Are kids’ birthday parties getting a little… out of hand? Between balloon arches, themed bounce houses, and the pressure to outdo last year, it can feel like more stress than celebration. But what if the most meaningful childhood memories came not from the presents or the perfect cake but from the wishes we make and the love we share?

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I sit down with children’s author Nikki McPhetridge, whose new book Maya’s Birthday Wish invites families to rediscover the joy of simple, heartfelt celebrations. Nikki shares how creativity, traditions, and connection can turn milestone moments into lifelong memories—without draining your wallet or sanity.

We talk about:

• Why simple rituals like candles, songs, and shared wishes stick with kids more than big parties
• How parents can encourage creativity and imagination when celebrating birthdays
• Ways to let go of the “Pinterest pressure” and enjoy the moment
• Nikki’s hope for parents to pause and savor the fleeting magic of childhood

This is a refreshing reminder for any parent who’s ever wondered if they’re doing “enough” for their kids’ special days. Spoiler: you already are.

Links & Resources:

• Grab a copy of Maya’s Birthday Wish by Nikki McPhetridge → https://amzn.to/4nybsBq
• Connect with Nikki → www.mayastoryland.com
• Instagram → @mayastoryland

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Are your kids constantly asking for things but complaining every time you ask them to help around the house? 🙋‍♀️ Yep, that was our house too...until we tried something new.

In this week’s Burnt Pancakes: Momversations, I’m sharing how we introduced a chore and allowance chart for our three boys and why it’s already making a difference. From teaching gratitude and the value of money to cutting down on the whining (hallelujah!), this little system has been a game-changer.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why we realized our boys needed a chore/allowance system
• How we decided what chores are just part of living here vs. “paid” chores
• The way our chart works and how we set chore values
• Alternative ideas you can try if a chart isn’t your style
• What we’ve learned after three weeks (including why I now keep a stack of $1 bills in the house 😂)

Plus, hear how one of my boys surprised me by wanting to save his money instead of spend it!

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who’s also trying to figure out chores and allowance with their kids—we’re all in this together.

Links & Resources:

• Download my Chore & Allowance Chart HERE

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

College admissions can feel like a stressful, overwhelming, and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m joined by Shellee Howard, Founder & CEO of College Ready, Certified Independent College Strategist, two-time best-selling author, and host of Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?

With over 17 years of experience and more than 3,000 students guided to top-tier schools (including 327 Ivy League acceptances and over $40 million in scholarships), Shellee shares her proven strategies to help families navigate the admissions process, secure scholarships, and find the right college fit without drowning in student loan debt.

We also talk about her inspiring nonprofit, Empower Education, which was born from her life-changing trip to Uganda, and how that experience reshaped her view on education both globally and here at home.

Whether your child is a freshman in high school or already filling out applications, this conversation is packed with encouragement, myth-busting, and practical tips that can make college more manageable and affordable for your family.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The biggest myths about getting into top colleges
• Why passion projects can help your student stand out in applications
• How to graduate debt-free and secure scholarships
• Common mistakes families make in the admissions process (and how to avoid them)
• Lessons Shellee learned while guiding her own kids through Harvard and nursing school—without loans
• The story behind Empower Education and her work with students in Uganda
• Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed by the admissions process

Connect with Shellee Howard:

www.collegereadyplan.info = FREE 30 min. zoom call

www.EmpowerEducation.world = FREE meeting for Middle and High School students.

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_