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Pub. DateTitleDuration
11 Apr 2019TPJ 16: How to Discipline Your Child (an Uncomfortable yet Empowering Approach!)00:33:04

How can we discipline our children in a way that’s effective, meaningful, and peaceful? Do you ever feel like you are under incredible pressure to “discipline your child” but aren’t quite sure what exactly that means or what to do? It can be difficult with culture’s mandates and our own irritation levels to know exactly what to do.

 

In this episode, you’ll discover the true meaning of discipline.  I’ll be giving you 3 actionable steps to take toward better disciplining your child.

 

[2:55] How do punishments work? Hint hint - not the way you think

[3:55] What does discipline even mean anyways?

[6:51] I’ve told him time and time again

[10:05] What does practice have to do with discipline?

[13:49] Step 1 - Show, don’t tell

[19:28] Step 2 - We get what we pay for

[26:14] Step 3 - Be the student

 

Be the change you wish to see in your child and guide them along the way!

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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 

 

The (free) three week Reclaim Play challenge is dropping April 15th Grab Your Spot NOW 

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/16

02 Mar 2020TPJ 56: The 6-Step Parent In Love Blueprint00:50:12

So many of us want to improve our relationship with our partner. The love, romance, and fun we once had evaporated when kids came along, and we’re left scratching our heads, wondering if we made a mistake or if we can ever get that back. I’m here to tell you that it’s possible! And that it’s normal to go through these seasons of challenges in a relationship. 

In this episode I’m going to give you the blueprint from my Parent In Love course and give you some actionable steps you can take to make changes in your partnership, even if you don’t sign up for my course. 

[03:54] Why is it so hard to make your vision or dream for your relationship a reality?

[06:30] Why I talk about improving our relationships.

[12:26] It only takes one person to make significant changes in your relationship.

[13:34] Step 1: Mindset

[17:00] If you have any thoughts about leaving, that needs to be addressed first. 

[18:18] Step 2: Communication

[23:52] Step 3: Teamwork

[30:13] Step 4: Vision

[31:56] Learn how our own childhood and past experiences influence our partnership and parenting.

[34:48] Make time for some deep conversations.

[35:34] Step 5: Connection

[40:45] Step 6: Leadership (how we parent together)

If we don’t put some time and effort into changing ourselves, our partnership won’t change. Sure, our partners have things to work on...but so do we. And if we work on ourselves and how we react and respond, we’ll start to see changes in how our partner reacts and responds too. It only takes one person to make big changes in a partnership.  

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:

21 Nov 2019TPJ Bonus Episode: An Interview with Becki Biermaier00:44:42

We all want what’s best for our children, but sometimes we can be a little too protective, do too much for them, and expect too little from them. 

In this interview with Becki Biermaier, who has experienced more than her share of challenges as a little person, we discuss what parents can do to help their children develop resilience and overcome the challenges they face in life.   

[8:05] Pity is disempowering. “Until a child knows they can’t, they think they can.”

[9:46] Boundaries and expectations. 

[11:43] Allow our children to experience discomfort and challenges

[13:46] Celebrate progress instead of complaining that our children need our help to complete a task. 

[15:00] “What kids need the most is to do things for themselves, with you telling them they can.” 

[16:51] Build margin into our schedule so we can slow down and let our children try things on their own.

[18:09] Help younger children by promoting their independence and helping them learn that every choice has a result. 

[21:05] Elementary school age: teach them to brainstorm strategies and think through “if/then” scenarios (and to regroup when they fail or face challenges). 

[23:00] Middle schoolers; reinforce the idea that their decisions impact their results. 

[23:40] Even though they resist it, middle schoolers need more of your time. 

[25:20] High school; they do more on their own and need a safe space to come to you with questions and issues. 

[28:15] Overcoming bullying or getting picked on.

[31:02] Overcoming learning or social disabilities and challenges.

[37:18] Partner with your child’s teachers & school administration.

I think we’ll find that as we expect more from our children, build in more time to let them try things on their own, celebrate their wins, and help them regroup after failures, they’ll develop resilience and overcome any challenges that come their way! 

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.

Links & resources mentioned:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/podcast_type/becki-biermaier/

21 Jan 2025#3 Raising Healthy Masculine Men | 10 Things Modern Parents Forgot00:28:55

Raising boys in today's world is complicated. Between mixed messages about masculinity and conflicting cultural expectations, many parents feel lost about how to nurture their sons' natural strengths while teaching them to become good men. In this controversial but necessary video, I'm sharing 10 unconventional strategies I use to raise strong, capable, and morally grounded boys.

As a mother of four sons, I'll reveal:

 - Why certain 'old-fashioned' approaches might be exactly what our boys need
 - The crucial balance between physical confidence and emotional intelligence
- How to encourage healthy masculinity without toxic messaging
- The often-overlooked skills boys must learn to become capable men
- Why protecting our sons too much might be holding them back

 Whether you're raising boys or just interested in the future of masculinity, this video offers a fresh perspective on what our sons really need to thrive. 

____________________
Ready to raise strong sons in a world that's trying to soften them? In The STUDIO, I'll show you exactly how to build a family culture that nurtures healthy masculinity while teaching real leadership. And because your marriage is your sons' first model of how men should treat (and be treated by) women, you might also want to join us in Married-U, where you'll learn to create the kind of partnership that teaches by example.

Get started:
👉 The STUDIO Waitlist: https://hifam.com/studio
👉 Married-U Waitlist: https://married-u.com


Hi Fam Youtube Channel - 

What's your biggest challenge in raising strong, masculine boys in today's world? And which of these 10 points hit home for you? Share your experience in the comments below! 👇 #raisingboys #masculinity #boymom #hifam

25 Apr 2019TPJ 18: How to Influence Your Child Without the Use of Words00:30:57
  • Are you sabotaging your children’s behavior in subconscious ways, without even realizing it? You have a hidden power of influence that you may not even be aware of.

Think about the last time you were at an airport or bus station, did someone have to verbally tell you or physically show you what to do?  Would you act the same way in an airport as you do in a church? Or do you feel really creative and expressive in either of those places? Chances are you behave very differently depending on the location you are in and do so without being explicitly told to do so.

 

In this episode you’ll discover a way to influence your children, your husband - even your own behavior - without the use of words. You can create more ease and flow in your life and reduce friction around day to day activities using this powerful tool. Here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[5:56] Stop feeling like a nag

[9:57] The hidden power that changes everything

[11:05] How our behavior is influenced without any words

[16:56] Use this to your advantage!

[18:43] Clutter creates chaos

[19:24] Items hold an energy (from a woo woo and a psychological perspective)

[22:52] Create cohesiveness

[23:41] Strewing!!! 🎉Spoiler Alert: You do NOT need more Toys!!

[28:14] Take it to the next level!

 

The things we see subconsciously trigger certain thoughts and associations in our mind which make us feel a certain way which make us behave a certain way. Are you using this to help you achieve the behavior you want to see?

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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

 

The (free) three week Reclaim Play challenge is dropping April 15th Grab Your Spot NOW

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/18

14 Feb 2025#8 THIS is Threatening Modern Marriage00:27:48

When shocking relationship headlines go viral, they often miss the bigger picture.

As a marriage coach and mother, I'm seeing concerning trends that threaten our understanding of love and commitment.

 But there's hope. In this episode, I break down:
- How modern messaging shapes relationship expectations
- What they mean for future generations
- The impact of social media on intimacy
- How to create a marriage worth modeling


Join me for an honest discussion about protecting and strengthening the relationships that matter most. In a world of disposable relationships, your marriage can be different.


__________________________

Check out in Married-U to discover how to build the kind of deep, lasting love that impacts generations. I'll show you exactly how to create a relationship worth modeling - one that gets better with time.
Transform your marriage: https://married-u.com 

05 Oct 2020TPJ 81: Call Out Culture - We've Got It All Wrong00:35:57

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:

10 Jan 2022TPJ 109: Boost Your Confidence As A Stay-At-Home-Parent00:16:25

So many of my clients and community members are stay-at-home parents; parents who aren't currently working or are working very minimally. A common struggle is a loss of identity or feeling like your value and your worth isn't recognized by others, or feeling like you've lost your confidence now that you “just stay at home with the kids”. 

 

In this episode I’m going to share how you can boost your confidence as a stay at home parent so you can be super confident and proud of who you are and what you're doing. 

 

[01:15] Stop minimizing

[02:26] Show up each day

[03:52] Value your contribution

[06:10] Be interesting

[08:26] Address your money mindset

[10:45] Switch from feeling apologetic to grateful

[13:06] Think about what you're giving your 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.

 

Resources:

 

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/108

20 Jul 2020TPJ 71: Dangerous Social Media Effects on Family Life00:49:09

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!

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.

01 Feb 2024#26 Feminism's Consequences on Your Marriage00:39:19

Feminism has contributed significantly to the world, bringing forth numerous benefits. Over the years, it has evolved into a complex and multifaceted movement. Alongside its positive impacts, however, some drawbacks have subtly infiltrated our subconscious. These factors now influence not only how women perceive men and themselves but also impact our relationships. It is crucial to acknowledge these aspects so we can build stronger families and marriages.

If you're seeking a fulfilling connection and are curious about the silent forces shaping your perceptions of your partner - join us in this episode. Let's uncover the subtle influences intricately woven within the fabric of feminism affecting your relationship dynamics. Be sure that you haven't unknowingly succumbed to the shadow sides of feminism and instead foster a strong, loving relationship.

_______

Create the marriage you WANT with the partner you've got! Married-U will help you make your dream a reality! (married-u.com) 




05 Aug 2019TPJ 29: Forget the Extremes, Try the Radical Middle00:38:50

We’re faced with many decisions in this parenting journey, and many options seem to be extreme on one side or the other.

 

Should you be a whole life unschooler, or punish your children when they don’t get straight As in school?

 

Should you work outside the home and climb the corporate ladder or should you surrender to a life of staying at home, giving up on your interests and income in favor of parenting?

 

Should you give them free access to screens or should you be completely screen free?

 

Not only does it feel polarizing but it also can make us feel like we don’t really fit in anywhere if we aren’t on either end of the extreme. 

 

I’m going to offer up an alternative - the radical middle. I won’t say it will be easy. Let’s face it, when you make the decision to stay curious and not sit on either end of the extreme it can be hard. You’re choosing to create a path instead of following one that’s already laid down. Being in the middle means we think about all the decisions and what works for us right now and we stay open to learn more and change our minds if a different decision would better meet our families needs.

 

In this episode we’ll discuss how you don’t have to choose one extreme over another, and that most of us fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Here’s what you’ll hear: 

 

[5:03] Decision fatigue is real 

[8:36] How to combat decision fatigue

[9:53] Example 1: Discipline

[13:27] Example 2: Sleep training

[17:11] Example 3: Education

[19:18] Example 4: Boundaries

[23:00] What is my identity in parenting?

[24:02] The radical middle.

[25:50] Pick what’s best and leave the rest.

[29:19] The middle is hard

[32:44] The middle is brave 

[34:44] The middle is radical.

 

The middle can be messy. It’s not always neat and clear because there is no one size fits all.  At the end of the day the answer is always “it depends.” 

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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

 

Come join the messy middle and connect to like minded parenting junkies!
Join our (free & awesome) FB community Love Parenting with Avital.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/29

25 Jul 2023#15 Family Last to Family First00:39:50

Have you noticed that the growing trend of "family last" culture? This episode holds a heartfelt hope: that each of us can consciously pivot towards a "family first" culture. 

When we place family at the forefront, we're not just fostering stronger relationships, we're also shaping future generations. It is - literally - how we change the world. Raising children with a strong emotional foundation, equipping them with the resilience to face the challenges that lie ahead - is not for the faint of heart. It's an epic adventure. 

Exit the "family last" culture and rediscover the viable, available, and sustainable paths to deep meaning, belonging, and purpose.

____________

In my membership for parents, "The Studio", we put family FIRST. Learn more at hifam.com/studio

16 Nov 2020TPJ 86: Living with Duality00:12:09

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 

28 Mar 2023#9 The Happiness Hack00:33:20

With today’s meteoric rise of anxiety and depression, it’s crucial that we, as parents, know how to help our children master the emotional rollercoasters that life throws at us. In this episode, I offer some ancient wisdom all parents in the modern world need: "Feelings Follow Actions".

If you’re in a funk, give this a try! 

👉 Create more joy, magic, togetherness, and connection in your day-to-day family life than you ever dreamed of... Join us for the Dream Family Bootcamp LIVE EXPERIENCE! hifam.com/bootcamp

 

 

 

 

14 Mar 2023#8 Antifragility00:21:44

There are fragile substances, like glass: that break under pressure.

There are non-fragile substances, like steel: that don't break under pressure.

Then there are anti-fragile substances, like your immune system, or muscle tissue: that get stronger under pressure.

People need a bit of pressure and stress to become stronger... but the modern message today will tell you (and your kids): people are fragile.

Hi Fam says: Your family is antifragile. In this episode, you'll discover how to be antifragile and raise antifragile kids.

_________________

Books mentioned:

 

Want to build a strong family culture and raise resilient kids? Join the Hi Fam Membership! Learn more at hifam.com 

 

Take my FREE Masterclass to get your child playing for 3 hours a day - without screens, bribes, or buying a thing! How to Transform Your Home Into a Play-Inducing Haven (reclaimplay.com/haven) 

 

“I love this show!” 👉 If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 

01 Nov 2021TPJ 108: Why You Should Feel Great As A Working Parent00:10:05

Every so often I'll get a note from a parent who's feeling guilty that they have to work so much and can't be home with their little kids.

 

So often these parents write to me saying they feel bad that the kids don't see them as much as they could, or they feel bad that they're distracted and that their attention is going elsewhere other than just their children. 

 

I feel really passionate about this subject because here's one thing that I'm allergic to: dogmatic one-size-fits-all parenting advice.

 

When people make blanket statements like “mothers should be home with their babies” I think they’re missing so much nuance and it's really doing a huge disservice to all of us parents who are unique individuals with very unique circumstances. We're all different. Our children are all different. Our needs, aspirations, goals, beliefs, value systems, cultures, origins, and our resources are all different.

 

And therefore the answer is always going to be, as Magda Gerber said: It depends. 

 

In this episode I’ll talk about why you should feel great if you’re a working parent. 

 

[03:19] One isn't better than the other

[04:59] You're providing for your children

[05:48] Making money is part of parenting

[07:28] You're modeling for your 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.

 

Full Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/108

08 Mar 2022TPJ 111: HELP! I HATE MY CHILD (What to do if you dislike your child)00:31:40

Feeling hatred toward your child is a symptom of a different problem.

This is a controversial and taboo topic, but it's not that uncommon for parents to sometimes feel disgusted and think or say "Go away!" "Leave me alone." "I don't like you." "I don't want you." "I don't love you." "I hate you!" towards their kids.

So what's causing that very uncomfortable sensation and feeling? Don't stay stuck with the feeling that there's something wrong with you or something wrong with your child - let's break this down:

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

Join us on the TPJ App for the full-text version, private community discussion, and MUCH more: https://bit.ly/3pTCFn7

 

[02:14] Feeling hatred toward your child is a symptom of a different problem

[03:59] 1. This is normal

[05:57] Even though it's normal there are things we can do about it

[07:25] 2. Change is constant

[10:35] 3. Your child might be going through a hard time right now

[12:37] 4. YOU might be going through a hard time right now

[14:43] 5. You don't hate your child; you hate their behaviors or temperament

[17:12] 6. Take a break

[19:03] 7. Coach yourself

[20:16] 8. Inhibit yourself

[21:28] 9. Imagine it’s your last day on earth

[22:42] 10. Envision your golden moments with your child

[24:00] 11. List out the things that are awesome about your child

[24:41] 12. Reframe their bad traits

[26:28] Correct their shadow side and celebrate their light side

[27:01] Traits we find difficult in childhood are often assets in adulthood

[27:20] 13. Engage in baby bonding behaviors

[28:22] 14. Use humor

[29:34] 15. Love is a choice

 

Click here to get on the waitlist for Present 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.

23 Nov 2020TPJ 87: Rethinking Mistakes And Failures00:14:15

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 

07 Mar 2019TPJ 11: Is Sleep Training Cruel? Or Crucial?01:06:22

I'm sharing my experience and thoughts on sleep training so you can hopefully feel calm, cool, and confident in offering your child the best sleep. I hope you can listen to this episode in its entirety, because this is a nuanced and triggering topic that deserves in depth conversation. I wouldn't want you to miss the full context of the ideas presented here.

  • [1:20] Giveaway winner!
  • [4:47] 2 Emails I received from concerned parents
  • [11:02] We’re all torn over the approach to helping our babies sleep better.
  • [21:00] Every child is different and much of their temperament is “baked in” (they’re born with it).
  • [23:59] Flaws with thinking that there’s only one way to do it.
  • [25:34] What does sleep training mean?
  • [27:45] What can be learned from nature?
  • [30:24] What does crying mean?
  • [39:34] Is sleep deprivation respectful?
  • [42:22] Is frustration bad?
  • [48:01] Is it all or nothing?
  • [49:48] The process with my last child.
  • [55:29] We have to trust ourselves.
  • [1:01:02] Summary
  • [1:05:19] What’s coming next week

  Links & Resources

24 Jan 2023#1 How to Show Up to Your Family Life (Like a Boss)00:16:03

Society is going to tell you that parenting is brutal and marriage is a bore (or worse). It will warn you about the sleepless nights, the stretch marks, and the cheerios in your hair. It will tell you that family life is exhausting, expensive, and full of sacrifice. 

But do you ever get the feeling that 'there must be a better way?' Like there is something missing? Well, that’s what we’re going to address, right here.

Here, in Hi, Fam! we’re going to give you a whole new perspective. We’re going to help you craft a vision of family life that is meaningful, intentional, and even enjoyable. And offer the tools to put that vision into practice. 

Today’s episode is all about the first step to take to get your family life on track, to put the pep back in your step, and to face anything that comes your way throughout the day. Let’s go!

_______________________

“I love this show!” —> If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Want to get your child playing for 3 hours a day without screens, bribes, or buying a thing? Take our FREE Masterclass! > (reclaimplay.com/haven) 

 

 

17 Jan 2019TPJ 4: How to Overcome Anxiety as a Parent (weird but works!)00:46:08

Show notes: theparentingjunkie.com/4

07 Feb 2019TPJ 7: How to Be a Peaceful Partner01:00:58

You might have been reasonably happy in your marriage before kids came along – but we all know that going from two to three is a major life change and some marriages don’t survive it very well.

It’s really hard to go from wife to mom, or husband to dad. Although parenting is hard, many find that it’s easier than marriage. And so we get stuck in our parenting role and neglect our marriage role.

You may feel you have more control, influence, and even love for your kids, which can make you feel more and more disconnected from your partner. If any of this sounds familiar, there’s hope!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How just like mainstream parenting advice is no longer working for families today, mainstream marriage advice is failing us. A new approach to relationships is needed.
  • How it’s possible to have a type of home life dynamic where:
    • We can all become extremely content and even in love with exactly what we have as we have it.
    • We can manage conflict with relative ease and experience high levels of connection and presence with our partners even with very young children.
  • How you don’t fix or find a soulmate you BECOME a soulmate.
  • Peaceful partnering – creating a loving, lasting, sustainable, and synchronized marriage.
  • 3 secrets behind the Parent In Love method.

Show notes: theparentingjunkie.com/7

Watch "How Peaceful Parenting RUINED My Marriage and How I Saved It": theparentingjunkie.com/marriage

04 Nov 2019TPJ 42: You Are Your Child's Teacher, Like It Or Not00:55:10

In this episode I interview Julie Bogart (author of the incredible book The Brave Learner and founder of https://bravewriter.com)! Join us as we discuss ideas for making learning fun and how you are responsible for your child’s education even if you don’t homeschool. 

[6:53] “How you relate to your child around their education is the key to successful growth of their love of learning.”

[10:47] We can partner with our children to give them an education that they enjoy and gives them a hunger for learning. 

[13:13] Bring play and enchantment into learning instead of forcing kids to leave play to do hard work.

[15:59] Whether we homeschool or not, an involved parent leads to the best outcomes for our child’s education. 

[19:15] The more we support our children, the sooner they choose to try on their own.

[19:36] We need to provide the corresponding level of support to the presenting need.  

[22:34] Sometimes the teacher is the leader, sometimes the child is. 

[32:56] Don’t miss out on opportunities for your child to learn how to teach, even if it means you have to play a game you don’t particularly enjoy (Pokémon anyone?? 😂 )

[34:49] Learning is invisible to parents (you can’t see in their head) so we often seek “paper and pencil” for reassurance that learning is occuring. 

[38:35] Kids are constantly pay attention and learning...but what they’re paying attention to doesn’t always register in our minds as learning, according to traditional academics. 

[39:04] The best approach to screen time (spoiler alert; there isn’t one).

[45:58] We all struggle at times, but we shouldn’t stay there. No one can live in “struggle” long-term. There needs to be a pivot; we need to find a way to move forward, out of the struggle.

[47:12] The way to move forward is subjective, not prescriptive. It depends on the needs of our individual families and what’s best in each season. 

[49:20] “Liberation comes when you take back your right to explore as many options as necessary to find today’s right fit for you and your family.” 

Whether we homeschool or not, we are ultimately responsible for our children’s education and need to be as involved as possible to fuel their love for learning. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

Links & resources mentioned:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/42

07 Mar 2023#6 How To Build An Unbreakable Family00:31:24

Family togetherness is disintegrating. Family culture is a lost art. Family leadership is a lost skill. Feeling a sense of belonging is a lost way of life. Let's explore the 3 reasons why that's happening and what you can do to build an unbreakable family.  

_________________

“I love this show!” 👉 If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Want to get your child playing for 3 hours a day without screens, bribes, or buying a thing? Take our FREE Masterclass! (reclaimplay.com/haven) 

Want to build a strong family culture and raise resilient kids? Join the Hi Fam Membership! Learn more at hifam.com 

 

07 Sep 2020TPJ 78: Criticism, Critique, & Critical Thinking00:22:13

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.

09 Jan 2025#4 10 'Controversial' Ways I'm Raising a Feminine Daughter00:27:10

In a world pushing girls to 'be anything,' we might be missing something crucial about femininity. As a mother navigating today's cultural messages, I'm sharing 10 controversial (but necessary) approaches to raising healthy, confident feminine girls.

In this episode, I'll reveal:

  • Why certain 'old-fashioned' ideas might actually empower our daughters
  • The dangers of modern body image messaging
  • How to celebrate femininity without limiting potential
  • The crucial balance between protection and independence
  • Why some popular parenting advice might be hurting our girls

This isn't about holding girls back - it's about giving them the freedom to embrace their authentic selves in a world that often sends mixed messages. 

_________________________


Ready to raise feminine daughters in a world that's trying to redefine womanhood? In The STUDIO, I'll show you exactly how to build a family culture that celebrates authentic femininity while nurturing true strength and character. And because your marriage is your daughter's first model of how women should be treated (and treat others), you might also want to join us in Married-U, where you'll learn to create the kind of partnership that teaches by example.

Get started:

👉 The STUDIO Waitlist: https://hifam.com/studio 
👉 Married-U Waitlist: https://married-u.com

Hi Fam Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@HiFamLife

13 Mar 2025#18 The true cost of luxury beliefs00:29:32

Are "luxury beliefs" destroying family values?

Rob Henderson exposes how elite intellectuals critique the nuclear family without experiencing its consequences. From foster care to Harvard, he reveals a shocking double standard: those benefiting most from traditional family structures are often the first to undermine them. In this discussion, let's challenge the modern narrative that "all family structures are equal" and explore the real-world impact of these convenient, consequence-free beliefs.

Discover how virtue signaling hurts the most vulnerable in society.

___________________

Ready to provide your children with moral clarity? Join us at https://hifam.com/studio to develop confident, value-driven parenting. 

31 Jan 2019TPJ 6: Meredith's Story - from Frustrated Wife to Peaceful Partner00:50:41

It doesn't take two to tango.

Do you ever feel frustrated, disconnected, or misaligned with your spouse or partner? Does it seem like the spark and passion you once had is gone?

Have you ever thought that maybe your relationship has run its course, and it’s time to go separate ways?

