SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman welcomes Katlynn Nelson, a legally blind content creator and mother, to share her journey through motherhood, vision loss, and the challenges of parenting a child with type 1 diabetes. Caitlin discusses her experiences with grief after losing her first daughter to stillbirth and how she navigates her current motherhood journey with her second daughter. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the complexities of grief, and the resilience of mothers facing unique challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Motherhood is a beautiful mess, filled with ups and downs.

• Caitlin's story highlights the strength found in vulnerability.

• Healing begins when we acknowledge our pain.

• It's important to talk about loss to heal.

• Community support is vital for mothers facing challenges.

• Two truths can coexist: joy and grief.

• Caitlin emphasizes the importance of honoring her first daughter.

• Navigating pregnancy as a diabetic is complex and requires diligence.

• Grief can transform into gratitude for the present.

• Every mother's journey is unique and deserves to be shared.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota

00:59 Katlynn's Journey: Living with Vision Loss and Diabetes

11:14 Navigating Pregnancy and Loss

29:08 Finding Joy in Motherhood After Loss

42:56 Words of Wisdom for Moms Facing Challenges

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram - @katlynngoodsell

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@katlynngoodsell?si=09Usk_oRdOh4OUww

Tiktok- @katlynngoodsell

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman and guest Samantha Hall delve into the complexities of motherhood, focusing on the concept of matrescence, which describes the transformative journey of becoming a mother. They discuss the identity shifts that occur during this process, the societal pressures and myths surrounding postpartum recovery, and the importance of community support for mothers. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and validation in the motherhood experience, highlighting that every mother's journey is unique and valid. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery through parenting, the challenges of mental health, and the need for a supportive community. They discuss the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers, the significance of understanding one's values, and the evolving nature of self-care. The dialogue encourages mothers to embrace their experiences, acknowledge their struggles, and redefine what self-care means in their lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Motherhood is a beautiful mess that varies for everyone.

• Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother and involves significant identity shifts.

• Every mother experiences matrescence uniquely, influenced by various factors.

• The transition into motherhood can feel like a loss of self, but it's also a journey of rediscovery.

• Societal pressures create unrealistic expectations for mothers, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

• Support from a community is crucial for navigating the challenges of motherhood.

• Mothers often feel they should know what to do, but it's normal to seek guidance.

• The myth of the 'perfect mom' can be damaging and unrealistic.

• Understanding matrescence can provide validation and permission to embrace change.

• Finding joy in the journey of motherhood involves recognizing the cyclical nature of self-discovery. Parenting is a journey of self-discovery.

• Motherhood requires a learner's mindset.

• Mental health challenges are common among mothers.

• It's normal to feel ambivalence in motherhood.

• Self-care should be personalized and flexible.

• You are not alone in your struggles as a mom.

• Understanding your values can guide your choices.

• It's okay to miss your pre-motherhood self.

• Motherhood is often met with unrealistic expectations.

• You can find joy in small moments of self-care.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mama Soda: Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood

00:59 Understanding Matrescence: The Journey of Becoming a Mother

06:09 The Impact of Matrescence on Identity and Self-Discovery

11:08 Challenging Myths: The Reality of Postpartum Recovery

17:10 The Importance of Community and Support in Motherhood

21:26 Parenting as Self-Discovery

24:11 The Reality of Motherhood

26:00 Mental Health and Motherhood

31:35 Navigating Postpartum Challenges

38:57 Finding Balance and Values in Motherhood

40:22 Redefining Self-Care for Moms

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram - @samthomsonhall

Instagram - @welcomemamco

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/welcome-mama

Website - www.welcome-mama.com

Website - welcomemamaco.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman and guest Antonia Grant discuss the beautiful mess of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of experiences over material possessions. They explore how to navigate family dynamics, gift-giving, and the significance of shared experiences in building connections. Antonia shares her journey as a content creator focused on family travel and the lessons learned from traveling with children, highlighting the need for practice and preparation to ease travel anxiety. The conversation is a heartfelt exploration of parenting, connection, and the joy of creating lasting memories with loved ones. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges and joys of traveling with children, emphasizing the importance of preparation, emotional resilience, and role modeling. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips for making travel a positive experience for families, highlighting local travel options in Minnesota as meaningful alternatives to far-flung destinations. The discussion encourages parents to focus on bonding experiences rather than adhering to societal expectations of travel.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting is a beautiful mess that varies for everyone.

