You've probably heard the phrase, "If you don't ask, you don't get."

And yet, asking for what you want can feel surprisingly hard.

You hint. You wait. You hope someone notices. And when they don't, you end up feeling frustrated, unseen, or resentful.

When you don't ask, you don't just miss out on what you want. You limit how much support you allow yourself to have.

This comes up a lot around Mother's Day, when so many moms hope to feel seen and appreciated but end up feeling let down.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why so many moms struggle to ask for what they want — and what to do about it.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/404

Divorce is often talked about as a legal process or a decision between two adults.

This week's episode shifts the focus to your child's emotional health.

My guest, Erica Komisar, is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parenting expert who has spent decades helping families through divorce.

She says that divorce itself isn't what harms children most. It's the instability, conflict, and disruptions to attachment that surround it.

We talk about what supports kids through separation, why certain stages are more vulnerable, and how to focus less on what feels "fair" to the parents and more on what is right for the child.

If you're going through a divorce, or considering one, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what your child needs from you.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/403

What can Japanese parenting teach us about raising calm, capable kids?

This week, I'm talking with Lisa Katayama, author of The Japanese Way of Parenting: What It Taught Me About Raising Mostly Calm, Caring, Capable Kids.

Lisa was born and raised in Tokyo and now lives in Northern California. In our conversation, we talk about what stood out to her as she raised kids in the U.S. while drawing from the values she grew up with in Japan.

We discuss differences between American and Japanese parenting when it comes to independence, routines, choices, meals, cleanliness, self-care, and being on time. Lisa shares how Japanese culture often emphasizes structure, respect, and guiding kids in a way that helps family life feel calmer.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is that it's not about finding one right way to parent. It's about noticing what resonates and taking what works for you and your family.

Lisa also shares practical ideas from her book, including the concept of douzo, a gentler way to offer and share, and why making parenting more playful can shift the tone at home.

https://lessdramamoremama.com/402