Thrive Like A Parent

On this week's episode of the Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I dive into the challenges and rewards of raising strong-willed children, especially when it comes to their sensory and emotional regulation. Storing willed kiddos often struggle with societal expectations, like sitting still or staying organized, because they’re trying to navigate their own unique needs.   I want to reassure you that while raising strong-willed children can be exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, it’s so important to trust your parenting instincts. Understanding the root of their behavior—whether it’s driven by sensory needs or emotional intensity—can make a big difference in guiding them effectively. I promise you can support your strong-willed child while still maintaining your own sanity.   I keep it real, the tough moments and the frustration that can come with them is 10000% there. But I also want to offer you hope and encouragement, reminding you that these traits often point to brilliance and resilience in your child. The key is finding the right balance between supporting their development and creating a harmonious household where everyone thrives.   #ParentingTips #StrongWilledChild #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingChallenges #RaisingKids #ChildDevelopment #ParentingAdvice #MindfulParenting #SensoryAwareness #EmotionalRegulation #MomLife #ParentingPodcast

EP:103 In this week’s Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I share my personal journey with setting boundaries and the importance of prioritizing your needs. I describe a time when I had zero boundaries, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms. But through self-reflection, I’ve learned to establish healthy boundaries and strategies to manage my daily life as a parent and caretaker. I also share about being honest and speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve found that being more authentic has allowed me to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I also discuss the importance of setting boundaries with children, and not being afraid to have difficult conversations. The goal is to help kids develop self-regulation and independence. Check out this inspiring episode on the transformative power of boundaries! XOXO, Dr. B #newepisode #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #hardconversations #settingboundaries #healthyboundaries #boundaries #emotionalregulation #podcast #podcastshow #podcastersofinstagram #vulnerabilityisstrength #couragetogrow #sensory #podcastformoms #podcastforwomen #podcastforparents #overstimulatedparent #overstimulatedmind

EP:102 Putting on your oxygen mask first… that’s you’ve heard over and over and over and over and over again. The problem that I’m finding is that just because we know that phrase doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m seeing that we’re doing it as parents, and when you don’t do it, what happens is you place yourself at the bottom of the totem pole. If you are currently ✅ Exhausted and depleted. ✅ You’re waking up in the morning saying, I can’t believe this is my life. I don’t know how I got to this place. ✅ You resent your partner. ✅ You are so frustrated and annoyed with your kids. ✅ You’re on antidepressants. ✅ You have high anxiety. ✅ You are unhappy. That probably means you are and that means that you’re probably dysregulated and miserable. There are so many of you that we work with who just that simple phrase, I matter. You don’t believe it. You don’t trust it. There are so many individuals who we work with who just have built their own worth within taking care of everyone else around them. I just want to remind you today, if you haven’t taken care of yourself in a while, to please do so if you need support, skip the vacation and pay for the support so that when you go on vacation, you’ll enjoy the damn vacation. Find someone who feels best and right for you to guide you through your own journey of life. And most importantly, stop wasting time, because time is the most valuable commodity you will ever have, and you can’t get it back. So this is your kick in the ass to start climbing that totem pole all the way up to the top, and take a breath once you’re up there and enjoy. For more on this topic - tune into the Thrive Like a Parent podcast. XOXO, Dr. B #podcast #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrivelikeaparent #newepisode #parenting #parenthood #podcastformoms #podcastfordads #selfcare #selfcareformoms #selfcareforwomen #selfcareforparents #settingboundaries #youmatter #youmattertoo #sensoryregulation #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealth #joyinparenting #emotionalregulation #thrive #selfregulation

