Conquering Chaos: A Mom's Guide to Self-Care and Sanity Sydney

Embark on an enlightening path toward harmonizing the demands of parenthood with the necessity of self-care as Michelle McVittie, a distinguished child life specialist, imparts her wisdom and practical strategies. In our latest episode, she addresses the tightrope walk of managing children with ADHD and anxiety, while simultaneously sprinkling joy into the complex role of motherhood. Her approach is far from one-size-fits-all; instead, it’s a tailored experience, offering a treasure trove of resources ranging from her book "I Quit oh Wait, I'm the Mom" to on-demand programming that promises to resonate with every family dynamic.

Join me as I get personal, sharing my own transformative experiences with setting boundaries and enlisting support, which have immensely fortified my mental well-being and my family's harmony. Our conversation ventures into the realm of emotional intelligence and the potent effects of leading by example, ensuring that our children learn to navigate their feelings with grace. Michelle's insights will challenge you to rethink the way you approach self-care—not as a luxury but as an essential appointment with yourself that is pivotal for maintaining a well-rounded life.

As we close, Michelle and I dissect the intricate task of nurturing resilient youngsters through positive parenting. We confront the harsh truth that shielding children from every discomfort does them no favors; instead, we champion the merit of guiding them through problem-solving and facing challenges head-on. The takeaway is clear: equip your children for the real world with the tools they need to become self-sufficient individuals. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on empowering your parenting journey and embracing self-care as a cornerstone for a robust, thriving family dynamic.

Find Michelle Here:
https://www.facebook.com/michellemcvittiemomthemanager

Her Book - I Quit, Oh Wait I'm the Mom
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/i-quit-oh-wait-im-the-mom-a-practical-guide-to-finding-your-joy-again/9781525527043.html
Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist

When the sanctity of home feels threatened, where do mothers turn for strength and guidance? Today, I'm joined by the indomitable Carrie Conrad, the self-defense maven better known as Mama Bear Prepared, for a heart-to-heart on safeguarding our families. Carrie leads us through her transformation from a martial arts novice to a fierce advocate and instructor, dedicated to teaching mothers and children the art of self-preservation within their own walls. We tackle the gritty realities of raising strong-willed children, particularly those with special needs, and the often daunting journey to find and trust qualified support. Carrie's poignant advice on harnessing instinct is a beacon for moms navigating the complex terrain of healthcare and therapy, ensuring that when resources are scarce, resilience prevails.

It's a conversation that doesn't shy away from the darker threads woven into the tapestry of motherhood, with domestic violence casting its long shadow. Carrie and I lay bare the nuanced challenges moms face when violence originates from within, sometimes at the hands of their own children. We provide a space of empathy and solidarity, extending a lifeline of understanding to those grappling with this harrowing reality. This is not just a dialogue; it's a commitment to stand as pillars of support for mothers everywhere, affirming that no one should face these trials in isolation. Tune in for an episode that promises not only guidance but a shared journey towards empowerment and the unbreakable will of motherhood.

Find Carrie Here:
www.facebook.com/BeatingDisaster

Mama Bear Prepared Course - https://mamabearprepared.beatingdisaster.com/courses?am_id=sydney672
Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist

Embarking on the path of parenting can often feel like navigating an intricate labyrinth without a map. Have you ever wondered if there's more to being a good parent than just following conventional wisdom? Dr. Luz joins us to illuminate the lesser-traveled roads of parenting with the beacon of holistic self-development. Through our conversation, we unlock the synergy between personal growth and raising emotionally intelligent, resilient children. As we journey through this episode, Dr. Luz offers her profound insights on integrating positive psychology, trauma therapy, and child development into our parenting practices, showing us that the pursuit of wholeness, rather than perfection, can lead to the nurturing of our children's authentic selves.

Our dialogue takes a deep dive into the transformational power of radical vulnerability in parenting. Dr. Luz shares her expertise on how to promote emotional intelligence in sons and cultivate a spirit of inquiry in daughters, challenging gender-based societal expectations. We discuss the fine line between setting necessary boundaries and permitting children to express their natural inclinations, all while avoiding the trappings of permissive parenting. Moreover, we tackle the topic of self-care, framing it as a critical element of a parent's toolkit that, when practiced with intention, radiates benefits across the family unit. By showcasing our own vulnerabilities and demonstrating how to recover from setbacks, we mentor our children in the essential life skill of resilience. Join us as we navigate the chaos of life with grace and strength, with Dr. Luz's wisdom as our guide.

Find Dr. Luz Here: 
FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/ParentingOnPurpose.life
Website - www.drluz.live
Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist

Have you ever stood at the edge of despair, only to find a path that leads to hope? That’s what Lena, a survivor of human trafficking and drug addiction, discovered as she fought her way from darkness to light. Now a leadership coach and dedicated mother of three, Lena recounts her poignant journey that traverses the ruins of post-Soviet Ukraine to the liberating expanse of Canada. Her tale is not just about survival, but about the extraordinary will to reclaim life and the relentless pursuit of joy, peace, and a restored identity.

Our conversation with Lena is a raw exploration into the depths of human endurance and the strength it takes to confront the past while building a future. As a hairstylist of 16 years turned entrepreneur, she reflects on the powerful transformation that education and self-determination can catalyze, even when shadows of anxiety and loneliness linger. Lena's life is a mosaic of struggles and triumphs, a continuous search for self-worth that reminds us of the profound impact of friendship, love, and the enduring commitment of a marriage weathered by personal traumas.

Motherhood presents its own universe of challenges, intensified for those carrying the weight of trauma. Through Lena's eyes, we examine the often-unspoken realities of postpartum depression, the stealthy creep of imposter syndrome, and the absolute necessity of self-care. This episode is an invitation to understand the sanctity of holistic health, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the liberating effect of sharing one's narrative. Lena's resilience, matched by her advocacy for empowering survivors, underscores an undeniable truth: no matter the depths of our pain, we are all significant, cherished, and never alone. Join us on this heartbreakingly beautiful odyssey, as we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit with Lena, whose life is a beacon of hope for all.

Find Lena Here:

https://www.facebook.com/lena.cebula
https://lenacebula.ca/
Her Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS9HR5SS?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_4KMXD3TYSH635RYRNF7M&language=en-US&lid=4306
Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist

When life handed single father Kyle Jetsel the unimaginable task of raising six kids on his own, he rose to the challenge with a heart full of love and a playbook of strategies. This episode is a voyage into Kyle's world, where you'll be inspired by his transformative approach to parenting, one that harmonizes the firmness of his own upbringing with the gentle spirit of his late wife. Prepare to be moved by his candid stories and enlightened by his "COST" worksheet, an ingenious method for navigating the rough waters of raising "seemingly feral" children with love at the helm.

Every parent knows the dance of discipline and tenderness is intricate, but Kyle Jetsel takes it to new heights. We get an insider's look at how he molds his strong-willed tribe with a united parental front, removing emotions to set a course for their best selves. From the creation of his coaching practice to his Facebook page, Parenting Strong-Willed Kids, Kyle's wisdom is not just for those with a full house but for any parent seeking serenity in the storm of childhood defiance and audacity. His tale is one of resilience, illustrating the power of love and strategy in crafting a family life where calmness and consistency are the anchors.

Our conversation wraps up with a masterclass in the APWEC strategy—Kyle's secret weapon for staying afloat amidst the daily grind with children who test every limit. As he shares this tool, forged in the fires of his own experiences and refined with his wife's influence, you'll discover how to approach parenting challenges with a loving, kind, and patient heart. Whether you're facing down tantrums or teenage rebellion, this episode will energize your spirit, offering the sustenance needed to parent with confidence, grace, and an endless reservoir of love.

Find Kyle Here:
https://www.facebook.com/parentingstrongwilledkids
https://www.facebook.com/kyle.jetsel


Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist

Have you ever witnessed the blossoming of confidence within a child? Our latest episode features the remarkable Paula Lawrence, a UK-based mom turned parent coach and youth mentor, who shares her transformative journey from dance teacher to a beacon of guidance for young girls and their families. As we navigate Paula's story, she unveils the powerful workshops that foster resilience and self-esteem in children, covering pivotal subjects like identity, body image, and the essence of true friendship. I, too, chime in with reflections on my own parenting voyage, where the unpredictable currents of personal development have carved out a path toward generational healing and a lasting legacy for our kids.

When we redefine what it means to parent successfully, it sheds a new light on our daily efforts and the self-care we invariably need but often neglect. Paula and I dissect the intriguing idea that our children, as distinct beings, won't always mirror our efforts, but that shouldn't deter us from instilling empathy, kindness, and unwavering love. We underline the importance of growing alongside our kids, and how personal development can revolutionize our parenting approach. This heart-to-heart is a testament to the power of grace—both for our children and ourselves—as we collectively foster the next generation with the wisdom, care, and the courage we arm ourselves with today. Join us for an episode that's less about having all the answers and more about embracing the journey of parenting with open hearts and minds.

Find Paula Here:
https://www.facebook.com/paulalsampson
https://instagram.com/untriggered_parenting
Ditch the Overwhelm Checklist: https://go.sydneycrowe.com/freechecklist