Episode 149: 9 Back-to-School Traps Even Intentional Mamas Fall Into
Back-to-school season changes the rhythm of the entire house. Schedules shift. Sleep shifts. Expectations shift. And suddenly, even the most intentional, natural-minded mamas can find themselves falling into a few surprisingly sneaky traps.
Because sometimes the things that look like intentional mothering on the surface are being driven by something entirely different underneath. And without realizing it, we take the same way of thinking we were handed and simply make it natural.
In this episode, I share 9 back-to-school traps even intentional mamas fall into, including a few that might seriously surprise you. I talk about everything from what happens before your child ever walks out the door in the morning to what their behavior, body and even their backpack can tell you when they come home.
But this episode isn’t really about perfecting your back-to-school routine.
It’s about learning to see your child differently, ask better questions and THINK like a Fiercely Empowered Mama.
Press play for:
- The big back-to-school transition happening in our home, and the advice I’ve carried with me since before I was even a mom.
- The trap that can make natural mothering look a whole lot like conventional mothering.
- Why YOU go first when the demands on your family go up.
- The back-to-school goal I actually DON’T want you to have.
- What I can learn from a kid’s water bottle at the end of the school day.
- The one thing I’m looking for in a “healthy” school lunch that’s often missing.
- Why I care about what time of day your kid poops.
- The bedtime mistake that actually starts first thing in the morning.
- Why I’m careful with words like “anxious,” “sensitive” and “emotional."
- And the parenting principle I believe could change how your child learns to trust themselves for the rest of their life.
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Resources Mentioned
The FEM Hydration Challenge: Go back to the foundation and get consistent. → Start the hydration challenge here.
Free Magnesium Guide for Kids: The forms I use, what I look for and how I think about magnesium for kids. → Get my free magnesium guide here.
VivaRays Blue-Light Glasses: For the unavoidable artificial light after dark. Use code TONYAHOLCOMB. → Shop VivaRays here.
The FEM 2027 Waitlist
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It's also where you get Hotline support, so you're never scrambling and alone when a bite (or anything else) turns.
If this podcast episode lit something up in you, if you felt that pull toward being the one with the tools instead of the one scrambling, THAT is what FEM is for. → Join the waitlist for 2027 enrollment.
Connect with Dr. Tonya
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And be sure to visit my website. You'll find even more resources that I'd love to share with you.
Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Always work with a qualified provider who knows your situation before making changes to your health.
