Burnt Pancakes: Momversations | Conversations for Imperfect Moms, Chats About Mom Life & Interviews with Real Mamas

In today’s episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I'm diving into the world of holiday parenting, but not the toddler nap-time meltdown era. I'm talking about the teen and tween years, where emotions run high, expectations get complicated, and the holiday season suddenly feels like unfamiliar territory.I’m sharing insights inspired by an incredible guide from CultivaTeen Roots called Holiday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen Years. If you’ve ever thought, “Wow… this stage is a whole different ballgame,” you’re not alone. Holidays with big kids require new strategies, new communication, and a whole lot of connection, and this episode breaks down five practical ways to support your tween or teen through the season.In this episode, I cover:Why holiday stress looks different for teens and tweensHow giving them space can prevent overwhelm and conflictThe importance of setting clear expectations before eventsPractical tools to help them manage sensory overloadHow to stay calm and not take their reactions personallyChoosing one meaningful thing to honor their holiday experienceSimple conversation starters for the drive homeMy own experience shifting from “little kid holidays” to “teen territory”Links Mentioned:Check out CultivaTeen Roots and their course Making AdoleSenseHoliday Harmony: A Parent Quick Guide for the Teen YearsWhy this episode matters:Holidays can be a beautiful time of connection but they can also bring stress, overstimulation, and power struggles, especially with older kids who are still figuring themselves out. This episode gives you tools to create more harmony and support your teen or tween with empathy, clarity, and confidence.Perfect for you if:You’re parenting a tween or teenYou feel like holidays are more complicated than they used to beYou want fewer meltdowns and more meaningful momentsYou’re craving practical, real-life strategiesYou want to build deeper connection with your big kid this season📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓 FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I had the honor of talking with Nikki McIntosh, author of Rare Mamas: Empowering Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s Rare Disease and the incredible woman behind the Rare Mamas community.Nikki’s story begins when her youngest son, Miles, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and everything in her world shifted. She left her 18-year marketing career and stepped fully into caregiving, advocacy, and creating a place for other rare moms to feel seen and supported.During our conversation, we dive into: ✨ What those first days after a rare disease diagnosis actually feel like ✨ How Nikki found purpose, community, and strength in the middle of fear and uncertainty ✨ The emotional and mental load of caring for a child with a rare or complex condition ✨ Why humor and storytelling matter so much during hard seasons ✨ Practical tools from her book for navigating medical systems, advocating for your child, and protecting your own well-being ✨ The message Nikki hopes every lost or overwhelmed rare mama hears todayEven if you’re not walking through a rare disease journey, this conversation is full of encouragement for any mom who’s ever felt exhausted, stretched thin, or alone. Nikki’s honesty and heart are such a gift, and I know so many moms will feel less isolated after listening.Resources I Mentioned: – Her book: Rare Mamas by Nikki McIntosh – The Rare Mamas community + podcast - HERE – Instagram: @rare_mamasIf this episode touched you, please share it with a friend who might need the reminder that she’s not the only one, and that hope can live right alongside the hard.📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓 FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

In today’s episode, I’m spilling the hot cocoa on how we do Santa in our house — the traditions, the magic, and yes… the moment my oldest started to figure it all out.I’m sharing how my parents did Santa when I was growing up, why my husband and I decided to keep the tradition alive with our kids (even though some people say it’s “lying”), and what we’ve done over the years to keep the magic going without being caught red-handed.You’ll also hear the story of when Ronin started asking questions, how we handled “the talk,” and how we’re now bringing him in on the fun for his little brothers. It’s sweet, it’s sentimental, and a little bit funny — basically a true momversation about growing up, letting go, and keeping the joy of Christmas alive in a new way.If you’ve ever wondered how other families handle Santa — or you’re just trying to figure out how to navigate that “Is Santa real?” conversation — this one’s for you.In This Episode:The Santa traditions I grew up withWhy we decided to continue the Santa magic in our familyHow we balanced Santa with the real meaning of ChristmasThe moment my son started putting the pieces togetherHow we had “the talk” (and why it made me a little sad)What we’re doing now to keep the magic alive for his brothersGET MY SANTA TAGS: https://burntpancakesshop.etsy.com/listing/1129506604📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓 FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

This is a throwback episode from 2023.Today I sit down with Bethany, from Bethany Jean Photography to talk all about family photos. She is not only an incredibly talented photographer with over 6 years experience, but she is also a mom to 4 kiddos. She knows what it is like to be on both sides of the camera lens. She's got all the tricks on how to get the perfect family photo even if your family is not so perfect (trust me, she has photographed my crazy boys multiple times).Bethany gives us tips on how to choose the right photographer, when to book a photographer, what to wear, how to prepare for the shoot and what to do when your kids or partner aren't as cooperative as you hoped.You will love this momversation!You can find Bethany:website: bethanyjeanphotography.comInstagram: @bethanyjeanphotographyBethany Pinterest Boards for Palette InspirationBethany's Styling Tips📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓 FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, this episode is basically a warm hug made of slap bracelets, Lisa Frank stickers, and the smell of a Blockbuster on a Friday night.In this episode, I’m taking a little trip down memory lane to celebrate the absolute best childhood decades — the 80s and 90s. Back when we played outside until the streetlights came on, drank from the garden hose, and somehow survived toys that were equal parts fun and dangerous.Remember when TGIF was the highlight of the week? Family Matters, Full House, Boy Meets World — I can still sing every single theme song. And Saturday morning cartoons? That was the best for kids. We woke up early on purpose, poured a giant bowl of cereal, and watched hours of pure joy.We didn’t have iPads or streaming — we had patience, creativity, and boredom, and honestly, it made us awesome.So today, I’m laughing my way through all the reasons growing up in the 80s and 90s was simply the best — and how I’m trying to bring some of that freedom and simplicity into motherhood today.☀️ In This Episode, I Chat About:Why being a free-range kid was the best kind of childhoodThe weird, wonderful, slightly dangerous toys that shaped usThe glory days of TGIF (and why Danny Tanner > YouTube families)Saturday morning cartoons and sugary cereal magicThe struggle of dial-up internet and the art of the mixtapeHow we can give our kids a taste of that 90s-style simplicity🧃 This Episode Is For You If:You can still sing every word to the Full House theme song, think kids today are missing out on boredom, and occasionally miss the thrill of renting a VHS tape on a Friday night.📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓 FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.