There are thoughts many moms have that feel too scary, shameful, or unacceptable to say out loud.

Thoughts like:
"I don't like my kid right now."
"I can't do this anymore."
"I wish I could just disappear."

And almost immediately, those thoughts are followed by guilt, shame, or a voice that says, What kind of mother even thinks this?

That's what today's podcast episode is about.

Not fixing those thoughts.
Not reframing them.
Not judging them.

But about the importance of speaking your truth—allowing yourself to say what's real, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/389

If procrastination has been a lifelong issue for you, as it has been for me, there's a good chance you've spent years trying to solve it.

More discipline. Better systems. Tighter deadlines. Pep talks. Shame.

And if any of that actually worked, I'd be the first one to tell you to do it.

This week's episode looks at procrastination through a nervous system lens, as a response that once served a purpose.

When you understand why your system learned to delay, avoid, shut down, or stay busy with everything except the thing that matters, the pattern starts to make sense. And when something makes sense, you can respond to it differently.

You don't have to push harder or fix yourself.

As you start noticing what your body is doing, you can learn to work with it and take small steps forward.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/388

January can come with a lot of pressure.

Set goals. Build momentum. Hit the ground running. Fix what's not working . . . and do it fast.

Today's episode goes in the opposite direction.

Instead of talking about how to change faster, I talk about why slowing down is often the fastest way to get different results in your parenting.

When something isn't working, it makes sense to want it fixed immediately. Especially if you're snapping at your kids, feeling guilty, or watching yourself repeat patterns you swore you'd stop. The instinct is to push harder and try to do better.

What I see over and over, though, is that trying to change too quickly actually keeps moms stuck in the same patterns.

Listen to the episode to see how slowing down can move you forward faster this year.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/387

I've been choosing a Word of the Year every December since 2014.

It's a practice I return to because it gives me a steady way to orient myself toward how I want to show up, what I want to focus on, and who I want to become.

A Word of the Year can reshape your parenting without the pressure and rigidity of traditional goal setting.

In this last episode of the year, I share what my 2025 word taught me in ways I didn't expect, and which word I'm choosing for 2026. I also give you tips on choosing a word for yourself that supports your growth, rather than coming from self-criticism or "fix yourself" energy.

This episode is reflective, practical, and meant to help you move into 2026 with more intention and aliveness.

Do you have a word for 2026? Let me know what it is!

https://lessdramamoremama.com/386

In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 was the Year of the Snake, associated with shedding old layers and releasing what no longer fits.

2026 is the Year of the Horse, which represents forward movement, momentum, and action.

As we head into the last weeks of December, I wanted to bring back an episode from the podcast archives that fits naturally with this transition and discusses what it takes to reinvent yourself from the inside out.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/385

For many families, this is one of those years where the holiday gift budget just doesn't stretch the way it used to. And that can bring up stress, guilt, and fear of disappointing the kids.

This episode reminds us that meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive, and your kids don't need more stuff to feel loved.

I'm sharing creative, budget-friendly gift ideas that help the holidays feel special without overspending or filling your house with things that will be forgotten by January.

You'll see how some of the best gifts cost very little, as they're rooted in time, attention, and thoughtfulness.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/384

Winter break can feel overwhelming when routines disappear and expectations rise.

Days lose their rhythm. Decision-making never ends. And even small things can feel harder than usual.

In this episode, I share a calmer way to get through winter break in one piece, with simple insights that help days feel more manageable, without doing more or trying harder.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/383

Winter break can bring up a mix of emotions for moms.

You might want to enjoy the extra time with your kids, but the lack of structure, routine, and personal space can make the days feel harder than you expect.

This episode breaks down what actually happens in your brain and body when the kids are on break, so you can understand your reactions with more clarity and compassion.

Once you understand what's underneath all the overwhelm, you can make the days feel lighter and easier to handle.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/382