Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

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.