<![CDATA[The Planning Parent]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:28:31 +0000Captivate.fmCrista Hermancehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/bcc15694-31d7-4bda-94ae-13f8262673fe/BlTPVB3yLSwGQp_QUKLpYSZ-.jpgThe Planning ParentCrista HermanceCrista HermanceParenting is hard. We get that! We are right there with you. There is so much information being thrown at us on a daily basis on how we should be raising our kids, are we doing the right things, should we be doing something different. It can be overwhelming and exhausting. In this podcast you will hear from experienced parents and professionals about various parenting topics to help you by providing you with solutions and strategies to minimize the hustle and bustle that we parents face daily. I am Estate Planning Mom, Crista Hermance. For the last 6 years I have been working with families with minor children, while having young children of my own, I have seen first-hand the daily challenges that parents go through and what keeps them up at night. Seeing the struggles that parents are facing, I have built a community that provides plans and solutions giving parents peace-of-mind. Each episode will be packed full of new ideas and strategies to help you better manage your life and family while being short enough for you to listen while waiting in carpool lines, shopping at Target or unloading the dishwasher. My goal is to help you create simplicity and bliss in your everyday life.https://the-planning-parent.captivate.fmnoserialBuilding Emotional Regulation with Caley KuklaBuilding Emotional Regulation with Caley KuklaMy guest, Caley Kukla, empowers parents to understand children's behaviors through brain science and empathy by translating children's behavior into easy to follow steps in between translating brain science to practical tips for parents. Caley grounds her work in the most up-to-date neuropsychology, attachment therapy, and developmentally appropriate practices that value the parent-child relationship over compliance.

Listen in while we chat about:

  • How do we help our child build emotional regulation?
  • Building relational safety first, which builds into emotional safety, then regulation
  • How can we handle big reactions that come with big feelings?
  • How to take a pause when everything feels like an emergency
  • The “Gentle No”
  • How parents can keep their cool and not lose it on their kids

Connect with Caley and grab her freebies on her website:

https://www.caleykukla.com/

On Instagram: @caleykukla

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>My guest, Caley Kukla, empowers parents to understand children's behaviors through brain science and empathy by translating children's behavior into easy to follow steps in between translating brain science to practical tips for parents. Caley grounds her work in the most up-to-date neuropsychology, attachment therapy, and developmentally appropriate practices that value the parent-child relationship over compliance.

Listen in while we chat about:

  • How do we help our child build emotional regulation?
  • Building relational safety first, which builds into emotional safety, then regulation
  • How can we handle big reactions that come with big feelings?
  • How to take a pause when everything feels like an emergency
  • The “Gentle No”
  • How parents can keep their cool and not lose it on their kids

Connect with Caley and grab her freebies on her website:

https://www.caleykukla.com/

On Instagram: @caleykukla

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>abed94b4-38e0-4664-b21b-f84abeb2f277Mon, 02 May 2022 09:30:00 -070031:13nofull118Crista HermanceAnger and Other Big Emotions with Sarah MooreAnger and Other Big Emotions with Sarah MooreMy guest in this episode is Sarah Moore, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive parenting, published author, and MFS. She is a certified master trainer of Conscious Parenting and lifelong learner with training in child development, improv comedy, trauma recovery, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Today we’ll talk about anger management and talking about feelings with our children. 

  • Some intentional ways to help our children with their feelings
  • How to co-create boundaries 
  • What healthy anger looks like
  • When and how to allow emotional expression
  • Helping our children learn and show empathy

Connect with Sarah:

On her website: https://dandelion-seeds.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandelionseedspositiveliving/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>My guest in this episode is Sarah Moore, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive parenting, published author, and MFS. She is a certified master trainer of Conscious Parenting and lifelong learner with training in child development, improv comedy, trauma recovery, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Today we’ll talk about anger management and talking about feelings with our children. 

  • Some intentional ways to help our children with their feelings
  • How to co-create boundaries 
  • What healthy anger looks like
  • When and how to allow emotional expression
  • Helping our children learn and show empathy

Connect with Sarah:

On her website: https://dandelion-seeds.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandelionseedspositiveliving/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>514c28e8-62f4-421c-9528-bb61b8e22e3cMon, 02 May 2022 09:15:00 -070030:01nofull117Crista HermanceStaying Away From Option D with Michelle GambsStaying Away From Option D with Michelle GambsMichelle Gambs is a parent coach and psychotherapist with a degree from The University of Notre Dame. After 20 years of coaching parents, a simple philosophy emerged which she turned into the book, Stay Away from Option D. It gives parents permission to be faulty parents while still bringing peace to your home.  No perfection required.

In this episode we’ll talk about:

  • What is Option D?
  • How do we not react or snap at our kids?
  • What’s the difference between a response and a reaction?
  • What are the “five needs?”
  • HALT: Hungry, angry, lonely, or tired
  • Allowing kids to grow in discomfort

If you’d like to know more about options A, B, C, and D, check out Michelle’s book: Stay Away from Option D...and You Will Be a Perfect Parent

Connect with Michelle:

On her website: https://www.michellegambs.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellegambs/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Michelle Gambs is a parent coach and psychotherapist with a degree from The University of Notre Dame. After 20 years of coaching parents, a simple philosophy emerged which she turned into the book, Stay Away from Option D. It gives parents permission to be faulty parents while still bringing peace to your home.  No perfection required.

In this episode we’ll talk about:

  • What is Option D?
  • How do we not react or snap at our kids?
  • What’s the difference between a response and a reaction?
  • What are the “five needs?”
  • HALT: Hungry, angry, lonely, or tired
  • Allowing kids to grow in discomfort

If you’d like to know more about options A, B, C, and D, check out Michelle’s book: Stay Away from Option D...and You Will Be a Perfect Parent

Connect with Michelle:

On her website: https://www.michellegambs.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellegambs/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>875b10b1-3d3a-463e-86bd-e60d1bc6833eMon, 02 May 2022 09:00:00 -070024:30nofull116Crista HermancePeaceful Discipline with Carolyn DaoustPeaceful Discipline with Carolyn DaoustI’m joined today by Carolyn Daoust, who is a parenting coach specializing in families with children zero to five. Her goal is to help you understand your child's behavior from a developmental and relational perspective, and teach you how to respond to their needs with confidence and connection. She’s here today to talk about peaceful discipline.

The difference between peaceful discipline and the discipline most of us were raised with is that we’re reflecting on our own reactions first, rather than just responding to our kids’ behavior with gut instinct. It’s about preserving the relationship and preserving the dignity of our child first and foremost.

The goal is to avoid REACTing:

  • Rushing to judgment
  • Exploding
  • Aggressive
  • Catastrophizing
  • Taunting or shame

Instead of reacting to our childrens’ behaviors, here are some better ways to respond:

  • Begin with a self-reflection on how you react that way.
  • Empathize with your kids. They’re trying to communicate their legitimate needs.
  • Wait them out and share your calm.
  • As the parent, we need to be bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind. There’s nothing wrong with saying no to your child.

Connect with Carolyn: https://thepeacefulparentproject.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepeacefulparentproject

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeacefulparentproject/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>I’m joined today by Carolyn Daoust, who is a parenting coach specializing in families with children zero to five. Her goal is to help you understand your child's behavior from a developmental and relational perspective, and teach you how to respond to their needs with confidence and connection. She’s here today to talk about peaceful discipline.

The difference between peaceful discipline and the discipline most of us were raised with is that we’re reflecting on our own reactions first, rather than just responding to our kids’ behavior with gut instinct. It’s about preserving the relationship and preserving the dignity of our child first and foremost.

The goal is to avoid REACTing:

  • Rushing to judgment
  • Exploding
  • Aggressive
  • Catastrophizing
  • Taunting or shame

Instead of reacting to our childrens’ behaviors, here are some better ways to respond:

  • Begin with a self-reflection on how you react that way.
  • Empathize with your kids. They’re trying to communicate their legitimate needs.
  • Wait them out and share your calm.
  • As the parent, we need to be bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind. There’s nothing wrong with saying no to your child.

Connect with Carolyn: https://thepeacefulparentproject.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepeacefulparentproject

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeacefulparentproject/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>218a8210-5f28-4c57-b99d-396ec3bca8d8Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:45:00 -070024:25nofull115Crista HermanceDoing It All with Jessica St. PierreDoing It All with Jessica St. PierreIt’s a myth that there are moms out there that can do it all. There are always some things we have to let slip, and THAT’S OKAY. What’s important is to be intentional with the things that are important to you.

We have some tips for how to be more mindful of your time and fit more things into your day:

  1. Prioritize the things that are most important to you and your family, things that you enjoy. These may change seasonally, or for certain days of the week.
  2. Learn to say no. Check the task against your priorities and if it doesn’t fit, say no.
  3. Have a routine.
  4. Set a timer for tasks.
  5. Delegate! Let other family members be responsible for chores, or if you can afford to hire help do that. 
  6. Give yourself grace.
  7. Take care of yourself.

Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>It’s a myth that there are moms out there that can do it all. There are always some things we have to let slip, and THAT’S OKAY. What’s important is to be intentional with the things that are important to you.

We have some tips for how to be more mindful of your time and fit more things into your day:

  1. Prioritize the things that are most important to you and your family, things that you enjoy. These may change seasonally, or for certain days of the week.
  2. Learn to say no. Check the task against your priorities and if it doesn’t fit, say no.
  3. Have a routine.
  4. Set a timer for tasks.
  5. Delegate! Let other family members be responsible for chores, or if you can afford to hire help do that. 
  6. Give yourself grace.
  7. Take care of yourself.

Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>d499691a-1ae1-4189-b4e7-abef623f4260Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:30:00 -070022:36nofull114Crista HermanceBuilding Intentional Relationships with Vanessa HernandezBuilding Intentional Relationships with Vanessa HernandezThere’s a lot more available now to parents who want to create an intentional, secure relationship with their children than there was a few decades ago. The intentional parenting style focuses on the fact that children are small humans, with their own strengths and interests and we as parents can do more to get to know them.

Here are some examples of things you can do to carve out special time with your kids:

  • Quality over quantity. Just 5 minutes of undivided attention is better than 3 hours with distractions.
  • Engage in something they want to do, this isn’t a time to educate.
  • Plan ahead, but don’t get caught up in the logistics of elaborate plans.
  • Giving your special time a name, especially for individual siblings.
  • Remember that children will mirror your reactions, emotions, and body language.
  • If you need to, take a little break and don’t react right away.

We’ll also talk about how a parent’s past affects how they approach parenting.

Connect with Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessasfamilylab/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>There’s a lot more available now to parents who want to create an intentional, secure relationship with their children than there was a few decades ago. The intentional parenting style focuses on the fact that children are small humans, with their own strengths and interests and we as parents can do more to get to know them.

Here are some examples of things you can do to carve out special time with your kids:

  • Quality over quantity. Just 5 minutes of undivided attention is better than 3 hours with distractions.
  • Engage in something they want to do, this isn’t a time to educate.
  • Plan ahead, but don’t get caught up in the logistics of elaborate plans.
  • Giving your special time a name, especially for individual siblings.
  • Remember that children will mirror your reactions, emotions, and body language.
  • If you need to, take a little break and don’t react right away.

We’ll also talk about how a parent’s past affects how they approach parenting.

Connect with Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessasfamilylab/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>c2d4e7e1-16b5-457f-adc7-61ee0f4014eeFri, 01 Apr 2022 00:15:00 -070022:41nofull113Crista HermanceParenting Tool Belt with Bette AlkazianParenting Tool Belt with Bette AlkazianOur guest, Bette Alkazian, is a licensed family and marriage therapist, parenting coach, and nationally recognized parenting expert who works with families to ease the challenges and increase the joys of raising children.

In this episode we’ll explore Bette’s Parenting Tool Belt:

  • Compassion is never wrong.
  • Friendship - as parents we need to be able to tap into our “village.”
  • Humor is necessary to lighten the moment and remember to enjoy the process.
  • Consistency - kids thrive when they know what the limits are and they know what to expect.
  • Fill the “Love tank”

If you’d like to revisit the Family Plan episode, click here > https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ae758310-f989-4770-954a-2c29c007fa57

Connect with Bette: balancedparenting.com

On Instagram: @bette.parenting.guru

Interested in Bette’s books?

Parenting Backwards

Potty Learning, The Dos, Don’ts, and The Oops of Poops

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Our guest, Bette Alkazian, is a licensed family and marriage therapist, parenting coach, and nationally recognized parenting expert who works with families to ease the challenges and increase the joys of raising children.

In this episode we’ll explore Bette’s Parenting Tool Belt:

  • Compassion is never wrong.
  • Friendship - as parents we need to be able to tap into our “village.”
  • Humor is necessary to lighten the moment and remember to enjoy the process.
  • Consistency - kids thrive when they know what the limits are and they know what to expect.
  • Fill the “Love tank”

If you’d like to revisit the Family Plan episode, click here > https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ae758310-f989-4770-954a-2c29c007fa57

Connect with Bette: balancedparenting.com

On Instagram: @bette.parenting.guru

Interested in Bette’s books?

Parenting Backwards

Potty Learning, The Dos, Don’ts, and The Oops of Poops

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>7c076027-7cdf-4fb8-abbf-6360fea68e85Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -070027:47nofull112Crista HermanceEstate Planning 101Estate Planning 101As I mentioned at the beginning of season 1, I’m an estate planning attorney specializing in estate planning for families with minor children. I want to share with you why estate planning is so important and how you can get started.

Estate planning is an opportunity to put legal documents in place so your wishes are known, if something happens to you. It’s not easy to think about or talk about, but it saves a lot of time, money, and heartache for your loved ones.

Some elements of estate planning:

  • Guardianship nomination
  • Conservatorship
  • How assets are distributed when someone passes away
  • Power of attorney
  • Healthcare decisions

I’ll go into some detail today about the major documents involved with estate planning so you have a little more understanding. I’ll always recommend you work with a lawyer licensed in your state.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>As I mentioned at the beginning of season 1, I’m an estate planning attorney specializing in estate planning for families with minor children. I want to share with you why estate planning is so important and how you can get started.

Estate planning is an opportunity to put legal documents in place so your wishes are known, if something happens to you. It’s not easy to think about or talk about, but it saves a lot of time, money, and heartache for your loved ones.

Some elements of estate planning:

  • Guardianship nomination
  • Conservatorship
  • How assets are distributed when someone passes away
  • Power of attorney
  • Healthcare decisions

I’ll go into some detail today about the major documents involved with estate planning so you have a little more understanding. I’ll always recommend you work with a lawyer licensed in your state.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>7d4190ac-e3f0-4619-9643-f9e8be980894Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:45:00 -070028:41nofull111Crista HermanceKids Money Academy with DeeKids Money Academy with DeeOur guest Dee is a CPA and finance instructor at UCLA. When she had her own kids, she found that there were no good comprehensive resources for teaching kids financial literacy. She founded Kids Money Academy to fill this need.

Dee recommends using a 3-jar (or envelope) system where kids divide their money into different funds to Save, Spend, and Give. Depending on what works best for your family, kids may earn their allowance through chores. Some families give allowance without tying them to chores, but there’s also a hybrid method where chores can earn a bonus. From there, kids may be allowed to split up their allowance as they see fit.

The idea with the “Give” jar is to let them pick the cause they want to support, and how much they want to give. The goal is to teach them to be charitable, generous and kind to others.

Connect with Dee and Kids Money Academy: @kidsmoneyacademy | Linktree

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Our guest Dee is a CPA and finance instructor at UCLA. When she had her own kids, she found that there were no good comprehensive resources for teaching kids financial literacy. She founded Kids Money Academy to fill this need.

Dee recommends using a 3-jar (or envelope) system where kids divide their money into different funds to Save, Spend, and Give. Depending on what works best for your family, kids may earn their allowance through chores. Some families give allowance without tying them to chores, but there’s also a hybrid method where chores can earn a bonus. From there, kids may be allowed to split up their allowance as they see fit.

The idea with the “Give” jar is to let them pick the cause they want to support, and how much they want to give. The goal is to teach them to be charitable, generous and kind to others.

Connect with Dee and Kids Money Academy: @kidsmoneyacademy | Linktree

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>8be903eb-8db4-4cdb-8256-8c3d6231c880Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:30:00 -070024:57nofull110Crista HermancePlanning Your Meal Planning with Lindsay YoungPlanning Your Meal Planning with Lindsay YoungHave you noticed how your kids need to eat every single day? More than once? Didn’t you just cook dinner yesterday??

The question is inevitable. What’s for dinner, Mom? We know it’s coming every day, and you’ll have to make some decisions. Instead of reacting to the question every day, being proactive and deciding once for the whole week can save your sanity and bandwidth for the things that really matter.

Lindsay’s process for successful meal planning looks like this:

  • Have a system in place. It doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter system and it may change come baseball season, but it is important to have a system you can repeat week after week.
  • Consult your calendar. Don’t plan a casserole that has to bake for an hour on a night when you’re getting home late.
  • Use what’s in your fridge and freezer when choosing recipes - don’t just spend hours on Pinterest!
  • Keep a running list of items that run out so that you can get everything in one shopping trip.
  • Properly store and prep your groceries right when you get home.
  • Batch prep as necessary to save some time - not necessarily cook everything on the weekend.
  • Reflect, rinse, and repeat. Did the recipe work how you hoped? Did everyone like it?

