474: How To Avoid Overcommitting Your Family (RE AIR)
Today Karen and Emily are talking about one of the biggest challenges moms face—knowing when (and how) to say no. With stories from their own families and practical advice for every season, this conversation will help you evaluate what’s best for your family right now. Whether you're navigating sports schedules, volunteer asks, or the push to "do it all," this conversation will give you permission to prioritize wisely and protect your peace, so you can say yes to what matters most.Episode Recap:8:02 How can I say no to one more thing? I feel guilty! 11:00 Travel soccer used to be fun but now it’s expensive and overwhelming…what do we do?15:05 I’m struggling to prioritize time with my husband, any tips? 17:30 You need to determine for your own family what are your non-negotiables18:26 What steps can I take to prevent over commitment? 20:22 - Your best yes looks different from other families Scripture for Reflection: Philippians 1:10 (NLT)“For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”Questions for Discussion:How do you evaluate whether a commitment is a “best yes” for your family? What criteria do you use to make sure your commitments support your family’s well-being?How can you ensure that your marriage remains a priority amidst the busyness of life? Is this easy for you or is it a struggle? Karen talks about dividing your time into three categories: essentials, non-negotiables, and bonuses. How do you currently categorize your commitments? What activities or priorities fall into each category in your life? Are there any adjustments you feel called to make after reflecting on this idea?What strategies can you implement to create intentional rest and unstructured family time in your weekly routine?Resources:Looking for a summer study? Check out Survival Guide to Motherhood: https://boaw.teachable.com/p/survival-guide-to-motherhoodSign up for Soar at Sea: https://www.soaratsea.com
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473: The Discipline Episode Every Mom Needs (RE AIR)
Discipline is one of the hardest parts of parenting—and one of the most frequently asked-about topics from Wire Talk listeners. In this popular re-air, Karen breaks down discipline into three practical stages and shares wisdom from her book Survival Guide to Motherhood. Whether you're parenting toddlers, school-aged kids, or teens, grab your headphones and get ready to reframe your mindset with the powerful biblical principle: pain now equals peace later.Episode Recap:8:14 Discipline starts with your mindset 9:36 Pain now equals peace later12:24 Discipline has to be consistent.13:34 The three stages of discipline each require a different focus from moms16:17 The “B”s of discipline with young kids are: Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear17:05 In the middle years it’s time to teach the “why” behind the no18:11 You have to slow down and make time to teach your child20:20 During the “coaching” stage, parents have to let consequences play outScripture for Reflection: Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”Questions for Discussion:Are there any negative behaviors you see in your child now that you are tempted to ignore, thinking they will grow out of it? Karen mentioned the idea that "pain now will equal peace later" when it comes to parenting. Have you experienced this in your own life? How have you seen this in your parenting journey? Which stage of discipline are you in right now? (Laying the Foundation, Teaching the ‘Whys’, The Coaching Years)Do you think the pace of your life is preventing you from disciplining effectively? How so? Of the three “B”s (Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear), which do you struggle with most? Have you ever prayed and asked for wisdom to know how to discipline your child? Pray together as a group today for the wisdom to discipline effectively. Resources:Get your copy of Karen’s book Survival Guide to Motherhood: https://amzn.to/3I8jxNxSign up for Soar at Sea: https://www.soaratsea.comMore Wire Talk episodes on discipline: Laying the Foundation, The Middle Years, The Coaching YearsFind ALL the episodes we’ve ever recorded on discipline HERE.
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472: Choose Conversation Over Control
We can’t shield our kids from everything—but we can prepare them. In today’s episode, Karen answers your questions about navigating tricky situations that stem from outside influences. From toddlers to teens, the answer isn’t control—it’s conversation. Listen and learn why awkward talks now might be the most powerful gift you can give your kids!Episode Recap:3:39 - My preschooler is coming home using potty words, how do I address it? 5:41 - My neighbors’ kids are obnoxious and I don’t want my kids around them…9:46 - My teenager’s friend (the son of a friend of mine) uses foul language in his texting, should I address it with her? 13:34 - How do I balance our family values and God’s command to think about praiseworthy things with my daughter’s taste in popular music that isn’t God-honoring?20:05 - These conversations are awkward and hard but if we don’t teach our children, who will?Scripture for Reflection: 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.”Questions for Discussion:When have you had to address a peer-related influence or issue with your child? How did it go?Are there any boundaries you need to reinforce in your home—around language, media, or friendships?How can you create a safe environment for your child to be honest with you about what they’re seeing and hearing?What makes it hard for you to have uncomfortable conversations with your kids—and what truth from Scripture gives you courage?Resources:Register today for Peace for the Anxious Mom: https://boaw.teachable.com/p/peace-for-the-anxious-momSign up for Soar at Sea: https://www.soaratsea.com
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471: Spirit-Filled Parenting Starts with Us
From disappointment in marriage to disrespectful teens, today’s episode tackles some hard moments moms are facing. Karen answers questions about how to parent through anger, restore broken relationships, and course-correct when obedience and respect have gone off track. With stories from her own life and wisdom rooted in Scripture, Karen reminds us thar God is in the business of redemption—and it’s never too late!Episode Recap:4:36 - My life is not at all going as I had planned - is there a Bible Study for that? 10:44 - We missed the boat on disciplining our boys well in their younger years, how do we course correct now? Is it too late? 15:45 - You answer to the Lord and you don’t need to apologize to anyone.16:46 - My husband is an extremely permissive parent - what can I do?19:40 - My 14 year old son hates me (I think in many ways, it’s deserved) what can I do? Scripture for Reflection: Galatians 5:22-33 (NIV)"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."Questions for Discussion:What area of your life or parenting feels like it's “not going as planned” right now?Have you been tempted to sit in self-pity or blame? What truth do you need to remind yourself of today?Is there a place in your parenting where you need to course-correct—like obedience, respect, or consistency?How can you invite God into the process of healing a relationship that feels broken or strained?Resources:Six Truths of Motherhood study guide: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/mom-studies/products/six-truths-study-guide Look for BOAW Moms studies for FREE in the BOAW Moms app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
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470: Why Your Child’s Wiring Matters
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 temperaments6:15 - 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 temperament14:00 - Temperaments are innate, personality evolves18:44 - 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 relationships44:27 - Children are pure in their wiring before the world starts reprimanding themScripture 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:Do you know your temperament color? If so, how has that shaped your parenting style?Has learning about your child’s temperament changed the way you respond to their emotions or behavior?Are there any common communication mistakes you’re making with your child’s specific wiring?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/birdsonawiremomsRegister for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comKathleen’s website: https://isaidyouheard.com/Follow Kathleen on IG: @kathleenedelmanBOAW Moms Temperament Colors Quiz: boaw.mom/quizThe temperament book that started it all for Karen: Personality PlusKaren’s book with a chapter on temperaments: Survival Guide to MotherhoodI Said, You Heard resources on FB: https://www.facebook.com/isaidyouheardDownload the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
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!
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