Police officers today face enormous pressure, stress and job related trauma. While they may not be able to control those aspects of the job, what they can control is their health and fitness. Sadly, police officers face alarming health related issues because of this stress. So it is imperative that they take proactive measures to be healthy and fit early on in their career or as soon as they can. Constant drive-thrus, bang energy drinks and binge eating after shift all contribute to future health related issues. In today's episode, former police officer, author, fitness expert, and Click for more
4 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies as a Law Enforcement Family
Today's episode and blog post are brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers high quality jewelry including a police and firefighter collection with badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off and shop here. We know all too well the dangers that exist in life in general, but those dangers also exist with careers in law enforcement. And I know it can be depressing to think of those dangers. For some you, you may just brush them off and ignore them. I get it. But in reality, it's important to be prepared for any emergencies that can happen Click for more
Free and Easy Ways to Show Support for Law Enforcement
Every year on January 9th, we honor and give support to our nation's law enforcement for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. This is an amazing way for people to come together and share their appreciation for police. However, you don't always need a special day in which to do so. You can show appreciation to law enforcement every day, all throughout the year. As spouses it may be easy for us to come up with ways to show appreciation but for supporters it may not be. So today I want to share some FREE and EASY ways to show support for law enforcement. Free and Easy Ways to Show Click for more
Transitioning to Retirement for Law Enforcement with Jason Hoschouer
This episode is brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers personalized police and firefighter jewelry like badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use this link to shop and use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off. Whether your spouse is ready to retire or is questioning if it is time to leave law enforcement or not, it is important to know what the transition can look like and how to prepare. So in this episode we are talking about tips for transitioning to retirement for law enforcement officers and their families. Joining us in today's podcast Click for more
How to Support Law Enforcement Families After a Critical Incident
Any critical incident in the law enforcement community, seems to hit close to home. Even if we don't know those immediately impacted, we feel a connection, in some way, to those hurting. And when someone in the law enforcement community is hurting we want to offer support and help in some way. If you do know those hurting, it can be a normal tendency to want to "fix" things or reach out right away to offer support. And while support is needed, there are some do's and don't's in regards to WHEN to give support. Joining us on today's episode is Rachael Flick. Rachael is the host of The Click for more
The Problem with Overtime for Law Enforcement Officers
This episode is brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers personalized police and firefighter jewelry like badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use this link to shop and use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off. One "perk" that many law enforcement families see to the job is getting overtime which equals more each month. We all know that law enforcement officers aren't paid their worth, so one way to offset that pay and bring in extra money each month is by working some overtime. Overtime for law enforcement is NOT always a bad thing but overtime can Click for more
Discussions to Have with Police Children About the Holidays
The holidays are almost here and while it can be an exciting time, it can also be a stressful time for police children. Many questions come up during this season from kids wondering why their holiday has to look a little different than their friends or other family members. In today's episode I share some discussions you can have with your kids to help minimize any confusion and validate their feelings. Here are Some Ways to Have Discussions with Police Children About the Holidays: Validate their feelings. First and foremost, let your children know that their feelings are Click for more
Ways to Gain Support with Others as a Police Spouse or Significant Other
This is a very popular question I get asked a lot: "How do I meet other police wives or girlfriends or gain support from others who get it?" It is important to be able to connect with those who also need support or friendship as a police spouse or significant other. And we all know that no one quite understands this lifestyle unless they walk in our shoes. I remember when my husband first got into law enforcement over 16 years ago. I truly wanted friendship with other police spouses but it didn't feel that easy. I didn't know how to meet others in an authentic way and many of those I met Click for more
3 Ways to Support Your Spouse After a Critical Incident or Trauma from the Job
Just because our loved ones are in law enforcement does not mean they will experience a critical incident. But, yes, it is a possibility. And sometimes trauma occurs to the department as a whole, a community or co-worker and that experience still leaves us (or your loved one) with a wound. And whether a critical incident has occurred for you, your spouse or your family or you just want to be mentally prepared now knowing that this possibility could happen the best you can do is find tools to be resilient. Taking action now and meeting someone where they are at after a critical Click for more
5 Boundaries Every Law Enforcement Family Needs From the Job
Today's episode is brought to you Blue Monarch Co. Blue Monarch is a police owned jewelry company that offers pieces for both men and women, sterling silver and subtle thin blue line pieces. Use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for 40% off. Work phones ringing off the hook, overtime, working later than expected, always talking about the job, having plans canceled too frequently- sound familiar? While some of these things do happen to most law enforcement families from time to time, they don't need to happen all the time. Instead, your family needs boundaries from the job. It is Click for more
