What’s for Dinner?: Real Talk About Family Meals

In this fun solo episode, Tara dives into one of the most universal parts of family life: dinner time. From picky eaters to last-minute meal planning, Tara explores why dinner can feel like a juggling act. She reminds listeners that dinner doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. Instead, it’s about presence, laughter, and creating small moments that bring your family closer together. Tara also shares practical strategies and her favorite tips to take the pressure off mealtime, from simplifying dinner plans to getting kids involved in the process. She emphasizes that lowering expectations can reduce stress and that predictability often helps children feel more comfortable at the table. At the end of the day, family dinners aren’t about flawless recipes. They’re about connection and showing up for one another.Tune in to hear how a shift in perspective can turn dinner from another thing on your to-do list into one of the most grounding moments of your family’s day. A special thank you to the sponsor of the video, New York Bakery, for being a busy parents mealtime sidekick and for helping Tara to remind her audience to embrace quality family time above all else. Where to buy New York Bakery dinnertime favorites: https://nybakery.com/where-to-buy/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Ambassador&utm_campaign=Modernmomprobs New York Bakery's Dinnertime Recipe Inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/thenybakery/https://www.tiktok.com/@thenybakery Check out Tara's interview with real parents about what matters most when it comes to dinnertime: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ20tidkaPd/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tara sits down with international parenting coach and author of "Parenting a Spicy One" Mary Van Geffen to talk about the beautiful complexity of raising strong-willed, “spicy” children. Together they unpack why parenting a spicy child can feel so isolating, and why even the very "best moms" can have "wildly defiant" kids. Mary explains how neurodivergence can shape a child’s behavior, why picking your battles matters, and how understanding a child’s underlying needs can dramatically reduce stress at home. They also explore the importance of allowing kids to fully express their emotions, setting clear expectations without harsh punishments, and recognizing the negative parenting cycles we sometimes slip into. Mary shares practical, hope-filled tools for strengthening connection, starting with the simple act of delighting in your child. She talks about creating a “love list” to help parents affirm their child’s positive traits, build more positive interactions, and foster a warm, supportive family culture. Tara and Mary also discuss the magic of playfulness, how laughter eases tension, and why self-love is essential for any parent trying to raise a big-feeling kid with compassion. By understanding your own inner child and bringing more intention and curiosity to everyday moments, you can nurture a relationship that becomes even stronger through the years. Links: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/ https://www.maryvangeffen.com/parentingaspicyonebook https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with clinical psychologist, podcaster, and author of the new book "You, Your Husband, and His Mother," Dr. Tracy Dalgleish for an honest and eye-opening conversation about one of the most universally challenging family dynamics: the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Together, they unpack why an incredible 85% of people experience conflict in this area, exploring how cultural shifts in parenting, emotional socialization, and postpartum expectations all play a role. Dr. Tracy introduces her powerful Vault Method, a structured framework that helps couples navigate in-law relationships with clearer communication, stronger boundaries, and a deeper understanding of their own emotional patterns. Tara and Dr. Tracy dive into the difference between healthy and unhealthy family systems, shedding light on why daughters and daughters-in-law are often treated differently and how these dynamics can create guilt, resentment, or pressure, especially for new moms. Dr. Tracy outlines the six types of mothers-in-law, from the supportive types who foster emotional independence to the blamers who scapegoat others instead of looking inward. Through compassionate, relatable examples, she and Tara highlight the importance of self-awareness, emotional detachment from guilt, and the courage to set boundaries that protect your well-being. Listen to this episode if you want to walk away with practical tools to create healthier family relationships, open up communication with your partner, and navigate in-law challenges with more clarity, confidence, and calm. Links: https://drtracyd.com/ https://drtracyd.com/you-your-husband-and-his-mother https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Tara chats with actress, singer, and The Mom Curious podcast host Daniella Rabbani about the wonderfully complicated world of motherhood. They dive into why friendship, connection, and a solid support system matter so much, especially when it feels like judgment is everywhere. Daniella talks about how leading with curiosity (instead of criticism) can totally shift the way we see parenting and help us appreciate the fact that every family’s journey looks different. They also get real about the pressures of social media and how those picture-perfect posts can mess with our confidence. Daniella opens up about leaning on others, trusting your own path, and finding comfort in community. She shares a beautiful tribute to her beautiful late sister, whose memory inspires her to spread kindness, a reminder that even small acts of compassion can have a big impact.   This episode is all about slowing down, having real conversations, and creating space to truly hear each other. It’s one you won’t want to miss! Links: https://www.instagram.com/daniellarabbani/ https://www.instagram.com/momcurious/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-curious/id1602585064 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode, Tara welcomes Brynn Putnam, a former professional ballerina turned tech entrepreneur and founder of innovative tech companies Mirror and Board. Her new venture Board is a family game night platform that blends digital and physical gaming to bring families closer together. Brynn shares the fascinating journey that took her from the world of dance to the world of innovation, explaining how creativity, discipline, and resilience shaped her entrepreneurial path. As a mom and business leader, Brynn opens up about how motherhood transformed her perspective on success and time. She discusses the ongoing challenge of managing work and parenting, the importance of being fully present with her family, and why she now values quality time over quantity. Together, Tara and Brynn dive into the modern pressures mothers face, from unrealistic societal expectations to the lack of structural support for working parents. Brynn also offers empowering advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, emphasizing that great ideas often start from personal frustration, which can spark incredible creativity. She reminds moms that it’s okay to give themselves permission to rest, recharge, and step away from their children without guilt. Through her story, Brynn shows that it’s possible to build something meaningful, for both your family and your career, when you follow your passions and redefine what "balance" really looks like for you. Links: https://board.fun/ https://www.instagram.com/board.fun https://x.com/BrynnPutnam  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Tara sits down with author, podcast host, and mom Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt to talk about the power of community in motherhood. Katherine shares how her journey as a new mom during the pandemic inspired her to launch the BDA Baby podcast, a space for honest conversations about parenting, connection, and the real challenges moms face. Together, they explore how finding community, both online and offline, can make motherhood feel a little less lonely and a lot more supported. Katherine also opens up about her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, inspired by her childhood pony. Through this story, she teaches children about overcoming fears, the healing bond between humans and animals, and the beauty of shared experiences between parents and children. She and Tara dive into how animals can offer unconditional love and emotional grounding for kids, especially in a world filled with so many distractions and pressures. Throughout their conversation, Katherine reminds moms that it’s okay not to balance everything perfectly and that social media often sets unrealistic expectations. She encourages embracing imperfection, leaning into kindness, and supporting local gems like neighborhood bookstores. As she heads out on her book tour, Katherine leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: community and compassion are at the heart of both motherhood and storytelling. Links: https://www.katherineschwarzenegger.com/kat-and-brandy https://amzn.to/47wNVeV https://www.instagram.com/katherineschwarzenegger/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this enlightening conversation, Tara sits down with educator and financial literacy advocate Emily Holthaus, founder of Raising Little Millionaires to explore one of the most impactful lessons parents can teach their children: how to manage money. Emily shares insights from her background in education and personal finance, offering a practical roadmap for parents who want to raise financially confident kids. Together, Tara and Emily dive into the importance of modeling healthy money habits, having open and age-appropriate conversations about finances, and teaching kids to view money as a tool rather than a taboo. They discuss how families can use simple systems like the four-jar method to introduce budgeting, saving, spending, and giving, and why emotional regulation and self-esteem play a surprising role in financial decision-making. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips for creating a family money mission statement, structuring allowances to build responsibility, and fostering lifelong financial literacy at home. Whether your child is earning their first dollar or saving for their first big purchase, this episode offers the tools and mindset to set them up for success. Links: https://www.raisinglittlemillionaires.com/ https://www.instagram.com/raisinglittlemillionaires Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Tara sits down with Ms. Monica, beloved educator and YouTube sensation, to talk about the power of early childhood education and the importance of literacy. Known for her joyful “Circle Time with Ms. Monica,” she shares how her passion for teaching and connecting with children inspired her to bring learning into homes during the pandemic, helping parents everywhere create meaningful learning moments right from their living rooms. The conversation dives into the state of literacy today, exploring how less than half of U.S. children are read to daily and why consistency and intentionality are key to fostering a lifelong love of reading. Ms. Monica offers practical tips for parents, like building a print-rich environment, modeling reading behavior, and even turning everyday activities like neighborhood walks into learning opportunities. Together, Tara and Ms. Monica explore the balance between technology and real-world experiences, discussing how screens can complement, not replace, human connection and curiosity. Links: https://www.youtube.com/monicajsutton https://circletimewithmsmonica.com/ https://www.instagram.com/monicajsutton Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with Juliette Blake, founder of Moxies, a groundbreaking social platform created specifically for tween girls. Juliette shares her two-decade entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind building a safe, creative digital community for the next generation of girls. Together, they unpack how technology can be both a tool for creativity and a challenge for wellbeing. Juliette discusses the negative effects of traditional social media on young girls and how Moxies is redefining what it means to be “social” online, encouraging imagination, connection, and digital literacy in a space built for positivity. The conversation also explores what it means to parent in today’s digital age, how to balance safety and independence, and how we can equip our daughters with the skills and confidence to navigate the online world with purpose and joy. Links: https://moxies.xyz/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Tara sits down with psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the viral #IHadAMiscarriage movement, to discuss the profound impact of sharing personal stories about miscarriage and women’s health. Together, they unpack how storytelling can be both a form of healing and a catalyst for cultural change. Tara shares how Jessica's work personally impacted her and gave her the confidence to share with her own story of loss. From breaking the silence around pregnancy loss to challenging long-held stigmas, Tara and Jessica explore how vulnerability can create connection and why open, honest conversations are essential for women everywhere. Their discussion explores the modern realities of motherhood, including the pressures shaped by social media, the influence of cultural expectations, and the importance of raising daughters who feel empowered to speak openly about their bodies and emotions. Ultimately, this episode is a call to normalize women’s health conversations, celebrate the strength in shared experience, and remind listeners that no one has to navigate these challenges alone. If you've ever felt like no one would understand your story, listen to this episode. Links: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage https://amzn.to/3IZpk8O Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.