The Monday Mashup

20 Stories About Moms, The Sleep Wave, Alejandro Daniel Pina, LMFT (#40)

We are dedicated to providing you with a wealth of resources and tips to navigate the ups and downs of parenting. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to highlight a special collection of heartwarming Mother’s Day stories. So, take a moment to celebrate the incredible moms out there by diving into these touching stories that remind us of the unconditional love and sacrifices that make motherhood so special.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends. 

Blogpost We Like

I recently came across an amazing collection of Mother’s Day short stories on RD.com that truly touched my heart. These beautifully written stories capture the essence of motherhood and the deep bond between a mother and her child. From tales of sacrifice and unconditional love to moments of joy and inspiration, each story reminds us of the incredible role mothers play in our lives. Whether you’re a mother yourself or simply want to celebrate the mothers in your life, these heartfelt stories are a must-read. They serve as a beautiful reminder of the profound impact a mother’s love can have and will leave you feeling grateful and inspired.

Excerpt:
“Mommy, you are a fairy,” I said. My mother laughed like tinkling bells. “I am serious, Mother. You know everything.” “My child, I try to answer as best as I can. When you grow older, you will not need me,” she said. “No, Mom, I will always need you. Nothing can change that,” I said. Her words echo in my heart as I look at the blue sky: “Dear daughter, nothing remains the same except the vast blue sky.” It has been ten years since I lost my fairy. Mom, you were wrong about one thing: I still need you. —Saman Rahman, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Check out the collection on RD.com and prepare to be moved by these heartwarming stories that celebrate the incredible women we call “mom.”

(Read it here)

This Week’s Article

Catch the wave-The Sleep Wave!

Discover the secrets to helping your little ones catch the wave of restful sleep with “Catch the Wave: The Sleep Wave,” an insightful article on The Monkey Mashup. This article delves into the challenges parents face when it comes to their children’s sleep and offers practical strategies to create healthy sleep habits. From establishing a consistent bedtime routine to creating a soothing sleep environment, this article provides valuable tips backed by expert advice. Whether you have a newborn or a toddler, “Catch the Wave: The Sleep Wave” is a must-read resource for parents seeking peaceful nights and well-rested children. Read more

Helper of the Week

Alejandro Daniel Pina, LMFT Experience transformative couples therapy with an inclusive and empathetic male marriage counselor trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Specializing in various relationship dynamics including married couples, couples moving in together, interracial couples, same-sex couples, premarital couples, and new relationship couples, he provides LGBTQ Affirming and Latinx Therapy. Through TeleHealth sessions conducted from the comfort of your own home, you’ll discover deeper understanding, productive communication, and effective listening skills to enhance your relationship. With flexible evening times and five-star reviews, visit FeelUnderstood.com to learn more and access valuable resources.

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

P.S. Here are Family Enrichment Events!

Men Talking Fatherhood

This is a safe space where men can share insights about marriage, co-parenting and/or single fatherhood. A forum to talk about deliberately and intentionally raising our children to be independent adults who can reach their full potential and have healthy relationships. Register here

 

Women’s Empowerment and Spiritual Awakening Mother’s Day Retreat

Prepare for a personal transformation, what better way to spend Mother’s Day than by pampering yourself with a special weekend getaway just for Mom? If you are looking for your people or your tribe, wishing there were likeminded women to share moments in time with, someone who believed in Spirituality, Astrology, Tarot Cards, understood the way crystals affect our energy, how to remove stagnant energy, Mindfulness techniques, and energetic tools to cleanse your Chakras and so much more; then this Retreat is for you! Register here

 

Successful Co-Parenting after Divorce

Discover the vital importance of a healthy co-parenting relationship for the well-being of your child, even after separation. Our team is here to guide you through the challenges of co-parenting, addressing unresolved issues and providing tools to build a successful partnership. Join us in learning how to navigate the stress of separation and create a strong co-parenting relationship that fosters love, collaboration, and the best interests of your child. Register here

 

Eliminating Power Struggles With Teens

When teens push boundaries, parents often think their only option is to push back. What if there were an alternative to that power struggle? In this fun and interactive class, parents will learn bridge-building strategies that result in fewer power struggles and greater connection with their kids! Register here

 

The Children’s Trust Parent Club Workshop: Improving Emotional Health

Parents or caregivers with children of any age with specific concerns about their own emotional health and interaction with family members or who are simply interested in general information about improving their emotional health. Register here

