Thriving with 8 Podcast: Recent Episodes
Candace Larson: Christian mother of 8
Thriving with 8 is a podcast for moms. As moms we are constantly in survival mode, but motherhood is so much more than surviving. When we learn to thrive, which is daily progression not perfection, we will have joy even while doing dishes, folding laundry, and changing diapers. Join me, Candace Larson (mother of 8), to discuss the ups and downs of being a mom so we can keep thriving!
Thriving With 8 Podcast just turned 8 years old! It's time to celebrate this accomplishment and the journey of creating this podcast. Listen as I share how it all began over 8 years ago, how I came to live by the motto of "it never hurts to ask", and how this podcast has enchanced my motherhood journey. Plus, hear the big anouncemnt of our upcoming Thriving With 8 birthday party!
Staying fit and getting healthy are often listed with our New Years Resolutions. Well, we're almost halfway through the year... how are you doing with your fitness goals?
In this episode, Women's Strength and Wellness Coach, Nichole Minton, shares small and simple things we can do to progress on our fitness journey. It's not about huge undertakings or overnight changes. It's about simple daily habits such as walking, getting more protein, and making time for God that will make a big difference in how we feel. When change moves at a slower pace we are more apt to stick with it and it becomes part of who we are so it's worth the effort to intentionally slow down (I know, easier said than done for moms).
We hope you will listen to Nichole's wisdom as she teaches with her heart and choose one small thing you can change today to start progressing in your fitness journey. Remember, anything you do to improve yourself blesses your family as well!
Thriving With 8 Podcast made it to episode 100! Thanks for listening- a podcast is no good without listeners!
What if we have it wrong? What if taking 2nd place is just as wonderful as first, but for different reasons. Listen as I share what my little boy taught me about 2nd place and the value of effort, happiness, and progression.
When you fall short, because we all do, don't be afraid to apologize and don't hold on to mom guilt. Choose to celebrate the mom wins, big and small, and to be present in your life. When opportunities pass you by, create new ones. It's not 1st place or nothing, it's progession, not perfection.
Are you bone tired and soul tired at the same time? Although exhaustion in motherhood is common, we can feel joyful and weary, excited and exhausted, grateful and tired. When we choose to walk everyday with Christ we will find His Rest.
Christ will walk by our side, just like a friend, if we let Him. He will show us what He loves about our day and about us. He will help us see the "manna" in our life. Turning our focus to Him will shift our weariness to energy and confidence.
Ashlee Miller shares insights from her life and her beautiful book, "His Rest", in this inspiring episode of Thriving With 8. It's time to reset and refocus on Christ in your motherhood journey.
Have you stopped to think about which holiday tradititons matter most to your family? There's so much to do during this season. How much of it can be set aside without anyone caring?
While we can definitely get ideas from other families, it's important not to compare what our families do (or don't do) with others. You don't have to bake cookies with your kids just because your neighbors do or stage Elf on the Shelf if that stresses you out.
In this short episode I ask my boys what holiday traditions are their favorite. I loved hearing what really makes Christmas special in their eyes and hope you will too. Ask you kids their favorites- you may be surprised.
"Drapers are doers"! That is the motto Melissa Draper has established with her family, both in word and example. As a lover of service, she teaches her kids to say "yes" whenever possible when an opportunity to serve occurs. She is constantly looking for ways that her family can look outside of themselves to help those around them and inspires others through her "Do Something More" podcast.
In this episode, Melissa shares some fantastic ways we can help our families serve this holiday season. We thrive when we serve and it sets a great tradition of spreading joy and light to others. Don't forget- we don't have to come up with a huge service project or raise money for a cause. Service begins in our own homes as parents care for children and siblings help one another.
#thrivingthroughserving
As we approach the holiday season, stress and overwhelm threaten to sneak in. But that doesn’t need to be the case! We can have less stress and more meaning during the holidays as we focus on what matters most. As Saren Eyre Loosli says, “Less is more.”
In this episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Saren shares some wonderful ideas and experiences regarding how we can enjoy the holidays with our families by maintaining traditions that keep the holidays simple, thoughtful, and fun.
Whether it's reading Christmas books together, opening pajamas on Christmas Eve, or caroling to the neighbors, discover what matters most to your family this holiday season and let go of the rest. Slow, down, protect family time, and enjoy this special time of year.
For more holiday resources visit poweroffamilies.com
Rachel Bonner and her husband wanted to teach kids about different aspects of life that we may never experience, but would be helpful to understand, in order to show increased kindness and love to others. They were inspired to write A Cultivate Series, which consists of 3 wonderful children's books with alternate endings to help kids develop more awareness and compassion for others.
As an inter-racial family, the Bonners have experienced first hand what it feels like not to be understood. As Rachel points out, "we only know what we know". Rachel shares her wisdom on teaching kids how to thrive through kindness including setting the example first as the adult, role playing, and having open and honest conversations with your family.
Do you ever wonder why you think, feel or respond to the challenges and joys of motherhood the way that you do? Why don't others around you, including your kids, always see things the way you do?
In this conversation with Beth McCord, the Enneagram Coach, we discuss the importance of understanding our personalities and the core motivations within us. When we understand our "why" we are better able to view both ourselves and others with compassion and grace. As we become good, curious students of our children they will feel seen and valued. As you get to know your true internal self and dismiss the "head trash", you will thrive in the "beautiful messiness" of motherhood.