Ways to Keep the Connection Going with your Spouse when they Work Shift Work
Today's episode is brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers personalized police and firefighter jewelry like badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use this link to shop and use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off. I think we can all agree that it takes WORK, actual work, to keep the connection going in our marriages especially around shift work. What was once super easy when you first dating, maybe isn’t always the same anymore because well life happens. You get immersed in your jobs, have kids, more household duties, you grow older and get used to the Click for more
Why Rest and Relaxation is Important for Police Wives
First responder spouses are some of the most strong and independent people I know. But sometimes what that means is we take on more than we can chew. And yes, I am speaking from experience. We all have those tired days or weeks so here is a reminder on why rest and relaxation for you and police wives is important. Tips to Insure Rest and Relaxation for Police Wives Be okay with pumping the breaks a bit. I am completely guilty of taking on more than I should. We have to be okay with slowing down our schedules or else nothing will change. You have the control to do that. Be Click for more
What Happens When Cops Don’t Talk
Law enforcement officers see more trauma than the average person. Over time, the trauma they see and experience builds or stacks on top of each other. It is vital that police officers find healthy ways to cope with the job and this includes talking about it. When cops don't talk, we can see a variety of symptoms regarding their physical and mental health. In today's episode I am joined by Susan Simons, President and Founder of Under the Shield, leading subject matter expert in First Responder Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injury as well as a podcast host of Fight in Progress. Click for more
Support for First Responders and Military Families with Taya Kyle
First responder and military couples often have bigger asks of them compared to civilian couples. These careers ask more out of couples and families. But sadly, it can be hard to find support and resources for the tens of thousands of service families that need them. In today's episode I am joined by Taya Kyle. Taya Kyle is the widow of Chris Kyle-American Sniper, Executive Director of The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation | Service Family Strong, New York Times Best Selling Author of American Wife, and a huge advocate for first responder and military families. Our community was so blessed to Click for more
Financial Preparedness for First Responders and their Families
First Responder families are used to having hard conversations regarding the job. But we don't always want to talk about finances and being prepared if an emergency were to happen. Talking about emergency funds and life insurance is not exactly "fun" for most people, but it really is a necessary conversation not just for everyone in life but especially first responder families. In today's episode, Courtney from Heroes Financial Coaching is joining us to talk about financial preparedness for first responders. Courtney is a veteran wife, police wife and momma to two toddlers. She knows Click for more
Building Resiliency in First Responders
First responders are just that- the ones that respond to danger, negativity and emergencies FIRST. They are the helpers in the world and constantly being exposed to heavy topics and experiences can take a toll. One way to combat the high exposure to negativity and emergencies is by building resiliency in first responders. This not only helps them process what they see on the job, but helps decrease burnout in first responders and spillover from the job. In today's podcast episode we brought on Kristen Jauregui as our guest. Kristen is a fellow police wife, dispatcher of 23 years, Click for more
3 Ways to Help Your Police Spouse When He/She Comes Off Shift
Today's episode is brought to you by Pictures on Gold. Pictures on Gold offers personalized police and firefighter jewelry like badge necklaces, earrings and more. Use this link to shop and use code PROUDPOLICEWIFE for $10 off. When your spouse works a dangerous job mixed with shift work, it is NORMAL to feel happy, excited, emotional or relieved when he/she comes home safely after shift. I remember many nights where our baby cried all night and I longed for the moment until my husband walked through that door so I could hand him the baby so I could get some sleep. Or the time I Click for more
My Spouse is Considering Leaving Law Enforcement. What Job Can He/She Do?
This episode is brought to you by The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation | Service Family Strong. Through their tested curriculum, programs and support they help first responder couples and marriages. We hear a lot of talk lately about police officers leaving law enforcement or retiring early and moving on to another career. And can we really blame them? With society dehumanizing law enforcement, it makes their job even harder than it already is. So whether you (or your spouse) are ready to turn in the badge or you are just exploring your options, today's episode will give you some Click for more
How to Create a Bedtime Routine for Kids when your Spouse Works Night Shift
Today's episode is brought to you by Arrest My Vest. Arrest my vest has odor eliminating spray that instantly takes away smells from body armor, tactical gear, uniforms and more. Visit Arrest My Vest at www.arrestmyvest.com and use code THANKYOU (all one word) for 15% off. Welcome to Season 2 of The Proud Police Wife Podcast! We have some amazing guests this season. If you haven't already, be sure to check out all 16 episodes of Season 1 of the podcast for support and resources for police wife life. Today we are talking with fellow police wife Melissa about bedtime routines for Click for more
How to Create and Foster Routines as a Law Enforcement Family
With shift work and inconsistent schedules it can feel as if creating routines for your family are difficult. But I am here to tell you, that you probably already have routines that you may not be aware of. And you can absolutely create routines based on what YOU CAN CONTROL. If you focus on what you can control vs what you can't (like your spouse being held over at work or his/her schedule) then you set yourself up for success. Helpful Tips for Establishing Routines as a Law Enforcement Family: Individual routines vs. family routines While it is important to have routines as an Click for more
How to Take Back Your Digital Privacy for Law Enforcement Families with Pete James
Sadly, digital privacy for law enforcement officers and their families has become not a want but a need. All over the nation we seeing police officers being harassed, doxxed or targeted. One way that this is happening is by people having access to a law enforcement officer's private information like home address, phone number, and the names of their relatives. Because of this, the need to break the connection between a police officer's name and their personal information is incredibly high. However, with the high number of people search sites available at anyone's fingertips, removing your Click for more
Children of Law Enforcement: Q&A with a Daughter of a Police Officer
Children of law enforcement families face a unique set of challenges and experiences that many other kids may not understand. Because of that, my daughter was brave enough to come on to today's episode and allow me to ask her some questions about what her experience is like. She wanted to share in hopes of helping just one fellow or future child of law enforcement. While most of her experience is a positive one, I'll be honest and say this was a harder episode for us to get through than we both realized. One question left us both in tears and out of respect to her, I did not include it Click for more
How to Deal with People Who Are Anti-Police as a Law Enforcement Spouse/Couple
Sadly, coming across people who are anti-police and sometimes even friends and family who buy into this negative police rhetoric can happen. And for many in our community, it feels like it is happening more now than ever before. For that reason, so many couples, spouses and officers feel like they can not openly share their pride and support for law enforcement. Due to the current climate and widespread media negativity, law enforcement seems to be a hot button topic and very politically driven. Many like to dehumanize and demoralize law enforcement and lump every police officer into Click for more
What to Remember When You Feel Lonely as a Police Spouse
Years ago, I did not know that the loneliness I was experiencing was very normal. In fact, most police spouses experience loneliness, on some level, at some point. If you are finding yourself lonely and missing your spouse, then I want you to know, you are not alone. I am not so physically lonely now because I have little ones & lots of animals to occupy my time and company. However, I am now in the stage of my life where I can feel emotionally lonely if I do not allow myself to be intentional and make time for my husband and I to be together. Keeping your time protected, as a Click for more
How to Live a Purposeful Life Even During Hard Times with Zanna Wolfgang
If you are a police family member and ready to find encouragement for living your best life, then this is the episode for you. Joining me on the podcast today is Zanna Wolfgang. Zanna is a former police wife, founder of Honor the Brave and she has some new ventures that we are talking about today which share her passion for helping women live their lives purposefully even during hard times. It’s no secret that the past few years have obviously been hard for so many of us but in today’s episode we want to encourage people to not stay in that hard season of life. We want to use Click for more
The Best Resources and Support for Police Spouses All in One Place
If you haven't heard, The Police Wife Conference is coming back for it's 4th year! This is a virtual event that is happening April 25th-29th, 2022! If you are Looking for Resources and Support for Police Spouses, this is for you! 5 days, 10 expert speakers, talking about 10 different topics for law enforcement families. In a nutshell, the best resources and support for police spouses all packed in to one powerful week. Here are the details: The Fourth Annual Police Wife Conference is a week long, virtual event where you will have access to 10 experts speakers from Click for more
The Best Crowdfunding Platform for First Responders
Have you ever wanted to give money to a first responder fundraiser but hate all the unnecessary fees? Or maybe you can't trust the fundraiser being passed around because there are so many claiming to help the recipient? Joining me on today's episode is Robert Garland. Robert is a NYPD Detective and the Founder and CEO of Fund the First, a crowdfunding platform for first responders, military, teachers and more. So what makes Fund the First different than other fundraising platforms? First, let's talk about the why. Robert started Fund the First because a fellow police officer and Click for more
When You Feel Just Plain Tired as a Law Enforcement Spouse
Disclaimer: I am not a counselor or doctor. Do not take my story, opinion or what is shared in this episode as medical or professional advice. Raise your hand if over the past two years you have felt just plain tired as a law enforcement spouse. For some of us, it ends there. We are just tired. Mentally and physically tired from the rhetoric, the hate that law enforcement receive and from the impact the job has on our lives. For others, that tiredness turns into exhaustion and burnout. You can take a break, go on vacation or do a social media fast for a bit and feel better. Click for more
How to Take Control of Your Fear as a Police Wife
Fear as a police wife- this is a huge topic I get asked about all the time. Spouses want to know are their fears normal? Do other spouses have fear, too? How do you manage the fear? First, fear is normal. But fear is an emotion that will control you if you let it. It can consume you and only bring negativity if you don't find ways to redirect those emotions. So there is a fine line between having normal amounts of fear as a police wife in your life and letting those fears be in the front of your mind every single day. Sadly, I don't think this topic is not discussed enough. We hear Click for more
How to Best Prepare for the Unexpected as a Law Enforcement Family
This episode is brought to you by Blue Monarch Co. Blue Monarch Co. is a retired police owned and operated jewelry company that offers inspirational and subtle thin blue line pieces. Check out Blue Monarch Co. and use code HEART40 for 40% off your order or code BOGOHEART for buy one, get one free for any products in the heart collection. While talking about the dangers of the job is not an ideal conversation and one that many law enforcement families put off, it truly is one of necessity. No one truly wants to talk about how to prepare for the unexpected. Believe me, Click for more