Send us a text with your feedback here!

In this episode of The Real Family Eats, Dr. Taylor Harper, a child psychologist, mom of two, and children’s book author, joins Reesa for a refreshingly honest discussion about parenting, homeschooling, and real life in the kitchen. Skip the fluff and get the truth behind the chaos, challenges, and small victories of raising kids.

• Tips and mindset shifts Dr. Harper uses to manage parenting stress and stay present
• Honest talk on homeschooling, socialization myths, and choosing what’s best for your family
• How to handle big personalities in kids, including creative ways to channel energy (like WWE wrestling and throwing games)
• Real strategies for managing parental anger, apologizing to your kids, and fostering emotional connection
• The importance of finding small breaks, self-care rituals, and letting go of unrealistic social media standards

Don’t forget to check the links for Dr. Harper’s books and resources at the end!

From Dr. Taylor Harper:

Im a child psychologist who focuses on sibling bonds and sel. Im also a mom who lets my kids swear and normalize the struggle.

Connect:

@ drtaylorharperatbettertogether

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Cosmic Brownie Cookies

1/2 c unsalted butter softened

1/2 c light brown sugar

1/4 c granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c dark cocoa powder

1 1/4 c all-purpose flour

Toppings:

3/4 semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c heavy cream

Rainbow chip sprinkles

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup and mix on low speed until combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine.

Add in baking soda and salt and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined.

Lastly, add dark cocoa powder and all-purpose flour and mix on medium until combined.

Scoop dough into 1/4 c sized scoops, roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a 1/2" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy.

Bake at 350F for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake. The centers may look a tiny bit wet but will continue to bake on the hot pan, allowing them to firm up without overbaking.

Allow to fully cool before decorating.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Dive into Jason Tuttle's powerful story about parenting two medically fragile children and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, you'll hear firsthand experiences, practical cooking tips, and an honest look at grief and resilience.

• Jason's journey as a father to two children with severe neurological delays and medical needs
• The simple and adaptable Betsy's black bean chili recipe, including ingredient tips and why it's a family favorite
• Managing mental health as a parent facing ongoing crisis, including grief, anger, and the realities of self-care
• How Jason and his family coped with unexpected loss and the emotional aftermath
• The creation and mission behind "Letters to Zachary"—a grief resource platform for families navigating similar challenges

Don't forget to check the show notes for resources and ways to connect with Jason.

From Jason:

I am a married father of two kids with multiple mental and physical disabilities (some rare). I was a Stay-at-Home Dad for 12 years until my son suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from issues related to his needs on 01/28/22. Since the day my son passed, I created a website, FB blog, and community (Letters To Zachary) on grief that details my raw, unfiltered and open grief journey from a male's/father's perspective.

Connect:

www.LettersToZachary.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary/

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Betsy's Black Bean Chili

1 pound ground round

2 (15 ounce) cans no-salt-added black beans

2 (8 ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 (8 ounce) jar salsa, or to taste

1 tablespoon chili seasoning mix

Step 1

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

Step 2

Drain one can of black beans pour into a large pot over medium heat; add second can black beans, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili seasoning mix. Stir cooked ground round into the beans mixture, bring to a simmer, and cook until the flavors blend, 20 to 25 minutes.

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911

Send us a text with your feedback here!

Parenting coach and mom of four Dana Parisi joins Reesa to share her family’s favorite Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe—and the real-life challenges of parenting through adoption, trauma, and busy schedules. Tune in for practical cooking tips and an honest conversation about building resilience and support as caregivers.

In this episode:

• Easy steps and pro tips for making a family-friendly Tuna Noodle Casserole ("Tuna Noodle Stinkle")
• Navigating the adoption process, its unpredictability, and its impact on family dynamics
• Dana’s journey from physical therapist to parent coach supporting families of kids with trauma and neurodiversities
• The real struggles of parenting, including meltdowns, embarrassment, and the importance of building your village
• Insights on self-care, vulnerability, and reframing discipline to meet kids’ underlying needs

Get more support from Dana at livestouchcoaching.com and check out the linked resources.

From Dana:

Dana is a mom of 4 (2 biological and 2 adopted) and through her own parenting journey, was humbled to realize she needed more parenting tools in her tool belt. This started a path that eventually led to her supporting other parents through parent coaching. Dana is passionate about working with families of kids who have persistent challenging behaviors as a result of early life trauma, neuro-diversity or mental health struggles.

Connect:

https://www.livestouchedcoaching.com/#/

https://www.instagram.com/dana.parisi/

https://www.facebook.com/livestouched

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-parisi-157758210/

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

15 oz macaroni or corkscrew noodles cooked and drained

10 oz chopped frozen broccoli thawed

1-2 tsp minced onion

1 can cream of broccoli (or celery) soup

1 can broccoli cheese soup

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 large can tuna, rinsed and drained

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix together, put into a buttered casserole dish

back at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

* add crunched up chips on top, cheddar ruffle potato chips are are favorite

* add hot sauce if you like it spicy!

******
Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe!

For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here:
https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.

Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

Go to your local hospital or call 911