Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

What if one of the best things we can do for our kids is let them struggle? Mom of eight and founder of The Exchange, Elizabeth Pehrson, joins Karen and Emily to talk about parenting for the long game. If you have a hard time watching your child fail, forget, or face the consequences of their choices, this conversation is for you! We hope it will encourage you to loosen your grip and trust God with the outcome. Episode Recap: Your job as a parent is to make sure they don’t need you - the hardest part is accepting your success (4:26) Long game parenting asks, “Who do I want my child to be at 25, 35, 45?” (6:45) How do we get more comfortable with watching our kids struggle? (9:37) Allowing them to experience natural consequences is loving (12:02) Practical examples of starting out small with independence (16:00) Trusting the Lord is the foundation of success in parenting (19:29) You are preparing them for leaving you (22:00) Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Discussion Questions: How comfortable are you letting your child fail or experience natural consequences? What makes it hard for you to step back? Think about your child at 25, 35, or 45. What kind of adult are you hoping to raise, and is the way you're parenting today moving them toward that? Where do you need to loosen your grip and trust God more with your child? Resources: Connect with Elizabeth on IG: @long_game_parenting Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community. Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live ! - a short term group with Karen and Erin Want More of This Conversation? In Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily ask, “How much should I really know about my kid?” They talk about technology (hello Life360), over-functioning, and knowing when staying informed crosses the line into keeping our kids from growing up. Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel lonely, especially when the people around you don’t understand what everyday life looks like. Counselor Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen and Emily to unpack neurodivergence, executive functioning, and the important difference between “won’t” and “can’t.” Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child or want to better understand a friend who is, this conversation will help you respond with more empathy and grace. Episode Recap: What does neurodivergent mean and who falls under that umbrella? (2:56) How do I know if it’s an actual skill deficit or simply a will deficit?’ (4:41) What is executive functioning and how do I know if my kid struggles with it? (7:53) Don’t get into unnecessary power struggles (13:08) How do we advocate for our child without removing all obstacles for them? (14:50) Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NIV) — “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ” Discussion Questions: Where are you most tempted to compare your child’s abilities or behavior to other kids their age? How could asking, “Is this a skill deficit or a will deficit?” change the way you respond to frustrating behavior? Where are you getting pulled into unnecessary power struggles with your child? What could you do differently? How can you advocate for and support your child while still allowing them to experience challenges that build independence and resilience? Resources: Listen to last week’s episode with Dr. Chinwé Pick up a copy of Calm, Courageous, and Connected Sign up for Dr. Chinwé’s free monthly newsletter online Connect on IG: @dr.chinwewilliams Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community. Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live ! - a short term group with Karen and Erin Want More of This Conversation? In Wire Talk+, Dr. Chinwé Williams opens up about her own journey processing an autism diagnosis and gets practical with specific strategies for the real-life parenting moments that can leave us wondering, What do I do now? Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Big emotions can leave even the most confident mom wondering, Is this normal… or should I be concerned? Counselor Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen and Emily to explain what’s happening in our kids’ brains when they completely lose it and how we can partner with them to teach coping skills so they can move toward handling hard emotions on their own. Episode Recap: Are kids struggling with mental health more these days or are we just better at recognizing it? (2:32) As young as age 5, kids are struggling with ‘task persistence’ (4:41) Anxiety is a sign - it’s not the enemy (8:54) Understanding the upstairs vs. downstairs brain (15:48) How do we help our child via co-regulation? (20:04) Where’s the line between attachment science and gentle parenting? (22:50) Scripture: James 1:19 (NIV) — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Discussion Questions: When your child has big emotions, what’s your first instinct: fix it, stop it, discipline it, or help them through it? Dr. Williams said anxiety is a sign, not the enemy. What might your child’s anxiety be telling you right now? How well do you stay regulated when your child is dysregulated? What tends to send you over the edge with them? Is there an area where you’re stepping in too quickly instead of giving your child a chance to struggle, persist, and build confidence? Resources: Pick up a copy of Calm, Courageous, and Connected Sign up for Dr. Chinwé’s free monthly newsletter online Connect on IG: @dr.chinwewilliams Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community. Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live ! - a short term group with Karen and Erin Want More of This Conversation? In Wire Talk+, Dr. Chinwé Williams gets incredibly practical about what to say and do during a meltdown—including how to respond when your child’s big emotions trigger your own. Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Working moms carry a lot, and sometimes we make the load even heavier by carrying things God never asked us to! Erin Mashaw joins Karen and Emily to talk about mom guilt, comparison, and that nagging feeling that you’re always disappointing someone.If you’re constantly wondering whether you’re doing enough at work or at home, we hope this conversation will help you put down some of that weight! Episode Recap: Every season looks different in the life of a working mom (0:50) Being a working mom can feel like you are constantly disappointing someone (3:30) Between the physical and the emotional, working moms are constantly busy (6:00) The story of Martha shows us that we often carry things God has not given us (8:20) How do we move away from a comparison mentality? (11:25) Our kids don’t need perfect moms, they need us to be honest and real (14:26) Your ‘race’ is unique to your family and your circumstances (17:21) Scripture: Luke 10:40-42 (NIV) “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Discussion Questions: Where do you feel the most pressure to “do it all” right now? Is that pressure actually coming from God? Do you ever feel like you’re disappointing someone no matter what you choose? How does that affect the way you show up at work or at home? Where are you comparing your family or your motherhood to someone else’s? What are you carrying right now that God may never have asked you to carry? Resources: Follow Erin Mashaw online: @erinmashaw Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community. Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live ! A short term group with Karen and Erin beginning the week of October 13th. Want More of This Conversation? Wire Talk INSIDERS will hear Karen and Erin share helpful boundaries they have put in place to balance and honor both work and family. Plus - don’t miss the printable chart to help you assess “What’s Mine to Carry?” Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Boundaries can feel uncomfortable, but they’re essential for healthy relationships! Counsellor Debbie Causey joins Karen and Emily today to explain what healthy boundaries actually look like, how over-functioning hurts the people we’re trying to help, and how to know when it’s time to say no. If boundaries are hard for you, you’ll walk away with practical tools, including how to start with a few “baby nos” to protect your relationships without building walls. Episode Recap: Why are boundaries a universal struggle? (2:40) Healthy boundaries aren’t a wall, they’re a fence with a gate (4:11) We need to learn the difference between a burden and a backpack (6:45) How can I tell if I have a boundary issue with someone else? (10:54) Over-functioning teaches people to be lazy and steals their confidence (14:15) What's the difference between setting a boundary and just avoiding people? (16:00) Get someone objective in the situation if you need to (22:36) Practice saying “ baby” nos (23:31) Scripture: Galatians 6:2-5 (NIV) “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Discussion Questions: Is there a relationship where you’re carrying someone else’s “backpack”? What would it look like to hand that responsibility back to them? Where are you over-functioning for someone in a way that may actually be keeping them from growing? What’s one “baby no” you need to practice saying this week? What makes that ‘no’ difficult for you? Resources: Need more on Boundaries with your kids ? Listen to episode 494 ! Pick up a copy of Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & John Townsend Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Debbie shares a personal story of when she got it really wrong by not having boundaries and leaves us with encouragement about how boundaries can change your life for the better! Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Sometimes it's not the kids - it's the adults around them that make parenting so difficult! Today we are answering your questions about difficult in-laws, boundaries with extended family, and tricky friendships that can make even simple parenting scenarios more complicated. Tune in and learn something practical to help you navigate whatever you're facing this week. Episode Recap: Should I re-engage my family of origin? Historically, it has been painful. (5:30) I’m struggling with my sister-in-law who tries to parent my kids (8:30) We are raising our kids far from family - how do I bring this grief to God? (11:55) One of my close friend’s children is just plain destructive, how do I handle that? (16:07) Scripture: Romans 12:18 (NIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Discussion Questions: Generally speaking, are boundaries easy for you to create? Is there a relationship in your life that regularly makes parenting harder? What specifically is creating tension? Where do you need a clearer boundary with extended family? What keeps you from setting it? Are you carrying grief over the family relationships you wish your kids had? Have you honestly brought that disappointment to God? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Pick up a copy of Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & John Townsend Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily share real-life examples of how boundaries have brought freedom to their relationships and Karen offers her best in-law advice! Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast!

