Take A Mental Load Off

Teaching Body Awareness: Guiding Kids to Listen to Their Gut

Summary:Raising kids with food sensitivities can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be all about restrictions! In this episode, Rachel shares how she helps her boys make mindful food choices, especially at social events, while still letting them enjoy treats. From corn syrup to food dyes, she's had her learning moments—but the goal is teaching them to listen to their bodies without the guilt or strict rules.
You’ll hear some funny, relatable stories about how our kids have become little food detectives and how we strike the balance between healthy eating and fun. Whether you’re managing food sensitivities or just want to help your kids build healthier habits, this episode is packed with real-life tips and insights!
 
Key Topics Covered:
Teaching kids to recognize how food affects their bodies
Handling social situations with food sensitivities
Balancing fun treats with maintaining healthy habits
Avoiding judgment while respecting different family food choices
The importance of modeling healthy eating behaviors as parents
Timeline Summary:
[1:15] – Navigating food sensitivities at social gatherings and how it impacts the kids.
[5:22] – Explaining to my kids why different families eat differently.
[10:08] – Letting the kids have occasional treats and discussing how it affects their behavior and energy.
[17:45] – Teaching my boys to listen to their bodies and recognize symptoms after eating certain foods.
[24:30] – A funny story about my son’s "liver power" and how kids perceive food and health.
[31:10] – Making small, sustainable changes in our family’s eating habits and seeing long-term improvements.
[38:45] – Encouraging mindful eating and physical intuition for lifelong healthy habits.
Links & Resources:
The Dirty Dozen List: EWG’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce
Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. Your support helps us continue these important conversations. Share this episode with a friend who might be struggling with navigating food choices with their kids. See you next time!

The Golden Rule Gone Wrong: Misconceptions About Autism

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Shauna shares a funny, yet eye-opening encounter at a church activity that made her reflect on the well-intended (but sometimes unhelpful) advice she receives about autism. As she talks about her son Eli, his unique way of seeing the world, and the challenges we face navigating school systems and IEPs, you’ll get a real glimpse into the ups and downs of parenting a neurodivergent child. From quirky stories to the frustrations of advocating for proper support, this episode is a heartfelt and honest look at what it's like to raise a child with autism—and why understanding matters more than quick fixes.
Timeline Summary:
[1:05] – The surprising (and awkward) conversation about "curing" autism.
[4:32] – How visual flashcards help Eli learn words and remember patterns.
[9:15] – The frustrations of an IEP that doesn’t support Eli’s real needs.
[15:45] – My heated conversation with the principal about discipline and autism misunderstandings.
[22:20] – Explaining Eli’s brain: why autism is like a blank Excel spreadsheet.
[33:12] – The positive turnaround with Eli’s SPED teacher and the support she provided.
[38:40] – Picture day chaos: Eli’s hilarious take on getting his school photo taken.
Links & Resources:
The Pattern Seeker: How Autism Drives Human Invention – A book that explores how autistic minds have contributed to some of the greatest inventions.
More info on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy for autism.
Closing Remark:
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast—it really helps us reach more people. See you next time!

Tackling Everyday Chaos - Part 2

In this episode, we're opening up about something we all struggle with—control. Whether it's trying to manage things beyond our reach, like when someone else is driving, or figuring out why we’re really upset, we’ll walk you through Shauna's process for identifying the root cause of our frustrations. Plus, we'll share how we learned to let go and stop sweating the small stuff—because spoiler: It’s often not in our control anyway!
But it’s not all serious talk! We’ll also dive into how FUN is the secret weapon every parent needs. Fun isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential ingredient for better parenting, stronger connections, and happier kids. We share quirky, effective strategies like using animal sounds to get kids to listen or how the “ducks and wings” method changed grocery store trips forever. You’ll also hear about how establishing simple SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for everything from bedtime to behavior can save your sanity.
Timeline Summary:
[1:15] – Letting go of control: Why trying to micromanage doesn’t work.
[3:50] – What’s really the problem? Is it the kids, or is it you?
[6:12] – How fun creates connection, movement, and solves problems.
[9:00] – Using animal sounds to get kids to cooperate (and yes, it works!).
[12:05] – Establishing "ducks and wings" for smoother grocery store runs.
[16:30] – Creating simple, life-saving parenting SOPs.
[20:15] – Fun as a non-negotiable: Why joy and playfulness help with parenting challenges.
Links & Resources:
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk (Book mentioned)
Acupressure mats for meditation and problem-solving
Kid2Kid (Store mentioned for buying creative tools like tutus)
Closing Remark: If this episode helped you see parenting in a new light, or if you got a good laugh from my animal sound antics, we’d love to hear from you! Rate, follow, and share the podcast. Leave a review so we can keep the conversation going. Remember, parenting doesn’t have to be a struggle—sometimes, a little fun goes a long way!

Tackling Everyday Chaos (Part 1 of 2)

Episode Summary:In this episode of Take a Mental Load Off, Shauna shares her unique approach to tackling the everyday challenges of motherhood with humor, insight, and creativity. We dive into her personal process for identifying problems, figuring out what’s really bugging us as moms, and how to create solutions that actually work.
From reflecting on those frustrating moments at the end of a long day to learning how to delegate and not take on every little task, Shauna’s method is a game-changer. Together, we explore how to recognize what’s truly worth problem-solving and how to avoid taking on responsibilities that aren’t even ours. This episode is packed with practical strategies, relatable mom moments, and a few laughs along the way!
Episode Highlights:
[1:05] – Shauna’s method for problem-solving as a mom and why it works
[3:12] – Identifying the things that frustrate you most – and turning them into problem-solving opportunities
[7:25] – The power of asking yourself the right questions to find solutions
[10:45] – Handling those oversized reactions and why they hold important clues
[14:02] – Logistics vs. mindset: How to know what kind of solution you need
[16:30] – Recognizing when it’s not your problem and why that’s a relief
Links & Resources:
Simply on Purpose Parenting – Instagram
Closing:If you found today’s episode helpful, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share! We love hearing your thoughts, so leave a review and let us know what you think. Thanks for tuning in, and remember, taking a mental load off starts with recognizing what’s really your responsibility!

The Little Things: Overrated Rituals or Parenting Necessity?

Episode Summary:
In this heartwarming episode, we explore how simple family rituals can create deep connections and lasting memories. Join Rachel as she chats with Shauna about the intentional moments she weaves into her family's daily life—like their fun dinner-time questions and quirky bedtime routines. We dive into the magic of these small, meaningful practices and share tips on how you can easily incorporate them into your own family’s rhythm. Whether it’s a special hug or a silly tradition, these moments are the glue that holds us together. Tune in to discover how you can start or strengthen your own family rituals today!
Timeline Summary:
[2:15] - Observing intentional moments of connection during dinner time at Shauna's house.
[5:30] - The origin of the four dinner questions and how they became a family ritual.
[9:45] - The concept of rituals, both big and small, and their impact on family culture.
[14:20] - Sharing unique and quirky family rituals, from “camp couch” to the "brain freeze kiss."
[19:00] - How stories and shared memories become part of family lore and strengthen bonds.
[25:40] - Sensory input and how it plays a role in regulating emotions and behavior in children.
[32:15] - Discussing how to create or identify family rituals that enhance connection.
[40:55] - An update on Shauna’s life, from handling emergencies to the ups and downs of family life.
Closing Remarks:
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to bring meaningful conversations and valuable insights to our listeners. Thank you for tuning in!

Not Every Friendship Deserves Your Full Attention

*This is the Final Part of a 3 Part series on Friends*
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of friendships and relationships, exploring how they evolve over time. We share personal stories about long-time friendships, how they have adapted to changing circumstances, and the importance of allowing friendships to naturally ebb and flow. We discuss the idea that not all friendships need to have the same level of closeness or commitment, and that it's okay to let relationships be what they are without forcing them into a mold. We also touch on the delicate balance of maintaining connections, avoiding the trap of "love bombing," and recognizing when it's time to let a friendship evolve or even drift apart. Join us for an honest conversation about what it means to truly value and nurture the friendships in our lives.
Timeline Summary:
[0:45] - Reflecting on different functions and levels of friendship commitment.
[2:10] - Navigating a long-distance best friendship with ease and acceptance.
[5:05] - Learning to let go of resentment in relationships and allowing them to be what they are.
[7:30] - The sustainable dynamics of various friendships and how they change over time.
[10:20] - Balancing intense friendships and the lessons learned from moving neighborhoods.
[13:15] - The importance of acknowledging seasons of life in friendships.
[15:00] - Watching for red flags in new friendships and the value of giving relationships time to develop.
Closing Remarks:
Thank you for tuning in to this heartfelt episode on the dynamics of friendships. If you enjoyed our discussion, don't forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your reviews help us reach more listeners who could benefit from these conversations. Until next time, keep nurturing those important relationships in your life!
 

The Harsh Reality of Authentic Friendships

*This is Part 2 of a 3 Part series on Friends*
Episode Summary
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of building authentic friendships and navigating social dynamics. Shauna shares some valuable advice she gave her niece Brynlee, who's at an FSY camp, about the importance of being your true self in friendships and recognizing when relationships might be mismatched. We discuss how to identify if someone is genuinely interested in getting to know you or just going through the motions, and why it's crucial to value your own time and energy in friendships.
We also explore the idea of leading with different aspects of our personalities depending on the context, and how that can serve as a filter to find our true tribe. There's a heartfelt shoutout to Shauna's mom, Dawn, for teaching her the art of asking meaningful questions, and some funny and insightful moments as we unpack how our personalities shape our relationships. Plus, you'll hear about why it's important to embrace your authentic self, even if it feels a little scary at times, and how that can help you attract the right people into your life.
Timeline Summary
[1:05] - Advice to Brynlee: The importance of being your authentic self in friendships.
[3:45] - Recognizing signs of mismatched friendships and valuing your time.
[6:20] - How asking the right questions can reveal someone's true interest in you.
[10:10] - The influence of my mom's question-asking skills on my social interactions.
[14:15] - Leading with different aspects of your personality to filter friendships.
[18:30] - The significance of finding your tribe by being yourself.
Closing Remarks
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave us a review. Keep being your authentic self and remember, your tribe is out there waiting to find you!

