What happens when your child’s behavior changes the moment you’re not around? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Julie Suazo, Erika Price, and Dr. LaShawn Williams—take on the challenge of raising kids who sometimes act one way at home and another in the world. From teaching your child that they carry your family’s name, to helping them see childhood as practice for making good choices, the moms share insights on guiding behavior you can’t always correct in the moment. They also talk about the power of sitting down with your child and asking, “What do you think someone should always be?” to help them define their own values. This conversation is full of perspective, honesty, and ideas for shaping kids into thoughtful, responsible decision-makers—whether you’re there to watch or not.

When your teen starts driving, everything shifts--from curfews, to responsibilities, to even your daily connection. Lisa and the Council of Moms--Erika Price, Amy Hackworth, and Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu--talk about what it’s like to support your teenager’s growing independence while still keeping them safe. From listening to their opinions to setting clear boundaries, the moms explore how to stay close even as your child pulls out of the driveway and into the next phase of growing up.

When it comes to blended families, everyone seems to have an opinion--and not all of them are helpful. Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms--Brittney Phillips, Liz Palmer-Bastian, and Tammy Hall--open up about the stigmas and doubts they faced while blending their families. From receiving unsolicited comments to dealing with internalized shame, the moms share how they’ve learned to set emotional boundaries, redefine what family means, and protect their joy. Whether you're in a blended family or love someone who is, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and a reminder that every family is worthy and whole.

What do you do when the people helping raise your kids don’t share your vision for what matters most? Lisa Valentine Clark and the Council of Moms—Josephine, Wendy Mar, and Hilary Craner—tackle the challenge of parenting with different priorities. They share tips on how to stay unified without losing what matters most to you, the importance of pausing before responding, and how to build a family culture rooted in love even when you disagree. If you’ve ever felt torn between standing your ground and keeping the peace, this conversation offers wisdom and real life perspective.

Do you dread bedtime? The Council of Moms--Ruth Aguirre, Whitney Call, and Lindsay Clark--tackle one of parenting’s most exhausting challenges: getting everyone to sleep. From toddlers who won’t stay in bed to teens who won’t go to bed, they share what’s helped them shift from dread to (occasional) peace. The moms talk about setting clear ground rules, being honest about their own needs, adjusting routines around the trickiest sleepers, and offering choices without giving up boundaries. If bedtime feels like a nightly battle in your home, this episode is for you.

How do you teach kids to sincerely apologize when it's appropriate— and mean it? Lisa and the Council of Moms-- Erika Price, Amy Hackworth, and Geraldine “G” Fitisemanu break down teaching kids real manners, starting with sincere apologies. They share how to model respectful behavior, practice with role play, and help kids connect to feelings so they can lay the groundwork for genuine connection. Plus a few tips for raising kids not just to be polite, but truly sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

Not every kid has a clear passion and that’s okay. But how do you help them discover what lights them up? This week on The Council of Moms, Lisa is joined by Shima Baughman, Cimony Mahoney, and La Beene to talk about helping kids find their “thing.” They share how they’ve explored new hobbies alongside their children, why being bored is actually a gift, and how to reframe hobbies as a source of joy and not pressure. From team sports to quiet crafts, they discuss trying lots of new things, embracing the journey, and finding connection along the way.

Watching your partner parent can be one of the most unexpectedly tricky parts of blending a family, especially when their discipline style doesn’t seem to stick. This weeks Council of Moms, Lisa, Brittney Phillips, Liz Palmer-Bastian, and Tammy Hall talk about how to keep your relationship strong even when parenting differences threaten to wear you down. They share how to move from criticism to collaboration, why it helps to focus on shared values rather than identical rules, and how conversations are what really shape a blended family. From letting go of perfection to choosing your battles, this episode is all about the art of parenting as partners.

How do you stay connected and playful with your older kids, especially when you’re worried about their behavior? Lisa Valentine Clark and her Council of Moms—Josephine, Wendy Mar, and Hilary Craner—talk about balancing discipline and delight. They share ideas for connecting through your kids’ hobbies, being intentional about when to bring things up (and when to let them go), making room for silliness, sharing laughter, and rolling with the occasional embarrassing moment.

Arguments in front of kids: Should you shield them from discord or let them see real life? This week on the Council of Moms, Ruth Aguirre, Whitney Call, and Lindsay Clark share what’s worked for them. They talk about letting kids see healthy disagreements and honest feelings while making sure the setting and the age of the child are taken into account. They share how to model respectful conflict, how answer tough questions, and how to keep the focus on love, respect, and growing together as families.