Parenting for a Healthy Brain: Chores, Consequences, and Real-World Responsibility

EP:177 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m walking you step-by-step through what really happened with the dishes in the sink and how I handled it—not just as a mom, but as a clinician who is always thinking about the brain. I share exactly how I parent my boys (9 and 12) with clear boundaries, natural consequences, and deep connection at the same time. You’ll hear how I used our Hearth chore system, why I refused to bail them out after a full sink of dishes, and how I turned a frustrating moment into: A teachable moment about roles and responsibilities A reset on respect for our home, our helper, and each other A day of repair, reconnection, and true accountability We talk about: Why I refuse to choose between connection and boundaries How I parent for a healthy brain, not just a “happy in the moment” child The truth about gentle / conscious parenting culture and where it’s gone too far Why keeping kids busy, productive, and capable actually supports their mental health What it really looks like to stay in the driver’s seat of parenting—without screaming, shaming, or people-pleasing your kids If you feel like you’re stuck in the passenger seat—walking on eggshells around one child, afraid to follow through on consequences, or worried you’ll “break the connection” if you actually parent—you are not alone, and this episode is for you. If you’re listening and thinking, “I have no idea where to start, but something has to change,” I’d love to support you. We’re running a February special on our 1:1 coaching specifically focused on: Parenting dynamics Family roles and responsibilities Rebuilding connection while holding firm, calm boundaries If you’re ready to get back in the driver’s seat of your parenting: Send me a DM and tell me you heard this episode. Fill out the application (link in show notes / bio). Hop on a call with my team and see if this is the right next step for you. This is not a quick-fix, band-aid approach. It’s real brain-based, long-term change—for you, your child, and your entire family system. Hashtags: #ThriveLikeAParent #BrainBasedParenting #ConsciousParenting #GentleParenting #ParentingBoundaries #NaturalConsequences #SoloParenting #RespectfulParenting #RaisingConfidentKids #ParentingSupport #ParentCoach #NeurodiversityAffirming #MentalHealthForMoms #MomBurnoutRecovery #ParentingTips

EP:176 In this episode, I’m getting really honest about what it actually takes to own your voice and your self-worth—especially when you’ve spent years people-pleasing, peacekeeping, and prioritizing everyone else’s opinions over your own. I share stories from my own life—walking away from a successful business, losing my marriage, navigating my family dynamics—and how learning to trust my inner voice (even when it cost me everything I thought I wanted) became the foundation of my peace, joy, and mental health. We’ll talk about: Why you stay small, doubt yourself, and fear “rocking the boat” How internalizing everything leads to anxiety, burnout, and even panic attacks Why verbalizing your emotions (with a safe person or space) is a powerful regulation tool The role of self-validation vs. chasing approval from partners, parents, or friends How small, consistent “hard conversations” slowly rewire your brain and build unshakable self-worth. My hope is that as you listen, you start to recognize where you’re abandoning your own voice—and feel empowered to take one small step toward speaking your truth, even if it feels wildly uncomfortable. You are not broken. You’re just not used to honoring yourself yet. If this episode hit home, I’d love to support you more deeply. Apply for Thrive or 1:1 support to start owning your voice in a sustainable, regulated way. Screenshot this episode, share it on Instagram, and tag me @brookeweinstein with your biggest takeaway. Make a list today of 3 hard truths you’ve been holding back—and choose one to gently practice saying out loud. You are 1000% capable of discomfort. You are 1000% capable of saying the hard thing. And you are absolutely worthy of a life that feels like yours. #ThriveLikeAParent #OwnYourVoice #SelfWorthJourney #PeoplePleasingRecovery #AnxietyHealing #EmotionalRegulation #MentalHealthPodcast #WomenWhoSpeakUp #BoundariesAreHealthy #Neuroplasticity #EnneagramGrowth #HealingFromWithin #AuthenticLiving #HonestConversations #BrookeWeinstein