The Questioning Strategy That Could Transform Your Social Life

*This is Part 1 of a 3 part series on Friends!*
Episode Summary
In this episode, we're diving into the challenges and joys of making friends, especially as adults. Whether you're navigating new friendships as a mom, figuring out how to connect with others who share or differ from your values, or just trying to maintain the relationships you already have, this conversation is for you. We also share some hilarious and cringeworthy stories from our own youth group experiences, where we learned the do’s and don’ts of social interaction—like how not to ask someone about their "eternal companion" on a first dance! Tune in for some laughs, insights, and practical tips on building and maintaining friendships.
Timeline Summary
[1:15] - Struggles of making friends as a new mom and how different values can influence friendships.
[4:30] - The importance of asking questions and how it helps in forming connections.
[10:45] - A fun story about running into an old acquaintance at Costco and how to keep a conversation going.
[15:00] - How remembering details about people can make them feel seen and strengthen relationships.
[16:30] - Flashback to our awkward but memorable experiences at a youth church camp, including a guy with a "crush list."
[17:50] - The unforgettable "statue dance" and the mystery of why we both ended up on the floor!
Closing Remarks
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends! Your reviews help us reach more listeners, and we appreciate your support. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

Let Them Fight

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive into the contentious world of sibling rivalry and fighting, a topic that often triggers frustration and anxiety in parents. We explore the surprising benefits of sibling conflict, inspired by Wendy Mogel's insights from her appearance on Armchair Expert. You'll hear about how these seemingly chaotic moments can actually lay the foundation for close-knit relationships in adulthood. We also discuss personal experiences with sibling dynamics, the importance of conflict resolution skills, and practical strategies to manage and even embrace these interactions. Plus, we introduce the "family battery" concept, a unique approach to curbing physical altercations while still allowing kids the space to navigate their own conflicts.
Tune in to find out how to balance the discomfort of hearing your kids fight with the long-term benefits it could bring—and why sometimes, stepping back might be the best approach.
Timeline Summary:
[1:10] - Introduction to the topic: Why fighting among siblings can be beneficial.
[4:22] - Wendy Mogel’s theory on sibling conflict and adult relationships.
[10:15] - Personal reflections on sibling relationships and the impact of age gaps.
[15:30] - The hilarious (and dangerous) story of siblings power-washing each other.
[22:05] - Discussing a friend's experience with a conflict-avoidant family.
[31:40] - The "family battery" system: A creative way to manage sibling violence.
[50:10] - The challenge of balancing conflict resolution with allowing natural sibling rivalry.
[1:05:50] - Final thoughts: Accepting sibling conflict as part of building lasting relationships.
Links & Resources:
Wendy Mogel's interview on Armchair Expert
Ralphie’s Simply On Purpose (Instagram) 
Jody Moore’s Better Than Happy podcast
Closing Remarks:
If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast! Your support helps us continue to bring our insightful and silly discussions to your ears. See you next time!

The Dark Side Of Cleanliness

Episode Summary
In today's episode, we dive deep into the realities of household labor and its impact on our mental well-being. We'll explore the delicate balance between maintaining a clean home and nurturing meaningful relationships with our families. We share personal frustrations and insights, discuss societal expectations, and reflect on a poignant conversation that shifted my perspective on cleanliness and motherhood. Join us as we redefine what it means to create a happy, healthy home environment without sacrificing our sanity or our relationships.
Timeline Summary
[1:15] - Introduction to household labor and its mental impact[3:30] - My frustration with keeping a clean house[6:45] - A conversation about kids and cleanliness that upset me[9:22] - Kids' play areas and the reality of shared family spaces[12:10] - Perspective shift: Embracing messes as memories[15:55] - Balancing cleaning with making memories with our kids[18:40] - The mental load of maintaining a perfect home[22:05] - The importance of prioritizing relationships over cleanliness[27:30] - Teaching kids about responsibilities and natural consequences[31:50] - Recognizing invisible labor and its true value[35:45] - Establishing boundaries and self-care as a parent
Closing Remarks
Thank you for tuning in to this heartfelt episode. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your mental health and relationships over a perfectly clean house. If you enjoyed today's discussion, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue to bring valuable content to you. Until next time, take care and cherish those little moments with your loved ones!