As both a provider and a mom of three, I know firsthand how overwhelming the pressure to “do it all” can feel. But parenting doesn’t have to be a game of perfection. Today’s episode dives into a topic I hold close to my heart: shifting from controlling and labeling to supporting your child holistically.
Discover powerful mindset shifts to support your child’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing through holistic parenting!
EPISODE 09 | Raising Holistically Well Kids: Perspective Shifts in Motherhood
In the fast pace of modern parenting, it’s easy to default to managing behaviors. But true, sustainable transformation begins not with correcting the child, but with understanding the root of their reactions. It begins with us. In this episode of The Holistically Well Podcast, Dr. Kayla has a heart-to-heart on the topic of foundational shifts rooted in holistic parenting.
Prefer to listen on a walk or watch as you meal-prep? Listen in on the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast available on your preferred platform!
🎧 Holistically Well Podcast on Apple
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💻 Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube
How to Understand What Your Child’s Behavior Is Really Telling You
What if your child isn’t “too much,” “too sensitive,” or “too defiant” — but simply showing you where support is needed? Below are four foundational shifts rooted in holistic parenting — an approach that supports the whole child: emotionally, physically, mentally, and energetically. These aren’t quick fixes. They’re invitations to deepen your awareness and build a connection that nourishes both of you.
From Control to Connection
We often label behaviors (foods and feelings, too!) as “good” or “bad,” but these labels can unintentionally damage the moment and the spirit of your child. True holistic parenting invites us to consider the whole child—their nervous system, physical health, emotional needs, and spirit.
Connection over control means creating space for autonomy while modeling the habits we want our children to embody. It’s not about perfection, but about presence. One way this plays out in my home is through how we approach meals. I use divided plates from Lalo (a favorite non-toxic brand), offering small portions of protein, fruit, and vegetables. My kids must try everything, but they’re not forced to clean their plates. This approach helps them learn hunger cues and food preferences with confidence.
We’re also mindful about our evening rhythms to support digestion and sleep regulation. Our bedtime routine includes dimming lights
around 8 PM, using calming tallow-based lotion, reading books, and cuddling. Since the greatest degree of REM sleep occurs between 9 PM and midnight, we do our best to optimize these critical hours of sleep for our littles
From Doing It All to Doing What Matters Most
Many of us carry the invisible mental load of motherhood. From crafting perfect Pinterest snacks to insisting on 100% non-toxic everything, we chase an unattainable ideal. But more doesn’t always equal better.
Ask yourself: What do I do best? For me, it’s preparing nourishing homemade snacks. Crafts? Not so much—and that’s okay. My daughter gets her creativity needs met through school and our nanny. By leaning into what we do best and letting go of the rest, we model peace and presence, not perfection.
This includes letting go of guilt when our kids eat something outside the home that we wouldn’t choose ourselves. For example, I avoid food dyes in our house, but I don’t panic if my child is offered a colorful snack at a park playdate. Their resilience grows not just from what we control—but how we respond to what we can’t.
From Fixing to Root Cause Curiosity for Holistic Parenting
This one reflects how I also approach clinical practice: symptoms are messengers. Instead of instantly rushing to “fix” a problem like a rash, a stomach ache, or a tantrum—we can get curious. What is this behavior or symptom telling us about their environment, nourishment, or emotional state?
When your child shows signs of dysregulation, ask: Are they getting enough rest? Have they been exposed to overstimulating foods or environments? Are they lacking connection today? Root cause curiosity allows us to meet our children where they are, rather than applying quick-fix solutions that ignore their deeper needs.
A Holistic Lens for Everyday Parenting
Holistic parenting isn’t about having all the answers or controlling every outcome. It’s about embodying the values we wish to pass on. When we shift our mindset to connection and curiosity, we not only support our children’s resilience; we nourish our own in the process.
Here are more ways I can support you into and through motherhood, exactly when and where you need it!
1:1 Holistic Physical Therapy & Wellness: Existing to dive into your specific pain points and proactive wellness goals. We commonly treat patients for orthopedic and pelvic health concerns with an integrative approach. If you’d like to chat about individualized care, can schedule a Free Initial Consult here!
Holistic Preconception Program: Created for all women in their 20’s & 30’s seeking to optimize hormone health and cycle consistency ahead of conception (think: cycle tracking, exercise, reducing toxin load… it’s all inside!)
Holistic Pregnancy Program: Exercise, nutrition and physical therapy home programming for pregnancy to help you feel your best all while preparing your body for an empowered childbirth!
Holistic Postpartum Program: 12 weeks of guided movement and educational programming for the busy, natural-minded postpartum mama who wants to return to exercise without pain or peeing your pants!
