The Parenting Reel
Welcome to “The Parenting Reel,” the unique live discussion series brought to you by Sweetface Scans. This podcast dives deep into the heart of parenting and relationships, covering everything from pregnancy and childbirth to the challenges and triumphs of raising children. With candid conversations about the good times, the tough times, and everything in between, we offer a platform for everyone to share, learn, and grow together in the beautiful chaos of life. “The Parenting Reel” is more than just a podcast; it’s a community dedicated to exploring the realities of life in a fast-paced world.
Friendly Reminder: Just a heads-up, the hosts and guests on the "Instructions Not Included" podcast are sharing personal stories and opinions, not professional medical or legal advice. The thoughts shared don’t necessarily reflect the views of Sweetface Scans as a company. 😊
Episodes
42 episodes
Szn.2 Ep.6 Ep.6 Dad’s Guide to Bedtime Battles
In this episode, I get real about the nightly struggle every parent faces: getting kids to bed. I share stories from my own parenting and grandparenting journey—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how technology can help but never repla...
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Szn.2 Ep.5 Feed Your Mind Friday — Rich Dad, Poor Dad: Assets and Liabilities in Parenting
In this episode, I take inspiration from Robert Kiyosaki’s classic, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and look at parenting through the lens of assets and liabilities. I break down how the choices, habits, and values we pass to our kids can either set them u...
Szn.2 Ep.4 TT1 Gratitude to the Grands
Today, I’m giving thanks for grandparents—the wisdom, love, and support they bring to our families. Whether you grew up with your grands or your kids are making memories with theirs, this episode is all about honoring the special place they hol...
Szn.2 Ep. 3 WW1 The Value of Honesty—Even When It’s Hard
Honesty isn’t always easy, especially when it means admitting our mistakes or telling our kids the truth about tough stuff. In this episode, I talk about why honesty matters, how it builds trust, and how being real—especially when it’s hard—mak...
Szn.2 Ep.2 10 Tips for Handling Tantrums and Meltdowns
Tantrums and meltdowns are part of every parent’s journey. In this episode, I’m giving you ten practical strategies to help your kids (and yourself) get through those tough emotional moments with a little more patience, perspective, and grace.
Szn.2 Ep.1 Memory Ln. Monday: Navigating Diaper Disasters
In this episode, I’m sharing some of my wildest (and funniest) diaper disaster stories, plus real tips for surviving those messy moments every parent faces. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of parenting, you’re not alone—and you mig...
Szn.1 Ep.23 Bonus Episode- Halloween Special — The Exorcist Baby Edition (The Explosive Diaper)
Gather ‘round for a spooky (and hilarious) Halloween tale you’ll never forget! In this special episode, I share the legend of Baby Gabriel—a one-year-old Beetlejuice whose first trick-or-treat adventure turns into a diaper disaster of epic prop...
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Szn.1 Ep.22 Season 1 Finale — 10 Simple Self-Care Habits for Busy Parents
In this season finale, I’m sharing ten simple self-care habits that have helped me survive and thrive as a busy parent. From finding time to laugh and move your body, to setting boundaries and practicing gratitude, these habits are about fillin...
Szn.1 Ep.21 Memory Ln. Monday — Embracing Imperfection: The Real Dad Life
In this episode, I get honest about the messy, imperfect side of fatherhood—job loss, natural disasters, feeling like I wasn’t enough, and the tough lessons that come from surviving it all. From Hurricane Katrina to career setbacks, I share how...
Szn.1 Ep.20 Atomic Habits for Busy Dads (Inspired by James Clear)
In this episode, I break down the big ideas from James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” and share how even the smallest changes can make a huge difference for busy parents. We talk about building better habits one step at a time, making routines work fo...
Szn1. Ep19 TT3 Grateful for Siblings: The Gift of Brothers and Sisters
In this episode, I’m giving thanks for siblings—the brothers and sisters who shape our lives in ways nobody else can. I share stories and reflections on the ups and downs of growing up with siblings, the lessons they teach us, and the memories ...
Szn1. Ep.18 WW3: Lessons We Learn from Failure: What Our Kids Teach Us:
In this episode, I’m getting real about failure—both our kids’ and our own—and the powerful lessons that come from those tough moments. I share how apologizing, bouncing back, and showing our kids that it’s okay to be imperfect actually brings ...
Szn1. Ep.17 10 Tips for Raising Confident Kids
In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical tips for raising confident kids—simple, real-life ways to help your child believe in themselves, bounce back from setbacks, and feel safe trying new things. From celebrating effort over results to enco...
Szn.1 Ep.16 Snowflakes (From Me to We, Part Two)
In this episode, I open up about what it’s really like to welcome another child into the family and how every birth—and every kid—is truly unique, just like a snowflake. I share the ups and downs of my daughter’s early arrival, the unexpected m...
Szn.1 Ep.15 Feed Your Mind Friday — The Power of Now for Parents (Eckhart Tolle)
In this episode, I dive into Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” and what it really means for parents trying to stay present in the chaos of family life. I break down the book’s biggest lessons—how to practice presence, deal with old emotional t...
Szn.1 Ep.14 TT2: Thank You, Dad: Honoring Fathers and Father Figures
Today I’m celebrating the dads and father figures who show up, lead by example, and love in ways that shape who we become. From the quiet sacrifices to the big lessons, I share what I’ve learned from my own dad—the neighborhood coach, the man w...
Szn.1 Ep.13 WW2: The Power of Patience: Why Slowing Down Matters
In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about patience—the kind that shows up when life gets messy and kids push every button you’ve got. I talk about how slowing down, even for a moment, can change the whole mood of your home and help y...
Szn.1 Ep.12 (10 Tip Tuesday) —10 Ways to Make Mornings Smoother for Your Family
In this episode, I’m sharing ten practical, real-life tips to help make mornings less stressful and a little more joyful for your family. From prepping the night before to celebrating the small wins, these are the strategies that help my family...
Szn.1 Ep.11 Becoming Dad- Your First Sleepless Night, The First Cry
In this episode, I’m taking you back to that first night at home with a newborn—the moment when all the planning, prepping, and confidence get tested by that first real cry. I share what it’s like to step up as a dad, doing your best to let you...
Szn.1 Ep.10 Holding Your Baby for the First Time
In this episode, I’m talking straight to the soon-to-be dads—and anyone who remembers that unforgettable moment when you first held your child. I share what it’s really like to hold your baby for the very first time—the rush of emotions, the fe...
Szn1. Ep.9 TT1: Thank You, Mom—And Every Woman Who Mothers
On this first Thankful Thursday, I’m taking a moment to honor all the women who mother—biological moms, grandmas, stepmoms, aunts, nieces, cousins, mothers-in-law, and every woman who nurtures, guides, and loves. Whether you gave birth, stepped...
Szn.1 Ep.8 WW1: The Power of Listening
In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, I’m talking about one of the most underrated but powerful skills a parent can have—listening. Sometimes our kids (and even our partners) don’t need us to fix, judge, or solve their problems—they just need us to...
Snz.1 Ep.7 (10 Tip Tuesday) — 10 Simple Ways to Connect With Your Kids
In this episode, I’m sharing ten simple, real-world ways you can connect with your kids—no fancy tools or big budgets required. From putting down your phone to sharing a meal or just taking a walk together, these tips are all about building tru...
Szn.1 Ep.6 Dad Instinct: When It Kicked In
In this episode, I get real about the moments my dad instincts kicked in—sometimes with humor, sometimes with heat, but always with love. From the chaos of a theme park ride gone wrong to the urge to protect my daughter as she grew up and faced...
Szn.1 Ep.5 The Power of a Name: Choosing What They’ll Be Called
In this episode, I talk about the heart behind naming a child—how a name can feel like a crown, a compass, or simply a good fit that makes you smile. I share why a birth certificate doesn’t define a person, how names travel across language and ...
