No One Told Us

What does it really mean to parent a “spicy” kid? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting expert and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about strong-willed, sensitive, and neurodivergent children and what parents can do when everyday parenting feels especially challenging.

Together, they discuss emotional regulation, parenting shame, boundaries, meltdowns, bedtime struggles, and the importance of doing our own inner work. Mary shares practical tools and compassionate strategies for staying connected to your child while also learning how to regulate yourself, repair after hard moments, and parent with more confidence.

Inside this episode:

What makes a child “spicy” and how to understand their unique temperament

Why parental self-regulation is one of the most important parenting tools

How childhood experiences can shape the way we parent

Navigating neurodivergence, diagnosis, and finding the right support

Practical strategies for managing meltdowns, tantrums, and big emotions

How routine, predictability, and connection can help sensitive kids thrive

Setting firm boundaries while staying kind and connect

The role of self-compassion, repair, and doing your own inner work

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen

Mary Van Geffen on Instagram

Mary Van Geffen on TikTok

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if many of the things we believe about parenting aren't actually universal? In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what different cultures around the world can teach us about raising children, building strong family relationships, and rethinking some of our most deeply held parenting beliefs.

Together, they discuss parenting myths, child development, autonomy, screen time, dopamine, sleep, and what it can look like to approach family life with more respect, connection, and trust.

Inside this episode:

Why so many common parenting practices aren't universal

What different cultures can teach us about raising children

The importance of respect, autonomy, and contribution in child development

How dopamine actually affects motivation and screen time

Rethinking the way we approach sleep and separation

How to build stronger, more connected parent-child relationships

Practical ways to encourage independence and healthy motivation

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

Dopamine Kids by Michaeleen Doucleff

Michaeleen Doucleff's website

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if making time for a hobby wasn't selfish but one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family? In this episode, Rachael sits down with writer and researcher Marina Cooley to explore why hobbies matter, how Danish culture approaches work-life balance, and what we can learn about slowing down, finding joy, and supporting our mental health.

Together, they discuss how hobbies can reduce screen time, ease mom guilt, strengthen community, and help parents reconnect with themselves, even in the busiest seasons of life.

Inside this episode:

Why hobbies are essential for parents' well-being

How Danish culture approaches happiness and balance

Reducing screen time through meaningful hobbies

Reframing productivity, self-care, and mom guilt

The role of community in happier family life

Practical ways to make hobbies fit into a busy schedule

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Geography of Bliss

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if the hardest part of parenting isn't your child's sleep, but the pressure to do everything "right"? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting educator and maternal mental health advocate Fiona Weaver for an honest conversation about the parenting advice we may need to unlearn.

Together, they discuss the myths surrounding sleep training and independence, why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal, and how societal expectations can fuel mom guilt and self-doubt. Fiona also shares her experience parenting three children, navigating toddler sleep challenges, and embracing a more flexible, compassionate approach that supports both children and their parents.

Whether you're questioning the parenting advice you've been given or simply looking for reassurance that you're doing enough, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on modern motherhood.

Inside this episode:

Why "good enough" parenting is the gold standard

Common myths about sleep training and infant independence

The emotional and developmental needs of children

How societal expectations contribute to mom guilt and shame

Why you can't hang your mood on your baby's sleep

The connection between infant sleep and maternal mental health

Letting go of rigid sleep tracking and unrealistic expectations

Building stronger family relationships through flexibility and connection

How community and support can transform the parenting experience

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Mama Matters website

Fiona Weaver on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if your baby's sleep challenges weren't something to fix but a clue to better understanding their unique needs? In this episode, Rachael sits down with physician, researcher, and founder of the Possums Program, Dr. Pamela Douglas, to explore a holistic, evidence-based approach to infant sleep, feeding, and development.

Together, they discuss why sleep, feeding, sensory development, and emotional well-being are deeply connected, how societal pressures can increase stress for parents, and why responsive, flexible caregiving often leads to better outcomes for the whole family. Whether you're navigating an unsettled baby or simply looking for a gentler approach to infant sleep, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance.

Inside this episode:

Why sleep, feeding, and sensory development are all connected

The philosophy behind the Possums approach to infant care

The five domains that can contribute to an unsettled baby

Common myths about overstimulation and baby sleep

Why outdoor play and sensory experiences support healthy development

How parental stress can impact the parenting experience

Practical ways to respond to your baby's unique cues

Why flexibility…not rigid routines…helps families thrive

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr. Pamela Douglas

Possums Program

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices