Simple Families
408 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 715 ratingsSimple Families offers solutions for living well with children. In this show, we focus on child behavior, positive parenting, family wellness, and decreasing the mental load. As a Mama with a doctorate in Child Development, Denaye’s perspectives are grounded in research, but more importantly real life.
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Episodes
Perfectionism ft. Clarissa Ong Ph.D.
February 23, 2024 01:15 - 45 minutesThe chances are good that you are familiar with perfectionism. Either you have experienced it yourself, you have a partner or parent with these tendencies, or perhaps you have a child touched by perfectionism. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Clarissa Ong Ph.D. She's a professor and the co-author of the book The Anxious Perfectionist: How to Manage Perfectionism-Driven Anxiety. SPONSORS: Masterclass: Get 15% off an annual subscription at masterclass.com/families PrepDish: Try 2 weeks...
Gifted and Distractible ft. Julie Skolnick
January 19, 2024 16:29 - 41 minutesThere are many misconceptions about what it means to be 'gifted'. Today's guest, Julie Skolnick, explains to us that giftedness usually comes with considerable challenges. She also shares ideas and insight on how to support and educate children who are gifted, but also have challenges (sometimes called twice-exceptional). LINKS Julie's Book, Gifted and Distractible Julie's Website, With Understanding Comes Calm Episode with Ross Greene, founder of CPS and author of The Explosive Child GH...
Interracial Friendship
December 15, 2023 21:59 - 41 minutesMany of the guests on this show are authors—especially of non-fiction books. Although we often rely on non-fiction to teach us, sometimes the greatest lessons actually come through diving deeper into the life experiences of characters in a novel. Today, I’m speaking with authors Christine Platt and Catherine Wigginton Greene. Christine and Catherine have co-authored a brand new book that tells the story of an entertaining and thought-provoking interracial friendship between two mothers, De'An...
Building Community ft. Michelle Kennedy
November 17, 2023 15:05 - 38 minutesOnce upon a time, building a village to raise a family probably felt simpler. The village was likely the (literal) neighbors and family members who lived right around the corner. But in today's world, our communities are more complex and diverse. The people we lean on may live nearby, but they also may live on the other side of the globe. I'm joined by Michelle Kennedy, the founder of the app Peanut, to talk about building community in motherhood. Peanut's Invisible Mother Campaign SPONSERS:...
The Comfort Crisis ft. Michael Easter
October 20, 2023 20:28 - 42 minutesIn today's episode, author Michael Easter, shares his work and theories on the topic of comfort. He posits that the growing rates of mental and physical health challenges may be rooted in the fact that we are living more comfortable lives than ever before. As parents, we strive to keep our kids as comfortable as possible when they are infants. But, perhaps we should ask ourselves if continuing on that path will negatively impact their future resilience. Connect with Michael + his books: The...
Uncomfortable Things
September 22, 2023 16:03 - 20 minutesAs adults, we often avoid uncomfortable situations and even frequently rescue our children from uncomfortable experiences. We know, however, that experiencing discomfort can result in growth and resilience. Have you gotten uncomfortable recently? Maybe you should. Links from the episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 298: Accommodating your kid's anxiety Simple Families Podcast Episode 318: Child Anxiety Simple Families Podcast Episode 302 & 303: Analog Curious I & II Sponsors Kiwico: V...
School Contentment ft. Niro Feliciano
August 17, 2023 22:20 - 41 minutesIt's Back-to-School season and today we are talking about about contentment--as it relates to our children's educational experience. I'm joined by Niro Feliciano (Author, Psychotherapist, National Media Commentator and Mom of 4). In this episode Niro and I discuss monitoring our own expectations and reactivity, in addition to that of our children. Links from this Episode Niro’s Website This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment All Things Life with Niro Podcast...
#momfails Flipped
July 20, 2023 19:04 - 18 minutesLet go of the pressure to be the perfect parent and start to embrace the teachable moments that you are (accidentally) creating. In this episode we are flipping around some common summer #momfails. As parents, we are far from perfect. On the bright side, our mistakes often create opportunities for our kids to grow.