Listen along as Lindsay shares her best tips for picky eaters, snacktime, and more.

To get a kickstart on your new meal planning routine, pick up Lindsay’s free Meal Planning Toolkit on her website, lindsayliveswell.com.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Have you noticed how your kids need to eat every single day? More than once? Didn’t you just cook dinner yesterday??

The question is inevitable. What’s for dinner, Mom? We know it’s coming every day, and you’ll have to make some decisions. Instead of reacting to the question every day, being proactive and deciding once for the whole week can save your sanity and bandwidth for the things that really matter.

Lindsay’s process for successful meal planning looks like this:

  • Have a system in place. It doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter system and it may change come baseball season, but it is important to have a system you can repeat week after week.
  • Consult your calendar. Don’t plan a casserole that has to bake for an hour on a night when you’re getting home late.
  • Use what’s in your fridge and freezer when choosing recipes - don’t just spend hours on Pinterest!
  • Keep a running list of items that run out so that you can get everything in one shopping trip.
  • Properly store and prep your groceries right when you get home.
  • Batch prep as necessary to save some time - not necessarily cook everything on the weekend.
  • Reflect, rinse, and repeat. Did the recipe work how you hoped? Did everyone like it?

Listen along as Lindsay shares her best tips for picky eaters, snacktime, and more.

To get a kickstart on your new meal planning routine, pick up Lindsay’s free Meal Planning Toolkit on her website, lindsayliveswell.com.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>a5767bf6-5fca-496c-98cb-2ab65bc54ef7Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:15:00 -070030:42nofull19Crista HermanceBeating Mom Guilt with Crystal, The Parenting CoachBeating Mom Guilt with Crystal, The Parenting CoachMany times as a parent we may see someone else’s parenting style and wondering if we’re doing it wrong.  My guest today, Crystal, argues that that happens only because we see their strengths and pick out or own weaknesses. That comparison can really make moms feel down on themselves.

Sometimes, we just need to figure out what our strengths are instead of overthinking our weaknesses. Parenting isn’t always about being playful and creative all the time.

The way we think creates how we feel, and the way we feel fuels what we do. The path to change is believing something different. There’s no one right way to be human. If we over-focus on the “do” part without addressing the thoughts about why we aren’t connecting with our kids, the negative energy will get in the way even when you are “doing” the right things.

Shame turns to blame in less than a second. Self-confidence is a muscle that we build, and we have to work on it intentionally.

Positive affirmations can work if you already mostly believe them. If your mind is shouting about how they’re wrong, it’s not going to work.  

That’s why Crystal developed her “Negative De-affirmations.” 

  1. Write down what you want to believe. Choose a few to work on at a time.
  2. On the other side of the paper, allow your brain to answer what you really believe now.
  3. Work through the negatives. Are they really true? Do they actually make you a horrible mom? Poke holes in them and you’ll move to your more positive beliefs a lot more smoothly.

Connect with Crystal on her website, where you can find all her links and free Parenting Personality Quiz. https://www.coachcrystal.ca/links

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Many times as a parent we may see someone else’s parenting style and wondering if we’re doing it wrong.  My guest today, Crystal, argues that that happens only because we see their strengths and pick out or own weaknesses. That comparison can really make moms feel down on themselves.

Sometimes, we just need to figure out what our strengths are instead of overthinking our weaknesses. Parenting isn’t always about being playful and creative all the time.

The way we think creates how we feel, and the way we feel fuels what we do. The path to change is believing something different. There’s no one right way to be human. If we over-focus on the “do” part without addressing the thoughts about why we aren’t connecting with our kids, the negative energy will get in the way even when you are “doing” the right things.

Shame turns to blame in less than a second. Self-confidence is a muscle that we build, and we have to work on it intentionally.

Positive affirmations can work if you already mostly believe them. If your mind is shouting about how they’re wrong, it’s not going to work.  

That’s why Crystal developed her “Negative De-affirmations.” 

  1. Write down what you want to believe. Choose a few to work on at a time.
  2. On the other side of the paper, allow your brain to answer what you really believe now.
  3. Work through the negatives. Are they really true? Do they actually make you a horrible mom? Poke holes in them and you’ll move to your more positive beliefs a lot more smoothly.

