 Why Giving to Others Makes You Happy  One of my all-time favorite memories was Christmas as a child. Family came in from out of town, there was good food, everyone was happy. Christmas was downright magical as a kid, and the presents didn't hurt either! Getting presents always seems like kids happy. (FYI, receiving gifts IS one of the five love languages!) But then something happens. You grow up and have your own babies, and you realize that GIVING those Christmas presents is a far more exciting experience.  It feels good to give. You feel happier when you make others happier.  But why? As it turns out, there is a little bit of science behind this too! A study from the Harvard Business School found that when individuals give, they activate the pleasure centers in your brain.  It literally feels good to make other people happy.  The Challenge Give to another today.... it could be something big... it could be something small like the last piece of cake (especially if you really wanted it!) You don't have to let us know what you did, but let us know when you're done... then you can continue to inspire others! (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)  Encourage your family to start the challenge too!   Join our community here.   Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.

Cor Domum: Parenting with Joy

Season 3, Episode 15: Happiness Challenge: Day 2

In this episode, Katie focuses on happiness -- and how you can achieve it. Happiness: What Is It? What Isn't It?  Happiness doesn't mean that everything always goes your way.  Happiness doesn't mean that you're over-the-moon ecstatic 24/7.  Far from it. Happiness means that you choose positivity. You choose to endure. You choose to look on the bright side. You choose to keep on keepin' on - even in the face of adversity.  Happiness is about the choices you make. Happiness is about choosing joy in your heart.  The 7-Day Happiness Challenge Because happiness is about the choices you make, there are things you can do to create a happier life, and the 7-day challenge can help you get there. Each day, I'll post a new challenge both here and on social media so feel free to follow along!  Back to Nature Give to another Focus on meditation Self-care Attitude of gratitude  Make a new goal Affirmations  I won't be leaving you alone either; I'll be doing the challenge with you, showing you science-backed reasons how these small acts contribute to happiness.    Join our community here.   Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.

Season 3, Episode 14: The Happiness Challenge: Day 1

In this episode, Katie introduces the 8 principles of Attachment Parenting and how they can relate "natural parenting." Natural parenting is about creating a lifestyle that is responsive, conscious, and responsible. This episode briefly covers each of the principles of Attachment Parenting and how it can be used to parent by nature.  She'll cover: What is natural parenting? What are the principles of Attachment Parenting? Is Attachment Parenting right for your family? How Attachment Parenting can create a lifestyle that fosters joy and happiness   Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.    

Season 3, Episode 13: What Is Natural Parenting?

In this episode, Katie introduces the 8 principles of Attachment Parenting and how they can relate to any relationship - not just the parent-child relationship.   She'll cover: Is Attachment Parenting new? What is the foundation of Attachment Parenting? Is Attachment Parenting right for your family? How A.P. can help strengthen any relationship EVEN if you're not parents yet Resources mentioned in the podcast: A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman (aff link) The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby by Dr. Sears (aff link) Blog post mentioned: 5 Principles for Romancing Your Wife Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.   Disclaimer: I only share affiliate links to products I use and love.  When you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a commission for the sale at no additional cost to you. These purchases keep this blog and podcast running - thank you!

The 8 Principles of Attachment Parenting (and How They Affect Any Relationship)

In the Season 2 Kickoff, Katie begins by exploring the common parenting labels.  Most importantly, she talks about the good - and the bad- aspects about each label.  Learning about what category you fall into, can help you learn about your own parenting strengths and weaknesses.  In this episode, we'll cover: What the common parenting labels are  Helicopter parent Lawnmower parent Free range parent Attachment parent  Wolf Dad  Dragon Mom  The good and the bad qualities of such stereotypes  What you can learn by uncovering what your own label is  What type of parent are you? How can you use that info to bring more happiness into your family? Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here. What is your parenting label? What kind of parent are you - and how can you use that info to bring more joy into your life? Comment below!

S2.Ep1: What Type of Parent Are You? (And Why It Matters)

This episode is a refresher of who we are and what our mission is... and what you'll learn by following along to this podcast.  In this episode, Katie will talk about:  What "Cor Domum" means  Her inspiration for starting this podcast  What listeners will learn from the podcast  The goal of the podcast to inspire families to live better, happier lives  Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here. Join our tribe of parents here.     

