In this blog, we share expert insights from Manu Brune, a parent-child relationship specialist and founder of Beyond Birth Basics. Her holistic approach to parenting and emotional development offers working mothers’ real tools to strengthen bonds with their children while still showing up professionally.
Episode 10 of The Billable Mom Podcast, hosted by attorney and mom Cari Rincker, explores how busy parents can support their child’s emotional intelligence, create consistent sleep routines, and better navigate parenting challenges without sacrificing their own peace of mind.
Who is Manu Brune?
Manu Brune is the author of Overcorrecting and the founder and Lead Parent Coach at Beyond Birth Basics, where she helps families navigate the emotional, developmental, and logistical challenges of parenting in today’s fast-paced world. Manu holds multiple certifications in the parenting space, including Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Postpartum Doula, Potty Training Consultant, and Transformational Parenting Master Coach. She brings both deep expertise and heart-centered guidance to every parent she works with.
With an MBA in Business Intelligence and a B.A. in Psychology, Manu uniquely blends emotional insight with data-informed strategies. She has dedicated her career to helping parents solve real-life family challenges through solutions that promote better sleep, emotional regulation, and overall family well-being. Her work is grounded in a passion for breaking generational patterns, prioritizing mental and physical health, and empowering parents to live with curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Outside of her coaching practice, Manu is a proud mom of three children and two dogs—affectionately referring to her lively household as “The Zoo.” When she’s not supporting families, she’s often at the park with her kids, singing at the top of her lungs, or curled up with a parenting book—constantly learning and evolving in her own motherhood journey.
Below We Share Manu’s Favorite Parenting Tools and Products from Amazon
- Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine and Night Light
Manu recommends a sound machine like the Hatch Rest+ to promote healthy sleep habits in young children. This gadget doubles as a nightlight and time-to-rise tool, helping little ones feel secure at bedtime and during middle-of-the-night wakeups.
- Amazon Echo Show for Daily Routines
The Echo Show 5 is a helpful tool for creating family-friendly visual routines and timers. Manu suggests using smart assistants like this to help children transition smoothly between tasks—like brushing teeth or getting dressed—especially during busy weekday mornings.
- Melissa & Doug Responsibility Chart
This magnetic reward chart is one of Manu’s favorite tools to build structure while encouraging independence and emotional development. It’s perfect for preschool and elementary-aged kids to track chores, routines, and positive behaviors.
- Potty Training Essentials: Summer Infant My Size Potty
For families in the potty-training phase, Manu often recommends the Summer Infant My Size Potty. It’s designed to look like a real toilet, making the transition from diapers less intimidating.
- Books That Encourage Emotional Intelligence
Reading is a powerful way to build emotional intelligence. Manu likes these two titles:
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- Time Management with Asana
Cari and Manu also discussed how tools like Asana can help working moms organize tasks, reduce mental clutter, and plan their weeks. As Cari noted in the episode, platforms like Asana help replace back-and-forth internal emails with streamlined task management and collaboration features. Mention that you heard about Asana on “The Billable Mom Podcast.”
- Brain Breaks on YouTube
If you have school-aged kids, Manu recommends short Brain Break videos to get them moving while you squeeze in a few more work emails or finish your cup of coffee. These movement-based activities are especially fun when done together and can double as a bonding moment.
Final Thoughts from Manu
Manu emphasized that building emotional intelligence in children starts with slowing down and being present. While no tool can replace the power of connection, integrating small changes like visual routines, sound machines, and clear boundaries can make a huge difference for busy families.
Listen to the Full Episode
To dive deeper into this discussion, listen to Episode 10 of The Billable Mom Podcast on your favorite platform:
Follow guest Manu Brune at Beyond Birth Basics
About the Podcast
The Billable Mom Podcast, hosted by attorney Cari Rincker of Rincker Law, PLLC, explores the intersection of career and motherhood. Each week, working moms, especially lawyer moms, share tips for productivity, parenting, wellness, and navigating chaos six minutes at a time.
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