Balanced as a Mother

018: Parenting in a Time Such as This

In this episode of 'Balanced As a Mother,' hosts Hannah and Jackie navigate the raw, emotional landscape of parenting amidst the chaos of current events. They open up about the challenges of maintaining balance while addressing topics like school safety drills, the impact of recent tragedies, and the deep sense of vulnerability felt by parents and educators alike. As they explore the tension between shielding children from the harsh realities of the world and preparing them for it, they emphasize the power of community, empathy, and human connection. Through heartfelt stories and candid discussions, they encourage listeners to engage in meaningful conversations, fill others' emotional buckets, and lean on their faith as an anchor in a chaotic world. The episode concludes with a reminder that no one is alone on this journey, and that reaching out for support can lead to powerful, transformative change. Find us at: balancedasamotherpodcast.com [balancedasamotherpodcast.com] 00:00 Introduction to Balanced As a Mother 00:41 A Raw and Emotional Week 02:08 The Importance of Real Conversations 02:59 Parenting in Challenging Times 04:25 Personal Reflections and Vulnerability 06:54 The Role of Faith and Community 18:19 Lessons from Our Children 20:50 The Power of Filling Buckets 22:03 Challenges Faced by Teachers 23:46 The Emotional Toll of Recent Events 24:37 Parenting Amidst Fear and Uncertainty 26:04 The Role of Teachers in Crisis 27:52 Mental Rehearsals and Preparedness 28:42 Supporting Teachers and First Responders 29:43 Children's Perspective on Safety Drills 34:42 Finding Hope and Resilience 40:16 The Importance of Community and Conversation 40:35 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

017: Friendship, Kindergarten & Podcasting

Hosts Jackie and Hannah reflect on their weekend filled with friendship, funny anecdotes, and life as mothers with kids entering kindergarten. They discuss the ups and downs of balancing business and family life, sharing personal stories about their chaotic but fulfilling weekend. The hosts delve into the essence of their podcast, emphasizing the importance of giving and receiving permission to redefine balance, embrace imperfection, and pivot when life demands it. They also explore their creative process and the motivations behind the podcast, providing insights and encouragement for ambitious women navigating multiple roles. Find us at: balancedasamotherpodcast.com [balancedasamotherpodcast.com] 00:00 Welcome to Balanced As a Mother 00:36 Catching Up and Weekend Recap 01:01 Friendship and Funny Anecdotes 01:52 Podcast Reflections and Listener Questions 03:16 Adventures in Parenting 12:20 Kindergarten Chronicles 18:18 Navigating Kindergarten Emotions 19:20 Dress Code Dilemmas 19:44 Mom Guilt and Emotional Exhaustion 19:57 Kindergarten Updates and Teacher Appreciation 20:36 Podcasting Journey Begins 21:40 Balancing Motherhood and Podcasting 22:38 Defining the Podcast's Purpose 24:17 Empowerment vs. Permission 28:17 Intentional Living and Courage 32:52 Redefining Balance and Progress 35:54 Conclusion and Reflections

016: Letting Go & Saying Yes to Your Dreams with Alex Ng

Hosts Hannah and Jackie welcome Alex, a former special education teacher turned stay-at-home mom and children's book author. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood, personal dreams, and career shifts. Alex shares her journey from teaching to following her passion for writing, emphasizing the importance of overcoming self-doubt and embracing imperfection. Listeners are encouraged to tackle their own dreams, starting with small, manageable steps, and to find satisfaction and contentment in the pursuit of their passions. Connect with Alex: @alexandra.ng.author Find Us At: balancedasamotherpodcast.com [balancedasamotherpodcast.com] 00:00 Welcome to Balanced As a Mother 00:35 Introducing Our Special Guest: Alex 00:56 College Memories and Friendship 02:54 Life After College: Marriage and Career 04:42 Navigating Motherhood and Major Life Changes 09:11 Pursuing Dreams: Writing a Children's Book 11:36 Balancing Passion and Parenthood 21:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Taking Action 23:59 Defining Success: Then vs. Now 24:36 The Myth of Perfection 28:34 The Journey of Publishing a Book 35:32 Leaving Teaching: A Personal Journey 40:54 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 43:58 Introducing 'Umber and Belina' 47:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

015: Owning Your Strengths (Even When You Doubt Yourself)

In this episode of 'Balanced As a Mother,' hosts Hannah and Jackie discuss the realities of imposter syndrome, particularly for ambitious women juggling parenthood and careers. Inspired by Mel Robbins, they emphasize the importance of self-kindness and recognizing that feeling like an imposter is often a sign of growth and stretching one's abilities. The conversation explores the idea of owning your story, accepting where you are in your journey, and the importance of staying in the game even when feeling inadequate. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, they encourage listeners to embrace their beginner status and continue moving forward. The episode also touches on the evolving business landscape, advocating for a more collaborative approach where success is shared and celebrated. Find us at: balancedasamotherpodcast.com [balancedasamotherpodcast.com]

014: Building a Business, Raising a Family with Jennifer Bryerton

In this episode of Balanced As a Mother, hosts Hannah and Jackie continue their back-to-school series with special guest Jennifer Bryerton, co-founder and publisher of Charlottesville Family Magazine. Jen shares her insights on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the evolution of her parenting style, and lessons learned from Dutch parenting. The conversation covers practical strategies for managing the back-to-school shift, teaching kids independence, and maintaining self-compassion. Jen’s wisdom provides valuable takeaways for ambitious women juggling family and career. Connect with Jennifer [https://www.instagram.com/charlottesvillefamily/] Find out more: balancedasamotherpodcast.com [balancedasamotherpodcast.com] 00:00 Introduction to Balanced As a Mother 00:37 Meet Our Special Guest: Jen Brierton 01:20 Jen's Journey: From Special Education to Entrepreneurship 03:12 Balancing Motherhood and Business 05:50 Parenting Insights and Strategies 10:46 Teaching Independence and Responsibility 14:03 Navigating Work and Family Life 27:22 Navigating Back-to-School Nerves 29:39 Balancing After-School Time 31:36 Managing Work and Home Life 35:06 Embracing Fluidity in Parenting 35:48 Insights from Dutch Parenting 44:39 Overcoming Overcomplication 51:14 Final Thoughts and Local Tips