Mom Life: Uncomplicated - Parenting tips, organization, routines, self-care, mindset

🎧 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Everywhere you look, January screams "new year, new you." But what if the best thing you could do for yourself this year is absolutely nothing? No resolutions. No transformation. Just permission to keep showing up as the exhausted, imperfect, doing-the-best-you-can mom you already are. In this episode, you'll discover: Why New Year's resolutions are actually built for people who aren't already drowning (and what that means for you) The three powerful questions that will help you reclaim space instead of adding more pressure How to redefine success when you're an overwhelmed mom (spoiler: cereal for dinner counts) The permission slip you've been waiting for to skip the whole resolution system Why mattering more to yourself is the real transformation your kids need to see 💙 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Can you barely get through the day without losing your mind? You're not alone. You're managing the mental load of everyone's schedules, keeping tiny humans alive, working a job, maintaining relationships, and trying to prevent your house from descending into complete chaos. When you're already stretched too thin, adding a resolution is like trying to squeeze one more item into a suitcase that's already bursting at the seams. And when it inevitably doesn't work—when you can't stick to the workout plan, the meal prep, or the early wake-up time—you blame yourself. You think you're lazy or undisciplined or weak. But mama, that's not what's happening. You're not a project that needs fixing. You're a person doing something incredibly difficult without nearly enough support. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS You need less, not more. The path forward isn't about adding things to your life. It's about subtracting—figuring out what you can let go of, what you can say no to, and what doesn't actually matter as much as you think it does. Ask yourself three critical questions. What's draining you the most right now? What would it look like if you could let go of that thing even a little bit? What do you actually need more of (not what you should need)? Redefine success for overwhelmed moms. Success isn't waking up at 5 AM or meal prepping every Sunday. Success is waking up tomorrow without feeling like you're already behind. It's one moment of genuine connection with your kid. It's saying no without spiraling into guilt. It's having cereal for dinner and not beating yourself up. You don't need to do more—you need to matter more to yourself. When you value yourself, you model for your kids how to value themselves. That's the real transformation. 🎯 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE? Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's talk. Sometimes a parent coach can see things you can't see when you're in the thick of it. Book your free 30-minute coaching call at nataliemccabe.com. 💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with other moms who get it. Share struggles, celebrate wins, and find support without judgment. Join the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community at nataliemccabe.com. 📖 Read Natalie's Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" From surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens. Get your copy at nataliemccabe.com. 💬 LET'S CONNECT Did this episode give you permission to skip the resolution madness? I'd love to hear! Screenshot your favorite moment, tag me @nataliemccabe.coach, and share what hit home. ⭐ If you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other overwhelmed moms find us! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Wherever you listen  

🎄 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Not everyone wakes up on Christmas morning feeling magical. Some of us are exhausted, overwhelmed, or spending the day alone wondering why we weren't invited to family gatherings. If you're listening to this on Christmas Day (or any holiday) and you're NOT feeling the joy everyone else seems to radiate—this episode is your permission slip to feel exactly what you're feeling. In this raw and vulnerable episode, Natalie opens up about her own Christmases as a single mom, when she and her kids weren't invited to a single family gathering despite living in the same town. She shares the crushing loneliness of scrolling through social media while roasting a chicken (because she couldn't afford a turkey), and how she learned that your worth isn't determined by who invites you to their table. 🎧 In This Episode You'll Discover: • Why you're allowed to NOT feel magical today—and why that doesn't make you a bad mom [6:00] • The "Name It and Claim It" method for handling difficult family dynamics in real-time [9:30] • The 4-7-8 breathing technique to reset your nervous system when you're triggered (we do it together!) [14:00] • Why taking 30 minutes for yourself on Christmas isn't selfish—it's necessary [18:00] • How to give yourself permission to feel disappointment, exhaustion, loneliness, or resentment without guilt [7:00] • Specific scripts for setting boundaries with family members who push your buttons [10:30] 💔 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's get real for a second. Society has sold us a lie that the holidays are supposed to be this transcendent, magical moment where everything feels perfect and you're filled with gratitude and wonder. But here's the truth—that's a lot of pressure. And whether you've been carrying the mental load of this entire season, or you're feeling the crushing weight of loneliness and exclusion, you're allowed to be tired. You're allowed to not feel magical. Maybe you're at a family gathering right now but feeling completely isolated. Maybe you're scrolling through social media watching everyone else's perfect family photos and wondering what's wrong with you. Maybe you're the only one who planned, shopped, wrapped, cooked, and cleaned while everyone else gets to relax. Or maybe, like Natalie's story, you're spending today alone with your kids, wondering why you weren't included in family plans. If you woke up this morning without overwhelming Christmas joy, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. It means you're human. It means you're exhausted. And it means you need support, not judgment. This episode is for the mom who's running on empty, dealing with difficult family dynamics, sitting with loneliness, or just done with the pressure to perform holiday magic. You're not broken for not feeling the magic—you're real. And real is what your kids need, not perfection. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOLUTIONS Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You Feel Your feelings are valid whether you're experiencing disappointment, exhaustion, loneliness, resentment, or numbness. None of these emotions make you a bad person or a bad mom. Your worth isn't determined by who invites you to their table, and the size of your gathering doesn't measure your value as a parent. Navigate Difficult Family Dynamics with the "Name It and Claim It" Method When someone triggers you (and they probably will), first NAME what's happening internally: "That comment just made my blood pressure spike. I'm feeling defensive." Then CLAIM your response—you get to choose what happens next. Try this simple script: "I hear you" + change the subject. You're not arguing, not agreeing—just acknowledging and moving on. Use the 4-7-8 Reset When You're Triggered This science-backed breathing technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system and literally signals your body to calm down. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale through your mouth for 8. Do this three times. When you extend your exhale longer than your inhale, your heart rate slows, cortisol drops, and you shift from fight-or-flight back to rational thinking. Take an Actual Break—Even on Christmas You need 30 minutes that are just for you. Not doing dishes, not coordinating meals—30 minutes where you do absolutely nothing for anyone else. Tell everyone you need 30 minutes and leave. Go for a drive, sit in your bedroom with the door locked, take a hot shower and cry if you need to. Your kids will be fine. The best gift you can give your family isn't your constant presence—it's your regulated nervous system. Remember: The Magic Isn't in Perfect Moments Your kids won't remember whether you felt magical or had a big gathering. They'll remember whether you were PRESENT (not the presents). Sometimes being present means acknowledging you're running on empty and giving yourself grace for not being the Hallmark movie version of Christmas mom. 🎁 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE? 🎯 Get Your Free 30-Minute Coaching Call If you're realizing you need help navigating family dynamics, setting boundaries, dealing with loneliness, or figuring out how to do motherhood without burning out—let's talk. Book your free coaching call and we'll create a plan that actually works for YOUR life. 👉 [nataliemccabe.com - Book A Call] 💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with other parent coaches and moms who really get it. Women who aren't pretending Christmas is perfect, who understand what it's like to feel excluded or alone. This is what community is about—gathering together to help each other through the hard stuff. 👉 [Join the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community] 📖 Get the First Chapter of "Sink or Swim Parenting" FREE Natalie's book dives deep into the real struggles of overwhelmed moms and gives you practical strategies to go from surviving to thriving. 👉 [Get Your Free Chapter] 🌟 LET'S CONNECT Did this episode hit home? Screenshot your favorite moment, tag @nataliemccabe.coach on Instagram, and share what resonated with you. Your story might be exactly what another overwhelmed mom needs to hear today. ⭐ Love this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other exhausted, overwhelmed moms find the support they need. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | All Major Platforms Website: nataliemccabe.com You're doing better than you think, mama. The fact that you're here, trying to figure it out—that already makes you a great mom. You've got this. 💪

It's December 23rd. You're exhausted, the house isn't perfect, and someone just asked what time dinner is tomorrow. Here's what you need to hear: your kids don't need perfect—they need you present, not stressed to tears at midnight. This episode is your permission slip to let go of traditions that drain you, set boundaries that protect your peace, and actually enjoy the final hours before Christmas. What You'll Learn ✓ The 3 things you can drop RIGHT NOW for instant stress relief ✓ How to set family boundaries without guilt (even when they push back) ✓ Why "good enough" Christmas is actually better for your kids ✓ The 60-second practice that helps you stay present in the chaos ✓ What to say when someone expects more than you can give Episode Highlights & Timestamps [00:01:00] The Sugar Cookie Breakdown Story Natalie shares her 11:30 PM meltdown over cement-like cookies and the moment her daughter's question changed everything: "Mommy, why are you sad? Christmas is tomorrow." [00:05:00] Why Good Enough Beats Perfect Research-backed truth: kids thrive on connection, not perfection. What they actually remember from childhood (hint: it's not the wrapped presents). [00:07:00] 3 Things to Drop Right Now Drop traditions created from obligation, not joy Drop the elaborate holiday dinner expectations Drop perfectionist gift wrapping [00:11:00] The 48-Hour Boundary Plan Exactly what to say to family when you can't deliver what they expect: "This is what works for our family right now." No over-explaining required. [00:14:00] What Being Present Actually Means Real presence isn't having everything under control—it's making eye contact when your kid shows you something, laughing at the chaos instead of controlling it. [00:17:00] Permission to Feel What You're Feeling Your stress is valid. Your disappointment is real. And pretending to be happy doesn't serve anyone—especially not your kids. Key Takeaways The Best Gift You Can Give: A mom who is present, not perfect. Your kids want YOU—not a performance, not perfection, just you being real. The Boundary Statement That Works: "This is what works for our family right now." Use it. Don't defend it. Their unrealistic expectations are not your emergency. What Kids Actually Remember: Not the perfectly wrapped presents or Instagram-worthy decorations. They remember when people were relaxed enough to be themselves, when there was laughter, when someone messed up and everyone laughed about it. Your One Action Step Pick ONE thing from this episode and do it: Set one boundary Let one tradition go Take a 60-second pause to notice one beautiful moment That's it. Just one thing. Episode Resources SEO Keywords for Pinterest Pins Primary Keywords: Christmas stress relief holiday overwhelm stressed mom holidays last minute Christmas overwhelmed mom Christmas holiday boundary setting mom burnout holidays Pin Title Ideas: "Drop These 3 Things for Stress-Free Christmas (It's Not Too Late)" "Holiday Stress Relief for Overwhelmed Moms: Last-Minute Permission" "How to Stop Holiday Overwhelm When You're Already Exhausted" "Christmas Boundaries: What to Say When Family Expects Too Much" Pin Description Formula: "Last-minute Christmas stress relief for exhausted moms. If you're drowning in holiday overwhelm, here are 3 things to drop RIGHT NOW for instant peace. Learn how to set boundaries without guilt, let go of perfectionism, and actually be present with your kids. With 87 kids daily + 16 years single parenting, I only share what works in real chaos. Click to listen. #christmasstress #overwhelmedmom #holidayboundaries #momburnout" Quotable Moments "Being present doesn't mean you have everything under control. Real presence is making eye contact with your kid when they show you something—not being on your phone." "My kids didn't need homemade cookies. They needed a mom who wasn't having a breakdown." "The best gift you can give your kids is a mom who is present, not perfect." "Their disappointment is not my emergency. Their unrealistic expectations are not my responsibility." Connect With Natalie Ready to go from surviving to thriving? Here's how I can help: FREE 30-Minute Coaching Call Tell me your biggest stress triggers and let's create a simple action plan together. Limited spots available weekly. [Book your call] 5-Minute Mom Calm-Down Kit (FREE) Emergency techniques tested with 87 kids daily. Get instant access to the breathing exercises and regulation strategies that actually work when you're at your breaking point. [Download now] Weekly Strategies in Your Inbox Join overwhelmed moms who are learning to break the burnout cycle. Real solutions, no fluff. [Sign up here] Leave a Review If this episode helped you let go of even ONE thing this holiday season, please leave a review. It helps other exhausted moms find the permission they need to protect their peace too. What will you let go of this holiday season? Drop a comment and let me know which boundary you're setting or tradition you're releasing. Your story might give another mom the permission she needs.

What happens when a mom quits social media for 90 days? Mari Wuellner shares how her sabbatical transformed her family. In this episode: The ripple effect of putting down your phone Teaching kids media literacy in the AI age Getting 10+ minutes back in your day Post and ghost? We're talking boundaries. 🎧 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Feeling like you're drowning in the scroll while your kids are right in front of you? You're not alone—and you're about to hear a game-changing conversation about what happens when a mom actually puts down her phone. In This Episode: [00:02:00] The uncomfortable truth about how much time we're really disconnecting from our kids [00:05:00] How Mari's social media sabbatical created an unexpected ripple effect in her family [00:08:00] Why our kids aren't equipped to process what they see online (and what to do about it) [00:13:00] The powerful moment when you ask yourself "How am I?" instead of picking up your phone [00:17:00] How stepping back from social media led to life-changing decisions (including moving houses!) [00:19:00] The "post and ghost" strategy for business owners who need boundaries 💚 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's be real—we've all been there. You're with your kids, but your thumb is automatically reaching for your phone. You tell yourself it's just a quick check, but 20 minutes later you're still scrolling, and you missed that moment when your child tried to show you something. Here's what nobody talks about: when you pick up your phone to scroll, you're immediately transferring control of your emotional wellbeing to an algorithm. Not to another person. Not even to the content creator. To an algorithm designed to keep you hooked. In this powerful conversation with parenting coach Mari Wuellner, we dive deep into her 90-day social media sabbatical and the unexpected transformations that rippled through her entire family. From her kids being more comfortable taking photos (knowing they won't be posted) to making huge life decisions without the performative pressure of social media, Mari's journey will make you rethink your relationship with your phone. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Start small: You don't need to quit cold turkey. Try "Social Media Sunday" or remove apps from your phone (you can still access them on your computer) Model the behavior: Your kids are watching everything. When you set boundaries with your phone, it becomes easier to set them for your children without hypocrisy Transfer power back to yourself: Before reaching for your phone, ask "How am I right now?" and "What do I need?" Create a list of alternatives that actually meet those needs Teach media literacy: With AI and deepfakes, our kids need critical thinking skills more than ever. Teach them to question what they see and dig deeper for truth The ripple effect is real: When Mari deleted social media, family members followed. Her kids became more comfortable being themselves. She made better life decisions aligned with her values (travel and freedom) rather than performance 👤 ABOUT MARI WUELLNER Mari Wuellner is a parenting coach who helps overwhelmed moms find clarity and presence in their motherhood journey. After a transformative 90-day social media sabbatical, she revolutionized her coaching practice and now advocates for intentional technology use in families. Connect with Mari: 📱 Instagram: @[handle to be provided] 💻 Sign up for Mari's FREE 5-Day Social Media Detox Challenge: [link in show notes] ✉️ Join Mari's email community: [link in show notes] 🎯 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE? Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's talk about getting you 10 hours back in your week. Book your free 30-minute coaching call at nataliemccabe.com 💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with other moms who are choosing presence over performance. Share struggles, celebrate wins, and find support without the algorithm. 👉 Join Here: momlifeuncomplicated.com/community 📖 Read Natalie's Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" From surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens—including a whole chapter on navigating technology with your family. 👉 Pre-Order Now: nataliemccabe.com/book

Ever reach for your phone without thinking? Mari Wuellner quit social media for 3 months—completely. What she discovered about validation, comparison, and real connection will change how you see that phone in your hand. In this episode: Why her thumb didn't know what to do The validation trap affecting your worth How scrolling creates fake connection The magic of being present Part 1 of 2. Resources: nataliemccabe.com 📱 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Ever reach for your phone without even thinking? Find yourself scrolling while waiting in line, sitting on the couch, or hiding in the bathroom for "just a minute"? You're not alone—and this conversation is about to open your eyes to what's really happening. 🎧 In This Episode: [02:00] Why Mari decided to take a complete 3-month social media sabbatical [03:30] The shocking truth: her thumb didn't know what to do (dozens of times a day!) [06:00] Using social media to numb instead of rest—and why that matters [07:15] The validation trap: when likes determine your worth as a mom and entrepreneur [08:45] The comparison struggle every mom faces (especially during homecoming season) [11:00] How social media gives us fake connection—and leaves us feeling lonely [13:00] What happened when Mari chose presence over posting at a concert [16:00] The invitation: curate your feed OR take a break—permission to choose what serves YOU 💔 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Mama, let's get real for a second. You pick up your phone to take a break from the mental load, the touching, the constant demands. Just 15 minutes of peace, right? But then you're scrolling past perfectly organized playrooms, moms who "bounce back" in two weeks, families who look like they walked out of a magazine shoot. And suddenly that break isn't restful anymore. You feel worse. More inadequate. More behind. More alone. What if I told you that social media is actually stealing the connection, rest, and validation you're desperately seeking? That the "dead space" you're filling with scrolling is actually sacred space for real joy, real connection, real presence? In this raw, honest conversation with entrepreneur and mom of three Mari Wuellner, we're diving into her 3-month social media sabbatical. No team posting for her. No "I'm still here" updates. Complete unplugging. And what she discovered will change how you think about that phone in your hand. This isn't about perfection or adding one more thing to your to-do list. This is about getting honest with yourself—and maybe, just maybe, finding what you've been looking for in all the wrong places. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS The Habitual Nature of Phone Addiction: Mari picked up her phone dozens (maybe hundreds!) of times daily without conscious thought. Her thumb automatically went to Instagram to fill any "dead space"—even 15 seconds in line. If that sounds familiar, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it. The Validation Trap is Real: When Mari's creative posts only got three likes, she started questioning her worth, her art, her purpose. Social media was determining her self-esteem. If you've ever felt less-than because your post didn't perform, you need to hear this conversation. Comparison Culture is Stealing Your Joy: From homecoming photos to vacation posts to "perfect" family moments—social media keeps us in a constant state of comparison. Mari shares how stepping away helped her realize she was measuring her real life against everyone else's highlight reel. Scrolling Isn't Connection: This is the big one. When Mari left social media, she felt lonely—which revealed that she'd been using scrolling as fake connection. True connection requires presence, vulnerability, and actual conversation. Knowing someone's on vacation isn't the same as talking with them about it over coffee. Presence Creates Magic: Mari's concert story will give you chills. Because she wasn't posting to stories, she ran into the opening artist and created a real memory with her son. When you're present instead of posting, life shows up differently. 🎤 ABOUT MARI WUELLNER Mari Wuellner is a passionate entrepreneur and coach dedicated to helping others design a life they love. She's been a State Farm agency owner since 2008, growing her business to $3 million in annual premiums while fostering her team's personal and professional success. In 2016, Mari launched Living on Purpose Coaching, where she empowers clients to move from living on autopilot to intentionally crafting lives of fulfillment. A real estate investor, podcaster, avid traveler, and lifelong learner, Mari draws inspiration from her three kids and their zest for leadership, courage, and fun. With businesses and a life built around her core values—family, impact, freedom, and growth—Mari's mission is to help others discover the magic of living on purpose. Connect with Mari: 📱 Instagram: @mari.wuellner 💼 Website: livingonpurposecoaching.com 🎙 Podcast: Living on Purpose Podcast 🌟 READY TO REDUCE YOUR MENTAL LOAD? 🎯 Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's identify your biggest stress triggers and create a simple action plan together. Book your free 30-minute coaching call at nataliemccabe.com 💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with expert parent coaches and other moms who are ditching the overwhelm and building lives they actually love—without the comparison trap. Join the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community at nataliemccabe.com 📖 Read Natalie's Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" From surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens—get the roadmap to reduce stress and build a home that feels peaceful and in control. Available now at nataliemccabe.com 💬 LET'S CONNECT Did this episode hit home? I'd love to hear from you! Screenshot your favorite moment, tag me @natalie_mccabe_offical, and share what resonated. Your story matters. ⭐ If you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other overwhelmed moms find us! 🎧 Part 2 drops next week! Mari shares even more insights from her sabbatical and practical tips for creating boundaries with your phone. You won't want to miss it.