• Experiences create lasting memories and bonds.

• Boredom can foster creativity in children.

• Traveling with children requires practice and preparation.

• Family dynamics play a crucial role in parenting choices.

• Gift-giving can focus on experiences rather than things.

• Children thrive on shared experiences with family.

• Travel anxiety is common, even for seasoned travelers.

• It's important to communicate expectations with family.

• Children have a higher capacity for understanding than we think. It's important to prepare children for travel experiences.

• Role modeling emotional resilience helps children learn to cope with stress.

• Travel can be a safe space to practice problem-solving skills.

• Children are more adaptable than we often give them credit for.

• Local travel experiences can be just as meaningful as international ones.

• Parents should focus on creating shared memories during travel.

• It's okay to express vulnerability and uncertainty to children.

• Traveling with kids doesn't have to be stressful; planning can help.

• Parents should be mindful of how they express stress around children.

• Every family can create their own unique travel experiences based on their values.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota

00:58 Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood

03:05 The Philosophy of Experiences Over Things

05:49 Navigating Family Dynamics and Gift Giving

09:04 The Importance of Shared Experiences

12:08 Traveling with Children: A Learning Experience

16:05 Building Connections Through Food and Travel

25:32 Navigating Travel with Children

32:55 Role Modeling and Emotional Resilience

39:45 Local Travel Gems and Family Bonding

47:34 Creating Meaningful Travel Experiences

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kneadtoroam

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/knead.to.roam/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniamsgrant/

Website - https://kneadtoroam.com/

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman welcomes MJ Pearson, a playful parenting expert and registered play therapist. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of connection over control in parenting, and the need for self-compassion. MJ shares her insights on navigating parenting pressures, understanding children's emotions, and the significance of play in building strong family relationships. The conversation emphasizes the journey of parenting, the unique needs of each child, and the importance of being present and supportive as parents. In this conversation, the speakers explore the dynamics of parenting, focusing on the concepts of connection and protection modes. They discuss how parents can better understand their children's emotional responses and the importance of creating a safe environment for connection. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of self-awareness in parenting, the challenges of managing sensory overload, and the need for playful interactions to foster joy and connection with children.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting is a beautiful mess that requires authenticity.

• Connection and understanding are key in parenting.

• Every child deserves to feel safe and supported.

• Self-compassion is crucial for parents.

• Parents often experience analysis paralysis due to overwhelming information.

• It's important to prioritize and focus on one area of development at a time.

• Children's behavior communicates their needs and emotions.

• Parents should be aware of their own emotional regulation.

• The relationship between parent and child is built on co-regulation.

• Compassionate parenting helps children develop a positive self-image. Parents often operate in either connection mode or protection mode.

• Felt safety is crucial for children to be in connection mode.

• Children may perceive threats even in safe environments due to sensory processing differences.

• The way parents communicate can significantly impact a child's emotional state.

• Self-awareness in parents is essential for effective emotional regulation.

• Sensory overload can lead to emotional outbursts in children.

• Micro breaks can help parents manage their own stress levels.

• Playfulness in parenting can enhance connection and reduce stress.

• It's important to recognize and address one's own emotional triggers as a parent.

• Connection and joy can be fostered through humor and playful interactions.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota

02:58 Meet MJ Pearson: The Playful Parenting Expert

06:39 The Pressure of Parenting

12:10 Navigating Parenting Challenges

18:38 Compassionate Parenting: Understanding Emotions

26:31 Balancing Connection and Control

28:25 Connection vs. Protection Mode

39:47 Navigating Everyday Parenting Challenges

50:31 Embracing Playfulness in Parenting

GUEST RESOURCES:

Instagram - childathearttherapy

Linkedin - MJ Pearson

Website - www.childathearttherapy.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman and guest Heidi Hauck discuss the importance of prioritizing experiences over material possessions in parenting. They explore the challenges of traveling with children, offering practical tips for budget-friendly adventures and how to navigate the unpredictability of kids' behavior while traveling. The conversation emphasizes the value of flexibility, planning around school and sports schedules, and finding adventure in everyday life. They also share insights on making trips to popular destinations like Disney manageable and enjoyable for families.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting is about embracing the beautiful mess of motherhood.

• Experiences create lasting memories for children.

• Social media can create unrealistic expectations for parents.

• Traveling with kids can be overwhelming but rewarding.

• Budget-friendly adventures can be just as memorable as expensive trips.

• Flexibility is essential when traveling with children.

• Planning around school and sports can help manage travel schedules.

• Local adventures can be just as fulfilling as faraway trips.

• Disney trips don't have to be overwhelming; focus on what works for your family.

• Simple outings can bring joy and adventure to daily life.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota

00:58 The Importance of Experiences in Parenting

03:03 Overcoming Travel Challenges as a Family

06:00 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

08:59 Memorable Family Adventures

11:51 Navigating Kids' Behavior While Traveling

15:11 Planning Around School and Sports

18:10 Finding Adventure in Everyday Life

20:55 Making Disney Trips Manageable

24:07 Lessons Learned Through Travel

27:13 Encouragement for Moms to Embrace Adventure

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - Heidi Hauck

Instagram - minnesota.fun.mom

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman welcomes Jenna Gorman, a mom and food blogger, to discuss the beautiful mess of motherhood and the importance of cooking with kids. They explore the challenges of finding identity beyond motherhood, the joy of family meals, and the valuable life skills that can be taught through cooking. Jenna shares her journey from a food chemist to a stay-at-home mom and how she uses her blog to inspire other parents. The conversation emphasizes the significance of involving children in the kitchen, teaching them essential skills, and creating lasting memories through cooking together. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the themes of healthy cooking, family bonding, philanthropy, and the challenges of parenting. They discuss how cooking has become a fun and bonding experience for families, the importance of giving back to the community, and how to navigate tough conversations with children. The discussion also touches on finding balance in busy family life and launching new ventures, such as a blog dedicated to cocktails and mocktails.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting can feel like an uphill battle, but it's a beautiful mess.
• Cooking with kids is a way to connect and teach valuable life skills.
• It's common for moms to experience an identity crisis after their kids start school.
• Involving kids in the kitchen helps them learn math, reading, and patience.
• Setting low expectations can make cooking with kids more enjoyable.
• Cooking can be a way to break gender stereotypes in the kitchen.
• Family meals are an opportunity to bond and create memories.
• Mistakes in the kitchen are learning opportunities for both kids and parents.
• Recipes can evolve to meet the changing needs of growing children.
• It's important for kids to see their parents pursuing their passions. Healthy cooking can be a fun family activity.
• Encouraging kids to try new foods fosters a love for cooking.
• Giving back to the community can be a family affair.
• Teaching kids about privilege helps them develop empathy.
• Involving children in philanthropy empowers them to care for others.
• Navigating tough conversations with kids is essential for their understanding.
• Finding balance in family life requires prioritization and flexibility.
• It's okay to say no and ask for help when needed.
• Creating new ventures can be fulfilling, even amidst a busy schedule.
• Taking breaks is important for mental health and family dynamics.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota: Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood

01:27 Introducing Jenna Gorman: A Culinary Journey in Motherhood

03:46 Finding Identity Beyond Motherhood: The Transition

07:15 The Impact of Cooking: Connecting with Kids

10:30 Teaching Life Skills Through Cooking: A Hands-On Approach

19:05 The Importance of Reading and Math in the Kitchen

23:05 Evolving Recipes: Adapting to Growing Kids' Needs

24:32 Healthy Cooking and Family Bonding

27:39 Giving Back: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

30:38 Empowering Kids Through Philanthropy

36:51 Navigating Tough Conversations with Kids

41:13 Finding Balance in a Busy Family Life

44:50 Launching New Ventures: Cocktails and Mocktails

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/landof10000recipe

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/land.of.10000.recipes/

Website - https://landof10000recipes.com/

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman and guest Michelle Hamilton discuss the multifaceted journey of motherhood, particularly in the context of significant life changes brought on by COVID-19. They explore the transition from a nursing career to becoming a stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur, the challenges of raising children with a focus on holistic and natural living, and the evolution of Michelle's business, Dandelion Naturals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance in parenting, the shift towards eco-friendly products, and the realities of entrepreneurship.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Motherhood is a beautiful mess that varies for everyone.
• Life changes, especially during COVID, can alter parenting paths.
• Holistic living can start before pregnancy and shape parenting choices.
• Finding balance in parenting and health is a continuous journey.
• Starting a business can stem from unexpected life changes.
• Natural products can simplify life and reduce toxins.
• It's important to teach children about food and health without creating insecurities.
• Emotional intelligence plays a key role in parenting decisions.
• Entrepreneurship often involves navigating unknowns and learning as you go.
• Starting small with eco-friendly choices can lead to significant changes.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mama Soda: Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood

01:01 Navigating Life Changes: From Nursing to Motherhood

06:58 Holistic Parenting: A Journey Towards Natural Living

13:29 Finding Balance: Parenting, Health, and Lifestyle Choices

15:12 The Birth of Dandelion Naturals: A New Entrepreneurial Journey

26:50 Product Line and Eco-Friendly Practices: A Commitment to Nature

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dandelionnaturals/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dandelion.naturals/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-hamilton-546454266/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@dandelionaturals

Website - http://www.dandelionnaturals.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman welcomes Patricia Sjulson, a mother and entrepreneur, to discuss the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with running a business. They explore the transition from retail to content creation, the importance of family time, and practical tips for traveling with a toddler. The conversation emphasizes the unpredictability of parenting and the need for flexibility in both work and family life. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the multifaceted experience of motherhood, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for balance, the joys and challenges of family travel, and the importance of instilling values in children. They discuss the realities of being a working mom, the influence of motherhood on personal growth, and the need for authenticity in social media portrayals. The conversation highlights the significance of equal partnerships in parenting and the importance of pursuing passions while managing family life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting is a unique journey for every individual.
• Balancing family and work can feel like an uphill battle.
• Transitioning from retail to content creation was a natural progression.
• Having a supportive partner is crucial for work-life balance.
• Family time is essential, especially during busy schedules.
• Traveling with a toddler requires preparation and patience.
• Snacks are key to a successful road trip with kids.
• Creating a routine helps manage work and family time.
• It's important to adapt as children grow and change.
• Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Balance in motherhood is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Family-friendly amenities in travel accommodations are often overlooked.
• Motherhood enhances awareness of life's details and fosters patience.
• Social media often presents an idealized version of parenting.
• Pursuing passions requires sacrifices and dedication, especially for moms.
• It's essential to show the behind-the-scenes reality of family life.
• Instilling values of kindness and respect in children is crucial.
• Equal partnerships in parenting are vital for a healthy family dynamic.
• Every parent faces challenges, and it's important to adapt to changes.
• Success takes time and effort; everyone starts somewhere.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mommasota: Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood

00:58 Meet Patricia: Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

05:03 From Retail to Content Creation: A Natural Transition

10:03 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Mompreneur

14:50 Traveling with a Toddler: Tips and Tricks

20:12 The Importance of Family Time in a Busy Schedule

22:35 The Balancing Act of Motherhood

23:01 Family-Friendly Travel Experiences

28:30 Motherhood's Influence on Perspective

36:20 Pursuing Passions as a Working Mom

41:03 Instilling Values in Children

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/winnieluwanders

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/winnieluwanders/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-hamilton-546454266/

Website - https://winnieluwanders.com/