Take A Mental Load Off

Good Moms Don’t Solve Every Problem

Episode Summary:In this episode, Rachel and Shauna talk about a major mindset shift around letting go of the need to "judge" or control everything. Whether it's kids fighting, work stress, or imaginary deadlines we put on ourselves, we explore how stepping back can actually create more peace, connection, and personal growth. We also share real examples from our own lives, including parenting moments, professional challenges, and daily mental battles, and why choosing curiosity over control is so freeing.
Timeline Summary:[1:12] - Shauna notices how often she unnecessarily steps in to "fix" her kids' conflicts[5:44] - Rachel shares a story about trusting her child’s ability to assess his own safety[10:30] - Why we don’t need to give kids a list of ideas when they say they're bored[14:25] - Shauna opens up about the burnout of trying to protect others from "bad" interpreters[18:02] - How trying to change someone’s opinion drains energy and creates resentment[21:30] - Practical ways we’re shifting from obligation to choice in everyday parenting
Closing Remark:Thanks for listening! If today’s episode helped shift your mindset even a little, please take a second to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. It really helps us keep these conversations going. See you next time!

Understanding The Invisible Mental Load: One Sheet of Paper at a Time

Today Shauna is sharing a conversation she had with her 9-year-old that helped her explain what the mental load of motherhood really feels like—and how something that seems small can actually be a lot when it’s stacked on top of everything else. From prepping for church to managing her jam-packed family calendar, she opens up about the invisible work that often goes unnoticed and how we’re learning to communicate better as a family.
We also talk about a recent miscommunication with Colby that turned into an important moment of growth for both of them—and a reminder that taking something off our plate isn’t as simple as it might look. If you’ve ever felt like everyone’s “shortcut,” this episode will hit home.
Episode Highlights
[1:12] - Explaining the mental load with a stack-of-paper analogy[4:50] - The invisible to-do list running through my brain on a typical Sunday[9:03] - Teaching kids to help without adding more to my plate[14:15] - How we’ve evolved our family calendar (and why I love the Skylight)[18:47] - The “just tell me” moment with Colby that led to a deeper convo[24:10] - Why being everyone’s go-to resource can feel more draining than helpful[28:35] - Lightening the mental load vs. stretching your capacity
Links & Resources
Skylight Calendar – Shauna's favorite family tool for syncing schedules, chores, and more
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review! Your support helps the podcast reach more moms (and dads!) doing the invisible work every day.

Lying Is a Milestone, Not a Mistake

In this episode, we are sharing some of our favorite tools and strategies for building trust, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our kids—without shame or labels. From how Shauna uses her Skylight Calendar to manage chores and rewards, to navigating honesty, sneaky behavior, and those classic “he said, she said” moments, we're getting real about what’s working (and what definitely hasn’t).
We’ll also dig into how lying is actually a developmental milestone (yep, for real), and how to have meaningful, shame-free conversations that build connection and long-term character. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids be more honest, while keeping the peace at home, this one’s for you.
⏱️ Episode Highlights
[2:05] - Why we love the Skylight Calendar for family organization and chore tracking[6:40] - How our kids earn, spend, and (accidentally) hack their star rewards[11:55] - Lessons learned from sneaky behavior and “resetting” the system with consequences[17:10] - Why lying isn’t bad—it’s actually part of healthy brain development[23:20] - Tools we use to build trust, including our cotton ball trust jars[30:45] - How to call out behavior without shaming or labeling kids[38:10] - Finding everyday teachable moments and modeling emotional resilience
If this episode made you think—or laugh—please follow, rate, and share it with a friend. Your support helps the show grow and helps more parents feel empowered in the messy middle of raising good humans. 💛

Beyond the Surface: Capacity, Comparison, and Compassion

In this episode, Shauna opens up about a recent experience that challenged the way she thinks about grief, emotional capacity, and the constant comparison we all fall into. From a funeral that stirred unexpected emotions to a family trip that left Rachel feeling “less than,” we share how we're learning to validate our feelings and recognize that capacity is personal—and always shifting.
If you’ve ever told yourself you “shouldn’t” feel a certain way, or felt guilt over not being able to do more, this episode is your reminder that pain doesn’t need to be ranked, and you don’t need to earn rest or compassion. Your experience is enough.
🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:
[1:02] – Feeling unexpected grief and questioning if it’s valid[4:31] – The broken leg vs. sprained ankle analogy: pain is still pain[8:18] – How our max capacity changes over time[13:04] – A science experiment that explains emotional flexibility[18:41] – Why trip planning guilt hit me harder than expected[24:09] – Realizing we all have different strengths and comfort zones[28:43] – Final thoughts: comparison steals joy—check in with you, not them
If this episode hit home, I’d love it if you rated, followed, shared, or left a review. It really helps others find the show—and I so appreciate your support. 💛

Letting Go of the Mom I Used to Be

This week, Rachel hit her first hard pass as a mom: playing Pokémon. Yep, she's officially found the one thing her kids are obsessed with that she just cannot get behind—and she's letting herself be okay with that. In this episode, we share why this moment hit deeper than expected and how it’s opened up a conversation about identity, motherhood, and the tricky transition of letting go.
⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights
[1:05] – Why Pokémon is my personal nightmare (and my parenting boundary)[4:12] – When your kid’s interest doesn’t align with yours—and what to do about it[7:58] – A quick look at child development stages and why space might be good[12:30] – Grieving the shift from being their everything to stepping back[17:44] – The identity crisis of being a “solo supermom” when that’s no longer the case[22:19] – Learning to enjoy the free time—and let it reshape who I am
 
Enjoyed this episode?If this one hit home, we’d love for you to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. And hey—send it to another parent who might need permission to not care about Pokémon today. 😉

How Do I Know When to Do More—or Pull Back?

In this episode, Rachel and Shauna unpack the messy emotions around doing “too much” or “not enough” as a parent. We talk about how guilt and resentment can be helpful signals, explore Erikson’s stages of development, and share how our different parenting values play out in everyday choices. This is one of those honest, back-and-forth chats that’ll have you thinking about your own version of medium vs. maximum.
⏳ Episode Highlights & Time Stamps
[3:10] – What guilt and resentment are really trying to tell us[7:45] – Erikson’s stages of development and how they show up in parenting[13:20] – Independence vs. obedience: how our values influence everyday decisions[17:30] – Feeling the call to “go maximum” (or step back to medium)[24:05] – Why overcorrecting from guilt sends mixed signals to our kids[31:40] – 15 minutes a day: the power of intentional time[36:15] – Letting emotions guide us without letting them take the wheel
🔗 Links & Resources
Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Stages – Psychology Today
Armchair Expert Podcast
Better Than Happy Podcast by Jody Moore
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If this episode sparked something in you, made you laugh, or just made you feel seen—please rate, follow, and share the podcast! Your reviews help more moms find their way to this community. And hey, if you’re feeling like you’re stuck in the “medium club,” just know—we see you, and you’re not alone.

Where's The Balance Between Sacrifice & Self-Care?

Episode Summary:
Mom guilt is real, but are we being too hard on ourselves? In this episode, we dive into the tension between sacrifice and self-care, exploring why we feel guilty even when we're spending plenty of time with our kids. We share personal experiences with working motherhood, homeschooling, and shifting seasons of parenting—plus, a reality check on what enough really looks like. Whether you struggle with overextending yourself or wonder if you're doing too little, this conversation will help you rethink balance in a way that actually works.
Episode Highlights:
[0:45] – Are we sounding too unbalanced when talking about self-care?[4:30] – The guilt of working and feeling like it’s never enough[9:10] – Breaking down the actual hours we spend with our kids (it’s more than we think!)[15:20] – How different seasons of motherhood shape our time and priorities[22:40] – Why “just a mom” is the biggest lie we tell ourselves[28:15] – The role of resentment in motherhood and what it’s trying to tell us
Enjoyed this episode?
If this conversation resonated with you, we’d love for you to share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your support helps us keep these honest and heartfelt discussions coming! ❤️

IEPs Uncovered: Navigating Special Education with Confidence

IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) can feel overwhelming, but understanding them is crucial for advocating for your child’s education. In this episode, I share my personal experience navigating the IEP system for my son, Eli, and the key lessons I’ve learned along the way. From early intervention to working with (or pushing back on) schools, I’ll break down what every parent needs to know to ensure their child gets the right support.
We’ll cover how IEPs are determined, the role of advocates, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to make sure your child’s accommodations actually help them progress. If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to navigate it like a pro.
Episode Highlights:
[02:10] – What is an IEP, and who qualifies for one?[07:25] – Understanding autism classifications and their impact on education[21:15] – The testing process: How schools determine eligibility for an IEP[35:10] – Why every parent should consider bringing an advocate[42:25] – The mistake I made that almost cost my son crucial support[50:10] – The difference between an IEP and a 504 plan
 
If this episode helped you, please rate, review, and share the podcast! Your support helps more parents access this important information. 💙

Staying Up Late? Here’s What Might Be Missing

Episode Summary:
Why do we stay up late, even when we’re completely drained? In this episode, we unpack the real reasons behind bedtime procrastination—whether it’s the need for "me time," avoiding emotions, or not aligning with our natural energy cycles. We also explore how rest during your menstrual cycle can improve overall sleep, plus practical ways to reset your nighttime routine. If you’re tired of being tired, this episode is for you!
Episode Highlights:
[1:45] – The struggle of wanting "me time" vs. needing sleep[4:30] – Are you avoiding emotions by staying up late?[9:15] – How your menstrual cycle affects rest and reflection[14:40] – Letting go of old habits to create space for new goals[18:20] – The science behind why sun exposure helps sleep[20:10] – Practical tips to reset your sleep schedule
Links & Resources:
🔗 Join my upcoming class – Learn more about balancing your energy and self-care
If this episode helped you, share it with a friend and leave a review! Sleep well! 😴💛

Why Do We Avoid What's Good For Us?

Episode Summary:
Ever notice how kids will do anything to avoid going to sleep? Turns out, we do the same thing—just in different ways. In this episode, we explore why we resist things we know are good for us, from sleep to simple habits like taking vitamins or getting outside. We dive into the emotional roadblocks behind avoidance, how it sneaks into our daily lives, and what we can do to shift our mindset. If you’ve ever caught yourself procrastinating something for no good reason, this one’s for you!
Episode Highlights:
[1:45] - The bedtime excuses kids use (and why they fight sleep so hard)[5:30] - How adults avoid sleep and other beneficial habits[10:15] - The hidden emotional reasons behind avoidance[15:40] - When avoiding something actually makes it worse (hello, chaos!)[20:00] - A mindset shift: running toward what we want instead of away from what we don’t
Links & Resources:
Listen to our Problem-Solving Episode for more on overcoming mental roadblocks
Interested in learning more about sleep habits? Check out this resource on sleep hygiene from Holistic Health Educators.
Enjoyed this episode?
If this resonated with you, please rate, review, and share the podcast! Your support helps us keep these conversations going. 💛🎙