EP:101 Are you feeling like more like roommate than a loving partner in your dynamic but are hiding from everyone? It’s more common than you think… Why??  Because we all want to put our best faces forward, especially with what’s happening inside the four corners of our homes! What usually causes the drift?? Overfamiliarity, too much comfortability, overwhelming tasks, and routines, piled up work, new responsibilities, raising kids, insecurities, lack of intimacy, fear, resentment and the list goes on! But this doesn’t have to be your situation forever. It doesn’t have to be just “Is what it is” The shift and dynamic of moving from disconnected roommate to connected loving partnership CAN happen. It can through both partners supporting their own mental health through both regulating their own nervous systems and through both having the communication, carving out time for one another and sharing the vulnerability piece of life. It’s doable. I want you to know it is possible. So have hope. Have faith and take one small step every single day. And trust within where you’re at in this life. Curious how?? Check out this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast. XOXO, Dr. B #thrive #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #partner #partnership #familydynamics #communication #communicationinrelationships #vulnerability #relationships #healthyrelationships #intimacy #strongpartnership #healthypartnerships #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastformoms #podcast

EP:100 You might have heard this one before but it was such an important topic I wanted to touch base on again… What most don’t quite understand is that emotional eating is not psychological. It’s neurological. And on this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I am going to give you the tools you need to break that cycle through regulation! You absolutely can have an intuitive and healthy relationship with food. Without any shame. Recognition Awareness Trust Create awareness behind how you’re feeling and why you might feel dysregulated or heightened or overstimulated. Why is your brain seeking regulation? I urge you to BE CURIOUS, listen to your body and what it wants.. Go slow. Tune in with your body and your brain. Building new patterns takes time. Be kind and loving to yourself through the process. Join me to dive deep into the steps to break the cycle of emotional eating, trust yourself and create a healthy and intuitive relationship with food on this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast. XOXO, Dr. B #parenting #podcast #parentingpodcast #podcastforwomen #podcastformoms #podcastforkids #newepisode #thrive #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #emotionaleating #emotionalregulation #nervoussystem #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealth #awareness #understandyourbody #interoception #parents

EP:99 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast.. The dreaded public meltdowns and how to support yourself and your child through them by understanding what’s happening within the nervous system. Every child has a tantrum. That does not mean you're a terrible parent. That does not mean that you suck. It means that your child chose the wrong time to do it and the absolute worst thing we can do during a public meltdown is give in. We live in a world where we think our children will just get it, and unfortunately, we have to teach it. Unfortunately, it is effort. It requires work on our end. Curious to know the details? Tune in on this week;s episode! XOXO, Dr. B #thrivelikeaparent #podcast #newepisode #parenting #boundaries #healthyboundaries #mentalhealth #childdevelopment #creatinghabits #parents #parenthood #motherhood #joyinthejourney #happyparents #firmandlovingparenting

EP:98 If you have never chosen to tap your toe into the world of vulnerability, sharing, being open, and being interested in your feelings, it's going to be very uncomfortable and scary. That's because your brain is saying, 'Hold on, I'm not used to doing this. This is uncharted territory, and this doesn't feel safe. #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode  #emotions #selfdevelopment #selfcare #adviceforparents #parentingtips #parents #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #thrive #parenthood #partnership #thriving #settingboundaries #nervoussystem #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystemsupport #joyinthejourney #joyinparenting #momeuntrepreneur #selfcarefirst #selfreminder #selfcarematters

Setting boundaries and why it’s so crucial for your children’s and your mental health and development. 👉 new episode on the thrive like a parent podcast! XOXO, Dr.B #thrivelikeaparent #podcast #newepisode #parenting #boundaries #healthyboundaries #mentalhealth #childdevelopment #creatinghabits #parents #parenthood #motherhood #joyinthejourney #happyparents #firmandlovingparenting

