The Whinypaluza Podcast

Jessica Swanson is married to her high-school sweetheart. They have been married for 2 years, together for 12 years. They have 1 son who is 15 months old. Motherhood completely flipped Jessica’s life upside down and it has been a beautiful and challenge self-discovery journey ever since! She struggled with postpartum depression for the first 6 months of motherhood. She tried medication which helped for a little bit but was not something she wanted to be on full-time. Like most moms Jessica struggled to find herself and was just lost. That's when it was clear to her that there isn't enough support for moms out there. She really had to do the personal development work and search for support in order to get to the place she is at today. That is what inspired Jessica to become a life coach for moms. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Jessica Swanson about her personal journey from post-partum depression to finding healthy coping strategies and reducing stress. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Overcoming Postpartum Depression: Jessica's struggle with postpartum depression and her commitment to personal development for self-improvement. Coping Strategies & Self-Care: Importance of recognizing mom guilt and prioritizing self-care. Small, achievable self-care practices highlighted for nurturing a mother's well-being. Balancing Personal Goals and Motherhood: Emphasizing presence in both work and quality time with children, advocating against multitasking. Mindset Shifts and Reducing Overwhelm: Strategies to combat overwhelm, setting boundaries, seeking support, and fostering self-compassion. Embracing flexibility and grace in the journey of motherhood. Connection Parenting: Focus on building emotional connections with children rather than resorting to fear for behavior modification. Mindset Shifts: "Life is Happening for Me, Not to Me": Embracing positive growth from both positive and negative life experiences. "Just a Mom Having a Hard Time": Acceptance of difficult moments without equating them to being a bad mom. Limiting Beliefs in Motherhood: Overwhelm from societal expectations and unrealistic pressure on moms. Prioritizing what aligns with personal values and interests rather than societal should-be activities. Empowered Thought Pathways: Interrupting negative thought patterns by reframing situations, fostering empathy during challenges. Incorporating Positive Habits: Setting daily intentions, focusing on hydration, and allocating time for self-reflection and journaling. Seeking Support and Prioritizing Relationships: Seeking guidance from coaches, counselors, and maintaining connections with supportive friends and family. Nurturing relationships, communicating needs, and fostering grace in long-term partnerships. Community Support and Self-Care: Joining supportive communities for combating isolation and fostering connections outside of motherhood. Lessons from Long-Term Relationships: Effective communication, mutual understanding, and grace in parenting challenges within long-term relationships. Connect with Jessica: Website https://theempoweringmovement.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicaswanson_life.coach/ Canva https://www.canva.com/design/DAFlWfh6pks/b-eoEF4KNlqt0dw2dFOdEw/view?website#2 Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Rebecca delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, personal reflection, and the valuable lessons learned during a transformative road trip. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: During a Thanksgiving break getaway to Virginia visiting extended family Rebecca shares insights on the trip's highs and challenges. Hear an account of the travel experiences: long drive, emotional fatigue Mistakes made during the trip and their impact on the family dynamics. Understanding your children's unique needs, especially regarding meals and emotional states. Recognize family patterns, including emotional escalations and self-blame tendencies. Lessons learned on interrupting negative patterns, understanding individual needs, and parental self-reflection. Insights into impatience, rushing, and the importance of listening to children's needs during travel. Gratitude for safe travels and treasuring quality family time spent in Virginia. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheryl Ziegler, Psy.D. holds a Doctorate in Psychology and is a Registered Play Therapist in private practice. She is the author of Mommy Burnout: how to reclaim your life and raise healthier children in the process. She is currently working on a new book. She is a regular national and local news contributor on topics related to parenting and mental health and did a Tedx talk on "Why Moms are Miserable" which is all about the power of connection. She is the host of Dr. Sheryl's PodCouch and the founder of the parent-child puberty course, Start with the Talk. She is a frequent speaker on chronic stress, parenting and burnout. Most recently, she has been named by Colorado’s NBC affiliate (9News) as their Parenting Expert for the new franchise series Mental Health & Me. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler about how to discuss sensitive or scary topics with your kids, including current events like politics and war. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Start your conversation by asking your child what they know about the subject, to get a starting point. Use open-ended questions. Understanding the kinds of information your children are exposed to in the age of social media. Open up the conversation by asking follow-up questions and providing facts so they can come up with their own opinions. Meet them where they are at- age-appropriate conversations. The parent is the most influential figure in kids’ lives up until about the age of 15. It is ok to share opinions with your kid but keep the dialogue open. Understanding shifting narratives as current events progress. The conversations will be ongoing. How to avoid over-sharing! Fight, Flight, or Freeze plays a role. It is ok to revisit a conversation and admit you were wrong about something, or to admit you don’t know something. Listen more than you talk and slow the conversation down. Understand your personal conversational strengths and weaknesses and don’t be afraid to enlist someone else who may be able to better discuss the subject Ask your child where they are getting their information from and what platforms and people are influencing them. Helping your child do something with the feelings they have around what they are seeing. Continue building compassion and empathy in your children so they are better empowered to process the things they come across outside of the home. Connect with Dr. Ziegler: DrSherylZiegler.com https://drsherylziegler.com/ Start With The Talk https://startwiththetalk.com/ Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler https://a.co/d/gu0MWLI Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-sheryl-s-podcouch/id1464058631 TedX Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwvctN3Uejg Facebook https://facebook.com/mommyburnout/ Twitter https://twitter.com/drsherylziegler Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.sherylziegler Pinterest https://pinterest.com/drsherylziegler/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/drsherylziegler/featured LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/drsherylziegler Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Rebecca Green hosts a candid conversation with her daughter, Ella, discussing the journey and challenges of transitioning from middle school to high school. They delve into Ella's experiences, fears, successes, and advice for students and parents navigating this significant life change. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Ella shares her initial feelings of anxiety on the first day of high school and how she has grown more comfortable over time. The importance of school tours and expectations versus actual experiences in a new environment. Ella talks about her expectations of increased difficulty and how she's managed the workload by dedicating more time to studying and understanding concepts. Time management, utilizing free periods, and using calendar tools for effective scheduling. Changes in friendships and interactions in high school, focusing on the effort required to maintain connections and the reduced self-consciousness in social interactions. Ella’s advice on handling rejection, and the importance of feeling emotions but learning from experiences to maturely move forward. The role of supportive parents, friends, and the guidance department at school, encourage open communication and seeking assistance when needed. Advice on picking classes wisely, managing schedules, and setting goals for high school, including aspirations for involvement in theater, music theory, and academic Rebecca talks about parental support during this transition, and the importance of understanding and respecting your child's emotional journey. Teacher feedback, parent-teacher interactions, and celebrating achievements with the child. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Get it out! Don’t bottle things up. Writing and speaking to others are great outlets for what is inside. Remember that people have pain that we don’t know about. Some people are better at hiding things than others. No one is without some kind of pain. Acting out is a message that someone is in pain, and they are struggling internally. People only treat you how you allow them to. Even a huge celebrity like Britney had people in her life who treated her poorly. Ask questions. Don’t assume anything. Gather your information! People can manipulate the information they give you. It is up to you to find out what it true and what isn’t. We often don’t realize the impact we have on those around us- good and bad. Support is a huge thing. People supporting us have a big impact on our lives. We are our own best advocates, so we need to speak out and let our voices be heard. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Offner brings more than two decades of experience in mental health, K-12, and higher education to her work with individuals, families, and institutions. She publishes and presents on wellness/emotional health and student affairs policy in independent schools at regional and national conferences as well as on campus. Currently, Dr. Offner is Consulting Psychologist at Beacon Academy in Boston, a 14-month program between eighth and ninth grade that prepares students from low-income families for entry into independent day and boarding high schools. She also provides ongoing professional consultation to several independent middle and secondary schools in and around Boston. Dr. Offner maintains an independent clinical and consulting practice in her home in Newton Centre, where she specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Dr. Deborah Offner about the present state of adolescent mental health and what parents need to know Here is what to expect on this week’s show: There is a current adolescent mental health crisis that is not purely related to the pandemic. Anxiety and depression in kids have gone