If so, I've got good news for you! There is hope for you, AND change is possible, even if you have to work on it without your partner.

Free Masterclass: “How Peaceful Parenting RUINED My Marriage...and How I Saved It.” theparentingjunkie.com/marriage

In this episode, I interview Meredith. Things we discussed:

  • How she felt overwhelmed by the demands of life, the unrealistic expectations of society for partners and parents.
  • She was so tired of how everyone paints this [phony] picture of what life is supposed to look like, and how it can make us all feel like we’re missing the mark.
  • How Meredith and her partner were on the verge of splitting up.
  • Not completely miserable, and they had their up moments, but there were a lot of down moments, and it was wearing on them.
  • She knew that something needed to change. She was tired of trying to figure it out on her own by reading articles, asking friends for advice (who often ended up reinforcing the negativity), etc.
  • They were having the same fights over and over.
    • Budgeting and money.
    • Misaligning over approaches to parenting.
    • Arguments over where they should live.
  • How as partners, we’re supposed to fill each other up, not deplete each other.
  • Remember you have choices (own your own choices). Just because you feel it doesn’t make it true. You can always choose how you respond. Don’t let your emotions rule you. You can take a break, clear your head, and come back with a fresh perspective.
  • Stop saying yes to everything. Prioritize your time. It’s ok to say no and spend more time with your family. Give yourself permission to say no, to have some downtime, to just be.
  • Instead of shoving everything down, putting on the game face, dig in and investigate when you’re feeling angry or stressed.
  • Outsource/delegate to give you more time.
  • Crystal clear communication (learn to really listen and not take what your spouse is saying personally).
  • Think about what kind of memories you want your children to have of you, of their childhood. (what helped her decide to go through the course).
  • Investing in the course is a no brainer. We all want our children to grow up to be amazing adults, and feel connected to us.
  • The course not only helps you learn how to improve your relationship with your partner, but also helps you deal with other people.
  • It doesn’t take both parents. Change is possible even if only one partner is working on it. 

Links & Resources

Show Notes: theparentingjunkie.com/6

Free Masterclass: “How Peaceful Parenting RUINED My Marriage...and How I Saved It.” theparentingjunkie.com/marriage

22 Feb 2021TPJ 98: Help Your Toddler Play Independently00:11:53

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

21 Oct 2019TPJ 40: Why Kids Don't Listen00:37:30

Does it frustrate you when you ask your children to do something, and they don’t do it? Do your kids ever tune you out or not hear you when you’re trying to talk to them? Do they ever dig in their heels or do the opposite of what you’re asking them to do? Doesn’t it just drive you CRAZY sometimes?? Or is it just me? 

In this episode we’re going to talk about why children don’t “listen” and what we can do to improve the odds they’ll cooperate and comply with our requests more often.  

  • [3:56] The term “listen” has become a euphemism for “obey.” 
  • [7:05] Let’s aim for this instead of obedience.
  • [9:40] There are times when we need our children to comply with a request.
  • [10:38] There are many reasons why kids...even you and me...don't listen.
  • [13:09] They might be busy or in "flow.”
  • [13:56] They might have a more pressing need.
  • [16:04] Don't have what they need (tools, skills, etc.) to fulfill a request.
  • [17:03] They might not understand what we’re asking.
  • [18:24] They don't want to do what we've asked them to do.
  • [20:39] Hunter Clarke-Fields explains how we’re often the ones not listening. 
  • [24:31] How do we make ourselves heard? There has to be some friction that breaks their concentration.
  • [26:39] Go down to their level, make eye contact, and speak calmly, clearly, and in a way they can understand. 
  • [28:15] If you’re interrupting them, let them know when they can get back to what they were doing. 
  • [30:47] Sometimes you will still have to follow through and help them.
  • [32:38] Minimize the number of requests we make and only request things that are really important. 
  • [34:36] We must model listening by listening to them (as much as possible). 

We won’t (and can’t) do all of these things perfectly every single time, but it’s something to work toward. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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: 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/40

15 Feb 2021TPJ 97: Can Babies Play Independently?00:17:28

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

02 Sep 2019TPJ 33: Get Comfortable Being the Authority Figure00:36:51

The word authority gets a bad rap when it comes to peaceful parenting because it tends to get lumped in with the authoritarian parenting style which is the “do as I say or else” style. But authority is actually well rooted in the authoritative style where you have high expectations but you also provide high support and warmth. 

 

When we choose to abdicate our role as the authority, our children are then left to make decisions they are not ready to make. Instead, if we become that empathetic firm leader, our children can relax because they know there's someone at the helm.

 

We need to get comfortable being the authority figure. As Janet Lansbury said “Children NEED parents. They feel no real freedom without boundaries. They are not little adults with the maturity to make healthy, thoughtful, sensible decisions about screen use, sugar intake, etc.” I couldn’t agree more. 

 

In this episode, I’ll share why being the authority figure in your family actually liberates your children and 3 ways to get comfortable being the authority figure...here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[6:19] It’s our JOB!

[7:30] Authoritative vs. Authoritarian

[11:06] Legal and moral responsibility

[12:47] Social and physical responsibility

[15:50] Is authority harsh?

[16:41] Don’t throw your kids in the deep end 🏊‍♀️

[18:47] Downside of democracy (in the home)

[22:23] Janet Lansbury’s take on parenting by democracy

[25:42] Eventually you will have no more authority…

[26:44] #1 - Give small choices

[30:44] #2 - Get comfortable

[33:02] #3 - Why it’s an act of generosity

 

 

Remember, when children have a leader and have clarity around the expectations of the home they are liberated and free to enjoy the ride.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/33

13 Jan 2020TPJ 50: Do You Want Your Parent’s Marriage?00:27:45

We’ve all inherited a blueprint for relationships from our parents, whether we’ve acknowledged it or not. And unless we examine it further, we’re destined to have the same relationship as our parents.

Some of us may have been blessed with a great model for how to properly treat others, communicate, and resolve conflicts. But many were not so blessed, and even if you were, there are likely things about your parent’s relationship that you would do differently. 

In this episode we’re going to discuss the process of examining our parent’s relationship and how we can create the relationship and family we’ve always wanted (plus set up our kids for relational success!). 

[02:52] Ask yourself: Do I want my parent's relationship?

[04:48] Our parent's relationship formed a sub-conscious blueprint for our own relationships.

[07:07] If we don't address it, we're likely to repeat it. 

[08:35] Or we reject it completely and try to do the exact opposite.

[11:08] Our kids learn how to interact with others from the way they see us interact with our partner.

[15:26] Pick the best from our parent's marriage, and find alternatives for the rest.

[17:57] Look at your parent's marriage with an external, objective viewpoint.

[19:46] Envision the relationship and family you want to create.

[22:27] Develop the skills necessary to make our dream a reality and start making small changes to our thoughts, words, and actions.

We owe it to ourselves and our children (and their children!) to put in the work to create the marriage and family of our dreams. There will be a cascading effect that will change generations 

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/50

01 Jun 2020TPJ 67: The Power Of Words00:28:32

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:

12 Dec 2018TPJ 0: Love Parenting And Parenting From Love (the philosophy that will set you free)00:39:34

Do you struggle with feeling like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t measure up? There are so many different parenting philosophies out there: Attachment, RIE, simplicity, unconditional, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio, gentle, respectful, conscious, peaceful…but which one is right for you?

 

Join me as I dive into this topic and reveal my parenting philosophy.

 

The problem:

  • Every book, expert, & philosophy seems to contradict the others.
  • It can make you feel like you don’t measure up when you can’t or don’t 100% follow a particular philosophy.
  • Some of these groups can be so judgmental and unsupportive when you don’t fully stick to their philosophy.
  • There’s so much out there and it’s hard to decide what will work for you.

The solution (and my philosophy):

Love parenting and parent from love.

  • Love Parenting
    • Parenting should be enjoyable.
    • We should feel good about the way that we parent.
    • No one benefits from you being a martyr (including your children).
    • Not that it’s always easy. There are definitely hard times in parenting. But overall, you should not parent in a way that feels like constant suffering & misery.
    • Design a life that you love.
    • You could go through your entire life…many people have and are currently doing so…not enjoying life.
    • Keep your cup full and spill out onto others.
    • What would make parenting fun for you? Minimize/reduce/outsource as many of the negative things as possible.


  • Parent from Love
    • When you’re truly motivated from a place of love & care, you’ll find the right words & actions (vs. operating out of fear or anger).
    • Holding your goodness to light. Self-compassion. Do things that are kind. Trust your intuition. Break down old paradigms.
    • Keep it flexible enough and use as a clear guideline. It liberates you from attachment parenting or from mainstream parenting. PERMISSION to LOVE parenting, permission to parent from LOVE.

 

Links & Resources:

  • Show notes at TheParentingJunkie.com/00
  • TheParentingJunkie.com/review
  • TheParentingJunkie.com/partners
  • TheParentingJunkie.com/loveparenting (FB Group)
09 Nov 2020TPJ 85: Grief And Finding Silver Linings00:16:05

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

20 Oct 2023#21 From Israel: Building a Strong Family is Not Just a Tagline00:13:47

Do you ever think, "What is this all for? Does what I do for my family really make a difference?" I've often said, that your family is the most meaningful project of your life. It's been my mission to equip parents of all backgrounds to build a strong family culture that creates a sense of togetherness, belonging, and meaning. 

Today, I'm sharing why I am personally doubling down on my resolve to build a strong family, even in the midst of the most petrifying and grievous circumstances.

In every situation, even the most awful, there are lessons to be learned. This episode is my way of creating a segway into answering questions, not about current affairs, per se, but about how you can show up to your family, lead bravely, and create peace in your own home. 

Maybe you're wondering...

  • How do I live the long game even when the future is unknown? 
  • What boundaries are needed to protect my kids from adult conversations?
  • How do I coach my child through a traumatic experience? 
  • How do I show up each day like my family truly is the most meaningful project of my life - even when I'm stressed, overwhelmed, burned out, or anxious?

I'll be answering these questions and more in upcoming episodes here at Hi Fam.

My mission continues to be to help you create a family life you love. If you'd like more on that, join my newsletter (hifam.com/newsletter).

_______

I truly mean it when I say you should NOT continue to follow what's going on if it doesn't directly impact you and instead turn your attention toward your family. But for those who are impacted or who desire to understand better what's going on from my perspective, you can follow me on Instagram (@HiFamLife).

I will also continue showing up to my amazing Hi Fam Community inside The Studio Membership on all things parenting. 

04 Jan 2021TPJ 91: What To Do When Your Kids Use Inappropriate Language00:32:14

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.

30 Sep 2019TPJ 37: Start Accepting Now00:33:36

In this episode I talk about the reality that as our children grow into adulthood, they may “veer off” the path that we hoped for them. Have you ever worried about that? Have you thought about how you may feel if they turn out to be different than the person you wanted them to be? How would you handle it if you’re disappointed about who they become? 

 

  • [4:25] We have a lot of influence in their early years. 
  • [5:51] Then there are the teenage years…
  • [6:58] We want our children to be able to think for themselves, but we also don’t want them to make “bad” decisions.
  • [8:39] What’s our long term vision for our relationship with our children? 
  • [10:30] We need to start accepting them for who they are. 
  • [12:36] What I mean by acceptance (and what it's not).
  • [16:35] How can we not only accept who they are today, but also who our children will become? 
  • [18:21] What are some of those things you think you wouldn’t be able to accept or tolerate? 
  • [19:49] Not accepting our children may result in losing our relationship with them.
  • [23:38] Not accepting our children may cause them to lose relationship with themselves. 
  • [25:32] Let’s not let our own agenda for our children overpower our unconditional love for them.
  • [27:12] Tolerance isn’t enough. We must accept, love, and celebrate who they are (and who they’re becoming). 
  • [29:30] The byproduct of this level of acceptance will be more influence. 

 If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

Resource

 

09 Mar 2020TPJ 57: Interview with Renee Jain of GoZen!00:53:23

Hi friend! Do your kids ever get angry or throw tantrums? Do YOU ever get triggered by their tantrums and lose it? 

🙋🏻‍♀️I do. We all do.

In this episode you’ll get to hear from the amazing Renee Jain of GoZen as we discuss how to “handle” emotions in both our children AND in ourselves. 