EP:175 Are you secretly parenting from fear? In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I break down fear-based parenting and how letting your kids sit in the driver’s seat might be quietly burning you out and confusing their brains. I share my own story—raising two boys who’ve walked through deep grief, my fears about their mental health, and how I swung too far into “all emotions, no boundaries” before I learned to bring logic, structure, and leadership back into our home. You’ll hear real-life examples of what this looks like: from chores and morning routines, to what happens when your child refuses to go to school, says “I hate you,” or melts down when you set a limit. We talk about: Why so many of us are scared to set boundaries (and terrified we’ll “mess up” our kids) How structure = safety for your child’s brain What natural consequences can look like without shaming, isolating, or punishing Simple ways to start shifting from passenger to confident, compassionate leader in your home Why parenting the child in front of you, not the child you fear they’ll become, changes everything If you’re exhausted, drowning in guilt, and terrified of “ruining” your kids, this episode is your permission slip to get back in the driver’s seat—with love, clarity, and leadership that actually supports your child’s emotional and neurological health. If this episode hit home for you: Screenshot and share it on your stories and tag me @brookeweinst so I can cheer you on. Comment or DM me your most challenging parenting scenario—I may answer it in a future episode. Subscribe and leave a review so more parents can find support, regulation, and real-talk tools like these. #ThriveLikeAParent #FearBasedParenting #ConsciousParenting #GentleParenting #ParentingBoundaries #NaturalConsequences #EmotionallyHealthyKids #ParentingFromLogicAndLove #ChildBrainDevelopment #PeacefulParenting #StrongWilledChild #ParentingAnxiousKids #ParentingPodcast #BrookeWeinstein

EP:174 In this episode, I’m finally taking you behind the scenes of my Hashimoto’s journey—from being told I was “in remission” to hitting a full-blown flare that looked a lot like grief, burnout, and perimenopause all rolled into one. I’ll walk you through the timeline of my diagnosis, the scary symptoms (brain fog, hair loss, fatigue, joint pain, irregular cycles, sudden weight loss), and how I slowly realized this wasn’t “just stress” or “just motherhood”… it was my thyroid and my nervous system screaming for help. I’m sharing exactly what I tried, what I quit, and what I still use today: low-dose naltrexone, why I chose not to start thyroid meds (for now), getting my IUD removed, my experience with functional and holistic doctors, parasite cleanses, Candida protocols, coffee enemas (spoiler: hard pass), and the vitamins, supplements, and Standard Process cleanse that actually help me feel human again. Most importantly, I’ll talk about how learning to read my own body—my flares, fatigue, mood, sleep, and stress—has turned me into my own best advocate, not a passive patient waiting for someone else to “fix” me. If you’re dealing with Hashimoto’s, thyroid issues, perimenopause, hormone chaos, or you just feel “off” and dismissed by doctors, this episode will help you feel seen, give you language for what you’re experiencing, and remind you that you’re allowed to trust yourself, ask questions, and choose what feels right for YOUR body. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s struggling with unexplained symptoms, and leave your questions or takeaways in the comments/review—I’d love to do a follow-up episode answering what I didn’t get to here. And if you’re ready to support your nervous system and body on a deeper level, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and my newsletter so you don’t miss future episodes and resources. #Hashimotos #ThyroidHealth #AutoimmuneDisease #HashimotosJourney #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #HolisticHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ThyroidSupport #NervousSystemRegulation #ChronicFatigue #BrainFog #HairLoss #GutHealth #AntiInflammatoryDiet #GlutenFree #DairyFree #WomenOver35 #BurnoutRecovery #SelfAdvocacy #ListenToYourBody #BrookeWeinstein #ThriveLikeAParent #PodcastEpisode

EP:173 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m getting real about what it actually feels like when you start coming out of fight or flight—and why it often feels worse before it feels better. I walk you through my own journey of living in survival mode for years: high-risk pregnancies, preemies, solo parenting, Jonathan’s mental health struggles, his passing, and the long, messy process of grief. I share how year one after losing Jonathan was pure fight or flight, and how year two was a completely different kind of hard: deep exhaustion, brain fog, heaviness, and feeling “lazy” even though it was really my nervous system finally trying to land the plane. We’ll talk about: The real signs you’re coming out of fight or flight (and why it can mimic depression) Why you feel so tired, unproductive, and snappy with loved ones How your brain has been patterned to believe go-go-go = safety Why slowing down feels terrifying, “wrong,” or like you’re failing What your body actually needs: sleep, water, nourishment, gentle movement, and true rest How society and immediacy culture keep us stuck in overfunctioning and burnout. I’ll give you permission (and language) to tell your brain, “I am safe,” even when you’re resting on the couch and that inner critic is screaming “lazy.” This episode is your reminder that feeling heavy, tired, and low when you step out of survival mode does not mean you’re broken—it means your brain and body are recalibrating. If you’re ready to slowly step out of fight or flight, three to five percent at a time, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and not alone. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s been living in survival mode. If you’re ready for support in regulating your nervous system and stepping out of fight or flight, join Thrive or check out my on-demand courses to start building your real-life toolbox today. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode. Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com #FightOrFlight #NervousSystemRegulation #TraumaRecovery #GriefJourney #SoloParenting #AnxietySupport #BurnoutRecovery #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivalMode #EmotionalExhaustion #ParentingInSurvivalMode #BrookeWeinstein #ThriveLikeAParent #RestIsProductive #RegulateDontDominate