S2,Ep00: Who We Are (And What You Get For Listening)

In this episode, Katie begins to tackle the topic of sleep. We all know sleep is good for us (duh) but sometimes we don't always get the highest quality of sleep.  Sleep is critical for a happy and healthy BODY and MIND.  In this episode, we'll cover: How sleep plays a role in the body's natural detoxification process  The importance of a sleep schedule  Ways to improve your quality of sleep including What is a blue light Essential oils including how to make a "home spa" spray  How orange/amber lights induce sleep Cherry juice to help induce sleep  How sleep improve overall family life  WHAT IS YOUR SLEEP SCORE? Mentioned in this episode: Study done on blue lights The orange light we use (affiliate link) Where to buy lavender and cedarwood essential oil  Where to buy tart cherry juice (affiliate)  Home spa recipe: -25 drops of dōTERRA® Serenity -20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil -15 drops of Vetiver essential oil -15 drops of Marjoram essential oil Add to a 2 oz spray bottle -Fill the rest with water Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here. 

Episode 9: Sleeping Your Way to A Happier Family

In this episode, your host Katie Trudeau shares explores why and how nature makes people happy and boosts moods. In this episode, she'll explore: A personal reflection of napping outdoors Why Northern Europeans make a daily habit of the outdoor nap The philosophical implications of a happy life and the great outdoors The physical benefits of spending time outdoors Resources mentioned: Hammock for napping outdoors Study linking outdoor play to decreased ADHD symptoms BBC article about Nordic babies napping outside Connect with Katie: Facebook or Twitter If you’ve got a question about today’s episode or want to leave us a note, you can email us at cordomum@gmail.com Love the show? Please leave us a review and share the love! How to rate/review us: Launch Apple’s Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the album art for the podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom. Enter your iTunes password to login. Tap the Stars to leave a rating. Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send. Thank you!

Episode 8: Why Nature Makes You Happy

In this episode, parenting author Katie Trudeau explores the good that comes from serving your kids.   In this episode, we'll cover: 1. Why modern parents are afraid to serve their kids 2. The notion that service is a mandatory teaching tool  3. Why spoiling kids is not possible  4. The reason why kids lack manners  5. How service leads to love Items mentioned:  The Five Love Languages Chamomile Tea - the tea that showed me who's boss!  Additional gentle parenting resources:  Interested in learning more about Attachment Parenting? I suggest these books:  The Attachment Parenting Book ToddlerCalm: A Guide for Calmer Toddlers and Happier Parents Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages (A Little Hearts Handbook)   Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.   This may contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing additional but it does provide support for this blog and podcast. 

Episode 7: Why Serving Your Kids is Good

In this episode, parenting author Katie Trudeau dives into one of the myths surrounding gentle parenting and Attachment Parenting.  Even though Attachment Parenting is popular, there are still a lot of myths that need debunking. One of the most prevalent myths is that you'll end up with an out-of-control child.  In this episode, we'll cover: 1. Why this myth came to be 2. The notion that gentle parenting does not mean lax parenting  3. What is harsh punishment 4. Alternatives to spanking/timeouts that really do work  Time in Talking  Redirection Hug it out Resources:  Interested in learning more about Attachment Parenting? I suggest these books:  The Attachment Parenting Book ToddlerCalm: A Guide for Calmer Toddlers and Happier Parents Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages (A Little Hearts Handbook)   Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.

Episode 6: Gentle Parenting Myth #1: You'll Have An Out-of-Control Child

In today's episode, Katie explores the secret to family happiness according to a 4 year old.  Highlights from the show include:  What is a child's favorite thing about family life? Strengthen family bonds through experiences  Make each moment count: go big or go home Quality vs quantity time  Homework:  Think about a way to spend more quality and quantity time with your family Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here. 

Episode 5: The Secret of Family Happiness According to a 4 Year Old

In this episode, Katie introduces the 8 principles of Attachment Parenting. She'll cover: Is Attachment Parenting new? What is the foundation of Attachment Parenting? Is Attachment Parenting right for your family? How A.P. can help strengthen any relationship EVEN if you're not parents yet Resources mentioned in the podcast: A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman (aff link) Blog post mentioned: 5 Principles for Romancing Your Wife Subscribe to my newsletters here. Subscribe to this feed in iTunes here.

Episode 4: Is Attachment Parenting Right for Your Family?

In this episode, Katie talks about why kids save their worst behavior for their parents and what you can do in those situations. __________________________________________________________________ My oldest son had just come home from a playdate with his Memaw. As my mom dropped him off, she beamed at how good he was. He was polite and chipper and chatty. They played, did arts and crafts, and went out for lunch. It was the perfect day and my boy had been angelic.  So you can imagine my surprise when he started running and screaming and having a meltdown. My mom stared in disbelief and said, "Wow. He was so good today."  I knew what was happening, though. I had seen it before. The dreaded I-was-good-for-other-people-but-now-I'm-gonna-meltdown-for-Mommy syndrome. What gives? I want to be greeted with kisses and hugs - not meltdowns!  But here's the thing: being good is exhausting Being good and following the rules and listening to the adults is hard work. Exhausting work. It takes so much energy for young kids to be "on their best behavior" that when they come home, they are just over it.  And my son hit the nail on the head. I set him on his bed, thinking that some quiet time with a book or a cuddle could recharge his mood. I asked him, "What's wrong? Why did you spiral out of control?"  His answer made my jaw drop: "I'm all behaved out. Being good was hard work and I'm really tired."  Of course, it was.  So I tucked my little guy in and he got some very needed rest.  Three things to know about why kids reserve their worst behavior for us If, at first, it hurts yours feelings that your son or daughter saves all their best behavior for others and then unleashes the dragon on you, fear not. Here's some helpful info to remember. It's normal! Simply knowing you are not alone can help to alleviate the frustration (even just a little bit). Your child trusts you: Child psychologists are quick to note that a child who feels secure enough to reveal his true self feels unconditionally loved by that parent. It's as if a child is thinking, "Well, I know Daddy loves me no matter what. I need to vent, I need to just let it all out and I know Daddy loves me anyway." Think of it as a compliment.  Make the adjustment easier for your child. Maybe some alone time in his/her room is what your child would like as he works through his emotions. Other children may desire a parent's company. Sometimes just physically sitting next to each other is enough. Let your child lead.  Does your child behave well for others and save the crazy stuff for you? What do you do? How do you make the transition easier for your child?  Subscribe to this feed or read more at www.katietrudeau.com.

Episode 3: Why Kids Save Their Worst Behavior for Their Parents

 In this episode, Katie talks about the benefits of using meditation. It's not always easy to carve out large chunks of time for yourself, so Katie offers tips to bring peace to your mind even when you are short on time. ____________________________________________________ Meditation is one of the oldest ways to center yourself, regulate your emotions, and de-stress. However, it's hard to squeeze in a yoga and/or meditation session in between diaper changes, work commitments, errands, driving here and there, cooking dinner, washing laundry, rewashing laundry, folding laundry, sweeping, and... the list goes on. What's a mama (or papa) to do?  Meditation doesn't have to take place in a studio led by a yogi master. Meditation is a lot simpler. At its simplest, meditation refers to peace that comes from calming the mind. Here are three ways to meditate even when you are short on time.  Use meditation to de-stress, calm the mind, and experience peace Fix your gaze If you went to a traditional meditation class, you would learn about Drishti, which is a term for focusing your eyes on one spot. Sometimes, as we feel the stresses of life intensify, our roving eyes can add to the sensory overload. Want to try it? Pick an object (a spot on the wall, a picture frame, the corner of a rug) and fix your gaze on the object for at least 30 seconds. This dramatically reduces the "overload" sensations in your brain, allowing the motion to give way to stillness.  Deep breathing As any laboring mother can tell you, deep breathing is a helpful meditation tool - not because it relieves pain, but because it helps calm the body. Shallow breathing can contribute to panic, while deeper breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system.  The parasympathetic nervous system controls the actions of a body at rest. Deep breathing is easy to do no matter how busy you are. You have to breath anyway, so make it count. :)  Share the moment  While we're on the topic of brain activity, when you make yourself vulnerable and share with another human, oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is nicknamed the "feel-good hormone." When you share your stresses and feelings with another, you make yourself vulnerable and can experience a boost in mood thanks to oxytocin. Try deep breathing with a friend, spouse, or even your child. It's never too early to teach the healing powers of meditation to your little ones.  What is your favorite way to meditate? Subscribe to this feed or go to www.katietrudeau.com for more information.

Episode 2: 3 Ways to Use Meditation (Even When You're Short on Time)

Welcome to the Cor Domum podcast! Your host, parenting author Katie Trudeau, navigates families through life, guided by gentle parenting and natural living practices.  In this episode, meet Katie! Learn about who she is and how she started her journey towards peaceful parenting and natural living.  If you're interested in a happier home and more joyful family life, then this podcast is for you. We all have our parenting struggles, but together we can find the joy in family life.  For more information, go to www.katietrudeau.com

Episode 1: My Story & Mission of Cor Domum

Your host, parenting author Katie Trudeau, navigates families through life, guided by gentle parenting and natural living practices. "Cor Domum" means heart of the home, and we believe that the family is the heart of every home. Inspired by organic living practices and the principles of Attachment Parenting, it is our mission to guide families through life so that they can parent with joy.

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Cor Domum: Parenting with Joy

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