If you’re doing all the things this holiday season, this episode is your permission slip to stop. Today I’m sharing 20 simple, real-life holiday tasks your kids can absolutely help with — tasks that build capability, confidence, responsibility, and independence… all while taking things off your plate.

You’ll hear how each task teaches a skill, why capable kids thrive in structure and contribution, and how using the MAP Method helps you shift out of overwhelm so you can guide instead of micromanage.

Inside this episode: • 20 developmentally rich holiday tasks kids can genuinely do • Add-on ideas to increase capability without increasing your workload • Scripts, prompts, and simple ways to give ownership • How the MAP Method makes holiday chaos calmer and more connected • Why capability is the real Christmas gift you give your child

If you’ve ever wished your kids helped more and argued less? This is your episode.

🔗 Listen now and make this the year your home feels more capable, not more chaotic.

Email me to ask questions or share your successes with me at hello@mapyourmombrain.com!

Holiday posts from other moms making you feel behind, overwhelmed, or “not enough”? You’re not alone—and this episode is your reset.

This week we’re breaking down the Holiday Comparison Trap and how you can use the MAP Method to shift from comparison → clarity → confidence… without shame, without spiraling, and without pretending you don’t care what you see online.

Inside today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why comparison hits moms harder during the holidays
• How comparison shows up in Maker mode (and how to redirect it)
• The Move Back questions that help you separate real desire from social pressure
• How to use comparison as fuel instead of proof you’re behind
• How to use comparison as reflection, not a verdict
• The script to use anytime a post triggers you
• How to choose your next step and recognize if something actually is a priority
• Why comparison is actually a compass pointing toward what matters most

If you’ve ever felt triggered by another mom’s “perfect” holiday tradition—or felt that wave of guilt or jealousy—this episode will help you move back, assess what really matters, and pick the path that builds your happiest home. I'd love to hear from you!

Email me at hello@mapyourmombrain.com

Are You Accidentally Teaching Your Kids Not to Listen? The Hidden Patterns Behind Empty Threats (Starting With the Elf-on-the-Shelf) 🌿 Parenting Systems to Navigate Daily Chaos

You’ve probably said it or heard another parent say it: “The Elf is watching.” “He’s going to tell Santa.” “I’m counting to three…” “Do it now or else…”

But most parents don’t realize this: Empty threats don’t build better behavior — they build fear-based compliance, shame, and “surveillance morality” (behaving only when someone’s watching).

If those lines made you wince a little, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the hidden patterns that make kids stop listening — especially during the holidays when everyone is overstimulated, tired, and rushed.

You’ll learn: ✔️ Why empty threats quietly erode your influence ✔️ Why kids stop listening even when you’re “serious” ✔️ The psychology behind surveillance-based behavior ✔️ How to reset your role as a calm, capable leader ✔️ What to do instead — using the MAP Method ✔️ Tools you can use TODAY (even if you’ve used threats before)

This isn’t about judging your past responses — it’s about giving you a better system to lead your kids with consistency, communication, and connection.

When your word is steady, your kids feel safe. And when they feel safe… they listen.

Every mom leans one way during the holiday season — either stuck in overthinking and decision fatigue or moving so fast she barely enjoys any of it. But you don’t have to label yourself. You just need to recognize the tendency so you can shift out of it.

In today’s episode, we walk through a simple Weekly Review that helps you Move Back, assess what’s actually on your plate, and make your next Maker Move with clarity. Whether you freeze, spiral, or speed through the holidays, this 10–15 minute reset helps you calm the chaos, lighten your load, and get back to a home that feels connected and intentional.

You’ll Learn: • Why moms fall into holiday overwhelm or holiday overdrive • How to pause without losing momentum • The quick Weekly Review I wish every mom used • MAP Method questions that help you slow down and see clearly • How to find your next small step — not the perfect plan • Simple ways to enlist help and involve your kids so you’re not carrying everything

A calmer week starts with a clarified mind. Let’s walk into it together.

This week, we’re tackling one of the biggest holiday stressors for moms: weeks that feel out of control. In just 10 minutes, you can do a simple reset with your family that sets the tone for the week, builds teamwork, and gets your kids involved in the plan.

We’ll walk through a four-step routine you can do while you eat.

This little weekly reset walks you straight through the MAP Method: Move Back, Assess the ROAD, and Pick Your Path as a family. Fewer surprises, smoother evenings, and kids who know what’s coming—future you will be so grateful.

Holiday Behavior Tips: How to Help Your Kids Stay Calm and Capable on Big Days

Big family days can bring big emotions — from you and your kids. In this quick Thanksgiving Day reset, you’ll learn how to use the MAP Method to keep everyone calmer, more capable, and more connected, even when the day feels loud or unpredictable.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to Move Back and set the atmosphere you actually want

• Why holiday expectations often clash with kid capacity

• The simple ROAD check-in that steadies you before things escalate

• How to choose the right “path” — Control, Consistency, or Communication — moment by moment

• Small adjustments that reduce meltdowns and help your kids handle big days with more confidence

Take five minutes before the day begins and show up as the steady, intentional Mentor your family needs. Listen to Episode 5 for deeper holiday-week strategies: https://mapyourmombrain.podbean.com/e/ep-5-5-tips-to-prep-for-a-busy-holiday-week-get-your-kids-helping/

Get It Done: 5 Quick Tips to Prep Your House for Guests—With Your Kids

The holiday rush is here, and if your house needs attention, the kids need direction, and you need a plan—this episode is your shortcut.

In just a few minutes, I’ll walk you through five simple, all-ages tips to help you prep your home for guests with your kids alongside you.

From visual communication to time limits, fun motivators, and hands-ons activities, these strategies help your whole household work together without the stress, nagging, or meltdowns.

Perfect for the busy week of Thanksgiving when you need real help fast.

Feeling the holiday chaos already? This episode gives you 5 simple, actionable tips to help you prepare for a busy holiday week and get your kids to help — without snapping, overthinking, or doing everything yourself.

Inside you’ll learn how to use the MAP Method to stay calm, organized, and connected while leading your family through the stress of the season.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to set up a simple Holiday Notebook to organize your week

• Why “walking it backwards” prevents last-minute overwhelm

• How to set clear expectations for your kids (cleaning, prepping, behavior, screens)

• How to prepare emotionally for family dynamics and kid meltdowns

• How to use your Maker + Mentor commitments to create a calm, cooperative home

Perfect for busy moms who want clarity, capability, and a smoother holiday week.