Breathe Easy Parenting

Why We Sometimes Give Up Too Soon- EP. 22

Ever started something with the best intentions—only to walk away, thinking, “I guess it’s just not working”? In this episode of Breathe Easy Parenting, we explore the quiet moments when progress feels invisible, change feels too slow, and we’re tempted to give up. Catherine shares powerful personal stories, parenting insights, and research-backed truths about how long real change takes—especially when it comes to habits, behavior, and emotional growth in children. Topics we cover: * Why the brain craves instant feedback (and how it tricks us into quitting too early) * How to navigate the messy in-between stage of change * What science actually says about habit formation (spoiler: it’s not 21 days!) * Real-life classroom + parenting examples of staying consistent * The power of repair, repetition, and rooted growth If you’ve ever felt discouraged mid-journey—this episode is your reminder that quiet progress is still progress. Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Let’s talk about staying one more day. 🧠 Learn More – Research Referenced: * Lally, P. et al. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674 [https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674] * Phillips, L. A. et al. (2023). Time to form a habit: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11641623/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11641623/] * List, J. A. et al. (2016). Habit formation in children: Evidence from incentives for healthy eating. Journal of Health Economics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26717440/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26717440/] 🎧 Subscribe, share, and connect at breatheeasyparenting.com [https://www.breatheeasyparenting.com] or on Instagram @breatheeasyparenting Good Times by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/Musicpromoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreativeCommons / Attribution 3.0Unported License (CC BY3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Happy Mother's Day - A Mother's Voice: Our First Real Conversation - EP. 21

This episode is unlike anything I’ve done before. For the very first time, my mother and I sat down to record a conversation together—and while parts may feel choppy or carefully edited, every moment is filled with care, respect, and intention. We kept things light, touched on memories that felt safe, and created space for her voice to be heard without pressure or discomfort. This wasn't just a podcast—it was a quiet, courageous beginning. You won’t hear everything. Some moments were just for us. But what you will hear is something rare: the voice of a woman who raised me, and the gentle unfolding of connection between a mother and daughter—one that I hope continues to grow. This episode is a reminder that connection over correction matters—even when we are mother and daughter as seasoned adults. Take a deep breath, lean into the conversation, and honor the small steps toward healing and understanding. 📩 Let’s connect! Send me a message on Instagram ⁠⁠@breatheeasyparenting⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/breatheeasyparenting] and let me know your biggest takeaway! ✨ Connect with me:• ⁠⁠⁠Breathe Easy Parenting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.breatheeasyparenting.com/] ✨Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other parents find the show and build a community rooted in connection over correction! Good Times by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/Musicpromoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreativeCommons / Attribution 3.0Unported License (CC BY3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

The Village Isn’t Dead—We Just Stopped Talking (part 2) EP. 20

What does a thriving village really look like when it comes to raising our children—and how do we start rebuilding it today? In this heart-opening conversation, Catherine sits down with Ellie Knott, a fellow parent coach and preschool teacher, to explore how we can reconnect families and schools in a way that supports everyone—parents, educators, and most importantly, our children. Together, they unpack: * What’s missing from our communities and why it matters * The mental and emotional toll of parenting in isolation * What a “reimagined village” of connection and support could look like * Simple, doable steps for parents and school staff to start rebuilding trust and community—today Whether you’re a parent navigating school meetings, a teacher craving more connection with families, or someone passionate about raising children in a healthier, more united way—this episode is for you. 🌱 Take a breath, lean in, and let this be your invitation to reimagine what’s possible. 💛 Take a Moment to Reflect Who’s in your village right now—and who might you want to invite in? What’s one small step you could take this week to build connection—with a teacher, another parent, or even your child? 🌱 It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Sometimes, a simple hello or a shared moment of understanding is enough to start rebuilding the village. 💬 If something from today’s episode spoke to you, DM me or tag @breatheeasyparenting—I’d love to hear your reflections. 🧑‍🏫 About Ellie Knott: Ellie Knott is a dedicated parent coach with a deep passion for supporting families in creating meaningful, everyday moments. After six years of teaching preschool, Ellie is shifting her focus to empower parents, helping them navigate the challenges of raising children and fostering stronger connections within their communities. With a firm belief in making the magic of childhood accessible in every moment, Ellie guides parents to step into the roles they aspire to play, offering expert guidance and personalized coaching to help them become the parents they truly want to be. Looking to learn more or get support from today’s guest? 💬 Visit Ellie Knott at: 👉 elliechasecoaching.com [https://elliechasecoaching.com] Good Times by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/Musicpromoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreativeCommons / Attribution 3.0Unported License (CC BY3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

The Village Isn’t Dead—We Just Stopped Talking (part 1) EP. 19

Take a deep breath and lean into this short but powerful episode on something we’re all feeling but rarely talk about—how disconnected our communities have become, and what that means for our children. In this solo episode, Catherine explores the heart of the village concept: why it's missing, why it matters, and how we can start rebuilding it today. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about children and mental health, this episode will stir your hope and invite you to dream of a better future—together. 🌿Tune in now to plant the seeds for reconnection. ✨ Coming next week: A full interview with a special guest to deepen this conversation and share actionable steps for building bridges between home and school. 💛 Breathe easy—you’re not alone.

Planting Peace: How to Reset When You're Running on Empty This Spring - EP. 18

Surprise guest on today’s episode! While I was recording early this morning, one of my twins woke up and joined me. So you’ll hear a little cameo from him today—just a sweet impromptu moment we’re sharing with you. 😊🌿 Feeling like everyone else is blooming while you're barely holding it together? You're not alone. In this spring-inspired episode of Breathe Easy Parenting, we're digging into gentle, soul-soothing ways to reset—especially when you're running on empty. 🌱 Weeding out the guiltLet go of the heavy expectations that no longer serve you. 🌸 Water what mattersFocus on micro-moments of joy that strengthen connection with your children. ☀️ Sunlight breaks for the soulDiscover tiny resets—like fresh air or a moment of stillness—to recharge your nervous system. 🌼 Plant a reset ritualSimple grounding practices to help you breathe, reset, and bloom—no matter how chaotic your day feels. As you listen today, I invite you to reflect: 🌱 What old expectations or “shoulds” are you ready to weed out this season? 🌸 What small, joyful moments have you overlooked that are actually watering connection? ☀️ When was the last time you let the sunlight touch your skin—or gave yourself even one moment to breathe? 🌼 What’s one reset ritual you’d love to try today, even if it’s just for one minute? Take a deep breath, lean into the conversation, and remember: connection over correction. 💛 Good Times by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/Musicpromoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreativeCommons / Attribution 3.0Unported License (CC BY3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US