More Than Meets The Mom | Podcast on RSS.com

More Than Meets The Mom

More Than Meets The Mom

by Kristen Weleba & Becca Tardiff

Mental Health Parenting

Season 1

The Bathroom, the Bucket, and the Cockroach

What started as a simple moment in our house turned into an unexpected lesson about control, integrity, and what it really means to do the right thing—even when the outcome doesn’t go as planned. In this mini moment, I’m sharing the story, the wild twist, and the unexpected life lesson: we don’t get to control the outcome—we only get to choose our next right step. When motherhood feels like a string of unpredictable messes, sometimes the most important thing we can do is act with integrity, hold space for uncertainty, and remind ourselves: Could be good, could be bad… we don't know. 🎧 Press play for a quick reflection that invites you to pause, let go of the outcome, and root your actions in integrity—no matter how small the moment may seem.

Stop Blaming Busy. Start Choosing Better.

Let’s face it—busy isn’t going anywhere. There’s always something: a sick kid, a packed calendar, an unexpected curveball. But if we keep waiting for life to slow down before we take action on what matters… we’ll be waiting forever. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on “busy” and unpacking why it’s not the enemy. We dive into a gut-check conversation about where our time actually goes and how living in alignment—no matter the season—starts with mindset shifts, discernment, and intention. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of saying “I want to…” but never feeling like there’s time for it, this one’s for you. Because confidence isn’t built in perfect conditions—it’s built in the small, fulfilling ways we choose to show up, even in the chaos. 🎧 Press play to feel empowered, equipped, and reminded that you don’t need more time. You just need to start choosing better.

Fight, Flight, Freeze… or Feel Sorry for Myself?

When life gets overwhelming—tantrums, tough news, or total chaos—our brains often jump into survival mode: fight, flight, freeze… or the sneaky fourth response we don’t talk about enough: feel sorry for myself. In this episode, we unpack why it’s so easy to slip into that “why me?” mindset and how it keeps us stuck in frustration and self-pity. More importantly, we talk through three powerful shifts that can help you build a resilience reserve—so you’re not running on empty when motherhood throws you off course. The three keys? ➡️ Mindset – the lens you choose when life feels heavy ➡️ Habits – the small, consistent actions that ground you ➡️ Your people – who you surround yourself with matters more than you think These aren’t magic fixes, but they are the foundation for navigating hard things with more strength, compassion, and clarity. Press play and walk away feeling seen, supported, and equipped to face whatever comes next—with a little less “why me?” and a lot more “I’ve got this.”

The Morning I Almost Checked Out… but Leaned In Instead

It was one of those mornings—where everything feels too loud, too out of control, and too much to handle. The kids were melting down, my patience was threadbare, and all I wanted to do was either yell or shut down. But in the middle of the chaos, something inside me paused. Instead of matching the meltdown or retreating into silence, I made a different choice—a small but intentional step toward connection. In this mini moment, I’m sharing what that looked like, what it taught me, and how that one decision shifted the entire energy of our morning. If you’ve ever felt like you’re at your breaking point but still want to show up with love—you’re not alone. This one’s for you.

More Connection, Less Burnout: Boundaries Are Bridges, Not Walls

Boundaries aren’t about building walls—they’re about building bridges. In this episode of More Than Meets the Mom, we share a practical 3-step framework to help you communicate your needs and boundaries in a way that feels confident, respectful, and true to you. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, marriage, friendships, or your own inner expectations, this conversation will give you the insight and tools to express what you need confidently.

Summer’s Almost Here—Why Am I So Emotional?

The final bell hasn’t rung yet, but you can almost hear it—summer break is just around the corner. In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional rollercoaster of the last week before summer begins. Whether your kids are wrapping up projects, gearing up for camp, or just counting down the minutes, this week is a blend of excitement, overwhelm, and all the feels in between. We’ll explore what it means to lower the bar and raise the connection—because kicking off summer isn’t about having everything perfectly planned or checking off every last to-do. It’s about being present in the chaos, finding moments of joy in the madness, and giving yourself grace through all the ups and downs of transition. Because a magical start to summer isn’t one where everything goes smoothly—it’s one where you laugh, cry, lose the sunscreen, and still show up ready for whatever comes next

Mother's Day or Just Sunday With Extra Pressure?

In this special episode, we’re diving into the truth behind Mother’s Day — the expectations, the emotions, and the reality so many moms experience. From handmade cards to unmet hopes and emotional overload, we reflect on how this day can feel both beautiful and tiring. We talk about how we can gently shift our mindset to still find meaning in the ordinary moments. Whether your day is filled with hugs and pancakes or laundry and letdowns, there is beauty to be found. Let’s release the pressure, rewrite the narrative, and remember that we are worthy of love and celebration — not just today, but every day.

Friendship, Friction, and the M.O.M. Framework: A Guide to Clearer Connections

When something feels “off” in a friendship and we don’t have clarity, we may start questioning ourselves—“Did I do something wrong?” or “Am I not a good friend?” That confusion can lead to insecurity or anxiety around the relationship. Unspoken expectations and assumptions are like invisible walls—they block connection. But here's the thing, when we take time to name needs, check in honestly, and give friends the benefit of the doubt we give ourselves the opportunity to keep things real in the relationship. Tune into today's episode where we share the M.O.M. framework that will help us all navigate expectations and assumptions in relationships with more grace and clarity.

The Assumption Trap: Why We Feel Let Down & What to Do About It

In Part 2 of our series on relationships, we’re digging into the subtle but powerful ways expectations and assumptions can quietly disrupt even our closest relationships. As moms, we often carry a lot—mentally, emotionally, and logistically—and without realizing it, we may place unspoken expectations on our friendships. When those aren’t met, it can create a ripple effect of disappointment, misunderstanding, and even resentment. In this episode, we unpack what happens when we don’t say the things we need or assume we know what others are thinking. From emotional distance to creeping self-doubt, we’re breaking down how these patterns show up—and how to shift toward clearer, more compassionate communication. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wondering what just happened, or felt a friendship fade without knowing why, this one’s for you.

Why Is This So Hard? The Real Challenges Moms Face in Friendships

In this relationship episode of More Than Meets the Mom, we dive into the often unspoken but deeply felt shifts that happen in our friendships after becoming a mom. From the identity transformation that occurs after childbirth to the crushing weight of the invisible load, motherhood can leave little emotional bandwidth for social connection. We explore how developmental stages and concepts such as empathy, burnout and maternal guilt help explain the changes and challenges many moms experience. You’ll hear how even strong, long-standing friendships can feel strained or disconnected—not because we don’t care, but because we’re in survival mode. Because the truth is—if you’ve been wondering why this feels so hard, you’re not alone. And there are ways to move through it with grace, insight, and growth.

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