Connect with Crystal on her website, where you can find all her links and free Parenting Personality Quiz. https://www.coachcrystal.ca/links

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>a5b889ac-78de-4e93-a2ba-454da748752fTue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -070026:33nofull18Crista Hermance10-Day Document Organization Challenge10-Day Document Organization ChallengeOne of the main things we do at The Planning Parent is making sure parents can simplify and have everything organized so that if something does happen, there’s a plan in place.  Now we have a 10-day document organization challenge to help!

​​To join the 10-day document challenge and get your free printables visit https://theplanningparent.com/10daychallenge/

To start, you’ll need a filing system of some sort. An accordion file, binder, something that’s easy to grab in case of an emergency, with 10 sections:

  1. Parents
  2. Kids
  3. Health
  4. Financials
  5. House
  6. Employment
  7. Life Insurance
  8. Legal Documents
  9. Vehicles
  10. Pets

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>One of the main things we do at The Planning Parent is making sure parents can simplify and have everything organized so that if something does happen, there’s a plan in place.  Now we have a 10-day document organization challenge to help!

​​To join the 10-day document challenge and get your free printables visit https://theplanningparent.com/10daychallenge/

To start, you’ll need a filing system of some sort. An accordion file, binder, something that’s easy to grab in case of an emergency, with 10 sections:

  1. Parents
  2. Kids
  3. Health
  4. Financials
  5. House
  6. Employment
  7. Life Insurance
  8. Legal Documents
  9. Vehicles
  10. Pets

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>7231a395-c01b-4e55-9af8-0c6661a63f49Tue, 04 Jan 2022 01:30:00 -070017:24nofull17Crista HermanceFit In Fitness with Darla JoyFit In Fitness with Darla JoyDarla Joy is the founder of Joy Fit Academy, which helps women fit in fitness into their lives, stop the yo-yo dieting, and heal their relationship with food.

Darla’s advice when starting out a new workout plan is to ease into it. It’s tempting to start out with full circuits because you’re excited and motivated, but that approach leads to burnout.  Just remember that you’re only one workout or meal away from being back on track, and taking care of yourself is a gift to those around you - it’s not selfish!

When it comes to involving your family with your fitness, it’s great to invite your kids to be part of your workouts with you.  They just want to be with you.  Same with meals, they want to be a part of what you’re doing so you don’t have to cook separate meals for everyone just because they’re kids.

Most importantly, have more gratitude. Everything you have is everything you need, and everything else is a bonus and cherry on the top.  

Connect with Darla on Facebook and on Instagram @darlajoyfitness

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Darla Joy is the founder of Joy Fit Academy, which helps women fit in fitness into their lives, stop the yo-yo dieting, and heal their relationship with food.

Darla’s advice when starting out a new workout plan is to ease into it. It’s tempting to start out with full circuits because you’re excited and motivated, but that approach leads to burnout.  Just remember that you’re only one workout or meal away from being back on track, and taking care of yourself is a gift to those around you - it’s not selfish!

When it comes to involving your family with your fitness, it’s great to invite your kids to be part of your workouts with you.  They just want to be with you.  Same with meals, they want to be a part of what you’re doing so you don’t have to cook separate meals for everyone just because they’re kids.

Most importantly, have more gratitude. Everything you have is everything you need, and everything else is a bonus and cherry on the top.  

Connect with Darla on Facebook and on Instagram @darlajoyfitness

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>5349ad41-3d91-428e-aa3f-fa9fea49abd7Tue, 04 Jan 2022 01:15:00 -070023:18nofull16Crista HermanceCity Girl Savings with Raya ReavesCity Girl Savings with Raya ReavesToday’s guest Raya Reaves launched City Girl Savings in 2015 as a resource for women of all walks of life to learn about personal finance and money management.  Today she’ll give us some tips about budgeting for your family, without getting overwhelmed.

Very simply, start by tracking your spending.  List your income, subtract your bills, then average the other expenses like groceries that don’t have a fixed due date.  Is your income doing what it’s supposed to do? Are there expenses that you can cut down or a way to make more money so you can afford everything?  

Raya’s top 3 things that everyone needs in their budgeting:

  1. Include fun spending!
  2. Have a plan for the unexpected. Something will always come up.
  3. Track your spending - that’s the only way you’ll know.

Take a look at what your values are and set financial goals that help you get to that place or align with the values you have.

Connect with Raya more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citygirlsavings/

Download Reya’s Free Money Moves Packet here: https://budgets.citygirlsavings.com/cgs-money-moves-packet/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Today’s guest Raya Reaves launched City Girl Savings in 2015 as a resource for women of all walks of life to learn about personal finance and money management.  Today she’ll give us some tips about budgeting for your family, without getting overwhelmed.