EP:172 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend Zabie Yamasaki – trauma-informed yoga educator, author, survivor advocate, and founder of Transcending Trauma Through Yoga. Zabie and I dive deep into what it really means to heal your nervous system, reclaim your body after trauma, and honor your capacity as a human, a parent, and a highly sensitive soul. Zabie shares her powerful story as a survivor of sexual trauma, her journey through grief, IVF, pregnancy loss, and her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and how trauma-informed yoga became both her personal lifeline and her professional calling. We talk about: The difference between traditional vinyasa yoga and trauma-informed yoga (and why language and choice matter so much) How trauma lives in the body through anxiety, insomnia, GI issues, and chronic burnout Why movement can be a core regulator and healer—and how to choose the right kind of movement for your nervous system on any given day Letting go of hustle and urgency and learning to live “real slow” instead of “real quick” Honoring your capacity, boundaries, and energy without shame Redefining success as softer mornings, presence with your kids, and a regulated nervous system If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve been in survival mode for years and didn’t even realize it” or “I don’t know how to listen to my body, I just keep pushing,” this episode will feel like a big exhale and a loving permission slip. If this conversation resonated with you: Screenshot this episode and tag me @brookeweinstn and Zabie @transcending_trauma_with_yoga on Instagram. Tell us your biggest takeaway. Share this episode with a friend who’s navigating trauma, grief, burnout, or motherhood and needs to know they’re not alone. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast – it helps this work reach more nervous systems that need it. #ThriveLikeAParent #TraumaInformedYoga #NervousSystemHealing #SomaticHealing #TraumaRecovery #GriefSupport #IVFJourney #BurnoutRecovery #HighlySensitivePerson #MentalHealthPodcast #AnxietyHealing #ParentingWithTrauma #HolisticHealing #YogaForTrauma #RegulateYourNervousSystem #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealth #SelfRegulation #HealingAfterLoss #ProtectYourEnergy

EP:171 This solo episode has been a long time coming. I’m finally sitting down to walk you through what the last few months have really looked like behind the scenes — the baseball fields, the retreats, the business highs, the gut punches, and turning 40 in the most unexpectedly beautiful way. I take you with me through: Motherhood in the thick of it – Eli’s select baseball, Charlie’s umpiring journey, and what it’s been like to finally feel joy and “magic” again after years of grief. Big work seasons and leadership retreats – the conversations that lit my brain on fire, falling in love (again) with the business side of what I do, and why connecting with other women fills my cup. Mother Collective & Smarty Pants events – the deep, honest talks with women who are quietly suffering in their relationships, being called “crazy,” gaslit, and doubting their own reality. I share how that mirrors my past, and why self-worth and nervous system regulation are non‑negotiables. Trust, family, and my 40th birthday – the painful “no” from my family, the overwhelming surprise Carter planned with my best friends at Miraval, and what it brought up about being loved, chosen, and celebrated. Underneath all of it is this: learning to trust yourself, protect your peace, regulate your nervous system, and refuse to be spoken to or treated in ways that don’t feel safe or respectful. If this episode hits home, please: Share it with a friend who needs to hear they are not crazy and not alone.. Hit follow and leave a review so more parents can find this work. Screenshot and tag the show so I can see what resonated most and keep creating what you need. #motherhood #momlife #parenting #selfworth #nervoussystemregulation #mentalhealth #healing #griefjourney #toxicrelationships #gaslighting #marriage #relationshipadvice #baseballmom #anxiety #burnoutrecovery #boundaries #hashimotos #personaldevelopment #podcast

