Shows
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesThe Caretaker's PerspectiveHELP! That's what this episode is all about. With two sets of twins and everything going on in our lives, we wouldn't be able to do it all without some serious help. This week, we've got two guests with us... our nanny, Emily Noble and her friend/our backup nanny, Taylor Gonzalez! We get their outside perspective on our parenting and the challenges of caring for other people's kids.Plus, the return of Kid Quotes and so much more!This is Episode Nineteen of Parenting Is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy Barnes!M...2022-06-201h 10
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesThe Importance of Knowing Your KidsBeing known and being understood are two of the most important pieces of anyone's life. (We know this.) And yet, it's amazing how many adults feel like their parents never really knew or understood them. This can lead to insecurity, depression, anxiety, and other problems later in life. BUT... we can do it differently!This week, we talk about some simple and practical ways to really get to know your kids (and let them know that you know them)! We share our learnings and some stories of our kids and invite you to share yours....2022-06-131h 14
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesInfertility and Surrogacy with Valerie Gelb, LMFTWhen we did our last episodes on infertility and surrogacy, our listeners sent in some really great questions! So, we invited Valerie Gelb to join us this week. Valerie is an LMFT who specializes in working with people on their journey's through infertility and surrogacy. She's got a lot of great insights for you! Plus, it's appropriate that she's here considering the announcement we make at the top of the podcast!All this, plus we get to hear YOUR family traditions!NOTE: If you haven't had a chance yet, head over to the PIH IG...2022-06-071h 21
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesChecking In (A Bonus Moment)Just a quick check-in after the events of last week.We'll be back next week with a full episode and big announcement.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and leave reviews!Join our Facebook communityFollow us on InstagramShare your Parenting Wins, Kid Quotes or other thoughts at parentingishard.com/contact Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesHosts: Matt Barnes (@immattbarnes) and Stacy Barnes (who does not do the social media much)Family IG: @thosebarnestwinsMusic by Jerad Atherton o...2022-05-3103 min
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesRedefining TraditionsThis week, we're talking about traditions. From big ones like holidays to small ones like bedtime routines, we all have traditions in our lives. While traditions can be great, they can also be stressful and, if we're not careful, divisive.But, fear not! With just a little intentionality, we can create amazing family traditions while being inclusive, setting expectations that get everyone on the same page, and maybe even finding some new experiences for your family. Hop on in for our five tips for traditions, plus Parenting Wins and our new segment, Parenting Hacks! 2022-05-231h 20
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesMeltdowns and Tantrums and Tears (Oh My!)THIS IS THE WORST EPISODE EVER!!!! (Is what our kids would shout if they knew what a podcast was and were throwing a fit about it.) Aren't tantrums the worst? Everything's fine and dandy and then your kid decides they don't like the shape of a cloud they saw and it's all over. (And then maybe we throw our own tantrum because of their tantrum and it's a big cluster-tantrum. Good times.) But... maybe there are other things going on here!Most of us were raised to shut tantrums down at all costs and move on, but...2022-05-1651 min
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesWinning at Potty TrainingWe're back... and the podcast has gone straight into the toilet! (Dad joke.) Potty training is no joke and we've got some tips (and lots of dad jokes) to get you through it!We've got tips, Parenting Wins, and so much more this week!This is Episode Thirteen of Parenting Is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy Barnes!Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and leave reviews!Join our Facebook communityFollow us on InstagramShare your Parenting Wins, Kid Quotes or other thoughts at parentingishard.com/contact 2022-05-091h 06
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesA Mischievous Ray of Sunshine (The Poppy Story)To finish up our series on what we've learned from each of our four children, we're talking about the amazing Poppy Sky Barnes. Poppy lights up every room with her overwhelming joy, which really just distracts everyone from her mischievous side! Kids can be complicated and multifaceted even at the youngest of ages. There's more going on behind those sweet, innocent eyes than you might think! If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you!We've got tips, Parenting Wins, and so much more this week!This is Episode Thirteen of Parenting Is H...2022-04-181h 04
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesVery Particular (The Wells Story)In the third episode of our four-episode series, we're talking about our second son, Wells! He's a very particular kid. Know the type? Likes everything a certain way. Fixates on certain things until you never want to hear about them again... and then he keeps talking about them. But, also... so sweet and amazing! If you can relate, we've got a lot for you.We've got tips from what we've learned from Mr. Wells and a whole lot of thought to share! Plus, we've got Parenting Wins from YOU (our amazing community) and a whole bunch more!2022-04-111h 11
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesEndless Energy (The Violet Story)It's week two of our four-week series where we share what we've learned from each of our kids. This week, we're talking about a kid with so much energy that we don't need solar: our oldest daughter, Violet Maru Barnes. Her hilarious creativity comes with its own set of challenges. If any of this sounds familiar, we might have some tips for you!Here's a preview of the tips for raising kids with tons of energy:Don't punish them for their energy... help them direct it!Help them find ways to shine without stifling themHelp them...2022-04-041h 21
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesSO Many Feelings! (The McCoy Story)This week, we're starting a four-week series where we talk about what we've learned from each of our kids! First up, McCoy Kobayashi Barnes... the biggest-feeling kid we know. Which feelings does he feel? He feels ALL of them. Sound familiar to you? Tune in to check out our tips for dealing with those kids who feel ALL the feelings!Here's a preview of the tips we've got for you today:Don't punish them for their feelings!Help them identify their feelings!Help them process their feelings!Help them make good choices for how they handle...2022-03-281h 22
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesInfertility, IVF, and Surrogacy (Part Two)For the second part of this series, we're joined by Doug and Jesse Brown. They're the co-founders of Uniquely Knitted; a non-profit dedicated to supporting those on the infertility journey. They're also friends of ours and hilarious people!Doug and Jesse give us their insights into supporting those experiencing infertility and share their own journey. They also join us for Parenting Wins this week!This is Episode Nine of Parenting Is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy Barnes!Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and leave reviews!Join our Facebook communityFollow us...2022-03-211h 11
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesPlaydate Mini-Episode! (03/14/22)This week, we've got our first Playdate Mini-Episode for ya! We're sharing your wins, answering some questions and introducing you to Emily!This is Episode Eight of Parenting is Hard with Matt & Stacy Barnes.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and leave reviews!Join our Facebook community at facebook.com/pages/parentingishardcommunityFollow us on Instagram at instagram.com/parentingishardpodcastShare your Parenting Wins, Kid Quotes or other thoughts at parentingishard.com/contact Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesHosts: Matt Barnes (@immattbarnes) and S...2022-03-1431 min
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesInfertility, IVF, and Surrogacy (Part One)Before you have kids, there's the issue of getting them. For some, super easy. (And fun!). For others, it can be a long and even painful journey. In this first of two episodes on the topic, we share: - our journey dealing with infertility- everything you want to know about IVF (and maybe some things you don't!)- what led us to surrogacy (for the 2nd set of twins)Plus, we've got our Parenting Wins and even more of yours!This is Episode Seven of Parenting is Hard w...2022-03-071h 19
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesDealing with Sickness (aka "I'm Sick Of This!")Being sick sucks. Having sick kids sucks too. Being sick while you have sick kids? That's when you find yourself asking why you got into this whole parenting thing to begin with. This week, we're talking about dealing with kid sickness. We've experienced quite a bit with sickness in the past four years and have figured out quite a few tips we're sharing with you this week. But, it's not just us and our tips, a number of our listeners contributed to these tips to deal with sickness! Tips such as:Make a Chart (and Keep Your Charts...2022-02-281h 14
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesHanging On To Your Identity As A Couple (aka- Who Are We?!?!)It's hard enough to be a parent let alone a parent in a relationship. Hanging onto your identity as a couple takes a lot of work! We've put together some tips from our experience as well as those from the Parenting is Hard online community. Our six tips are:Define Your ValuesSchedule Stuff OutBe on the Same TeamHave Each Other's BacksDo Hard ThingsStart Small... But Start Now!All of these with a bunch of practical examples of living these tips out. This is Episode Five of Parenting is Hard with Matt & Stacy Barnes....2022-02-211h 16
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesKids & Eating (or "Just Eat It!")Before we were parents, we had no idea that food was going to be one of the biggest stressors in our parental lives. With four kids four and under, trying to get them to all eat the same thing, let alone eat healthy options, try new things, not be picky, and, you know... just finish their freaking dinners is more than a tall order. Add to that whatever relationship we have with food ourselves, and the anxiety about getting this right can be overwhelming and none of us should be figuring it out alone. This week, we're going to...2022-02-141h 12
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesTraveling with Kids (or "Don't Make Me Turn This Podcast Around!")Remember vacations? Impromptu trips? Quick getaways? Yeah... those are gone now. At least, not the way they once were. Kids change everything and traveling with kids brings its own set of fun challenges! We'll be talking about those challenges and sharing some things we've learned as well as a horror story of the time we stupidly thought we'd take 9-month-old twins to Maui. (It did not go according to plan!)On top of that, Matt Reviews Stuff is back this week with a look at the Netflix cartoon "Rainbow Rangers" (I bet you can't guess how he...2022-02-071h 17
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesHanging On To Your Non-Parent Identity (or "Who Am I!?!?!?")Parenting changes your entire life in pretty much every way from the second those kids are born. So, how do we hang on to who we are? Today we're talking about how we've tried to hang on to our identities after becoming parents.Plus, we've got some fantastic Kids Quotes (and some great ones from Stacy and our friend Taylor), we share about our recent trip and we wonder how normal it is that our four-year-old son calls us by our first names. (It's kinda weird, right?)This is Episode Two of Parenting Is Hard!2022-01-311h 13
Parenting is Hard w/ Matt & Stacy BarnesThe First EpisodeTHIS IS IT! Welcome to the first episode of Parenting is Hard!In our first episode, we share a little bit about ourselves and what we want this podcast to be. (An entertaining opportunity to feel better about your parenting as we crowdsource parenting.) Also, what we definitely DON'T want it to be! (A judgmental downer that just makes you feel like you're failing.)So, jump on in as we introduce recurring segments like "Parenting Wins" (gotta focus on the positive stuff!) and "Matt Reviews Things" (Matt shares an interesting perspective on Nickelodeon's "Bubble Guppies"...2022-01-241h 01