up. The 24-hour news cycle impacts the mental health of adolescents. Schools have a shortage of counselors on hand to meet this increased demand, especially in rural areas. How to recognize red flags on social media interaction in kids, and what you can do to coach your kids in the best way to handle it. The importance of managing your own mental health and stress, so your kids don’t have to take on extra stress in their lives or feel burdened by it. Keeping the line of communication open with your child. Trying to reserve judgment and be a listener and offer support. Independence in kids is very important, however, they reach it at different ages. What is Emerging Adulthood and how is it different than Young Adulthood? How do you know when to let your child fail, and when to step in to help? Finding the right balance is key, but not easy. How best to handle the phase of adolescence where they think they know everything. How has this changed in the era of social media and the 24-hour news cycle? Allowing your child to experiment with their level of confidence as they form their own opinions. How can parents use empathy to better work hand in hand with their children’s teachers, and vice versa? Teachers can be served well to know that parents can feel very vulnerable and worried about how their child is developing. Parents can be served well to know how many hours teachers commit to their profession throughout the year, as well as their level of expertise and impact on their children. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help if you feel you or your child is struggling. Even if it seems relatively unimportant. It can be beneficial to have a conversation. Connect with Dr. Offner: Website https://www.deborahoffnerphd.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/deboffnerphd/ Twitter https://twitter.com/deboffnerphd LinkedIn https://www.google.com/search?q=deborah+offner&oq=deborah+offner&aqs=chrome.0.0i355i512j46i512l2j0i512j46i175i199i512j69i60j69i61j69i60.1871j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

– The Whinypaluza Podcast with Rebecca Greene Episode 289 The 10% I Did Wrong Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: A busy October has come to an end! It was a particularly busy weekend- what was the 10% that went wrong and what can be learned? Volunteering for meals sometimes means buying pre-made! Cooking may not be a good use of your already limited time. Getting “in a rush” will almost always escalate the stress. Give yourself enough time and communicate with your kids about timelines. Remember to breathe! Ask questions, get information, don’t make assumptions Allow yourself a moment for a reset when you get frustrated. Remember that your kids might not be able to handle your level of busy. They don’t need to attend all sibling events if they are burnt out. Support your spouse! Support your kids! Encourage your kids to support each other! Be sure to review your day/week and recognize what you did right, and reflect upon what didn’t go so well and how you could improve. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mrs. Brianne Hudak, M. Ed., is a sixteen-year veteran of education serving in public, private, and charter schools. She is a passionate advocate for the gifted, a certified gifted and talented educator, and supports gifted education through her professional memberships in the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC), the North Carolina Association of the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT), and the Social-Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) serving as a state liaison. Her roles in education include teaching the gifted, single-gender, PK3-5th grades, STEM/design engineering, theatre arts, and global studies. She has also held administrative roles as a curriculum and instructional specialist, teacher mentor/coach, student activities director, dean of students, assistant principal, and K-12 school leader. Mrs. Hudak is a certified educational consultant, adjunct professor and field supervisor, and currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership focusing on combating underachievement in the gifted and talented population. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Brianne Haduk about understanding the structure of the classroom and education system to better create a plan for your child to succeed when school is a struggle. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: What led Brianne to become passionate about gifted and talented education? What really is “gifted and talented”? It may not be what you think. The biggest challenges of educators and building support systems for G&T kids. Social-emotional challenges of the G&T community. Relationship building between the teacher and the child & their family is key to success. Working as a team to move the child forward- the importance of communication between teacher and parent. Parents can get a better sense of how their child is doing by paying attention to homework and identify immediate challenges they may be having. Gifted and talented children are smart but may have their own challenges or barriers to success, necessitating IEPs and 504s. Parents can bring to the table what they know works and doesn’t work for their kids. The more information the teacher has, the better they can do to tailoring education to your child’s needs. Being calm and collected is important to having a productive conversation with your child’s teacher. Taking time to organize your thoughts and remove emotion can go a long way. If your student is struggling- the first thing to do is establish routines and structure. Use creative terms to take the negativity away from tasks that your child dreads. Instead of “homework time” try “study period,” “research time”, or even bringing in new and engaging ways to learn like watching the History Channel. Approach school/life balance with care. Are extracurriculars interfering with performance in the classroom? There is great power and impact in parents showing a genuine interest in their child’s education. Ask questions, have conversations, participate with them. Connect with Brianne: Website www.helpmehudak.