[05:37] What is GoZen in a nutshell?

[09:20] We have to make peace with the idea that stress and difficulties are a part of our humanity.

[09:42] Feelings aren't good or bad. They're neutral.

[11:24] Create a character (a name) for each emotion (such as “Fury” for anger).

[14:30] Emotions come and go. They're not permanent.

[14:44] We need to have a relationship with the [seemingly negative] emotion and see the upsides.

[19:23] Anger/fury usually pops up for protection, or when boundaries have been crossed.

[22:10] Don't try to teach your children things "in the moment." 

[22:48] We need to model what it looks like and stop trying to control our children’s emotions. 

[27:28] In those moments, try putting on your detective hat.

[31:24] Play is so important, even when they're throwing angry tantrums.

[32:51] Progress should be measured in years, not days. 

[34:44] Practice or role play (outside of the moment) to teach them how they can respond differently when they're in the moment. 

[41:21] It's a marathon, not a sprint.

[44:52] We can't be afraid of feelings and try to always suppress and control them. 

[48:26] Get a stuffed animal for each of the 4 main emotions and use them for role play.

The work never really ends, but if we’ll remember that progress is measured in years and not days, that it’s a marathon and not a sprint, and implement some of the tips that Renee mentions, we’ll start to see some lasting change in ourselves and in 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.

Resources:

10 Feb 2020TPJ 54: Michelangelo Can Transform Your Relationship00:29:21

Mindset is so important when it comes to growth, challenges, and the daily "grind." In this episode I want to share a mindset shift that we can use to reframe the work it takes to create great relationships. And it comes from a surprising source...Michelangelo. 

[03:21] Our shortcomings can leave us feeling broken, overwhelmed, and frustrated.

[05:55] Sometimes we look to others to model what we should do, and over-work ourselves trying to fit someone else's mold.

[10:27] Move toward a model that feels more organic and whole. 

[11:47] There's a "power couple" inside of you and your partner. 

[13:49] We are “figures slumbering in the stone.”

[14:34] Focus on chipping away at those things that don't serve us.

[16:53] You're the sculptor. No one else can do it for you. 

[18:16] It’s more helpful to focus on what you need to take away vs. what you need to add. 

[22:10] Chip away at our “low vibe mindsets.”

[23:52] Chip away at our toxic patterns and behaviors.

[25:25] Chip away at our misaligned choices

When we start to chip away at these areas, we start to reveal our inner power couple. You’ll find that if you focus more on removing what doesn’t serve you, your relationships will transform and you’ll see real, lasting change. 

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/54

13 Feb 2025#7 Why The TradWife Movement Is Misleading Women00:34:18

The "tradwife" trend has taken social media by storm - but is there more to this movement than frilly aprons and homemade sourdough?

From viral TikToks of perfectly styled homemakers to Instagram reels of luxury housewife routines, we're diving deep into what's really behind this fascinating internet phenomenon. Is it a genuine return to traditional values, or something entirely different?

 Join me as we unpack the aesthetics, the authenticity, and the real implications of this trending lifestyle choice. Whether you're intrigued or skeptical, this video might surprise you...
________________________

Ready for a real, lasting marriage beyond the trends? Visit https://maried-u.com 

#Tradwife #Marriage #Relationships

01 Mar 2021TPJ 100: Does Your Toddler Throw Food?00:08:49

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

16 Dec 2019TPJ 48: Holiday Round-up00:34:31

Should you tell your kids the truth about Santa or the tooth fairy? How about the “Elf On The Shelf”? I get asked questions about these and other traditions on a regular basis, and I thought I would round up some of my favorite conversations regarding these in this special holiday episode. 

[3:03] Some TPJ updates!

[11:06] Should we tell our kids the truth about Santa?

[11:59] I feel strongly that everything I tell my kids should be 100% the truth.

[13:18] You don't have to bring it up, but if they ask, be honest.

[13:41] Soon your kids may ask you about serious matters, and they should not have any doubt that you're being honest with them.

[15:08] Don't avoid the game or ritual; but consider being 100% honest about it if your children ask if it's real. 

[16:58] My thoughts on the “Elf On The Shelf” tradition.

[19:27] When children melt down, it's because there's an unmet need or our expectation isn't developmentally appropriate.

[22:44] Our role isn't to manipulate our children into good behavior. 

[23:30] This actually teaches them to only behave when they're being watched, and doesn’t teach them empathy.

[27:03] How you can make it fun without the manipulation.

[29:56] A letter to our families.

[30:02] We may not like or approve of everything our family does, and they may not agree with the way we do things (or don't do things). 

[30:40] Let's reframe; they often do the things they do or say the things they say because they care about us!

[31:02] Let's try to model what it looks like to be loving and accepting, even when people disagree with us.

[31:28] We shouldn't let little annoyances come between us and the people we love (and who love us).

[31:55] Let's focus on the gift of spending time together.

When you approach these issues with the mindset of a conscious and peaceful parent, you’ll find ways to enjoy the holidays and their traditions without the sometimes negative and harmful effects they may otherwise bring. 

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.

Links & resources mentioned:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/48

25 Jan 2021TPJ 94: How To Ward Off Depression00:19:02

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 

19 Apr 2023#11 Why I Built Hi Fam00:16:03

Stroll down memory lane with me as I share the story behind why I created my online membership for parents over 6 years ago. 🎂 It's changed my life and the lives of thousands of other parents from over 100 countries around the world - just like you.

If you've ever felt isolated or judged 😔 in your parenting journey, this one's for you, my friend. In this episode, I'm opening up about how I longed for a warm, supportive community 🤗 to help me through the twists and turns of raising tiny humans. 🍼

But, like any good adventure, this one's got trials and tribulations too! I'll chat about how I was booted from Facebook groups (ouch) and how I devoured hundreds of parenting books 📚 (seriously, it's a wonder I didn't sprout paper cuts) in search of the guidance and knowledge I craved.

The cherry on top? 🍒 I'll reveal how all of that hard-earned wisdom is now packed into the Hi Fam membership, "The Studio" - enrollment opens soon! 💎 hifam.com/studio 

⭐️ The best way to get started is to join the Dream Family Bootcamp! 🎉 Grab your FREE ticket here: hifam.com/bootcamp

It's time to create more joy, magic, togetherness, and connection in your day-to-day family life than you ever dreamed of! 

05 Sep 2023#18 Play Was STOLEN (How To Reclaim It)00:22:50

Phew! They say writing a book is not for the faint of heart and I now fully understand why 87% of people who want to write a book - don’t ever write one. But with gratitude to my children who played independently for enough hours for me to actually both write and illustrate this book (yep, those doodles are mine), I have now escaped that statistic and my book baby has been born!!! 🎉

Reclaim Play delivers an inspiring manifesto on why play is critical for children and a comprehensive how-to for parents to bring back the magic of childhood. 

In this podcast episode, hear me narrate chapter 3 of the book... the part that explains how play has been S.T.O.L.E.N; where it’s gone, what that acronym stands for, and most importantly: how we’re going to get it back.

Listen now and if you’re one of those loyal listeners who catches these as they drop - THANK YOU! You are still in time to grab the pre-order bonuses at ReclaimPlay.com/book

 

02 May 2019TPJ 19: Ensure a Healthier Childhood for Your Kids with this FREE Resource 🙌00:27:43

For the first time in two centuries in America children are expected to have shorter life expectancies than their parents.  Luckily there is a free resource available to almost everyone to help combat this statistic.

 

In the past 2 episodes we’ve been discussing major obstacles to independent play and what can be done about them.  In episode 17 we discussed decluttering which addresses the environment as a hindrance to independent play. Then in episode 18 we outlined what strewing is which addresses dependency as a hindrance to independent play.  The last major obstacle to independent play is time and there is one way of spending time that yields phenomenal gains!

 

In this episode you’ll discover a free, simple and healing practice to introduce into your flow as much as possible to ensure a healthy, vibrant and happy childhood for your kids...here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[6:21] The real threat to our children’s health

[9:32] A different type of medication

[11:17] You CAN do it!

[12:42] The challenge

[14:20] A total game changer

[16:18] The secret to healthier children 💪

[20:56] Going to get a little vulnerable here…

[23:46] Yes you CAN!

 

Remember, this week (or anytime) you are feeling overwhelmed at home and the kids seem stir crazy head outside and reap the benefits!

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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

 

The (free) three week Reclaim Play challenge is dropping April 15th Grab Your Spot NOW!

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/19

15 Jun 2020TPJ 68: Who's to Blame for the Family Fights?00:25:23

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.
15 Jul 2019TPJ 26: Unschooling, Entrepreneurship, Getting Help & More! Interview with Kim Constable of The Sculpted Vegan01:18:56

Are you an entrepreneur or trying to get a business off the ground but have no idea how to fit it all in with young kids? Are you interested in unschooling or radical unschooling and are unsure of what that even looks like? Or do you just simply struggle to feel brave in your parenting choices given all the uncertainty and conflicting information you find? No matter your situation this episode has something for you!

 

In this episode you’ll hear a conversation I had with Kim Constable, The Sculpted Vegan. Kim is a yoga teacher, and a competitive vegan body-builder who started her business in the health and fitness industry founding multi-million dollar deyogatox and the sculpted vegan.

 

If you ask Kim what her first and foremost role is she will tell you it is being a mother.  She decided to take her two eldest children out of school and embark on a journey of radical unschooling. If you’re wondering what radical unschooling looks like, you’re in luck, Kim shares her beliefs, biggest struggles, and biggest wins when it comes to radically unschooling (spoiler alert: it’s okay to not know everything 🤔). 

 

In this episode Kim shares how she scheduled her time and did it all while starting her business before she had any help as well as her views on hiring help. This also includes how her and her husband handled their respective roles in the family and how to stay crystal clear on your vision even through the hard times. We also get to hear what it is like to radically unschool 4 children and how that works in her family.

 

In this heart to heart talk between two vegan, unschooling, entrepreneurial mothers of 4, you’ll hear:

[2:50] How do you have time for it all? 🕰

[9:21] Finding a way to replace your roles

[15:12] Thinking of starting a business? The first thing you should do!

[17:31] Laundry is not going to grow you or your business 🧺

[21:30] You can’t see the success happen from the beginning

[24:31] What opened the door to Kim learning about alternative parenting choices

[31:04] Jumping on the trampoline at 2am!? 

[32:52] No rules? What!? 🤯

[38:11] What about screens?

[47:33] We all get triggered 😡

[53:35] What about the mess!? 🧹

[57:13] Without rules on food won’t my kids just eat cookies? 🍪

[1:02:34] What do you mean you don’t know??🤷‍♀️

 

The work lies in truly coming to accept your child for who they are and not who you want them to be.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/26

17 Feb 2025#9 'Don't Be Your Child's Friend' - Top TikTok Dads Right or Wrong?00:21:05

Men's viral parenting advice on TikTok: harsh truth or outdated thinking? Watch as I break down these controversial takes on authority, friendship, and trust in modern parenting - and why the answer might lie somewhere in between.


__________________

Be The Leader of YOUR Family - https://hifam.com/studio

09 Apr 2024#31 Embracing the Uncomfortable: Understanding the Role of Judgment, Guilt, and Shame00:24:01

We've all experienced it—the gut-wrenching guilt, the overwhelming shame, the moments where we've passed judgment on others. Not the most pleasant feeling... Maybe that's why in today's world, there's a prevailing notion that these emotions should be erased from our vocabulary and emotional palette. But is this truly the best approach to raising our children and fostering healthy relationships?

Join us on an eye-opening journey to challenge these societal norms that try to stop us from feeling these feelings and delve into the complexities of judgment, guilt, and shame. Learn why these emotions are trully important and why we should allow and not shield our kids from these emotions.

_____________________________________

Build the Family of Your Dreams and Become the Leader of Your Family with The Studio!

28 Jun 2023#13 The Identity Obsession and How It's Weakening Our Kids00:33:36

There's a massive focus today on defining, projecting, and expressing one's personal identity - also known as finding your "authentic self" and discovering "who you really are". Subsequently,  there’s been a big shift in the advice parents are receiving in recent years. Basically, the way we answer the question, “How to live a good life?”, has changed dramatically and greatly impacts how we raise our children.

I open up this topic because my mission is to strengthen families and I can’t help but notice how weakening this focus on individual identity is. Let's get to the root of the matter and discover a more meaningful focus of childhood growth, development, and exploration.

____________

Want to get your child playing independently and peacefully for 3 hours a day without screens, bribes, or buying a thing? Take our FREE Masterclass! > (reclaimplay.com/haven) 

11 Jan 2021TPJ 92: How To Feel Phenomenal When You're A Mom00:22:16

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.

27 Feb 2025#14 Physically Aggressive Children and How to Reclaim Your Authority00:25:05

"My 7-year-old punched me in the face this morning. My 5-year-old kicked me in the chest. I've tried EVERYTHING."

Imagine waking up every day dreading the battle just to get your kids dressed for school. You've given them more love, more toys, more treats than you ever had... yet they respond with violence and disrespect. What's gone wrong? The answer might shock you. It's not about what you're GIVING them. It's about what you're not EXPECTING from them.

In this raw episode, I reveal:
- Why 'doing everything right' might be creating the very problem you're fighting
- The missing half of the parenting equation most gentle parenting advice ignores
- How to establish authority without resorting to physical discipline
- The captain-of-the-ship approach that works even during life's storms


This isn't about blame—it's about reclaiming your power. Because when you shift from doormat to captain, your children aren't the only ones who transform.

Ready to take back the helm? Join the Studio at https://hifam.com/studio to learn my complete system for balancing expectations with support. Transform from victim to captain and raise children who respect boundaries without losing connection. 

22 Jun 2020TPJ 69: The Helicopter Parenting Epidemic: Are You Overparenting?00:32:19

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.

30 Nov 2020TPJ 88: Not “What”, But “How”00:14:55

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 

20 Jan 2020TPJ 51: Potent, Free, and Available to All00:37:36

Would you like to know one thing you can do today to radically change your relationship with your partner? 

Do you want to take your relationship to the next level? Instead of just treating symptoms and avoiding pain, can you work on improving your relationship into “peak performance” and make it the best it can be? And is it worth that level of effort? 

Yes and yes! 

In this episode we’ll discuss how we hold the power to make this kind of change in our relationships, and the choice is ours. 

[06:46] What I learned from HypnoBirthing (and how it can improve our relationships).

[11:39] We get to choose the story we tell ourselves, good or bad.

[15:54] This is a key way to create power in our relationships

[17:01] What words are you currently using to describe your partner?

[18:09] Speaking poorly of others is very damaging.

[19:16] Before we speak, ask ourselves these questions.

[20:07] The power of not gossiping. 

[21:35] If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it behind their back.

[24:36] Drop the negative labels and words we use for our partner and relationship.

[25:57] Use "I" statements.

[27:09] Refrain from using hyperboles (exaggerations).

We hold the power. We can choose to flip the switch, to focus on the positive instead of the negative. We can change the words we speak over our relationships, and in the process, change those relationships. The choice is ours! 

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/51

24 Aug 2020TPJ 76: These 7 Limiting Beliefs Are Sabotaging Your Marriage01:00:34

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:

10 Jan 2019TPJ 3: Child Centered VS Adult Centered00:42:30
  • Show Notes: theparentingjunkie.com/3
  • Sponsorship: theparentingjunkie.com/tantrums
  • Empathic Limits Course: theparentingjunkie.com/empathiclimits/
04 Mar 2025#15 Are You an Anxious Parent? 5 Steps to Emotional Freedom00:26:22

Are you constantly running worst-case scenarios in your head? The racing thoughts that keep you up at night... the endless scrolling for reassurance... the persistent feeling that something bad is just around the corner. It's become normal to move through life in a perpetual state of worry—but what if anxiety isn't actually mandatory?

As parents, we've been sold the idea that anxiety is just part of modern life. But what if we could parent from a place of steady confidence instead of constant fear? What if we could model emotional stability rather than emotional fragility for our children?

 In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why anxiety has become our cultural default setting (and how to opt-out)
- The five practical steps that transformed me from crippling PTSD to calm leadership
- How to replace anxious "what if" spirals with vision-focused thinking
- The identity shift that makes anxiety-resistance your new normal

It's not about denying real challenges—it's about facing them with a backbone instead of a breaking point.

Learn how to become the calm, confident leader your family needs, especially during life's storms. It's time to bring back simply being 'okay' - comfortable in your skin, capable of handling what comes, and modeling real resilience for your children.

Anxiety-free parenting isn't just possible—it's trainable. Join thousands of parents in The Studio at https://hifam.com/studio who are learning to replace worry spirals with clear planning, future vision, and unshakeable mental strength.

30 Mar 2020TPJ 59: Tips For Homeschooling Newbies00:53:27

Renee Jain is back for another episode! With so many parents finding themselves homeschooling, we thought we should offer some practical tips to help parents through this challenging transition and help you (and your kids) stay sane! 

[02:50] Cut yourself some slack. It's not realistic to think you'll be a homeschooling pro in a couple of weeks. 

[03:05] Kids go through a "de-schooling" process; expect it to be rocky.

[05:41] Be realistic about the amount of time it takes to figure out a flow that works for your family.

[07:33] Some routine and rhythm is helpful. Try focusing on 3 "big rocks"

[12:11] What is our role in all of this?

[13:37] The highest priority is to preserve an energy for connection and family joy.

[15:31] Trying to recreate a school experience at home is a complete waste of energy and causes disconnection between us and our children.

[17:31] Let's not put academic pressure on our children during this time. They'll be able to make up for whatever was "lost".

[19:15] So what should they be doing? Play. 

[19:56] This is an opportunity to show us just how capable our children are of entertaining themselves.

[22:54] Play is crucial for our children's development.

[24:24] Become a play guru! 

[25:59] We can have certain rules around a few things, but for the most part, let your children be.

[27:43] We can help our children get into a state of "flow" in their play (which I call free play).

[29:44] When you're in "flow", you're not directed or rewarded by someone else. The activity is the reward.

[30:03] Don't interrupt their flow! Let them be.

[31:54] This also teaches them responsibility for using their time well.

[33:36] Experiment with strewing! 

[35:52] Boredom is a choice. If they're bored, put it back on them. Help them in age appropriate ways, but let them figure it out. 

[37:22] There's a difference between encouraging independent play and being disconnected.

[38:00] Give your full attention during care-giving activities, but otherwise, give them some space.

[41:14] Homeschooling doesn't require you to be constantly present all day long.

[45:50] Thinking you have to entertain your children all day long will lead to resentment. 

[46:39] Hold the boundary and they'll adjust and get over it.

[48:22] Set limits to protect the relationship.

[49:33] How to stay organized when strewing.

[50:26] Don't take it personally if they aren't into a strew idea. Some will land, and some will not.

It’ll take a little time to “de-school” and figure out a new normal. Focus on helping your children play and get into “flow” and don’t worry about their academics. It may not happen overnight, but you’ll see change quicker than you think.  

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/59

12 Mar 2024#29 Raising Resilient Kids: Should I Follow My Child's Lead?00:28:41

Ever wondered why today's kids seem less ready for adulting? This episode spills the beans on the real struggles – less independence, job hesitations, a bouquet of disorders, and major "not ready" vibes.

Discover what's really going on with our young generation as we dissect the impact of excessive screen time, casual relationships, and the effects of super laid-back parenting. Brace yourself: it's a recipe for stress, anxiety, and more.

But hey, no need to panic! We've got a solid game plan to prep your kids for success in the adulting game. Find out how setting boundaries, sharing values, and building a strong family culture can make your kids ready for anything life throws at them. Join us for a straightforward discussion on the challenges our kids face today and grab practical tips to raise resilient, kick-butt individuals. Tune in and empower your parenting game!

 

Ready to raise resillient kids that know who they are and where they belong? Create an unbreakable family with The Studio!

_______

“I love this show!” 👉 If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

14 Oct 2019TPJ 39: Screen Time & Video Games00:39:49

Is the battle over your children’s screen time a constant source of frustration (and tantrums!)? Are you concerned they’re spending too much time on screens and that it might be unhealthy and even stunting their mental, social, and physical development? 

🙋🏽 I’m right there with you.

In this episode I talk with Dr. Alok Kanojia (a world-class addiction psychiatrist and reformed gamer) and his wife Kruti about gaming and screen time, breaking down the intricacies and nuances that will help each of us address the issue in our own families. 

[3:05] What is Healthy Gamer? 

[7:16] It’s challenging to balance children’s screen time without isolating them from their friends and community. 

[8:48] If it causes a problem in a major area of life (mental, social, physical, etc.), then it is a problem. 

[11:04] Reframe conversations with our children about video games/screen time and avoid being antagonistic. 

[12:00] Consider having weekly check-ins where you discuss gaming & screen time with your child, creating a sense of shared responsibility and goals. 

[13:27] Figure out what type of gamer our children are (do they like to build & create vs. high intensity and competition). It will help us find offline activities that they’ll be interested in. 

[16:40] What’s a healthy amount of game/screen time?

[19:30] Research indicates that violence in games doesn’t increase violence in real life. The communities that form around games are more concerning than the games themselves. 

[20:10] Move away from headsets to speakers so we can hear what our children are hearing when they play (especially any conversation that’s happening with other people in the game). 

[21:43] Watch for when our children have that blank stare/zoned out look. That’s a good time to transition to something else. 

[22:18] Watch out for dopamine burnout. That’s when addiction can set in, and may require more direct intervention. 

[24:00] How do we set healthy boundaries and expectations?

[27:20] Find other ways for children to enjoy the characters and stories they love (soundtracks, short stories, etc.). 

[29:47] Kids who gravitate toward games are often intelligent and are seeking ways to be challenged.

[32:52] Should we limit screen time? There’s no one-size-fits-all. 

[34:32] We’re trying to model and teach our children restraint, not restriction. 

In the end, we need to trust our parental intuition to determine what’s right for our families. And we need to have grace for ourselves as we try things and figure out what works best for each unique child. 

To find out more about Dr. Alok and Kruti Kanojia's work, head over to https://www.healthygamer.gg/.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/39 

10 Jun 2019TPJ 23: I Can't Trust Anyone with My Kids!00:28:24

Do you desperately need a break, but feel like you can’t trust anyone with your kids? Do you fear what might happen to them (some disaster or catastrophe), what might be said to them, or what might be taught to them if you’re not there?

 

In this episode we’ll address some common fears that parents have about leaving their kids with other people.  

 

[5:04] Are these fears holding you back?

[7:37] Anything that’s rooted in fear will not lead us down the path of joy.

[8:26] The inability to trust others with our children leads to burnout.

[9:25] There are risks when you don’t trust your kids with other people.

[11:49] Allow your children to have secure attachments to more than one adult.

[12:43] Are you the only perfect caregiver for your children?

[14:04] You can’t work on any job, project or relationship 24/7. You need time off.

[15:11] It’s time to get help.

[18:03] I get it…some relatives make it really, really hard.

[19:12] Practice an attitude of gratitude.

[19:48] Practice compassion & mindfulness.

[20:22] Have faith in your child’s competency.

[20:44] Model politeness & affection without forcing it.  

[21:02] Set firm, empathic limits when boundaries are crossed.

[21:52] Get professional help with toxicity.

[22:44] Don’t be afraid to use mother’s helpers, baby-sitters, or nannies.  

 

To checkout the role play series with Dr. Laura Markham mentioned in this episode head over to the blog.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/23

11 Feb 2025#6 The Common Marriage-Killing Habit (orange peel theory, anyone?)00:25:19

Are you constantly looking for proof that your partner really loves you? It’s time to stop testing your marriage and start trusting instead! The viral Orange Peel Theory has exposed a habit many of us do without realizing: testing our partners to see if they measure up. But what if these subtle relationship tests are actually harming our connection instead of strengthening it?

In this episode, I reveal:
✅ Why we feel compelled to test our relationships
✅ How testing creates the insecurity we fear
✅ A mindset shift to stop testing your marriage and build real trust
 ✅ How to build an unshakable bond—without the ‘tests’

If you want to stop testing your marriage and start building a love based on certainty, not constant proof, this video is for you.

💍 Want a marriage built on trust, not tests? Get the exact framework in Married-U. Start here: https://married-u.com 

20 Feb 2025#11 The Truth About Gentle Parenting: What Actually Works With Toddlers00:27:33

"Hands are not for hitting," "Make good choices," "Are you ready to be nice?"... You're saying all the right phrases but.... your child acts like you're not even there. Or the situation just gets worse!

As a mother who's been through every parenting trend, I've discovered why 'gentle parenting' often leaves us feeling more frustrated than ever. You're doing everything the books say - staying calm, offering choices, using all the "correct" phrases.

So why does it feel like you're just providing background music to your child's meltdown? What if the very tools we're using to be more gentle are actually making it harder to be effective parents?

In this episode I reveal: 
- The hidden reason your carefully chosen words might be making tantrums worse
- Why filming our parenting for social media is changing how we respond (and not in a good way)
- The crucial difference between being present and being a narrator
- When to step in, when to step back, and how to do both with confidence
- The simple shift that transforms you from commentator to leader

This isn't about abandoning gentle parenting principles. It's about combining compassion with clear, decisive action to help your children feel secure.


_____________
Master confident parenting at https://hifam.com/studio

01 Feb 2021TPJ 95: 10 Reasons You Might Hate Parenting (And What To DO About It)00:27:49

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

16 Sep 2019TPJ 35: Introducing Spirituality to Your Family00:37:24

In this episode we’ll discuss spirituality in parenting, regardless of one’s religion.

  • [6:50] Are religious people happier?
  • [8:29] Organized religions often facilitate social ties and community.
  • [10:15] Religious people create time to pursue spiritual feelings and emotions.
  • [13:25] We can harness these same feelings and emotions in our parenting.
  • [14:58] If you’re curious about my personal spirituality…
  • [17:50] Parenting itself is an act of spirituality.
  • [18:21] Gratitude
  • [21:13] Giving
  • [24:45] Create a gateway to your emotions and spirituality and make it part of your day-to-day life.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

 

Links & Resources

  • Show notes: www.theparentingjunkie.com/35
  • Quote from Brené Brown at 4:50: “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.” This definition was first published in The Gifts of Imperfection. For some people, that power greater than us is God; for others, it’s fishing. Some are reminded of our inextricable connection by faith; others by expressions of shared humanity. Some find that religion is the best expression of inextricable human connection that is guided by love and compassion, and others believe that no entity has done more to corrode that connection than organized religion.”
21 Mar 2019TPJ 13: The One Role You Should NOT Play in Your Children's Lives00:30:06

In this episode you’ll discover a powerful way of viewing your parenting role so you can remove yourself from the drama of childhood and offer the meaningful support your children need.

 

[1:28] How much should we intervene and solve problems for our kids?

[8:11] Intro to the Story Framework.

[8:59] Basic structure of a story.

[12:48] What does this have to do with parenting?

[13:56] We are not the hero.

[17:32] We are the guide.

[23:02] We give them a plan.

[23:49] We call them to action.

[26:14] We help them succeed and avoid failure.

[26:58] Measure every situation against this framework.

 

Links & Resources

 

Show Notes:

theparentingjunkie.com/13

03 Jun 2019TPJ 22: How to Avoid Parental Burnout00:30:28

Have you ever looked at your kids and wondered why you had them? Do you find yourself why you got into this or wanting some way out at times?

Whether you’re feeling burned out or want to prevent burnout, this episode is for you. Burnout is a very real risk we face as parents, and if you’re experiencing it now (or have ever experienced it), you’re not alone. And if you haven’t experienced it yet…prepare yourself, because it’s inevitable unless you take these precautions.  

In this episode, I’m sharing what parental burnout is, why it is important to avoid, and practical steps to take to avoid burning out...here’s what you’ll hear: 

 

[2:27] What is parental burnout?

[8:31] Your warning light is on

[14:29] One more “B” to add to Attachment Parenting

[15:36] Take a Break 🏝

[19:27] Get Help! (More on this in upcoming episodes!)

[20:31] Just say NO!

[24:11] Bundle! 💕

[26:34] Talk to someone

[27:07] Back to basics

 

You are worth it. Your children are worth it. You deserve to enjoy this season of life and your kids deserve to see a parent who enjoys life and who takes good care of herself. Don’t wait until you burnout. Start taking these steps today!

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/22

 

If nursing happens to be one of the things causing you to feel burnt out checkout my blog post on Gentle Weaning here.

25 Mar 2025#20 The Readiness Trap: Don’t Raise Procrastinators and Perfectionists00:26:30

Are you stuck in the 'I'm not ready yet' cycle? Watching your child hesitate before every new challenge? Waiting for that perfect feeling of readiness that never quite arrives?

This persistent trap keeps parents delaying important transitions and Gen Z postponing adulthood altogether. With 52% of young adults still living with parents into their 20s and 30s, something has clearly shifted in how we approach life's milestones.

 In this episode, I share:
- The surprising truth about readiness (and why it's often just an excuse)
- How some parenting approaches could have created a generation afraid to act without perfect preparation
- The critical difference between real developmental barriers and self-imposed limitations
- Practical steps to break free from the perfectionism that keeps us and our children small

From potty training a 5-week-old to challenging conventional wisdom about when children are 'ready' to read, sleep independently, or take on responsibility - discover how taking bold action creates the growth that waiting never will.


If you're ready to stop waiting for ready and create the family culture you've always wanted, join me in the Studio at https://hifam.com/studio. And discover how play naturally encourages children to challenge themselves and grow with my Reclaim Play course at https://reclaimplay.com.


Stop waiting for the perfect moment - true progress happens in the doing, not in the preparing. 

07 Nov 2023#22 Parenting in the Unknown: How to Live the Long Game When Life Is In Limbo00:22:28

Sometimes our biggest challenges come by surprise. There are times in our lives when we can plan, research, and make informed decisions. And then there are times when... we can't. When you're facing the fears and uncertainty of the future, it's very challenging to live the long game. And yet, as a parent, we're called to be leaders.

Whether you're in "decision limbo" or your life is "on hold" - this podcast will help you find your footing again, despite... not knowing.

My mission is to help you create a family life you love. If you'd like more on that, join my newsletter (HiFam.com/newsletter).

 

_______

 

Want more encouragement and practical guidance in creating a family life that puts family first? Join us in the Hi Fam Community (HiFam.com/Studio)

Get my new book, "Reclaim Play", available on Amazon now! Go to ReclaimPlay.com/book for your free book bonus.

26 Aug 2019TPJ 32: How to Choose Progress Over Perfection in Parenting00:22:52

With all the great information and examples of parenting the way you desire to out there, do you ever feel like you constantly fall short? Like you’re failing as a parent and just not measuring up? 

 

You’ve heard it before, “comparison is the thief of joy.” But, in this information at our fingertips world we are living in, it can be difficult to not fall into the trap of comparing. 

 

We can also get discouraged even when we don’t compare ourselves to others but to some ideal version of ourselves that we constantly fail to be.  It can feel like a mountain towering over you with SO many areas to work on, and no one is immune (myself included). 

 

In this episode, I’ll share the cause of this distress and 3 things to help you overcome it...here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[4:22] Information overload 📚

[7:43] Check your expectations

[10:30] Breathe with me (bookmark this for later if you’re driving or want to keep coming back for more! 🧘‍♀️)

[12:38] #1 - What to do if you MUST Compare

[15:50] #2 - What we can learn from Warren Buffett

[19:49] #3 - 🎶Celebrate good times, come on! 🎶

 

You can do this, you ARE doing this, treat yourself with compassion and celebrate your wins!

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/32

31 Jan 2023#2 Facts vs Feelings - Who Wins?00:29:50

Society seems to be in a war between the offensive and the offended; between those who attack with facts and logic and those who follow heart and soul; between those who think and those who feel. 

Just like many things in our life, the pendulum often swings from one extreme to the other and often, in a generational way. Many of us grew up in homes with a very different approach to emotions and feeling than what's popular today.

Should we honor facts or feelings? In this episode, you'll learn why this false dichotomy is hurting our families and how you can harness both sides to raise resilient kids. 

_________________

“I love this show!” —> If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Want to get your child playing for 3 hours a day without screens, bribes, or buying a thing? Take our FREE Masterclass! > (reclaimplay.com/haven) 

22 Mar 2021TPJ 103: Using The Law Of Attraction To Create Family Bliss00:22:18

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

01 Apr 2025#22 10 Things I Still LOVE About Gentle Parenting00:31:05

Many parents are walking away from gentle parenting—and for good reason. Our children lose the boundaries they need to thrive when it morphs into permissiveness.

But in our rush to correct course, we risk losing what made this approach valuable in the first place.

In this episode, I share 10 treasures from gentle parenting that transformed my relationship with my five children—principles worth preserving even as we move toward a more balanced approach. These elements create children who feel both loved and capable of meeting life's challenges.

This isn't about parenting dogma. It's about discernment—taking what works and leaving what doesn't. Join me for this honest conversation about creating a family culture that prepares children for a meaningful life. 

__________________

Ready for balanced parenting? Join The Studio waitlist for personalized guidance on combining connection WITH boundaries - https://hifam.com/studio

10 Aug 2020TPJ 74: Relationship Tips - How Doing What's Fair Gets You Nowhere00:24:59

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:

06 Jan 2020TPJ 49: You Get To Choose00:20:35

Do you or have you ever felt stuck in your marriage or serious relationship? Are you caught up in the day-to-day activities, wondering where the passion and excitement went? If so, you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! It’s up to us to choose what we want and make it happen. 

[02:32] So many marriages and relationships around us are failing.

[03:57] Even those that don't end in divorce seem to be full of conflict or complacency.

[05:38] If you're feeling stuck or stagnant in your relationship, you're not alone. And there's something you can do about it. 

[06:53] Most of our relationships are limited only by our imagination.

[08:31] Some conflict is natural and expected. But how we handle it makes all the difference.

[09:26] When you argue for your limits, you get to keep them. 

[10:04] You cannot solve a problem from the same level at which it was created.

[10:40] Don't fall into the Disney Princess trap. Wake up!

[12:12] We get to create the relationship and family that we want.

[14:24] Don't let resistance or limiting beliefs prevent you from creating the relationship of your dreams.

[17:30] Our marriage could become the greatest source of healing and meaning in our lives.

It takes a lot of effort...but we've already put in tremendous effort to organize as a family. Why not put in the next level of effort and make it great?

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.

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/49

13 Apr 2020TPJ 61: Don't Bounce Back, Bounce Forward00:24:32

I know that these times have been tough for many, leaving some in a “survival mode.” But others have found, in spite of the challenges and frustrations, that they’re enjoying certain aspects of their time at home with their family.

And it may leave us wondering...do we really want life to go back to the way it was before? Or is it time to make some changes to the way we live our lives? Let’s discuss. 

[03:19] Let's choose to find the good in a bad situation. 

[05:40] Amidst the hardship and trials, you might find yourself enjoying it.

[08:23] We may find things about our lives that we want to change going forward.

[14:26] What I learned living through terrorist attacks in Jerusalem.

[17:16] It's so easy to focus on only the bad things when you're in a crisis.

[17:46] There are always gifts to be had, even during tragedy and crisis.

[20:13] Challenges we face can give us perspective and remind us of what's truly important. 

[20:59] We need to create the reality we want and lead our families. 

Let’s not let this opportunity go to waste. Let’s assess our lives and start crafting the reality we WANT to live, and not just go back to life as it was before. 

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:

27 Jan 2020TPJ 52: From Plotting Your Escape To Power Couple00:42:41

How would you rate your relationship with your partner? Is it everything you dreamed of having? Or are you planning your escape? 

Whether you’re miserable or fairly satisfied with your partnership, I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to have the relationship you’ve always wanted, EVEN if you’re ready to throw in the towel. 

In this episode we’re going to discuss the 5 rungs of the “Partnership Ladder”, how you can assess where you’re at in 3 key areas of your relationship, and the mindset shift that needs to occur in order to climb the ladder. 

[05:16] Divorce/breaking up can often be avoided with intentional work on our part.

[08:07] Let's switch from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset regarding our relationship.

[13:29] Key area number 1: Teamwork.

[15:11] Key area number 2: Parenting styles.

[16:56] Key area number 3: Connection.

[18:09] The 5-step “Partnership Ladder.”

[18:50] Rung 1: It's miserable.