Reactivity ft. Hunter Clarke-Fields
June 29, 2023 18:13 - 45 minutesAt the heart of being an intentional parent is striving to calm our own reactivity. Reactivity...we all experience it. Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and podcaster, joins me today to discuss this topic. Links from this Episode: Hunter's Podcast - Mindful Mama Mentor Hunter's Books - Raising Good Humans // Raising Good Humans Everyday First episode with Hunter on Simple Families Podcast SPONSOR: Go to EARTHBREEZE.com/simple to get started with 40% off
Reactivity ft. Hunter Clark-Fields
June 29, 2023 18:13 - 45 minutesAt the heart of being an intentional parent is striving to calm our own reactivity. Reactivity...we all experience it. Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and podcaster, joins me today to discuss this topic. Links from this Episode: Hunter's Podcast - Mindful Mama Mentor Hunter's Books - Raising Good Humans // Raising Good Humans Everyday First episode with Hunter on Simple Families Podcast SPONSOR: Go to EARTHBREEZE.com/simple to get started with 40% off
Connection & Wellness ft. Dr. Matthew Lederman
June 22, 2023 20:08 - 40 minutesIn this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Lederman, a physician and wellness expert that you might know from Forks Over Knives. His most recent book, Wellness to Wonderful (together with partner, Alona Pulde) goes into greater depth to explain how connection is has a profound impact on mental and physical wellness. That's our topic today: the intersection of connection + wellness.
Time Management
June 16, 2023 01:20 - 18 minutesTime management can feel challenging for both children and adults alike. Today, I'm discussing some tools and strategies to start intentionally handing over this responsibility to our children. My favorite kid-friendly analog clock Photo of our working clock depicting the morning routine Sarah Ward talks about her 'Working Clock' Concept
Exposure ft. Leslie Cohen-Rubury
June 08, 2023 21:11 - 40 minutesToday we're talking all about exposure: exposing our kids, and ourselves, to current events, different cultures and different parenting styles. With unlimited access in today's world, children and adults have more exposure than ever, which has its benefits and of course...risks. Links from the episode Leslie Cohen-Rubury's website: Home Is My Child a Monster? Podcast Sponsors Fast Growing Trees: Receive 15% off your entire order on fastgrowingtrees.com/simple. Storyworth: Perfect Father'...
Expansion + Contraction [re: The best parenting tool for summertime]
June 01, 2023 20:07 - 14 minutesToday I’m sharing my best relationship tool. It’s called expansion and contraction. Expansion and contraction is a simple way to find the rhythm in your family. In fact, it’s probably something you do all the time without even noticing. However, once you bring it to your awareness you will be able to use it with more intention. You’ll find your days flow more smoothly and you view your relationships more positively. In this episode, I’m going to tell you how to use it as a mindset switch and ...
Engagement ft. Erin Loechner
May 25, 2023 19:07 - 54 minutesCreating a more engaging home environment for our children can be difficult given the mounting sources competing for their attention. It take intentionality and hard work. Our guest Erin Loechner discusses how we can make some changes in our own lives, and our own screen-time use to foster a positive change in the lives of our kids. Links from the episode Erin Loechner's Website: Designed for Mankind Simple Families Podcast Episode 302: Analog Curious I Simple Families Podcast Episode 303:...
Fairness
May 18, 2023 18:14 - 16 minutes"It's not fair!" is a statement uttered by most children pretty early and often. Let's delve into defining the difference between 'fair' and 'equal' and try to understand why children's brain can not yet distinguish between the two. Links from the episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 219: Absolute Thinking Sponsors Just Thrive Health: Visit justthrivehealth.com and use the promo code SIMPLE to receive 20% off a 90-day supply of Just Thrive Probiotics and Just Calm.
Protecting Our Brains ft. Dr. Carl Marci
May 11, 2023 18:38 - 52 minutesIn continuing my quest to find a balance in my own use of digital technology, I found the book Rewired: Protecting your brain in the digital age. The author, Dr. Carl Marci, reviews mounting evidence that overuse of smart phones and social media is rewiring our brains. Links from the episode Dr. Marci's book: Rewired: Protecting your brain in the digital age Simple Families Podcast Episode 344: Addictive Technology ft. Gaia Bernstein Simple Families Podcast Episode 302: Analog Curious I ...
Gut Health ft. Tina Anderson
May 04, 2023 18:10 - 28 minutesThere's a lot of buzz about gut health and probiotics--but it can feel overwhelming to digest it all (no pun intended). In fact, years ago, I remember standing in the supplemental aisle at the grocery store wondering which probiotic I should buy. Do I get the refrigerated ones, the chewable...or maybe the gummies for the kids? Today, we are exploring all things gut health with Tina Anderson, the Co-Founder of Just Thrive Probiotics. Get 20% off the 90-day supply of Just Thrive probiotics. Go ...
Punishment
April 27, 2023 18:57 - 27 minutesI favor a positive parenting approach, so I don't use a lot of rewards and punishments in our house. However, there are times when these methods can be useful and I want to share some examples with you today. When it comes to behavior modification, it's most effective to use reinforcement/rewards when you want to increase a desirable behavior and punishment when you need to decrease undesirable behavior. I'll talk more about this today. Other episodes referenced: Reward charts - https://simp...
Hitting
April 20, 2023 14:46 - 32 minutesLet’s talk about kids who hit. Let’s also talk about adults who hit. This kind of behavior is taboo, especially as kids get older. I'll explore some basic reasons behind hitting and offer solutions. In next week's episode, I'll delve deeper into understanding this behavior in older kids and adults. This is a rebroadcast of Simple Families Podcast's most downloaded episodes. Take a listen again - you can really get new insights from with each phase of parenting. Links from the episode Simple F...
Adventure + Motherhood ft. Majka Burhardt
April 13, 2023 16:32 - 53 minutesWhen Majka Burhardt, social entrepreneur and world-class female rock/ice climber, found out she was pregnant with twins, she started writing her children letters. These raw, emotional and vulnerable written pieces later became the book More: Life on the edge of adventure and motherhood. I loved talking to Majka about risk, parenthood, marriage and more! Links from the episode Majka Burhardt's website: Passion.Purpose.Pursuit Book: More: Life on the edge of adventure and motherhood Sponsors...
Addictive Technology ft. Gaia Bernstein
April 06, 2023 18:33 - 43 minutesMany of us have made great efforts to control our technology use, but is it working? I've invited Gaia Bernstein, author of Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies to the podcast today to discuss how this is more than an individual issue. We explore digital connection along with how community efforts and national policies can help us gain control of our technology use. Links from the episode Gaia Bernstein's website: Unwired Book: Unwired - Gaining control over addictive techno...
Consequences
March 23, 2023 04:00 - 27 minutesYou should know this by now. I’ve asked you a hundred times. How could you forget? Today we are going to talk about consequences, punishment, and discipline. How do we raise kids to take ownership and care for themselves and their belongings? Today I’m going to give you some things to think about and some things to do. This is a rebroadcast of Simple Families Podcast's most downloaded episodes. Take a listen again - you can really get new insights from with each phase of parenting. Sponsors...
Life Updates w/ Denaye
March 16, 2023 14:04 - 25 minutesToday, I'm bringing you a much-requested life update episode. In the past year I've moved off social media and have limited how much I share publicly on a day-to-day basis. As my kids grow and establish their own identities, this has been a change that feels right for our family. But today, I will update you on home, work, family, and also tell you about my new health routine. Links from the episode Simple Families Podcast Episode 302: Analog Curious Part I Simple Families Podcast Episode 3...
Maternal Overwhelm ft. Erica Djossa
March 10, 2023 16:13 - 40 minutesToday, I am speaking with the Founder of MomWell (formerly Happy as a Mother) Erica Djossa, who you may recognize from viral her maternal mental health memes on Instagram. Erica is a psychotherapist whose work on social media focuses on strategies to cope with the emotional load of motherhood. Links from the episode Erica Djossa's website: MomWell MomWell Podcast: Spotify MomWell Podcast episode with Denaye: Minimizing Mental Clutter Sponsors Earth Breeze – Subscribe and save 40% on Eart...
When Worry Works ft. Dr. Dana Dorfman
February 23, 2023 12:00 - 52 minutesI don't know about you, but parent anxiety seems to surround me at every turn. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Dr. Dana Dorfman, author of the new book, When Worry Works. Dana explains that even though anxiety is an unavoidable part of parenting today, we can turn our unique parenting anxiety patterns into an advantage, instead of a liability. Links from the episode Dr. Dorfman's Website When Worry Works Quiz: Identify your anxiety type Simple Families Episode 340: How to Raise an ...
How to Raise an Adult ft. Julie Lythcott-Haims
February 16, 2023 23:12 - 49 minutesOverparenting is a pervasive practice in our society today. My guest Julie Lythcott-Haims identified over-parented students in her former role as the Dean of Freshman and Undergraduate Advising at Stanford University and wrote the NYT best-selling book How to Raise an Adult, and later Your Turn: How to be an Adult. Links from the episode Julie Lythcott-Haims: Website Julie Lythcott-Haims: Instagram How to Raise an Adult Your Turn: How to be an Adult Sponsors Prep Dish -- Get 2 weeks fr...
Music ft. Heather Watson Hardie
February 09, 2023 18:43 - 1 hourMusic is one of life's simple pleasures that unites cultures and ages. Through my kid's Suzuki classes, I've found, music can teach big life lessons too. In this episode, I am speaking to Heather Watson Hardie about her musical journey as a child, a music teacher, and now a parent. Links from the episode Heather's Music School: Greenwhich Suzuki Academy What is the Suzuki Method? Sponsors Earth Breeze – Subscribe and save 40% on Earth Breeze laundry detergent Eco Sheets. Visit www.earthbr...
The Family Dinner
February 07, 2023 17:21 - 22 minutesMany of us idealize 'The Family Dinner'. You know the scene - whole family at the table, eating homemade food, with each member telling everyone how their day went. This is rarely a reality in the modern home. Today, I share tips for a more peaceful (and realistic) mealtime. Sponsors Prep Dish -- Get 2 weeks free meal planning, prepdish.com/families
Parent-Child Conflict ft. Dr. Ross Greene
January 26, 2023 07:00 - 56 minutesWhile many parenting books detail the source of difficult childhood behavior or cover diagnoses, Dr. Ross Greene provides parents with a universal guide for dealing with challenging behaviors. In his bestselling book, The Explosive Child, Dr. Greene says children don't meet our expectations due to a lack of skills. Links from the episode Dr. Ross Greene's Website Sponsors KiwiCo - Get 50% off your first month with ANY crate line at kiwico.com/simple.
Storytelling ft. Devan Sandiford
January 12, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutesSharing life stories will not only preserve family history but also simplify learning important life lessons. It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Devan Sandiford, distinguished writer and story-teller, who eloquently shares his life through stories of tragedy, race, parenting and what it means to be connected through stories of the human experience. Links from the episode Devan Saniford's website Live Stories Sponsors Nessle – Receive a $10 credit for one-on-one coaching, group sessio...
Emotions ft. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett
January 05, 2023 19:52 - 49 minutesAs humans, we experience a vast array of emotions. We are sometimes confused about our own emotional experiences and often confused by the emotions of others (especially our kids!). Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, psychologist, neuroscientist and distinguished professor joins us to talk about her revolutionary work on understanding emotions. Links from the episode Dr. Barrett's Website How emotions are made Dr. Barrett's Ted Talk Sponsors Earth Breeze – Subscribe and save 40% on Earth Breeze ...
Finding Your Holiday 'Why': Q & A with Denaye
December 15, 2022 16:38 - 27 minutesWhen I asked listeners to send me questions for a holiday episode of Q&A, I received so many inquiries. Interestingly, so many of them contained the word 'Scrooge!' I am answering your questions regarding gifts, extended family, compromise, and finding your why during the holidays. Links from the episode Simple Families episode 332: Appropriate Toys Simple Families episode 234: Comparison, Envy & FOMO Sponsors Native – Get 20% off your first order of personal care products at nativedeo.co...
