HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E009: Parenting Burnout: Strategies for Self-Care, Stress Relief, and Embracing Imperfection

🎙️ In This Episode:

Parenting is hard—there’s no sugarcoating it. Between sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to “get it all right,” burnout is real. In this episode of Hey Other Parents, we’re talking about parenting burnout: what it looks like, how to acknowledge it, and—most importantly—how to recharge.

What We Cover:

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How to recognize burnout and admit, “Hey, I’m stressed,” to yourself and your family.

Practical strategies to hit reset, whether you’ve got 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes.

Why it’s okay to ask for help—and why it’s not a sign of weakness.

How laughter, real talk, and community can lighten the load on tough days.

The power of modeling stress management for your kids so they can learn to handle emotions, too.

We’re normalizing the imperfect side of parenting because nobody’s life looks like a Pinterest board—and that’s okay. So take a breath, grab your favorite snack, and join us for a conversation full of tips, humor, and the reminder that you’re not in this alone.

✨ Key Takeaways:

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Simple self-care tips for parents during overwhelming moments.

Scripts to help clarify your feelings with your kids and spouse (“I’m not upset with you, I’m just stressed about X”).

How to build a support system and find humor in the chaos.

Ear Plug Ear Relief

Couplehood (Paul Riser)

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📞 Join the Conversation: Got a funny story about teaching gratitude or tips to share? Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode!

🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday—don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Let’s Keep It Real:

Parenting is tough, but teaching gratitude doesn’t have to be. Tune in for laughs, relatable stories, and tips you can actually use. Parenting is hard, but you’re not alone!

🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents

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❓Question of The Week

What ways have you recognized parenting burnout and how have you dealt with it?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: A.P. Bio (Netflix)

Sara: David’s Melt In Your Mouth Cookies (Butter Pecan Meltaways)

Mike: Skeleton Crew (Disney+)

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S02E09 | Series Episode 39

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

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HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E008: Teaching Kids Gratitude: Thank-You Notes and Politeness When Receiving Gifts

🎙️ In This Episode:

We’re diving into the art of teaching kids one of life’s most important skills: gratitude. Join Michael, Sara, and Mike as we discuss practical ways to encourage thankfulness in kids, from writing heartfelt thank-you notes to gracefully accepting gifts (even the weird ones!).

Whether your kids are struggling to say “thank you” without a nudge or you’re looking for fun ways to make thank-you notes a family tradition, we’ve got you covered.

What We Cover:

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📝 The Power of Thank-You Notes: Why they matter and how to make them fun for kids of all ages.

🎁 Handling Awkward Gifts: Tips for teaching kids to react politely (even when the gift is…unexpected).

🌎 Cultural Perspectives on Gratitude: Exploring how different cultures express appreciation.

💡 Creative Ideas for Parents: Alternatives to traditional notes, like video thank-yous or DIY crafts.

🛠️ Practical Tips: Role-playing scenarios to help kids build confidence in expressing gratitude.

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Resources Mentioned:

Printable thank-you note templates for kids

Fun gratitude activities for families

Our favorite books about thankfulness

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📞 Join the Conversation: Got a funny story about teaching gratitude or tips to share? Call us at 559-LES-KIDS (559-537-5437) or email us at heyotherparents@gmail.com. We might feature your story in a future episode!

🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday—don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Let’s Keep It Real:

Parenting is tough, but teaching gratitude doesn’t have to be. Tune in for laughs, relatable stories, and tips you can actually use. Parenting is hard, but you’re not alone!

🖤 Follow us on Instagram: @HeyOtherParents

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❓Question of The Week

How do you instill or teach gratitude to your kids?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Kobo Libra Color

Sara: Before (AppleTV+)

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https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents

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S02E08 | Series Episode 38

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

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🎙️HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E007: One-On-One Time With Your Kids

Is it time well spent or is it compensating to make your kid feel special for some one-on-one time? We say it's well worth your time! We even have a possible solution for spouses feeling guilt about time away from their kids.

What We Cover:

⏱️ Making Time Count: Why one-on-one time matters and how to fit it into your schedule.

🌟 Activity Ideas: Fun, simple ways to connect with your kids individually.

❤️ Strengthening Bonds: How personal time can build confidence and trust.

😂 Our One-on-One Moments: Stories of the highs, lows, and laughs along the way.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

❓Question of The Week

What kind of guilt do you feel about spending time with your kids and how do you make these times special ?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Cobra Kai Season 6 (Netflix) Part 2 of 3

Sara: Interview With The Vampire (Netflix)

Mike: Star Wars Themed Owala Bottle

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https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents

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📲 Instagram

https://instagrafm.com/heyotherparents

S02E07 | Series Episode 37

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

🎙️HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E006: Hey Other Dragons (Dungeons & Dragons With Bridget)

Are you curious what D&D is all about? Can Dungeons and Dragons be fun for you and your family? We invite our friend Bridget to explain what D&D is all about! We hope this insight into Dungeons and Dragons can help clear up any misconceptions.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!

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❓Question of The Week

Are you planning on doing D&D with your kids? What have you tried, what are you nervous about?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Sweet&SavorySteph (Check out the Chicken Salad or Chinese Takeout)

https://sweetsavoryandsteph.com/

Sara: The Penguin (Max)

Mike: (Out This Week)

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https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents

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📲 Instagram

https://instagrafm.com/heyotherparents

S02E06 | Series Episode 36

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

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🔗 Links

1. Camp Pain Podcast (Bridget, Michael Heit, Mike Levine) Apple || Spotify || Amazon Music

2. Low Level One Shot A Most Potent Brew

3. D&D Beyond D&D Beyond

4. Hero Kids (Easier than using D&D - for younger crowd) Hero Kids

5. D&D Starter Set (Also Available in Target etc) D&D Starter Set

6. D&D 3 Book Bundle (Look for sales - this is a pack of physical / digital) D&D 3 Book Bundle

7. Avery Labels (Avery Matte White Rectangle Labels 2-1/3" x 3-3/8", 150 Matte White ) Amazon Listing

8. Apostrophe Games Blank Playing Cards Amazon Listing

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🎙️HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E005: Hosting Duties

Being a host for your family and friends is a tough thing to pull off. How do you keep peace in the kitchen, have happy guests, and spend time with your family? We even discuss how to use boundary phrases to handle uncomfortable comments and questions.

What We Cover:

🏡 Playdate Prep: Setting boundaries and creating a fun, safe environment.

🎉 Party Planning Tips: From themes to activities, making events memorable.

😂 Hosting Fails: What we’ve learned from parties that didn’t go as planned.

🌟 The Parent Perspective: Balancing your needs with the kids’ fun.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

❓Question of The Week

How do you go about hosting so you don’t miss out on time with your kids?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: What We Do In The Shadows (6 Seasons FX / Hulu)

Sara: Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 (Netflix)

Mike: Call of Duty Black Ops 6

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📲 Instagram

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S02E05 | Series Episode 35

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

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🎙️HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E004: Fantastical Beasts & Lies We Tell Our Children

From Tooth Fairies to Santa Claus, the lies we tell our kids are often magical—and occasionally hilarious. We’re diving into the world of fantastical tales and why we tell them, plus the moments when the truth (accidentally) comes out.

❗️Disclaimer: We discuss the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Elijah’s Cup, Pets passing away and stuffed animals getting packed up

What We Cover:

🦄 Popular Myths: The stories we’ve told our kids (and why).

😂 The Big Reveal: How to handle it when kids learn the truth.

🌟 Keeping the Magic Alive: Balancing imagination with honesty.

🤔 What’s Too Far?: Navigating the fine line between fun and fibs.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!

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❓Question of The Week

How do you intentionally or unintentionally tell stories for your kids and have they worked out in your favor or not?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Bandle (Song Quiz Site)

Sara: Worst Roomate Ever (Netflix 2022)

Mike: Out This Week

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📲 Instagram

https://instagrafm.com/heyotherparents

S02E04 | Series Episode 34

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

🎙️HEY OTHER PARENTS - S02E003: Building Resilience

Life is full of challenges, and helping kids build resilience is one of the most important things we can do as parents. This episode explores how to teach grit, adaptability, and confidence in the face of obstacles.

This week it's all about guiding kids through moments that require resilience & grit while keeping the door open to important conversations.

What We Cover:

💪 What is Resilience?: Understanding why it’s essential for kids.

🛠️ Practical Tips: Strategies to help kids handle failure and setbacks.

❤️ Encouraging Independence: How to let kids problem-solve on their own.

😂 Our Resilience Stories: Lessons we’ve learned from our own challenges.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!

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❓Question of The Week

What things can drive you crazy when it comes to cleaning with your kids?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard Entertainment (Book by Jason Schreier)

Sara: Escaping The Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story (Tubi)

Mike: The Wild Robot (Book by Peter Brown)

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📲 Instagram

https://instagrafm.com/heyotherparents

S02E03 | Series Episode 33

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane

Support Hey Other Parents by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/heyotherparents

S02E002: Hot Mess Express

This episode is all about executive functioning, developing routines at home, family planning meetings, strategies for different ages and demystifying the roles of occupational therapy.

From forgotten homework to missed appointments, managing life’s chaos can be overwhelming for kids and parents alike. In this episode, we’re sharing tips for boosting executive functioning skills and getting back on track.

What We Cover:

🗂️ Organizational Hacks: Tools and tips to help kids (and parents) stay organized.

⏰ Time Management: Making schedules work for your family.

🤝 Parent-Kid Collaboration: How to teach these skills without frustration.

😂 Our Hot Mess Moments: Real-life stories that prove we’re all in this together.

Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!

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❓Question of The Week

What things can drive you crazy when it comes to cleaning with your kids?

Voice/Text: 559-537-5437

Email: heyotherparents@gmail.com

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⏰ Time to Unplug

Michael: Rings of Power (Amazon)

Sara: You Like It Darker (Stephen King)

Mike: (Out This Week)

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🎯Support Hey Other Parents

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https://www.patreon.com/HeyOtherParents

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📲 Instagram

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🔗 Links

2 Piece Chore Chart

It’s Not My Fault (by Jory John and Jared Chapman)

S02E02 | Series Episode 32

Intro voice recording done by the one and only Koltrane