Have you ever looked at your child and wondered, Where in the world is this behavior coming from? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by big emotions, difficult behavior, or a child you just can’t seem to figure out, this episode is for you. Karen and Emily share practical insight and tools to help you better understand your child and respond with confidence instead of frustration. Episode Recap: Sign up for SOAR today! (1:32) My 10 yr old is so domineering that other kids don’t want to play with him (3:44) My ADHD daughter cannot control her temper and hits frequently (5:39) My son has been horribly mean to us lately, what could be wrong that he has started to treat us this way? (10:05) It’s okay to pause and remind your kids of your family’s rules (13:25) When we discipline our son, he takes his anger out on our Sheetrock (18:09) Scripture: James 1:19-20 (NIV) “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Discussion Questions: What behavior in your child scares/worries you the most right now? Are you dealing with what’s actually happening, or are you catastrophizing about where it could lead? Karen talked about knowing her children’s sin tendencies. Do you know your child’s? Have you asked God to show you what’s really going on in their heart? When your child loses control, do you tend to lose control too? What would it look like for you to pause before responding? Is there a behavior you’ve been excusing that actually needs a clear boundary or consequence? What do you need to address this week? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Listen to past ADHD specific episodes: 207 , 208 , 530 Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen pulls back the curtain on what discipline really looked like in the Stubbs home, plus she and Emily talk about how to keep from catastrophizing when our kids’ behavior scares us. Become an Insider today to get bonus content each week, join quarterly Zoom calls with Karen and sustain the ministry of this podcast.