Magical Mindset Moments
December 08, 2022 17:08 - 35 minutesI went into this episode not a huge fan of Disney, but my mindset has been shifted. I learned a lot from Jen Hoffman & Lauren Gaggioli, who dissect the life lessons of Disney movies on their podcast Magical Mindset Moments. I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you do too. Links from the episode Magical Mindset Moments Podcast Sponsors Faherty – Get 20% off when you checkout at fahertybrand.com/simple, using the code 'simple.' SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to r...
Appropriate Toys?
November 30, 2022 17:59 - 26 minutesToday I'm answering a listener's question on gift-giving. What do we do when a child asks for a holiday gift we don't want them to have? Links from the episode Simple Families Episode 247: Over-gifter Sponsors Kiwico – Get your first month of ANY crate line for 50% off at kiwico.com/simple. SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to redeem 20% off your first month of Seed's DS-01 ™️ Daily Synbiotics.
Introducing: The Whole View
November 26, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutesThis week, we’re featuring an episode from a podcast you should check out. The Whole View, hosted by Stacy Toth, is an alternative health podcast that helps guide you on new ways to be your best self! Each week Stacy and her expert guests myth bust some of the most popular health and wellness fads and help you focus on the importance of being your best self. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
The Self-Driven Child ft. Dr. William Stixrud
November 17, 2022 20:44 - 59 minutesAs a neuropsychologist with over 40 years of practice, Dr. William Stixrud has seen many parenting trends come and go. His best-selling book The The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives with co-author Ned Johnson is on my must-read list for parents. It was a pleasure to speak to one of my all-time favorite scientists, authors and practitioners about motivating our children, screen time, and the root causes of stress. Links from the episode...
Open Air Life ft. Linda Åkeson McGurk
November 10, 2022 16:29 - 53 minutesFRILUFTSLIV is the Norwegian word describing a popular Nordic way of life: Passion for nature and getting outdoors. I loved learning more about this concept (and cultural differences) from Linda Åkeson McGurk, and author and mother who has raised children in the US and Scandinavia in her new book The Open-Air Life. Links from the episode Linda's Website The Open-Air Life Simple Families Episode 90: There's no Such a Thing as Bad Weather Sponsors Faherty – Get 20% off your first order of ...
Fall Q&A
November 03, 2022 14:07 - 38 minutesI'm answering several listener questions today on a wide variety of parenting topics, including: extracurricular activities, handling challenging behavior at dinnertime, volunteering at your child's school, and an update on my wardrobe. Links from the episode Manageable (Imperfect) Mornings Sponsors Kiwi Co - Give Awesome this holiday season with Kiwico. Get your first month of any crate line free at kiwico.com/simple. Organifi – Visit organifi.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to get a 20...
Soulshine ft. Mary-Robb Wilson
October 26, 2022 19:15 - 42 minutesParents are faced with all sorts of complicated questions from their children. Today, Mary-Robb Wilson is here to give us her wisdom to answer some big questions in her new book Soulshine. Links from the episode Soulshine Book Website: www.soulshinebook.com Instagram @soulshinebook Simple Families Episode 322: Parenting & Poetry Sponsors Indeed – Visit indeed.com/families to start hiring now. SEED – Visit seed.com/simple and use the code SIMPLE to redeem 20% off your first month of Se...
Strengthening Partnership ft. Abby Nordquist
October 19, 2022 17:13 - 48 minutesThe addition of children is one of the most pivotal changes experienced in a partnership or marriage. Reconnecting and strengthening partnerships in the parenthood stage is what we are chatting about today with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Abby Nordquist. Links from the episode LoveWell by Abby Nordquist Take the LoveWell Quiz HERE Simple Families Episode 312: I Can't Believe I Just Did That ft. Eve Rodsky Simple Families Episode 323: Boundaries Sponsors Cozy Earth – Get 35% o...
Introducing: 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
October 17, 2022 13:36 - 6 minutesI would love to introduce you to one of my favorite podcasts. 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms is hosted by Rachel Nielson, who is a lover of practical ideas, conversations with kindred spirits, and her two wild miracle children who keep life interesting. She combined all of these passions when creating her podcast. After a long fight to become a mother through adoption and IVF, Rachel truly believed that she would thrive as a mom from day one. Her transition into motherhood was a little bumpier th...
Bullying ft. Kayla Taylor
October 12, 2022 13:04 - 48 minutesOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month. While many of us know someone or have been a victim of bullying ourselves, it remains a source of great pain for some of our youth with long-lasting effects. Kayla Taylor is a mom who lived through the pain with her child and shares her experience in her new the book, Canaries among us: A mother's quest to honor her child's individuality in a culture determined to negate it. Links from this Episode Canaries among us: A mother's quest to honor h...
Manageable (Imperfect) Mornings
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutesIt's more than a month into the new school year, and many parents are feeling stress getting out the door in the morning for school and/or work. Although a consistent, smooth morning routine is never guaranteed, I am sharing some simple things you can do to increase your chances of success during before school hours. Links from this Episode Simple Families Episode 211: Reward Charts Telling Time Teaching Clock SPONSORS Faherty Brand – Get 15% off every order with code SIMPLE at Faherty.co...
Make Meals Simple ft. Allison Schaaf
September 28, 2022 18:42 - 46 minutesI'll be honest, cooking and meal planning has never come easy to me. If you've listened to Simple Families for long, you've heard me sing the praises of a meal-planning company called PrepDish and its founder Allison Schaaf. Although this episode of my chat with Allison is not sponsored, I couldn't wait to share more about how the simple tool PrepDish provides, in the form of a weekly PDF, has simplified my life around around family meals. Links from this Episode PrepDish Website (for two we...
Boundaries ft. Nedra Glover Tawwab
September 20, 2022 22:35 - 55 minutesWhen it comes to setting boundaries, clarity saves relationships. Implementing boundaries is a vital component to building a healthy relationship, whether with a partner, relative or friends. After reading Nedra Glover Tawwab's book Set Boundaries, Find Peace, it's become clear just how important boundaries are for every relationship. If you've ever struggled to communicate your needs and limits, then this episode is for you. Links from this Episode Nedra's Website Set Boundaries, Find Peac...
Parenting + Poetry ft. Maggie Smith
September 14, 2022 14:59 - 49 minutesI've always been intimidated by poetry. However, Maggie Smith has changed that. Not only have I found myself enjoying poetry, but I've also found it to be a way to get off auto-pilot and center myself on the hard days. Maggie is on the show today to share some of her poems on parenting, loss and life. Not only does Maggie write beautifully, but her work is so relatable and thought-provoking I find that each poem brings me a mini-mindfulness break. Links from this Episode Maggie's Website Ma...
Mentorship in Motherhood
September 07, 2022 17:02 - 47 minutesThis generation is increasingly looking to peer groups and the internet for child-rearing advice--a change from the past. Today, I'm joined by coach Deborah Porter who shares the benefits of understanding the seasons of parenthood and the value of mentorship. Deborah is a former Probation/Parole Officer and Criminal Investigator. She's now a sought-after life coach and media contributor who helps moms thrive. Links from this Episode Deborah's Website Deborah on IG SPONSORS LUS Brands – Ge...
Mentorship in Motherhood ft. Deborah Porter
September 07, 2022 17:02 - 47 minutesThis generation is increasingly looking to peer groups and the internet for child-rearing advice--a change from the past. Today, I'm joined by coach Deborah Porter who shares the benefits of understanding the seasons of parenthood and the value of mentorship. Deborah is a former Probation/Parole Officer and Criminal Investigator. She's now a sought-after life coach and media contributor who helps moms thrive. Links from this Episode Deborah's Website Deborah on IG SPONSORS LUS Brands – Ge...
Mental Health ft. Ginger Zee
August 30, 2022 17:20 - 45 minutesWe have many academic and expert guests on the podcast, but today we have a meaningful story of lived experience. In this episode, Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and New York Times Best-Selling author, shares the story of her mental health journey, the pursuit of healing, and building a successful family life & career. Links from this Episode Ginger’s Website Natural Disaster (I Cover Them, I Am One) A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm SPONSORS F...