Very simply, start by tracking your spending.  List your income, subtract your bills, then average the other expenses like groceries that don’t have a fixed due date.  Is your income doing what it’s supposed to do? Are there expenses that you can cut down or a way to make more money so you can afford everything?  

Raya’s top 3 things that everyone needs in their budgeting:

  1. Include fun spending!
  2. Have a plan for the unexpected. Something will always come up.
  3. Track your spending - that’s the only way you’ll know.

Take a look at what your values are and set financial goals that help you get to that place or align with the values you have.

Connect with Raya more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citygirlsavings/

Download Reya’s Free Money Moves Packet here: https://budgets.citygirlsavings.com/cgs-money-moves-packet/

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>02d552b5-89d0-4223-9620-6554e7ad79daTue, 04 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -070020:51nofull15Crista HermanceReset Your Nest with Jennifer MartinReset Your Nest with Jennifer MartinToday’s guest Jennifer Martin uses her interior design background and love for organization to bring the world of design and organization together for other busy families.

The first tip to get started with the Reset Your Nest technique is to just start small.  Pick one small, achievable pain point, do appropriate research ahead of time for what materials you’ll need, and finish it in a short amount of time.  After you’ve done that, maintenance on that area is not hard. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with big projects that quickly spiral out of control.

You can enlist the help of your family with the upkeep by using the “touch it once” rule to be sure that everything goes back in its “home” and everyone helps with 10-15 minutes before bedtime to put the house to bed.

If your house has a “landing spot” where stuff tends to pile up, Jen has some tips for dealing with those areas.

Listen for more great tips! Connect with Jen on her website ​​https://www.resetyournest.com/ or on Instagram @reset_your_nest. Mention the planning parent podcast and get 10% off virtual services.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>Today’s guest Jennifer Martin uses her interior design background and love for organization to bring the world of design and organization together for other busy families.

The first tip to get started with the Reset Your Nest technique is to just start small.  Pick one small, achievable pain point, do appropriate research ahead of time for what materials you’ll need, and finish it in a short amount of time.  After you’ve done that, maintenance on that area is not hard. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with big projects that quickly spiral out of control.

You can enlist the help of your family with the upkeep by using the “touch it once” rule to be sure that everything goes back in its “home” and everyone helps with 10-15 minutes before bedtime to put the house to bed.

If your house has a “landing spot” where stuff tends to pile up, Jen has some tips for dealing with those areas.

Listen for more great tips! Connect with Jen on her website ​​https://www.resetyournest.com/ or on Instagram @reset_your_nest. Mention the planning parent podcast and get 10% off virtual services.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>c771053c-ed72-4ef1-96b2-be5850235cbbTue, 04 Jan 2022 00:45:00 -070025:31nofull14Crista HermanceResolutions That Stick with Carly TizzanoResolutions That Stick with Carly TizzanoNew Year’s Resolution coach Carly Tizzano joins us to talk about how to create resolutions that you can stick with.  First of all, align them with your goals. What kind of life do you want to create?  What steps can you realistically take to get you there? Then, write them down!

First, be realistic about what kind of support you need.  Will you need childcare or accountability? What structures do you need to reach that particular goal? Will it help to use a habit tracker or schedule?

What happens if you get off track? Over the course of the year, there will be holidays, birthdays, travel, somebody will probably get sick, life happens.  You’re not alone in that, it happens to everybody! Check in with yourself about where you are, where you want to be, and be open to acknowledge if that has shifted.  Give yourself the grace to recognize that starting back up you may not be back where you were before, and that can be your fresh start.  

Accountability partners are a great way to keep going and Carly also recommends setting small goals as well as large ones, and even breaking your large goals up into smaller pieces, then checking in with yourself regularly.

Connect with Carly and her podcast at https://www.carlytizzano.com/podcast. Download Carly’s Dream and Goal Worksheets here to help you determine where you want to go and what resolutions to set to get there.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>New Year’s Resolution coach Carly Tizzano joins us to talk about how to create resolutions that you can stick with.  First of all, align them with your goals. What kind of life do you want to create?  What steps can you realistically take to get you there? Then, write them down!

First, be realistic about what kind of support you need.  Will you need childcare or accountability? What structures do you need to reach that particular goal? Will it help to use a habit tracker or schedule?

What happens if you get off track? Over the course of the year, there will be holidays, birthdays, travel, somebody will probably get sick, life happens.  You’re not alone in that, it happens to everybody! Check in with yourself about where you are, where you want to be, and be open to acknowledge if that has shifted.  Give yourself the grace to recognize that starting back up you may not be back where you were before, and that can be your fresh start.  

Accountability partners are a great way to keep going and Carly also recommends setting small goals as well as large ones, and even breaking your large goals up into smaller pieces, then checking in with yourself regularly.

Connect with Carly and her podcast at https://www.carlytizzano.com/podcast. Download Carly’s Dream and Goal Worksheets here to help you determine where you want to go and what resolutions to set to get there.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>21c55d35-6707-4909-a739-113edd864e9dTue, 04 Jan 2022 00:30:00 -070023:18nofull13Crista HermanceCreating A Family Vision Plan with Jessica St. PierreCreating A Family Vision Plan with Jessica St. PierreWhat do you want your family to do? What do you want your family to be like and strive for? It’s important that your whole family is on the same page with all this.

The way Jessica and I do this is to start with 8 categories of family values:

  1. Family time
  2. Activities
  3. Health
  4. Financial
  5. Education
  6. Travel adventures
  7. Character
  8. Spiritual/faith

Once you have these pinned down, it’s time to create a family mission statement.  Pick words or phrases from your family values and put them together into 3-5 sentences as a family mission statement.

From these will come family goals.  Create 3-5 family goals that align with what you have in your family values.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free  family vision printables are available at www.planningparent.com/familyvision and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>What do you want your family to do? What do you want your family to be like and strive for? It’s important that your whole family is on the same page with all this.

The way Jessica and I do this is to start with 8 categories of family values:

  1. Family time
  2. Activities
  3. Health
  4. Financial
  5. Education
  6. Travel adventures
  7. Character
  8. Spiritual/faith

Once you have these pinned down, it’s time to create a family mission statement.  Pick words or phrases from your family values and put them together into 3-5 sentences as a family mission statement.

From these will come family goals.  Create 3-5 family goals that align with what you have in your family values.

If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free  family vision printables are available at www.planningparent.com/familyvision and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>ae758310-f989-4770-954a-2c29c007fa57Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:15:00 -070025:40nofull12Crista HermanceA Little About MeA Little About MeI’m your host Crista Hermance. I’m an estate planning attorney and for the last 6 years, I’ve built a family-oriented practice to allow the flexible schedule I needed as a mom.  I focus my work on families with minor children and teach them how to put legal plans in place to make sure their families are protected.

In this podcast I want to help parents with solutions and strategies to create a family plan.  We’ll talk about family finances and budgeting, teaching your kids to be wise with money, and a variety of parenting topics.  

We hope to provide you with solutions and strategies to minimize the hustle and bustle that parents face daily.  If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>I’m your host Crista Hermance. I’m an estate planning attorney and for the last 6 years, I’ve built a family-oriented practice to allow the flexible schedule I needed as a mom.  I focus my work on families with minor children and teach them how to put legal plans in place to make sure their families are protected.

In this podcast I want to help parents with solutions and strategies to create a family plan.  We’ll talk about family finances and budgeting, teaching your kids to be wise with money, and a variety of parenting topics.  

We hope to provide you with solutions and strategies to minimize the hustle and bustle that parents face daily.  If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

Music credit: Sky Running by Tanager Kid

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

]]>aa1eb140-d466-4d00-a51d-974759038601Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -070007:50nofull11Crista HermanceWelcome to The Planning Parent!Welcome to The Planning Parent!Welcome to The Planning Parent Podcast, where we help families create simplicity and bliss in their everyday lives.

In this podcast we'll explore various parenting topics including creating a family plan, budgeting, meal planning, internet safety, and estate planning, to name a few.

We hope to provide you with solutions and strategies to minimize the hustle and bustle that parents face daily. If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

]]>Welcome to The Planning Parent Podcast, where we help families create simplicity and bliss in their everyday lives.

In this podcast we'll explore various parenting topics including creating a family plan, budgeting, meal planning, internet safety, and estate planning, to name a few.

We hope to provide you with solutions and strategies to minimize the hustle and bustle that parents face daily. If you're a parent and you're looking for some new ideas and strategies, join our community on Facebook @theplanningparent.

Free printables are available at theplanningparent.com and you can follow us on Instagram.

Remember - take a deep breath. You do matter. You're doing a great job.

]]>2b8687c4-70b5-4840-8974-1e15b48a5af8Sun, 14 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -070002:13notrailer1Crista Hermance