In this episode of the Mix and Blend It Family Podcast, Carmen discusses the complexities of blending different parenting styles within a family. She emphasizes the importance of communication, compromise, and establishing consistent household rules to create harmony. The conversation covers navigating disagreements, the significance of regular check-ins, and the benefits of diverse parenting approaches, ultimately highlighting that while there is no perfect formula for parenting, progress can be made through intentional efforts.

In this episode of the Mixed and Sundered Family Podcast, host Carmen shares her personal journey of balancing motherhood, business, and self-care amidst the chaos of family life. She discusses the challenges of finding time for oneself, the importance of community support, and practical strategies for managing household responsibilities. Carmen emphasizes that taking time for oneself is not selfish but essential for mental health and overall well-being. She encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek help when needed, reminding them that they deserve to prioritize their own needs.

takeaways

• Making intentional time for me is essential.
• Mom guilt shouldn't stop us from taking space.
• It's okay to feel overwhelmed as a mom.
• Me time doesn't have to be grand.
• You deserve to take breaks for your mental health.
• Start small, five minutes here and there.
• It's okay to ask for help from others.
• You matter, and your needs are important.
• Vulnerability can lead to support from others.
• Your family benefits when you take care of yourself.

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In this episode, Carmen shares her experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of motherhood, particularly in a blended family setting. She discusses her daily routines, the chaos of managing multiple children, and the importance of finding balance amidst the challenges. Carmen emphasizes the need for flexibility, planning, and embracing both the joys and stresses that come with parenting.

Takeaways

• Starting a podcast was a good way to share experiences.
• You do what needs to be done because you have no choice.
• Morning routines can be chaotic but necessary.
• Finding free activities can help keep kids engaged.
• Planning is essential for managing a large family.
• Joy and stress often coexist in parenting.
• Multitasking is a part of daily life with kids.
• Summer routines can differ significantly from school year routines.
• Embracing the chaos can lead to funny moments.
• It's important to find balance in family life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Podcasting

00:50 Daily Routines and Managing Chaos

03:22 Finding Joy in Family Activities

05:36 Balancing Stress and Joy in a Large Family

06:48 Community and Connection in Parenting

motherhood, blended families, parenting, daily routine, family life, chaos, balance, sports, summer activities, multitasking

In this conversation, Carmen shares her candid experiences with pregnancy, parenting, and the challenges of navigating social media's unrealistic portrayals of life. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, grace, and understanding the difference between real life and the curated images often seen online. Carmen also discusses her journey into podcasting as a means to connect with others and share her story.

Takeaways

• Pregnancy is not always a magical experience.
• Miscarriage fears can overshadow pregnancy joy.
• Parenting involves juggling multiple responsibilities and challenges.
• Social media often presents an unrealistic view of life.
• It's important to give yourself grace in tough times.
• Authenticity is key in content creation.
• Starting a podcast can be a fulfilling journey.
• Real life expectations differ greatly from social media portrayals.
• Financial struggles are common, even among content creators.
• Building a community takes time and effort.

Chapters

00:00 The Reality of Pregnancy and Motherhood

02:41 Social Media vs. Real Life Expectations

05:00 The Journey of Content Creation and Authenticity

09:12 Community and Connection in Parenting

pregnancy, miscarriage, parenting, social media, authenticity, blended families, family dynamics, real life expectations, podcasting, motherhood

In this episode, Carmen shares her journey through motherhood, detailing her experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and the challenges of raising a large family. She discusses her choices regarding midwifery, unassisted births, and the unexpected twists that life has thrown her way. Carmen reflects on her health challenges and her plans for her last pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and resilience in motherhood.

Takeaways

• Carmen has delivered all her children naturally.
• She emphasizes the importance of having supportive birth experiences.
• Navigating healthcare can be challenging for expectant mothers.
• Unassisted births can be empowering but come with risks.
• Life often presents unexpected challenges during pregnancy.
• Carmen's journey reflects the realities of blended families.
• She values the role of midwives in her birthing experiences.
• Health issues can complicate pregnancy and parenting.
• Carmen is preparing for her last pregnancy with joy.
• Personal choices in motherhood are crucial for well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Motherhood

02:24 Navigating Birth Experiences

04:45 The Role of Midwives and Home Births

07:01 Unassisted Births and Personal Choices

09:24 Life's Unexpected Turns in Parenting

11:48 Preparing for the Last Pregnancy

14:25 Health Challenges and Decisions

16:10 Community and Connection in Parenting

motherhood, pregnancy, birth experiences, midwifery, unassisted birth, parenting, family dynamics, health challenges, personal stories, podcasting

In this conversation, Carmen shares her experiences as a mother of nine, discussing the joys and challenges of raising a large family. She emphasizes the importance of breaking stereotypes surrounding motherhood and acknowledges the personal traumas that shape parenting choices. Carmen also reflects on the evolving dynamics of her family and the impact of economic changes on parenting. Through her journey, she advocates for mental health awareness and the need for support in navigating the complexities of family life.

Takeaways

• Carmen is a mother of nine, including two bonus children.
• She is currently pregnant, which brings excitement and challenges.
• Breaking stereotypes about large families is essential.
• Everyone has their own trauma that influences their parenting.
• Having a big family can be both rewarding and difficult.
• Economic factors significantly impact family life and decisions.
• Children in large families experience unique dynamics and support.
• Family vacations have evolved to accommodate a larger group.
• Carmen's parenting style has changed over time, moving away from perfectionism.
• Mental health and therapy are crucial for navigating parenting challenges.

Chapters

00:00Embracing Motherhood: A Journey with Nine Kids

02:41Breaking Stereotypes: The Reality of Large Families

05:40Navigating Family Dynamics and Personal Growth

In this episode of the Mixed and Blended Family Podcast, Carmen shares her personal journey through an unexpected pregnancy while navigating the complexities of her relationship and family dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, communication, and emotional health during this transformative time. Carmen also discusses her experiences with therapy, the fear of miscarriage, and her decision to share her pregnancy journey in real-time, highlighting the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Takeaways

• Carmen emphasizes the importance of transparency in motherhood.
• Unexpected pregnancies can bring both joy and uncertainty.
• Communication is crucial in relationships, especially during pregnancy.
• Therapy provides a safe space for discussing emotional challenges.
• Carmen has a history of miscarriages, impacting her emotional state.
• She believes in a woman's right to choose regarding pregnancy.
• Sharing experiences in real-time can help others relate and connect.
• Fear of loss can accompany pregnancies after miscarriages.
• Staying active during pregnancy is a personal goal for Carmen.
• Carmen aims to enjoy every moment of her pregnancy journey.

motherhood, pregnancy, blended families, communication, emotional health, therapy, parenting, family dynamics, pregnancy journey, real life stories

🎧 Episode 1: What the F*ck is This Podcast?

Welcome to the Mixed and Blended Family Podcast! In this raw and unfiltered intro episode, Carmen — a no-BS mama of (almost) ten — gives you a front-row seat into the chaos, heart, and humor behind her blended family life. From solo parenting to co-parenting, pregnancy at 38, and chasing big dreams while managing babies at home, this is motherhood unfiltered.

Expect strong language, real talk, background noise (because #momlife), and a whole lot of love. If you're tired of pretending everything’s perfect and just want to feel seen, you’re in the right place.

Get ready for 30 days of mini episodes full of honesty, relatability, and encouragement. Grab your Pepsi, take a breath, and press play — because Carmen is doing the damn thing, and so can you.

🧡 Tag @mixedandblendedfamily on socials to say hi & share the show!
👇 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and check the show notes for ways to connect.