Christmas can feel like a pressure cooker of expectations, logistics and emotions. In this episode, Nina gently invites you to let go of perfect Christmas ideals and let go of perfect Christmas checklists, so you can focus on presence, connection and a calmer nervous system instead.

You'll Learn

• Why the invisible load of Christmas feels so intense.
• How different families “do” Christmas and make peace with your version.
• Ways to stay flexible with naps, sugar and routines (without guilt).
• Simple roles kids can play so it’s not all on you.
• How to move from Christmas into the school holidays more calmly.

Why This Episode Matters

When you’re already overwhelmed, it’s easy to believe you’re ruining Christmas. This episode reminds you that your children need you present, not perfect – and that a messy, real day can still be deeply good.

Take Home Action

Choose one way you’re going to make Christmas kinder on your nervous system.

Journal Prompts and Reflections

If my child remembered one small moment from this Christmas, what would I love that to be?

Before Christmas Day, ask yourself:

What is the bare minimum version of this day that would still feel like Christmas to me?

Maybe that’s:

• One special breakfast.
• A couple of presents.
• Time outside or at the beach.
• A simple meal together.

Either later that night, or the next day, you might sit with a cuppa and gently ask yourself:

• What actually went well today?
• Where did I feel most connected to my kids?
• Where did I lose it?
• If I could change one small thing for next year, what would it be?

Take the Next Step

Complete the prompts above to help you design a version of Christmas that feels calm, connected and realistic for your family.

Download your free Christmas Planner to set calm intentions, map December and take some pressure off your brain.

For support beyond Christmas, watch the on-demand Calm School Holidays Blueprint masterclass.

Links and Resources

• Free Christmas Planner
• Grab the Calm School Holidays Blueprint, only $37

Let’s Connect

Want more support? Follow Nina on Instagram, or sign up for tips and updates at mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au.

Have a question or parenting challenge you'd like addressed on the podcast? Send a DM or an email.

• Follow Nina on Instagram
• Website: mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
• Email: nina@mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au

About the Host

Nina Visic is a mindful parenting coach and mum who helps parents move from overwhelmed and reactive to calm, confident and connected with their kids.

She combines mindfulness, emotional regulation tools and down-to-earth strategies that work in real homes with real children.

Through her podcast, workshops and resources like the Christmas Planner and Calm School Holidays Blueprint, she supports parents to create holidays that feel grounded in presence and connection, not perfection.

In this special episode, Nina chats with Tess, a mum-of-two and long-time listener, who shares how she used the calm boundary script from Episode 8 in a moment when her daughter was yelling at her.

It’s a real story about emotional boundaries, staying steady under pressure, and what happens when you choose connection over control - even when it’s hard.

You’ll Learn:

• How to use calm boundaries when kids are rude, yelling or dishonest
• The “I won’t let you X, but you can Y” structure in action
• Why pausing (see Episode 3) can shift the whole energy in your home
• How calm boundaries can open space for repair, respect, and deeper understanding

Why This Episode Matters

Tess’s story reminds us that calm boundaries do work - even when kids push hard. This isn’t a polished expert take - it’s one mum showing up with love, courage, and the skills she’s learned along the way.

It’s a raw and real example of parenting under pressure - and a beautiful reminder that connection often comes after a boundary is held kindly but firmly.

One Small Shift

Next time your child is rude, yelling, or being dishonest, try:

“I won’t let you speak to me that way. I’m happy to talk when we’re both calm.”

Then pause. Breathe. Hold the boundary with calm confidence — and trust that connection often follows.

And just as important: be kind to yourself.

As Tess shared, speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend or acquaintance. Progress doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from compassion and practice.

Take the Next Step

If emotional blow‑ups, backchat, or lying are becoming frequent in your home - and you want support turning them into moments of calmness and repair - book a free 20‑minute clarity call. I’ll help you identify what’s really going on and give you 1–2 simple, effective tools to try straight away.

Links and Resources

• Recommended episodes of Your Calm Parenting Path
  • Episode 3. Is This the Most Underrated Parenting Tool to Help You Stay Calm?
  • Episode 8. What’s the Secret to Calm, Clear Boundaries?
  • Episode 11. Tired of Doing It All? What Needs to Change? With Eva Rado
• Book a free 20-minute Clarity Call here.

Let’s Connect

• Follow Nina on Instagram
• Website: mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
• Email: nina@mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au

About the Hosts

Nina Visic is a mindful parenting coach, podcast host, and mum of three based in WA. She supports parents to move from yelling and reactivity to calm, confident connection. Her work blends practical tools with deep compassion — because parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.

In this episode, Nina chats with Tess - a long-time listener and past client - who brings the boundary tools to life in the middle of a real parenting moment. It’s raw, real, and a powerful reminder that calm parenting is possible, even when emotions are big.

In this soothing conversation with Melissa from Melissa Made with Love, we explore how self-care doesn’t have to be another task on your overflowing to-do list. Instead, it can live inside the tiny, everyday rituals you’re already doing - washing your hands, having a shower, putting on moisturiser, or unwinding before bed.

Melissa shares how mindful skincare became her sanctuary during motherhood, and how small, intentional moments can calm your nervous system, settle your energy, and help you reconnect with yourself — especially when life feels chaotic.

You’ll Learn:

• How skincare can become a grounding, mindful ritual rather than a chore
• Ways to slow down and create micro-moments of self-care in a busy day
• Practical tips for weaving self-care into the things you already do
• The surprising benefits of slowing your everyday movements
• Why slow, mindful rituals support emotional regulation in kids
• Gentle ways to stay connected to yourself when life feels frantic

Why This Episode Matters

So many mums feel like self-care is out of reach. There’s no time, no headspace, and no childcare to “escape” for an hour. This episode flips that idea on its head.

Melissa reminds us that self-care isn’t about adding more - it’s about doing what we already do, slower, softer, and with more presence.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or touched out, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

One Small Shift

This week, try slowing down just one thing you already do - washing your hands. Take a breath. Feel the water. Notice the sensations. Ten seconds. That’s it. See how it softens your pace for the rest of the day.

Take the Next Step

If today’s episode sparked something in you, explore more of Melissa’s beautiful work - from natural skincare to soulful rituals you can bring into your home (links below).

Links and Resources

• Check out Melissa's website
• Get your Free DIY Skincare eBook
• Grab the Embrace Self-Care eBook
• Follow Melissa Made with Love on Instagram
• Watch how Melissa makes her beautiful products here.
• Recommended episode of Your Calm Parenting Path
  • Episode 29 – When You’re Just Too Tired to Be Mindful

Let’s Connect

• Follow Nina on Instagram
• Website: mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
• Email: nina@mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au

About the Hosts

Nina Visic

Nina is a mindful parenting who helps mums move from overwhelmed and reactive to calm, confident, and connected. Through practical tools, mindful habits, and compassionate guidance, Nina supports parents to create a calmer family life - one small shift at a time.

Melissa Howell

Melissa is the creator of Melissa Made with Love, crafting natural skincare infused with intention, Reiki energy, and mindful calm. Through her products, workshops, and self-care offerings, she helps women slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find small, nourishing moments in their everyday lives.