Ever wish God would just TELL you what to do? Today, Karen and Emily tackle parenting decisions that don’t have a clear right or wrong answer; from kindergarten readiness and family size to going back to work and navigating technology at school. If you’re facing a parenting dilemma, we hope this episode helps you pray, trust God’s guidance, and move forward with confidence. Episode Recap: SOAR is only one month away! Sign up today (2:00) Should I redshirt my Kindergartener? (2:40) How do you know when you are done having kids? (5:39) Is there a time that it’s wise to stop having kids? (7:20) How do I know if it’s time to go back to work or if I should continue staying home? (10:44) I’m frustrated about the amount of technology my young child is using at school (14:58) Practical capability exercises for each age group (18:00) Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Discussion Questions: Is there a parenting decision you are wrestling with right now? What influences your decisions most: fear, opinions, practicality, or prayer? How can you invite God into a decision you’re facing? What parenting decision once felt huge but seems much smaller in hindsight? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Want More of This Conversation? Wire Talk+ moms will hear Karen share some of the parenting decisions that kept her up at night! Become an Insider today to hear more from Sissy and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

Kids today are becoming increasingly afraid of risk and discomfort- are parents part of the problem? Today bestselling author and counselor Sissy Goff joins Karen and Emily to talk about her new book, Capable, and why loving our kids well sometimes means encouraging them to do hard things. Sissy shares how moms can manage their own anxiety and trust their parenting instincts to prepare their kids for greater confidence. Don’t miss the absolutely brilliant catchphrases she offers for reminding kids that hard isn’t a bad thing! Episode Recap: Sissy is a therapist and counselor in Nashville who has been counseling families for 33 years! (1:30) Kids today more than ever are risk and discomfort avoidant (2:18) Parents are abdicating intuition for the sake of experts (5:19) We need to re-evaluate what it means to love our kids well (7:00) How can we let go of our own anxiety to help our kids step up in independence? (13:30) The three Cs of Capability (16:17) Practical capability exercises for each age group (18:00) Scripture: James 2:1-4 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Discussion Questions: Where are you most tempted to step in and remove risk, discomfort, or struggle for your child? How might your own anxiety be affecting your child’s willingness to try hard things independently? What is one responsibility or challenge your child may be ready to handle without your help? What words could you use this week to remind your child that something being hard does not mean it is bad? Resources: Connect with Sissy: https://www.daystarcounseling.com/ Pick up a copy of Capable on Amazon Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Want More of This Conversation? Wire Talk+ moms will hear practical capability-building exercises for preschoolers through teenagers, along with specific phrases that help kids believe they can handle hard things. Become an Insider today to hear more from Sissy and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

If you've ever lost your temper with your kids, this conversation is for you. Counselor Josh Thames shares practical tools to help moms stay calm, communicate more effectively, and respond with confidence, even when emotions are running high. Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, anxiety, or just big feelings, you'll walk away with practical encouragement you can use today. Episode Recap: Josh is an LPC with a background in teaching (1:30) Are we making parenting decisions out of fear? (5:18) Remaining steady is critical, especially for parents of kids with ADHD (8:07) How can I stay calm on crazy, back to school mornings? (10:22) A practical illustration of what tasks are like for an ADHD brain (14:29) How can I bring down the emotional climate in my home? (17:30) Having kids who are wired differently is a really good thing! (20:11) Scripture: Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Discussion Questions: Josh said our job is to be shepherds, not engineers. How does that change the way you think about your role as a parent? When your child becomes emotionally overwhelmed, what usually happens inside of you? How can you become the calm your child needs? Which parenting habit would make the biggest difference in your home this week: using more concrete language, planning better transitions, or slowing down your own reactions? Josh reminded us that success isn't measured by our child's behavior on any given day. How would redefining success change the way you parent this week? Resources: Connect with Josh: @joshthameslpc, thamescounseling.com Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Josh shares practical advice for connecting with teens who don't want to talk, helping kids navigate transitions, and learning how to stay calm when your own emotions start to rise. This extra conversation is full of real-life parenting wisdom you won't want to miss! Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

