Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

What if understanding your child’s temperament could transform the way you parent? Today Karen and Emily sit down with author and temperament expert Kathleen Edelman to talk about wiring, communication, and the power of speaking life into our kids. Kathleen shares tips for how to spot your child’s core temperament, explains why it’s so important to know your own, and reminds us that God intentionally chose each of us to be the mother of our unique child. 

Episode Recap:

4:05 - Kathleen Edelman joins us in the studio today to talk temperaments

6:15 - God chose YOU, with your unique temperament, to be the mother of your unique children. It was not an accident. 

8:00 - Where did this idea of the 4 temperaments come from?

10:50 - You can watch the body language of your child and pay attention to their words to discern their temperament

14:00 - Temperaments are innate, personality evolves

18:44 - You have to understand how God uniquely wired you to be able to speak your child’s language well 

22:00 - What are common mistakes parents make with each temperament and how can they adjust their approach?

31:53 - How can parents manage being the opposite temperament from their spouse? 

36:40 - Kathleen and Karen share stories of how this knowledge can transform relationships

44:27 - Children are pure in their wiring before the world starts reprimanding them

Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you know your temperament color? If so, how has that shaped your parenting style?
2. Has learning about your child’s temperament changed the way you respond to their emotions or behavior?
3. Are there any common communication mistakes you’re making with your child’s specific wiring?
4. How can you speak more intentionally to build your child up according to their God-given design?

Resources:

• Enter our giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms
• Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Kathleen’s website: https://isaidyouheard.com/
• Follow Kathleen on IG: @kathleenedelman
• BOAW Moms Temperament Colors Quiz: boaw.mom/quiz
• The temperament book that started it all for Karen: Personality Plus
• Karen’s book with a chapter on temperaments: Survival Guide to Motherhood
• I Said, You Heard resources on FB: https://www.facebook.com/isaidyouheard
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by anxiety, resentment, or fear in motherhood? You’re not alone. Today Karen and Emily open up about navigating hard seasons—from managing a home alone while your husband is away, to struggling with trust in God when fear creeps in. They dive into real questions from moms who are tired, discouraged, and looking for peace. Grab your coffee, because this one’s packed with encouragement, truth, and a little tough love. ;)

Episode Recap:
7:05 - The world is loud and stressful, but we can have peace because God is with us

9:18 - I feel overwhelmingly resentful toward my husband because the weight of family life is all on me - how can I get through this season?

10:30 - Some seasons are just HARD and you have to persevere

12:20 - Self pity is of the devil. Ask God to meet your needs.

17:16 - My husband is SO moody - help!

18:50 - What are the various temperament colors?

25:00 - It is easy to forget the strengths of our spouse and only focus on their negatives.

31:00 - My 17 yr old struggles with anxiety and has a friend who exacerbates it. What can I do?

38:11 - How do I entrust my children to God? I love God but I have realized I don’t trust Him.

43:33 - Check out our Peace for the Anxious Mom curriculum today! 

Scripture for Reflection: Matthew 6:26 (NIV)
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Questions for Discussion:

1. When you’re in a hard season, what do you tend to focus on—what’s lacking or what’s good? How can you shift that focus?
2. What fears are hardest for you to surrender to God? What helps you move toward trust?
3. Have you seen prayer work miracles in your family? Share if you feel comfortable.

Resources:

• Peace for the Anxious Mom curriculum: boaw.mom/peace
• Last call for DISCOUNTED Soar at Sea registration: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Emily’s Air Essentials: https://spanx.com/collections/matching-sets
• Wire Talk 431: You’re Not Your Husband's Holy Spirit: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/431-you-are-not-your-husbands-holy-spirit
• BOAW Moms Temperament Colors Quiz: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/personality-quiz
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

From dentist visits to bedtime clinginess, today’s conversation is all about helping kids face fear with confidence. Karen answers your questions about navigating anxiety, new experiences, and tough transitions. With practical ideas and plenty of encouragement, this episode will equip you to walk with your child through fear and toward courage.

Episode Recap:
2:05 - Emily is more than halfway through her pregnancy
6:50 - How can I help my 3.5 year old face the dentist without a meltdown?
10:12 - My outgoing, bubbly 5 year old becomes totally silent at school - what do I do? 
12:00 - After an active shooter drill, my daughter is terrified to go to school
16:00 - My child is overly attached to me, how can I help her gain independence? 

Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What does fear look like in your child’s behavior—and how do you usually respond?
2. What are some situations where you’ve helped your child face their fear with confidence?
3. How can you point your child to God when they’re anxious or afraid?
4. Are there any bedtime or transition routines that could use a reset in your home?

Resources:

• Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Get Sissy Goff’s book, Braver, Stronger, Smarter:  https://amzn.to/3SQWHvN
• Pick up Raising Worry-Free Girls this week: https://amzn.to/4dBRXnF
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! 

From tantrums to name-calling to after-school meltdowns, this episode is packed with practical help for moms dealing with big emotions—and even bigger attitudes. Karen and Emily talk about red temperaments, ADHD outbursts, and how to handle disrespectful behavior without losing your cool. Listen in for advice on teaching kids to pause before reacting, role-playing tough situations, plus learn why setting boundaries with screens and school is worth the fight.

Episode Recap:
2:10 - Meltdowns can happen at 6 or 16
5:14 - Lean into the Lord and He will help you
6:31- What do I do about a 10 year old who dominates her friends all the time?
8:56 - Role playing is a powerful teaching tool
9:39 - My daughter resorts to name calling when she’s angry - any advice?
18:00 - Anger is a secondary emotion 
18:30 - What does being intentional this summer look like?
24:00 - I’m struggling with the amount of screen time that is embedded in school/homework, it clearly changes my kid’s behavior. What can I do?

Scripture for Reflection:
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Questions for Discussion:
1. How do you typically respond when your child is disrespectful or melts down?
2. What do you think is really behind your child’s anger in those moments?
3. What boundaries do you need to reinforce in your home around disrespect, screen time, or emotional outbursts?
4. How could role-playing or using tools like the feelings wheel help your child grow in emotional maturity?

Resources:

• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Listen to our interview with David Thomas about kids and BIG emotions: 

https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/wt-140-the-emotional-world-of-kids-with-special-guest-david-thomas

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

• Listen to ADHD specific Wire Talk episodes: 

https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/wt-207-adhd-and-your-family-with-dr-staci-bolton-part-one

https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/wt-208-adhd-and-your-family-with-dr-staci-bolton-part-two

• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions!

Whether you're juggling work or chasing toddlers all day, summer can sneak up fast—and so can the pressure to make it “magical.” So today, Karen and Emily talk about how to define “winning” for your family before the season starts. They share practical ways to keep things meaningful without overextending yourself, and how to set realistic expectations for chores, rhythms, and fun. No matter what your summer looks like, you can make it a win for your family!

Episode Recap:
4:10 - Your summer won’t look like everybody else’s
6:25 - Decide on what would be a ‘win’ this summer for your family
10:10 - How can shifting your mindset help you accept your summer?
13:00 - How do I enjoy my summer when I’m working all the time?
16:00 - Involving your kids around the house more will make your summer smoother!
17:45 - Chores are a great way to stop hearing, “I’m bored!”
18:30 - What does being intentional this summer look like?

Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What would “winning” this summer look like for your family this year?
2. What are two expectations—one big, one small—you can name and plan for with your kids?
3. How can you shift your mindset to stay positive, even when plans change or challenges arise?
4. What practical changes could you make (like chore charts or spontaneous fun nights) to make summer more enjoyable for everyone?

Resources:

• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Check out Katie’s Chore List on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6pGDuRLE46/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

Mother’s Day can be sweet, stressful, or just plain disappointing—sometimes all at once! In today’s episode, Karen and Emily get real about unmet expectations, social media comparison, and the emotional weight this day can carry. They also share stories from their own celebrations—some simple, some funny, and some that didn’t go as planned. Whether you're anticipating brunch with your people or dreading a day that feels heavy, this conversation will remind you: it’s okay to name what you need and celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Episode Recap:
1:37 - Mother’s Day can be a mixed bag of emotions
3:35- There’s a lot of pressure surrounding celebrating well
7:00- Social media can quickly steal your joy
9:05 - How can we communicate what we want for Mother’s Day effectively?
12:30 - What if you want a special day but you know your family won’t plan anything?
16:21 - How do you navigate a difficult Mother’s Day? 

Scripture for Reflection: Romans 12:15 (NIV)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What emotions does Mother’s Day bring up for you this year—joy, sorrow, both?
2. Have you ever been disappointed by an unmet expectation on this day? What did you learn from it?
3. What would your ideal Mother’s Day actually look like—and how can you communicate that clearly?
4. How can you support another mom who may be hurting or overwhelmed this year?

Resources:

• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

Your college student has changed—and so has your family. In today’s episode, Karen and Emily talk about preparing for the emotional and practical realities of having a college student return home for the summer. From setting clear expectations to embracing the growth in your child, you'll walk away with practical tips (and encouragement) to navigate this bittersweet transition with grace!

Episode Recap:

3:45 - Karen shares how re-entry was with different kids coming home from college

8:08- How can I temper my expectations before my kiddo comes home? 

11:05 - Encourage your college student to get a job!

13:00 - How do we prepare our younger kids for their sibling’s reentry?

15:52 - What’s reasonable to ask of my college kid while they’re home? 

21:34 - Is it ok for me to tell my college kid how their actions made me feel? If so, what’s the best way to do that?

25:19 - We have to allow our children to grow and learn on their own because God is at work in their lives. Don’t try to smooth the road out for them, let them learn.