EP:170 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my client and friend Dr. Michael Braunstein to pull back the curtain on what it really looks like for a high-achieving husband, dad, and provider to work on his emotional regulation, marriage, and parenting. Michael and I talk about the invisible pressure so many men carry—being the provider, holding it all together, never showing they’re at capacity—and how that almost broke him, his marriage to Lindsay, and their blended family. We walk through: How their relationship slipped into loving but exhausting codependency—both over-giving, both resentful, and neither getting their needs met. The “fire hose” fights that built up over weeks of unspoken frustration and ended in late-night blowups. The way real-time support and regulation tools (like voice messaging instead of waiting for once-a-week counseling) helped them calm their nervous systems in the moment, not weeks later. How shifting from “fixing” to supporting with phrases like “I hear you,” “Thank you for sharing,” and “What do you need?” completely changed their communication We also go deep into: Their different parenting styles: Michael as the more boundaried, stern parent and Lindsay as the more emotional, nurturing parent—and why both are essential for healthy kids. Allowing kids to struggle, fail, and problem-solve, instead of lawnmower parenting everything away Navigating Lindsay’s Graves’ disease diagnosis, her near-bedridden season, Michael’s knee surgery, and how their new tools held their family together through it One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Michael describe, in his own words, how regulation has given him more enjoyment—not just “better performance”: more enjoyment in his marriage, more enjoyment with his kids, and more peace inside his own brain. If you’ve ever wished your partner “got it,” or you’re a dad who’s exhausted from holding it all together but doesn’t want “traditional therapy,” this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and save this episode to come back to the tools Michael shares. 💌 Share this with a dad, partner, or husband who needs to hear another man talk honestly about mental health, marriage, and regulation. 🔁 Tag this episode in your stories and tell me your biggest takeaway—I do read them. ⬇️ Ready to work on your own regulation and family dynamic? Learn more about Thrive Like a Parent and my coaching offers in the show notes. #ThrivelikeaParent #EmotionalRegulation #MensMentalHealth #DadLife #MarriageSupport #ParentingTools #CodependencyRecovery #BlendedFamily #ADHDParenting #NeuroscienceBasedParenting #CalmNervousSystem #BurnoutRecovery #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #AnxietySupport #GravesDiseaseJourney #HighAchievingDads #RelationshipTools #BrookeWeinstein

EP:170 In this first part of my conversation on Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with longtime client Michael Braunstein—a former collegiate athlete, business owner, and dad of four in a blended family. From the outside, everything looked “great,” but inside, Michael was completely maxed out. He found himself snapping at his kids, drowning in pressure, and even wondering how some dads reach the point of walking away. That breaking point ultimately led him to my work and the concept of regulation. In Part 1, we explore where Michael began: stuck in constant “fix it” mode, overwhelmed by life, and caught in a roller coaster inside his marriage. You’ll hear how understanding his gas-pedal brain, recognizing his own limits, and shifting from fixing to supporting opened a completely new path for him—one that changed the way he showed up for himself, his wife, and his kids. This episode sets the foundation for Michael’s transformation and gives a raw look into what happens before regulation tools begin to take hold. If you’ve ever felt like, “I love my family, but I can’t keep living like this,” Michael’s story will help you feel seen—and remind you that change starts with understanding your own brain. 👉 Ready to understand your brain, regulate your nervous system, and create a calmer home? Join Thrive or apply to work with me 1:1. #ThriveLikeAParent #DadMentalHealth #GasPedalBrain #ParentingTools #MarriageAfterKids #NervousSystemRegulation

EP:168 Hey Thrive fam, it’s Brooke! In this episode, I invite my amazing friend Dr. Sahar Martinez to dive deep with me into what it truly means to “thrive like a parent.” We get real (and share a lot of laughs) as we open up about our friendship, why vulnerability matters so much in both parenting and marriage, and how being authentic—even when it’s messy—can change the way we connect with our loved ones. We talk about the ups and downs of long-term relationships, the honest (and sometimes hilarious) moments of parenting, and how embracing our true selves liberates us and our kids. From healthy communication and setting boundaries to giving yourself grace for imperfect moments, Sahar and I share the hard-earned lessons that fuel stronger families and deeper self-acceptance. If you’re ready for unfiltered conversations, heartfelt advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s keep the conversation going—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow parents and friends! #ThriveLikeAParent #ParentingPodcast #AuthenticParenting #Vulnerability #RealTalk #MentalHealthMatters #RelationshipGoals #ParentingJourney #MomLife #FamilyConversations #CandidParenting Tune in now for practical tips, a few laughs, and lots of heart. Together, we’re learning, growing, and thriving—one imperfect day at a time!   Links & Resources: 📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram -   https://bit.ly/48VZI5e   🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com