Council of Moms

Trying to give your kids every opportunity can start to feel like a full-time job, and an expensive one at that. Lisa, Whitney Call, Tammy Hall, and G Fitisemanu talk through the pressure to keep up with packed schedules, how to tell the difference between what’s actually beneficial and what’s just “what everyone else is doing,” and how they decide what’s worth the time (and money).

Realizing your child might need extra support at school can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not even sure what the next step is. Lisa, Emilie Campbell, Julie Suazo, and Michelle Love-Day talk through what an IEP actually looks like, how it’s different from a 504 plan, and what it means to work with your child’s school instead of feeling like you have to figure it out alone. They also open up about the emotions that come with advocating for your child and remind us that needing help doesn’t mean you’ve failed--it just means you’re learning what your child needs.

They swear they’ll feed it, walk it, clean up after it but will they actually follow through? When kids start begging for a pet, it can feel like a sweet milestone or a fast track to more stress. Lisa and her Council of Moms (Ruth Aguirre, Amy Hackworth, and Erika Price) weigh in on how to tell if kids are truly ready, what expectations to set before bringing an animal home, and some interesting ways of introducing your kids to the reality of pet ownership.

Allowance disappears. Venmo requests appear. And somehow that thing on TikTok Shop becomes a “need.” When one mom wonders how to raise teenagers who can actually support themselves someday (and maybe start spending their own money now) Lisa, Allison Dayton, Juhi Raizada, and Steffani Raff share their thoughts. They talk about teaching teens the value of work, setting boundaries around spending, and helping kids build the habits that lead to real financial independence.

Everyone else seems to know about that free class, that program, or that community thing, and somehow you missed the memo. If you’ve ever wondered where all these magical resources are hiding, you’re not alone. Lisa and her council of moms, Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu, Erika Price, and Wendy Mar, talk about why parenting resources can feel so invisible, how moms actually find them, and where to start when you don’t even know what to search for.

What do you when your child cuts ties with a loved one? What's the role of a parent when extended family relationships break down? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Ruth Aguirre, Liz Palmer-Bastian, and Hilary Craner—take on one of the hardest parenting positions: being stuck in the middle. These moms talk honestly about navigating resentment, holding empathy for both sides, and the emotional toll of being the go-between. In a culture where cutting people off can feel like the default, they explore why relationships are hard, worth fighting for, and how to move forward with wisdom and boundaries.

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos and expectations? You're not alone! Christmas magic, as it turns out, is a lot of work—especially for moms. Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Hilary Craner, Ruth Aguirre, and Liz Palmer-Bastian—get real about the challenges of project-managing family Christmases and memories, and how to prioritize your mental health and well-being without sacrificing meaning during the Christmas season. They share what they've tried: traditions that stuck, and some that weren't worth the work. Give yourself the gift of peace this Christmas by making a few tweaks that everyone will remember and cherish for years to come—and not at the expense of your sanity.

Halloween is supposed to be fun, but for many parents, it can feel more like a haunted house of sugar highs, late nights, and expensive costumes. Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu, Erika Price, and Wendy Mar—share how they handle the chaos with humor and heart. From navigating candy with a child who has Type 1 diabetes, to deciding how old is too old to trick-or-treat, to creative costumes, the moms remind us that Halloween doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.

What happens when your child seems unfazed by consequences? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Cree Taylor, Amy Hackworth, and Michelle Love-Day—talk about how to reset your approach. They share how to shift from punishment to purpose while finding ways for kids to connect their choices to meaningful learning.

Screens can be a lifesaver in some moments—but what happens when the habit has gotten bigger than you’d like? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Whitney Call, Julie Suazo, and Juhi Raizada—take on the guilt so many parents feel about screen time. It’s easy to wonder if it’s already “too late” to change course once the precedent has been set, but the moms remind us that there are always ways to reset. From recognizing that not all screen use is created equal (some can actually build skills), to setting tech-free zones or times (like no screens after 8pm or during meals), to inviting kids into the process through open conversations and family plans, the moms share their honest experiences and practical strategies. This episode is about moving past guilt and taking small, realistic steps to reset screen boundaries with confidence and connection.

Asking for help can feel tricky—especially when you worry about burdening others. Lisa and her Council of Moms—Emilie Campbell, Sunny Mahe, and Julie Taylor—open up about how to move past people-pleasing habits and embrace honesty with the people around you. From building a support system you can lean on, to offering service in return when you’re able, to learning that true friendship makes space for give and take, the moms share how they’ve learned to both ask for and accept help with grace.

What happens when your child’s behavior changes the moment you’re not around? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Julie Suazo, Erika Price, and Dr. LaShawn Williams—take on the challenge of raising kids who sometimes act one way at home and another in the world. From teaching your child that they carry your family’s name, to helping them see childhood as practice for making good choices, the moms share insights on guiding behavior you can’t always correct in the moment. They also talk about the power of sitting down with your child and asking, “What do you think someone should always be?” to help them define their own values. This conversation is full of perspective, honesty, and ideas for shaping kids into thoughtful, responsible decision-makers—whether you’re there to watch or not.