297. Spirited Child: Our Experience and Our Solutions

Happiness. For some, the word sparks joy. For others, it feels complicated. In this episode, we’re unpacking what happiness truly means — and why our own perspectives on the word itself are surprisingly different.Inspired by research from a UC Berkeley professor who studies happiness, we explore three key factors proven to boost your well-being:Human connection — why in-person connection is essential for joy.Expressing gratitude — how appreciation shifts your mindset.Volunteering — the surprising way giving back benefits you, too.We also share personal stories and simple practices we use to spark happiness in our own lives — even on hard days.If you’ve ever wondered why happiness can feel so elusive or how to cultivate more of it, this conversation is a heartfelt mix of science, personal reflection, and actionable tips you can try today.LINKS AND RESOURCES:FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest locationLMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF Let’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode, we're answering your questions—everything from serious parenting dilemmas to fun, rapid-fire get-to-know-you questions. We kick things off by digging into thoughtful, vulnerable topics like:How to help kids develop a tolerance for discomfort.What to do when someone you care about is in a toxic relationship.How to respond when family members ignore birthday invitations.Parenting children with developmental delays.When to let go of a long-term friendship.How to make meaningful friendships that aren't just “mom friends”.Later in the episode, we switch gears and get into the lighter stuff, answering questions like:Who is more hygienic?Who needs more sleep?Who is more of a homebody?Who is pickier about food?Who takes longer to get ready?What do we admire most about each other as parents?Who is more confrontational?Who has the wilder spending habits?Spoiler alert: One question made us both emotional—so be sure to listen all the way through!Whether you're navigating parenting, family drama, or just want to get to know us better, this episode has a little something for everyone. If you loved this Q&A format, let us know—we'd love to make this a recurring thing!LINKS AND RESOURCES:GOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herselfVUORI: 20% off first purchase at: http://vuoriclothing.com/herself LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF Let’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

If you're raising a child who feels everything deeply and expresses it loudly, this episode is for you.Today, we’re diving into a topic that sparked our biggest listener response ever—first explored in Episode 157 with Claire Lerner—and it’s all about parenting children with big reactions.Both of us are moms to what we lovingly call “big reactors.” These are the kids whose emotional outbursts and transitions hit differently. They're intense. They're spirited. And traditional parenting advice? It usually doesn’t work.We talk about:What we learned from our game-changing conversation in Episode 157.Why big reactions are often wired into your child’s DNA.The reality that gentle parenting isn’t always effective with these kids.How transitions can be a major trigger—and how we’ve learned to navigate them.Amy’s experience taking her whole family to therapy (and what actually helped).The critical role of one-on-one attention for highly sensitive or strong-willed kids.The surprising ways these kids ask for love—even when it doesn’t feel like love at all.This episode is here to remind you—you’re not alone. And while parenting a big-feeling kid can be exhausting and confusing, it’s also deeply rewarding. The bond you can build is incredible when you find what works and stay consistent.If you’re raising a spirited child, a highly sensitive kid, or a little one with intense emotional reactions, this episode is a must-listen.LINKS AND RESOURCES:LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herselfLet’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Is sibling fighting driving you up the wall lately? You’re not alone—and this episode is straight from the heart of our community’s requests. In this conversation, we're diving into real-life strategies to help parents navigate sibling conflicts with more confidence and less chaos.First things first: sibling fighting is normal! In fact, sibling relationships are the training ground for learning how to navigate friendships, handle conflict, and set boundaries. The goal isn’t to eliminate fighting altogether—it’s to help our kids learn from it in healthy ways.We’re sharing:Why zero sibling conflict isn’t a realistic goal.How to step out of the referee role and what to do instead.Why you shouldn’t automatically side with the younger sibling.Tools and scripts that help during transition times like after school.Our honest take on using screen time as a sibling conflict tool.What to do in the moment when the fighting actually starts.You’ll walk away with tips that are practical, parent-tested, and rooted in advice from top parenting experts.If you're a parent looking for real solutions and a little solidarity—you’ll love this episode.LINKS AND RESOURCES:CORNBREAD HEMP: 30% off with code HERSELF cornbreadhemp.com/herselfLMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF Let’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Are youth sports taking over your calendar? You’re not alone. In this episode, we—two moms raising three kids each in a sports-loving community—open up about the challenges and joys of navigating youth sports with kids aged 9, 7, 6, and 4.5.We get real about what it means to be a sports family, how our own upbringings shape our decisions, and why it’s okay to press pause and ask: “Is this still working for our family?”You’ll hear:Why your childhood experience with sports might be influencing your parenting.The important questions we always ask before signing up for a new season.The emotional and logistical load of youth sports (and how we try to split duties with our partners).Our take on whether parents should coach their kids' teams.How to re-evaluate your family’s priorities when sports start to take center stage.Whether you’re a seasoned sports mom or just entering the world of practices, tournaments, and team snacks, this episode will offer perspective, reassurance, and a whole lot of solidarity.Tune in if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sports schedule, wondered if you're doing it “right,” or just need to hear that you’re not the only one Googling “how much is too much?” when it comes to youth activities.LINKS AND RESOURCES:LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF GOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herselfLet’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Heads up: This episode contains adult content—pop in your earbuds if the kids are around!We are excited to dive into a topic we haven’t discussed in a while: intimacy. Whether you're newly postpartum or deep in the trenches of parenting, we know that maintaining a healthy sex life with your partner can feel complicated—and sometimes like just another thing on your to-do list.We’re sharing what has worked for us personally, how our sex lives have shifted through different seasons of motherhood, and how we’ve learned to reconnect with our partners along the way.In this episode, we discuss:How sex changes during different stages of parenthood (especially postpartum).The impact of hormonal and physical shifts on your desire for intimacy.The difference between spontaneous vs. responsive sex drives—and why understanding yours matters.Tips for improving communication in the bedroom (hint: start with what you do want).Easy ways to rekindle connection and feel more like a team again.And make sure you stay tuned to the end—we polled our community and we share your amazing, real-life recommendations for improving intimacy that you won’t want to miss.Whether you're looking to reignite the spark or simply feel closer to your partner, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt insight to support your relationship.LINKS AND RESOURCES:GOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herselfBETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herselfFORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest locationSPICY BOOKS LIST- curated by us and all our listeners! Affiliate LinksLet’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

