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In this episode, Tara sits down with Cameron Normand of Stepfamily Solutions and host of the Stepmom Diaries podcast to unpack the realities of blended family life and why stepmoms face a unique (and often overlooked) emotional load. Cameron shares her own path into stepfamily coaching and explains why stepfamilies aren’t just “nuclear families with extra people.” They’re a completely different dynamic that requires patience, boundaries, and a lot of self-compassion. Together, they explore the mental health challenges stepmoms face, the impact of ex-partners, the emotional weight of transition days, and why striving to be the “perfect” stepmom is a fast track to burnout. This conversation is honest, validating, and full of reminders that doing your best doesn’t mean doing it all. If you’re a stepmom, love a stepmom, or are part of a blended family, this episode will make you feel seen and remind you that you’re not failing, you’re figuring it out. Links: https://thiscustomlife.com/ https://thiscustomlife.com/stepmomdiaries/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

FIRST AIRED APRIL 25, 2023 As parents, we often want to shield our children from the realities of the world, but it's ultimately impossible to do so. When children do hear about the news, it's important to have open and honest conversations with them.  In this episode of the "Modern Mom Probs" podcast, Tara interviews Tracy Leeds Kaplan, the founder of Small But Mighty Media and creator of the popular podcast "The Ten News," about how to talk with children about the news. They discuss the importance of age-appropriate news sources for kids, the challenges of discussing sensitive topics, and the need for giving yourself space to be emotional. They also touch on the challenges of parenting in the digital age and finding time for family discussions. Tracy emphasizes the importance of listening and using age-appropriate language when discussing heavy news topics with kids. If you’ve ever been at a loss for words, listen to this episode.  Links: https://www.thetennews.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ten-news-news-for-curious-kids/id1514325670 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-grown-ups-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-gun-violence/id1514325670?i=1000607581233 Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Leave a review Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: FIRST AIRED DECEMBER 26, 2023 Tara welcomes Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, author, and host of the wildly popular podcast Raising Good Humans. She shares insights from her groundbreaking new book, "The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans." Tara and Dr. Aliza discuss the challenges of modern parenting, what it means to raise good humans, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships, and the concept of repair in relationships. Dr. Aliza explains that rules are not meant to hinder the relationship or sensitivity of caregiving, but rather to ensure safety and provide structure. She emphasizes the importance of finding support that resonates with each individual parent's values and beliefs, as well as filtering out the noise and focusing on what truly matters, which can be difficult given today’s climate of information overload. Dr. Aliza acknowledges that no parent is perfect and through storytelling, she illustrates that it is essential to show children that perfection is not attainable and that being flawed is part of being human. If you want to foster a stronger parent-child relationship and want to tap into the five principles of parenting, listen to this episode! Links: Website: https://draliza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ Newsletter: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044?i=1000622613224 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: FIRST AIRED NOVEMBER 14, 2023 In this episode, Tara welcomes Alyssa Blask Campbell, CEO of Sew and Seed. Alyssa is a trusted expert in emotional development and the host of the popular podcast "Voices of Your Village." The conversation centers around Alyssa's new book, "Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children." Alyssa shares that the book is based on Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP), a method for being with and moving through hard things. She and her colleague, Lauren Stauble developed this method after realizing that traditional behavior-focused approaches were not effective in real-life parenting situations. They wanted to create a comprehensive approach that focuses on the adult's self-awareness and self-care, as well as the interaction between adults and children. Tara and Alyssa discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on daily life. Alyssa shares how her perspective on emotional intelligence shifted when she started envisioning a world where these tools were accessible to everyone, including her own child and future generations. She emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in adults, especially those in positions of power, so they can support others and model healthy ways of navigating difficult situations. Alyssa explains that emotional intelligence consists of five components: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation. She highlights the significance of self-awareness, as it is the foundation for regulating emotions and accessing the other components. Alyssa uses personal examples, such as a social media backlash, to illustrate the importance of recognizing dysregulation cues and taking a step back before responding. They also touch on empathy and how it is best taught through modeling. Instead of claiming to understand exactly how someone feels in a given situation, she suggests connecting with the emotions someone is experiencing, rather than focusing on why they are feeling that way. If you’re interested in teaching your children empathy, you should listen to this episode! Links: https://www.seedandsew.org/ https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/ 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 Clark sits down with developmental psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Golinkoff to talk about what kids actually need to thrive and why so many well-meaning parents are more stressed than they need to be. Drawing from their book Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less, the conversation tackles the pressure cooker of modern parenting and gently reminds us that kids aren’t falling behind because they’re not memorizing enough… they’re learning through connection, curiosity, and play. Together, they debunk some of the biggest parenting myths out there, including the idea that learning has to be forced, formal, or screen-based to count. Kathy and Roberta explain why play and imagination are foundational to child development, how everyday moments can be surprisingly powerful learning opportunities, and why children learn best when they’re ready. They also highlight how games and playful interactions help build crucial skills like self-regulation, social connection, and emotional understanding. The conversation also takes a thoughtful look at technology and its role in family life, encouraging parents to use it as a tool, not a replacement for real human interaction. This episode is