Podcast
Help Them Bloom
Hosted by Evelyn Mendal · EN
Welcome to your home away from home for parenting support. As a child and parenting expert, I'm here to chat about all things child development, mental health (both parent and child’s), and parenting strategies based on science and preserving our critical human connection to our children.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
48. Why Kids Are Anxious: Understanding Their Nervous Systems
Jan 2600:17:10Tap to summarizeWhy does it feel like so many kids are anxious, overwhelmed, and melting down lately?I break down what’s really behind the rise in childhood anxiety — and it’s not just behavior, temperament, or “bad habits.”Children’s nervous systems are biologically wired for slowness, rhythm, predictability, and unstructured play, yet modern life moves at an adult pace: rushed mornings, packed schedules, overstimulating screens, and constant transitions. This mismatch is leaving kids disregulated — and their anxiety often shows up through sleep struggles, meltdowns, stomach aches, emotional outbursts, and difficulty handling small challenges.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why anxiety in kids shows up in behavior, not words- How overstimulation and packed schedules dysregulate the nervous system- The hidden cost of too many transitions and activities- Why unstructured play and boredom are essential for emotional regulation- How parental stress directly impacts a child’s nervous system- Why doing less, not more, is often the solution- Simple ways to slow mornings, afternoons, and bedtime routines- How to create rhythm without rigidity in your homeSubscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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47. Friendship in Your 30s & 40s: The Real Talk We Needed as Moms
Jan 1300:30:04Tap to summarizeWhat if friendship isn’t meant to look the same in every season of your life?In this deeply honest and affirming episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendal sits down with Rebecca Smith, founder of Mamala Organics, for a powerful conversation about adult friendship, motherhood, identity, and the invisible emotional labor women carry – especially after becoming moms.From postpartum isolation and “playdate friendships” to soul-level connections and modeling healthy relationships for our children, this episode explores why not every friend can meet every need – and why that realization can be incredibly freeing.Friendships exist for reasons, seasons, and lifetimes. Together, Evelyn and Rebecca unpack how women can release guilt, comparison, and unrealistic expectations – and instead build intentional, values-aligned friendships that support who we are now.This episode is for any woman who has ever thought:“Why do friendships feel harder now?”“Is something wrong with me?”“Will I ever find my people again?”✨ Spoiler: You will.About the Guest: https://linkin.bio/mamalaRebecca Smith is the founder of Mamala Organics, a line of organic, functional support snacks created to nourish women through postpartum healing and beyond—because women deserve food that supports their bodies, not just their kids’.Learn more about Mamala Organics: https://www.mamalaorganics.com/Follow Mamala Organics: https://www.instagram.com/mamala_organicsChapters: 00:00 Setting the stage: friendship, motherhood & seasons of life08:55 Introducing Rebecca Smith, Founder of Mamala Organics011:45 Why adult friendships feel different after becoming a mom12:45 The isolation of early motherhood & misaligned life timing14:20 Can you really make lifelong friends later in life?16:45 Releasing disappointment & categorizing friendships by purpose17:15 Seeking value-aligned friendships intentionally19:30 “Your partner can’t be everything” — redefining emotional support21:30 Letting friendships ebb and flow without guilt24:10 The power of women’s circles & intentional female community25:45 Choosing the right energy around your kids26:35 How adult friendships shape children’s social blueprints31:15 Belonging vs. authenticity (for kids and adults)32:30 Preparing kids for social challenges at every age35:15 Mamala Organics: postpartum nourishment & food as medicineSubscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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46. Transform Your Parenting by Healing Yourself First & Breaking Generational Patterns | Andrea Paola
Dec 1600:34:56Tap to summarizeWhat if the hardest parts of parenting have nothing to do with your kids—and everything to do with what you carry?Andrea Paola, psychologist and parent coach reveals why modern parenting feels so overwhelming—and what’s actually underneath the guilt, burnout, and emotional triggers so many of us experience.Andrea opens up about her personal journey through intergenerational trauma, family constellations, inner child work, and breaking the patterns she inherited—especially after becoming a mother to her daughter, Violeta.In this episode of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal, you'll learn: - Why parenting activates our deepest wounds- How our 0–6 childhood years shape everything- Why “mom guilt” is so universal- What family constellations revealed about Andrea’s past- How to stop parenting from the wounded child within- How curiosity—not perfection—creates healing- Why true parenting transformation starts with us, not our kidsLearn more about Andrea's work: https://linktr.ee/iamandreapaola?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareTimestamps:00:00 The Reality of Parenting02:38 Generational Patterns and Their Impact05:28 Family Constellations: A Path to Healing08:13 The Inner Child and Parenting Dynamics11:10 Navigating Fear and Anxiety in Parenting14:07 Creating Safe Spaces for Children16:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery19:43 Building New Family Dynamics22:46 Choosing What to Carry Forward25:38 Empathy and Connection in ParentingSubscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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45. Are You and Your Partner Parenting Opposites? | Jordanne Sculler, LMHC
Dec 200:37:55Tap to summarizeWhat if the real tension in your relationship isn’t actually about parenting—but about the ache of feeling unheard, unseen, and misunderstood?Jordanne Sculler, Psychotherapist at Jordanne Sculler, LMHC, unpacks the complex emotional undercurrents that surface the moment children enter a relationship. She explores how unresolved histories, mismatched communication styles, and old attachment patterns quietly shape the way partners navigate parenthood.A specialist in relationship work and couples therapy, Jordanne helps partners truly understand one another, communicate with clarity and intention, and rebuild emotional connection—especially during the early parenting years when life feels especially chaotic, triggering, and unfamiliar.If you’re overwhelmed by sleep struggles, discipline differences, mental load imbalance, fading intimacy, or a painful sense of disconnect, this episode offers the insight, tools, and validation you need to begin finding your way back to each other.In this episode of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal, you’ll learn: - Why parenting exposes differences in upbringing and values- What really happens when partners have opposite parenting styles- The co-sleeping debate: a real client example broken down- How to communicate without getting defensive- The Imago technique for actually hearing each other- Why curiosity is the most underrated relationship skill- How to find alignment—not sameness—in how you raise your kids- And why no one is prepared for the transformation that comes with becoming a parentLearn more about Jordanne's practice: https://www.jordannescullerlmhc.com/Follow Jordanne on social: https://www.instagram.com/jordannesculler/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Relationship Dynamics01:52 Navigating Parenting Styles in Relationships05:34 The Importance of Communication and Understanding11:19 Finding Common Ground in Parenting16:50 Respecting Each Other's Parenting Approaches18:50 Navigating Parental Dynamics20:41 The Impact of Arguments on Children25:26 Fostering Connection Post-Children33:30 Deepening Relationship Through CuriositySubscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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44. Tween to Teen: What’s Really Happening in Their Brain? | Kirsten Cobabe
Nov 2400:39:10Tap to summarizeIf your sweet, easygoing child is suddenly rolling their eyes, pushing boundaries, or questioning everything… you are NOT alone.Kirsten Cobabe — former therapist, parent coach, and the internet’s beloved Teen Whisperer — joins Help The Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to unpack one of the biggest developmental shifts your child will ever go through: the transition from childhood into the tween and teen years.Evelyn also opens up about her own 10‑year‑old entering this new territory — and the fears, unknowns, and “against the system” pressures so many modern parents face.Kirsten drops truth bombs about:- Why your tween suddenly sees you differently- What’s really happening in their brain (hint: it’s not “just hormones”)- Individuation — why pushing back is healthy- How to stay connected even when the attitude shows up- Why authenticity matters more than perfection- How parents can support teens in a world obsessed with performance, grades, and achievement- The identity crisis that begins as early as 9–10 years old- How to preserve the most important thing of all: your relationshipFollow Kirsten on Instagram: @kirstencobabe https://www.instagram.com/kirstencobabe/?hl=enLearn about Parenting Wave: https://www.instagram.com/parentingwave/?hl=enhttps://www.parentingwave.com/Subscribe to Help Them Bloom: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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43. Why Is Potty Training So Stressful for Parents? Real Talk & Game-Changing Solutions
Nov 1100:54:47Tap to summarizeWhy does potty training feel like the ultimate parenting stress test? In this episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendal, parenting and child development expert, dives deep into one of the most anxiety-inducing milestones for parents — potty training.Evelyn is joined by Tabby Pool, a Miami-based potty training consultant and pediatric occupational therapist with 15+ years of experience across the UK, Australia, and South Africa, and Elena Ducoin, mom and inventor of My Bee Bear, a unique potty training underwear designed for both day and night use.Together, they unpack:- Why potty training is such a developmental challenge — not just a “three-day method.”- How cultural expectations have shaped unrealistic timelines.- The real signs of readiness (and what not to focus on).- How to make the process less of a power struggle — and maybe even fun!- The story behind a mom’s creative invention that changed nighttime training forever.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Potty Training Challenges01:51 Understanding the Stress of Potty Training04:44 Signs of Potty Readiness07:09 Cultural Shifts in Potty Training Practices08:40 Personal Experiences with Potty Training12:00 Innovative Solutions for Nighttime Potty Training15:58 Creating a Supportive Environment for Potty Training19:28 No Pressure Approach to Potty Training24:49 Addressing Regression and Withholding in Potty Training26:26 Understanding Constipation in Children31:06 Addressing Fears Around Toilet Use35:05 Strategies for Daytime and Nighttime Potty Training41:59 Recognizing Red Flags in Toilet Training48:12 Innovative Solutions for Potty Training ChallengesFollow along on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/ Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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42. Fertility, IVF, Miscarriage & Identity: Navigating the Emotional Journey | Sarita Broda, MFT
Oct 2900:36:51Tap to summarizeFeeling alone in your fertility journey? You’re not. Sarita Broda, MFT, a specialist in reproductive mental health, unpacks the emotional, relational, and societal impacts of fertility challenges, miscarriage, and IVF. From navigating grief and loss, managing anxiety and fear, to reclaiming your identity through the journey, Sarita shares insights from her work supporting individuals and couples through reproductive mental health challenges, including:- Coping with the grief of miscarriage and failed cycles- Navigating anxiety, fear, and the uncertainty of fertility treatments- How fertility struggles affect identity, relationships, and your sense of self- Practical tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and supportTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Evelyn & Sarita3:41 – How fertility work found Sarita8:03 – Emotional, relational & societal impacts of fertility challenges18:01 – Understanding miscarriage & ambiguous loss29:48 – Identity shifts during fertility journeys35:32 – Finding joy & maintaining self outside fertilityFollow along on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/ Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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41. How to Make Kids Love Brushing Their Teeth | Dr. Yamila Garber
Oct 900:36:38Tap to summarizeParents, does brushing your child’s teeth feel like a daily battle? You’re not alone.Pediatric dentist Dr. Yamila Garber shares practical strategies to turn nightly power struggles into calm, confident routines—and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. From tackling toddler teeth brushing, choosing the right toothpaste, and flossing tips, to managing thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, Dr. Gerber gives actionable advice every parent can use—without stress, tears, or anxiety.Learn:- How parental energy affects children’s dental anxiety- The best age to start dental visits and why early visits matter- Tips for toddler and preschool teeth brushing (yes, even the fussy ones!)- Pacifier and thumb-sucking strategies that actually work- How to make oral hygiene fun and stress-free for the whole familyTIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Dental Anxiety02:46 Understanding Dental Fear in Children05:38 The Importance of Early Dental Visits08:23 Brushing Techniques and Tips for Kids11:35 Navigating Dental Care Challenges14:23 Choosing the Right Dental Products17:17 Creating a Fun Dental Routine19:27 Navigating Thumb Sucking Challenges27:01 Understanding Eating Habits and Cavity Prevention33:25 Building Healthy Dental Relationships
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40. Raising Girls in Today's World
Jul 1800:45:13Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to raise confident, emotionally secure daughters in today’s world?Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to discuss the complexities of raising daughters in today's society. With constant social media, peer pressure, early skincare routines, and a world that’s moving way too fast, raising girls today feels like navigating a minefield.They explore the emotional toll of modern girlhood (and motherhood), why girls are growing up faster—and what we can do about it, creating a home where your child always feels safe to open up. They get personal sharing stories about about insecurity, fitting in, and letting go – as well as revealing how generational trauma and silence show up in parenting.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction1:01 - Raising Girls in Today's World10:01 - Childhood vs. Now20:01 - Parental Fears and Overcoming Them30:01 - The Importance of Open Communication40:01 - Coping with Rejection and Building Resilience50:01 - Body Image and Self-Confidence1:00:01 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSTAY CONNECTED: Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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39. How to Parent from a Mindful Place with Dr. Alexandra Sredni, Psy. D., PLLC
Jun 3000:27:00Tap to summarizeAre you parenting on autopilot—or truly present with your child?Miami-based licensed psychologist Dr. Alexandra Sredni, Psy. D., PLLC, joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal for an honest and insightful conversation on the power of mindfulness in parenting. Together, they unpack how to shift from reacting to responding, why self-acceptance is key to accepting your child, and how our relationship with technology can undermine meaningful connection. From emotional regulation to modeling mindfulness and making space for repair, this episode offers practical strategies to slow down, be present, and raise emotionally aware children—starting with your own inner work.Learn more about Dr. Alexandra Sredni's practice: https://www.miamibeachtherapist.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness in Parenting02:59 The Journey into Mindfulness05:53 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Importance08:27 Mindfulness as a Tool for Parenting Challenges11:22 The Impact of Technology on Presence14:06 Reacting vs. Responding in Parenting16:59 The Power of Apologizing and Repairing Relationships19:56 Accepting Children for Who They Are22:44 Practical Tips for Mindful ParentingSTAY CONNECTED: Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
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