#51 Are Families Disappearing? The Truth About Shrinking Birth Rates
Hi, Fam!
Culture is shaping how we see marriage, parenting, and even desire itself. That’s why I created — my membership for women who want to reignite polarity, attraction, and chemistry in long-term relationships, even when cultural messages push the opposite. Today, I’m unpacking those same culture-wide forces and how they’re driving birth rates down across the West. We’re told it’s about money, stability, or timing… but are those really the reasons? Or is something deeper happening beneath the surface? If you’ve ever questioned whether parenthood is still worth it — or felt the...
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#50 Culture is Lying to You About Motherhood
Hi, Fam!
More and more women are quietly asking the same question: is motherhood even worth it anymore? Between the sacrifices, the cultural critiques, and the pressure to “have it all,” the question doesn’t come with an easy answer. That’s why I created The Studio (https://hifam.com/studio) — my membership where I help women design family cultures that feel joyful, resilient, and rooted in what actually matters. Because when your foundation at home is strong, everything else in life feels more grounded. But here’s the tension: our culture often paints motherhood in extremes. Either...
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#49 5 Things to Stop Saying to Your Husband
Hi, Fam!
When desire goes offline, everything in marriage feels harder. That’s why I created Desire Lab (https://hifam.com/desire) — my ongoing membership that helps women reignite polarity, chemistry, and attraction. Because when the spark is alive, conflict shrinks, connection grows, and everything else gets easier. But here’s the problem: today, so many couples are talking about their marriages in clinical terms. Words like unsafe, gaslighting, narcissism, or stonewalling have crept into everyday conversations — and instead of bringing couples closer, they often drive them further apart....
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#48 Self-Help Labels - The Hidden Harm of Personal Growth
Hi, Fam!
Mindset is everything. It shapes whether life’s challenges make us stronger — or keep us stuck. That’s why I created Alchemize, my signature mindset course where I teach you how to transform struggles into strength, and turn setbacks into resilience - Because here’s the truth: self-help promises transformation, but too often it does the opposite. Hidden beneath the buzzwords and labels is a trap. Instead of growing, we get boxed in by identities like “people-pleaser,” “perfectionist,” “trauma survivor,” or “high-functioning.” At first, those labels feel validating....
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#47 Top 5 Misdiagnosed Disorders in Children
Hi, Fam!
Most "sensory-seeking," "strong-willed," and "high needs" children don't need therapy — they need THIS → Here's what I've discovered after raising 5 kids: When children get the movement, exploration, and independent play they're designed for, most of those "diagnostic" behaviors naturally resolve. They develop focus, emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence — not through intervention, but through what their developing brains actually crave. Before you label your child, give them what they're biologically designed to thrive with. Yet... Here's what's happening instead - we...
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#46 10 Ways THESE Phrases Are Hurting Your Family
Hi, Fam!
Not everything is trauma. Not every disagreement is gaslighting. Not every meltdown is dysregulation. As therapeutic language becomes more mainstream, it’s seeping into how we talk about everything — from parenting and marriage to how we see ourselves. But what if constantly labeling our family dynamics through a therapy lens is doing more harm than good? In this episode, I share 10 ways therapy-speak might be unintentionally hurting your family culture — from overdiagnosing normal struggles, to turning illness into identity, to undermining repair in relationships. Whether...
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#45 10 Things To Try Before Getting Your Child Diagnosed
Hi, Fam!
“Something feels off with my child…” “Is this just a phase… or something more serious?” “Should I get them evaluated?” When your child is struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally, the pressure to seek a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — from teachers, doctors, friends, even your own inner panic. But what if we’re rushing to label what’s actually part of normal — if difficult — child development? In this episode, I share 10 things every parent should try before going down the path of evaluation. Not to deny or delay treatment — but to slow down,...
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#44 Coldplay Cheaters: What Nobody Noticed
Hi, Fam!
Marriage doesn’t come with a manual—but Married-U is close. Doors are OPEN - “It was just a kiss cam… until it wasn’t.” “How could they not know they’d be on camera?” “Serves them right.” Chances are, you’ve already seen the infamous Coldplay kiss cam clip. A CEO and his HR exec caught in a scandal, ducking for cover, going viral for all the wrong reasons. But why did this cheating story blow up more than any other? Why was it so satisfying to watch—and so easy to shame? In this episode, I’m not here to pile on. I’m here to ask: 💥 Why are we so obsessed...