 

The Children’s Trust Parent Club Workshop: Raising Your Child Without Raising Your Voice

In this workshop, parents are introduced to the five key elements to raise their child, not their voice. Ideas about how to become more effective in raising their children. Register here

 

The Children’s Trust Parent Club Workshop: Understanding ADHD

In this workshop, parents are introduced to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and will learn about effective: Diagnosis; Treatment; Steps to take to support children and Adolescents across the lifespan. Register here

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Alejandro Daniel Pina, LMFT:   

     Profile | Website

Parenting Neurodiverse Kids, Spring Ahead, Simplicity of Health (#39)

At The Monkey Mashup, we provide a supportive community and a wealth of resources for parents looking for tips and guidance on parenting, including neurodiverse or differently wired children. Our goal is to help parents embrace their role and navigate the challenges of raising a child who may have unique needs.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends. 

What We Watched

In a recent podcast episode, Dr. Nicole Beurkens and Debbie Reber explore the challenges and rewards of parenting neurodiverse or differently-wired children. The discussion focuses on embracing the child’s strengths and needs rather than trying to fix them, and shifting away from the school-enforced goals and stigma surrounding neurodivergent children. Instead, the conversation offers practical tips and resources for parents to help their children thrive in a world that may not always understand or accommodate their unique needs.

As the founder of TiLT Parenting, a leading resource for parents raising differently wired children, Reber offers valuable insights into the journey of parenting a neurodiverse child, emphasizing the importance of taking a marathon, not a sprint, approach. Through her work and personal experiences, Reber has developed a wealth of knowledge and resources to help parents navigate the challenges of raising neurodivergent children and fostering positive, fulfilling relationships with their children.

Don’t miss out on valuable tips and resources for parenting neurodiverse or differently-wired children from Dr. Nicole Beurkens and Debbie Reber.

(Watch it here)

This Week’s Article

This informative piece offers parents a range of helpful tips and ideas for enjoying the spring season with their children. From outdoor gardening and nature exploration to seasonal events, it highlights a variety of activities that families can participate in. The author emphasizes the importance of quality time spent together and creating lasting memories. In addition, the article provides valuable resources and links to assist parents in planning their spring activities. (Read here)
 

Helper of the Week

Simplicity of Health is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with 6 years of experience in pediatrics. She is dedicated to working closely with the families of children who have sensory deficits that impact sleep, diet, academic performance, mental health, relationships, and more. She would love to work with your family on a consultative basis to offer to coach, provide strategies, and work through your child’s concerns one by one.

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

P.S. Here are Family Enrichment Events!

Happy Relationship = Happy Kids

Discover how to make your relationship thrive while dealing with the realities of parenting. Join us to learn how to prioritize intimacy and connection, as the imprint of how you love each other will be imprinted into the subconscious minds of your children. Don’t miss this opportunity to create a positive and fulfilling relationship for you and your family. Register here

 

Getting Your Teen to Listen to You

Do you ever feel like one of those adults in the Charlie Brown specials? All your teen seems to hear is “Wah wah wah”? Learn more effective ways of communicating with your teen about tough topics—anything from homework to dating to drugs—and grow your connection by listening to their words…so they will listen to yours. Register here

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Simplicity of Health:   

     Profile | Website

12 Men Share Pre-Fatherhood Insights, The Unpopular Parent, Wellness North Counselling Ltd (#38)

Whether you are a new or expectant parent seeking inspiration on your parenting journey or just looking for resources and support, The Monkey Mashup is a community that offers a safe space for new parents to connect and learn from each other’s experiences. Through various forms of content such as articles, podcasts, and online events, Monkey Mashup focuses on providing a wealth of valuable resources for new parents.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends. 

Blogpost We Read

Becoming a parent is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a daunting one. There’s no instruction manual for raising a child, and even the most experienced parents can face unexpected challenges. That’s why it’s important to take the time to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses before you become a parent.