EP:96 I am so excited to dive deep into what it means to be a sensory avoider on this week's episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast. A true sensory avoider means that you experience sensory stimuli or input into your brain more intensely than the average human, which means you then avoid it because it’s so overwhelming. Here are some signs that you may be a sensory avoider: ☑️ You startle easily with sounds ☑️ You avoid bright lights ☑️ You zone out on your phone to escape the chaos ☑️ You prefer more bland food ☑️ You need the house to be clean and in order ☑️ You crave calm, quiet, peaceful environments ☑️ You are upset by unexpected touch Often times I find that you humans with sensory avoiding tendencies place sooo much guilt and shame on themselves. Guilt to the point of anxiety and depression. Everyone else is going after it.. Why can’t I?? So they push and push and push. Doing the complete opposite from what their body and their brain actually wants and needs. Therefore awareness is KEY. You must understand how your brain functions, how your children’s brain functions and how to support that brain, that will lead to the most beneficial, healthy, joyful life you could ever imagine. Because you’re supporting the brain in a way that suits your own individual brain. Tune in with me on this weeks episode of THRIVE Like a Parent podcast and let’s discuss what it means to be a sensory avoider and how to increase your capacity for the stimuli around you. 👉Link in bio XOXO, Dr. B #thrivelikeaparent #podcast #newepisode #sensoryavoider #stimuli #sensorystimuli #parenthood #momlife #thrive #overstimulated #sensorydysregulation #dadlife #motherhood

EP:95 All families look different. Before I dive deep into the topic I want to preference that: ● whether you are a female And the working parent or a female and the stay at home parent ● whether you are the male and a working parent, or whether you are the male and a stay at home parent ALL of your roles matter! I think that partnerships are crumbling, and there's so much resentment and anger towards each other within partnerships. And on todays episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast I want to talk about one of the missing pieces that most partnerships do not understand…. No matter which job you're doing, it's not as easy or simple as the other pictures. Being a default parent and a stay at home parent, being the parent who does the majority of the mental load for the kids is not a life of autonomy unless you work really hard to give yourself that autonomy within that life. You must learn how to regulate within the chaos of parenthood in life. If you are the working parent, the pressure never turns off, if I don't show up, if I don't keep pushing, if I don't make it to the next level… What will happen if I lose my job? What will happen if I don't get the bonus? What will happen if I don't hit the next financial goal? Then we won't be able to go on the vacation, or I won't be able to. fix the car. There's just so much and the pressure continues. That emotional state never goes away. I truly hope this episode helps to give you a little insight and understanding into the other side of the equation, more awareness, more tolerance, and maybe even a curiosity to dive deeper into getting to know each other's nervous system and how to support each other. #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrive #parentingpodcast #podcastforwomen #podcastformen #intimacy #connection #intimacyissues #intimacyandconnection #resentment #joyinthejourney #emotionalregulation #sensoryregulation

EP:94 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast we are going to explore strategies for breaking cycles of resentment and rebuilding intimacy in relationships. Some key points I will discuss are: ✅ Working with couples individually on emotional/sensory regulation can be more effective than traditional couples counseling ✅ Accepting your partner as an individual, rather than trying to control them, is important ✅ Focus on your own self-care and regulation to rebuild trust and deeper connection ✅ Understand your own nervous system and learn to self-regulate emotions/behaviors ✅ Avoid over-caring for partner/child, allow them to develop independence ✅ Have open, compassionate conversations about emotional states, not judgment ✅ Teach self-regulation skills to children/partner rather than being the sole regulator ✅ Address underlying issues like dysregulation or disconnection impacting intimacy ✅ Intimacy requires consent, communication, and addressing resentment/anger Focus on yourself, communicate openly with empathy, and support your partner’s self-regulation for a healthier, more intimate relationship. Trust me you don’t want to miss this one. XOXO, Dr. B #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrive #parentingpodcast #podcastforwomen #podcastformen #intimacy #connection #intimacyissues #intimacyandconnection #resentment #joyinthejourney #emotionalregulation #sensoryregulation

