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TitreDateDurée
#60 Why Extremes Are Ruining Our Lives (and What to do Instead)20 Nov 202500:29:39

Everyone is being pushed to pick a side — feminist or traditional, gentle or strict, self-care or self-sacrifice.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why the BEST marriages, families, and kids are built by people who learn to hold two truths at once, instead of joining an extreme camp.

Dive deeper with me:

Get personalized, high-level guidance to transform your family, marriage, and mindset — work with me privately. 👉 https://hifam.com/privatecoaching

Become the calm, confident leader your family needs — join The Studio. 👉 https://hifam.com/studio

Turn your marriage into a true partnership — learn the skills inside Married-U. 👉 https://married-u.com

Become the woman who can't be shaken by the world around her — step into Alchemize. 👉 https://hifam.com/alchemize

 

#59 When Your Child Falls Apart… and Your Marriage Feels One-Sided18 Nov 202500:51:32

Your child was resilient… so why does it feel like it all disappeared overnight? In this livestream, I'm answering three real questions from our HiFam community — and each one touches a deep, modern pain point for parents.

We're diving into: 💪

1. When your child suddenly loses their grit
Why an injury or big stressor can make kids regress (and why it's normal),
how resilience actually rebuilds through exposure — not protection,
what "10% empathy, 90% coaching" looks like in real life, and how to speak to your child's identity so they grow into the strong, capable person you know they can be. ❤️

2. When you're doing EVERYTHING in the marriage
What to do when the childcare agreement you made before kids didn't match reality, how to renegotiate roles in a way that actually works,
Why competence requires space (yes, even if it gets messy),
Your real options when you're burning out, and how to see clearly whether to stay, restructure — or leave. 👵

3. When your in-laws cause more stress than support
How to protect your children without creating unnecessary drama,
How to set boundaries that are firm but gracious, 
Why respecting elders still matters in modern parenting, and how to de-escalate the emotional tornado that extended family can sometimes bring.

If you've ever thought: "Why is my kid falling apart over every little thing?" "I can't keep carrying this household alone." or "My in-laws make everything harder — what do I DO?" …this episode is for you. 👇

Listen until the end for the mindset shifts that can help you lead your family with strength, clarity, and calm — even in imperfect circumstances. 

Dive deeper with me:
Get personalized, high-level guidance to transform your family, marriage, and mindset — work with me privately. 👉 https://hifam.com/privatecoaching

Become the calm, confident leader your family needs — join The Studio. 👉 https://hifam.com/studio

Turn your marriage into a true partnership — learn the skills inside Married-U. 👉 https://married-u.com

Become the woman who can't be shaken by the world around her — step into Alchemize. 👉 https://hifam.com/alchemize 

 

#50 Culture is Lying to You About Motherhood03 Sep 202500:37:48

More and more women are quietly asking the same question: is motherhood even worth it anymore? Between the sacrifices, the cultural critiques, and the pressure to "have it all," the question doesn't come with an easy answer.

That's why I created The Studio (https://hifam.com/studio) — my membership where I help women design family cultures that feel joyful, resilient, and rooted in what actually matters.
Because when your foundation at home is strong, everything else in life feels more grounded.

But here's the tension: our culture often paints motherhood in extremes. Either it's glorified as the only path to meaning, or dismissed as a burden that drains your best years. Neither story captures the full truth.

In this episode, I want to explore that tension. Let's talk honestly about the costs, the rewards, and the deeper transformations of parenthood — without giving you a packaged answer. Because this isn't about telling you what to choose, it's about asking the right questions.

And if you're ready to go deeper — to rebuild your mindset, rediscover play in your home, or strengthen your marriage — you'll find that inside Alchemize (https://hifam.com/alchemize), Reclaim Play (https://reclaimplay.com), and Married U (https://married-u.com).

TPJ 107: How To Prepare Your Partner To Support You During Birth03 Jun 202100:16:36

Are you pregnant? If so, congratulations! And if you'd like your partner to be an amazing support to you during your birth (and who wouldn't, right?) then this episode is for you. 

 

[03:37] 1. Communicate well and often

[04:58] 2. Create a to-do list

[05:41] 3. Education

[08:28] 4. Explain what is supportive

[09:23] 5. Ensure they know it's not personal

[09:47] 6. Give them tools

[10:20] 7. Practice positions & massage/acupressure points

[11:29] 8. Empower them to stay calm and take ownership

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/107

TPJ 106: How To Prepare For A Home Birth27 May 202100:17:21

At the time of this recording, I'm pregnant with my fifth child. So far I've given birth in hospitals and birthing centers, and for a long list of reasons this time around, I decided to have a home birth. In this episode I'll be sharing how I've been preparing in order to set myself up for maximum success in my home birth. 

 

This is a list of what has been working for me, and that I'm excited to do. Take and leave what works for you. 

 

There are a million reasons to have, or to not have, a home birth. It's deeply personal. It 100% depends on your unique individual situation, and I'm not making any recommendations. You need to work with your healthcare providers and your intuition and do what's best for you. 

 

Also, all births are beautiful and all we really want is for ourselves and our baby to be healthy. So if this isn't in the cards for you, don't worry. All across the spectrum, from C-sections to unassisted home births, it can be an incredibly empowering experience. There's no one right way to birth your baby into the world.

 

[01:39] 1. Share with supportive people

[02:57] 2. Create a great team

[04:27] 3. Make preparations for your other children

[06:29] 4. Prepare your space. 

[06:44] We want to increase calming hormones and decrease stress related hormones.

[08:41] 5. Prepare for the birthing process

[10:58] 6. Set aside something comfortable to wear

[12:00] 7. Set out some pictures

[12:25] 8. Have snacks on-hand

[14:10] 9. Put thought into your presentation and communication

[14:51] 10. Have the car seat ready to go

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/106

TPJ 105: Self-Care During Pregnancy20 May 202100:22:52

By the time you're reading this, I hope to have had my fifth baby. But at the time of this recording, I'm pregnant with number five, and I want to share some self-care tips for when you're pregnant. To some, self-care is a luxury. But I believe it's a necessity.  

 

It's been a hectic, crazy time in my life being home with my kids and running my business. Even so, I prioritize self-care and it has made this pregnancy so much more joyful for me. 

 

And I want to share those tips with you because I think self care is something that sometimes goes out the window. When we're parents to young children, especially when we have a lot of stress going on, when we're busy with work or running a home, we often take care of everyone except ourselves. 

 

Unfortunately, that is not a sustainable strategy. We are likely to burn out. We are likely to build resentment and we are likely to not perform the best that we can. 

 

I know I'm so lucky to be able to do all of these things, and not everyone is able to prioritize self-care. So just like with all my work, take what works for you and leave the rest. It may or may not resonate. But if it does, I hope you find this helpful and inspiring! 

 

[03:17] I like to feel put together and wear things that don't make me feel extra "frumpy"

[04:02] 1. Dress and get ready for the day

[07:10] 2. Move your body

[08:40] 3. Prioritize your sleep

[08:52] 4. Intermittent fasting

[11:44] 5. Eat well & take supplements

[12:29] 6. Address fears and past birthing trauma

[14:59] 7. Take care of your mind

[17:20] 8. Declutter, organize, and decorate

[18:38] 9. Make your home comfortable

[19:18] 10. Incorporate nature

[21:34] Ask yourself "How can I make this work for me?"

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/105

TPJ 104: 10 Design Tips For A Sophisticated Home29 Mar 202100:14:42

If you would like your home to look more beautiful and sophisticated, even on an inexpensive budget while you have little kids at home, then this episode is for you.

 

My background is in graphics, branding, and identity design. I love talking and thinking about all things design. Primarily from the functional perspective, but also from the aesthetics. 