You don't have to carry the weight of discipling your kids by yourself! In this episode, Karen and Emily sit down with children's ministry leader Kendra Fleming to share how partnering with your church can strengthen your family's faith without adding more to your plate. As we head into a new school year, we hope this episode encourages you to lean into the support God has already provided. Episode Recap: Kendra has been working in children’s ministry for 30+ years (3:30) Church gives your kids another trusted voice and a place to serve (7:00) What are some church rhythms that are worth protecting this school year? (11:00) What does spiritual development look like at the different stages of childhood? (15:50) Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one...if either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Discussion Questions: When you think about discipling your children, do you feel excitement, pressure, fear, or something else? Why? Has your church encouraged or supported your family in ways you couldn't have done on your own? What rhythms around church have been most life-giving for your family? Are there any you've allowed to slip? Is there a children's ministry leader, small group leader, or mentor you could intentionally encourage or build a relationship with this fall? What practical step could your family take this year to more intentionally partner with your church in helping your kids grow in their faith? Resources: Connect with Kendra on Instagram: @kendrafleming Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Kendra continues to encourage us to be authentic in our relationship with Jesus, plus Kendra and Karen each give advice to their younger selves! Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

In this listener-favorite episode re-air, Karen and Greg pull back the curtain on nearly four decades of marriage—the good, the hard, the early years, and the season they’re in now. This conversation will make you smile, and maybe even tear up, as they remind us that we serve a faithful God who wants the best for us and our marriages. Episode Recap: How Karen and Greg back met in 1984 (4:00) What were some of your biggest differences as newlyweds? (7:50) How did you stay connected during the early years of raising kids? (10:09) What has been the hardest season of your marriage? (18:48) How has your relationship changed now that your kids are grown and gone? (31:35) What has surprised you about becoming grandparents? (37:19) Lightening round questions (40:12) Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Discussion Questions: Karen and Greg talked about prioritizing their marriage even while raising young kids. How do you currently make space for your spouse in a busy season of parenting? Greg shared the advice he received from his dad: “Your family is your hobby.” What might it look like for you to protect your margin for your family? Karen described her “needy gal” season where she learned to depend on God to meet her needs. How have you experienced God providing for you in a hard marriage or parenting season? What small rhythms (like a daily debrief, date nights, or intentional quiet time) could you adopt to strengthen your connection with your spouse? Looking ahead, what do you hope your marriage will look like when you reach the “high five” finish line of raising kids together? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community. Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Greg and Karen share advice for making it through difficult seasons of family life and don’t miss the very end of this conversation, when they share some of their biggest fights that they laugh about now! Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

If you’ve been thinking that summer is the perfect time to potty train, this one’s for you! Christine Clark joins Karen and Emily today - she’s a mom, preschool teacher, and pro who’s successfully potty trained 17 children. From handling accidents with grace to dealing with fear, regression, or defiance, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for moms in the potty-training trenches. Episode Recap: Christine runs an in-home daycare and LOVES toddlers (2:33) Personality definitely feeds into potty training (5:58) Is there a difference in training girls vs boys? (7:25) Give us a step-by-step for those who are new to this (8:55) What are the biggest mistakes parents make? (12:00) How to support your child’s training at daycare (14:16) What about kids who have “accidents” out of defiance? (16:35) What if a child is afraid to go #2? (22:21) Scripture: 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: What’s been your biggest potty training challenge so far, and what mindset shift could help you handle it with more patience? How can you bring fun and encouragement into the process instead of frustration? What does “everything can be cleaned” look like for you in this season of motherhood? What other “hard things” have you done recently that remind you you’re capable of more than you think? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community! Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily share some of their own adventures in potty-training and remind us once again that everything can be cleaned! Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

From tantrums to name-calling to after-school meltdowns, this listener-favorite 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: Meltdowns can happen at 6 or 16 (2:10) Lean into the Lord and He will help you (5:14) What do I do about a 10 year old who dominates her friends all the time? (6:31) Role playing is a powerful teaching tool (8:56) My daughter resorts to name calling when she’s angry - any advice? (9:39) Anger is a secondary emotion (18:00) 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? (24:00) Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Questions for Discussion: How do you typically respond when your child is disrespectful or melts down? What do you think is really behind your child’s anger in those moments? What boundaries do you need to reinforce in your home around disrespect, screen time, or emotional outbursts? How could role-playing or using tools like the feelings wheel help your child grow in emotional maturity? Resources: Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Become a WT+ Insider, boaw.mom/insider Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily talk about why so many parents are afraid to address disrespectful behavior and they discuss how to use devices intentionally so they serve your family instead of becoming a parenting crutch. Head to https://www.patreon.com/c/BOAW to become an Insider and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

We're re-airing one of our most popular episodes this week! Karen and Emily sit down with Elizabeth Pehrson to discuss how moms can parent with purpose by focusing on the long game. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her no-nonsense approach to raising independent, contributing adults. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of parenting littles or wondering how to prepare your teens for the real world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped. Episode Recap: Elizabeth is a long time friend of BOAW Moms and a breakout speaker at Soar (2:09) Most women live a Groundhog Day kind of life, but they don’t have to (8:08) We can’t love others when we’re not loving ourselves well (10:32) How did The Exchange come about? (12:37) We need to raise adults who are contributors, not consumers (18:25) We are overprotecting and under preparing our kids for the real world (21:00) Keep the long game in mind! (25:01) Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." Questions for Discussion: What areas of parenting do you feel pressured to “do more,” and how might adopting a “do less” mindset bring freedom to your family? How are you currently preparing your children for independence, and what’s one practical step you can take to help them contribute more? Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of rediscovering yourself as a mom. What’s something you used to enjoy that you can reintroduce into your life? How can shifting your focus from short-term achievements to long-term character development change the way you approach parenting? Resources: Register for the SOAR Conference today . Become a WT+ Insider, boaw.mom/insider Check out Elizabeth’s organization, The Exchange Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily talk about why it’s easier to do for our kids than to teach them to do for themselves and Emily shares her new chore routine for her kids this summer. Head to https://www.patreon.com/c/BOAW to become an Insider and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year!

