Potty training. The tiny phrase that strikes equal parts hope and terror into the hearts of parents everywhere. In this week’s episode of From 9 to Mom, Catie and Danielle welcome Missy from Slumber and Bloom, a certified potty training expert who swoops in like the fairy godmother of dry undies.

Together, they unpack what most parents wish came with a manual:
• How to know when your child is actually ready (spoiler: it’s not about the age on the calendar).
• Why the prep phase matters more than you think.
• The real reason the first week feels like a full-time job.
• What to do about those mysterious nighttime pees.
• How to use positive reinforcement without wandering into bribery territory.

Missy sprinkles in practical, judgment-free advice that makes the whole process feel doable, even for kids who resist change like it’s their personal brand. She also shares playful tools like role-playing and social stories to turn potty training from a power struggle into a gentle adventure.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first attempt or recovering from a false start, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, encouraged, and totally normal for thinking: Why doesn’t anyone talk about how hard this is?

By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer plan, a calmer mindset, and the comforting reminder that every child hits this milestone in their own time.

Key Takeaways:• Readiness beats age every time• Prep, patience, and parental guidance are the magic trio• Nighttime dryness is a whole different developmental beast• Celebrate wins… without turning them into negotiations• Play and storytelling can ease big feelings

Perfect for parents standing at the edge of the potty-training cliff, wondering whether today is the day.

If you are looking for more information check out Slumber & Bloom's holiday bundle use code PODCAST at checkout for a special offer!

In this episode, Catie and Danielle discuss the chaos of the holiday season, the pressures of maintaining traditions, and the importance of being present with their children. They share personal anecdotes about holiday preparations, the challenges of parenting during this busy time, and the joy of creating lasting memories. The conversation also touches on the significance of experiences over material gifts and the emotional journey of navigating childhood beliefs in Santa and holiday magic.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Chaos and the Magic Maker

02:54 Balancing Responsibilities and Presence

05:42 The Pressure of Holiday Traditions

08:33 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

11:28 Creating Lasting Memories

14:30 The Role of the Elf on the Shelf

17:21 Navigating the Transition of Childhood Magic

20:15 The Magic of Childhood and Holiday Traditions

23:14 Experiencing Santa: The Joys and Challenges

26:07 Gift Giving: Balancing Expectations and Reality

29:37 Mom's Wish List: Experiences Over Things

35:01 Pop Culture and Holiday Cheer

In this week’s episode of From 9 to Mom, we dive deep into the emotional side of motherhood, identity, and the quiet pressure we all feel when we start comparing ourselves to others. We kick things off with a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story from a listener whose AI notetaker accidentally recorded their entire bedtime routine—and then sent them a full recap with recommendations. Yes… even the robots have thoughts about your parenting now.

From there, we unpack our own “Dr. Becky–inspired” parenting styles, how we try (and fail) to stay regulated, and why gentle parenting sometimes meets “real-life mom chaos.”

Most importantly, we get honest about comparison culture—how easy it is to compare yourself to the “perfect mom,” the “perfect partner,” or the version of yourself you think you should be. We talk about what comparison quietly steals from us, how it fuels shame and burnout, and how to get grounded again when that spiral starts.

If you’re a working mom trying to juggle careers, kids, expectations, and that never-ending bedtime routine, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air (and maybe a free therapy session).