Tune-in or Turn-the-Page
October 2024 Top Picks…
-
Good Inside with Dr. Becky is a podcast hosted by Dr. Becky Kennedy, a popular Instagram psychologist. The show focuses on practical parenting tips and strategies for common challenges like encouraging independent play, resolving power struggles, and managing separation anxiety. Each episode is under an hour, making it accessible for busy parents. The podcast extends the bite-sized tips from her Instagram content into more comprehensive discussions, offering valuable guidance in a concise, approachable format. It's a great listen for those pockets of time—while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or just enjoying a quiet moment after the kids are in bed. Dr. Becky’s compassionate, no-nonsense advice feels like a deep breath for stressed-out parents.
-
I made sure to let my husband know what the documentary, Fair Play was about beforehand, as recommended by my buddy. I wanted him to be prepared for the discussion I knew we’d have afterward, especially since the film touches on some realities that I experience as a mother. The film opened up an important dialogue between us about the invisible mental load I often carry. Seeing it laid out in the documentary validated my feelings and sparked an honest conversation about how we can better share responsibilities at home. It was eye-opening for both of us, and I'm glad we had that space to connect and reflect on what fairness really looks like in our relationship. The film helped us see how each of us bears different, but equally important, responsibilities, and it sparked a discussion about how we can better support one another by acknowledging each other's mental load more openly. It gave us both a fresh perspective on how to find balance and share the weight more equally
-
Ever wonder how to get your kids to actually listen? In No Drama Discipline, the authors break down the brainy stuff in a way that actually makes sense (yea, even when you’re sleep-deprived). They highlight the fascinating link between a child’s neurological development and how parents react to misbehavior, providing a compassionate approach to dealing with tension and tears- without causing a scene. One of my favorite examples in the book is when a parent waited until the next day- after a good night’s sleep- to talk about the ‘no phones at bedtime’ rule (they took the phone away that night, of course!). Turns out tired kids aren’t the best listeners (who knew?). So, next time you’re ready to launch into your parenting speech, consider hitting pause, catch them when they’re rested and ready- your sanity will thank you!
November 2024 Top Picks…
-
My good friend recommended the Babies documentary to me when I was pregnant, and I’m so glad I finally made the time to watch it—it’s truly amazing and incredibly insightful. This visually captivating film follows the first year of life for four babies from different parts of the world—Namibia, Mongolia, Japan, and the United States—offering an intimate, raw look at the universal experiences and cultural differences in how infants grow, learn, and are cared for across diverse societies.
One of the first things that struck me about this film was the simplicity of life for the infants in rural Namibia and Mongolia. Without the constant hum of technology, gadgets, or toys, these babies explored their world in the most organic way—crawling in the dirt, touching animals, and interacting with nature. There’s a certain beauty in this minimalist approach to parenting, where the world itself is the playground, and curiosity is the main guide.
-
I found myself roaming the overpriced bookstore at the airport during a delayed flight, faced with the impossible task of choosing between two books. Knowing I couldn’t justify buying both, I made a deal with myself—one book for the shelf and one for my ears. After some deliberation, I bought The Skin You're In and decided to listen to Drunk-ish. And let me tell you, the hilarious tale that unfolded in this book was just what I needed to pass the time, lift my spirits, and spark some deeper reflections. What I learned from this laugh-out-loud, irreverent narrative wasn’t just about the nuances of drinking culture—it was about finding the humor in life’s messiness and embracing the contradictions we all live with. This perfect balance of bold honesty and unruly wit, Stefanie Wilder-Taylor explores her journey to breaking up with alcohol for good, while being a mother. The book blends humor with deeper insights, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
-
I am currently reading Do Less. This book challenges the belief that our worth is tied to productivity. Geared towards working women and mothers; it offers a refreshing take on embracing presence, meaning, and joy instead of the constant hustle of 'doing it all.' Unlike other time management books, this one focuses on small, actionable experiments to help cut out unnecessary busyness and live in harmony with our natural rhythms. I am reading this alongside two of my friends, and we meet once a month to discuss our experiences and insight. We are slowing down and taking our time to read and work through this one. goes here