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

In this heart-centered and thought-provoking episode, Wendy welcomes Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed psychologist and progressive Christian writer, to explore how we can thoughtfully deconstruct aspects of our faith—without losing our integrity or connection to Jesus. Together, they navigate the intersection of spiritual growth and parenting, sharing personal stories about shifting belief systems, healing from harmful theology, and raising children in a home rooted in values of curiosity, compassion, and respect. Dr. Camden shares her journey from purity culture and evangelical fundamentalism to a more expansive, inclusive, and emotionally healthy faith—and how this evolution shapes the way she parents and supports others doing the same. This episode is an invitation to all families who feel the tension of shifting spiritual beliefs while trying to raise kind, confident, and faith-filled kids. Whether you’re unraveling toxic teachings or reimagining what faith can look like in your home, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/278 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

In this empowering episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy is joined by Dr. Susie Davies, a former clinical psychologist and trauma-informed parenting coach, for a timely and practical conversation about screen addiction and how it affects our kids’ mental health, behavior, and development. If you’ve felt the tug-of-war over tablets, struggled to set consistent screen limits, or worried about your child’s emotional regulation after too much tech time, this episode is for you. Dr. Susie shares five powerful strategies to help parents empower their kids to unplug—without shame, punishment, or power struggles. This isn’t about guilt or fear—it’s about healing the deeper nervous system needs that often fuel screen dependence, and building long-term habits that nurture connection, resilience, and self-regulation. Whether you’re raising a toddler or a teen, this episode will leave you feeling more confident and equipped to create a tech-healthy home—starting today! For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/277. 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

