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If you grew up in the '90s or early 2000s, chances are The Care and Keeping of You played a starring role in your introduction to puberty—especially if no one at home was talking about it. For so many families, those conversations were awkward, avoided, or skipped altogether. But what if they didn't have to be? In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Julie Taylor as they ask the question: how can we take the cringe out of puberty and replace it with honesty, confidence, and care? Joining as an expert guest is Dr. Cara Natterson—pediatrician, author, and podcaster—who served as a medical consultant on The Care and Keeping of You and has spent her career helping kids and adults navigate puberty with clarity and compassion. Dr. Natterson shares why these conversations matter, where we tend to go wrong, and how we can do better—for the next generation and ourselves.   Download the Chatbooks app now and start your Monthbooks today!

Vanessa is joined in this episode by her four sisters! They chat about real scenarios that have happened both when they were in school as children, and to their own 30+ children that they have amongst them. The discuss how they react as moms when they get a call from the school about a child's behavior and how to not immediately jump into protective mode while still making room for discipline. They also ask the community to share how they've handled a tricky situation with a teacher.   Follow @vanessaquigley on Instagram!   Get started on your Chatbooks today!

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by writer, author, content creator, and host of the Be There in Five podcast, Kate Kennedy. Together, they explore how the things we love, like pop culture and trends to hobbies and nostalgia, can help us better understand ourselves and connect with others. Together, they talk about curiosity, empathy, and why certain interests that are often dismissed as "silly" or mindless actually matter. Vanessa shares insights on parenting, judgment, and the science behind curiosity, including how paying attention and staying open can bring us closer to our kids, our communities, and ourselves. This conversation is a reminder that curiosity isn't just about learning more — it's about staying connected.   Get chatbooking today! Follow Vanessa Quigley on Instagram! Follow Kate Kennedy on Instagram and listen to her podcast Be There in Five. Accounts mentioned: @sharonsaysso @lucyontheground

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by her daughters, Laken and Claire, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about Christmas: what makes it magical, and what so often turns it into work. Together, they reflect on childhood memories, evolving traditions, and the pressure to make everything "just right." They talk openly about perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD, and how the holidays can intensify spiraling thoughts—especially for moms and daughters who care deeply. This episode is an invitation to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and protect the feeling of Christmas from the pressure to perfect it. Because the magic isn't found in doing more, but rather in presence, connection, and tenderness.   Get started with Chatbooks today!

The teenage years bring big emotions, shifting boundaries, and a new kind of loneliness for moms. With kids' stories becoming more private, we explore the big question: how do we find support without oversharing?  Ashley Reeves joins Vanessa in this episode as they dive into vulnerability, safe friendships, resilience research, and why a strong community isn't just good for moms—it's protective for our kids. An essential listen for anyone parenting teens.   Books: Tiny Humans, Big Emotions   Download the Chatbooks app now!

Vanessa is joined by her sisters in another episode where they discuss the sneaking out hijinks they all got up to in a family of 12 kids as well as how they deal with their own families' stories of teens sneaking around. They wrestle with the big question: how do you trust your kids and let them have their own freedom while also protecting and doing your duty as a parent when it comes to curfews, bedtime, and rules of the home?   Vanessa's sister Shelly also shares about an upcoming product she and her husband are working on called Analog that helps protect families from the dangers of sneaking around online. She provides a checklist to watch out for: Set a baseline Check and recheck the parental controls because they do reset Don't let kids delete or install apps without permission Limit screen time on apps Also watch out for: Kids changing the timezones Redownloading apps Using VPNs Using Siri to get around certain parental controls Friends' phones

Growing up, Vanessa's family was basically two animals away from running a full-on zoo—but parenting with pets? That's a whole different story. In this episode, she sits down with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt—New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate, and mom—to ask the big question: Are pets really worth it? They talk about the beauty and chaos of raising kids (and animals), how pets teach responsibility and empathy, and the heartbreak that comes when it's time to say goodbye. Katherine shares stories from her new children's book Kat and Brandy—inspired by her own childhood pony—and offers thoughtful advice for families deciding whether to add a furry (or feathered!) friend to the mix. Whether you're a lifelong "animal person" or still dodging your kids' puppy PowerPoints, this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what "family" really means.   Katherine's book is out now! Order Kat and Brandy today!   Start printing your photos with Chatbooks!   Follow us on Instagram @vanessaquigley @chatbooks  

Have you ever felt lonely—even when your life is full of people? Vanessa has too. In this solo episode, she opens up about the sneaky kind of loneliness that shows up when you're busy doing everything for everyone else and the friendships that fill your soul get pushed aside. From comparing yourself online to craving real connection, she's getting honest about what it feels like and what she's doing about it. Plus, she shares her favorite "dopamine questions" to help spark meaningful conversations and rebuild connection—one small step at a time. Get started with Chatbooks!

Few things are scarier for a mom than handing over the car keys—and then getting that phone call. In this sister episode, Vanessa and her sisters swap stories about teen drivers, fender benders, and what really happens after the crash. From how their parents handled it back in the day to what they're doing now with their own kids, the sisters get real about fear, forgiveness, and finding the funny in those heart-stopping moments. Plus, practical tips for what to do (and what not to say) when your teen crashes the car.

We're back! This is season 7 of the MomForce Podcast and we couldn't be more grateful that you're here. This season is going to be more exciting than ever. You'll keep hearing from exciting guests with their expert opinions and stories on the podcast, but we're also bringing back Vanessa's sisters to join every other episode for some sister chats and funny family lore from their youth.    In this episode, Vanessa shares how the new structure of the podcast will be as well as share one of her most vulnerable parenting moments that might make your skin crawl just a little... hey, we're all making this parenting thing up as we go!   Don't forget to get started on your Chatbooks and if you're a first time user, use code TAKE50 for 50% off your first classic book in a subscription!

For a lot of us school is back in session or about to be and mornings can be… A LOT! We're bringing back a favorite to share with you today. This episode,"Good Mornings for YOU!", is exactly the kind of real talk we all need to hear. We're talking about those mornings when your kid is hunting for the cleanest dirty shirt, scrambling to throw together a sack lunch, and then you can't find the car keys. Oh have we been there! I  originally recorded this episode 6 years ago with my younger sister Leah , who also has 7 kids and our babies are all so muhc more grown up now. But mornings can still be rough!  So join us as we not only swap tales of the fails, but also some of the wins that help keep our morning routine running smooth–becuasee we want YOU to have a good morning too! Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  3:39 How to prep for success before you go to sleep  7:47 How to make lunch packing more efficient and stree free  15:37 The secret to fresh bread throughout the week  17:32 The magic of a hair drawer in the kitchen filled with a brush, combs, elastics, gel, etc.  24:27 The discovery of the sonic boom alarm clock  26:50 Why you should get dressed like you mean it 

Vanessa chats with "Spicy Ones" coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation about what it really takes to parent strong-willed, defiant kids. Mary shares how her own journey—from being a spicy child herself to raising one—led her to become a gentle parenting coach.  They swap tips on how to stay calm, kind, and firm even on the days your child pushes all your buttons. You'll hear why separating your worth from your child's behavior is one of the most important things you can do as a mom, and how choosing to love your child unconditionally—even when they are hard to love—is actually a spiritual discipline. If you're raising a spicy one this is your reminder that you're not broken, your kid's not broken, and you're not alone! Mary has opened her Moms of Spicy Ones®️ group program back up. This 8 week course is the guide to building a beautiful (and durable) relationship with your strong-willed, intense powerhouse - no matter their age. Only listeners of this podcast get access to one of five exclusive $50 off coupons. The code is MOMFORCE. Registration is at https://www.maryvangeffen.com/moso Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Follow Mary 1:00 "Very good moms can have wildly defiant children." 2:00 "A spicy one is loyal to their own soul more than to your agenda." 3:05 "We're in charge—but we're not always in control of them." 6:59 "Sometimes, it's not the child that's spicy—it's the parent's level of support and need for control." 10:02 "I want to reduce the number of children who grow up feeling like they're wrong or broken." 17:01 "Parenting is a spiritual discipline, practicing unconditional love for someone who isn't always lovable."  

What if we treated friendship with the more intentionality? In this encore episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley welcomes author and podcaster Laura Tremaine, whose bestselling book The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs has helped women everywhere rethink what meaningful connection truly looks like. Laura shares her wisdom on how to build your personal "life council"—a diverse circle of friends who each offer something unique, from the "fun friend" to the "mentor" to the "battle buddy." Together, Vanessa and Laura explore the real work of friendship, navigating social anxiety, giving ourselves grace for unmet expectations, and even surviving friendship breakups. They talk candidly about how modern life has made connection more difficult—and more vital than ever. Whether you're deep in friendships or longing for them, this episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do this life alone!  Since this episode went live Laura has wrapped up her podcast of six years, 10 Things To Tell You, and has launched her new substack where she shares her musings and conversations.  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  Follow Laura 8:45 Why you might not have a best friend that covers all your needs  15:50 Your spouse is not your best friend  23:20 Using a to-do list to uplevel your relationships  30:02 How to make friends as an introvert  33:50 Tips for managing social anxiety  40:39 Where to make new friends as an adult  43:15 Do something that is already on the calendar  47:23 What to navigate friendship breakups   

Do you ever worry that you are too strict or too lenient? Questioning all your parenting choices? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest encore episode, Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister Leah (fellow mom of seven!) for a deep dive into the chaos, comedy, and total emotional overload of motherhood. From rage-cleaning the car to crying in the pantry, they open up about the moments that push moms to the edge—and how to find your way back. Together, they share vulnerable confessions, real tips that actually work (yes, even sex gets a moment), and crowd-sourced wisdom from the incredible MomForce community. Whether you're overwhelmed by toddlers, teens, or just the dinner dishes, this episode will make you feel seen, laugh, and remember: you're doing better than you think. Use code CB15 for 15% off a Monthbooks subscription.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  7:30 We are all human. It's normal to reach a breaking point.  9:05 Words from the MomForce community about bad days as a mom.  11:30 When Meghan Markle admitted that she's not okay.  14:00 How to institute a "room of tranquility".  16:15 The mental load and how to identify your needs.  21:00 Ask for attention and time with your husband when you are feeling stressed.  26:00 Smiling is science!  28:00 The magic of an 8 second hug.      

In this heartfelt season finale of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley is joined by Chatbooks CMO, and fellow mom, Karen Peterson for a conversation that every parent will feel in their bones. Together, they open up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting milestones, from preschool graduations and big-kid beds to the life-shifting moment of sending a child off to college. They reflect on the beauty of "lasts and firsts," the myth of control in motherhood, and the power of reframing painful transitions as sacred moments. Karen shares her personal journey raising her son Gavin, a sought after D1-bound wheelchair basketball athlete who defied the odds after being born with spina bifida. She recounts the early years, where simple, difficult moments like coaxing Gavin through tears with a walker at the back of Costco laid the foundation for the independence and strength he now carries into adulthood. They also talk candidly about the grief and growth that comes with change, the emotional whiplash of summer parenting, and how moms so often hold themselves to impossible standards. Whether you're deep in toddler chaos or navigating an emptying nest, this episode is a reminder that you're doing better than you think.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  5:15 Reframing lasts into firsts  5:45 We are supporting characters in our children's lives  7:20 Realizing you have a lot less control than you think you actually do  9:45 The reality of being a parent of a D1 athlete  10:56 Our kids are our greatest teachers  14:00 Every stage of motherhood has hard moments  15:29 Photos help remind us of all of the hard things we've made it through  18:48 Life transitions are all about the "and" to process all the feelings  22:40 You are the perfect parent for your child. You know what your child needs even if other parents judge you.  25:40 Live in the moment this summer. Chatbooks will be there for you when school is back in session!