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090175146771 Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Hard work pays off! Lessons learned in one area of your life will bleed into other areas of your life. Being involved in extracurricular activities teaches you to balance the multitude of things we have going on in our lives. Perseverance! Sometimes you will feel tired and overwhelmed. Pushing through teaches balance and organization. Being involved in a sport builds your physical strength AND your mental strength. In life, you can’t always be perfect, but it doesn’t mean it will derail you. Keep going and be strong. Having other leaders in your life is beneficial. The bond of a team improves the performance and outcome. Adults in our kids lives will be strict and have expectations. There is time to play and be fun, and time to study and work hard. Team bonding teaches how to be supportive and encouraging. Your kid might not be the most talented at the activity they are in, but what they learn and how they grow is the most important part. Attendance, commitment, perseverance, encouragement, support, strength, balance, discipline, determination—all strengths that come from being involved in extracurricular activities. Find enjoyment in the hard work! Hate it now, love it later! There is growth in the exertion. Work hard, win big! Don’t feel intimidated by something that seems like it might be too hard. You don’t know until you try! If it doesn’t work out, you can always try something new. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At age 50, Maria Leonard Olsen found herself in a failing marriage, drinking excessively, willfully derailing her successful law career, and feeling her teenage children pull away from needing her. She was depressed and stuck. On her 50th birthday, Maria decided her gift to herself was to go on a crusade to make the most of whatever time she had left. She set out to do 50 new things that were significant. The list spanned physical challenges, adventure travel, and lifestyle changes. Each taught her something about herself and about how she wanted to lead the next years of her life to come. This work transitioned into a passion to help others. Maria is a motivational speaker, self-help and children's books author, podcast host, radio host, and book marketing consultant. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Maria Leonard Olsen about creating excitement and meaning in your life if you are feeling stuck or depressed. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Hear Maria’s story that led her to heartache, and eventually turned that into self-discovery and fulfillment. What were the 50 things Maria embarked on after turning 50? Shifting her focus from despair to gratitude The most meaningful discoveries she made in her journey Courage- feeling the fear and doing it anyway! How Maria made her list of 50 things, and embarking on writing a book on it The increased thirst for trying new things now that she is 60 Learning to talk back to your inner critic The regrets in her life Advice for other women who may be feeling detached, depressed, or stuck Maria’s sobriety journey and how she has stuck to it Working on overcoming codependency with her son Dealing with the harsh ramifications of poor decisions you made as a parent, and living your amends as you recover Finding lessons in all you encounter and experience Advice for creating adventure in your life, even if you are not outgoing Connect with Maria: Website https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FiftyAfter50/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel X (fka Twitter) https://twitter.com/FiftyAfter50 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fiftyafter50/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialeonardolsen/ Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-your-best-version/id1562910379 TedX Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR3cM9aRjes Links Mentioned: The Happiness Lab podcast https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos 50 After 50 by Maria Leonard Olsen https://a.co/d/eESLERT Chris Olsen TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@chris?lang=en Chris Olsen Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrisolsen/?hl=en Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Follow your dreams- if you put the work in, anything is possible Put your feelings into something creative- this can be a great outlet Don’t care what people say about you- shake it off! The only opinions that matter are of those you know and love. Karma’s gonna track you down- you get what you put out there Make sure that people are treating you right- don’t stay in relationships where you are not being respected or that brings out the worst in you Apologize- reflect on your actions and admit when you are wrong, be accountable It will all be ok- there are always ups and downs in life, it will all be fine in the end Being in love is a wonderful thing- love is always worth the risk and go after it Watch who you take advice from- does this person’s life reflect what you aspire to? Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith Rusu is the author of more than one hundred children’s books, including books for many popular licenses including LEGO, Disney/Pixar, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars. She lives in New Jersey and is a wife and mother to 2 boys. Her most recent book, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy Rusu encourages kids and parents alike to unleash their inner yetis and embrace the chaotic joy of BIG feelings! There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a rhyming book that follows Matthew, a young boy who can’t help feeling silly in a yeti-sized way! But when Matthew’s yeti comes out to play, he stays all day… What will Matthew’s parents and teachers say? Filled with delightful rhyme and vibrant, fun illustrations, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is perfect for reading aloud and inspires children to channel their BIG emotions in positive and loving ways. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Meredith Rusu about how you can help your child (and yourself) manage big emotions, using a little creativity and imagination. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Meredith always knew she wanted to work with children, initially aspiring to be in children's television. Due to geographical constraints, she pursued a career in children's publishing on the East Coast, particularly in licensed publishing. Meredith worked as an editor in licensed publishing for many years, working with authors and editing books based on toys, television, and movies for kids. In 2014, she transitioned to full-time writing and started working on her own original stories. The inspiration for her book There’s a Yeti in My Tummy came from her experiences with her two sons, Matthew and Luke, and their big feelings during the lockdown. There’s a Yeti in My Tummy depicts a little boy dealing with his big feelings through the imaginary presence of a Yeti, allowing children to relate and express their emotions. Meredith emphasizes the importance of finding joy in parenting amidst chaos and challenging situations. She shares stories about her sons' experiences and how teachers played a significant role in helping them navigate their emotions and growth. Meredith encourages parents to embrace their children's big feelings, acknowledging them as a natural part of their development. She highlights the shared experiences of parents and the sense of camaraderie it creates, fostering understanding and compassion among parents. Connect with Meredith: Website: https://meredithrusu.com/ There’s A Yeti In My Tummy https://a.co/d/7QqhjGj Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meredithrusuwrites/ Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: The crazy, hectic school schedule continues! When family, friends, and school need her help, Rebecca has a hard time saying “no.” Trying to help a stray cat that needs a home without adopting it herself. Remembering the social worker approach: How can you help someone help themselves without doing it for them? The continuing balancing act of school and kids’ activities How do you evaluate a situation and decide if you need to step in and help, or are you are allowed to sit it out? Learning to help but not getting yourself in deeper than you need to be Action steps for saying yes to everything you are asked to help with The revelation that it is easier to focus on others’ problems than it is to focus on your own problems. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Kelly S. Frindell, Ph.D. began her career helping students prepare for tests back in 2001. Dr. Kelly founded InHouse Test Prep in 2007. For over 20 years, she has assisted students in achieving testing success and providing students with the tools to get into the schools of their dreams. Dr. Kelly graduated with honors from Trinity University with a BA in psychology, then obtained her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Texas. She started tutoring at prestigious test prep companies such as Tutorial Resources and Toby Rose Prep, both in Miami, FL, the Princeton Review in San Antonio, and House of Tutors in Austin. After gaining invaluable experience at these institutions, she started InHouse Test Prep in 2007. Dr. Kelly is an expert in test preparation styles, techniques and study material. Her specialties are the SAT, ACT, SSAT, PSAT, GRE, TAKS and ISEE. Dr. Kelly’s love and passion for helping students exceed their expectations is the driving force behind her company and her success. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Dr. Kelly Frindell about taking the stress and uncertainty out of college entrance exams. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Remembering that paths change, and it is good to be open to flexible thinking. What is the deal with “test optional” college applications? How a Covid change became permanent for SOME schools. While some schools say they are test optional, they still look at the scores and apply them to the application review. Test blind schools- some California schools don’t allow test score submissions. Using test scores to get scholarships- many schools will base merit-based aid and scholarships on test scores and GPA. Establishing good study skills for kids taking college entrance exams. ACT or SAT- which should your child take? Pick a test date and register to build your study schedule and set goals. Mitigating stress- is it test anxiety, or the importance of the test itself? What do you do if your child is not strong in math, or other particular areas of the test? What is the first step in preparing to take entrance exams? What resources can you utilize to help your child study? How can you learn to love testing? Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website https://www.inhousetestprep.com/ X (fka Twitter) https://twitter.com/kellyfrindell1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellyfrindell Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kellyfrindell/ Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Lillie turns 11! What are the lessons Rebecca has learned from being her mom? Meeting a “stormy” attitude with a calm one Remember not to underestimate what your kids are capable of. Giving your children autonomy and the power to make choices that are appropriate for their age. Our kids all need one-on-one time, especially the youngest. Helping your child balance social time and downtime. They don’t always know when they need to make a shift. Don’t be afraid to let your kid try new things. Learning to just go with the flow when your child does something that annoys you but is ultimately harmless. Manage your time so you aren’t rushing your kids all the time. Meeting your child where you are at and giving them emotional validation and connection Consistency is king. Stick to your rules and expectations and remain calm. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JESSICA SINARSKI, LPCMH (licensed professional counselor of mental health) is a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Weaving user-friendly brain science into everything she does, Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create the resource and training platform BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world to unlock resilience in children and adults alike. Jessica makes social-emotional learning (SEL) practical, equipping parents and professionals with deeply trauma-informed tools. She is the author of the award-winning Riley the Brave series, Your Magic Backpack series, and the forthcoming Light Up the Learning Brain (Sept. 2023). She also shares her expertise as a contributor to magazines, blogs, and podcasts. Jessica lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three busy boys. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Jessica Sinarski about understanding how the brain develops to better understand your child’s behavior and to help guide them into self-regulation. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Understanding the brain/body connection and how it leads to better parenting. Remembering our children’s brains are still growing and developing up to the age of 25. Decision making, reactions, and abilities can be limited in different ways while the brain is still developing. Understanding brain development and how you can shift the way you respond and show up for your kids when they act out or have problems with impulsivity, attention or organization. How do we help a child to self-regulate? Did you know there are hidden senses? How do you identify what will help calm your child without escalating the situation? What are the Upstairs Brain and Downstairs Brain? How to diffuse a situation when you and your child are both worked up over something. Sometimes your child is unable to respond appropriately because there is too much information to process. Applying what you know about the brain to how you, the parent, reacts. Having compassion for yourself and for your child when you don’t react appropriately. Links Mentioned: The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553386697?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5ZYP8RVDB7NTRE0TFB0Z Resources for Educators: https://jessicasinarski.com/resources Pre-order Your Amazing Brain: The Epic Illustrated Guide by Jessica Sinarski https://www.amazon.com/Your-Amazing-Brain-Illustrated-Guide/dp/1931636508 Pre-order Light Up the Learning Brain: 7 Keys to Reducing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom by Jessica Sinarski https://www.amazon.com/Light-Learning-Brain-Disruptive-Classroom/dp/1931636524 Connect with Jessica: Website https://jessicasinarski.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jessicasinarski Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicasinarski/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBrgcNLcawI88bOk5kmojkQ Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: What are the steps to problem solving? Leslie Cohen-Rubury’s 5-step problem solving process Knowing you can adjust if a solution is not working for a problem How do your personal coping skills influence your approach to problem solving? How can you change the way you look at a problem? Can you ignore a problem? What solution pattern do you have when confronted with a problem? Links Mentioned: Episode 276 Understanding Our Children with Leslie Cohen-Rubury https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-our-children/id1534167756?i=1000628778958 Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hashey family was living a normal life. Joe was a high school teacher and business owner. Mell was a former social worker turned stay-at-home mom of three. Then 2020 happened and turned their family upside down. Lo a town where they didn’t know anybody. It was the best thing that could have happened for their family. Joe and Mell used their experience to build the Strong Family Co. framework that any family can use to establish values and stress-free family leadership. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Mell Hashey about how to create your own strong family with common goals and values. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Hear the story behind “the big move” for their family. What struggles did the family have while adjusting to such a big change? Finding “home” in a community that shares your family values. Weighing “opportunity costs” in determining pros and cons of a big life decision. The 7 Elements of the Strong Family Path- what are they and how can you implement them? The importance of establishing and recognizing core values for your family. Family Meetings- how to successfully establish them and include family members of all ages. Goal setting for your family- individual goals with vocalized commitments to achieve them. Be an emotional ninja! Helping your kids identify feelings. Mell’s tips for time management. How to be more patient by reframing your point of view and thinking about the long-term effects of your reaction. Connect with the Hashey Family: Website https://strongfamilyproject.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/strongfamilyco Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialstrongfamilyco/ Strong Family Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7x28ffQql3AtmByWZGlH9G YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@strongfamilyco Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week! Here is what to expect on this week’s show: What are cognitive distortions, and why do they interfere with your thinking? All Or Nothing Thinking- if it isn’t perfect, it is bad. Overgeneralization- applying a label to everything because it happened once. Mental Filter- ignore the positive and focus on the negative. Discounting the positives- not valuing positive things that happen Jumping to Conclusions- decisions not based on evidence Magnification or Minimization- making things more significant or less significant than they are. Emotional Reasoning- reasoning yourself into negative thoughts Should Statements- criticism in form of “you should have” or “I should have” Labeling- applying negative labels to yourself or others in reaction to a mistake or because something didn’t happen the way you expected. Personalization and Blame- thinking you are to blame for things you have no control or influence over. How to identify cognitive distortions Showing yourself compassion and understanding in training yourself to break these habits. Look for evidence to support what you are thinking or saying to yourself or others. Is it true? Transformational vocabulary- instead of automatically falling into your cognitively distorted thoughts, how you can reframe what you say and how you think. Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Cohen-Rubury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with an MSW as well as a Masters in Special Education. She has 39 years’ experience working with families and children in school and community settings. With a private practice in Redding, Ct. providing individual, family, and marital therapy, Leslie has ongoing parenting groups and regularly conducts workshops and lectures in the community. She is intensively trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy and now leads several DBT skills groups for adults, teenagers and their families. This work focuses on developing skills that increase our competency to be our best selves. Leslie has been married for 37 years and has 3 children: a 33-year-old son and 30-year-old twin girls. She is thrilled to have a daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren as well. Leslie is passionately committed to helping people develop a new perspective and new skills to enhance their emotional well-being and mental health. Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Leslie Cohen-Rubury about how to better understand why our kids behave the way they do, and how you can better communicate with them based upon that understanding. Here is what to expect on this week’s show: Leslie’s training allows her to approach a problem with a broad perspective. Through many sessions with parents, a common question Leslie got was, “Is my child a monster?” The answer is “no!” Understanding WHY our kids misbehave or struggle will remove this question. Jumping to conclusions never goes well. How we can work on understanding where our kid is coming from and why they behave the way they do. What is a Paradoxical Question and how does it help? What can we do to better understand why our children are behaving the way they do? What questions can we ask them? Accepting your child where they are and working toward growth helps avoid your child feeling like they are broken. Learning to better understand and communicate with your kids is an ongoing process that will never stop. Practice being comfortable in uncomfortable situations- what does it mean? How does this help our children become better problem-solvers? What kinds of strategies and coping skills can you teach your kid when they are experiencing something uncomfortable? Balancing teaching your kid to cope and teaching your kid to ask for help- how do you do it? Sometimes there is no right answer! What is Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)? What are some of the keys to Leslie’s 37-year-old marriage? The importance if validating your partner or your child. Connect with Leslie: Website: https://lesliecohenrubury.com/ Podcast: https://pod.link/1681627760 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliecohenrubury Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliecohenrubury/ Follow Rebecca Greene Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/ Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices