Families Matter Most

It's Christmas… but it doesn't feel like Christmas. You've booked the sleigh ride. Said yes to the cookie exchange. Nailed the elf antics, the concerts, the gifts, the matching pajamas. And somewhere between the peppermint lattes and the Pinterest-perfect moments… it hit you. "This doesn't feel like joy. This feels like pressure." In this heartfelt episode, Jenn gets real about the Christmas breakdown moment — that point in the season where the to-do list has taken over and the magic feels just out of reach. She invites moms, dads, caregivers, and overextended holiday heroes to take a deep breath and ask: What do I really want this season to feel like? Jenn shares gentle wisdom, a few stories from the frontlines of frazzled parenting, and practical ways to reclaim the peace, presence, and connection we all long for in December. This is your permission slip to stop chasing the "perfect Christmas" and start creating a meaningful one. Whether you're baking while crying or just trying to keep up with the wrapping paper whirlwind, this episode is your warm cup of clarity and calm. Because Christmas isn't something we perform. It's something we live — together. Did you love this episode? Help us reach more parents by hitting follow or subscribe and leaving a review! P.S. If you are struggling to slow down this season. Reach out, let's book you in for a free strategy call today!

In this episode, psychotherapist and parenting coach Todd Sarner shares powerful insights into defiance, attachment, and the instincts driving our children's behavior. We explore why kids resist, what's really behind "challenging" behavior, and how understanding their emotional needs can transform how we respond. Todd brings clarity and compassion to the parenting journey, helping us move from reactivity to connection—with tools rooted in attachment theory and neuroscience. Perfect for any parent wanting to go deeper than discipline and discover the why behind their child's behavior. When we understand the why, everything begins to change. Who is Todd? Todd Sarner, MFT, is a psychotherapist, parenting coach, and founder of Transformative Parenting, where he helps high-achieving parents move beyond daily power struggles and emotional overwhelm into deeper connection, lasting peace, and real cooperation at home. A former Faculty Member of the Neufeld Institute and longtime student of developmental attachment theory, Todd blends cutting-edge neuroscience with practical, compassionate strategies that work in the real world. His signature Transformative Parenting Process guides parents to become the calm, confident leaders their children need—without punishment, yelling, or losing themselves in the process. Connect with Todd: www.transformativeparenting.com www.facebook.com/tparenting Interested in his upcoming book launch? Todd is launching his new book "The Calm & Connected Parent: An Attachment-First Guide to Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Screens and AI" on November 18th, 2025 Looking for more podcasts on this topic? Anxiety in Our Kids Why Are Kids Bad After School? Defiance! When Your Kids Say NO!

🎉 Season 7 Launch! 🎉 We're kicking off a brand new season of the Families Matter Most podcast—and Jenn is diving straight into a big one: Anxiety in our kids. From toddlers to teens, anxiety shows up differently in every personality and age. In today's episode, Jenn breaks it down: 💭 What anxiety might really look like (hint: it's not always obvious) 🤝 How you can support your child with confidence and compassion 🚩 When it's time to seek extra help—and how to do it Whether you're seeing signs of anxiety in your child or just want to be prepared, this episode has something for every parent. You're not alone—and you can help your child feel safe, seen, and supported. 🔔 Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🌐 Looking for more parenting tools? Visit www.familiesmattermost.com for coaching, courses, and resources to help your family thrive.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of death, domestic violence, substance use, and strong language related to grief. Please listen with care. In this powerful and deeply vulnerable season closer, we welcome a guest whose story holds the weight of every parent's worst fear. One year ago, Tammy received a call that shattered her world—her daughter had been stabbed to death. What followed was a journey through grief no parent imagines walking. Tammy joins us to share the unfiltered truth of what it's like to survive the unimaginable. With raw honesty and unshakable courage, she opens up about the moment that changed everything, the dark valleys she's walked through since, and the lifelines that have helped her keep going. From the anger and numbness to the small flickers of healing, Tammy brings us inside her experience—offering hard-earned wisdom, fierce love, and a message every parent needs to hear. Together, we explore: The brutal reality of "that call" and the shock that follows What helped Tammy hold on when everything fell apart The role of community in grief—how to build one that truly holds you How to be a safe place for your kids The deep strength of a mother's love, even in unspeakable loss This episode is tender, gritty, and real. It's a reminder that while we cannot always protect our children from this world, we can be their anchor in it—and find our own healing in the process. To every parent who has ever feared "the call"—this episode is for you. To those who are living it—you are not alone. Resources Mentioned in today's episode: Clare's Law 211- text, call, or use the website in Saskatchewan. Thank you to Tammy, Linda, and Regina Police Services If this episode has shaken you, and you need to talk to someone please reach out. Book a free strategy call or email us.

This Mother's Day, we're celebrating YOU—the heart of your home—with something special. In this episode of Families Matter Most, we're gifting you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our favorite sessions from the No More Yelling course. It's a powerful, grace-filled sneak peek that offers real tools to help you respond—not react—when parenting gets hard. If you've ever wished for more patience, more calm, or just a moment to breathe, this one's for you. And as our gift to you this Mother's Day, the full No More Yelling course is 50% off until midnight on Mother's Day. Let's be honest—anger can feel like the "bad emotion" no one wants to admit they have, especially as a parent. But the truth is, anger is human. It's often a sign that something needs attention: our boundaries, our needs, or even our exhaustion. In this episode, Jenn opens up about her own journey with anger and offers four practical, grace-filled strategies to help you handle those fiery moments with intention instead of shame. You'll learn how to pause before reacting, name what you're feeling, create a physical release, and return with repair—a roadmap that helps you stay grounded and connected, even in the storm. This isn't about being a "perfect" parent. It's about showing up with courage, curiosity, and compassion—for your child, and for yourself. This is your time to grow, heal, and lead with love—even when voices rise. You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Let's do this, together. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mama's out there! Use code: MOTHERSDAY at checkout. Click Here to get your course today! Love what you heard today? Hit Follow, leave a review or rate us to hear more and help us reach more families like you.