Scripture for Reflection: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Questions for Discussion:

1. How has your family dynamic changed since your child left for college?
2. What expectations do you need to reset—both for yourself and for your college student—before they return home?
3. How can you communicate boundaries and responsibilities clearly without treating your college student like a child?
4. In what ways can you celebrate and embrace who your child is becoming as a young adult?

Resources:

• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
  
  

When your husband’s job pulls him away from home, it can leave you holding the weight of family life alone—and it’s exhausting. Today Karen is answering questions from moms whose husbands are frequently gone due to their line of work. From managing toddler tantrums and homeschooling to navigating resentment and self-pity, Karen shares hard-won wisdom from her own years in the trenches. Don’t miss Karen’s honest encouragement about what it means to trust God and stay grounded through the hard seasons! 

Episode Recap:

2:35 - Karen’s husband Greg travelled extensively with his job during their early family years

6:10 - How did you manage the inconsistency in your husband’s work schedule? 

10:25 - We have to bring God into our daily walk as moms, He will sustain us

11:30 - My husband works in a traumatic field, how do I support him without letting the darkness and stress of his job affect our family?

15:05 - How do I help my husband get on board with what I’m doing at home since he’s away so often

18:23 - Emily’s tips for keeping preschooler occupied while mom homeschools other child

21:15 - I’m a working mom and my husband is in residency. I struggle with resentment and self-pity, how did you handle these emotions?

Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What do you find most difficult when your husband is away—emotionally, practically, or spiritually?
2. Have you ever struggled with self-pity or resentment in your parenting journey? What helped you move forward?
3. Karen talks about letting go of the “scoreboard” in marriage and not expecting equal contribution all the time. How does that idea sit with you?
4. What are some practical ways you could invite God into your hard season right now?
5. If you’re parenting a strong-willed toddler, which of Karen and Emily’s ideas could you try this week?

Resources:

• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Check out the Scoreboard of Life session within Karen’s The Six Truths of Motherhood curriculum: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase/products/six-truths-study-guide
  
  

Today we’re talking about Good Friday —and reflecting on why something so awful was called ‘good.’ Karen walks through the events leading up to the cross, explains why Jesus had to die, and answers some common (and hard!) questions your kids and teens might be asking. Whether your children are little or nearly grown, we hope this conversation equips you to talk about Jesus’ sacrifice and bring the hope of Easter into your home this week.

Episode Recap:

2:10 - We don’t have to know everything, moms! But it’s our job to point our kids to answers

2:36 - Recap of events leading up to Good Friday

5:42 - Matthew 27:51-53 shares some incredible things that happened when Jesus died

8:44 - Jesus willing endured the Cross for us - that makes Friday good!

9:30 - Why did Jesus have to die? Wasn’t there another way?

12:51 - Jesus was fully man and fully God, He is our High Priest

13:35- Forgiveness doesn’t mean justice is ignored

14:24 - How do we know Jesus’ death was real? What about the Resurrection?

20:16 - What are practical ways to bring your family together around the story of Good Friday and Easter?

24:00 - Don’t be afraid of your kids’ questions, dive in together and look for the truth! 

Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What makes Good Friday “good,” even though it was such a dark day?
2. How can we engage well with our kids when they ask hard questions about Jesus’ death or the resurrection?
3. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done”?
4. How can your family focus on Jesus this Easter in a meaningful way—especially if your kids aren’t naturally interested?

Resources:

• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com

From dealing with toddlers who constantly say "no!" to navigating three-year-old stubbornness, today Karen is answering your questions and sharing practical strategies to help you respond with consistency and grace. You’ll learn how to set boundaries that stick and understand why repetition is key to laying a foundation of obedience. Whether you're managing meltdowns or guiding a strong-willed child, this episode will equip you to keep calm and parent on!

Episode Recap:

2:43 - Is age two or three more difficult?

4:41 - My four yr old doesn’t listen and it puts him in danger! How can I get him to take me seriously?

7:15 - Toddlers HAVE to know that you are going to follow through!

8:50 - I’m constantly threatening my 2.5 yr old daughter with consequences for not obeying, is she only obeying out of fear?

11:00 - My 7 year old daughter has no motivation to do anything! How do I get her to get moving? 

14:25 - Talk to your child’s teacher if their homework seems to take them forever at home, there could be something to pay attention to there.

18:55 - Help! My husband and I are at our wit’s end with our combative 4 year old. 

Scripture for Reflection: Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Questions for Discussion:

1. What are some challenges you face with your toddler or preschooler’s strong emotions? How do you typically respond?
2. How do you balance immediate consequences with teaching long-term obedience?
3. What strategies have you found helpful for setting boundaries with strong-willed children?
4. How can you maintain consistency when it feels like your child isn’t getting the message?

Resources:

• Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
• Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
• Kathleen Edelman’s A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring: https://amzn.to/4lmF5VF
• Wire Talk episode 433 with Wellesley Jongko: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/433-you-can-set-your-child-up-for-readin