 

I believe deeply that the things we see around us influence our psychology, influence our behavior, influence our emotions, and they matter. They're tools that we can use to influence how we feel and behave, and how our children feel and behave as well. 

 

You can certainly spend a lot of money on this, but you don't have to. Even when buying things on a budget (or using what you already have), there are things you can do in order to make your home feel more sophisticated, more to your taste, even when there are little children around. 

 

In this episode I'm going to cover 10 common areas that can be addressed to help your home feel more sophisticated and beautiful. 

 

[02:10] #1 - Toy storage

[04:11] #2 - Kid's artwork

[05:19] #3 - Family pictures

[06:06] #4 - The entry way

[07:23] #5 - Household items

[08:27] #6 - Child specific items

[09:21] #7 - Continuously declutter

[10:09] #8 - Adult-like furniture

[12:03] #9 - Future-proof furniture

[13:06] #10 - Linens

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/104

TPJ 103: Using The Law Of Attraction To Create Family Bliss22 Mar 202100:22:18

Have you heard of the law of attraction? It's something that I read about and hear about often. And in fact, it's something that I intuitively really connect to and practice in my life. Today I'm going to talk with you about how I use the law of attraction to create a life that I love, and invite you to do the same!

 

[05:30] #1 - Get clear on what you want

[08:55] #2 - Focus on what you want

[10:01] #3 - Ignore what you don't want

[14:41] #4 - Practice gratitude

[15:16] #5 - Elevate your expectations

[20:53] "Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor." Rumi

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!


Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/103

TPJ 102: 10 Ways To Get Out Of Survival Mode15 Mar 202100:19:03

Are you finding yourself in survival mode, feeling like you are running on empty and worried that you might be leading yourself to burnout? If you're not sure where you fall on the burnout spectrum, go check out last week's episode on the 10 signals that you might be in survival mode. 

 

Now that we know the signs, it's time to get practical and do something about it. 

 

What we really want to do is get our expectations to meet our level of support, and work on both sides of that equation. On one hand we need to be realistic about our expectations and in some ways lower the bar. But we can also work on increasing our level of support or perhaps reduce our level of responsibilities. 

 

Let's dig in and talk about how we can conserve energy and recharge so that we can push ourselves out of survival mode and thrive.

 

[02:22] #1 - Simplify everything

[02:56] #2 - Use more screen time

[04:05] #3 - Lower your learning expectations

[05:03] #4 - Lower your presence expectations

[06:31] #5 - Write out helpful scripts

[10:11] #6 - Ask for help (and accept it)

[12:11] #7 - Let people in

[13:29] #8 - Prioritize self-care

[15:20] #9 - Positive self-talk

[16:50] #10 - Enlist your children's help

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/102

TPJ 101: 10 Signs You're Burning Out15 Mar 202100:16:53

One of the biggest risks we face as parents is burning out and falling into survival mode. In difficult seasons it becomes especially challenging to stay charged and energized. Many of us (myself included) run the risk of burning out when we don't take care of ourselves and "refuel our tank." You can only run on empty for so long.

 

I have seen so many parents on the brink of burnout (or fully in it), and I've been there as well. It's a major issue.

 

So today I want to share with you 10 signs you want to look for that might be telling you that your tank is empty, that you're about to enter survival mode. 

 

[02:09] #1 - You're constantly stressed

[03:10] #2 - You get triggered a lot

[04:06] #3 - Meeting basic needs is a struggle

[05:52] #4 - Everything feels urgent

[06:42] #5 - There's a sense of impending doom

[07:31] #6 - You feel like you're failing

[09:29] #7 - You're stuck in the present moment

[10:21] #8 - You feel isolated

[11:48] #9 - You feel helpless

[12:47] The level of expectations in our lives must match the level of support

[13:38] #10 - You feel like you can't measure up

 

Now that you know the signs, it's time to do something about it. Check back in next week because I'm going to share a sequel to this and talk about what we can do to get out of survival mode.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/101

TPJ 100: Does Your Toddler Throw Food?01 Mar 202100:08:49

Most of us know that feeling of preparing a lovely meal for our children, sitting down to eat it with them only to have our toddler promptly THROW IT ON THE FLOOR 😡 😭 🤦🏽‍♀️

 

It can be so aggravating. If you're not sure how to handle the situation and it's repeating in your home, you are so not alone. Let's talk about what we can do about it.

 

[00:58] #1 - Normalize it

[01:41] Trajectory schema

[02:32] #2 - Stay calm

[04:13] #3 - Say what you want to see

[05:00] #4 - Don't play the game

[06:36] #5 - Give them alternatives



If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/100

TPJ 99: Motivate Kids To Get Ready To Go25 Feb 202100:21:05

Do you struggle to get your kids out the door in the morning? Are you ever late for things because you're arguing with your kids or having trouble getting them ready for the day? You're not alone. Kristen from our Present Play community asked for advice about how to deal with this. 

 

In this episode I'll discuss my thoughts and help you get back your sanity!

 

[00:38] Kristen's question: How can I motivate my child to get ready more quickly?

[03:37] More love isn't always the answer

[06:59] Natural consequences are great when they can play themselves out.

[07:32] Are there any morning activities that will be missed if they aren't ready in time?

[08:26] Your frustration and depleted patience is a natural consequence too.

[09:29] Try playful parenting

[11:26] Set a clear boundary and follow through

[15:37] Avoid power struggles.



If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/99

TPJ 98: Help Your Toddler Play Independently22 Feb 202100:11:53

Do you have a little toddler at home and you're tearing your hair out, trying to find ways to keep this person busy without always resorting to screens? 

 

If so, I've got you. I totally feel it. And I am here with five ways that toddlers generally love playing independently and that you can use today to keep your little person occupied and busy without screens.

 

[00:53] #1 - Sensory Play

[04:30] #2 - Movement

[06:17] #3 - Music

[07:21] #4 - Dressing up

[08:52] #5 - Pretend play



If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/98

#49 5 Things to Stop Saying to Your Husband26 Aug 202500:17:37

When desire goes offline, everything in marriage feels harder. That's why I created Desire Lab (https://hifam.com/desire) — my ongoing membership that helps women reignite polarity, chemistry, and attraction. Because when the spark is alive, conflict shrinks, connection grows, and everything else gets easier.

But here's the problem: today, so many couples are talking about their marriages in clinical terms. Words like unsafe, gaslighting, narcissism, or stonewalling have crept into everyday conversations — and instead of bringing couples closer, they often drive them further apart.

 

In this episode, I share the five most common "diagnoses" put on marriages — and why those labels make things worse. More importantly, I'll show you how to replace them with clear, honest, and practical ways of communicating that lead to repair, grace, forgiveness, and forward motion. Because your marriage isn't a pathology. It's a living relationship.

And when you're ready to go deeper and actually build the marriage of your dreams with the partner you already have, that's exactly what I teach inside Married-U (https://married-u.com).

TPJ 97: Can Babies Play Independently?15 Feb 202100:17:28

Can babies play independently? Is that even possible? Or is it something that only develops later (if at all)? The answer is...they can! And in this episode I'm going to talk about 10 ways they can play and how to encourage them to do so. 

 

[01:05] #1 - Don't entertain your baby

[02:39] #2 - Le Pause

[04:13] #3 - Don't overstimulate - keep it simple

[06:23] #4 - Don't interfere

[07:52] #5 - Keep things low

[09:20] #6 - Keep trying

[10:59] #7 - Try different times

[12:43] #8 - Try different positions

[13:38] #9 - Make sure they're comfortable

[14:21] #10 - Experiment with music

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/97

TPJ 96: How To Sleep Better During Pregnancy08 Feb 202100:15:39

When you're pregnant, it can be so hard to get enough sleep. Between the hormones and feeling so uncomfortable, it can be very hard to sleep. And if you have other children or issues in the mix, it can be even more challenging to get the rest we need.  