Have you ever dreamed about packing up your bags, hitting the road (or the sky!), and showing your kids the world? In this inspiring episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy is joined by parenting coach and worldschooling mama Crystal Haitsma. We explore how travel can become one of the greatest teachers of connection, flexibility, compassion, and shame-free parenting—not just for our kids, but for us too. Crystal shares how her family of six spent eight months circumnavigating the globe (yes, seriously!) while navigating flight delays, language barriers, missing luggage, and a lot of unexpected emotional growth. You’ll hear how embracing travel as a life-learning opportunity helped her family grow closer, expand their worldview, and tap deeper into intuition and trust. This conversation is a beautiful blend of wanderlust and wisdom, full of laughs, real talk, and powerful takeaways on how travel transforms not just our itineraries—but our family legacies. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠ww⁠w.freshstartfamilyonline.com/276⁠.⁠ 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! Contest Time! ⁠⁠⁠Enter our YouTube Contest ⁠⁠⁠here and one one lucky family will win a package value of over $550! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling edgy, exhausted, or like you’re constantly running behind? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay this way. In this empowering episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy is joined by Michelle Grosser, nervous system coach and former attorney turned burnout recovery advocate, to explore what she calls “The Burnout Trifecta.” Together, they dive into the three sneaky habits that silently run parents into the ground: people-pleasing, perfectionism, and high-functioning anxiety. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things but still feel depleted, Michelle offers encouragement, healing insights, and actionable tips to help you slow down, feel safe in your body again, and actually enjoy your family life. Whether you’re deep in the parenting trenches or just starting to realize your nervous system needs a reset—this episode will meet you with compassion, validation, and fresh tools to start your healing journey. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to ⁠www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/275.⁠ 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 Contest Time! ⁠⁠Enter our YouTube Contest ⁠⁠here and one one lucky family will win a package value of over $550! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it possible that giving our kids more freedom might actually help them thrive? In this powerful episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy welcomes Lenore Skenazy—author, speaker, and founder of Let Grow—to explore the surprising connection between independence and mental wellness in kids. Together, they unpack how our culture’s obsession with safety and control is fueling anxiety, and how simple acts of trust—like letting kids walk to the store or ride a bike alone—can be the very antidote our families need. Lenore shares the story that launched her into the national spotlight as “America’s Worst Mom” (spoiler: she’s anything but), along with decades of insight from research partners like Dr. Peter Gray and Jonathan Haidt. With warmth and humor, she offers actionable ideas and free Let Grow resources to help parents reclaim their confidence and raise capable, resilient kids. This is an inspiring, perspective-shifting episode for every parent ready to let go… and let grow. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/274. 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 Contest Time! ⁠Enter our YouTube Contest ⁠here and one one lucky family will win a package value of over $550! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when your faith starts to shift—but you're also raising kids who are looking to you for spiritual guidance? In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy sits down with author Erin Hicks Moon to talk about what it means to live with questions, explore evolving beliefs, and still model a deeply meaningful spiritual life for your family. Erin shares the story behind her powerful book I’ve Got Questions, reflecting on how her upbringing in a Southern Baptist community shaped her early faith—and how curiosity, honesty, and community have shaped it since. Together, she and Wendy unpack what it means to deconstruct without despair and how to give your children the gift of spiritual openness, compassion, and integrity. Whether you’re just starting to ask hard questions or you've been on a journey of faith evolution for years, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired. Because faith doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful—and you don’t have to have it all figured out to lead your family well. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/273. 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 Contest Time! Enter our YouTube Contest here and one one lucky family will win a package value of over $550! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special Easter episode, Wendy Snyder opens her heart wide to share a deeply personal reflection on what has died and what has come alive in her heart, home, and business over the past year. With themes of rebirth, courage, faith, grief, advocacy, and radical love, Wendy invites listeners into her evolving journey as a Christ-centered parent and leader. This episode is both a sacred pause and a powerful encouragement to stop hiding, start rising, and live more fully in alignment with your convictions—even when it’s hard. Wendy speaks candidly about what it means to let go of people-pleasing, find deeper nervous system peace, and embrace faith that feels safe, affirming, and inclusive. Whether you’ve walked a similar path or are simply curious about what it looks like to stand strong in your values while continuing to grow and heal, this episode will touch your heart and spark important reflection. It's an invitation to rise into new life with grace, grit, and bold compassion. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/272 Join Kate Northrup for her FREE 3-day financial healing, Good With Money workshop that starts April 17th! Head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/goodwithmoney to register. Catch this full episode on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your relationship with money could feel peaceful, powerful, and even joyful? In this powerful episode, Wendy welcomes to the show author and financial wellness expert Kate Northrup to talk about breaking unhealthy financial cycles and creating a family legacy rooted in wealth, relaxation, and love. Kate has been a mentor for Wendy’s own personal journey around financial healing for a few years now. They explore how our nervous system, childhood patterns, and emotional wiring deeply shape our relationship with money—often without us even knowing it. Kate shares her personal story of transforming from a debt-ridden, avoidant spender to a conscious, confident money steward—and how you can do the same. Whether you're carrying financial shame, avoiding the numbers, or simply craving more abundance and ease in your family, this episode will encourage you to lovingly pay attention to your money. You'll walk away with fresh hope and practical insight on how to model financial health for your kids and feel empowered to shift from surviving to thriving. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/271.  Join Kate Northrup for her FREE 3-day financial healing, Good With Money workshop that starts April 17th! Head to https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/goodwithmoney to register. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special joint episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy sits down with two incredible Fresh Start Family students, Cayla Schultz and Cristina Johnson, to share their inspiring transformations from overwhelmed, reactive moms to confident, connected parents. Cristina opens up about her journey through infertility, her introduction to positive parenting, and how shifting her mindset helped her break free from control-based tactics and embrace a relationship-first approach with her children. Cayla reflects on the early struggles of raising a strong-willed child while navigating postpartum challenges and her husband’s illness, and how discovering Fresh Start Family gave her the tools and hope she needed to parent with more peace. Throughout the conversation, Wendy, Cristina, and Cayla discuss the power of self-awareness, faith, and mentorship in creating lasting change. They share real-life examples of their kids thriving—demonstrating peaceful conflict resolution, self-confidence, and cooperation—proving that the hard work of shifting generational patterns is worth it. Now, as leaders in their own families and communities, both women offer encouragement to parents looking to trust the process, embrace repair when things don’t go perfectly, and step into their full potential as loving, confident caregivers. This episode is full of hope, wisdom, and tangible tools to help you parent with clarity, connection, and courage! For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/270 📣 EXTENDED! - The Fresh Start Family Full Mastery Become a Parenting Coach 2025 registration is open for enrollment for a limited time! Head here to fill out an application and begin your journey today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Wendy sits down with Billy Ivanova, a devoted mother, parenting coach, and longtime Fresh Start Family student. Billy shares her journey from power struggles and overwhelm to deep, meaningful connections with her children. After joining Fresh Start Family in 2018, she transformed her parenting by shifting her mindset, embracing new tools, and committing to personal growth. Now a parenting coach certified in the Fresh Start Family approach, she helps others break generational cycles and build stronger family relationships. Wendy and Billy discuss the power of mentorship, accountability, and continuous learning, highlighting how personal growth impacts both parenting and self-confidence. Billy shares key moments from the Full Mastery Program, the importance of modeling positive behavior, and how healing old patterns leads to more peace at home. Whether you're navigating young kids, tweens, or considering coaching, Billy’s story will inspire you to embrace growth and trust your journey. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/269 The Fresh Start Family Full Mastery Become a Parenting Coach 2025 registration is open for enrollment for a limited time! Head here to fill out an application and begin your journey today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this uplifting episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy chats with Chandni Clough, a dedicated mom and recent graduate of the Full Mastery Become a Parenting Coach Program, about her incredible transformation. Once stuck in cycles of reactive parenting, Chandni shares how learning grace-based, connection-focused tools helped her move from frustration to confidence—not just as a mom, but in her marriage and family relationships, too. Through candid stories and powerful “aha” moments, Chandni reveals how self-compassion, mindset shifts, and practical strategies reshaped her parenting. Now, she’s using her journey to inspire and support other parents seeking more peace, patience, and joy in their homes. If you’ve ever felt stuck and longed for a fresh start, this episode will remind you that change is possible—and you’re never alone. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/268 The Fresh Start Family Full Mastery Become a Parenting Coach 2025 registration is open for enrollment! Head here to fill out an application and begin your journey today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your home feeling more chaotic than cozy? In this episode of The Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy sits down with style expert and home coach Jen Dubois to talk about how transforming your space can transform your life! Jen brings a fresh perspective as both a professional organizer and former nurse, sharing how a clutter-free, thoughtfully designed home isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating peace, joy, and a space that truly supports your family’s well-being. Jen introduces her DREAM framework—a simple yet powerful method to help you declutter and design a home that works for you, not against you. She and Wendy explore why getting organized can feel so hard, how to break through roadblocks, and why trusting your instincts matters when shaping your space. Whether you’re struggling with overflowing closets, an uninspiring home layout, or just don’t know where to start, this episode is packed with encouraging advice and actionable steps to help you create a home that feels functional, fulfilling, and uniquely YOU. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/267 Register now for the free Master Your Positive Parenting Skills Workshop taking place March 16! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices