On today’s episode, Claire shares with us about her journey of surviving cancer and how she learned so much about herself during that process. She talks about the realization that she needed to truly slow down, ask for help with her son, and allow her body the space to heal. Claire gives us a brief run-down on Internal Family Systems and provides us with some great tips, resources and suggestions for our own healing that you won’t want to miss out on!

On today’s episode, Melissa shares her personal story of growing up in a chaotic, unpredictable home which led to her searching for something to fill what was missing. After noticing that she was repeating the same patterns from her childhood, she slowly started her journey towards healing. Without the difficulties she faced, she would not be where she is today. Listen in to learn more about what makes Melissa the person, parent, spouse, friend and supporter that she is today! If you have questions or would like to chat with Melissa about starting your own journey towards healing, email her at melissa@mendingfamilieswa.com

On today’s episode, Haley shares her heart about the difficulties of growing up under some tough circumstances, how she felt when she first met Jon (my husband), what it was like when Jon and I started having our own kids, and when she realized she had her own stuff she needed to work through. This conversation is very real, honest and raw. I think we all can take away something from what Haley shares, and she even has some great advice for those of you parenting kids who have experienced divorce, adoption, foster care, etc. Enjoy!

On today’s episode, Bekah shares how she has survived motherhood thus far and shares her struggles of finally getting a diagnosis for her daughter after a year of hard. She takes us back to 8 years ago when she was a foster parent in Honduras and the stories she tells will shock you as much as they give you chills. We touch briefly on trauma and the support she received while fostering internationally, but most importantly, Bekah is honest and raw as she takes us on her journey.

On today’s episode, Melissa shares her personal experiences and advice on one of the topics that she and Cassie discussed during the previous episode…foster parenting. If you are considering foster care, or even if you are already in a foster home, this episode is for you as Melissa shares 3 things to consider. She also gives some great resources, as well as online and in-person options for yoga that she forgot to mention in the last episode. As always, if you would like to have more conversation with her, she would love for you to reach out!

On today’s episode, Cassie takes us through what led her family to do foster care and how that ultimately led her to realize that she needed to work on her own personal growth and healing. Cassie has great insight and advice for those considering foster care while also sharing some of the resources she has found helpful both for herself and her kids. This episode is jam packed with so many topics from foster care to EMDR Therapy to yoga with your kids! Enjoy!

On today’s episode, Melissa shares her thoughts on one of the topics that she and Jon discussed during the previous episode…spanking. Yes, it can be controversial, but it doesn’t have to be. Melissa hopes to normalize having conversation about spanking and open mindedness when it comes to alternatives. She shares a few things for those who choose to spank to consider, some alternatives to spanking, and provides some great resources at the end. Melissa does talk briefly about her own experiences with the church and spanking, but her thoughts and opinions are just that….her thoughts and opinions. If you would like to have more conversation with her, she would love for you to reach out!

On today’s episode, Jon shares his feelings about becoming a dad “overnight” when he married Melissa. His perspective on how he thought he would parent shifted when he was able to learn more about how discipline affects kids and that there are other options to discipline that encourage healthier emotional intelligence. Jon touches on corporal punishment and how he came to a place that he realized he could never spank his children which then led him on a mission to help educate other families about the importance of connected parenting approaches. Listen to the very end as Jon gives us three great resources to tap into to help us learn parenting strategies that will help us raise our children to be emotionally intelligent adults.