Send us a Text Message. Can a mom actually feel like she's on vacation when she takes a trip with her family? In this iMOM Podcast episode, we share mindset shifts, practical ideas, and stories of surviving nightmarish vacation situations. Mentions: 15 Family Car Games to Beat the Boredom Bug A Trip With Kids CAN Feel Like a Vacation! 7 Tips for Lo…

Send us a Text Message. Resilience is one of the most important things we can teach our kids, but that means we have to let them struggle, which can be really tough for moms. In this episode, we'll talk about what resilience is and how to look for everyday opportunities to build it in our children. Mentions: 3 Ways to Help a Child Through a Rough P…

Send us a Text Message. A new tie and golf balls are great Father's Day gifts, but the best gift you can give your husband any time of the year is to be a more loving wife. In this episode, things get real. We talk about how we (might) be falling a little short and what makes it difficult to be the loving wives we know we should be. If you need rea…

Send us a Text Message. If you could give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say? Whether you want to talk to the nine-months-pregnant you or you from last year, you probably have some words to share! In this episode, we talk about the lessons we learn throughout motherhood and how to hold on to the nuggets of wisdom we gain ev…

Send us a Text Message. Often, one of the first battles between moms and kids is at the dinner table. In this episode, we talk about picky eating struggles, how to know when it’s time to get help, and a few ideas to help expand your picky eater’s palate. Mentions: 9 Strategies for Feeding Picky Eaters How to Fix a Picky Eater: 3 Easy Tricks 4 Signs…

Send us a Text Message. Generation Alpha—the kids born between 2010 and the end of 2024. They're impacting our culture and our world in big and small ways. All of Chloe's, Abby's, and Megan's children are Gen Alpha, so in this episode, we talk about what makes these kids unique and how moms can help them through the challenges the generation faces.…

Send us a Text Message. We all have different stories. Our pasts, our kids, our marriages... they're all unique, but we love to compare ourselves to one another anyway. In this episode, we talk about how to stop comparing yourself with others, what pulls you into that trap, and what to do to maintain a healthy mindset. Mentions: Dare to Compare Stu…

Send us a Text Message. No two kids are the same, even within one family! In this episode, we discuss how different personalities can make parenting more challenging and how we can use our strengths to be the best moms we can be to all of our children. Mentions: How to Know What Your Kids Are Made of The Positive Impact Fostering Has on Your Biolog…

Send us a Text Message. We can't prepare our kids for everything the might encounter in life, but we can help lay a foundation that sets them up to be able to make good decisions and be confident in who they are. If you're trying to build kids who know their worth and can handle difficulty, this is the episode for you! Mentions: 5 Traits of a Well-…

Send us a Text Message. Being a mom is a gift and a blessing, but boy, is it a lot of work. That means motherhood can lead to burnout. But there's hope! In this episode, we talk about the things moms believe that lead to that "I need a break" feeling and ways to find rest. Mentions: 5 Lies the Exhausted Mom Believes 15 Things to Do When You’re Feel…

Send us a Text Message. Bullying, risky behavior, inappropriate conversations... when a child is in trouble or doing something he shouldn't, but it's not YOUR child, when should you step in? In this episode, we talk about when to meddle and when to mind your own business. Mentions: How Involved Should You Get in Another Kid’s Drama? The Mom Mafia T…

Send us a Text Message. "Blink, and your kids will be grown." Have you heard that before? Well, we can't avoid blinking, so how can moms slow down a little and practice being present with our kids so we can have meaningful moments? Mentions: 4 Things You Need to Fall Back Into 7 Meaningful Ways to Spend Time With Your Kids 3 Simple Truths That Help…

Send us a Text Message. No mom wants to stand on the sidelines and listen to her child get yelled at or hear about a coach who's a bully at practice. But knowing the next best step can be tricky. Pull your child from the activity? Report the coach? That's our discussion for today's iMOM Podcast episode. Mentions: 5 R’s to Use With Your Kid’s Harsh …

Send us a Text Message. Why are the tiniest members of our families the ones who frustrate us the most? When your toddler won't listen or is mischievous, it's tempting to yell (and yes, we all yell). In this episode, we'll discuss our attempts to get toddlers to comply without raising our voices. Mentions: 8 Ways to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Y…

Send us a Text Message. Hindsight helps us realize a situation wasn't as big of a deal as we thought, but when we're in the thick of it, it's hard not to cry. In this episode, Chloe talks about how she managed to laugh during a disastrous day, and we talk about keeping things in perspective. Mentions: 5 Ways to Laugh Instead of Cry All Pro Dad Podc…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever gotten to the end of a school break and thought, did we really relax? Did we have fun? Did we make the most of it? Striking a balance during time off isn't hard, but it takes some thought. Let us do the thinking for you in this episode. Mentions: 6 Ways to Make the Most of School Breaks The Schedule That Saved …

Send us a Text Message. The iMOM Podcast has hit a milestone: 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're answering questions from listeners. Thanks for growing with us and taking us along on your parenting journey! Mentions: Want to ask a question? Have an idea for an episode? Email imom@familyfirst.net. This episode’s show notes can also be viewed here on …

