The holidays are supposed to feel magical… so why does everyone melt down by 4 p.m.? 🎄
In this episode, Katie and Meagan talk about the joys and the madness of the holiday season — why kids (and adults) get overwhelmed, what “overstimulation” really looks like, and how to protect everyone’s nervous system so you can actually enjoy the good stuff.

We’re talking real-life stories (including Thanksgiving football drama and a three-day Christmas bender ending in tears), practical strategies, and a gentle reminder that your worth as a parent is not measured in perfectly curated memories.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why big feelings spike around the holidays (for kids and parents)

• How disrupted routines, sugar, noise, and excitement overload kids’ nervous systems

• What “overstimulation” actually feels like in your body as a grown-up

• The idea of a “window of tolerance” and how to gently stretch yours during busy seasons

• How to spot the early signs that your kid is nearing a meltdown

• Simple, kind ways to offer kids a break without shaming or embarrassing them

• Realistic expectations for travel, multiple events, and seeing all the extended family

• Building in downtime on purpose (instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best)

• The “ungrateful kids” narrative — what’s actually going on underneath it

• How our kids learn what to expect from us… and why that isn’t their fault

• • Shaping gratitude without shaming, labeling, or calling kids “selfish” or “ungrateful”

  
  

  🎧 Listen to “But The Years Are Short” on your favorite platform:

  
  

  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/but-the-years-are-short/id1836480974

  
  

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  https://buttheyearsareshortpodcast.com/

  
  

  👋 Work with us:

  Meagan’s counseling practice: https://meaganjacksoncounseling.com/

  Katie’s consulting & counseling work: https://www.katiezconsulting.com/

  
  

Navigating the holidays across two homes is a lot — schedules, feelings, traditions, extended family, and the pressure to “make it magical” for your kids. If you’re parenting after separation or divorce, this episode is for you. 💛

Today we’re talking about how to make the holidays gentler for your kids and for you — without overexplaining, oversharing, or over-functioning.

In this episode, we dig into:

• 🗓️ Holiday schedules that kids can actually understandVisual calendars, color-coding, and how to keep both homes on the same page so kids feel grounded instead of confused.

• 😊 Making room for mixed feelingsHow to respond when your child is happy and missing their other parent at the same time — without taking it personally or shutting it down.

• 🎄 Traditions that can travel between homesSimple rituals (like ornaments, pajamas, game nights, Elf on the Shelf, etc.) that help kids feel like “one family, two homes” instead of two separate lives.

• 🧠 Protecting kids from adult stressWhy your sadness, grief, or loneliness around the holidays is valid — and why your kids are not the ones who should be carrying it.

• ⏳ Letting go of “making up for lost time”Why kids don’t count overnights the way adults do, and how chasing “fair” time can actually increase stress for everyone.

• 👵 Extended family & the confused relative factorHow to explain the schedule ahead of time, ask for support, and set boundaries with kindness so your kids aren’t caught in the middle.

  
  

  This episode is for you if…

  • You’re co-parenting after separation or divorce and the holidays feel complicated.

  • You’re worried your kids will feel torn, guilty, or responsible for everyone’s feelings.

  • You’re feeling lonely or raw about sharing time and don’t want that to spill onto your kids.

• • You want concrete ideas (not just platitudes) for making this season calmer and more connected.

  Timestamps

  (approximate – feel free to adjust for your final edit)

  0:00 – Welcome & why holidays across two homes feel so tender
  1:40 – Holiday schedules: helping kids understand the plan
  4:20 – Visual calendars & keeping both homes consistent
  7:10 – First holidays after separation vs. a few years in
  8:40 – Holding space for “happy here AND missing the other parent”
  10:40 – Why it stings as a parent (and what to do with your own grief)
  12:15 – Traditions that can travel between homes
  18:10 – Adult stress, loneliness & getting your own support
  22:40 – “I want to model coping” vs. oversharing with kids
  27:50 – The pressure to “make up for lost time” & counting overnights
  32:40 – Talking to extended family & protecting kids from side commentary

  
  

  #parenting #coparenting #holidaymagic #gentleparenting #parentingskills

  
  

In this episode, Meagan and Katie get real about a tough but universal part of parenting: when our kids are mean to us. They unpack why kids sometimes lash out at the people they feel safest with, what’s happening underneath those big reactions, and how we as parents can hold boundaries without losing connection. Through honest stories and practical insight, they explore how to stay grounded, support emotional growth, and take care of ourselves in the moments that really sting.

For Children's Counseling and Parenting:

https://meaganjacksoncounseling.com/

In this episode, Meagan and Katie dive into a topic all parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud: Are adults allowed to have privacy from their kids? (Spoiler: yes.) We talk through what healthy privacy actually looks like inside a family — not secret-keeping, not shutting kids out, but creating space for your own emotional world, your own plans, and your own grown-up life.

We explore how to balance being open and connected with your kids while still holding boundaries that protect your energy, your relationships, and your sanity. We also unpack the pressure modern parents feel to narrate everything, explain everything, and be constantly available.

Ultimately, we share why giving yourself permission to keep some things private is a gift to your kids, too: it models boundaries, emotional regulation, and what healthy adulthood can look like.

Takeaways (On-Brand Version)

• Adults are allowed to have an inner world — our kids don’t get access to every thought or feeling.

• Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re what make healthy, connected relationships possible.

• Kids learn to respect privacy by watching us practice it.

• When we model healthy privacy, we’re teaching kids how to care for their own emotional space.

• Parents get to hold their own emotions first, and then choose what to share.

• Oversharing with kids can feel like connection, but it often puts weight on them they’re not ready for.

• Keeping certain adult things private actually protects kids and lets them stay kids.

• Families thrive when there are clear, consistent privacy norms everyone understands.

• Technology makes privacy trickier — but it also makes these conversations even more important.

• Being intentional about privacy is a powerful way to support kids’ emotional well-being.

  
  

  For counseling and parenting help: https://meaganjacksoncounseling.com/

In this episode, Meagan and Katie sit down with special guest Mike MacCrory, a sports performance coach who helps kids build confidence and mental strength through athletics. Together, they dive into the world of youth sports—the wins, the losses, and all the learning that happens in between.

They unpack how sports can be a powerful teacher for kids, shaping skills like resilience, teamwork, and emotional regulation, and how parents can support that growth without getting caught up in the pressure of performance. From navigating disappointment to celebrating effort, this conversation is full of practical insight (and a few laughs) about what it really means to help our kids grow through the game.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Sports are a safe place for kids to practice real-life skills—resilience, teamwork, and managing hard moments.

• Failure and frustration in sports aren’t setbacks—they’re training grounds for life.

• Parents play a huge role in shaping how kids see themselves after a tough game or a missed shot.

• Movement matters—whether it’s competitive sports or backyard play, staying active supports mental and emotional health.

  The lessons our kids learn on the field will serve them far beyond the scoreboard.

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  Big thanks to Mike for joining us and sharing his insight on raising resilient, confident athletes. You can find out more about his coaching and resources at Mac Mental Skills.

  
  

  
  

In this episode, Meagan and Katie get real about mom guilt—that sneaky little voice that tells us we’re never doing enough. They unpack where it comes from, how social expectations make it worse, and why balance sometimes feels impossible. With humor and honesty, they talk about juggling work, family, and the myth of “having it all,” and share ways to give ourselves some grace along the way. Spoiler: guilt might never totally go away, but it doesn’t have to run the show.

Takeaways

Mom guilt is a common struggle for many mothers.

Expectations for mothers today are often unrealistic.

Finding balance in parenting is crucial for emotional health.

Community support can alleviate feelings of guilt.

Self-care is essential for effective parenting.

Intentionality in daily routines helps manage guilt.

Quality of time spent with children matters more than quantity.

It's important to communicate openly with children about work-life balance.

Mothers should seek help and support from friends and family.

Understanding that guilt is a part of motherhood can help in coping.

In this episode, Meagan and Katie take a walk down memory lane (and maybe down the street to play outside) as they talk about how childhood play has changed over the years. From bikes and backyard adventures to iPads and indoor time, they explore how parenting, safety, and community have all evolved. The conversation touches on how much freedom we give our kids, what’s changed in the world around us, and why community still matters so deeply in raising confident, capable kids.

Takeaways

Outdoor play is essential for children's development.

Trusting children fosters their independence.

Community connections enhance children's safety.

Parents often feel anxious about their children's freedom.

Technology can help parents keep track of their kids.

Children learn important social skills through exploration.

The neighborhood dynamics have changed over the years.

Parents should encourage kids to navigate their environment.

Setting boundaries helps children feel secure.

It's important to balance safety with freedom in parenting.

In this episode, Meagan and Katie talk about what it really means to give your kids a “voice and a vote” — and how to do it without turning your household into a democracy gone wild. They dig into how kids’ brains develop, what kinds of choices make sense at different ages, and why letting kids have a say can actually build confidence and cooperation. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between giving your kids a voice and still being the grown-up in charge (even when they don’t love your final verdict).

Takeaways

Voice and vote means including kids in decisions in an age appropriate way.

Children's brains are not fully developed until age 26.

It's important to help kids communicate their hopes without overwhelming them with responsibility.

Practical examples help illustrate voice vs. vote for kids.

Choices should be age-appropriate and guided by parents.

Negotiation becomes more important as kids grow older.

Parents can set boundaries while allowing kids to express preferences.

Voice and vote can help children develop decision-making skills.

Every child is unique, requiring tailored approaches.

Transitioning to independence involves gradual shifts in responsibility.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Voice and Vote

02:37 The Role of Development in Decision Making

05:16 Practical Applications for Younger Children

07:57 Navigating Choices for Older Kids

10:26 Negotiating Boundaries and Responsibilities

13:01 Transitioning to Independence

15:55 Balancing Voice and Authority

18:23 Conclusion and Reflections