[21:28] Rung 2: It's stressful.

[22:21] Rung 3: It's manageable.

[24:49] Rung 4: It's satisfying.

[26:22] Rung 5: It's blissful.

[32:54] The places where we have the least amount of energy and capacity are often the places that need it most.

[33:26] Our partnership influences every other area of our lives (for better or worse).

[36:53] Life isn't a fairytale. It won't end happily ever after by chance. It's takes work! But it is possible

It’s important to assess where we are in each key area, and commit to getting to the next rung in at least 1 key area. If you adopt a growth mindset and put in the work, you’ll be well on your way to having the relationship you’ve always wanted!

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/52

28 Oct 2019TPJ 41: Why Kids Lie00:36:03

Do your children lie to you? Or if they’re too young, are you worried they will in the future? I get questions about lying quite often, and in this episode we’re going to talk about why children lie and what we can do about it. 

[4:13] Lying is a natural part of a child’s development.  

[5:45] Younger kids sometimes don’t differentiate between reality and their imagination.

[8:04] They start using their imagination to attempt to alter reality.

[9:27] They start to lie because they’re aware of what we want to hear or to avoid trouble. 

[14:58] Let’s try to be less offended and angry when our children lie. It’s part of growing up and it’s going to happen. 

[16:11] We really don’t value the truth as much as we say or think we do. We lie to ourselves and others frequently. 

[18:55] We even lie to our children. 

[22:03] We often lie to protect ourselves.

[22:37] Our kids lie to us because they think we can't handle the truth. 

[23:25] We need to model honesty.  

[25:22] Let’s show our kids that we value honesty over smooth sailing (and keep calm when they tell us the truth). 

[26:03] When they do lie, it’s important to guide them back to honesty without shaming and punishing them. 

[30:56] There’s a powerful link between truth and trust, and it goes both ways (our trust in them, and their trust in us). 

[34:25] We can respond playfully and calmly when we catch our children lying. 

This will set a foundation for connection with our kids, creating trustworthy and truthful relationships for years to come. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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. 

Links & resources mentioned:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/41

19 Aug 2019TPJ 31: How to NOT Lose Yourself in Motherhood00:26:27

I was chatting with a friend who’s recently become a first time mom. Her baby is just turning one and she told me: “I’ve really let myself go”... she described how she hasn’t been to the gym since her pregnancy, how she’s enslaved herself in service of her baby and how she hasn’t been out with her girlfriends in months.

 

If this is you, I’m going to share a mindset shift that will help you break free of victimhood and enslavement parenting - and how your child will benefit greatly from this shift as well.

 

You’ve heard it before, you’ve probably even said it - my children are my WHOLE world, my kids are my life. I know I have. It’s true that when we become a parent our children take a place in our lives that’s greater than anything that has come before them. We would literally lay down our life for our children. 

 

While we would sacrifice our lives to save our children should we also sacrifice our life, well-being, and happiness just to care for them?  And if we do so what are we actually modeling for our children? What type of parents will they grow up to be when we choose this path?

Parenting like this can lead to burnout. Maybe it’s time we also focus not just on parenting the whole child but on being the WHOLE parent...here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[4:29] What is a whole life?

[6:37] Tying our worth to our sacrifice

[9:08] More sacrifice, more work = better parent? (spoiler alert: NO, it doesn’t)

[11:12] This does NOT mean become a narcissist

[14:10] You make me…

[16:46] The solution! Yes please!

[18:14] Nourish yourself 🧘‍♀️

[19:51] Drop “or” - use “and” instead!

[20:55] You are MORE than just a parent

 

Remember, you are the curriculum. How you show up, including most of all, how you treat yourself, is what your child will learn. Are you treating yourself the way you hope they grow up to treat themselves?

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/31

16 Jan 2024#25 Trade-Offs: Sleep, School, Screens & Sugar00:31:04

Sleep experts, parenting gurus, and influencers will come out with dramatic, dogmatic, and sometimes even fanatic statements, like "Never ____" or "The choice to ______ is akin to abuse".

But these types of statements encourage a delusion in us parents: that there is ONE right, true and perfect way to parent. That there are whole and complete solutions to our queries and all we have to do is to keep swiping left until we find them.

In this episode, I break down why Thomas Sowell was so, so right when he said: "There are no solutions, only tradeoffs." and I encourage you to take a more nuances, contextual, and individualized perspective when you're digesting your daily dose of parenting advice. 

_______

Want more encouragement and practical guidance in creating a family life that puts family first? Join us in the Hi Fam Community (HiFam.com/Studio) 

Get my new book, "Reclaim Play", available on Amazon now! Go to ReclaimPlay.com/book for your free book bonus. 

14 Feb 2023#4 About Your "Authentic Self"...00:21:18

Modern parenting trends dictate that we, as parents, must be authentic and help our children to “discover” their authentic selves. But what is “authentic”?  The problem with this focus is that by staring at what you don’t like about yourself, you're left feeling clueless about how to move forward. 

You might never discover some “true authentic self” no matter how many therapy sessions, journals, or meditations you throw at it. Or you might be disappointed by what you do discover. 

That’s okay because as you’ll hear me argue in this podcast, your authentic self is not someone to be “discovered”, it’s someone you can “design”.

 

___________________

“I love this show!” 👉 If that sounds like you please rate and review the show! This helps us support more people - just like you - to create a family life they love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Want to get your child playing for 3 hours a day without screens, bribes, or buying a thing? Take our FREE Masterclass! > (go to ReclaimPlay.com/haven) 

 

02 Dec 2019TPJ 46: How To Stay Zen During The Holidays00:33:39

The holidays are often a mixed bag of emotions. It can be a privilege to have family and friends to meet up with during the holidays. But for many of us it’s a season of stress and frustration...especially when you do things differently from the norm, like peaceful & conscious parenting. 

[4:34] The stress and anxiety can become “normal” for us if we don’t do something about it. 

[6:50] We shouldn't let differences and minor issues damage our relationships.

[9:58] Tip #1: Your breath.

[13:38] Tip #2: Visualization. 

[17:40] Tip #3: Focus on the good, not the bad. “Energy flows where attention goes.” -Tony Robbins

[22:53] Remember this season is temporary!

[23:51] You are the main leader and influence in your children’s life. 

[24:56] Being with diverse groups of people will broaden their horizons and capacity!  

[25:58] Take breaks. 

[27:55] Channel your inner “peaceful ninja”.

We can’t avoid some of the more unpleasant aspects of gathering with family over the holiday season, but we can use these tools to reduce the stress and anxiety that normally come with this time of year. Let’s use our breath to stay calm, our bubble to keep criticisms or judgments from bothering us, and focus only on the good during this holiday season. 

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.

Links & resources mentioned:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/46

03 Dec 2024#33 Beyond Victimhood: How to Help Your Children Stay Strong When Life Isn't Fair00:43:27

How do we raise children who may objectively be victims, without developing a victim mindset? In this deeply personal episode, I explore this complex question that carries meaning far beyond any specific group or circumstance. Whether your child faces bullying, medical challenges, family difficulties, or discrimination - this conversation offers powerful mindsets to help them develop resilience while honoring their experiences.

Drawing from my personal experiences and family wisdom, I dive into practical strategies for allowing children to feel their genuine emotions while not letting hardship become their defining story. Learn how to help your children maintain their sense of joy, develop pride in their achievements (rather than circumstances), and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Join me for this thoughtful exploration of building strong character and family culture in the face of adversity. Because while we can't always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond and who we choose to become.

_________________________

Want to dive deeper into creating a meaningful family culture and raising children with strong values - Learn more about The Studio (hifam.com/studio), where parents come together to develop the leadership skills needed to build extraordinary families.

18 Apr 2019TPJ 17: The Real Reasons You’re Not Decluttering (and how to overcome them)00:27:31

“No mommy I love this, this is my all time favorite toy” – said every kid whose parent ever tried to declutter the toy that they have not touched in 2 years.

 

Sound familiar?

 

Tens of thousands of parents have gone through this free and simple process with me and it can make such a dramatic difference in their child’s play.  The problem parents run into is not due to the complexity of decluttering but is actually due to their own beliefs sabotaging the efforts they make.  

 

On the surface decluttering toys doesn’t seem like a big deal.  What parents don’t realize is that it usually leads to a pandora’s box of emotions and fears.

 

In this episode you’ll discover the seven most common reasons people have too many toys and why it’s difficult to downsize. It’s time to overcome these limiting beliefs and clear the way for a decluttered, soothing play space!

 

[3:37] “You’re not a real minimalist!”

[5:36] But EVERYTHING sparks Joy 🥰

[11:20] #1: It’s all about Love! 💕

[13:23] #2: The hidden ball and chain

[15:16] #3: How else will she become the next Einstein?

[17:42] #4: Gotta keep up with the Jones’ kids!

[19:32] #5: The most seductive of our methods

[21:49] #6: Don’t pay for it twice!

[23:24] #7: Fear Fear Fear 😱

 

Ultimately the relationship we have with our stuff mimics the relationship we have with ourselves and the world.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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 

 

The (free) three week Reclaim Play challenge started April 15th Grab Your Spot NOW!

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/17

07 Oct 2019TPJ 38: Playful Parenting00:26:46

Have you ever seen a parent who really knows how to connect with kids? I think we all know someone who knows how to get them laughing and win them over with ease. One who can speak to kids at their level, calm them down when they get a little crazy or help them feel better when they’re upset.

My brother is like this and it’s amazing to watch him in action. I wish it came as naturally to me as it does to him. Can you relate? 

In this episode, we’re talking about what playful parenting is, why it works, and how you can incorporate it into your life right now.  

  • [4:48] Playfulness is a superpower when it comes to interacting with children.
  • [6:58] Responding to a situation playfully not only calms our children down but also calms ourselves down.
  • [8:16] Play is how children learn, communicate feelings, connect with others, and deal with stressful situations.
  • [9:45] Playfulness can help children express complex emotions.
  • [11:05] Children can learn how to overcome fear when we role-play and teach them how to “talk” to fear.
  • [11:55] Teach them to overcome shyness.
  • [12:36] Teach them about diversity and being kind to people who are different.  
  • [13:21] Prepare them for a difficult situation, like going to the doctor. 
  • [15:25] Help them learn how to deal with sibling rivalry. 
  • [17:06] Use play to get their cooperation and diffuse power struggles...like when you’re in a rush to go somewhere and your child is moving very slowly. 
  • [18:49] Become contrary and silly about something you want them to do (like washing their hands with soap). 
  • [20:14] When they’re resisting you, try the “full agreement” game. 
  • [22:25] Additional ideas

Playful parenting has so much potential to transform life with your children. All it takes is a little imagination and a good dose of silliness!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know 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.

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/38 

26 Mar 2024#30 Authentic Parenting: Beyond the Rulebook00:27:51

Ever found yourself meticulously following every parenting guideline to a t, only to feel like something crucial is missing? 

In this episode, we confront the uncomfortable truth about scripted responses and emotionless reactions and how they may be stifling genuine connections with our children. If you feel that the rules of gentle parenting are just not getting you anywhere - this might be an eye-opening truth as to what might be missing. Even more importantly how, unknowingly, you could have fallen into the traps of Robotic Parenting. 

Tune in and learn what Robotic Parenting is, how to avoid it, and rediscover the magic of Authentic Parenting.

 

Build the Family of Your Dreams and Become the Leader of Your Family with The Studio!

_________________


The book mentioned in this episode:

"Bad Therapy: Why Kids Aren't Growing up" by Abigail Shrier

11 Apr 2023#10 Goldilocks Parenting (Hitting the Balance of High Expectations and High Support)00:25:45

It’s true that our children need a lot of warmth, love, nurturing, attunement, attention, and connection. And yes, children thrive when they’re given appropriate freedoms within boundaries and a limited amount of acceptable choices. But they also need something else, something I’ll outline in today’s podcast. 

👉 Create more joy, magic, togetherness, and connection in your day-to-day family life than you ever dreamed of... Join us for the Dream Family Bootcamp LIVE EXPERIENCE! hifam.com/bootcamp

 

22 Jul 2019TPJ 27: Can Your Child Really Learn Everything through Harry Potter?00:38:13

Should we follow & encourage our children’s passions - like animals, robots or ballerinas - or drill into them the things they need to know, like math, science, and literacy?

