Mama Mentors

In this encouraging episode of Mama Mentors, we explore practical, meaningful ways to teach children gratitude—one of the most impactful character traits they can learn. We share real family stories, sweet and funny memories, and the everyday habits that helped gratitude become a natural part of our homes.

You’ll learn easy ways to model thankfulness—like expressing gratitude to friends, strangers, grandparents, or the checkout clerk who brightens your day. We talk about writing thank-you notes, keeping gratitude journals, and creating gratitude jars or trees that encourage kids to notice the good around them.

If you’re looking for simple tools to raise thankful kids and build a culture of appreciation in your home, this episode is full of encouragement and practical ideas.

Every parent faces moments when doing what’s right for their child means going against the grain. In this heartfelt Mama Mentors episode, Maureen Yarborough shares her story of advocating for her son’s education, challenging expert opinions, and finding strength in a mother’s intuition. It’s an honest conversation about courage, conviction, and the love that drives parents to do the hard things.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-purpose-after-tragedy-a-mothers-journey/id1356161271?i=1000724012880

Every parent has been there—the grocery store meltdown. In this Mama Mentors episode, Mama Betsy shares how she turned a trip to the store into a powerful teaching moment. Learn practical strategies to prevent, manage, and teach through tantrums without anger or giving in. We dive into how to set clear expectations, stay calm under public pressure, and handle embarrassment when all eyes are on you.

Whether you’re raising toddlers or preschoolers, this conversation will help you build emotional resilience, stay confident in public, and guide your child toward self-control—starting from the early years.

Parenting has changed dramatically in just a generation. In this episode, we look at the differences between how we raised our kids and how children are being raised today. From the rise of child-led parenting and heavy reliance on experts to the reluctance to set boundaries or allow kids to fail, today’s approaches often look very different from the past. We also talk about responsibility, resilience, and how rapid societal changes are shaping parenting choices. Join us for an honest conversation about what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and what kids really need to thrive.

Music by Joystock.

Traveling with kids can be exciting—but when bedtime rolls around, sleep often feels impossible. In this episode of Mama Mentors, Mamas Beth and Holly share practical tips for helping children sleep while away from home. From maintaining familiar bedtime routines to encouraging daytime activity, creating a calming wind-down period, and moderating expectations, you’ll learn how to set your child (and yourself) up for more restful nights on vacation.

Whether you’re preparing for a family trip, a weekend getaway, or an overnight stay with relatives, these insights will help you reduce stress and support your child’s sleep—even in an unfamiliar place.

✨ Topics We Cover:

• How keeping some routines consistent helps kids feel secure
• How to balance flexibility with structure on vacation
• Simple ways to help children wind down before bed
• The importance of daytime activity and play
• Adjusting your expectations—and knowing when to offer extra comfort

Perfect for parents who want to enjoy travel and keep bedtime battles to a minimum.

Deciding whether or not to have kids is one of life’s biggest questions. In this episode, we dive into the common fears and objections people face when thinking about parenthood. Do you need to feel completely ready before becoming a parent? How can you process the worries that come with this decision? And was it easier for earlier generations to choose family life? Drawing from our own experiences and stories from people we know, we offer honest, down-to-earth reflections to help you think through this deeply personal choice.

Music by Joystock.

In this special Mama Mentors episode, five of our Mamas share real stories about teaching their children perseverance. Today, it’s easy to let kids avoid responsibility or give up when things get hard. But perseverance is a skill they’ll carry for life. The Mamas talk about everyday habits and choices that help kids build determination, resilience, and the confidence to keep going—even when challenges come their way.

Music by Joystock.

Parenting a special needs child comes with unique challenges, deep joys, and life-changing lessons. In this heartfelt episode, Julie Adam shares her journey of adopting Lola Ruth, a tiny Bulgarian orphan with Down syndrome, and the struggles of being a special needs parent. From navigating adoption hurdles to facing unexpected medical challenges, Julie opens up about her faith, resilience, and the vital role of community. As a single mother, she’s learned the importance of accepting support for parents with a special needs child—from family, friends, and church. Julie’s story is a reminder that these families need our awareness, compassion, and practical help. Hear how Lola Ruth is already fulfilling God’s plan for her life and why Julie is grateful to be part of it.

You may be surprised to learn that many of the ways we respond to our loved ones are based on fear rather than love. Transformational life coach AnnMarie Chereso tells us how we can change this tendency. We talk about how women are particularly sensitive to others' energy, and what that means for their role in the world. How does you guide your older children to seek first an "exquisite" life? What is the most potentially damaging thing we do to our kids as parents? How can we teach our kids to be community-builders? We've got the answers in this packed episode. Enjoy!

Lessons From Living Podcast with Beth Graham, LessonsFromLiving.net

Need a few moments to yourself? Before turning to screen time, let’s explore some thoughtful options! In this episode, Mama Martha shares how she approached limited screen use while raising her children—and what she's learning now with her young granddaughter. We dive into research on the effects of screen time on toddler brain development and the value of setting healthy limits. Plus, we discuss creative ways to make reading fun and meaningful, turning books into opportunities for bonding and lasting memories.

Show Notes:

Music by JoyStock

raisewildflowers.com

Super Simple Songs

Bluey Show

Sandra Boynton books

Eric Carle books

Kid to Kid Consignment stores

https://imaginationlibrary.com/

James' book suggestions:

The Day the Crayons Quit, Drew Daywalt

Henny Penny, Paul Galdone

Three More Stories You Can Read to Your Cat, Sara Swan Miller

Up the Mountain Path, Marianne Dubuc

Sleep Tight Farm, Eugenie Doyle

Little Witch Hazel, Phoebe Wahl

The Poky Little Puppy, Janetter Sebring Lowrey

The Digger and the Flower, Joseph Kuefler