Have you ever reacted to your child and wondered afterward, "Why did that feel so big?"

The thing they did was small. Your reaction was not.

This week, I share the story of a mom in my program who had a huge reaction over a tray of sliders.

She came to coaching convinced she knew exactly why she'd reacted.

She was only partly right.

Minutes into our session, we weren't talking about sandwiches anymore.

We weren't even talking about her son.

We were talking about a pattern that began decades earlier.

In this episode, I'll show you how we got there and why it matters if you've ever had an overreaction you couldn't explain.

If your reactions have ever left you feeling confused or ashamed, I hope this episode helps you understand yourself with a little more compassion.

• Why the size of your reaction is information, not proof that something is wrong with you
• What it actually looks like to break a pattern, and why catching yourself mid-blowup counts as a win
• The first place to look when your reaction feels bigger than the situation calls for

• Download my free Nervous System Reset Guide for Moms HERE.
• Book a call to talk about Damn Good Mama HERE.
• Buy and leave a review for the Less Drama More Mama book HERE.
• Subscribe to get email updates on Less Drama More Mama webinars, workshops, and special offers HERE.
• Follow Less Drama More Mama on Facebook and Instagram.
• Leave a review of the show in Apple Podcasts

For years on this podcast, when I've talked about my dad, it's been in the context of understanding myself, my patterns, and some of my struggles.

Most of us carry complicated feelings about our parents. We can wish some things had been different and still be grateful for what they gave us. Both can be true.

This week, in honor of Father's Day, I'm sharing the parts of my dad and our relationship that I haven't talked about enough, and that I'm especially grateful for.

You'll also discover a hidden talent of mine you've never heard on the podcast before.🤔

• Why you can wish some things had been different and still be grateful for what your parents gave you
• How the things our parents model become woven into who we are, often in ways we don't notice until much later
• What it feels like when the roles between you and a parent begin to shift
• The unexpected phone call that changed the way I saw one part of my relationship with my dad

• Download my free Nervous System Reset Guide for Moms HERE.
• Apply for Damn Good Mama HERE. Next kickoff call is July 6.
• Buy and leave a review for the Less Drama More Mama book HERE.
• Subscribe to get email updates on Less Drama More Mama webinars, workshops, and special offers HERE.
• Follow Less Drama More Mama on Facebook and Instagram.
• Leave a review of the show in Apple Podcasts

"Mom, I'm bored."
"There's nothing to eat."
"Can you drive me?"
"He's touching my stuff."

It's 10 a.m. and you've already refereed two arguments and answered the same question four times.

And there are still nine more hours until bedtime.

Summer sounded so relaxing back in May.

No morning rush, lunches to pack, or homework to oversee.

But those pressures just got replaced by different ones: constant togetherness, less structure, more driving, more meals, and more chances for everyone to get on each other's nerves.

By mid-summer, you may notice you're more irritable and quicker to react than you want to be. And when that happens, the instinct is to assume you need better parenting strategies.

Usually you don't.

Your tank is running low, and this episode is about refilling the tank.

I share five specific, doable things that protect your capacity, so summer feels a little easier until the buses come back.

• The first question to ask yourself when you're running low on patience
• What happens when you intentionally slow down your breathing
• How to set boundaries that protect your time and energy
• The role connection plays in protecting your capacity

• Apply for Damn Good Mama HERE. Next kickoff call is July 6.
• Buy and leave a review for the Less Drama More Mama book HERE.
• Subscribe to get email updates on Less Drama More Mama webinars, workshops, and special offers HERE.
• Follow Less Drama More Mama on Facebook and Instagram.
• Leave a review of the show in Apple Podcasts