Not every day is “hard” — but some days are full of really hard moments. In this raw and vulnerable episode, Jessica shares a day that broke her mama heart: two accidents with her toddler, both unintentional and both followed by waves of guilt and self-criticism.

Through the tears, she discovered the power of having support — with Kelton holding space and guiding her and Corbin back to calm through simple, steady breathing. Together, they navigated the spiral of guilt, the reality of accidents, and the reminder that all we can do is keep showing up with love.

You’ll hear:

What happened during two back-to-back “hard mama moments”

How easy it is to slip into self-blame — and how to break that spiral

Why support and holding space matters so much in parenting

A real-life glimpse of the 90-second rule in action with a toddler

This episode is for every mama who’s ever felt the sting of guilt when something goes wrong — and the reminder that you’re not alone.

Want more calm, connection, and clarity in your motherhood journey?

Explore these free and supportive Calm & Colorful resources created just for you:

• Website | Instagram
• Free email series to feel more grounded, connected & supported: Embrace Your 12 Days of Calm
• ‍️ A free, private community for emotional support: Join the Free Mama Community
• On-the-go emotional check-ins for mamas & toddlers: Create Instant Calm with Audio Playdates for Children & Mamas
• Subscribe to Calm & Colorful Playground for weekly emotional regulation episodes for toddlers and mamas: www.youtube.com/calmandcolorfulplayground
• Calming, creative tools for emotional regulation through coloring: Coping in Color Books
• Share Calm & Colorful + earn income as an ambassador: Become a Ripple Maker

Screen Time, Boredom, and the Magic That Follows

When I first became a mama, I dove deep into the research on screen time — and what I found was both eye-opening and, honestly, a little daunting. Fast forward to real life with a toddler… and Miss Rachel quickly became the world’s most reliable (and free!) babysitter.

But after noticing some subtle (and not-so-subtle) behavior shifts in Corbin, we decided to take a break from TV. What happened next? A little boredom… and then a whole lot of creativity.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

What the research says about even short bursts of screen time

The real-life tug-of-war between “no screens” ideals and everyday parenting needs

The hilarious, totally unplanned game my family created out of boredom — and why it was the best connection moment we’ve had all week

Why boredom isn’t just okay for kids… it’s magic for adults, too

Plus, I’m inviting you to help me create the ultimate list of screen-free activities — for solo play and family connection. Let’s swap ideas, spark creativity, and see what fun unfolds when the screens are off.

Want more calm, connection, and clarity in your motherhood journey?

Explore these free and supportive Calm & Colorful resources created just for you:

• Website | Instagram
• Free email series to feel more grounded, connected & supported: Embrace Your 12 Days of Calm
• ‍️ A free, private community for emotional support: Join the Free Mama Community
• On-the-go emotional check-ins for mamas & toddlers: Create Instant Calm with Audio Playdates for Children & Mamas
• Subscribe to Calm & Colorful Playground for weekly emotional regulation episodes for toddlers and mamas: www.youtube.com/calmandcolorfulplayground
• Calming, creative tools for emotional regulation through coloring: Coping in Color Books
• Share Calm & Colorful + earn income as an ambassador: Become a Ripple Maker

Every mama has those moments that test her heart — and yesterday, ours was Korbin’s very first bee sting. In this episode, Jessica shares the full story, from the fun morning playing pickleball to the sudden sting, the hose and ice packs, and the hours of cuddles and Bubble Guppies that followed.

But woven into the story is something even more powerful: a celebration of how far she’s come in retraining her brain away from worst-case scenarios. Instead of spiraling, she stayed present, calm, and connected — modeling trust for herself and her little one.

You’ll hear:

The real, messy play-by-play of a toddler’s first bee sting

How Jessica and Kelton supported Korbin with calm words, comfort, and presence

Why this moment felt like a milestone in parenting confidence

Reflections on breaking generational patterns of fear and catastrophizing

It’s not just a story about a bee sting — it’s a reminder that even in the stings of life, we can choose calm, connection, and truth.

Come share your own “first bee sting” stories inside the Calm & Colorful Circle.

Want more calm, connection, and clarity in your motherhood journey?

Explore these free and supportive Calm & Colorful resources created just for you:

• Website | Instagram
• Free email series to feel more grounded, connected & supported: Embrace Your 12 Days of Calm
• ‍️ A free, private community for emotional support: Join the Free Mama Community
• On-the-go emotional check-ins for mamas & toddlers: Create Instant Calm with Audio Playdates for Children & Mamas
• Subscribe to Calm & Colorful Playground for weekly emotional regulation episodes for toddlers and mamas: www.youtube.com/calmandcolorfulplayground
• Calming, creative tools for emotional regulation through coloring: Coping in Color Books
• Share Calm & Colorful + earn income as an ambassador: Become a Ripple Maker