 

While there certainly are some things outside of our control, there are quite a few things that are within our control. In that light, I'd like to offer 10 suggestions to help you prioritize sleep so you can get more rest.  

 

[01:39] 1. Keep your bedroom clean and tidy

[03:11] 2. Use calming fragrances

[03:37] 3. Use comfy PJs and sheets

[04:58] 4. Keep your room cooler

[06:11] 5. Use comfy pillows

[06:51] 6. Reduce light exposure

[10:04] 7. Talk to your health care provider about sleep supplements

[11:25] 8. Drink more water in the morning and less in the evening

[12:05] 9. Try out some gadgets and gizmos

[13:36] 10. Go to bed earlier

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/96

TPJ 95: 10 Reasons You Might Hate Parenting (And What To DO About It)01 Feb 202100:27:49

Do you ever hate this whole parenting thing? There's absolutely no shame here...I think most parents feel this way at some point in their parenting journey. 

 

In this episode I'm going to cover 10 reasons you might hate parenting, and most importantly what you can do about it. 

 

[00:53] 1 - haven't come to terms with your own childhood

[03:02] 2 - You're still waiting to be parented yourself

[05:39] 3 - Your home is a mess

[07:29] 4 - You haven't stepped into your leadership role yet

[10:06] 5 - You're giving waaaay too much of yourself

[13:40] 6 - You're not addressing key behaviors that are disruptive

[16:06] 7 - You're not sleeping enough

[19:00] 8 - You're not making it fun for you

[22:33] 9 - You're comparing yourself to others

[25:18] 10 - You have a fixed mindset

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!



Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

 

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

 

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/95

TPJ 94: How To Ward Off Depression25 Jan 202100:19:02

Let's talk depression. First I want to say that I have gone through seasons where I needed professional help, and there's absolutely no shame in that. If you feel you need some help, please don't hesitate. It can make a world of difference. 

But even if you're not feeling clinically depressed, it's common to go through seasons of feeling "the blues" or feeling down. Thankfully, there are some things we can do to help bolster our mood and help us feel better! 

In this episode I'm going to give you 15 things you can do when you're feeling down.

[00:45] 1 - Normalize

[02:56] 2 - Express don't suppress

[04:23] 3 - Seek professional help

[05:54] 4 - Do "The Work" by Byron Katie

[06:40] 5 - Get outside

[07:18] 6 - Get a listening partnership

[08:33] 7 - Get enough sleep

[09:14] 8 - Move your body

[10:09] 9 - Laugh (watch some comedy)

[10:47] 10 - Pamper yourself

[11:25] 11 - Eat well

[12:58] 12 - Check if you need supplements or a dietary change

[13:14] 13 - Cleanse your mental diet

[14:41] 14 - Take a break from social media

[15:10] 15 - Help others

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources mentioned:

Books about CBT:

Books about mindset:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/94 

TPJ 93: 10 Ways To Feel Less Overwhelmed As A Mom18 Jan 202100:20:25

Do you feel overwhelmed by your life at home with young children? I'm a mother of 5, I run my own business, I homeschool part-time...I have a lot on my plate (and I'm sure you do too).

It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed! But we're not helpless. There are things within our control that can make a big difference and reduce the overwhelm in our lives. 

In this episode I'll give you 10 tips to help you reduce the overwhelm.

[00:52] #1 Declutter

[02:37] #2 Create storage systems

[03:58] #3 Clean as you go

[06:01] #4 Batch your cooking

[08:03] #5 Develop consistency & routine

[10:18] #6 Buy things in sets

[12:05] #7 Store similar things together

[14:21] #8 Create a family color pallette 

[16:36] #9 Get clear on your vision

[17:53] #10 Put systems in place

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 92: How To Feel Phenomenal When You're A Mom11 Jan 202100:22:16

In our culture it's quite acceptable to wear yoga pants all day, have cheerios in your hair, have spit up on your shirt, and always look a little bit like a hot mess once you become a mom.

And you know what? It's OK if you do! Being a mom is exhausting and demanding.

Compared to the childless life, it's a lot harder to look and feel phenomenal as you're running around after toddlers all day, taking care of newborns all night, chauffeuring kids around all day, preparing lunches, making loads of meals, washing loads of dishes, cleaning all the time, and the list goes on. I get it. I really get it.

I'm not a lifestyle, fashion and makeup guru, but I do know this: when I feel put together, somewhat taken care of, and I like the way that I look, I operate better.  I'm a much more patient, upbeat, and positive person.

So I happen to think that it's an incredibly powerful parenting tool to make yourself feel like the best version of yourself. When we feel good and feel confident going out into the world we have more energy to show up for our children with more love, patience, energy, space and joy! We just have more of ourselves to give.

In this episode I'll give you 8 tips to help feel phenomenal as a mom with littles! 

[02:33] #1 - Don't snooze

[05:07] #2 - Get dressed in the morning

[06:51] #3 - Do something to take care of yourself in the morning

[08:29] #4 - Add fragrance to yourself and/or your home

[09:41] #5 - Play music you love

[11:00] #6 - Make food you love

[13:55] #7 - Take time to do little things for yourself throughout the day.

[15:58] #8 - Take care of yourself at night

[19:03] Speaking of nighttime...go to bed earlier!

[20:42] Feeling phenomenal as a parent is a form of good parenting!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

TPJ 91: What To Do When Your Kids Use Inappropriate Language04 Jan 202100:32:14

In this episode I'll be addressing a question from a member of our Present Play community. 

Tracy from Georgia asked what to do when your children use rude or inappropriate language, and also how to address their negative self-talk. 

Thank you for your question Tracy! You are certainly not alone in this struggle. All parents are presented with these challenges (including myself).

There are a few ways to go about it, but I'd like to talk about my preferred approach. 

[04:59] Keep in mind: Childhood development is a slow process. Changes are gradual and it takes time, repetition, and consistency.

[06:22] Typical approach #1: Authoritarian Approach

[09:02] Typical approach #2: Permissive Approach

[11:20] 3rd option: Be calm but firm and address the situation.

[12:16] We have to be responsive to the situation, but not reactive.

[12:30] Step 1: Pause, breathe, and calm yourself down. Then state clearly and calmly to yourself and your child what you DO want to see.

[13:23] Say to yourself "I will respond when I've gathered myself and collected my thoughts."

[15:14] Step 2: Calmly explain what will happen if they continue. Just a logical consequence for continuing.

[17:00] It's not a threat or punishment. We're trying to teach them what the results of certain behaviors are.

[17:34] Step 3: Follow through immediately.

[21:13] How to address a child's negative self talk.

[22:38] Center yourself. This is a normal part of childhood and every child needs to work through it. 

[25:22] Help them focus on the right things.

[25:53] We're trying to teach our children what advances their agenda and what takes away from it.

[30:36] The energy at which we have these interactions is the most important factor.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

TPJ 90: Practical Ways To Create A Great Atmosphere At Home14 Dec 202000:27:58

When you're home with young children it can feel really overwhelming and stressful. Between all the messes, the tantrums, the whining, the noise, and the smells, it can make your home a place you want to escape from instead of a place to escape to

 

In this episode I'll give you 10 practical tips to bring more pleasure, peace, joy, fun, and energy into your home. 

 

[02:07] #1 - Add some plants

[04:51] #2 - Play music

[06:23] #3 - Use aromas and fragrances

[08:11] #4 - Keep surfaces clear

[11:06] #5 - Decorate with affirming words

[12:55] #6 - Print and display family photos

[14:49] #7 - Use neutral colors

[17:46] #8 - Use natural and soft lighting

[20:15] #9 - Add beautiful objects (and remove ugly objects)

[24:31] #10 - Comfortable furniture pieces

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/90 

TPJ 89: Create A Family Vision07 Dec 202000:12:00

Do you ever feel like you don't want to do this anymore? This parenting thing, I mean. The nagging, the fighting, the wining, the dishes, the laundry, feeling tired and drained and sometimes, hopeless. Angry. Vengeful.

Exhausted. 

We all go through seasons like this. But the good news is we don't have to stay there. One thing that can make a huge difference and give you the extra push to get through the lows is to create a vision for your family. 

That's what I want to talk about today. 

[02:53] What do we do when we don't feel like we can keep going?

[04:37] That's why it's so important to have a vision.

[05:35] We need to understand what it's all for.

[06:07] We all need a vision for our families

[06:57] If you don't already have one, it's time to start working on it!

[07:18] Examples, to get the creative juices flowing...

[07:54] It needs to be meaningful. Something to get you up in the morning. Something worth fighting for.

[08:44] If you'd like help crafting yours, I've put together a package to guide you through the process step by step.

Creating a big juicy vision for your family will help you push through the challenging times. It'll provide a north star, a guiding light, taking you closer to what you really want for you and your family. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/89

TPJ 88: Not "What", But "How"30 Nov 202000:14:55

Many people find they lose aspects of their identity when they have kids. Can you relate? This year has certainly made it more challenging to hold onto our identities. Many things in our lives have been "lost" (or put on hold) during the pandemic, and it has been hard. 

If you're feeling like you've lost yourself, this episode is for you. 

[00:36] Join me in my free challenge, Finish Strong! 

[05:34] Ready to create the vision for your family?

[05:39] Many of us feel a loss of identity as we enter parenthood.

[05:56] Let's evaluate the source of our identity

[06:57] Changes in life can change our identities.

[08:05] The things we are or do make for superficial identities.

[09:48] Where else can we find our identity? 

[12:36] Start focusing more on the "how" and less on the "what"

As we start to focus more on how we show up, how we go about our days, we'll find that our identities are much more stable and steady in the face of adversity. The "what" might change, but how we show up remains constant. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/88 

#48 Self-Help Labels - The Hidden Harm of Personal Growth19 Aug 202500:34:14

Mindset is everything. It shapes whether life's challenges make us stronger — or keep us stuck. That's why I created Alchemize, my signature mindset course where I teach you how to transform struggles into strength, and turn setbacks into resilience - https://hifam.com/alchemize

Because here's the truth: self-help promises transformation, but too often it does the opposite. Hidden beneath the buzzwords and labels is a trap. Instead of growing, we get boxed in by identities like "people-pleaser," "perfectionist," "trauma survivor," or "high-functioning."

At first, those labels feel validating. They explain why you are the way you are. But very quickly, they shrink your confidence and keep you fragile. They give language, but also limits. Instead of helping you heal, they make you feel broken. Instead of empowering you, they keep you small.

In this episode, I unpack five popular self-help labels that secretly hold women back — and show you how to let them go. Because you are not your label. You don't need another box to live in. You need freedom, strength, and the courage to face life without constant self-diagnosis. Let's drop the baggage, quiet the noise, and get back to real growth.

TPJ 87: Rethinking Mistakes And Failures23 Nov 202000:14:15

Everyone makes mistakes and experiences failures. We all have shortcomings, weaknesses, and areas of lack. And many people are stuck in a fixed mindset, thinking that it's just how they are. 

But not everyone.

Some people have adopted a growth mindset, and see mistakes and failures in a different (and positive) light. Do you want to be one of them?

Join me in this episode as we discuss how to do just that. 

[00:36] Join me in my free challenge, Finish Strong

[02:36] Do you feel like there have been some mistakes either on your part or other people's part?

[03:20] Many people are stuck in a Fixed Mindset

[04:31] We can decide to change and grow.

[05:23] How my 97 year old grandma stays young and vibrant

[06:32] It's tragic when people say things like "that's just how I am"

[06:42] Our brains have plasticity and we can continue to change and learn

[07:07] Adopt a growth mindset

[07:47] Successful people view their mistakes and failures as learning opportunities.

[08:36] Do you beat yourself up over mistakes and failures?

[09:25] Everything is in a constant state of change. 

We don't have to stay stuck. We can change, adapt, and grow (and so can our kids). Let's start to view our mistakes and failures as learning opportunities and continue to improve and develop. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/87 

TPJ 86: Living with Duality16 Nov 202000:12:09

Kids (and adults, if we're being honest) often have a rigid way of thinking. It's often black or white, all or nothing. We see our truth, and find it hard to understand that someone else may have a different truth. 

But life (and people) are much more complex and nuanced than that, and we often live with a duality that can be hard to cope with. Today we're going to talk about a hallmark of maturity that can help us (and our kids) deal with this. 

[01:14] Join me in my free challenge, Finish Strong

[02:50] Children often have a rigid way of thinking

[04:16] The ability to hold 2 conflicting truths at the same time is a hallmark of maturity.

[05:09] Let's replace the word "but" & "or" with "and"

[06:44] Sometimes we can feel both a like and dislike for the same thing. What do we do with that? 

[08:01] It's immature to reduce things or people down to just one thing, all or nothing. 

[08:32] Let's try to coach our kids and introduce them to other perspectives.

As we experience challenges and difficult circumstances (and difficult people), Let's try to use "and" more than "or" or "but". Let's give people space for their complex views and truths and realize that we all live with some duality in our lives. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/86 

TPJ 85: Grief And Finding Silver Linings09 Nov 202000:16:05

Are you going through something tough in your life? A big transition, problems at home or in your relationships, financial struggles. Maybe you haven't had the support you're used to and you feel like you're drowning. It could even be a series of trivial things that normally wouldn't amount to much, but with the year we've been having...let's just say it's been hard on many of us. 

When we experience challenges, we often go through a process of grief (even on "small" stuff). There's a typical progression of 5 stages that most of us go through, and today I want to talk about that and what CAN come after stage 5. 

[02:43] Has 2020 been a rough year for you? Are you longing for some change (in the right direction)? Join me in my free challenge, Finish Strong!

[04:53] Stage 1: Denial

[06:22] Stage 2: Anger

[06:48] Stage 3: Bargaining

[07:39] Stage 4: Depression

[08:19] Stage 5: Acceptance

[09:26] What comes after acceptance?

[10:57] Stage 6: The silver lining

[14:45] How we can coach our children through this.

We certainly are justified staying in any stage. But we can choose to move forward and search for the silver lining in our challenges, finding the gifts and blessings that are there for the taking. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/85

TPJ 84: Processing Events To Avoid Trauma02 Nov 202000:21:20

Have you (or your child) experienced rough times? Are you having a hard time dealing with them? If so, this episode is for you. 

[01:29] Has 2020 been a rough year for you? Are you longing for some change (in the right direction)? Join me in my free challenge, Finish Strong!

[05:58] Mindset is so important when it comes to challenges we've faced.

[07:18] Integrate any trauma we have experienced.

[09:31] When someone has made sense of their narrative, they go a long way toward healing.

[10:27] How can we use this today? 

[12:08] Here's an example: When a child falls down

[14:14] Talk through what happened.

[14:51] But wait...do we really want to relive trauma? 

[17:01] Eventually it becomes boring (or at least loses it's edge).

[17:41] Example from my life: Childbirth trauma

[19:55] Start working through the story of this past year.

