Is step-parenting feeling harder than you expected? You’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. In this heartfelt and practical episode, Wendy talks with Cameron Normand, founder of Step Family Solutions and host of The Stepmom Diaries, about the five most common mistakes stepparents make — and what to do instead. Drawing from her own experience as a stepmom of four (including one with special needs) and years of coaching stepfamilies, Cameron shares real-world tools for building connection, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the beautiful chaos of blended family life. You’ll learn: ✨ Why striving for perfect only fuels burnout (and how to shift to “present & good enough”) ✨ How to practice connection before correction and redefine discipline in stepfamilies ✨ Why kind boundaries are essential self-care for every stepparent ✨ The “circle of control” reframe that protects your energy and confidence ✨ How to stop comparing your stepfamily to a “first family” and build your own positive memory bank Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/298  for more info and guest links. ⭐️​Grab my FREE Quick Start Compassionate Discipline Learning Bundle today and discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages!! 👉 https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline 🌱 Head to ⁠http://freshstartfamilyonline.com/kidsoils⁠ to get your hands on the kids essential oils kit that helps fill your home with peace one deep breath at a time. 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠⁠ 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When one in three births in the U.S. is a C-section, why aren’t we talking more openly about what those experiences feel like? In this heartfelt conversation, journalist and author Rachel Somerstein joins Wendy to discuss the hidden trauma many parents carry after surgical birth — and how awareness, preparation, and compassion can change everything.  Together they explore: • What a “gentle C-section” really means • How language like “failure to progress” fuels shame • Ways to prepare emotionally and physically for surgical birth • Tools for healing afterward — from EMDR to somatic movement This episode offers validation, hope, and practical ways to advocate for yourself and others — whether you’re preparing for birth or still making peace with the one you already had. Kind note: This episode includes discussion of surgical birth, emergency procedures, and difficult postpartum experiences. Please listen with care.Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/297  for more info and guest links. ⭐️​Grab my FREE Quick Start Compassionate Discipline Learning Bundle today and discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages!! 👉 https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline 🗺The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠ 🌱 Head to http://freshstartfamilyonline.com/kidsoils to get your hands on the kids essential oils kit that helps fill your home with peace one deep breath at a time. 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this enlightening episode of the Fresh Start Family show, Wendy welcomes educator, coach, and host of the Enlightening Motherhood podcast Emily Hamblin to talk about impulsivity in neurodivergent kids and what actually helps. Drawing from her work with families and her own parenting journey, Emily shares simple brain science, the ways wiring and conditioning interact, and playful practices that help kids build self-control without shame. Together, Wendy and Emily explore practical strategies for setting firm-and-kind boundaries, reframing challenging behaviors, and recognizing the strengths hidden inside “impulsivity.” This conversation is hopeful, compassionate, and packed with “try it today” ideas to bring more calm and confidence into your home. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/296  for more info and guest links. ⭐️​Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle​ & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child!  🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠ 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy talks with authors Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt about their new book, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting. Together they explore how spanking culture took root in many church communities, what Scripture really says (and doesn’t say), and how parents can move toward a faith-aligned, compassionate approach to discipline. This conversation is full of hope, healing, and encouragement. You’ll walk away with tools to release old fears, respond with calm and connection, and build the kind of legacy your kids will carry with joy. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/295  for more info and guest links. ⭐️ ​Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle​ & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child! 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉 ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠ 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting can feel lonely—especially when your spouse isn’t on board, your extended family doesn’t understand, or you’re trying to end painful generational cycles on your own. But the truth is, you don’t have to parent alone. In this re-released episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy shares why community is such a vital piece of the parenting journey. From the science-backed research on how groups create real change, to powerful success stories from actual Fresh Start Experience Members, this conversation will encourage you to be intentional about surrounding yourself with like-minded parents who share your vision. When you choose community over isolation, you discover courage, resilience, and the support you need to create a family legacy rooted in connection and firm kindness. Head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/294 for links and more info. 🌟 It's time to step into a full support program that will guide you every step of the way as you create the family legacy of your dreams! The Fresh Start Experience is open for enrollment for a limited time! Head to ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/jointoday⁠ to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever find yourself reacting to your kids in ways that feel awful but strangely familiar? In this episode, Wendy Snyder explores the idea of “comfortable hell vs. uncomfortable heaven” and how nervous system conditioning impacts the way we parent. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, Wendy shares what it means to shift from old patterns of fear, force, and punishment into a new way of parenting rooted in connection, firm kindness, and peace. This conversation is about more than handling meltdowns—it’s about breaking cycles, rewiring your nervous system, and building a healthier emotional legacy for your family. Head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/293 for guest links and more info. 🌟 It's time to step into a full support program that will guide you every step of the way as you create the family legacy of your dreams! The Fresh Start Experience is open for enrollment for a limited time! Head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/jointoday to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Student Spotlight, Wendy interviews Anna McNeese, a mom of four from Mississippi, about her family’s transformation through the Fresh Start Experience and Full Mastery program. Anna shares openly about the early days of exhaustion, power struggles, and shame-based patterns, and how learning new tools gave her family hope, connection, and peace. From navigating strong-willed kids with compassion, to breaking cycles of fear and shame, to modeling emotional literacy for her children, Anna’s story shows the power of choosing a new way forward. Today, her home is more peaceful, her kids are practicing self-control, and even tough moments have become opportunities for growth and connection. Tune in to hear Anna’s story and be encouraged that it’s never too late to choose peace, break old cycles, and step into joy as a parent. 🌟 Our FREE 4-Day Unfrazzled Event is here! Get registered and caught up in a snap at ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/unfrazzled⁠ Catch this full episode on⁠ YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Student Spotlight, Wendy Snyder interviews Caitlin—a mom of two from Indianapolis—about her real-life journey with the Fresh Start Experience. Caitlin shares how shifting from reactive habits to peaceful parenting has strengthened connection at home, built emotional literacy in her kids, and helped her break generational cycles with empathy and consistency.  She also celebrates inviting her parents (the boys’ grandparents) into the learning—proof that growth can ripple through an entire family. With practical wins rooted in nervous system regulation, Caitlin shows how modeling calm, naming feelings, and holding firm, kind boundaries can transform everyday moments like transitions, spills, and sibling tension into chances to learn and bond. If you’re curious what positive parenting looks like beyond theory—and how community support keeps you consistent—this encouraging story will give you hope and a roadmap for real change. Head to ⁠https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/291⁠  for more info and guest links. 🌟 Our FREE 4-Day Unfrazzled Event is here! Get registered and caught up in a snap at https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/unfrazzled Catch this full episode on⁠ YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we step into a brand-new school year, many parents are coming out of summer feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and stuck in old cycles. In this episode, Wendy Snyder shares how to shift from a scarcity mindset—where fear, stress, and urgency tend to rule—into an abundance mindset that fuels calm, connection, and confidence at home. This conversation is a reset for your parenting. If you’ve been feeling short-tempered, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to handle another busy school year, you’re not alone. Wendy will encourage you to wipe the slate clean, find your courage, and parent with more peace, patience, and long-term vision. ✨ Tune in for practical parenting tips, nervous system insights, and encouragement to step into the season with fresh energy—for you and your kids. Head to https://www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/290  for more info and guest links. 🌟 Our FREE 4-Day Unfrazzled Event is coming up! Get registered today at https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/unfrazzled - Starts Sept 8! Catch this full episode on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re kicking off Season 7 of the Fresh Start Family Show with a powerful, thought-provoking conversation! Wendy & Terry sit down with theologian, writer, and former evangelical pastor Brian Recker to explore how fear has been woven into the spiritual and parenting narratives of so many families—and what it looks like to begin breaking free. Brian shares his personal journey from growing up in fundamentalism, to leading as a pastor, to courageously deconstructing fear-based theology and re-imagining faith through the lens of love. Together, we talk about how indoctrination in childhood shapes our view of God, authority, and even our parenting—and how we can begin to heal. This is an honest, heartfelt, and deeply hopeful conversation. If you’ve ever wrestled with reconciling your faith and your parenting, or wondered how to raise kids without passing down fear, this episode will leave you inspired and reminded that you’re not alone. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/289. 🌟 Feeling stressed or short-tempered after summer? You’re not alone. Join this FREE 4-Day live event to reset your mindset, bring peace to your home & step into a more unfrazzled, confident way of parenting. Save your spot & start the school year with a fresh start – Begins September 8th! https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/unfrazzled Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy welcomes back the incredible Shauna Shapiro, PhD, who is a bestselling author, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion.  She was first on the show back in episode 49 but is back, joining Wendy to discuss her new book, Good Morning, I Love You Violet, which shows us how we can teach our kids to embrace the super power of self-compassion.  This episode will inspire you to begin - or continue growing - your self-compassion, which will create a ripple effect with your kids to show themselves self-compassion and resource themselves with this powerful tool.  For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠288⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📆 Click here to save the date for our upcoming FREE 4-Day Unfrazzled Event! ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/savethedate⁠ 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉 ⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind ⁠ 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt conversation, Wendy and Terry are joined by the incredible Dr. Shauna Shapiro—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and mindfulness researcher—to talk about what it really looks like to weave self-compassion and mindfulness into our everyday family life. You’ll hear how Shauna’s IAA model (Intention, Attention, Attitude) helps us respond to our kids with more presence and less reactivity, and why “what you practice grows stronger” is such a powerful truth for parents. Together, they dive into the real-life stuff: how to pause in the heat of a moment, release shame, and offer ourselves the same kindness we give our children. You’ll walk away with simple, beautiful tools—like the “Good morning, I love you” practice—that can rewire your brain, soften your heart, and help you find calm even on the wildest of days. Whether you’re in a season of overwhelm or simply craving more joy at home, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and reminded that it’s never too late to begin again. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠287⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📆 Click here to save the date for our upcoming FREE 4-Day Unfrazzled Event! https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/savethedate 🗺 The Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint is your step by step plan & video training to help you build the family of your dreams. Click here to learn more! 👉 https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/firmandkind 🔔 Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy Snyder interviews Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom. They discuss the concept of mom guilt and how it is often mislabeled, as well as the importance of setting boundaries and communicating needs.  They also emphasize the need for self-care and taking time for oneself as a crucial aspect of being a fulfilled and effective parent.  Libby shares her personal journey and how she has learned to prioritize her own well-being while still being a loving and present mother. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠286⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy welcomes Alyssa Blask Campbell—CEO of Seed and Sew, host of the Voices of Your Village podcast, and co-author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. Alyssa shares powerful insights into emotional intelligence and explains the difference between sensory and emotional regulation, along with what healthy emotion processing actually looks like in kids (and when it tends to happen). Together, Wendy and Alyssa explore how to help children build regulation and coping skills, and why supporting their emotional development often starts with our own growth as parents. With listeners in over 100 countries, Alyssa’s approach is both practical and deeply compassionate—offering real tools for raising emotionally intelligent kids in a world that desperately needs them. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠285⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Nielsen, host of the 3 in 30 Podcast, joins Wendy on the Fresh Start Family Show to discuss ‘decluttering motherhood’. Rachel shares her personal journey of feeling overwhelmed and the pressure to meet societal expectations as a stay-at-home mom.  She emphasizes the importance of inventorying your overwhelm, editing your expectations, and making room for more joy in motherhood. Rachel encourages moms to let go of ‘shoulds’ and embrace their own unique definition of a good mom. She also suggests getting creative and delegating tasks to lighten the load and create space for joy. Tune in to be encouraged, inspired & motivated to unburden your motherhood by letting go of all the ‘shoulds’ you can this year!  For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠284⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy sits down with one of her absolute favorite inspirational authors, Rachel Macy Stafford.  Rachel is the bestselling author of multiple books, including Only Love Today and Hands Free Mama and is the founder of Hands Free Revolution, a website and community that supports and encourages parents to slow down and live life to the fullest by being present and full of love and compassion for themselves and those around them.  In a busy world where we often put our needs way on the back burner, Rachel and Wendy look at 3 beautiful ways to pour back into ourselves so we can stay OUT of overwhelm & bring our best selves to our parenting & relationships.  For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠283⁠.⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the world continues to face hardship and chaos amidst a crisis of mass shootings, Wendy and Terry come together with a unifying and empowering message on how individual action can make major community, national, and even global change.  In a time of such great violence and fear, there is a need – now more than ever – to stand up, speak boldly and guide our children with examples of love and courage.  For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/⁠282.⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time to show up and speak out, families! In today’s episode we are learning just how to do that from an expert in speaking truth, love and hope into the world, the inspirational Carlos Whittaker.  In a world where opinions and hot topics flood the internet, it’s easy to want to hide away from it all and not speak on anything.  Carlos powerfully reminds us we are called to speak up for what we believe in and to do it in a loving manner.  He calls us to lean into the discomfort and continue to educate ourselves, so that we can speak up on issues that are too important to stay silent on  … AND teach our kids to do the same! This episode is a reminder to believe in the greatness of humanity, be the good in the world, and fight for what things are worth fighting for!  Let’s go live with purpose, faith & hope! For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/281.⁠⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover how to build a strong, compassionate, FIRM & effective discipline toolkit that works with kids of ALL ages! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/discipline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling anxious about the future? Discover how to show up with love, courage & hope in troubled times. In this powerful and timely episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy and Terry sit down with author, activist, and thought leader Brian McLaren to explore themes from his latest book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. Together, they unpack what it means to stay rooted in love, compassion, and courage as we face the intersecting crises of ecological overshoot, rising authoritarianism, and societal upheaval. With deep honesty and hope, Brian shares his personal journey of evolving faith, practical strategies for nervous system regulation, and the four-part process of letting go, letting be, letting come, and setting free. You’ll be inspired as the conversation moves from naming the hard truths of our current reality to discovering how we can show up with integrity for our families, communities, and the world. Whether you’re wrestling with fear for the future, seeking ways to raise brave, compassionate kids, or wondering how faith fits into the work of healing our planet and society, this episode offers both comfort and challenge. Tune in and be reminded: we may not know what the future holds, but we can choose how we show up for it. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/280.⁠⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/power⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever thought, “Who is this bigger, louder version of my sweet child?” — you’re not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, Wendy and Terry sit down with therapist and teen brain expert Yshai Boussi (author of Staying Connected with Your Teen) to break down what’s really going on inside the teenage mind. From dopamine surges to impulsivity and independence, learn why teens act the way they do — and how you can stay connected, set limits, and support them through these intense years. Whether you’re in the teen trenches or preparing for them, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/279.⁠ Grab my FREE Quick Start Learning Bundle & discover 3 secrets to empower, connect, and build true collaboration with your strong-willed child! Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/power⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to check us out over on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices