458: Three Simple Phrases Your Kids Need to Hear from You // Eli Harwood

458: Three Simple Phrases Your Kids Need to Hear from You // Eli Harwood

Author: Cloud10 December 1, 2025 Duration: 40:39
You know that sting in your chest when one of your kids says "I hate you" or slams their door in anger? Every instinct in you wants to smooth it over, to fix it, to make them not be mad at you anymore. But what if your discomfort with their anger is actually getting in the way of the connection you're trying to build? In this episode, I'm talking with my longtime friend Eli Harwood, known online as Attachment Nerd. She's a licensed therapist, attachment expert, and bestselling author who earned secure attachment in her own life after a difficult childhood. Eli shares three simple phrases her mom said to her that helped heal their relationship and build trust between them—phrases any of us can start using today. In this episode, you'll learn: 💜 Why Eli's mom had to convince herself it was okay for Eli to be mad at her 💜 The difference between "right side up" and "upside down" parenting 💜 What Eli thinks about adult children cutting off their parents—and why nobody does this lightly Even if you didn't grow up with secure attachment modeled for you, even if you've made mistakes, you can start building that bond with your kids today. For full show notes, including takeaways, click here. *** Announcements: ✨ Want to start noticing the good in your motherhood? The Flecks of Gold Journal is a simple one-line-a-day practice that helps you see your kids and your life differently. Grab yours here—it's the perfect gift for yourself or another mom this holiday season. Related Episodes: 387: Why Calming Yourself Helps Calm Your Child // Eli Harwood, MA, LPC 386: Raising Securely Attached Kids // Eli Harwood, MA, LPC 367: 3 Ways to Create Lasting Bonds with Your Kids // Mike Westover (Rachel's Dad!) Episode Sponsors: Factor: Eat smart at FactorMeals dot com SLASH 3in3050off and use code 3in3050off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Let's Connect! Join me on Instagram! Get weekly-ish emails with BTS of my life Find Your Magic in Motherhood: Free 3-Day Email Course ***

Motherhood often feels like a constant juggling act, leaving little time for lengthy advice or complicated strategies. That’s the exact gap that 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms fills. Each episode is built on a simple, powerful premise: delivering three practical, doable takeaways within a half-hour. Host Rachel Nielson, who brings her perspective as a mother, teacher, and writer, understands that a busy parent’s brain is already full. She curates conversations and shares insights that cut straight to what’s useful, focusing on real-world application over theory. You’ll hear discussions rooted in the daily realities of family life, covering everything from educational activities for kids and navigating family dynamics to personal well-being amidst the beautiful chaos. This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list, but about finding smarter, more peaceful ways to manage what’s already there. The tone is consistently encouraging, aiming to replace overwhelm with a sense of capability and even magic. Tuning into this podcast feels like a coffee chat with a knowledgeable friend who leaves you with clear, actionable steps-not just more noise. It’s a resource for any mom looking to gather concrete ideas for parenting, personal growth, and creating a more harmonious home, all within the span of a daily commute or a folded laundry pile.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Podcast Episodes
454: A Calm-ish Approach to the Holidays // Niro Feliciano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
The holidays often bring equal parts joy and exhaustion. Between school programs, family gatherings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re giving everything you have...but still falling short of the…
453: How to Travel for FREE with Your Family (Really!) // Amber Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:42
With the holidays coming up, many moms wish they could visit family or plan a getaway—but the price of flights makes it feel impossible. That’s why I’m re-airing this popular episode with Amber Paul from Amber on Points,…
450: How to Be a Bold Decision Maker // Jessica Frew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:33
Have you ever caught yourself second-guessing something as small as what to make for dinner or as big as how to respond to a struggling child and felt completely paralyzed? As moms, we make thousands of decisions every d…
448: Join our Team! A Word from the SAM Sisters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
Do the ups and downs of parenting ever feel like a solo sport? You may have friends who love you, but when it comes to really opening up about your struggles and growth as a mother, do you feel like you have teammates—wo…
447: What Parents in Disney Movies Got Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:52
Have you ever noticed that some of the parents in Disney movies…aren’t exactly the best role models? They love their kids deeply, but their fears, expectations, and blind spots often get in the way of connection. As I re…