It's time to put in some work! Start working through your story, talking about what happened, and begin to integrate it into your narrative. It'll begin the healing process and you'll find it'll start to lose it's sting.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/84

TPJ 83: Parenting & Leadership - You Are The CEO19 Oct 202000:09:09

For some reason we sometimes downplay our roles as parents. We often say things like "I'm just a mom/dad", and at times don't approach it with the same zest and zeal we would in our career or other leadership role. Why is that?

Today I want to discuss parenting and how I think our role as a parent is like being a CEO. 

[00:31] Parenting is a high stakes "job" (I know it's a relationship and not a job...but hear me out).

[01:02] But we often downplay our role as a parent.

[01:53] As parents, we're CEOs of our families. 

[03:46] The work we do as parents is meaningful and important.

[04:35] Let's start thinking of ourselves as CEOs

[04:51] Let's show up with zest, joy, and interest.

[05:00] Let's take pride in the work we're doing. We're not "just" moms or dads. We're leaders. 

[05:54] We should invest in ourselves like a CEO. Read books, listen to podcasts, learn more about our craft. 

[07:01] People who are "successful" aren't necessarily more talented. They're often relentless in their pursuit of growing in their craft.

Let's approach our parenting like we would a CEO role in a business, and work toward mastery in our craft! 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

TPJ 82: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills12 Oct 202000:35:06

We all want our kids to be resilient. We want them to be critical thinkers. We want them to be respectful, to value diversity, and be tolerant of various lifestyles and backgrounds. Right? 

Just like our immune system needs to be challenged by foreign substances, our values, beliefs, and opinions are bolstered and improved by being challenged. 

In this episode I'm going to discuss why our kids need to be exposed to alternative points of view in order to become healthy, functioning adults.  

[00:43] Have you seen "The Social Dilemma"?

[04:05] We are living in an echo chamber.

[08:18] Each of us are living in our own little universe online

[10:25] If we want our kids to develop critical thinking skills, they must be exposed to alternative points of view.

[12:24] We need to resist the urge to "protect" our kids from any views or opinions that we don't agree with.

[13:32] Shielding your child from an idea makes them more vulnerable to that idea.

[15:43] We want our children to learn how to discern.

[16:23] We want our kids to develop balanced and nuanced opinions.

[17:34] Even some of the best ideas, when taken to the extreme, can become unhealthy.

[19:04] If we want to stay balanced, we need to be exposed to alternative viewpoints.

[20:30] Hearing alternative points of view can bolster yours. 

[22:33] I want to teach my children that everyone is at least worth listening to.

[23:23] We want our kids to develop empathy and diversity.

[25:25] I want my kids to understand that it's ok for others to believe differently, live differently, vote differently, etc. 

[28:06] I use a Socratic method of asking questions to help my kids think through an idea or opinion.

[29:15] There's always something to learn from other people.

[29:54] Ideas are something that we can contend with.

[31:48] I want my children to understand that we all have more in common with others than what divides us.

If we want our kids to develop empathy & critical thinking, to value diversity & tolerance and understand that it's ok for people to live and believe differently than us, we need to be purposeful about exposing them to alternative points of view. We need to show them that we can contend with ideas, and lead the way as we discern information and value what other people have to say. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 81: Call Out Culture - We've Got It All Wrong05 Oct 202000:35:57

Have you ever been shamed or humiliated in front of people? Whether it was during school, a social event, or even online, most of us have been publicly shamed at some point.

How did it make you feel? Did it make you want to change? Did it feel good? Did it feel like they had your best interest at heart? Odds are good your answer is no. 

So why do some think that it's ok to continue this into adulthood, especially online? 

In this episode I'm going to discuss the call-out culture and what we can do instead. 

[01:53] The "callout culture" is spreading like a wild fire...even though public shaming was done away with as a legal form of punishment.

[05:37] What's true in the micro is true in the macro.

[06:35] "How we live each day is how we live our entire lives."

[09:10] Why do some believe you shouldn't publicly shame children, but have no problem doing it to adults?

[10:34] The trend of publicly shaming & calling people out online.

[11:59] What child psychology tells us about public shaming. 

[14:29] Why is it ok to publicly shame adults? 

[18:47] What should we do when we see or hear something we don't like?

[20:50] Often inaction is the "higher road".

[23:20] Let's make a culture and society that allows a margin for error.

[24:11] In the moments where you need to say something, let's call people in.

[28:15] Let's be curious, humble, and give others the benefit of the doubt.

[29:53] We don't influence our children (or anyone) by attacking them or shaming them. 

The call-out culture is unhealthy for us, public shaming doesn't work (and was outlawed for a reason) and people react negatively to being humiliated. Let's all do our part to end the call-out culture.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 80: Personal Growth Hacking - The Difference Between Adults & Grown-Ups28 Sep 202001:07:31

Do you ever feel like you're struggling under the weight of being an adult? Managing your time, finances, relationships, emotions, children, etc...sometimes life can feel so out of control. 

Then you add in anxiety, fear, and worry about things going on around you and in the world at large...it's no wonder so many people are suffering and feel stuck. 

In this episode I'll discuss these challenges and talk about what we can do to overcome them. 

[03:08] Wednesday's workshop, 9/30/20 @11a Eastern Time

[06:07] What does it mean to be an adult?

[13:15] The difference between adults and grown-ups.

[13:49] Grown-ups have their emotional life in order.

[15:53] Grown-ups have their psychological life in order.

[20:52] Grown-ups have their spiritual life in order.

[21:31] Immature people are obsessed with themselves and others' thoughts and opinions.

[27:18] The key to finding meaning and joy in life is to grow ourselves up. 

[31:33] How do we grow up? Mindset work.

[32:40] How do we get our emotional life in order?

[33:13] We must start to take responsibility for feelings and emotions, and start making different choices.

[33:52] How do we get our psychological life in order?

[38:49] How do we get our spiritual life in order?

[43:23] What does it look like to "show up"?

Q&A Section

[55:41] How many people are in the group coaching sessions?

[56:08] Is this coaching for kids or parents?

[56:39] How do you manage a relationship with a family member who is an adult but not a grown-up?

[59:30] How do you break out of these immature cycles when you feel stuck there? 

This sort of work (mindset work) is where real change takes place. It's what takes us to the next level and helps us work toward levels of peace, enjoyment, and fulfillment we all crave and deserve. Let's get to work! 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 79: Mindset Is Everything21 Sep 202000:39:23

Do you ever struggle with fear, frustration, worry, anxiety, or negative thoughts?

There can be this running voice in our heads that constantly makes us feel like we're not enough, like we're messing up, like we're a failure. It can be so easy to feel offended, feel like a victim, feel upset, worried, anxious, scared, fearful, doubtful, etc. 

In this episode I'm going to talk about how our mindsets are everything, and share a little bit about my own personal story of how my mindset helped me turn things around. And more importantly, how you can too.

[03:43] I used to be so easily offended and shaken up. 

[06:13] Our mindset and how we frame things is a huge differentiator in how we experience life.

[14:43] Framing things in a positive light can be very challenging, however.

[17:37] External circumstances don't necessarily link directly to a person's internal experience.

[20:51] How can two people who've been through the same traumatic experience turn out so differently?

[24:07] What mindsets can help us turn things around when we feel stuck, frustrated, hurt, etc.?

[27:22] People have the capacity to change when they want to. 

[29:32] We must start to think about how we think about things.

[31:54] In any given situation, we have a choice about our mindset around it.

[32:08] There's a difference between reacting and responding.

[33:20] We can't control much of what happens in the world, but we can control ourselves and how we respond.

We can choose to stay stuck in a fixed mindset, or we can adopt a growth mindset and become the people we want to be. The choice is ours. What will you choose?

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 78: Criticism, Critique, & Critical Thinking07 Sep 202000:22:13

There seems to be some confusion in our culture between criticism and critique. While criticism can be unhelpful and hurtful, critique is necessary to help us grow, develop, and make wise choices. It's how things improve! 

You've probably heard the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I sometimes get feedback like this when I talk about school or issues in parenting. And I agree! We should always be kind. But perhaps we need to redefine what's "nice."

In this episode I want to discuss the differences between criticism and critique, and how I think critique is necessary and helpful. 

[02:24] What design school taught me about criticism.

[05:47] It can be helpful to de-personalize critiques & criticism.

[06:59] We shouldn't say something if it isn't nice, but perhaps we need to redefine what's "nice."

[07:50] We need to be able to discuss the merits and the downsides of various things. 

[08:39] Before you speak, ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid." -Bernard Meltzer

[09:38] Differences between criticism and critique.

[13:49] Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. -Dalai Lama

[13:54] It's possible to point out things that need to be changed or improved without being unkind. 

[14:42] We need to be less fragile, and handle critique. 

[16:01] We don't have to shut down conversations just because there's critique involved.

[16:42] The ability to critique is an incredible skill to have. 

[18:38] Critique is how we learn & grow, and it's a sign of maturity.

Critique is something we all need to be open to hearing, and open to giving. It's a skill we can develop, and can greatly enhance our lives and the lives of our children. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

#47 Top 5 Misdiagnosed Disorders in Children12 Aug 202500:26:20

Most "sensory-seeking," "strong-willed," and "high needs" children don't need therapy — they need THIS → https://reclaimplay.com/course

Here's what I've discovered after raising 5 kids: When children get the movement, exploration, and independent play they're designed for, most of those "diagnostic" behaviors naturally resolve.

They develop focus, emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence — not through intervention, but through what their developing brains actually crave. Before you label your child, give them what they're biologically designed to thrive with.

Yet... Here's what's happening instead - we live in a world where diagnostic labels are everywhere — and sometimes they help. But too often, we're taking language meant for clinical settings and casually applying it to normal childhood behavior.

That's why we start parenting the label instead of the child.

In this episode, we'll explore:
- Why common diagnosis terms might not mean what you think
- How these labels can quietly limit your child's growth (and your confidence as a parent)
- What to focus on instead — so you can meet your child's real needs without boxing them in

This isn't about ignoring challenges. It's about seeing your child fully — and giving them the chance to rise beyond the story they've been given. The shift we'll talk about today can change the way you see your child, your family culture, and even yourself.

🔥 Reclaim Play – Create a home that meets your child's developmental needs through independent play: https://reclaimplay.com/course
🔥 The Studio – Build a family culture where your child's identity comes from values, not labels: https://hifam.com/studio

TPJ 77: The 6th Love Language31 Aug 202000:27:57

How do you express your love? Is it the same way you receive love? How do your kids experience your love? In this episode I'll discuss the five love languages coined by Gary Chapman and add my take on them. PLUS I'm adding a 6th one to the list. 

[02:13] Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages"

[03:19] This can help us understand each other and improve our relationships.

[06:06] These can change as we change. 

[07:42] Avoid feelings like you're not good enough.

[09:54] Words of affirmation

[11:50] Physical touch

[13:46] Quality time

[16:23] Acts of service

[20:08] You may not excel at every single one...and that's ok! Most of us are stronger in some and weaker in

[20:34] Gift giving

[22:13] My addition (love language #6): Visionary Leadership

I know sometimes it can feel futile, putting all this work into taking care of and loving our children.

It can leave us wondering whether they'll remember any of it and if it will make a difference. I believe it will make a BIG difference! You're embedding this into their being.

They may not realize it until they're older, but at some point you'll see the fruit of your hard work! 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here.

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 76: These 7 Limiting Beliefs Are Sabotaging Your Marriage24 Aug 202001:00:34

Marriage should not be a cause of pain and suffering. OR AT LEAST, should not ONLY be a cause of pain and suffering.

It should also be a source of great energy and joy, and should be enhancing and boosting our life. It should make life easier and more enjoyable, having this companion and life partner by our side.

But so often I'm seeing the opposite. Instead of being mostly good with some challenges, I'm seeing big challenges and lots of stress, with very little joy. 

In this episode I want to take you through a set of common beliefs about marriage, and why I think they're wrong.  

[04:27] Limiting belief #1: Marriages don't work out.

[09:12] Limiting belief #2: The ONLY way to improve your relationship is with counseling.

[15:01] Limiting belief #3: You chose the wrong partner.

[22:56] Limiting belief #4: My partner will never change.

[26:46] Limiting belief #5: It would be easier alone.

[32:26] Limiting belief #6: I'm too tired and/or busy to do ALL the work.

[44:02] Limiting belief #7: What if I try and it doesn't work? 

[46:52] Marriage is like Mt. Everest.

[50:10] So how do you do it? What do you do to build the relationship of your dreams?

[52:30] https://theparentingjunkie.com/parentinlove

Q&A

[54:52] If we're already in Present Play, can we join Parent In Love too? 

[55:17] Do you get the coaching if you're already in Parent In Love?

[55:58] Is there a payment plan for Parent In Love?

[56:23] Is Parent In Love applicable if my partner doesn't go through the course?

[58:34] How much does it cost?

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 75: Happily Ever After [Kids] - How To Fall Back In Love19 Aug 202000:59:35

Has your relationship suffered after children were thrown into the mix? Chances are good that it has. I've certainly gone through ups and downs, and my friends and clients have too. While challenges certainly are inevitable, life-long suffering in your relationship doesn't have to be. 

In this episode I'm going to ask some questions and even give you a little tough love to inspire and encourage you to do what it takes to turn things around! 

[01:03] How did your relationship change after having kids? 

[04:26] We often neglect the relationship with our partner

[07:02] Deep down we all know our relationships are important. But many people underestimate just how important they really are.

[11:40] The relationship with our partner is the most important relationship of our life.

[17:03] We have to admit when things aren't going well before we can start to turn things around.

[17:43] Most of us weren't taught how to have successful relationships.

[22:17] It's hard, but worth the fight! It's worth what it takes!

[23:12] Myth: We should put our kids before ourselves.

[24:18] Your relationship becomes the "relationship curriculum" for your children.

[27:02] Relationships are like plants. Take care of them, or they wither and die. 

[29:47] We have to stop hiding behind our children.

[31:49] It's time to wake up! The plant is wilting and needs attention. 

[33:22] If there's something you're wishing for or desiring, it's safe to assume your partner has a similar wish or desire.

[34:40] It's not too late to start making changes!

[38:00] New mini-course: Worth The Fight

[39:11] New mini-course: Got To Grow

Q&A

[44:17] Do you have specific suggestions about how to fight?

[45:17] What is the difference between the Power Couple Workshop and the course?

[46:25] Is it worth the fight if I'm the only one who tries to work on the relationship?

[55:37] Which course is better for just starting out? 

[56:19] What if my partner drinks alcohol and is very hard to be with or talk with after dinner?

[58:02] Can I pay with PayPal?

It's not too late to get to work and build the relationship of your dreams! It's worth the fight and you (and your children) are worth the effort it takes to turn things around. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work! 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 74: Relationship Tips - How Doing What's Fair Gets You Nowhere10 Aug 202000:24:59

Do you feel like you carry the bulk of the load in your relationship? Like all the responsibility falls on you? Like the division of labor and the mental and emotional burden isn't fair? 

It's understandable...and it's also ruining our relationships.

In this episode I'm going to walk you through a series of questions to help you shift your mindset and improve your relationship with your partner. 

[02:16] Are you keeping a running tab of "who does what" in your head? 

[04:05] Keeping score undermines your partnership.

[07:59] A transactional approach to relationships is a major cause of division and conflict in relationships.

[13:36] Is there really such a thing as equality in a relationship?

[14:16] Do you really want things to be totally even, all the time? 

[14:43] Does keeping score promote unconditional love?

[15:58] Does it feel good when you pit yourself against your partner? 

[16:07] Does nitpicking your partner make you love them more or less?

[16:32] When you keep track of how much you give, does that make you a better or worse version of yourself?

[16:53] What does your partner do that you appreciate greatly? 

[17:19] What does it mean to you to love someone and accept them as they are? 

[17:27] How does that look, and how do you know when you're practicing that? 

[17:33] Ultimately, are you displaying unconditional love through it all? 

[18:10] What's the difference between trying to change someone and trying to evolve with someone and influence them? 

[18:30] What does your partner appreciate in you that you might be forgetting or discounting? 

[18:42] What competencies, energies, and skills do you each bring to the relationship?

[18:57] Should we be forcing each other to bring the exact same qualities to the table? 

[19:23] Or should you each be contributing to the best of your abilities in our own special way?

[19:32] What's the meaning of seasons in life? 

[20:01] Are you accounting for the differences in personalities, temperaments, and abilities you each have? 

[20:16] Are you communicating your needs properly? 

[21:02] Are you using punishments to control or manipulate your partner?

[21:37] Are you truly looking for you both to shine your brightest? 

[21:47] Are you holding onto a victim mindset?

[22:02] Are you ready to let you both shine in your unique and individual ways?

[22:37] There's no such thing as a win-lose in relationships. If one loses, you both lose.

Ultimately how we partner is how we parent. We should do everything we can to be peaceful partners, because it will translate into our parenting and make a big difference in all of our relationships. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 73: HOMESCHOOLING VS PUBLIC SCHOOLING: A Guide for Parents03 Aug 202001:28:32

I know there can be a lot of anxiety and indecision when it comes to the topic of school vs. homeschool. How do you know which way to go? What if I try it and it doesn't work? What if I ruin my kids??

In this episode I'm going to walk you through the decision making process and take you from indecision to clarity. 

[10:42] "The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety." Deepak Chopra

[11:58] 1. Our role is to choose the environment in which our children educate themselves.

[14:04] 2. Our choices aren't right for everyone. They're only right for our own families.

[16:27] 3. Nothing is set in stone. We can make changes if something doesn't feel right.

[18:40] Use this matrix & process to help you make a decision.

[20:31] Education

[22:13] Time

[23:31] Cost

[24:39] Reliability

[26:16] Method

[28:01] Socialization

[31:50] Autonomy

[33:22] Health

[34:17] Relationships

[35:58] Intuition

[36:45] Add in any additional considerations for your unique situation.

[41:02] If you're going to homeschool, work on mindset before you go out and buy all the awesome stuff. 

[42:12] Learning can only be effective when you and your child feel good about it.

Q&A:

[49:29] I want to homeschool, but my spouse thinks I'll ruin our kids. 

[51:47] How old were your (Avital's) kids when you started using your Focus Time approach?

[53:03] What is a "hybrid model"?

[54:25] How do I homeschool a preschooler and still work 8 hours from home?

[56:07] What homeschool system do you recommend for non-English speakers?

[56:43] My spouse thinks socialization will suffer if we homeschool.

[58:22] I'm not a structured person and already struggle with routines...I fear it may be a little too much.

[59:55] What time are the Q&A sessions if I join Focus Time?

[49:29] I want to homeschool, but my spouse thinks I'll ruin our kids. 

[51:47] How old were your (Avital's) kids when you started using your Focus Time approach?

[53:03] What is a "hybrid model"?

[54:25] How do I homeschool a preschooler and still work 8 hours from home?

[56:07] What homeschool system do you recommend for non-English speakers?

[56:43] My spouse thinks socialization will suffer if we homeschool.

[58:22] I'm not a structured person and already struggle with routines...I fear it may be a little too much.

[59:55] What time are the Q&A sessions if I join Focus Time?

[1:01:02] What age should we start? I think my kids are too little.

[1:02:20] Do I need to homeschool, or is unschooling an option?

[1:03:30] Does homeschooling work between divorced parents?

[1:04:33] Would Focus Time help me decide if homeschooling is for me?

[1:05:13] How do you handle "demand avoidance"?

[1:08:06] My Mom is an elementary school teacher and talks about homeschoolers always being behind when they start school.

If you're still unsure or are homeschool-curious, check out our course Focus Time. It will help you gain clarity and take a peek behind the curtain to see what it's like to homeschool. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 72: From UNSURE to UNSHAKEABLE (3 Positive Mindset Shifts)27 Jul 202000:36:06

So many of us have been pushing through, waiting and hoping for things to return to some sort of "normal". But with a second wave sweeping through the world it seems like it may never get back to normal. And now with the school year approaching and continued restrictions wherever we go, there's no end to the opportunities to feel anxious, fearful, and overwhelmed. 

In this episode I want to help you recommit, reenergize, and reinvigorate yourself, bolstering your resolve with 3 simple mindset shifts. 

[05:58] If you're feeling frustrated, cooped up, judged, irritated, etc., you're not alone.

[08:13] How can we view everything through a more compassionate lens?

[09:21] I believe there's a better way to handle differences of opinion.

[17:11] Mindset #1: The benefit of the doubt.

[22:03] Mindset #2: Believe in yourself

[26:51] Mindset #3: Be the you that you want to be.

Rather than approaching things with anxiety, judgement, shame, and guilt, we can use these mindsets to come at things with love, grace, compassion, integrity, and make a positive impact on the world. Let's be the people who increase calmness, peace, and reason. People who promote a sense of togetherness instead of tearing us apart.  

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 71: Dangerous Social Media Effects on Family Life20 Jul 202000:49:09

Does social media stress you out? Research indicates that it can cause anxiety and even depression. I've heard countless people say they felt great after taking a break from it. Why is that? 

In this episode I want to offer a breakdown of the recent social media landscape; how it may be harming us, what we can do to keep our sanity.

[04:56] Links between social media and anxiety and depression.

[10:37] Social media seems to be getting darker and the cons are beginning to outweigh the pros. 

[14:23] A large part of it stems from anonymity, and losing face-to-face interactions.

[18:49] There's a major lack of accountability.

[22:52] There's a lack of discourse and an inflation of terminology.

[24:22] The main factor contributing to anxiety is catastrophizing.

[25:30] We're also losing our individuality.

[26:28] There's a major lack of diversity of thought. 

[35:38] It's brought back public shaming (which we did away with in the 1800's)

[36:33] Can we start interacting online like we do with people offline? 

[40:50] Social media is heavily influencing us and ultimately enslaving us.

Social media is a tool, and all tools can be used for good or evil. It can be a tool that unites us, helps us keep up with friends and family and develop bonds and connections with people we otherwise wouldn't have the pleasure of meeting. 

But it can also be a major source of anxiety and depression, and can derail the relationships with people in our "real life". So let's re-evaluate our social media habits and make changes where necessary. 

If we can start giving people the benefit of the doubt and treat each other with respect and dignity (like we would if we were interacting in person), we may see a shift in our interactions online. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

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Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

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TPJ 70: Kate Northrup - Do Less, Get More!29 Jun 202000:55:00

Join me in a conversation with my friend Kate Northrup, "Do Less" author, as we talk about time-management, work-life balance, and vulnerability. 

Sometimes we feel we have to hide some part of our parenting because we're afraid of people's judgments. We fear sharing our whole, vulnerable self because disagreement is often met with hostile, dogmatic, judgmental comments. 

One of the things I've worked hard to cultivate is friendships with others where it is ok, desired even, to say your honest (respectful!) opinions. And I think this conversation about vaccinations with Kate exemplifies that type of supportive friendship. 

[03:18] How entrepreneurship and parenthood converge.

[04:34] The origin of "Do Less".

[09:02] We have to advocate for ourselves to get our needs met.

[12:41] Let's give our children "trust to show up for themselves".

[15:17] "Less preparation, more presence" -Adrienne Maree Brown

[17:21] Do less, so that what we do is high quality.

[19:48] Avoid "keeping score" and tallying the hours spent being mom, working, etc.

[21:47] Looking outside of ourselves for what we "should" be doing can be dangerous. 

[25:44] Let's talk about vaccinations...

[32:16] How Kate handled pushback on her vaccine stance.

[38:36] We shouldn't have to walk on eggshells or be afraid of saying the "wrong thing". 

[42:42] You can't "go there" with everyone, but often if we take the lead and try, we'll be pleasantly surprised.

[43:22] How Kate "does it all".

[52:35] Stop beating yourself up!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 69: The Helicopter Parenting Epidemic: Are You Overparenting?22 Jun 202000:32:19

Do you feel tired or burned out in your parenting? Do you feel like you're "on" all the time and never get a break? Do you think your child's happiness and entertainment falls squarely on your shoulders? In this episode I want to address an issue I see a lot; overparenting. 

[03:01] What is overparenting?

[07:24] A big indicator of overparenting: Burnout

[08:08] Overparenting is not good for the parents

[10:45] Don't take on other people's roles

[12:34] Overparenting is not good for children.

[15:34] Overparenting makes children weak, timid, and fragile. 

[16:53] It's not your job to keep your children happy.

[20:09] It's not your job to constantly entertain your children. 

[24:00] Get comfortable with discomfort. 

If you find yourself in the overparenting camp, start sitting back a little more. Let some of those things go, and stop taking on roles you weren't meant to take on.  

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

TPJ 68: Who's to Blame for the Family Fights?15 Jun 202000:25:23

There's a mindset that has permeated our culture and it's causing a lot of damage. It ruins our homes and families, our relationships, and even entire communities. Which mindset? Blaming. Let's discuss.

[03:32] The blaming mindset is rampant in our culture.

[08:41] How does blaming help? 

[09:49] How a blaming mindset affects our homes.

[10:29] Blame triggers defensiveness.

[11:53] Blaming over-simplifies a problem.

[14:13] Blame makes people deflect.

[16:34] Instead, let's develop a solution mindset.

[20:19] Say "We don't blame in this family." 

[21:17] Empathize

When we empathize with people and focus on finding solutions together, we'll find that there's opportunity for growth and learning, and it'll strengthen relationships instead of tear them apart. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

  • Need help figuring out how to homeschool? Take all the guesswork and trial and error out with our homeschooling course, Focus Time.
#46 10 Ways THESE Phrases Are Hurting Your Family05 Aug 202500:39:51

Not everything is trauma. 
Not every disagreement is gaslighting.
Not every meltdown is dysregulation.

As therapeutic language becomes more mainstream, it's seeping into how we talk about everything — from parenting and marriage to how we see ourselves.

But what if constantly labeling our family dynamics through a therapy lens is doing more harm than good?

In this episode, I share 10 ways therapy-speak might be unintentionally hurting your family culture — from overdiagnosing normal struggles, to turning illness into identity, to undermining repair in relationships.

Whether you're a parent, partner, or simply someone trying to build a healthier home life, this episode will help you reclaim your confidence, your connection, and your clarity — without the constant need for a label.

🔹 We'll talk about:
• When labeling becomes disabling
• Why therapy talk can weaken your instincts
• How diagnostic language might hurt your marriage or your child
• The risk of turning challenges into fixed identities
• How to reconnect with your family's real culture — beyond pathologizing

RESOURCES 
🌱 Ready to reclaim your child's confidence through independent play? Join Reclaim Play → https://reclaimplay.com

Build a Strong Family Culture with The Studio - https://hifam.com/studio

Want to go deeper in strengthening your marriage — without pathologizing every disagreement? Learn more about Married-U - https://married-u.com

Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier - https://amzn.to/4h2IYMx

TPJ 67: The Power Of Words01 Jun 202000:28:32

Many people have been struggling with feelings of powerlessness and negativity. But what if I told you that you possess the ability to empower yourself and create positivity in your life? That's exactly what I'll be discussing in this episode. 

[03:50] Our thoughts and words are powerful.

[06:48] Culture has "watered down" certain words and concepts.

[10:54] When we use exaggerated words, it sets us up for failure.

[13:28] It's making us fragile.

[18:41] Let's disempower our negative experiences.

[21:42] Challenges make us stronger, not weaker.

[23:10] Let's be more discerning and selective with the words we're using. 

[24:09] We can choose how to interpret our challenges and circumstances.

Let's reflect on the words we've been using lately. Are they exaggerations? If so, they're weakening us and holding us back. Let's commit to flipping that script and interpreting things in a way that strengthens us and finds the good in our lives.    

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 66: Break These 10 Toxic Communication Habits25 May 202000:24:09

We all want to be better communicators, right? I know I do. Like most things in life, improving our communication is a process and it takes intentional work to help us break old habits and create new ones. Join me as I discuss some specific toxic patterns that we all need to break and what we can do instead. 

[04:13] Communication skills are so important to be a healthy adult.

[06:14] We often fall into old habits and patterns. To change that we have to work on learning new skills and break the old patterns...

[08:56] Interrupting

[10:38] "Shoulding" over everyone.

[11:36] Generalizing (always, never, etc). 

[12:42] Yelling

[14:29] Threats and ultimatums.

[16:40] Pointing & physical intimidation.

[18:48] Criticizing & name calling

[19:46] Shaming

[20:51] Stonewalling

If you start working on these areas and push past the awkward early stages, you WILL see progress in your relationships. Don't give up!  

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

Resources:

TPJ 65: The Choice Is Yours18 May 202000:25:19

There's a mindset that keeps parents stuck and suffering, and really holds us back. We have a lot more control in our lives than we sometimes believe, and it can take some gentle nudging (or tough love, for some of us) to help us see things for what they are.

Changing our mindset in this one area can make a big difference in our lives and empower us as parents and leaders of our family. 

[04:20] We often CAN do the things we say we can't do...we've really just chosen NOT to do them.

[09:29] Saying "I can't" breeds desperation, anxiety, and depression. 

[11:05] We have nearly endless choices over the majority of things in our lives (80%). 

[12:58] Why do we choose not to? Sometimes we just don't want to. 

[14:10] Sometimes we aren't willing to pay the price.

[16:40] Sometimes it's just not a priority for us.

[17:08] We need to take ownership of our choices.

[19:04] Reframing our choices is empowering and can help us through difficult circumstances.

So instead of saying "I can't", which is true only 20% of the time, own your choice: Say you don't want to, you aren't willing to pay the price, or you're prioritizing other things. Then when you need to, remind yourself of the choices you're making, and why you're making them. 

Need help setting up your family for homeschooling success? Check out our course, Focus Time.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Subscribe here so that fresh episodes are delivered directly to you.

Those shiny 5-star ratings and sweet reviews have me all gushy, thank you. But more importantly, they help other parents discover the Parenting Junkie Show and spread the word about Loving parenting and Parenting from Love. If you have a moment to spare, those reviews mean the world to me, you can leave one here

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies?
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

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