Episode 35: Yelling at Your Kids

In this episode I divulge some “shameful” things about my parenting… yelling at my kids. I also discuss: 

  • Why you might feel like you can’t stop yelling at your kids.
  • What you need to understand to stop yelling at your kids. 
  • Why the Model might not work to help you stop yelling at your kids.
  • Where yelling is in a vicious cycle.
  • How your parents are affecting your parenting.
  • How yelling does NOT mean you are a bad mom/parent.

How to connect with me:

Denita

Episode 34: Losing a Kid

I’ve shied away from talking about parenting too much, but I know many Latter-day Saint moms would say this is the source of most of their shame. I think I’ve been reluctant to talk about it because of keeping the privacy of my own kids, and also- because I still feel shame around some of these things. My kids are still at home with me, and I still constantly wonder if I am being a good mom, or the best mom I can be.

As I reflected on this topic, two stories of me losing my kid came to the front of my mind, and that’s usually my cue for what story to tell.

The first story takes place at our closest park, on a day when the park was really busy with baseball games. I lost my oldest daughter for about 10 minutes before I found her. Panic and worry set in. In fact, I was about to call either my husband or the police when I finally found her.

The second story was even more scary because we lost my son for an entire hour on a Sunday morning in the Grand Canyon village camp ground.

There are definitely some lessons learned from both of these stories, and I throw in a bonus story about a time when I realized I needed to be a little more explicit with a child.

If you’ve ever lost a kid, I feel for you. I still feel a bit of shame about these times myself. But we are all imperfect parents doing our best. Live and learn!

Denita

If you would like to join my email newsletter Heart-to-Heart, click HERE.

If you would like to fill out my survey, please click HERE.

Episode 33: Happy 20th Anniversary to Us!

This week we celebrate 20 years of marriage. I use this opportunity to get a little gushy about the great guy I married, strolling down over 20 years of memories. It hasn’t all been amazing, but we’ve had both good stories and good times. My emotions are right at the surface in this episode, so be warned!
I reflect on:

  • One of the most heartbreaking situations.
  • Lots of travel and previous anniversaries.
  • Our first official date.
  • The time we should have left a kid at home.
  • All the moves
  • The best husband ever.

Link to my survey: https://forms.gle/V9i9dFEgQn5oeiA18

Episode 29: How to Grieve

The year 2000 was a doozie for me. After never having experienced a death of someone close to me, I had 3 in 3 months. In this episode, I discuss what that was like, why I felt shame, and what I think about it now. I talk about how to grieve, and why each of these losses were different.

I pay tribute to my best friend from middle school, Sara. She was one of the most wonderful people you would ever meet. It was a privilege to walk the path for a short distance with you, Sara.

To all those who are grieving or who have grieved and still feel guilty or shame around it, this episode is for you.

Denita

PS. If you haven’t downloaded my free Starter Guide to a Shame Proof Life, you can do that HERE.

Episode 28: Let’s Talk About Sex

If there’s one thing that sets me apart from “normal” Church culture, it’s my pre-marital sexual experience. In this episode I talk alllllll about it. If you had sex before you were married, this episode is for you!

I’m still taking responses on my survey…. and you can get a free coaching session if you’d like: https://forms.gle/UkAPt3LYYvGsQcYDA

Denita

Episode 27: The Laundromat

For 5 years we had no running water or electricity in our home. We had to haul water, and haul our laundry to and from the laundromat in the small town I grew up in. And over time, it became a surprisingly special place to me. 

In this episode, I talk about why it was special. And I talk about a few specific memories I have in relationship to the laundromat. 

I even mention a realization about laundry and the laundromat that help me today!

Do you have any special places in your life, similar to mine in this episode?

Thank you for rating, reviewing and sharing the podcast! If you wouldn’t mind doing me one more favor, I would appreciate it if you would fill out my survey: https://forms.gle/4S2uF9xRY6cgFp4c9

Episode 23: Happy During Covid

I use the term “story” loosely today as I talk about an experience I had on the day of recording. It circles around happiness and joy, circumstances, and faith. I hope you listen in and enjoy my little bit of a soap box. 🙂

Denita