Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

Motherhood is a profound transformation — yet many moms feel overwhelmed by guilt, anxiety, and an unforgiving inner critic. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Dr. Angele Close, clinical psychologist and author of Unburdening Motherhood, about how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps mothers understand their inner world, release “good mom” myths, and reconnect with calm, confidence, and self-compassion. Together, they explore matrescence, the role of the inner critic, and simple ways moms can access their steady, compassionate center — even in the middle of parenting chaos. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motherhood is a major identity shift (matrescence) How IFS helps us understand our inner “parts” Why the inner critic isn’t the enemy What to do when worry and anxiety take over How IFS builds on mindfulness for deeper healing One simple IFS practice for tough parenting moments ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your child’s meltdowns or aggressive outbursts leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, or unsure how to respond? On this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, behavioral expert and founder of The Behavior Bootcamp, about practical strategies to manage challenging behavior with humor, compassion, and science-backed techniques. Dr. B explains why behavior escalates, how to spot early warning signs, and what parents and teachers can do to keep kids safe, calm, and regulated — without losing their own patience. She also shares a light-hearted story about her own son’s burping habits and how a playful approach can actually foster self-control while strengthening connection. Connection over correction, and humor as a parenting superpower. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Common misperceptions about meltdowns and aggressive behavior How to spot early warning signs before situations escalate Strategies to de-escalate in the moment and keep everyone safe What emotional and behavioral “safety” really means for children Sensory-based strategies and body awareness tools for self-regulation Why humor and positive reinforcement work better than punishment Lessons from classrooms that parents can apply at home ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do kids show challenging behavior—and what actually helps? In this episode, Dr. Ross Greene shares a powerful mindset shift: behavior isn’t about motivation, it’s about skills and unmet expectations. When we view behavior as communication, we can move from reacting to problems to proactively solving them with our kids. This conversation will help you bring more calm, connection, and collaboration into your parenting. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Mary Van Geffen, parenting coach and mom, about what it means to parent a “Spicy One” — children who are strong-willed, deeply feeling, and emotionally intense. Mary shares practical strategies for staying calm, kind, and firm, setting limits without breaking a child’s spirit, and protecting parents and siblings from burnout. She also explores how parenting a Spicy One transforms the parent, why traditional approaches often backfire, and ways to focus on delighting in your child while cultivating connection and self-regulation. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize if your child is a Spicy One Why traditional parenting techniques often backfire Practical tools for managing meltdowns and aggression How to discipline without turning into the “mean mom” Ways to protect siblings and prevent parental burnout The importance of self-regulation and delighting in your child ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many parents carry the weight of giving too much—often without realizing it. In this episode, Amelia Nagoski dives into Human Giver Syndrome and its impact on mental health, stress, and burnout. We talk about the importance of sleep, connection, and joy in completing the stress response cycle, as well as practical strategies for managing stress and caring for yourself in the midst of parenting and life’s demands. In this episode, we explore: What Human Giver Syndrome is and how it drives burnout How chronic stress affects mental and physical health The crucial role of sleep and active rest in recovery Using connection and affection to complete the stress response cycle Practical strategies for self-care and community support ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Katie Kimball about how chores can quietly build children’s competence, confidence, and independence. Katie shares practical strategies for engaging kids of all ages, creating chore systems that actually work, and introducing responsibility in ways that feel collaborative rather than controlling. Whether you’re parenting elementary-aged kids or teens, this conversation is full of actionable tips for helping kids take ownership, develop life skills, and thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why chores matter more than convenience and can foster mindfulness How to make chores collaborative, not a power struggle Age-appropriate strategies for kids and teens Ways to shift from nagging to systems that support independence One small, compassionate step parents can take this week ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting can leave intimacy feeling impossible—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Dr. Rebecca Eudy, sex therapist and author of Parents in Love, about navigating desire, connection, and pleasure in long-term relationships. You’ll discover: • Why desire differences are normal—and not a sign something is wrong • How parenting affects intimacy and touch • Practical ways to nurture responsive desire without pressure • How attachment patterns influence emotional and physical closeness • The power of micro moments to keep connection alive If you’ve ever felt “touched out” or disconnected from your partner, this episode gives research-backed, realistic strategies to rediscover desire, cultivate connection, and bring intimacy back into your relationship. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caring for kids, aging parents, and work—often all at once—can leave caregivers exhausted, overwhelmed, and silently burning out. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields and clinical psychologist Dr. Christopher Willard explore the unique emotional and nervous-system challenges of the sandwich generation. You’ll learn why caregiver burnout isn’t a personal failure, how chronic stress impacts patience and joy, and what actually helps when life feels nonstop. Why the sandwich generation experiences chronic emotional overload The biology behind caregiver burnout and constant stress Why “work–life balance” doesn’t work—and what does Simple mindfulness tools you can use in real life How to set boundaries without guilt Why repair matters more than perfection in caregiving relationships This compassionate conversation offers relief, validation, and practical support for parents and caregivers stretched in every direction. Plus: Learn about The Mindful Middle, a short-term live group coaching experience designed to support caregivers in the thick of it. You are not failing—you are carrying a lot. Support isn’t a luxury. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Sharon Salzberg, meditation pioneer, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, about practicing mindfulness and lovingkindness in today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world. Sharon shares why so many of us feel disconnected and overwhelmed — even when we’re not alone — and how lovingkindness can gently restore a sense of connection, resilience, and belonging. They also explore Sharon’s new children’s book, Kind Karl, and how parents can model compassion and emotional acceptance for their kids without adding more to their already-full plates. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why distraction leaves us feeling fragmented and disconnected How lovingkindness supports emotional resilience and mental health The difference between everyday stress and deeper overwhelm How to practice compassion when you feel depleted or shut down Ways parents can model kindness without “doing more” How Kind Karl helps kids talk about big feelings without fixing them A simple lovingkindness practice families can try together ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy can be full of excitement—but also deep anxiety, fear, and trauma. In this episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Alexia Leachman, founder of Fearless Birthing and creator of the Head Trash Clearance method, about reproductive anxiety, tocophobia, and maternal mental health. You’ll learn: • What reproductive anxiety is and how it differs from general anxiety or tokophobia • How past trauma and emotional patterns affect pregnancy and motherhood • Practical steps for healing birth trauma and anxiety • The role of self-compassion and emotional clearance in long-term mental health • How community and support can empower women on their journey If pregnancy fears or maternal anxiety feel overwhelming, this episode provides research-backed insights, tools, and hope to move from fear to freedom. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices