In today’s episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I'm diving into the world of holiday parenting, but not the toddler nap-time meltdown era. I'm talking about the teen and tween years, where emotions run high, expectations get complicated, and the holiday season suddenly feels like unfamiliar territory.

I’m sharing insights inspired by an incredible guide from CultivaTeen Roots called Holiday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen Years. If you’ve ever thought, “Wow… this stage is a whole different ballgame,” you’re not alone. Holidays with big kids require new strategies, new communication, and a whole lot of connection, and this episode breaks down five practical ways to support your tween or teen through the season.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why holiday stress looks different for teens and tweens
• How giving them space can prevent overwhelm and conflict
• The importance of setting clear expectations before events
• Practical tools to help them manage sensory overload
• How to stay calm and not take their reactions personally
• Choosing one meaningful thing to honor their holiday experience
• Simple conversation starters for the drive home
• My own experience shifting from “little kid holidays” to “teen territory”

Links Mentioned:

• Check out CultivaTeen Roots and their course Making AdoleSense
• Holiday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen Years

Why this episode matters:

Holidays can be a beautiful time of connection but they can also bring stress, overstimulation, and power struggles, especially with older kids who are still figuring themselves out. This episode gives you tools to create more harmony and support your teen or tween with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Perfect for you if:

• You’re parenting a tween or teen
• You feel like holidays are more complicated than they used to be
• You want fewer meltdowns and more meaningful moments
• You’re craving practical, real-life strategies
• You want to build deeper connection with your big kid this season

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I had the honor of talking with Nikki McIntosh, author of Rare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease and the incredible woman behind the Rare Mamas community.

Nikki’s story begins when her youngest son, Miles, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and everything in her world shifted. She left her 18-year marketing career and stepped fully into caregiving, advocacy, and creating a place for other rare moms to feel seen and supported.

During our conversation, we dive into:
✨ What those first days after a rare disease diagnosis actually feel like
✨ How Nikki found purpose, community, and strength in the middle of fear and uncertainty
✨ The emotional and mental load of caring for a child with a rare or complex condition
✨ Why humor and storytelling matter so much during hard seasons
✨ Practical tools from her book for navigating medical systems, advocating for your child, and protecting your own well-being
✨ The message Nikki hopes every lost or overwhelmed rare mama hears today

Even if you’re not walking through a rare disease journey, this conversation is full of encouragement for any mom who’s ever felt exhausted, stretched thin, or alone. Nikki’s honesty and heart are such a gift, and I know so many moms will feel less isolated after listening.

Resources I Mentioned:
– Her book: Rare Mamas by Nikki McIntosh
– The Rare Mamas community + podcast - HERE
– Instagram: @rare_mamas

If this episode touched you, please share it with a friend who might need the reminder that she’s not the only one, and that hope can live right alongside the hard.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

In today’s episode, I’m spilling the hot cocoa on how we do Santa in our house — the traditions, the magic, and yes… the moment my oldest started to figure it all out.

I’m sharing how my parents did Santa when I was growing up, why my husband and I decided to keep the tradition alive with our kids (even though some people say it’s “lying”), and what we’ve done over the years to keep the magic going without being caught red-handed.

You’ll also hear the story of when Ronin started asking questions, how we handled “the talk,” and how we’re now bringing him in on the fun for his little brothers.
It’s sweet, it’s sentimental, and a little bit funny — basically a true momversation about growing up, letting go, and keeping the joy of Christmas alive in a new way.

If you’ve ever wondered how other families handle Santa — or you’re just trying to figure out how to navigate that “Is Santa real?” conversation — this one’s for you.

In This Episode:

• The Santa traditions I grew up with
• Why we decided to continue the Santa magic in our family
• How we balanced Santa with the real meaning of Christmas
• The moment my son started putting the pieces together
• How we had “the talk” (and why it made me a little sad)
• What we’re doing now to keep the magic alive for his brothers

GET MY SANTA TAGS: https://burntpancakesshop.etsy.com/listing/1129506604

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.