Modern Mom Probs

In this fun solo episode, Tara dives into one of the most universal parts of family life: dinner time. From picky eaters to last-minute meal planning, Tara explores why dinner can feel like a juggling act. She reminds listeners that dinner doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. Instead, it’s about presence, laughter, and creating small moments that bring your family closer together. Tara also shares practical strategies and her favorite tips to take the pressure off mealtime, from simplifying dinner plans to getting kids involved in the process. She emphasizes that lowering expectations can reduce stress and that predictability often helps children feel more comfortable at the table. At the end of the day, family dinners aren’t about flawless recipes. They’re about connection and showing up for one another.Tune in to hear how a shift in perspective can turn dinner from another thing on your to-do list into one of the most grounding moments of your family’s day. A special thank you to the sponsor of the video, New York Bakery, for being a busy parents mealtime sidekick and for helping Tara to remind her audience to embrace quality family time above all else. Where to buy New York Bakery dinnertime favorites: https://nybakery.com/where-to-buy/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Ambassador&utm_campaign=Modernmomprobs New York Bakery's Dinnertime Recipe Inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/thenybakery/https://www.tiktok.com/@thenybakery Check out Tara's interview with real parents about what matters most when it comes to dinnertime: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ20tidkaPd/

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tara sits down with international parenting coach and author of "Parenting a Spicy One" Mary Van Geffen to talk about the beautiful complexity of raising strong-willed, “spicy” children. Together they unpack why parenting a spicy child can feel so isolating, and why even the very "best moms" can have "wildly defiant" kids. Mary explains how neurodivergence can shape a child’s behavior, why picking your battles matters, and how understanding a child’s underlying needs can dramatically reduce stress at home. They also explore the importance of allowing kids to fully express their emotions, setting clear expectations without harsh punishments, and recognizing the negative parenting cycles we sometimes slip into. Mary shares practical, hope-filled tools for strengthening connection, starting with the simple act of delighting in your child. She talks about creating a “love list” to help parents affirm their child’s positive traits, build more positive interactions, and foster a warm, supportive family culture. Tara and Mary also discuss the magic of playfulness, how laughter eases tension, and why self-love is essential for any parent trying to raise a big-feeling kid with compassion. By understanding your own inner child and bringing more intention and curiosity to everyday moments, you can nurture a relationship that becomes even stronger through the years. Links: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/ https://www.maryvangeffen.com/parentingaspicyonebook https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen

In this episode, Tara sits down with clinical psychologist, podcaster, and author of the new book "You, Your Husband, and His Mother," Dr. Tracy Dalgleish for an honest and eye-opening conversation about one of the most universally challenging family dynamics: the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Together, they unpack why an incredible 85% of people experience conflict in this area, exploring how cultural shifts in parenting, emotional socialization, and postpartum expectations all play a role. Dr. Tracy introduces her powerful Vault Method, a structured framework that helps couples navigate in-law relationships with clearer communication, stronger boundaries, and a deeper understanding of their own emotional patterns. Tara and Dr. Tracy dive into the difference between healthy and unhealthy family systems, shedding light on why daughters and daughters-in-law are often treated differently and how these dynamics can create guilt, resentment, or pressure, especially for new moms. Dr. Tracy outlines the six types of mothers-in-law, from the supportive types who foster emotional independence to the blamers who scapegoat others instead of looking inward. Through compassionate, relatable examples, she and Tara highlight the importance of self-awareness, emotional detachment from guilt, and the courage to set boundaries that protect your well-being. Listen to this episode if you want to walk away with practical tools to create healthier family relationships, open up communication with your partner, and navigate in-law challenges with more clarity, confidence, and calm. Links: https://drtracyd.com/ https://drtracyd.com/you-your-husband-and-his-mother https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Tara chats with actress, singer, and The Mom Curious podcast host Daniella Rabbani about the wonderfully complicated world of motherhood. They dive into why friendship, connection, and a solid support system matter so much, especially when it feels like judgment is everywhere. Daniella talks about how leading with curiosity (instead of criticism) can totally shift the way we see parenting and help us appreciate the fact that every family’s journey looks different. They also get real about the pressures of social media and how those picture-perfect posts can mess with our confidence. Daniella opens up about leaning on others, trusting your own path, and finding comfort in community. She shares a beautiful tribute to her beautiful late sister, whose memory inspires her to spread kindness, a reminder that even small acts of compassion can have a big impact. This episode is all about slowing down, having real conversations, and creating space to truly hear each other. It’s one you won’t want to miss! Links: https://www.instagram.com/daniellarabbani/ https://www.instagram.com/momcurious/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-curious/id1602585064

In this inspiring episode, Tara welcomes Brynn Putnam, a former professional ballerina turned tech entrepreneur and founder of innovative tech companies Mirror and Board. Her new venture Board is a family game night platform that blends digital and physical gaming to bring families closer together. Brynn shares the fascinating journey that took her from the world of dance to the world of innovation, explaining how creativity, discipline, and resilience shaped her entrepreneurial path. As a mom and business leader, Brynn opens up about how motherhood transformed her perspective on success and time. She discusses the ongoing challenge of managing work and parenting, the importance of being fully present with her family, and why she now values quality time over quantity. Together, Tara and Brynn dive into the modern pressures mothers face, from unrealistic societal expectations to the lack of structural support for working parents. Brynn also offers empowering advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, emphasizing that great ideas often start from personal frustration, which can spark incredible creativity. She reminds moms that it’s okay to give themselves permission to rest, recharge, and step away from their children without guilt. Through her story, Brynn shows that it’s possible to build something meaningful, for both your family and your career, when you follow your passions and redefine what "balance" really looks like for you. Links: https://board.fun/ https://www.instagram.com/board.fun https://x.com/BrynnPutnam