Episodios

  • The Problem with Gentle Parenting: What Moms Need to Know

    The Problem with Gentle Parenting: What Moms Need to Know
    Apr 14 2026
    If you’ve ever tried gentle parenting and thought… why isn’t this working? — you are not alone. So many moms are doing their best to stay calm, validate emotions, and avoid yelling… yet still feel like their kids are pushing limits, ignoring them, or completely running the show. And that’s where the frustration starts to creep in. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually happening when gentle parenting feels ineffective—and why the issue isn’t you. Because the truth is, gentle parenting isn’t the problem. The confusion around it is. You’ll learn how gentle parenting is often mistaken for permissive parenting (and why that shift changes everything), what kids really need to thrive, and how to raise emotionally intelligent kids without losing your boundaries in the process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The 4 parenting styles (and where gentle parenting actually fits) The key difference between gentle parenting and permissive parenting Why lack of structure leads to more power struggles—not fewer How to use natural consequences to teach responsibility (without punishment) What emotional intelligence really looks like in kids How to validate your child’s feelings while still holding firm boundaries Real-life examples of how to respond when kids push back Why This Matters When gentle parenting is misunderstood, it can leave you feeling like you’re failing—even when you’re trying harder than ever. But kids don’t just need connection. They need structure, consistency, and clear expectations too. When you combine emotional intelligence with strong boundaries, that’s when things start to shift. That’s when you raise kids who are confident, respectful, and able to handle real-world challenges—without you feeling like you have to do everything for them. Resources Mentioned Calm Conversations Mini Course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 m
  • Working Parent Boundaries: How to Protect Your Time Without Feeling Guilty with Sarah Armstrong

    Working Parent Boundaries: How to Protect Your Time Without Feeling Guilty with Sarah Armstrong
    Apr 9 2026
    If you’ve ever felt like you’re being pulled in two directions—trying to show up fully at work while also wanting to be present at home—you’re not alone. So many working moms feel like they’re constantly falling short somewhere. You’re answering emails while thinking about your kids… or sitting with your kids while your mind is still at work. And no matter what you do, it feels like it’s never quite enough. In this episode, I talk with Sarah about what actually helps when you’re living in that tension every day. Not unrealistic balance. Not doing more. But setting boundaries that protect your time, your energy, and your relationships—without piling on more guilt. Because the goal isn’t to do everything perfectly. It’s to create a life where you can actually be present in the moments that matter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why working parents often feel like they’re “failing at everything”—and what’s really going on beneath that feeling How to build a “compartmentalization muscle” so you can be present at work and at home The importance of clearly defining and communicating your boundaries (and why most of us skip this step) A simple boundary example—like blocking protected time for your kids—that actually works in real life How technology quietly pulls your attention away (and what to do about it) The powerful shift of saying “no” without overexplaining or apologizing What to do when your boundaries are crossed—or when you didn’t realize you needed one until it was too late How the “Sunday List” can reduce mental load and stop tasks from constantly nagging at you What “transferring hours” means—and how to use it to create more flexibility in your schedule Why you don’t have to do everything at your child’s school to be a present, loving parent Resources Mentioned Sarah’s book: The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 m
  • The Truth About Influencer Kids (And What It Means for Your Family) with Fortesa Latifi

    The Truth About Influencer Kids (And What It Means for Your Family) with Fortesa Latifi
    Apr 7 2026
    Sharing our kids online can feel completely normal. It’s how we connect, document memories, and stay close with family and friends. But what does it actually mean for our kids to grow up with an audience? In this episode, JoAnn is joined by journalist and author Fortesa Latifi, who has spent years researching influencer families and the real impact of growing up online. This conversation goes beyond screen time and into identity, trust, and how sharing affects our kids long-term. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness—so you can make decisions that feel right for your family. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why kids growing up online may struggle with identity as they get older The difference between consent and informed consent—and why it matters How sharing content can impact your relationship with your child The emotional cost of turning everyday moments into public content Why even casual sharing contributes to your child’s digital footprint Simple ways to set boundaries around what you share online Why This Conversation Matters Today’s kids are growing up in a world where their lives can be documented before they even understand what that means. This episode helps you take a step back and consider: Would my child feel okay about this in the future? Am I sharing for connection or something else? What boundaries feel right for my family moving forward? There’s no perfect approach—but there is a thoughtful one. Resources Mentioned Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online by Fortesa Latifi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Buying Back Your Time: Why Doing It All Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christine Landis

    Buying Back Your Time: Why Doing It All Is Costing You More Than You Think with Christine Landis
    Apr 2 2026
    You know that feeling when your to-do list never actually ends… it just resets the next day? And somehow, even when you’re doing everything right, you still feel behind. In this episode, I’m talking with Christine Landis about something that can feel both incredibly logical and deeply uncomfortable: buying back your time. Because let’s be honest—most of us were never taught that we’re allowed to get help at home. We’ve been conditioned to believe that doing it all is what makes us a “good mom.” But what if doing it all is actually what’s draining your joy? Christine, a former CEO and founder of Proxy, shares how delegation at home isn’t about being “extra” or “bougie”—it’s about creating space for the life you actually want to live. We dive into the emotional resistance, the guilt, and the real cost of trying to handle everything yourself—and how small shifts can completely change how you experience your days. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why moms struggle more with delegating at home than they do at work The difference between physical tasks and mental load—and why both matter Signs you’re not buying back your time (even if you think you’re “managing”) How control and perfectionism keep you stuck doing everything yourself Simple ways to start outsourcing without feeling overwhelmed The truth about “mom guilt” when it comes to paying for help Why knowing how you’ll use your free time makes letting go easie Why This Episode Matters So many moms are running on empty—not because they’re doing something wrong, but because they’re doing too much. And the hardest part? We’ve been taught to see that overload as normal. Buying back your time isn’t about doing less for your family. It’s about creating more space for connection, energy, and joy—with your family. Because your kids don’t need a mom who does everything. They need a mom who isn’t completely drained by everything. Resources Mentioned Proxy (Christine’s text-based thinking partner for mental load and decision-making). She's giving you 3 months free! Here's how to get it: 1. Select the 3 month plan here and input code NGM (it will ask for a CC number, you will not be charged ever).2. Complete the profile (takes ~5 minutes)3. S ave Proxy as a contact in your phone (820-732-2625)4. Text it when you need to vent, research or help making a decision in the moment (you can send a voice memo, voice to text, or say "Hey Siri, text Proxy...")5. We respond in real-time, in under 1 minute, with exactly what we would do, if we were you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Spoon Theory for Moms: A Better Way to Manage Energy and Avoid Burnout

    Spoon Theory for Moms: A Better Way to Manage Energy and Avoid Burnout
    Mar 31 2026
    You know those days where you wake up already tired… and by the end of the day, you’re completely drained—even though nothing that big happened? And somehow, the hardest part isn’t even the exhaustion. It’s the voice in your head telling you that you should have handled it better. In this episode, we’re shifting that narrative completely. Because the truth is—you’re not bad at managing your time. You’ve just never been taught how to manage your energy. We’re diving into spoon theory (a concept that completely changed how I see my own burnout), and how understanding your unique energy limits—especially as a mom, and especially if you’re neurodivergent—can help you stop the constant cycle of overdoing it… crashing… and then blaming yourself. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about finally working with yourself instead of against yourself. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What spoon theory is and why it explains your daily exhaustion so clearly Why moms carry an invisible mental load that drains energy just as much as physical tasks How neurodivergent moms (ADHD, autism, and more) experience energy differently The “boom and bust” burnout cycle—and why it keeps repeating Why traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for women’s energy cycles How to identify your personal “spoon categories” (like focus, decision-making, and sensory input) Practical ways to plan your days around your energy instead of pushing through Why This Matters So many overwhelmed moms are stuck thinking: “Why can’t I keep up?” “Why am I so tired all the time?” “Why does this feel so much harder for me than everyone else?” But your energy is not a reflection of your worth. When you start seeing your energy as something finite—something to budget and protect—everything changes. You stop shaming yourself… and start making decisions that actually support you. And that’s where real relief begins. Resources Mentioned 1-on-1 Coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 m
  • Why Teen Boys Pull Away Emotionally and Parenting Tips to Stay Connected with Heidi Allsop

    Why Teen Boys Pull Away Emotionally and Parenting Tips to Stay Connected with Heidi Allsop
    Mar 26 2026
    If your tween or teen son has started getting quieter, pulling away, or shutting down when emotions run high, it can feel personal fast. One minute he’s talking freely, and the next, every answer is one word, every hard moment gets handled behind a closed door, and you’re left wondering if you’re losing your connection. In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Allsop, founder of Raising Boys, Building Men, master certified life and parenting coach, and mom of five sons. We talk about what’s actually going on when boys get quieter in adolescence, why that shift is often developmental rather than relational, and how moms can stay connected without overpursuing, overanalyzing, or panicking. This conversation is such an important reminder that your son’s silence is not automatically rejection. Sometimes it’s his brain trying to stay efficient, avoid discomfort, and figure things out in the only way he knows how right now. And when we understand that, we can respond with a whole lot more calm, confidence, and connection. In this episode, we talk about: What’s happening in a tween or teen boy’s brain when he goes quiet, acts impulsive, or seems emotionally distant The two common ways boys tend to respond during adolescence: pulling inward or acting outward Why moms often panic when behavior shifts, and how that panic can lead to overparenting or underparenting How boys’ need for efficiency and independence affects the way they communicate Why deep emotional talks can sometimes backfire with tween and teen boys Simple ways to test and build connection that do not rely on talking How physical proximity and nonverbal affection can reveal emotional safety Why letting boys build emotional muscles matters for resilience later in life How to support your son’s emotions without taking over responsibility for them The link between connection and influence during the teen years Why this episode matters So many moms assume that when a son starts pulling away, something is wrong with the relationship. But Heidi shares a powerful reframe: the relationship may be changing, but that does not mean it is broken. When we stop interpreting silence as rejection and start seeing it as part of normal emotional development, we can parent with a lot more steadiness. That steadiness helps our sons feel safe, respected, and connected, even when they are not opening up in the ways we hoped they would. This episode will help you better understand your son, stay grounded in the hard moments, and protect the connection that matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Why You’re Not “A Yelling Mom” (You’re Stuck in a Reaction Pattern)

    Why You’re Not “A Yelling Mom” (You’re Stuck in a Reaction Pattern)
    Mar 24 2026
    If you’ve ever caught yourself snapping at your kids and then immediately wondering, “Why am I like this?”—this episode is for you. Many moms struggle with reactive behaviors and the mom guilt that follows, but understanding the reaction pattern behind these moments is the first step to overcoming overwhelm and burnout. In this episode of the No Guilt Mom parenting podcast, you'll gain valuable parenting tips and self-care tips designed specifically for moms navigating the chaos of family life. We explore what’s really happening in your brain when you react, why these responses feel automatic, and how to start breaking the cycle with strategies that work without relying on willpower alone. Join parenting coach JoAnn Crohn, M.Ed. as she guides you through mindset shifts and practical advice to help you move beyond feeling overwhelmed and reactive to becoming a calmer, more empowered mom. This episode offers insight and support for moms seeking lasting change and renewed confidence in their parenting journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why labeling yourself as a “yelling mom” keeps you stuck (and what to say instead) How reaction patterns are formed—and why they feel so automatic The simple shift that can immediately change how you respond in stressful moments Why your kids’ behavior isn’t what’s causing your reaction How to interrupt your interpretation before it turns into yelling The truth about motivation (and why it’s not enough on its own) Why accountability is the missing piece in breaking reaction patterns Why This Matters When you believe your reactions are just “who you are,” it can feel hopeless to try to change them. But when you understand that your reactions are learned patterns—not fixed traits—you open the door to something really powerful: choice. You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of reacting, regretting, and repeating. There is a way to respond differently—and it starts with shifting how you interpret what’s happening around you. Resources Mentioned: The Regulated Mom Experience (April–June cohort, limited to 10 women) No Guilt Mom Inner Circle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 m
  • When Your Strong-Willed Child Pushes Every Button: What Actually Works with Mary Van Geffen

    When Your Strong-Willed Child Pushes Every Button: What Actually Works with Mary Van Geffen
    Mar 19 2026
    Raising a strong-willed child can feel relentless. You’re not just managing behavior. You’re managing intensity. Big emotions. Sudden escalations. Transitions that turn into full-body meltdowns. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you’re trying to stay calm, steady, and kind. If you’ve ever wondered why traditional parenting advice seems to make things worse with your child, this episode is going to bring so much clarity. I’m joined by Mary Van Geffen, international parenting coach, author of Parenting a Spicy One, and mom to a grown “spicy one” herself. Mary shares what actually works with emotionally intense, strong-willed kids—and why so many common approaches backfire. We also talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: what happens between the adults when your child escalates. Because often, the tension between co-parents becomes just as overwhelming as the behavior itself. This episode is about parenting with emotional intelligence, staying calm without becoming passive, and building connection without losing your authority. In This Episode, We Cover: What makes a child a “spicy one” (and how to know if yours fits the description) Why strong-willed kids escalate during transitions and time pressure How traditional control-based parenting fuels more resistance Why gentle parenting can feel confusing—and what authoritative parenting really looks like in real life The simplest regulation tool you can use when you feel yourself seeing red What to do after you react before you pause How to stay united with your co-parent when parenting styles clash Why This Conversation Matters Parenting a strong-willed child can make you question everything. Your patience. Your skills. Your marriage. Your ability to stay calm when you’re constantly being tested. But here’s the truth: your child isn’t “too much,” and you’re not failing. Spicy kids often grow into deeply connected, thoughtful, independent adults—especially when they’re parented with calm, kind, and firm leadership. The goal isn’t to crush their intensity. It’s to guide it. Mary brings both professional expertise in child development and hard-earned personal experience. She shares how emotional regulation isn’t about being perfectly calm all the time. It’s about repair. It’s about consistency. It’s about staying steady even when your child doesn’t “deserve” it. And if you’re navigating family dynamics where one parent stays calm and the other comes in hot, this episode will give you language and perspective to approach those conversations without triggering defensiveness. Resources Mentioned: Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 m