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#43 What to Do When Your Husband Gives You "The Ick"
Hi, Fam!
"He just gave me the ick again." "The way he eats. The way he breathes." "I can’t explain it… I just can’t unsee it." At first, it was funny. Relatable. A little cringe, maybe. But lately? You’re noticing how quick the shift happens — from love to annoyance. From playfulness to disgust. From feeling chosen… to feeling trapped. You still care. You still want to want him. But something about him — about you with him — makes your skin crawl. Is it a sign? A red flag? The beginning of the end? Or could it be something deeper — something no one told you to expect when real life...
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#42 The 1 Thing That Will Transform Your Marriage (Starting Now)
Hi, Fam!
"We're just not compatible." "Why is marriage this hard?" "I keep getting the ick every time he does that thing." "Maybe I married the wrong person." You didn’t think it would feel like this. The silence. The tension. The resentment that creeps in even when he’s just breathing. You’re not dramatic. You’re not broken. But something isn’t right — and no one prepared you for what happens when the story in your head about your marriage starts to shift. You’ve Googled it. You’ve tried to talk about it. You’ve done everything “right”… and still feel more alone than ever....
info_outlineIn this episode you’ll get to listen in on a conversation I had with Rachel Rainbolt from Sage Parenting. Rachel is a coach, writer, podcaster, and advocate of all things gentle parenting, natural homeschooling, and simple living.
We know you’ll get a lot out of this conversation with two mommas who don’t always get it right, who sometimes lose their cools or get overwhelmed, but always try to do what’s best for their ever-changing children and families.
[4:13] Find the overlap between your child’s needs and your concerns and collaborate with them to find a solution that addresses both.
[5:02] Example of overlap.
[6:30] “It feels really great to treat children like actual human beings, deserving of respect, and honoring our own needs and feelings in the process.”
[6:59] Some mistakenly believe this only works for older kids.
[8:18] Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations or have this “template” we try to use. We need to keep our expectations aligned with each unique, individual child.
[10:48] Have grace for yourself...we're not all born as great parents. It takes effort and work.
[11:23] Narrate out loud what's going through your head.
[11:36] We all lose it sometimes. Model what it looks like to ask forgiveness and make repairs.
[13:55] Get yourself out of that fight, flight, or freeze response so you can think and respond instead of reacting.
[14:48] Rachel’s approach to homeschooling.
[16:17] Started out in public school, but it didn't feel right.
[18:27] This is how children naturally learn and develop.
[22:16] When you hold space for your child's preferences & desires, they'll do the same for you.
[25:09] Some parents need a little more structure around their child's education, and that's ok. Find a balance.
[26:52] Relax on the timelines of what they're supposed to learn. don't need to push things so early.
[31:30] Rachel’s approach with screens at home.
[32:52] Don't fear technology. Screens are like a tool or part of the environment.
[37:38] We're all unique, and you have to do what works best for your family.
[40:59] What is the bucket system?
[45:02] Rachel’s approach to minimalism and simple living.
[45:32] We all need to simplify our lives to give us space to work on the things that are most meaningful.
[47:28] Involve your children in conversations about finances.
[50:13] You can bring your kids into money conversations without adding the burdensome or stressful elements of your financial situation.
[53:39] Many necessary life skills aren't learned in school.
[58:17] Keep a list of things that each child wants. As holidays or birthdays approach, revisit the list and ask if there’s anything they no longer want.
[58:43] Give things away to other families/children and allow your children to see the positive effect it has on that family.
If you make it a priority to discover and honor your child's preferences & desires, you’ll find that they'll do the same for you and it will completely change the dynamics of your family!
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a selfie of you listening or a screenshot of the show, post it to instagram stories, and tag me @parentingjunkie or feel free to DM me on instagram, I try to reply to as many as I can!
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Links & resources mentioned:
- Rachel’s website, Sage Parenting
- @SageParenting on IG
- Free to Learn by Peter Gray
- The Opposite Of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
Show Notes: https://www.theparentingjunkie.com/47