EP:93 As we head into this summer season, I want you to take a breath and remind yourself, what is the rush. And the more you do that, you're more the more you're slowing your brain down and reminding your brain there is no threat here, I am safe, and it's really hard sometimes to not just allow yourself to feel safe in threatening moments. That's effort, but it's also effort to allow your brain to feel safe in happy moments and good moments, because we harp so much on the hard, we harp so much on the bad that we forget to acknowledge, or even be present to the good. So I encourage you to start acknowledging that there's good. As you ease into the summer, I want you to keep breathing. I want you to relax your shoulders. Take really big inhales and exhales. Do the thing. Say yes to this the thing, go get the ice cream late at night, let your kids stay up, watch the movie, snuggle with them, have fun, because summer can be magical if you allow it. #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrivelikeaparent #podcast #parentingpodcast #podcasts #embracingtheseasons #magicofsummer #selfcare #artofslowliving #nervoussystem #podcastforwomen #emotionalhealth #slowdown #summerseason #thrive #thrivecommunity

EP:92 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, shares her journey of becoming a parent and how it inspired her to expand her work to reach more people with resources for healthy relationships. In this episode we talk about... ✔️ How insecurities and self-doubt from the past can shape our present relationships and careers, emphasizing the importance of understanding these inner narratives. ✔️ The value of vulnerability, empathy, and partnership in navigating challenging situations together as a couple. ✔️ The challenges women and men face in expressing needs and emotions within relationships, and the importance of providing constructive feedback and having tough conversations. ✔️ Approaching difficult conversations with an open mindset, focusing on positive change rather than immediate resolution. ✔️ The importance of self-validation and differentiation within relationships, allowing for a healthier interdependent dynamic. ✔️ Maintaining a balanced support system beyond just a romantic partner. ✔️ The intentionality required to maintain connection and intimacy in long-term relationships, especially after having children. Trust me you don't want to miss this one!

EP:91 Today on the Thrive Like a Parent Podcast I’d like to discuss something that has really been on the forefront of my mind lately… We MUST set boundaries and provide a balance between screen time and outdoor activities, while also modeling healthy emotional expression and prioritizing our own mental well-being to our children. Excessive screen time can lead to increased anxiety and decreased ability to explore and learn from mistakes. Social media has been a major contributing factor to cyberbullying, negative self-comparison, anxiety and overall mental health in the next generation. By prioritizing mental health in the digital age, I believe children will be better equipped to handle the challenges of growing up in a world filled with technology. So this weekend.. My challenge to you… GO EXPLORE.. Take in nature in whatever way feels best and right for you!

EP:90 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast.. ALL your most asked questions answered. Trust me you don’t want to miss this one. I will share with you my journey building a business while raising two children, emphasizing the need to delegate tasks, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. I will share with you how to let go of perfectionism, being honest about limitations, and putting your own well-being first in order to thrive. I will also discuss managing children’s noise and behavior, distinguishing between dysregulation and baseline sound aversion to choose the right coping strategies. Techniques like noise-reducing loops, breaks for emotional regulation, exercise, meditation, and journaling are recommended for caring for yourself and your family. Additionally, this episode will cover supporting children with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions without solely relying on medication. I will speak about cautions about blindly adding medications without monitoring effects closely and advocate for trusting your instincts as a parent. And lastly, I will address navigating social media toxicity, emphasizing creating valuable content over chasing algorithms. Overall, this episode provides insights on self-care, regulation strategies, and being a proactive advocate for your child’s wellbeing while balancing the demands of work and family life. If you have any questions you’d like answered on the next Q&A episode, drop in the comments 👇👇👇 XOXO, Dr. B #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #parenthood #healingjourney #q #newepisode #euntrepreneur #buildingabusiness #widow #adhd #medication #trustyourself #advocate #mentalhealth #structure #schedule #parenthood #boundaries #joyinthejourney

EP:89 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I am so thrilled to be joined by Dr. Wentz. Dr. Isabella Wentz, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, who shares her personal journey with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Despite initially working in mental health advocacy, her own struggles with undiagnosed Hashimoto's inspired her to dedicate her career to addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Wentz also covers the role of diet, nutrients, and lifestyle in managing Hashimoto's and thyroid health. She also shares how valuable insights are provided on testing, optimizing thyroid function, and advocating for proper care. Don't miss this empowering episode as we delve into the complexities of thyroid health and empower you to take control of your well-being. XOXO Dr. B