If you’re parenting little ones now, the idea of raising pre-teens or teenagers might feel far off—or a little intimidating. These years often come with a tough reputation, but what if they didn’t have to?In this insightful episode, we’re joined by pediatrician Dr. Hina Talib to talk about how we can start preparing now to enter the teen years with more confidence, connection, and compassion. Too often, teens get labeled as the problem, when in reality, it's our job as parents to prepare and empower them to navigate the challenges ahead.Dr. Talib shares powerful tools to help our kids feel more respected during this season of life—including the importance of putting ourselves in their shoes, approaching situations with curiosity (not judgment), and creating a safe space for open conversation.We dive into:Why starting family traditions now creates strong connection laterHow to foster independence in preteens to build confidence and resilienceBody image and how to talk about our kids’ bodies in ways that don’t focus on weightThe truth about teen mental health—and the most important (and surprising!) thing we can do to support itWhether your kids are in preschool or approaching middle school, this is a must-listen conversation that will leave you feeling more prepared for what’s ahead—and more empowered to raise confident, connected teens.Follow Dr. Talib on Instagram and LinkedInLINKS AND RESOURCES:LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELFVUORI: 20% off first purchase at: http://vuoriclothing.com/herself Let’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastHERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this heartfelt Amy and Abby episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to both of our hearts: our health and our relationship with our bodies. If you’ve been a long-time listener, you know how important this conversation is to us — and how complex it can be.We begin by sharing pivotal moments from our high school years—each involving a coach’s comment that stuck with us for decades. One of those memories was encouraging, while the other left a lasting wound. These stories opened the door to a much deeper conversation about how our bodies have changed—through motherhood, aging, and personal growth.Between us, we’ve carried and birthed six children. Our bodies have stretched, healed, and transformed in ways we never could have predicted. Amy opens up about a time when she didn’t feel at home in her body, and gets emotional as she reflects on how that same body carried her through some of the hardest seasons of her life. Abby shares her own experience with body fluctuations and the frustration of not seeing immediate results—even when making significant changes to her diet and lifestyle.The message we hope you carry with you from this episode is this: Work with your body, not against it. Be gentle. Show gratitude. And remember—aging is a gift.No matter where you are on your wellness journey, we hope this conversation encourages you to treat your body with care, kindness, and respect.Links & Resources:CORNBREAD HEMP: 30% off with code HERSELF cornbreadhemp.com/herselfGOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herselfLMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF Let’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastJoin our exclusive community for bonus episodes, extra video content, book club and more!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Last week, our partners Drew and Colin joined us to talk all things partnerships—and they’re back today, but this time we’re diving into the world of parenting.We know many of you love hearing a father’s perspective, and in this episode, Drew and Colin share candid insights, relatable struggles, and plenty of wisdom from their own parenting journeys.We talk about what’s going well for us as parents right now and the areas where we’re still learning. If you’re parenting multiple kids with different personalities, you’ll definitely relate to the challenges—and joys—of finding balance.With summer in full swing, we’re also sharing what we’re most excited about this season and what’s already proving to be a little tricky. Between practices, games, and trying to carve out true downtime, it’s a lot—and we’re talking about how we’re navigating it all.Our kids range from 5 to 9 years old, and we reflect on what’s working at this stage and what continues to challenge us. Plus, we open up about how we keep work stress from seeping into family time and the way we approach big parenting decisions as a couple—especially when we don’t initially see eye to eye.This is a great episode to share with your partner. If you enjoyed it, be sure to send it to them so the two of you can learn together.Links & Resources:LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herselfLet’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastJoin our exclusive community for bonus episodes, extra video content, book club and more!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

We are excited to have our husbands back on the podcast today. If you are new to the show, Drew is Amy’s husband and Colin is married to Abby. We have both been married for 11 years and the guys tend to be a crowd favorite around here. Today we are focusing on our partnerships. The men truly have no problem getting deep with their answers and hold nothing back! They share what’s working well, what’s NOT going well and some self-reflection/areas for improvement. They also share the ways they work to continue prioritizing quality time during this full season of life. We also get into the hot topic of health - how can we actually have a conversation with our partner if they’re struggling to take care of themselves? Make sure you listen all the way through to hear their advice on this sensitive topic! Be sure to tune in next week for part 2 when we bring the guys back to talk about all things parenting! Links & Resources:GOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herselfVUORI: 20% off first purchase at: https://vuoriclothing.com/herself FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest locationLet’s connect!HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcastJoin our exclusive community for bonus episodes, extra video content, book club and more!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreenThis episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.