If you are homeschooling do you find yourself wanting to follow your child’s interest and NOT simply replicate the school system in your home but worry they will miss out on the important skills we need to teach them?

 

Or maybe your child attends school and it seems you always have to fight with them to finish their homework or to study.

 

No matter what your path, this episode has some inspiration and practical tangible steps to bring the enchantment back to learning!

 

So, how can we motivate our children to learn the common core subjects? How can we make sure they get the knowledge without undermining their intrinsic motivation? It can feel like the options are to follow the child completely, as in radical unschooling, or impose our agenda on them either by sending them to school or following a set curriculum at home are our only options.

 

What if I told you there was a third way? In this episode we’re going to explore how to do both. How to follow your child's interests AND make sure they are learning the skills they need to know. I’ll give you 3 actionable steps as well as 3 practical examples to get you started. Here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[3:51] How will my child learn math if princesses is all she will talk about? 👸

[6:25] Can’t I just force them to learn?

[7:07] What’s wrong with candy in exchange for long division problems completed? 🍭

[8:24] Learning IS fun, right?

[11:29] You can learn EVERYTHING through ANYTHING

[13:22] Step 1: PJ masks, paw patrol, fairies… what is it?

[15:22] Step 2: Map it out

[15:57] Step 3: A little planning goes a long way

[16:36] Example 1: The world through Lego

[23:39] Example 2: Enchant with Harry Potter

[33:06] Example 3: Yes even Princesses can be educational!

 

By using this method we become a partner in their education. We collaborate with them by following their interests all the way through to the myriad of ways it can actually provide the education we may have on our adult agenda. When we teach and guide children in this way much of the resistance falls away and makes way for passion. With this education then becomes a fun and creative endeavor.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/27

04 Feb 2025#5 Stop Lecturing: Use This Parenting Secret Instead00:22:24

For thousands of years, parents have used one powerful tool to shape their children's values, build their resilience, and inspire their growth - without ever raising their voice or giving a lecture.

This ancient wisdom, nearly forgotten in modern parenting advice, has helped cultures pass down their most important lessons for generations.

Today, I'm sharing how to harness the transformative power of storytelling to influence your children in ways that lectures never could. In this video, you'll discover:

- The ancient framework behind every powerful story
- How to use personal stories to build confidence
- Why family history matters more than you think
- The secret to embedding values without resistance

Plus, I share a real example of how I used this method to help my son overcome his fear of swimming. This isn't just about bedtime stories - it's about creating lasting change in your family through the timeless art of narrative.

_________________

Create a family story worth passing down. Join me in The STUDIO to learn how to build a meaningful family culture that lasts. → https://hifam.com/studio 

28 Dec 2018TPJ 1: How To Do It All (work, marriage, self care and awesome parenting?)00:33:10

Do you ever wonder how some people make it look so easy and seem to “do it all?” They homeschool their kids while also growing a business. They’re highly productive, yet spend time with their loved ones and are fully present and engaged.

 

People often ask me how I do it all; run a business, homeschool my children, take care of our home, take care of myself, my spouse, etc. In this episode we’re going to dive into the topic of how I do it all.

 

First, it’s important to dispel the myth that any of us can do everything.  

 

  • You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
  • I believe in doing all of the IMPORTANT things, then outsourcing, reducing, and/or eliminating the rest.
  • I believe in working and taking action and accomplishing things, but I don’t believe in busyness.

 

How to do it all:

 

 

  • Don’t do it all!

    Get help! Get as much help as you can. As your situation allows, outsource things that other people can do to enable you to do the things that only you can do. Outsource things you don’t enjoy doing. Things that take you away from things that bring you joy and fulfillment.  

    It takes a village! You need other people in your life. There are people who will help for free. Drop your kids off to play with your friend’s kids so you can run some errands. There are people who’d love to come play with your kids so you could take a break or work on some other things.

  • Multi-task.

    It’s not for everyone for every time. In caregiving times and other times when I need to be present and engaged, I’m not multitasking. But while I’m driving, walking, or doing other things that are autonomous where you could be listening to audio books, podcasts, etc.
  • Routine & rhythm.

    We have a predictable weekly and daily flow. It drastically cuts down on power struggles throughout the day (getting out the door, meal times, getting to bed, etc). And because it’s so predictable, I have blocks of time where I know I can get my work done and schedule in my self-care.
  • Declutter like your life depends on it...because it does.

    Declutter both physically (in your home, office, etc) and in terms of your time/schedule. There are many things that don’t happen in this season in my life: I don’t answer every email, I pursue every project that comes along, and I say no to a lot of things.

    Everything that comes into your home and schedule needs to earn it’s place. It needs to be deserving of the energy it takes.  

    If there are things in our home that aren’t serving us, that are adding to the clutter, I get rid of them.

    If there are relationships that are draining and not bringing me joy, I let them slip away.

    This helps me bring my full energy and enthusiasm to the things that I’m doing and keeping in my life.

    I don’t watch much TV (maybe 45 min a week). I don’t go out much. I try very hard to reduce or eliminate mindless scrolling on social media.

 

  1. Supreme self-care.

    If you want to bring your best to everything you do, you need to take care of yourself. Our bodies and minds need time to rest and rejuvenate. Running yourself ragged is a recipe for burnout and depression.

    Once you feel rested, nourished, and taken care of, then everything else flows and you can give in a way that is never a sacrifice. It just flows from you naturally.

    There will be days that are hard and you’ll fall into a victim mindset. But you’re responsible for your own self-care and well-being, and when you take care of yourself, the bad days will be few and far between instead of normal.  

    You need to stop putting yourself last. Stop putting everything and everyone else before your own well-being. When you leave your self-care for last, there’s never enough time and energy. Start making self-care a priority and schedule it in first. Then take care of others with whatever time and energy is left.

 

I would love to hear what you’re saying “no” to so that you can say “yes” to self-care. Take a screenshot of this podcast episode and tag me on Instagram. Tag me (@parentingjunkie) and use the hashtag #parentingjunkie, and let me know what you’re doing to reclaim self-care.

 

One final tip: Focus on being relentlessly optimistic! Focus on gratitude, abundance, and resilience. See challenges and problems as opportunities to grow; rather than being something done to me, they’re opportunities for me.  

 

Links & Resources:

 

  • Show notes at TheParentingJunkie.com/1
  • Note: You mentioned bluetooth earbuds. Do you want to include a link to them? Do you have an amazon affiliate account (or whatever it’s called) where you can get a small commission on the sale of anything purchase from your links?
  • Note: You mentioned they can listen to episode 2 to get an outline of your weekly/daily routines. Link to episode 2? TheParentingJunkie.com/2
  • Sponsorship: TheParentingJunkie.com/design

TheParentingJunkie.com/review

23 Apr 2024#32 How To Have Judgment Without Being Judgmental00:24:46

In a world where the mere mention of judgment can spark controversy and shame, it's easy to lose sight of its essential role in our lives. There's a crucial difference between being judgmental and exercising sound judgment, yet the fear of judgment has led many to forsake their ability to discern, blurring the lines between criticism and discernment. 

Join us as we navigate this delicate balance, uncovering why it's vital not to shy away from judgment but instead to embrace it as a cornerstone of wisdom. And perhaps most importantly,  why giving the gift of good judgment to our children is an invaluable tool for them in navigating life's complexities with clarity and compassion. 

__________________

Build the Family of Your Dreams and Become the Leader of Your Family with The Studio! (hifam.com/studio)

27 May 2019TPJ 21: Imposter Syndrome in Parenting00:41:32

Do you ever feel like an imposter? Like one day someone will catch you out as a fraud? Like your kids will need therapy to recover from the dark secrets in your life?

 

A quick google of imposter syndrome will result in articles all relating to imposter syndrome within our careers or professions.  But what about parenting? Imposter syndrome is just as real in parenting as it is in the professional world and it can leave us feeling frozen, low, alone and end up robbing us of the joy in parenting.

 

In this episode you’ll discover how to overcome imposter syndrome as a parent.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

 

[3:43] What is imposter syndrome?

[8:29] Make it go away!!

[9:59] You’re not alone!

[12:55] Live in integrity

[16:07] There’s more than one way to do it

[18:29] It’s not ALL about you!

[20:13] Own your greatness! 💪

[23:16] Mistakes are okay

[25:33] Put it down! 📱

[26:17] Be weird!

[31:06] Your Super Power 🦸‍♀️

[32:31] Fake it ‘til you make it

[34:17] You’re a different you

[35:35] Be an eternal student

[36:44] Extinguish Imposter Syndrome! 🧯

[37:48] Life is short

 

If you want to see the ways I feel like an imposter check out my blog post here.

 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @theparentingjunkie 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.

 

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/21

12 Oct 2020TPJ 82: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills00:35:06

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:

17 Mar 2020TPJ 58: 3 Questions To Guide Parents During The Coronavirus Pandemic00:35:45

As we face the COVID-19 Pandemic, there’s a lot we can’t control. It can cause major fear, anxiety, and worry...but it doesn’t have to. This episode is from a live video I did where I shared 3 questions you can ask when you’re facing a crisis, and I wanted to share it with you in hopes it will help you through these uncertain times. 

[02:49] Question 1: Who do I want to be?

[06:53] It may not come naturally...you'll likely have to work to be the person you want to be.

[07:16] I try to imagine what my older and wiser self would say about the situation.

[09:48] You can be doing the right "whats", but the "how" will make a big difference in your experience.

[10:55] Question 2: How can I help? What can I [practically] do?

[13:22] Our kids are looking to us to learn how to handle crises.

[16:09] If you're not on the front lines, focus on what you can actually do. Spend your energy there. 

[21:02] Question 3: Look for the blessings in your situation.

[26:59] Challenges make us stronger...if we let them. 

We don’t have control of this situation. And to a large extent we can’t control how it develops and how it changes life as we know it. But we can control our perspective and how we respond. The choice is ours. 

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:

Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/58

22 Nov 2023#23 Strength Over Safety: Raising Courageous Kids in an Unsafe World00:29:29
It might be hard to imagine, but the emphasis on "safety" as one of the main goals for parents, was not always the prevailing value that humans sought after. Today, there's an acute obsession with physical and emotional safety. Caution signs and buzzwords like "safe space" and "trigger warnings" permeate societal circles. But "safetyism" actually leads us all to be less safe. 
 
In this episode, I share 3 surprising ways in which a high emphasis on safety actually deteriorates resiliency and 3 strategies you can start practicing now to raise children who are strong - physically, emotionally, and mentally. 
 
~
 
Learn more about "safetyism" in the context of fostering independence in young children (starting at the earliest ages!) through the surprising powers of play in Avital's new book, Reclaim Play (reclaimplay.com/book).
 
We here at Hi Fam want to help you create a family life you love! If you'd like to go deeper into that, join the Hi Fam newsletter (hifam.com/newsletter).
14 Jan 2025#2 Childhood Trauma - Are We All Just Messing Up Our Kids?00:18:47

"I'm probably traumatizing my kids..."

How many times have you caught yourself thinking this?

If you're constantly walking on eggshells, worried that every parenting mistake might leave lasting damage, you're not alone. But what if this hyper-awareness of 'trauma' is actually the real problem?

As someone who has personally overcome severe clinical PTSD, I'm sharing a perspective-shifting truth about childhood resilience that most modern parenting advice gets completely wrong.

In this raw, honest episode, I reveal:

  • Why labeling everything as 'trauma' might be hurting our kids
  • The surprising science behind childhood resilience
  • How to distinguish between real challenges and actual trauma
  • A powerful mindset shift that will transform how you parent

This isn't another "be more gentle" lecture or guilt-inducing advice. Instead, I'm sharing why our obsession with protecting our children from every discomfort might be creating the very thing we're trying to prevent - and what to do instead.

________________________________

 Stop second-guessing every parenting move. Inside The Studio, I'll show you how to create a family culture that builds resilience naturally - without the guilt, fear, or endless worrying about 'traumatizing' your kids. Get on The Waitlist today - https://hifam.com/studio


Useful Links: 

Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier https://amzn.to/4h2IYMx Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier https://amzn.to/3W50jfM

Hi Fam Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC53ONFvWH0hU985xkjVLSwQ/

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