491: Why Helping Your Kids Might Be Hurting Them with Elizabeth Pehrson
When it comes to raising independent kids, doing less can actually mean loving more. Karen and Emily welcome back mom of eight, Elizabeth Pehrson, whose last Wire Talk clip went viral with over 7.6 million views! In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth unpacks the long-term value of letting kids struggle, take responsibility, and learn from consequences. From packing lunches to doing laundry, she shares age-appropriate ways to teach kids ownership and why moms need to resist the urge to over-function.Episode Recap:Elizabeth’s last conversation on Wire Talk struck a nerve with viewers (3:31)Her children are reaping the rewards of parents who did less, not more (8:16)Age-appropriate chores for all ages (9:28)How does not helping set our kids up for success in the long run? (14:30)We set ourselves up for failure when we put too much of ourselves into our kids (19:20)Overfunctioning means doing things for your child that they can do for themselves (17:23)How can we start small this week? (23:00)It’s not what matters today, it’s what matters when they’re 30 (29:11)Just because you can do, provide, or give…doesn’t mean you should (29:43)Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”Discussion Questions: What’s one area where you tend to step in for your kids instead of letting them handle it?How does doing less for your children actually prepare them for adulthood?Elizabeth said, “Just because you can do, provide, or give, doesn’t mean you should.” What does that look like in your home?What are some areas you need to teach your children to do for themselves this week? What might God be teaching you about releasing control as your children grow?Resources:Follow Elizabeth online: www.instagram.com/octomama or www.instagram.com/theexchangeus Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
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490: Raising Kids with Faith in a Confusing World
The moms we’re hearing from today are facing questions that feel big; from whether to move our families, to when to say yes at church, to how we pray, parent, and pass down faith to our children. Karen is tackling listener questions that cover everything from culture and church life, to leading your child to Christ. We hope you’ll come away from listening encouraged that God’s wisdom is available to you in every decision, big or small.Episode Recap:Emily’s family does Halloween right! (3:37)Should we move our family away from family for a better overall culture? (6:06)How do you know what to say yes to at church? There’s always a need. (8:32)How can I make time to pray for everything I should be praying about? (11:10)What are your favorite parenting resources (14:33)How do I tell if my child truly understands salvation? (17:23)Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB) “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”Discussion Questions: Karen shared that she prays throughout her day, even mid-conversation, asking God for guidance. What would “praying without ceasing” look like in your own daily routines?Have you ever faced a big family decision—like moving or changing schools—and had to rely on prayer for clarity? What helped you discern God’s will?How can you model an authentic prayer life for your kids so they grow up seeing prayer as part of everyday life, not just something done before meals or bedtime?For moms whose children are beginning to ask questions about salvation, what practical steps can you take to guide them with confidence and faith rather than fear?Resources:Grab a copy of Karen’s book, Survival Guide to MotherhoodFind all Karen’s FREE curricula in the BOAW Moms app: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/free-curriculumReach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
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489: Shaping Character From Ages 6-10
Between ages 6 and 10, kids are learning big lessons about honesty, responsibility, and gratitude…and those moments don’t always feel peaceful. Today Karen and Emily are talking about shaping character during these years. From handling bad attitudes and entitlement to teaching kids about truthfulness and contentment, they share practical ways to mold your child’s heart without losing your cool.Episode Recap:My 10 yr old pitches a fit when he has to do something he’s not prepared for (5:50)Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to go, that’s what builds character (10:50)My 6 yr old struggles with gratitude and contentment (11:30)My kiddo is a whiny complainer! Help (17:50)My niece recently stole a ring from my home and lied about it, my sister won’t address it! (20:40)|Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.Discussion Questions: Why is it important to address small character issues early, instead of assuming kids will “grow out of them”?Do your kids struggle with gratitude and contentment? What did you think of Karen’s approach to dealing with that heart issue? What’s one area of character (honesty, gratitude, perseverance, responsibility) that you want to intentionally strengthen in your child this month?Resources:Use coupon code HBDK for 30% off a cozy Peace sweatshirt Raising Emotionally Strong Boys with David Thomas: https://amzn.to/4hkvDk9A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring: https://amzn.to/3J8ZTlq
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488: House Rules, Hard Talks and Helping Your Kids Grow with Grace
From setting boundaries to tackling tough topics, today’s episode is all about navigating the hard parts of parenting with truth and grace. In this conversation, Karen shares practical wisdom for protecting your home, teaching empathy, and leaning on the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do, change hearts. Whether you’re navigating big emotions, sensitive subjects, or family boundaries, this conversation will help you parent with confidence and compassion.Episode Recap:My daughter’s friend is coming to live with us; what rules do we need to establish? (3:55)My daughter struggles with a judgmental heart, how can we help her? (5:15)My 8 year old son is asking questions about sex, help! (8:02)My SIL’s family has very different values from ours which makes visits stressful (11:45)Scripture: James 1:5 (NASB) “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”Discussion Questions: Do you have “house rules”? If so, what principles guided those rules? How do you balance firm boundaries with a spirit of grace?How can we help our kids live out their convictions without becoming judgmental toward others who make different choices?Does the sex conversation feel intimidating to you? Is it time for a conversation in your home? If so, how can you approach it with honesty and calm?Karen mentioned the Holy Spirit’s role in transforming hearts; how can you rely on His guidance more in your day to day parenting?Is there a “hard talk” or situation in your home right now that you can approach differently after hearing this episode?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Follow @birds_bees for tips about talking to your kids about sexGrab the God’s Design for Sex series on Amazon! https://amzn.to/43jefX5Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
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487: Balancing Discipline with Connection
How do you discipline your kids without damaging your relationship? Today Karen and Emily are talking about what it looks like to set boundaries, correct behavior, and still be your child’s safe place. From toddler tantrums to teenage independence, they share wisdom that will help you the next time you’re doling out discipline. Episode Recap:We’re afraid to discipline because we worry it will damage our relationship (4:52)My daughter confessed something small to me after YEARS (5:26)My child is hypersensitive to discipline from dad, what can I do? (7:39)My husband is too harsh with our teenage son (12:51)Our son doesn’t respect me the way he respects his dad (16:28)God commands us to discipline our children (21:17)Scripture: Proverbs 3:12 (NIV) “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”Discussion Questions: What helps you stay calm when you need to discipline your child?Do you and your spouse have the same discipline style? Do your children respond differently to discipline from different parents? Emily talked about the notes Greg left her, which helped build up a base of connection. What’s one way you can affirm and encourage your child this week?What’s one tweak you need to make in your home this week to better balance discipline and relationship? Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Grab Karen’s lunch box notes to encourage your child: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/gifts/products/lunch-box-notesJoin our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!
Listen to Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs, Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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