In this episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, we’re unpacking the complicated relationship we have with routines—how do they help us, do our kids need them, and how do we make them work in a way that supports our lives without feeling constricted? We dive into the accommodations and coping mechanisms we’ve learned along the way, from structuring our days to trying to embrace flexibility when things don’t go as planned.
Sarabeth reflects on how building routines has been a practice, with every day bringing a different version of “best.” Anne shares her experience on shaping sleep routines (or rather, waking routines) in her home. We also take a real look at reward systems- when they work, when they don’t, and how they can sometimes backfire. As always, we reflect on our own living and parenting practices. We discuss what’s gone well in our parenting journey and what we’d do differently if we could go back. We even talk through and problem-solve some disruptive sleep habits in real time! Join us as we navigate the balance between structure and adaptability in parenting and life.
Links:
Our article “Mom Guilt” by Anne and Sarabeth, published by Davidson Local (referenced at beginning of episode)
Structured approach with Moms on Call: “Simple, sensible parenting resources to sleep, feed, laugh, and love birth through toddlerhood.”
Where Anne learned about infant sleepy cues: Taking Cara Babies
The author mentioned in this episode: Scott Reintgen (upper elementary, middle grades, YA, and offering school visits for grades 3-12)
Podcast that Producer Tim mentioned: Health Geeks Book Club (part of The Less Desirables Podcast Network)
Dr. Becky at Good Inside: Her take on time-outs and punishments (and a new phrase- STURDY parenting!)
An Age-By-Age Guide to Helping Kids Manage Emotions (from The Gottman Institute)
Ok To Wake Lights:
- Anne’s pick: Ok to Wake light
- Hatch has options for both app-controlled and phone-free sound machine/programmable light.
Sticker Chart and Reward Systems: Yay or Nay?
- Yay: The Best Way To Set Up a Reward System for Kids from Parents
- Balanced: Improving Children’s Behavior: How To Use The Sticker Chart Method (And Other Reward-Based Systems) from Better Help
- Nay: What’s Wrong with Sticker Charts and Reward Systems?
Scaffolding In the Early Years (from Famly)
Spoon Theory for describing the amount of energy tasks take up on certain days (usually talked about in the context of chronic pain or executive function impairment)
McKay’s Used Bookstore and Record Store (plus toys, video games, legos, CDs, puzzles, board games, and a bunch of other stuff)
Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media.
Theme Music by Doug Davis.
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English