Have your ‘say’ match your ‘do’ mom! That’s the theme of this episode as Karen answers questions from moms who are fed up, exhausted, or on the struggle bus in some form or fashion when it comes to parenting. We talk about going to the Lord in prayer first, finding your child’s “currency”, and looking for small wins during seasons you are stretched thin. No matter how old your child is, this episode is going to encourage your heart! 

Mentioned on today’s show: Watch today's episode on YouTube!

Those laidback personalities are a dream to parent...except when they’re not. :) Today Karen and her laidback daughter, Emily, answer your questions about how to help these kids get going in the morning, how we can encourage them to make friends in new situations, what to do about a teenager with little to no ambition, and how to love and encourage a child suffering with low self-esteem. As always, we hope you carry a nugget of practical advice away from today’s show! 

- Watch today's episode on YouTube!

- Take the BOAW Moms Colors temperament quiz HERE

- Learn more about all of the temperaments HERE

Today’s conversation deals with an always tricky subject: the in laws! With the holidays approaching, this discussion is extra timely. You’ll glean wisdom on how to set boundaries, how to keep boundaries, and how to release the guilt that comes from not being able to please everyone.

Mentioned on this episode: Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend

Join us as we dive into the wild, wonderful world of parenting boys in today’s show. Karen shares her wisdom on re-integrating older sons who return from college and disrupt your routine, navigating the world of a perfectionist 7-year-old who's feeling blue (in more ways than one), and handling an argumentative teenager who could debate for a living. Plus, we answer the age-old question: when is it okay to ignore a temper tantrum in order to keep your sanity intact?

Mentioned on this episode:

- A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring

- Raising Emotionally Strong Boys book and workbook

- Wire Talk interview with David Thomas

Greg Stubbs joins Karen in the studio today to talk about marriage during the busy season of raising kids. We cover how to handle disagreements, rekindling a connection with your spouse, and addressing financial tension. Listen in for practical ways to revive your marriage when it feels like you're living as roommates, and be encouraged that your marriage can thrive in the beautiful chaos of family life!

Mentioned on this episode:

- Invite Karen to speak to the moms in your community! Learn more.

- Parenting Together curriculum

There’s no getting away from technology use these days, but parents need to recognize screens for the double-edged sword that they are. In this conversation with author of Screen Kids, Arlene Pellicane, we discuss the threat technology poses to our kids’ development, strategies for developing tech boundaries in our homes, and action steps parents can take to reclaim their family time from screens.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Screen Kids by Arlene Pellicane and Grandparenting Screen Kids by Gary Chapman

- Parents Rising conference San Diego, March 2, 2024

- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

- Hamlet’s Blackberry by William Powers 

Whether you’re at home or in public, consistency is KEY when it comes to disciplining your toddler! Today Karen answers questions about setting expectations, addressing undesirable behaviors, and enforcing consequences with your little one. This conversation will leave you motivated and encouraged to maintain a firm but loving approach the next time your toddler pushes a boundary!

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Sissy Goff, author of "The Worry-Free Parent," to discuss anxiety's impact on parents and children. We explore how anxiety can be contagious, affecting brain chemistry and parenting strategies. Sissy explains the difference between fear, worry, and chronic anxiety and shares practical strategies to tackle our own anxiety as moms. Tune in to learn how to break the anxiety cycle in your family. 

Mentioned on this episode: 

- Last week's conversation - Understanding and Supporting Your Anxious Middle Schooler

- The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff and The Worry-Free Parent workbook

Today Karen and Emily welcome school counselor, Sarah Coats, to discuss anxiety in middle schoolers. Sarah opens a window into what she sees in her office and in the halls of middle school right now. We'll learn how to discern everyday worries from anxiety, and Sarah offers practical tips for moms who wants to support an anxious student without enabling anxious behavior.

Today we are talking about how to address the needs of very different kids growing up under one roof. We cover personalities, educating your kids about their differences, and something most moms struggle with - bickering! 

Mentioned on today's episode:

- WT 283 - Understand the Personality Colors 

- Colors Quiz

- Personality Strengths and Weaknesses Chart

- More Personality Resources from BOAW Moms