In a recent blog post from Fatherly, 12 new fathers share their experiences and insights on what they’re glad they knew about themselves before becoming a dad. From learning how to prioritize self-care to embracing vulnerability and letting go of perfectionism, these dads offer valuable perspectives on the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Here’s one of the stories:
“One thing I knew about myself going into parenthood was that I am not a patient person when learning new things. Typically, I like the bare minimum of coaching and teaching, then I like to jump in and learn on the fly. With parenting, obviously, that can be dangerous. But I knew I wasn’t going to listen to endless podcasts or read all the books. So, knowing my shortcomings, I realized that I was able to prepare by doing two things: finding books that worked for me, and asking people for their top three pieces of parental advice. I was able to balance figuring things out on my own and having help with the basics.”
– Brian, 42, California

(Read blog post here)

This Week’s Article

The Unpopular Parent
Let’s discuss how it is natural for parents to be disliked by their children at times, and how this can be a positive aspect of parenting. The author encourages parents to embrace their role as authority figures, even when it means making unpopular decisions or setting boundaries. They suggest that being a disliked parent is a sign of being an effective parent, and that it is important to remember that children need guidance and structure to grow and develop into healthy adults. (Read)

Helper of the Week

Wellness North Counselling Lt is offering counseling services for Individuals, Couples, and Families. Get support for ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Work Stress, and Relationships. 

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

P.S. Here are Family Enrichment Events!

Less Yelling, More Talking!

Learn strategies to help your teen follow through on chores and responsibilities, manage disrespect and backtalk, and build a positive relationship. This class is for parents of teens and tweens ages 11+. Upon registration, receive a welcome letter and Zoom link. Register here

Improving Your Teen’s Behavior

Learn to guide your under-performing or misbehaving teen towards success with problem-solving strategies, beyond consequences and rewards. This class is for parents of teens and tweens ages 11+. Upon registration, receive a welcome letter and Zoom link. Register here

 

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Wellness North Counselling Ltd:   

     Profile | Website

Slow and Steady Potty Training, Parenting and Punishment, Angel Mayes: Therapeutic Coaching (#37)

Parenting toddlers can be challenging. With so much advice out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, with patience, consistency, and understanding, parents can help their children successfully navigate this transition.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends.

Great Tip We Read

Potty training can be a daunting task for parents, filled with stress, power struggles, and messes. While popular conventional practices, such as the three-day boot camp method and bribery with candy and sticker charts, may work for some, they can be overwhelming and even counterproductive for others. Waiting until the child is “ready” may also lead to power struggles, as children at that age are naturally asserting their independence.

However, there is a peaceful alternative: Slow and Steady Potty Training. This method takes more time and a different mindset but can result in minimal stress, zero power struggles, and positive results. It involves using:

  • Cloth diapers
  • Put baby on a potty seat during diaper changes
  • Use the bathroom in front of the kids
  • And more

This approach may not be for everyone, but for those who want to try a gentler approach to potty training, Slow and Steady may be the way to go. (Read the full blog post here)

This Week’s Article

Parenting and Punishment
Let’s talk about parenting and punishment. Just pause for a moment and really pay attention to what the words parenting and punishment feel like inside your body? Are you instantly transported to a younger, possibly scared or embarrassed version of yourself? Did those feelings then begin to feel like confusion, and like a strike against your young self? Read more.
 

Helper of the Week

Angel Mayes is an at-home therapy and therapeutic coaching for teens and young adults. She specializes in working with teens & young adults struggling with the pressures & expectations of growing up. They want to stop feeling disconnected, lost, & broken so they can begin living an empowered, balanced, authentic life they really want, breaking free of the limitations they currently feel.

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Angel Mayes:   

     Profile | Website

Mealtime Hacks for Picky Eaters, Healing Sex Life after Cesarean Birth, Allison Johnson-Gierth (#36)

Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding experience, and many parents seek day-to-day support and tips to navigate the ups and downs of family life. The Monkey Mashup offers a wealth of resources that provide practical advice to help parents with the challenges of raising a family. Whether it’s dealing with picky eaters, managing screen time, or fostering positive relationships, these resources can help parents create a positive and healthy home environment for their families.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends.

Article We’re Reading

Do you have a picky eater in your household? Many parents can relate to the challenge of trying to get their children to eat a healthy and varied diet. Picky eaters can be frustrating for parents, and it can be difficult to know how to encourage them to try new foods and develop a taste for healthy options. In this context, it can be helpful to learn about strategies and tips to help picky eaters broaden their dietary preferences and develop a healthier relationship with food.

We found some tips to try with your family from Zero to Three’s article. Their list explores what research says about teaching children to try new foods and provides practical tips for parents to help their little ones become more adventurous eaters.

  • Fun names can make fruits and veggies more appealing to kids. In a recent study, elementary school students were more likely to choose veggies with fun names (like “power punch broccoli”). Similarly, calling deli turkey “white ham” can make it more appealing to young children.
  • Involving children in food prep can be enjoyable and encourage healthy eating habits. Kids who help prepare fruits and veggies are more likely to choose them as snacks in the future.
  • Include a familiar and preferred food item in each meal. This allows children to build on their known and preferred foods.

Dealing with a picky eater can be a frustrating experience for parents. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of creativity, parents can successfully navigate the challenge of picky eating and support their children’s healthy growth and development.

(Read the full article here)

This Week’s Article

Healing Your Sex Life after a Cesarean Birth
Knowing 1 in 3 babies is born via c-section you would expect the other ⅔ of women to have pelvic pain after birth. But this is not always the case. Cesarean births can also cause pelvic pain especially with arousal and intercourse. Many women are surprised to experience pain because their baby was not born from their vagina. We see women with pelvic pain during sex after a cesarean birth. Read more.
 

Helper of the Week

Allison Johnson-Gierth, LMFT, LPCC is a licensed therapist in California who helps teens, adults and couples make sense of the past, ground themselves in the present, and feel hope for the future. My job is to help you first identify your needs and goals, and then to work from there. If you’ve been to therapy in the past, it may have been very structured or rigid.

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Allison Johnson-Gierth, LMFT, LPCC:   

     Profile | Website

Treating the Boob Flu, Start Practicing Self-Compassion, Miranda Johnson (#35)

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding and intimate experience for parents and their newborns, but it can also come with challenges. At The Monkey Mashup, we help parents who are breastfeeding to help them overcome these challenges and create a positive experience. Whether it is navigating latch issues, managing milk supply, or dealing with mastitis, having access to resources and support can make all the difference.

Here is this week’s “Monday Mashup”, a quick list of what we are finding useful. If you enjoy it, please feel free to forward it to friends.

Great Advice We Heard

Mastitis, commonly known as “boob flu,” is a condition that affects many lactating women. It occurs when breast tissue becomes inflamed and infected, often due to bacteria entering the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. Symptoms can include breast tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, and fever.

If left untreated, mastitis can lead to serious infections, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have it. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection, pain relievers to alleviate discomfort, and warm compresses or massages to promote milk flow and reduce inflammation. Here are some general guidelines from Pregnant Chicken on how to manage and treat mastitis.

  • Nurse on demand. Don’t overfeed in an attempt to “empty” the breast as this will further inflame tissues and add to your issues. (This is a big change from old recommendations.)
  • Gentle lymphatic massage from the nipple towards the armpit. Basically just “sweep” the skin from your nipple towards your armpit so your lymphatic system can do what it does and rid your body of the excess fluid.
  • Nurse rather than pump to maximize milk removal and prevent trauma to delicate tissues from ill-fitting flanges and suction strength.

(Full post here)

This Week’s Article

Start Practicing Self-Compassion
Negative thoughts arise for all of us. But, with mindfulness, we can redirect self judgment and elicit healthier responses. It starts by acknowledging, “These are the thoughts and emotions that are arising in my conscious awareness in the present moment.” This type of simple statement of fact has no blame attached. We don’t need to lambaste ourselves for thinking those nasty thoughts or feeling those destructive emotions. Read more.
 

Helper of the Week

Miranda Johnson’s passion is helping others improve their well-being and plant seeds of self-love, healing and acceptance. Her goal is to walk with you on this journey to feeling more whole, enlightened, self-loving and self-accepting. Her therapeutic approach and training include evidenced-based techniques to support your healing and growth.

And, as always, please give us feedback on Twitter. Which topic above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let us know. Just send a tweet to @themonkeymashup and put #themondaymashup at the end so we can find it.

Have a wonderful week, all.

Much love to you and your family,

The Monkey Mashup Staff

This post is brought to you by The Monday Mashup, our very own parenting newsletter that every Monday features a highlight of cool things we’ve found this week, including parenting apps, books, quotes, articles, TV shows, new hacks or tricks – and other helpful stuff we’ve gathered.  

It’s free, it’s always going to be useful, and you can subscribe now at themonkeymashup.com/join-our-mailing-list/.

What was your favorite topic from this post? Please let us know in the comments.   

SEE BELOW FOR LINKS AND NOTES…

Connect with Miranda Johnson, LCSW:   

     Profile