Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

Everyone tells new parents to expect sleepless nights—but far fewer prepare them for the emotional upheaval that can come with pregnancy and postpartum.

In this compassionate conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Katayune Kaeni (Dr. Kat) to explore the often-overlooked mental health challenges of becoming a parent. They unpack why so many mothers struggle in silence, how unrealistic expectations fuel anxiety and guilt, and what "good enough" parenting really looks like.

Whether you're expecting a baby, navigating postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical wisdom, and a reminder that you don't have to do this alone.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What perinatal mental health actually includes

The difference between normal adjustment and postpartum anxiety or depression

Why mothers often feel pressure to pretend everything is wonderful

How perfectionism makes postpartum even harder

The surprising identity shifts that come with becoming a parent

Why connection—not perfection—is one of the strongest protective factors

How to work with guilt more compassionately

Simple practices to support your mental health during an overwhelming season

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins with self-compassion—not impossible standards.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host
Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1
bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every
Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting
Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free
resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.



Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can
always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our
website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/

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What if helping your child calm down could be as simple as a song, a breath, or a playful one-minute practice?

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter talks with children's mindfulness expert, author, and award-winning musician Kira Willey about how music, movement, and mindfulness can help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and connection.

Kira shares practical ways parents can use rhythm and playful rituals to navigate some of the hardest parts of family life—from transitions and bedtime routines to meltdowns and moments of overwhelm. She explains why children often respond more readily to music than words, how a parent's nervous system influences a child's ability to self-regulate, and why presence matters far more than perfection.

You'll learn simple, realistic practices that fit into everyday family life—even when you're busy, stressed, or running on very little sleep.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How rhythm helps children regulate emotions and feel grounded• Why music can improve cooperation and ease difficult transitions• Simple one-minute mindfulness practices for busy families• How to create joyful routines around bedtime and daily transitions• Why matching a child's energy can be more effective than trying to immediately calm them down• The connection between a parent's nervous system and a child's behavior• How mindfulness can be playful, accessible, and practical for children of all ages• Why presence—not perfection—is the foundation of mindful parenting

Whether you're parenting a toddler, school-age child, or tween, this conversation offers simple tools to bring more calm, joy, and connection into your family's daily life.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host
Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1
bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every
Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting
Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free
resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.



Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can
always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our
website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, parenting coach, psychologist, and neuropsychologist Dr. Gila joins us for an honest conversation about the unique challenges—and unexpected strengths—of single parenting. Together, we explore what it means to parent with connection instead of perfection, why community and support matter, how to manage overwhelm through emotional regulation, and what "real" self-care looks like when you're doing it all on your own. Whether you're a single parent or supporting one, this episode offers practical tools, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that you don't have to navigate the journey alone.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host
Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1
bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every
Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting
Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free
resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.



Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can
always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our
website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are We Raising Picky Eaters?

Most parents today assume picky eating is just part of childhood.

But what if it’s not?

In this fascinating conversation, Helen Zoe Veit joins Hunter Clarke-Fields to explore the surprising history of children’s eating habits—and how modern parenting norms may be creating more picky eaters, not fewer.

You’ll discover why kids in the 19th century ate a wide variety of foods, how the concept of “kid food” was invented, and the unexpected ways well-meaning advice from the past continues to shape how we feed our children today.

If you’ve ever struggled with mealtime battles, short-order cooking, or worry about your child’s limited diet, this episode will completely shift your perspective—and offer a more grounded, confident way forward.

What You’ll Learn

Why picky eating may be more cultural than biological

What children really ate in the 1800s (and why it matters)

How “kid food” and marketing changed children’s diets

The hidden impact of 1940s parenting advice on feeding kids

Why accommodating picky eating can backfire

How to help kids develop a broader palate—without pressure or power struggles

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host
Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1
bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every
Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting
Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free
resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.



Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can
always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our
website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunter talks to Gretchen Rubin about How To Be Happier.

Some big takeaways from this episode include:

1. Make easy changes first — go for the low hanging fruit

2. How do you respond to expectations (inner and outer)? Answer this question BEFORE you try to change a new habit.

3. How to draw boundaries and when to simply stop doing something

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project.

How do you change bad habits and create good habits? How can you be happier every day? Author Gretchen Rubin has made a science of these subjects and shares her wisdom on this podcast. She pushes back against some commonly held beliefs like, “the middle path is always best,” and “give what you want to receive.” Gretchen will tell you why these are NOT always good ideas.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices