Becoming an empty nester can feel like a mix of pride, joy, and unexpected ache. In this episode of For the Love of Parenting, Kimberly Myers shares her personal journey of sending her daughter off to college, the quiet that followed, and the surprising ways she rediscovered herself in the process.

From reconnecting with her husband to creating new routines and revisiting old passions, Kimberly invites listeners to see the empty nest not as an ending, but as a new beginning.

Whether you’re preparing for this season or already in it, this episode will give you encouragement, practical tips, and a gentle reminder: your nest may be emptier, but your life can be fuller than ever.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the empty nest can feel both joyful and challenging
• How to rediscover parts of yourself you put on hold
• Simple ways to reconnect with your partner in this season
• Tips for staying socially connected and investing in your own growth
• Why the empty nest isn’t the end, but the start of something new

Take a Deeper Dive with Me

• A Space of Her Own: Why Every Mom Needs One
• Beyond the Makeover: How to Live, Create, and Recharge in Your Space
• September's Renewal: Parents Act Now!

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

In this episode of For the Love of Parenting, we’re stepping into September’s season of renewal. While back-to-school no longer means buying school supplies, bus stops, after-school snack chaos, or drop-offs at college for me, the month still carries that unmistakable ‘fresh start’ energy.

Together, we’ll explore how parents can embrace September as more than just a transition for kids—it’s a reset for us, too. From carving out a cozy corner just for yourself to reimagining unused spaces in your home, this is about reclaiming both your physical and emotional space.

You’ll hear how small shifts—like signing up for that yoga/fitness class, dusting off the treadmill, or simply giving yourself five quiet minutes in the morning—can spark growth and renewal. September is your time to say: I matter too.

Whether your kids are little or already out of the house, this episode invites you to pause, breathe, and begin again. Because new beginnings aren’t just for the young—they’re for anyone ready to reclaim their space and step into what’s nex

Want a Deeper Dive into This Topic?
Explore these episodes:

• A Space of Her Own: Why Every Mom Needs One
• Beyond the Makeover: How to Live, Create, and Recharge in Your Space

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesdays!

Welcome back to For the Love of Parenting! Last week, we talked about brain development and your baby’s first 1,000 days. This week, we’re shifting the lens to your brain.

We’ll explore what researchers now know about so-called “mommy brain”—the very real and remarkable brain remodeling that happens during pregnancy and postpartum. Instead of seeing forgetfulness as a flaw, you’ll learn how these changes make you more responsive, more attuned, and better equipped to care for your baby.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How a mother’s brain physically and functionally changes during pregnancy and postpartum
• Why some of these changes last well beyond the newborn stage
• How your brain and your baby’s brain “co-rise” during the first 1,000 days
• Why you can’t spoil a newborn with too much love and attention
• Everyday tips to support your brain health and reframe “mommy brain” as a superpower

Resources & References:

• Hoekzema et al., Nature Neuroscience (2016, 2024) – MRI studies on maternal brain changes
• JAMA Neurology (2023) – reframing “mommy brain” as adaptation
• Harvard Center on the Developing Child – serve-and-return interactions
• Cusick & Georgieff (2016) – the first 1,000 days and brain development

Deeper Dive:

• From Womb to Two: The Critical Window of Brain Growth - Episode 78

Tune in and take heart: your brain is not broken, it’s beautifully adapting to the incredible role of parenthood.

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesdays!

The first 1,000 days—from conception through age two—are the most powerful window for shaping your baby’s brain and building the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and resilience. In this article, we explore what actually happens inside your baby’s developing brain, why nutrition, bonding, and sleep matter so much, and how small, everyday moments—like cuddling, singing, or sharing a meal—create lasting connections.

You’ll Learn:

• Why the brain grows faster in the first 1,000 days than at any other time in life
• How everyday interactions like eye contact, singing, and play strengthen brain wiring
• The essential nutrients (iron, DHA, choline, iodine) that fuel brain growth
• How sleep consolidates learning and supports memory
• Ways to reduce toxic stress and create a safe, nurturing environment for your baby
• Simple activities parents can do daily to boost development—from pregnancy through toddlerhood

Key Takeaway:
It doesn’t take perfection or expensive tools to support your baby’s brain—it takes connection, consistency, and care. Every cuddle, every story, every meal shared is helping to build a strong foundation for your child’s future.

Take A Deeper Dive:

• Boost Baby's Growth With Playtime Magic Now! - Episode 38
• Transform Baby’s Day with Tummy Time Fun! - Episode 39
• Engage Your Baby's Mind: Games for 4-6 Months - Episode 40
• Baby's Play & Growth: Activities for Months 7-12 - Episode 41

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesdays!

Title: Beyond the Makeover: How to Live, Create, and Recharge in Your Space

Your space is ready, but now what? This episode shows you how to make it a daily part of your life — protecting it like gold, using it to spark creativity, restore energy, and giving yourself permission to simply be.

Episode Description:
You’ve done it — the clutter’s gone, the dust has settled, and you’ve transformed your little corner of the world into something beautiful. But here’s the big question: now what?

In this week’s episode of For the Love of Parenting, I’m sharing how to move beyond just looking at your space and start truly living in it. We’ll talk about building it into your daily rhythm, protecting it from interruptions (yes, even from yourself), and using it to fuel your creativity, focus, and peace of mind.

I’ll also share my personal morning ritual — from sipping apple cider vinegar tea to journaling and walking on the treadmill — and why even the smallest “micro-moments” in your space can completely shift your day.

Whether you’ve got two minutes or two hours, you’ll walk away with practical ways to make your space an irresistible, soul-filling part of your everyday life.

You’ll Learn:

• Why your space is more than just a chair, desk, or corner
• How to make it part of your daily routine (even in 5-minute pockets)
• Simple rituals that invite inspiration and calm
• How to protect your space from distractions and guilt
• Why letting your space evolve keeps it fresh and inviting

Resources & Bonus:
📝 For Newsletter Subscribers: Micro-Moments in Your Space Checklist — quick ideas for 2–5 minutes, 10–15 minutes, or 20+ minutes in your space to restore energy and spark creativity.

Deeper Dive:

A Space of Her Own: Why Every Mom Needs One - Episode 76

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesdays!

Episode Summary:

Today I invites moms to do something revolutionary—make space for themselves. Not in a metaphorical sense, but an actual physical space in their homes that serves no one else but them. Whether it’s a cozy corner, a comfy chair, or a sunny windowsill, this is about reclaiming peace, presence, and personal identity in the chaos of motherhood.

You’ll learn:

• Why creating a personal space matters (even in a tiny home)
• How to find a corner of your own without disrupting the rest of the house
• Simple tips for designing your space to reflect your personality and needs
• How to protect your space from distractions, clutter, and guilt
• And how showing up for yourself in small, intentional ways can change everything

Episode Bonus:
📝 Printable Checklist: “Create Your Own Space: A Quick Start for Moms” – available in this month’s newsletter

Listener Challenge:
Choose your corner, claim it, and post a picture tagging @pregnancyconcepts with #MomSpaceMatters

Deeper Dive

• Beyond Sleep: 4 Ways to Recharge When Baby Naps and You’re Not Tired
• The Power of Pause: Healing on Your Own Timeline

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

What's Up Wednesdays!

Listen up moms!

You don’t have to sleep every time your baby sleeps—especially if your body isn’t asking for it. In this episode of The Love of Parenting, we explore four restful, grounding ways to recharge your energy during naptime without forcing yourself to nap. From quiet moments in a recliner to music, good company, and joyful screen time—consider this your invitation to pause and care for yourself in a new way.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• How to create your own rest rituals
• Why you don’t need to “earn” downtime
• Small sensory resets that make a big difference

👉 Feeling depleted? Give yourself a softer way to recharge.

Want a deeper dive? Check out our other episodes.

• Self-Love During Nursing: Utilizing Breastfeeding Time for Personal Renewal
• Boost Your Joy: Mom's Self-Care Guide!

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.

Today we’ll talk about how the slower pace of summer helps us gently prepare for the big and small changes that parenting brings—whether it’s a child entering a new grade, a parent changing jobs, or simply adjusting to the next season of life. It’s all about leaning into the pause before the pivot.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the slower pace of summer matters more than we think
• How to notice subtle growth and shifts in your child—and yourself
• Five gentle ways to use summer to prepare for transitions
• How to help your child navigate change without pressure
• Why parents also go through transitions (and how to honor your own!)
• The beauty of pausing before jumping into what’s next

Looking For a Deeper Dive - Check out These Episodes:

• Keep Kids' Minds Sharp & Happy This Summer! - Episode 71
• Unlock The Magic Of Summer's Farms & Farmer's Markets - Episode 32
• Boost Kids' Skills: With Stress-Free Summer Reading - Episode 31
• Easy Summer Tips for Stress-Free Parents - Episode 29

☀️ Psst... You’re missing the best part of summer! Only newsletter subscribers get the full summer scoop—bonus recipes, parenting hacks, and a few surprises just for you. Don’t miss out. Sign up now!

Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC

DM us on IG @pregnacyconcepts

Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com

Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.