a permission slip to relax, tune into your child’s feelings, and enjoy the parenting journey a little more. With practical insights and deeply reassuring wisdom, Kathy and Roberta remind us that caring for ourselves and savoring the small moments may be one of the most impactful things we can do as parents. Links: https://www.instagram.com/drkathyanddrro/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/594245/einstein-never-used-flash-cards-revised-edition-by-kathy-hirsh-pasek-phd-and-roberta-michnick-golinkoff-phd-with-diane-eyer-phd/9780593980767/ 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 popular content creator of @ThatDarnChat, Fair Play Facilitator, and author of the new book No More Mediocre, Laura Danger for an honest, validating, and occasionally uncomfortably relatable conversation about domestic labor, mental load, and why so many partnerships quietly slide into mediocrity. They unpack how the pandemic cracked things wide open exposing just how uneven household responsibilities really are and why so many couples are still struggling to rebalance things years later. Spoiler: it’s not because anyone’s “bad at helping,” it’s because the entire concept of help is part of the problem. Laura and Tara dig into the cultural conditioning that shapes our expectations at home, from who notices what needs to be done to who feels responsible for making sure it gets done. They explore the difference between expectations and standards (yes, they are not the same thing), and how unmet expectations can quietly turn into resentment, disconnection, and even feelings of betrayal. The conversation also touches on why mediocre relationships are so often tolerated (and normalized) especially for women and mothers who were taught to lower the bar and keep the peace. Drawing from her book No More Mediocre, Laura makes a powerful case for intentionality in domestic roles and communication, emphasizing that equity doesn’t happen accidentally. Tara and Laura also reflect on how online conversations have helped name the mental load and bring language to something so many parents feel but couldn’t quite articulate. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by carrying the invisible work at home, or wondered why “just tell me what to do” isn’t the solution, this episode will make you feel seen, validated, and maybe a little fired up (in a good way). Links: https://www.lauradanger.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thatdarnchat/ 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 is joined by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, a marriage and family therapist, founder of The Parentologist, podcaster, and author of Parenting through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication, who specializes in play therapy, for a conversation that feels equal parts validating and practical. They explore why play isn’t just “extra” in parenting. It’s essential. As parents, we tend to reach for conversation to connect, but kids speak a different language, and that language is play. Kim shares how breaking down our own barriers to play (time, guilt, exhaustion, the belief that we’re “bad at it”) can completely shift the parent–child relationship and create real connection, even in short, simple moments. Tara and Kim also talk about how play evolves as kids grow, and how it can be used strategically, even for things like behavior challenges, homework battles, and chore resistance. Kim explains how understanding what’s happening emotionally for our kids can dramatically improve behavior, and how playful approaches can reduce power struggles while lowering stress for everyone involved. The big takeaway? Play doesn’t have to be complicated to create connection. Sometimes the simplest activities have the biggest impact. Links: https://theparentologist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theparentologist/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/parenting-through-play-kim-van-dusen-psyd/1148218068 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this festive, laugh-out-loud episode, Tara is joined by Jackie Santillan and Priscilla Kavanaugh, hosts of the new We Say What podcast, for a cozy (and slightly chaotic) holiday roundtable that feels like catching up with friends over spiked cocoa. The trio swaps stories about how holiday traditions evolve as families grow, like coordinated outfits, holiday videos, and the never-ending question of whether sending Christmas cards is worth the time, money, or sanity. They also tackle holiday fashion (yes, buffalo plaid has officially taken over) and reflect on how modern motherhood adds a whole new layer to the “most wonderful time of the year.” Things really heat up when the conversation turns to holiday movies. Through a spirited bracket-style showdown, they debate classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and modern favorites like Elf. Along the way, they unpack why childhood staples like Home Alone, Rudolph, The Grinch, and even The Muppets hold such powerful emotional weight, and why nostalgia often decides the winner long before the final argument is made. The hosts also touch on how portrayals of family dynamics in older films can be both hilarious and… a little questionable. By the end, the episode becomes less about crowning the “best” Christmas movie and more about what these films represent: memories, traditions, and the comfort of revisiting stories that shaped us. With plenty of humor, friendly debate, and knowing nods to the holiday hustle, Tara, Jackie and Priscilla remind listeners that the magic of the season isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about taking time to enjoy special moments with our families. Links: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-say-what/id1856328887 https://www.instagram.com/wesaywhatpod/ https://www.instagram.com/itspkav/ https://www.instagram.com/kindminds_smarthearts/ 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 is joined by Devon Kuntzman, author of Transforming Toddlerhood: Your Essential Guide to Age 1-5, to talk about what’s really happening when a child loses it, and why so many of us feel completely stuck in those moments. Devon explains that when a child is at a “level 10,” they’re in a full stress response. This isn’t bad behavior or manipulation; it’s a nervous system in overdrive. When kids are this overwhelmed, they’re not capable of logic or reasoning, and they often don’t even fully know what they’re doing, which can be both frustrating and freeing for parents to understand. They also dig into why tantrums are not the time to lecture, punish, or try to make a point. No matter how calm or logical you think you’re being, a child in a tantrum simply can’t process it. Instead, Devon encourages parents to shift the goal from “teaching a lesson” to emotional regulation, starting with ourselves. When we understand our child’s brain state and bring awareness to the moment, we’re far more likely to help things settle rather than escalate. This conversation offers a compassionate, realistic approach to tantrums that helps parents feel less reactive, more regulated, and a whole lot less alone during that tricky period of toddlerhood. Links: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/pre-order-book/ https://www.instagram.com/transformingtoddlerhood/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.