the reasons behind family rules. Amie Anger and her husband, Nick, live in Encinitas with their six children.  Amie received her bachelor’s in psychology, and master’s in social work, both from the University of Utah.  Amie went on to complete a year-long post-graduate fellowship in child and adolescent counseling at the Yale Child Study Center through the Yale School of Medicine, and a secondary post-graduate fellowship year in early childhood development and intervention, also through the Yale Child Study Center.  Amie has been a family and child therapist in private practice for 18 years.  You can find Amie on Instagram at The Real Parent, where she takes the information and strategies she uses in her clinical work and makes the information available for all families.  You can also see more of her work and find the resources she offers at realparent.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Emily Daniels discuss the critical role of co-regulation in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of adult regulation for effective teaching and learning. They explore the definitions of regulation and co-regulation, share real-life examples, and critique traditional behavior management systems. Emily offers practical tips for parents to help their children regulate at home and discusses how parents can advocate for co-regulation practices in schools. The conversation highlights the need for a paradigm shift in education towards understanding and supporting the nervous system's role in behavior and learning. Emily Read Daniels is the creator and author of The Regulated Classroom —an evidence-based framework that enables educators to cultivate conditions for felt safety in the classroom.  She developed this framework after spending years as a school counselor working with dysregulated students and staff, knowing that teachers needed tools and practical strategies for coping with and recovering from trauma. https://www.regulatedclassroom.com/ The best way to cook just got better. Go to HelloFresh.com/MAMAKNOWS10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Suzanne Knower Warye discuss the journey to sobriety, the cultural shifts surrounding alcohol consumption, particularly among mothers, and the importance of community and empowerment in breaking free from alcohol dependency. They share personal stories, insights on navigating relationships with partners and friends who drink, and the societal pressures that contribute to drinking culture. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness about the dangers of alcohol and the benefits of living a sober life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Clare Morell discuss the significant impact of technology on children, particularly focusing on cell phone and screen use. They explore the addictive nature of interactive screens, the inadequacy of screen time limits, and the importance of fostering real-life social connections. Clare emphasizes the necessity of a digital detox for families and provides practical advice for parents on managing technology in their children's lives. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating a tech-saturated world while prioritizing children's mental health and well-being. Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where she directs EPPC’s Technology and Human Flourishing Project. She is also the author of the book, The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, published by Penguin Random House. Ms. Morell has had opinion pieces published in the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fox News, Bloomberg News, The New York Post, Newsweek, among others. Ms. Morell has testified before Congress and her work has also been featured in The New York Times. Ms. Morell lives with her husband and three children in Washington, D.C. https://thetechexit.com https://claremorell.substack.com https://eppc.org/author/clare_morell/ Instagram: @thetechexit The best way to cook just got better. Go to HelloFresh.com/MAMAKNOWS10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Dr. Danica Harris delve into the complexities of trauma, particularly focusing on the concept of complex trauma. They discuss the differences between big T's and little t's, the impact of childhood experiences on emotional development, and the importance of repair in parent-child relationships. Dr. Harris explains how trauma can be trapped in the body and offers insights into recognizing and releasing tension. They also explore the connection between trauma and gut health, the ongoing nature of healing, and the significance of self-compassion in the journey. The conversation concludes with empowering advice for parents on how to navigate their own healing while supporting their children. 00:00 Understanding Trauma: Big T's and Little t's 02:55 Defining Complex Trauma 06:12 The Impact of Childhood Experiences 09:00 Repairing Relationships and Emotional Responses 11:57 Trauma Trapped in the Body 14:55 Recognizing and Releasing Tension 17:57 The Connection Between Trauma and Gut Health 23:54The Importance of Self-Compassion 26:55 Parenting and Trauma Awareness Dr. Danica Harris is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and complex trauma expert, working internationally as a coach, facilitator, presenter, and educator. Trained as a Counseling Psychologist, Danica prioritizes helping folks heal so they can live more embodied and empowered lives. Danica is the Co-Owner and Executive Director of Empowered Healing Dallas, a group therapy practice where her team provides trauma-informed therapy, using somatic and relational approaches when working with clients. Danica is also passionate about support for therapists and healers and provides mentorship and consultation to providers looking to increase their trauma-informed knowledge and business practices. She considers herself a co-journeyer, and hosts healing focused retreats and intensives for fellow complex trauma survivors. You can find Danica on her Instagram platform, @theempoweredtherapist where she provides education and support to the broader community. IG: @theempoweredtherapist www.theempoweredtherapist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are re-releasing one my personal favorite conversations and a fan favorite episode! This is a MUST listen (or re-listen!) Body image and and neutrality is something I didn't really learn about until I was an adult, after struggling for years. Especially after having my own kids I began to wonder, how do we do better for our kids so that they don't have to struggle with the same body image issues like most of us did as kids? On this weeks episode we dive into the topic and address some important questions! How can we talk to our kids about their body early on & in their teens to promote body neutrality? What are things we should avoid doing or saying to nurture body positivity in our daughters? Our kids are growing up surrounded by social media and are consuming damaging content for their views on themselves and their body. How can we help them avoid the comparison cycle of unrealistic body image on the internet? How can we help empower our daughters to stand up for themselves when their body is being negatively talked about by classmates, friends, family, or strangers? What are signs that we should be aware of that may indicate our child is struggling with an eating disorder? Dr. Morgan Francis is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. She is the owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling, in Scottsdale, Arizona. At her private practice she treats young adults, individuals, couples, and families. Her mission is to break through the mental health shame game. With over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Dr. Francis can empower you to make peace with your body and food. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Phoenix, she has been featured in local and national publication, she is a public speaker and consultant on mental health helping churches, schools, and community organizations. You can work with Dr. Francis by accessing her online courses or attending her webinars. Dr. Francis lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her three children and husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina and psychologist Malina discuss the importance of having difficult conversations in relationships, the patterns that can lead to defensiveness and blame, and how to shift these dynamics towards understanding and effective communication. They explore the significance of awareness, the role of boundaries, and the potential benefits of written communication in navigating emotional discussions. Malina shares practical strategies for fostering a healthier dialogue between partners, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and teamwork. 00:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations in Relationships 02:13 Understanding Patterns and Personal Growth 04:53 Identifying Toxic Patterns in Relationships 06:30 Shifting Blame to Understanding 10:37 Effective Communication Strategies 12:37 Dealing with Defensiveness in Partners 16:38 Setting Boundaries for Healthy Conversations 20:38 Using Written Communication for Clarity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Dr. Kara Natterson explore the complexities and awkwardness surrounding puberty discussions. They emphasize the importance of open communication between parents and children, addressing the emotional and physical changes that occur during puberty. Dr. Natterson shares insights on how to approach these conversations, the role of trusted adults, and the impact of social influences on children's understanding of their bodies. The discussion highlights the need for early education and normalization of these topics to foster a healthy understanding of puberty and sexuality. 05:01 Understanding Puberty: A Pediatrician's Perspective 09:54 The Role of Parents in Discussing Puberty 15:09 Normalizing Conversations About Bodies and Emotions 19:47 Setting Boundaries and Discussing Self-Exploration 24:48 The Importance of Early Conversations About Puberty 30:05 Empowering Kids Through Knowledge and Open Dialogue Cara Natterson, MD, is a pediatrician and New York Times bestselling author dedicated to demystifying the tween and teen years with science and humor. As the founder of Less Awkward and co-host of the This is So Awkward podcast, Cara empowers kids – and the adults who care about them – with essential knowledge about growing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina and Zara discuss the profound impact of labeling children, both positively and negatively. They explore how labels can limit a child's potential and the importance of fostering a growth mindset. The discussion also delves into the effects of parental venting, sibling comparisons, and gender labels, emphasizing the need for parents to advocate for their children and recognize the internalized effects of labels. Zara provides practical strategies for reframing conversations about children and highlights the importance of acknowledging both challenges and strengths in parenting. 04:32 Understanding Developmental Psychology in Labeling 06:30 The Fine Line of Complimenting Children 09:49 Venting and Its Effects on Parenting 16:27 Sibling Comparisons and Team Dynamics 23:10 The Impact of Child Comparisons 26:43 Understanding Gender Labels in Parenting 30:58 Reframing Shyness and Caution 38:24 Recognizing and Addressing Internalized Labels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nina Caviggiola and Alivia Hall explore the significance of understanding and processing emotions in the body. They discuss the importance of sitting with feelings, the challenges of emotional awareness, and the necessity of self-compassion. The dialogue also touches on how to navigate feelings of exclusion, the impact of core beliefs on emotional responses, and practical strategies for emotional regulation. Finally, they emphasize the importance of modeling emotional awareness for children, highlighting that parents must first regulate their own emotions to effectively teach their kids. Alivia Hall, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and the founder of LiteMinded, a boutique private practice based in New York City. Her work focuses on helping young adults in their 20s and 30s navigate the quiet struggles of modern adulthood—like anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and complex trauma. Through a relational and compassionate lens, she supports clients in untangling what’s weighing them down so they can feel more grounded, connected, and like themselves again.You can find her on Instagram at @litemindedtherapy, where she shares honest insights about mental health, relationships, and the emotional growing pains no one talks about. 00:00 Understanding Emotions in the Body 03:03 The Importance of Sitting with Feelings 06:04 Navigating Emotional Awareness 08:47 Judgment and Self-Compassion in Emotions 14:49 Healing Core Beliefs 18:01 Accessible Emotional Practices 21:06 Modeling Emotional Regulation for Kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices