Messages4Moms

Before family vlogging was even a category, there was Jon & Kate Plus 8. 

This week, Tabitha and Shannon are unpacking how the show that pioneered the "watch a real family fall apart"  format started so much of what we see in today's real TV content.

We will also be talking about what it got right and what it cost the people who didn't get a say in being filmed.

Tap the link to listen on Podbean, or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Join us on our Facebook and Instagram pages: Messages4Moms. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing with a friend or family member who would enjoy it too!

Welcome back to season 5! Join Tabitha and Shannon as they share their summer adventures and give you a sneak peek at what is to come!

This season, we are diving into what it is like to parent in the age of reality TV. How do these shows, vlogs, and social media accounts affect our parenting choices? How do they affect the families that star in them? This season is all about how watching and starring in online media can shape our views and experiences.

Join in on the conversation! Our Facebook and Instagram pages: Messages4Moms. We are also excited to share that Messages4Moms is streaming on even more sites! So, look for us on your favorite podcast platform!

It's hard to believe, but another school year is almost over! Join Tabitha and Shannon as they share some of their favorite moments from season 4, as well as share how you can win all four books from this season's Messages4Moms Book Club!

Also.. do you watch family-based reality TV? How about YouTube and Family social media vlogs? We give you a sneak peek into season 5, which we will be diving into, how these shows not only affect the family, producing their life for all to see, but how they affect our family. Season 5 is a deep dive into what makes a strong family and how social media can influence us in many ways.

As we wrap up, we invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram: Messages4Moms, for summer replays, information about season 5, as well as how to enter to win the book giveaway. 

Have a safe and fun summer, and we will see you in the fall!

Tabitha & Shannon

#messages4moms #fredrogersinstitute #Dollywoodimigationlibrary #familyvlog #realitytv #parentingpodcast

Join us for our newest Ask a Therapist segment with licensed counselor Karen White. This week, we will be answering more of our listeners' questions and getting some valuable insights. From helping our children deal with separation anxiety to helping our teens cope with social media news, join us for expert advice and tips on how to help your children and family.

For more information or how to contact Karen White, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages: messages4moms.

#messages4moms #community #askatherapist #parentingtools

This week we will be spotlighting the State of Arkansas with our guest speaker Terri L. Williams. She will be sharing how they support military families through the implementation of programs such as Purple Star Schools, Blue Star Families and Gold Star Families.

She will also be sharing ways you can get support or sign up to support others.

We will be providing information and links on our Facebook and Instagram Pages: messages4moms.

If you are a military family, or want to support military families, this is a not to miss episode!

#messages4moms, #militaryfamilies, #Arkansas, #schoolliliason, #support

This week on Messages4Moms, we’re shining a light on an incredible resource for military families with young children 

The Sesame Street Workshop is designed for kids ages 1–6, offering videos, printable PDFs, downloadable games, and more, all created to help little ones understand and express their feelings.

Using familiar, lovable characters like Elmo and Rosita, these tools make it easier for children to connect, communicate, and feel supported through every part of military life—from deployments to big transitions and even loss.

If you or someone you know is raising young children in a military family, this is a must-see resource. Because helping our kids find their voice starts with meeting them where they are.

Tune in this week to learn more and discover how small moments of connection can make a big difference. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages, messages4moms for links and more information.

#Messages4Moms #MilitaryFamilies #SesameStreetWorkshop #ParentingSupport #EmotionalWellbeing #MilitaryLife

Ever said “I’m sorry” but it didn’t quite land?

This week on messages4moms, we’re diving into the final three apology languages from The 5 Apology Languages by Gary Chapman—and they might just change the way you communicate in your closest relationships.

Expressing Regret, Repenting and Requesting Forgiveness. These aren’t just words, they’re powerful tools for healing, growth, and deeper connection in your home and beyond.

And that’s not all… We’re doing a GIVEAWAY of all three books in this series! Make sure you listen through to the end of the episode to get all the details on how to enter.

So, be sure to tune in, learn something new, and take one step closer to stronger, more meaningful relationships. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this book club series on our Facebook and Instagram pages: Messages4moms.

#messages4moms #momlife #apologylanguages #personalgrowth #relationships #forgiveness #parentingpodcast

This week on Messages4Moms, we’re diving into something we all say—but don’t always get right: apologies. Specifically, we’re unpacking the first two apology languages from Gary Chapman's book:  Accepting Responsibility and Making Restitution.

Let’s be honest, "I’m sorry” can sometimes come out a little… incomplete. Like when it’s followed by “but…”  So, this episode is all about what it really looks like to own our actions (no excuses!) and take meaningful steps to make things right.

Because in motherhood, and honestly, in every relationship, our words matter, but our follow-through matters even more.

So, whether it’s repairing a moment with your kids, your partner, or even a friend, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, challenged, and equipped to apologize in a way that actually heals.

Tune in to this week’s episode and let’s grow together—one heartfelt “I’m sorry” at a time. Join in on the conversation on our Facebook and Instagram pages: messages4moms.

#Messages4Moms #MomLife #RealTalk #HealthyRelationships #ApologyLanguages #ParentingWithPurpose

This week on Message4Moms, we’re diving into something every relationship needs but not everyone gets right—apologies. We’re introducing The 5 Apology Languages by Gary Chapman and sharing a quick overview of the different ways people give and receive apologies.

From expressing regret to making things right, understanding these languages can completely change how we heal and reconnect with the people we love most. which includes our children.

This is just the beginning—over the next two episodes, we’ll be breaking each apology language down and showing you how to use them when we want to repair and reconnect with our children.

Tune in, reflect, and let’s grow together!

#Message4Moms #PodcastLife #MomLife #Relationships #ApologyLanguages #GaryChapman #HealingConversations

This week Tabitha and Shannon wrap up the Five Love Languages conversation with the book Family Time by Gary Chapman and Jen Mickelborough.  

Family Time is filled with simple yet powerful strategies to help families grow closer, communicate better, and create lasting memories together.

We share insights on intentional time, meaningful traditions, and how even small, everyday moments can have a big impact on relationships. Whether your family schedule feels overwhelming or you just want to be more present with the people who matter most, this conversation offers encouragement and actionable ideas you can start using right away.

Tune in to discover how prioritizing family time can transform your home into a place of deeper connection, love, and support. 

We invite you to join in on the conversation in our Facebook and Instagram pages: messages4moms.