Send us a Text Message. Are you a people pleaser? What happened when you became a mom? Did it get worse, or did you become more assertive? In this episode, we chat about what's behind the need to please others and how to do what's best for our kids. Mentions: 5 Things a Recovering People Pleaser Should Practice My Son Laughs When I Yell. It Used to…

Send us a Text Message. When your name changed to "Mom," did you experience an identity crisis? Even if you were overjoyed to become a mother, it's a massive change for your body, mind, and self-image. In today's episode, we'll talk about adjusting to this new (and hopefully improved) version of you. Mentions: 3 Reasons Becoming “Mom” Is Awesome Lo…

Send us a Text Message. With more moms working, we really do need our husbands to be parenting partners. In this episode, we talk about how to cooperate with our husbands, express what we need, and lean on each other’s parenting strengths. Mentions: 5 Ways You Can Help Your Husband Be a Better Dad 5 Strengths Dads Bring to Parenting When You Resent…

Send us a Text Message. Even if you aren't familiar with the capabilities of A.I., your kids are, and it's probably just a matter of time before they want to use it for school. In this episode, we discuss whether using A.I. at school is helpful, harmful, or maybe a little bit of both. Mentions: Is Using A.I. for Schoolwork Cheating? 7 Core Values E…

Send us a Text Message. The Sunday Scaries (a.k.a. the Sunday Blues) hit adults and kids, but they don't have to! This episode will help you get to the heart of what's giving you that icky feeling on Sunday evening and help you and the kids hold on to that relaxed weekend vibe. Mentions: 7 Tips for Eliminating the Sunday Scaries Printable Habit Tra…

Send us a Text Message. How do you show love to each of your kids when they need it when you’re just one person? ESPN’s Laura Rutledge is back with us to talk about how to be a great mom when your attention is divided between multiple kids. Mentions: The 5 Love Languages of Children A Simple Way to Discover Your Child’s Love Language What I Didn’t …

Send us a Text Message. The “smart one,” “lazy,” “a handful,” “our future pro athlete.” Putting labels on kids is tempting. We all do it to a certain extent, but when does it become harmful? In this episode, Chloe shares a story of being labeled as a kid, and we talk about the effects of labels. Mentions: Six 4-Letter Words Never to Say to Your Chi…

Send us a Text Message. Eating together as a family is no easy feat with busy schedules and wiggly kids. In this episode, we talk about how to make family meals happen and plan meals so you’re not scrambling every night (unless it’s breakfast for dinner, of course!). Mentions: 10 Ideas That Will Help You Conquer Meal Planning How to Make Family Din…

Send us a Text Message. Can you hear the baby cooing? Chloe shares what the first three months of motherhood have been like (and her sweet baby makes his first podcast appearance). What do you remember from your first months as a new mom, and what advice do you give new moms now? Mentions: 7 Ways to Resist the Pressures of Being a New Mom 15 Things…

Send us a Text Message. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and then it's over. (Or is it?) Many of us struggle with the blues when Christmas or the New Year has passed. This episode will give you some ideas for working through them and for talking through the blues with kids, too. Mentions: Simon Sinek's talk on the scientific power of kindn…

Send us a Text Message. Most of us have relatives who ruffle our feathers or have habits we’re not crazy about, so how do we love them and celebrate holidays and special occasions without losing our cool? Mentions: 5 Healthy Ways to Handle a Manipulative Mother-in-Law 5 Things to Help You Understand Your Mother-in-Law Problems 3 Ways You’re Creatin…

Send us a Text Message. Every couple communicates in their particular way, but there are some communication tools that are helpful across the board in marriage. In this episode, we share ideas for how to be more clear, open, and productive in how we speak with our husbands. Mentions: Could a Feedback Wheel Change Your Marriage? Let’s Talk About Mar…

Send us a Text Message. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge joins us for this episode about how to enjoy the sweet and silly moments of motherhood when they seem to be overshadowed by the crazy and chaotic ones! Mentions: Survey on Parents' Busyness Affecting Time With Kids Sometimes I Hate Being a Mom. Now What? Printable: Don't Forget to Remember Follow Laura …

Send us a Text Message. Presents are a fun part of Christmas, even if they’re not the most important part. Moms have great ideas for buying, hiding, and wrapping gifts. So, let’s share those ideas and discuss how to keep our families focused on what matters most. Mentions: 15 Experience Gift Ideas for Christmas 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Gift…

Send us a Text Message. Moms are experts at imagining how a special day will unfold and then feeling disappointed when things don’t go as expected. How do we keep our expectations from getting in the way of our enjoyment of the holidays? This episode will help you keep yourself in check and prioritize what matters most to you and your family. Menti…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever called a family meeting? Before you ignore the idea and say it’s just another thing to put on your list, listen to this episode. We’ll share how a family meeting can help your house run more smoothly, improve communication and cooperation, and strengthen your family identity. And it can all happen in 15 minutes…

Send us a Text Message. You and your husband are a team, a united front committed to parenting your kids well, but what do you do when parenting makes your marriage feel less united? In this episode, we get honest about how kids can make it hard for husbands and wives to connect or get along (and how they make marriage stronger, too!). Mentions: Ho…

Send us a Text Message. Backtalk is one of the most frustrating behaviors from a child, but is all backtalk created equal? In this episode, we talk about what defines backtalk, how to respond to it, and how to raise a child who can assert himself without being disrespectful. Mentions: Want Respectful Kids? Follow These 5 Steps 4 Types of Back Talke…

Send us a Text Message. Do you think the best kind of mom is the perfect mom? If you feel pressure to be perfect, this episode will bring you a big sigh of relief. Not only is the perfect mom not actually a thing, but it’s better for our children if we drop the ball now and then! Mentions: 4 Times to Embrace Good Enough Parenting Take the Mom I Am …

Send us a Text Message. As a kid, did you ride your bike to the neighbor’s house or talk on the phone in the evening? That's how we socialized. Many kids today socialize through screens: Online gaming, social media, texting, which means moms are fighting this battle. On one side is the desire to limit screen time. On the other is the understanding …

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever been accused of nagging? If you have, we bet your response was, “If I don’t nag, nothing gets done!” In this episode, we discuss the difference between nagging and reminding and the hidden reasons why moms nag. Mentions: How to Stop Nagging in 3 Steps How to Stop Nagging: 3 Red Flags to Watch For Is It Nagging …

Send us a Text Message. Do you have a child who’s eager to imitate her friends? Is it a personality thing or a search for identity? In today’s iMOM Podcast episode, we’ll help you encourage your kids to make their own choices and appreciate what makes them unique. Mentions: How to Prepare Your Child to Resist Peer Pressure Washington Post Article: …

Send us a Text Message. Avoiding gossip is one of the hardest lessons to teach our kids because it’s also a huge temptation for adults. In this episode, we talk about the gossip traps we fall into and how to encourage kids to resist the temptation to do it. Mentions: 17 Ways to Derail Your Child’s Gossip Train 7 Tactics to Keep Kids Out of the Rumo…

Send us a Text Message. Sleepovers are great memory-makers for kids, but many parents are anti-sleepover for good reasons. So, are they worth the risk? In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons and how to decide if they’re right for your kids. Mentions: The Pros and Cons of Sleepovers. Should You Say Yes? 4 Questions to Ask Before You RSVP Y…

Send us a Text Message. Some of the hardest parenting days are when something tragic happens in our families or communities. As much as we’d like to put our kids in bubbles and keep them safe, it’s our job to talk with them and give them tools to cope. Today’s conversation is tough but important. Mentions: Talking to Toddlers When Tragedy Strikes 5…

Send us a Text Message. Yes Day. No Rules Day. Call it what you want; it’s a wild ride for parents! In this episode, Abby tells the story of the Yes Day she did with her sons. You’ll love hearing about the first and last things the kids did, and hopefully, Abby can convince you to give a Yes Day a try. Tell us! Think you could throw caution to the …

Send us a Text Message. We all want to raise thoughtful, considerate kids, but sometimes it feels like the world is working against us. What can moms do to push back on the self-centeredness our culture is encouraging in our children? Mentions: 6 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Unselfish 5 Ways to Tell if You’re Raising Entitled Kids Good Charact…

Send us a Text Message. Are you an elephant? A helicopter? A dolphin? Or are you to the point where you don’t want to be a type of mom, you just want to be you? This episode will help you realize you’re the right mom for your kids—no label required! Tell us! What type of parenting style do you relate to and why? Email imom@familyfirst.net with the …

Send us a Text Message. It's the other most wonderful time of the year—back to school! Truthfully, most moms and kids go into this season with mixed emotions. No matter how you feel about getting back into the swing of things, this episode will help you. And we might give you a little twinge of nostalgia, too. Tell us! What do you do to help your k…

Send us a Text Message. Chloe is in her third trimester and thinking about how her friendships might change when she becomes a mom. If you struggle to make or grow friendships as a mom, this episode will give you some good tips (and hope!). Tell us! What are your friendships like? And how have those relationships changed as life has changed? Email …

Send us a Text Message. Teaching kids about money might not be an exciting part of parenting (especially if money is tight), but giving kids tools and knowledge about finances is something every parent should do. In this episode, Susan talks about how she and her husband used allowances, summer jobs, and personal spending to teach their five kids a…

Send us a Text Message. You’ve probably heard of the five love languages, but how do they apply to showing love to yourself? In this episode, we run through all five and how you can go beyond the “bubble bath” mentality of self-care. Tell us! If you think you know your self-love language, tell us how you show it. Email imom@familyfirst.net with the…

Send us a Text Message. Your kids will likely experience the heartache of a breakup, but a mom’s comfort and encouragement can improve a bad situation. In this episode, Megan shares how Susan stepped in during a breakup, and we chat about what to do and not do when your child’s relationship ends. Tell us! Tell us your breakup story—either what you …