Pornography exposure is happening younger and more often than most parents realize, and it’s affecting both boys and girls. In this episode, Karen and Erin Mashaw are joined by returning guest Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures , for a practical conversation about what to do when your child has been exposed to pornography. If you’ve been avoiding this awkward conversation, today’s discussion will motivate you and equip you to help your child navigate this topic. Episode Recap: We want our kids to have a plan to reject pornography when they see it (1:30) Parents underestimate kids’ negative online exposure (3:30) Your kid is not bad because they are curious about sex (6:00) Girls’ exposure to pornography is often through literature (8:10) Take time to compose yourself before responding (13:50) Don’t blame yourself (18:00) These conversations help arm our kids against the influence of porn (22:00) Your child deserves to be prepared (27:00) Scripture: Psalm 119:9 (NIV) "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word." Discussion Questions: What emotions come up when you think about having conversations about pornography with your children? What practical steps has your family taken to create open communication around technology and online safety? What would it look like for your home to be a safe place for difficult conversations? Resources: Register for the SOAR Conference today . Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider Pick up a copy of Good Pictures Bad Pictures or Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Guide for Girls Arm yourself with free anti-pornography resources at Defend Young Minds Connect with Kristen online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYM/ Instagram: @defendyoungminds X: @defendYM LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/defend-young-minds Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Kristen explains what's happening in a child's brain after pornography exposure, why these images can become "sticky," and how parents can help prevent repeated viewing from becoming a long-term struggle. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Summer doesn't have to be packed with fancy vacations or elaborate plans to be memorable. In this episode, Karen and Emily share simple, practical ways to add more laughter, spontaneity, and fun to your family's everyday moments. From DQ runs to dance-party cleanups, we hope this episode gives you some ideas and encourages you to let go of the pressure and just enjoy your kids this summer! Episode Recap: We’re talking about creating fun this summer with your kids (2:02) Does summer feel daunting or fun to you? (4:35) Fun isn’t trivial, it creates connection (9:53) It’s okay to let your kids be bored (12:10) Ask yourself, “is there a FUN way to do this?” (18:33) Fun is the antidote to anxiety! (20:57) I’m a blue, what if “fun mom” is just not my personality? (22:38) Nothing is ever enough for my kids (26:22) My kids are always bored, no matter what I do (27:11) Scripture: Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Discussion Questions: What are some of your favorite summer memories from childhood? Which ideas from this episode for adding fun into everyday life could you try with your family this week? Do you feel pressure to create a "perfect" summer for your kids? How might that expectation be stealing joy from your family? How does your temperament influence the way you approach fun and play with your children? Resources: Register for the SOAR Conference today . Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider Pick up a pack of conversation starters to add some fun to family dinner Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk +, Karen and Emily dive into how temperament affects the way moms experience and create fun at home. They also discuss why cultivating joy and laughter in your home matters in the long run. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Summer brings more snacks, more messes, and more opportunities to teach our kids valuable life skills! Today Karen and Emily are talking about why building a strong work ethic starts at home and why moms should avoid overfunctioning for their children, plus Karen gives practical ideas to teach age-appropriate responsibility. We hope this conversation will encourage you to play the long game this summer as you prepare your kids for real life! Episode Recap: You don’t have to be the one cleaning all the messes this summer (1:50) Helping around the house instills confidence in kids (3:15) We want to raise contributors, not consumers (5:00) Teach your children to go the extra mile (8:10) What are good kids' chores at each stage of development? (12:00) How do you handle kids who push back on doing chores? (18:50) Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Discussion Questions: How were chores and household responsibilities handled in your home growing up? Are you mimicking that environment or handling the workload differently in your own home? Are there areas where you might be "over-functioning" for your children? What is one responsibility you could begin transferring to them this summer? Which age-appropriate chore or life skill would be most beneficial for your child to learn right now? What would the training phase look like? Resources: Register for the SOAR Conference today . Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily get real about how chores work in Emily’s houses and Karen demonstrates how to fold a fitted sheet! Don’t sleep on becoming an Insider - learn today! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Summer is a perfect time to help our kids learn to look beyond themselves. In this episode, Karen and Emily share simple, practical ways families can serve together, whether that’s visiting a nursing home, helping with food recovery, serving on a mission trip, or just paying attention to the needs around you. We hope this conversation encourages you to start small, think intentionally, and discover how serving others can grow your family's faith this summer! Episode Recap: Snack time strategies for summer (2:00) Serving with your kids can feel daunting (3:52) Start small wherever you are (5:36) Organizations like Lighthouse have opportunities for your whole family (13:17) When you open your eyes, you’ll start to see opportunities everywhere (15:55) Pray and ask God to show you ways to give back with your kids this summer (18:00) Scripture: Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Discussion Questions: What opportunities already exist in your community for your family to serve together? What keeps your family from serving more often, and what’s one small step you could take this summer? Karen talks about how serving helps us get outside our own "bubble." Where might God be inviting your family to lift your eyes beyond your bubble this summer? Resources: Register for the SOAR Conference today . Second Helpings Atlanta Lighthouse Family Retreats Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen shares a personal story about taking Abby on a mission trip to China when she was just 9 years old - you never know how God is going to use your kids in service! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

We’re kicking off a brand-new summer series today! All month long, we’ll be talking about how to make the most of the new rhythm summer brings to your home. In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways moms can grow spiritually alongside their kids. We hope this conversation encourages you that you don’t have to do this perfectly to take meaningful steps of growth toward Jesus together as a family. Episode Recap: Whether you look forward to summer or dread it, try to enjoy it! (2:00) You do not have to entertain your child all summer long (4:14) Which kind of summer mom are you? (7:15) You want your kids to see Jesus shining through you to your kids (11:35) Let your kids see your real struggles (appropriately) (14:00) Pray BIG with your kids (17:00) Walk your kids through unanswered prayers when you are praying together (20:31) Model humility and repentance (22:00) What does this look like at different ages? (25:30) Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7(NIV) “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Discussion Questions: Which part of this conversation felt most challenging to you: praying big, modeling repentance, letting your kids see your struggles, or something else? Which one of these do you feel like you’re already doing? How can you create small, intentional spiritual rhythms in your home this summer without putting pressure on yourself to “do it perfectly”? What is one practical step you could take this week to help your kids see authentic faith lived out in everyday life? Resources: Pick up a copy of Karen’s devotional to read this summer Register for the SOAR Conference today . Snag How to Teach Your Kids the Bible and work through it with your kids this summer! Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider Want More of This Conversation? During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily answer listener questions about kids pushing back against going to church and asking big questions about God. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.