Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Are you trusting your mom gut or Googling yourself into anxiety?
In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Laura Bleekrode shares wisdom from nearly 40 years of experience to help moms cut through the noise and parent with confidence. We talk about how social media and constant information can erode your instincts and how to get back to trusting yourself. You’ll be reminded that you know your child better than anyone and that matters!
Episode Recap:
Dr. Bleekrode is a mom of 8 who owns a pediatric practice and has been practicing medicine for 36 years (1:11)
How does Dr. Bleekrode “do it all”?  (4:36)
What are you seeing in today’s families that moms didn’t face 20 years ago? (6:15)
Our “social networks” used to be personal (6:30)
God gave mom’s intuition for a reason! (8:53)
What symptoms require immediate medical or psychological attention? (12:13)
My toddler is not sleeping for hours at a time, multiple times a month (15:55)
What does a healthy sleep routine look like for a toddler? (20:06) 
Have you noticed parents trying to control all outcomes for their children? (27:20)
How does your faith shape the way you counsel your patients? (28:13)

Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Discussion Questions: 
When you feel anxious about your child, where do you tend to turn first; your friends, your instincts, or Google?
Can you think of a time your “mom gut” was right? What helped you trust it (or ignore it)?
What outside influences (social media, advice, comparison) tend to shake your confidence as a mom?
How can you create stronger, real-life support systems instead of relying on online answers?
What is one area where you can release perfection and trust God more in your parenting this week?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
WT+ Insiders will hear Dr. Bleekrode share 4 things she wishes all her patients knew!
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

May can feel overwhelming for moms, filled with endless events, expectations, and emotional moments.Today Karen offers practical wisdom to help you navigate the busyness without losing your joy (or your mind.) From setting realistic expectations to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation is full of encouragement.
Episode Recap:
May is just December with sunscreen! (0:30)
May feels chaotic with elementary schoolers - how do I get through? (4:40)
Sit down with your high schooler and help them prioritize (9:10)
Don’t be a wet blanket on your high schooler’s parade (10:15)
Working mom here struggling with school events - help!  (11:15)
This season has me emotionally up and down with my Senior(14:35) 

Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Discussion Questions: 
What part of May feels the most overwhelming for you right now?
Are you trying to attend everything? What might you need to let go of?
How can you involve your kids in deciding what matters most this month?
Where are you feeling guilt, and is it justified or self-imposed?
What is one small way you can slow down and enjoy this season?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
In the extended WT+ conversation, Karen and Emily get even more practical. Karen shares her system for breaking down exactly how to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin. If you’re craving less stress and more clarity this month, don’t miss this part of the conversation!
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Mom guilt can make even the best moms feel like they’re falling short. In this episode, Karen and Emily talk through the pressures we carry and the expectations we place on ourselves. They offer a practical, biblical perspective to help you recognize what’s true and what isn’t. We hope you walk away encouraged and ready to let go of unnecessary guilt! 

Episode Recap:
Supermoms are a modern day myth (2:00)
Stay tuned after the show for Wire Talk+ (6:20)
I have been pregnant or postpartum for the past 4 years, everything feels uphill from here. How does anyone do this? (7:04)
How do I make the transition to being a stay at home mom? (12:42)
My 6 yr old’s incessant talking overwhelms me, help! (15:19)
My fuse is pretty short these days, how do I work on this? (19:20)
Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (26:29) 

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: 
When do you tend to feel mom guilt the most, and what usually triggers it?
What expectations are you placing on yourself right now that aren’t  necessary or realistic?
How can you distinguish between conviction from the Holy Spirit and unnecessary guilt?
What is one practical way you can “let go” of guilt this week and focus on what truly matters?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Go through our Mom Core curriculum with friends or on your own
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
On WT+ today we are answering more questions about guilt, including questions about love languages and dealing with in-laws. Don’t miss it, subscribe today!
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Family dynamics can get complicated quickly, especially when expectations, boundaries, and communication styles start to clash. Today we’re talking about how to navigate tension with extended family without losing your peace (or your voice.) We hope you’ll walk away with practical ways to communicate clearly, pursue peace, and love your extended family well.
Episode Recap:
Moms can easily get stuck in the middle of family conflicts (1:59)
I’m stuck in the middle of conflicts between my mom and my husband, help! (4:02)
My MIL is extremely difficult, even mean and petty toward me (7:47)
How can I be good friends with my mother in law and still have boundaries? (11:30)
How can grandparents be closer to the grandchildren of divorced parents? (14:33)
Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (18:00) 

Scripture: Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Discussion Questions: 
Where do you feel the most tension right now with extended family or in-laws? What makes that situation difficult?
Do you tend to avoid conflict or confront it quickly? How does your temperament affect the way you handle family tension?
Are you currently acting as a “middleman” in any relationships? What would it look like to step out of that role in a healthy way?
What does it look like to “live at peace…as far as it depends on you” in your current situation?
What is one practical step you can take this week to improve communication or reduce tension in a family relationship?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Check out Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Listen to a past episode on boundaries with family
Download our FREE temperaments packet

Want More of This Conversation?
On WT+ today we are answering more questions about extended family - how to make vacations and extended time together work well - and Karen shares her insights on keeping family connected and what to do when someone pulls away.
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Ever find yourself second guessing your parenting decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, Karen answers questions from moms navigating school struggles, motivation, and knowing when to step back. We hope you walk away feeling encouraged to trust God with the parenting choices you are making.
Episode Recap:
One parenting decision won’t make or break your child (1:50)
My 1st grader doesn’t work hard in school and I can’t make her care! (2:30)
How do I motivate my 10 year old yellow/green son? (5:00)
My son is reluctant to participate in extracurriculars, how should I handle this? (11:42)
Don’t project your fears and anxieties onto your child (14:15)
Ask God for the wisdom you need to make parenting decisions today (15:00)

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: 
When do you find yourself second guessing your parenting the most? What tends to be the trigger?
Are there areas where you might be over-helping (or enabling) instead of allowing natural consequences to teach your child?
What practical systems (routines, checklists etc.) could help your child take more ownership?
Are you projecting fears about your child’s future instead of focusing on what’s true today?
What would it look like to release your parenting decisions to God and trust Him with the outcome?

Resources:
Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insider
Use A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring to become a better student of your child
Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the Bible
Download our FREE temperaments packet

Want More of This Conversation?
In WT+, we dive into tougher parenting moments: attachment struggles, discipline that isn’t working, and navigating disagreements with your spouse. Plus, you’ll hear Karen’s practical ways to stay consistent when it feels like nothing is sticking.
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.