EP:88 On this week's episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I am so thrilled to be joined by Dr. Shefali.Dr. Shefali received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. She has written six books, three of which are New York Times best-sellers, including her two landmark books The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. There is so much value in authenticity and embracing pain in your personal growth journey. We must own our true self, even if it means confronting uncomfortable realities.Dr. Shefali says " when we allow toxicity to exist for the sake of peace, we are actually perpetuating the war." How powerful is that??Join us on this week's episode to discuss this and so much more! #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode #ownyourtrueself #managinganxiety #managingemotions #authenticity #painingrowth #release #removetoxicity #radical #radicalawakening #emotionalregulation #support #supportyournervoussytem #healingjourney

EP:87 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I want to talk to you about emotional regulation and emotional dysregulation. The definition of emotional dysregulation are things like mood shifts, constantly finding it hard to deal with stress, angry outbursts, high anxiety, feelings of shame, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or actions and substance misuse. Emotional dysregulation can absolutely be debilitating for you. And that is why when I work with clients, we work so closely on the regulation of our moods and the regulation of our emotions, because if we don’t have regulation over our emotions, we will allow our emotions to control us. Oftentimes, what people do is they try to take their emotions and shove them down, or put them on a shelf, or they ignore them, or they push them away, or they lash out at others. They allow their emotions to become other people’s responsibility. I would say that the biggest emotion that I see that needs to be regulated through is anxiety. Anxiety is a symptom of emotional dysregulation. There are things you can do in order to teach your brain how to release the anxiety. There is a way to support your brain and body through anxiety and into emotional regulation. Please know you do not have to remain emotionally dysregulated. You have the right to enjoy your life. You are so worthy. There are ways for you to learn how to be emotionally regulated with support. Anything we offer is with support, you are never 100% on your own. There is a place for you. Comment “support” below and let’s chat! XOXO, Dr. B #podcast #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #emotionalhealth #emotionaldysregulation #emotionalregulation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #dealingwithanxiety #regulatingemotions

EP:86 Today I have back with me, a very awesome special guest Carter, who, as you know, is my partner. And today we are going to talk about communication. Communication is a topic that we really want to talk about. But it's also a topic that you all have been very interested in. Because it's really hard to have healthy communication within a partnership. And it's something that we have worked on, as well as something that we make an active effort to have strong communication skills within our partnership.  Carter and I come from partnerships where we didn't feel strong communication was there. We just recently did a reel which was a real conversation. And so many had so much to say, especially how they wish they could have that type of communication with their partner. And so, we felt it would be really supportive to you to discuss how we've gotten to where we've gotten, what has worked, tips and tricks and tools and kind of our journey along the way of how our communication has gotten to where it has gotten. Carter and I truly believe that the key to a healthy and strong communication partnership is the “I” statements. Expressing your feelings with “I” statements, whether they are negative or positive makes a huge impact in your relationship. But it's also the active listening of hearing those “I” statements and then not taking it on, that you yourself are a failure. Being self-regulated, requesting our needs, checking in with one another as well as knowing one another’s defense mechanisms are also important areas and discussions to have when working on thriving in a healthy and strong communication partnership.   But without a doubt intentional commitment is a requirement needed in order to see change. You have to be willing to “do the work”. Carter and I both agree that you must get to the point where you put the time and effort into bettering your relationship. So, until next time, XOXO Dr. B

EP:85 It's really hard to have healthy communication within a partnership. It’s something that you have to make an active effort to build within your partnership. There's three levels of communication. First phase: The chaos tit for tat. YOU. YOU. YOU. Second phase: the psychological phase of communicating..  I'm trying to hear you but I don't understand because I did that and you did this. Third phase: the most deep layer is how do I feel… The I statements. Carter and I have put in a lot of work to get to where we are today and we thought it would supportive to all of you to share what has worked, tips and tricks and tools and our journey along the way of how our communication has gotten to where it has gotten. We would love to know what holding you back from building stronger communication within your partnership in the comments below.