Have you ever considered that moms need an "elevator pitch"? This is an intentional way of introducing ourselves to others. The purpose is not to impress, but to share and connect with someone. As licensed health educator Stacy Goulding points out, at times it’s easy for us to say “nothing” when someone asks “What’s new?”. But we need to be confident in sharing what we are doing right now, whether it’s potty-training our toddler, reading a good book, or navigating baseball season. As we use our elevator pitch to connect with other moms we learn to appreciate others. We begin to recognize that although we may do motherhood differently, we have so much to gain as we collaborate and learn from one another.
Jodi Orgill Brown prayed that her children would learn to serve others, see people at their heart for who they are, and have compassion. But she had no idea how those prayers would be answered. Jodi and her family have learned on a very personal level what it means to be served, as well as the joy that comes from serving others. What makes the journey worth it is doing it together and knowing you are not alone. In this part 2 episode with Jodi, she shares beautiful examples of how she has been the recipient of service from family and friends over the years. She also teaches how we can bring light to others by serving in meaningful, heartfelt ways. We can do something to make the sun shine in someone else's life.
Jodi Orgill Brown was living the perfect "white picket fence life" when the dizziness and headaches first began. Life quickly changed when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Jodi has learned through many hard trials including multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and a variety of health challenges that thriving looks different at different stages in your life. Even if you can't always be the mom you thought you would be, you are enough for your kids.
Learning to thrive is a process. But no matter what is happening in your life, the sun still shines! You get to choose everyday if you will see the light.
After listening to this episode, check out Jodi's eye-opening, inspirational book "The Sun Still Shines" to learn more about her incredible journey! And stay tuned for Thriving With 8 Episode 92 for more with Jodi!
A thriving marriage doesn't just magically happen! Just like motherhood, marriage is an arena for growth. We must be intentional if we want to become the best spouse we can be. It is a process of becoming. Perfection is the lie that can discourage us from trying.
In this conversation with couples coach and podcaster, Julia Woods, she teaches 5 tips to develop and maintain a thriving marriage. You are probably already doing some of them, but there's always room for improvement as you partner together with your spouse. Listen as she explains the importance of growing through tension, negotiating, weekly partnering, playing and chatting with your spouse. Even better, listen together! And then commit to starting small steps to improving your marriage relationship.
IG @heyjuliawoods
beautifuloutcome.com
What motivates you to be the best mom possible? Listen to Regan Barnes, Chairmom of the nonprofit Momivate, to learn more about what it means for moms to RAISE UP society and her vision to empower and support moms. Being a full-time mom encompasses SO much so give yourself a pat on the back for all you are doing! You’re developing relationships, creating a wonderful atmosphere in your home, managing schedules, pursuing personal pursuits… the list could go on and on!! Also... Momivate is hosting their Enrich Motherhood Convention March 9, 2024. Hope you can come join the connect with others moms and leave feeling nourished and empowered. Use discount code: THRIVING to save some money :)
Happy New Year! Do you have a word or phrase for the year? What will you focus on? Are you going to let the year happen to you or are you going to be intentional in your thriving?
The choice is up to you! First of all, give yourself credit for the progress you have made this past year. Second, set yourself up for success, even if your progression comes through baby steps. Thriving has nothing to do with perfection. There is no "perfect mom". Thriving comes by not giving up, being steadfast, and striving for impovement. It's all about progression, not perfection!
motherhoodtheprofession.com/podcast
Motherhood is not a solo job. We need Christ by our side in our motherhood journey. It's our ressponsibility to seek Him. As we courageously lean into this relationship and partnership with God, we will receive spiritual guidance that blesses us and our children.
Listen to Neill Marriott, mother of 11 and spiritual giant, as she shares stories and ideas of how she sought Jesus as she raised her wonderful family.
Neill is also the author of "Seek This Jesus", a book I highly recommend.
The holiday season is such a joyful time...for most people. But for many the holidays are a time of grief and loss. They can trigger memories of losing a loved one. They can be a hard time for single parents or for those without funds to provide Christmas for their children.
In this short bonus episode, Tiffany Papageorge, our guest from Thriving With 8 episode 86, reminds us to be aware of those around us who are grieving this holiday season.
When we hear about loss and grief our thoughts tend to think of something big like death. However, there are many other ways that children experience loss including divorce, a friend moving, or losing a championship game. All of these things cause a sense of grief.
Author Tiffany Papageorge was a grieving child. As a Junior High student she wrote a book for a school assignment and it changed not only her life, but many others. "My Yellow Balloon" is a beautiful picture book that helps children navigate love, loss, and letting go. As parents we often want to rush our children through their emotions and quickly soothe them. But Tiffany teaches that it is important to let our children feel their emotions and learn from them, whether the loss is big or small.
We've all seen them. The "Please Be Patient Student Driver" bumper stickers. When Meghan Mitchell of The Little Lessons Podcast saw this sticker one day, it changed her. She realized that we are all "Student Humans". This has led to greater compassion, grace, and patience with others, especially her own children.
So how do we remember that our children really are students and be patient with them when we feel they are not reaching their potential? How do we transition from "what will people think of my child" to "how can I best support my child?" After all, we're student moms and we're all just trying to do our best!
Do you ever "pretend" that you are a patient, organized, or fun mom? There are times in our lives when we try characteristics on for size to see how they fit. In this episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Life Coach Jody Moore helps us embrace who we are as moms as we strive to become the next version of ourselves. We gain true confidence and authenticity when we embrace both our strengths and our weaknesses.
After McKenna's 4th child was born she found herself caught in a dark cloud of survival. She wondered if this was just a "new normal". But when the darkness was too much to bear she found herself wondering if her kids would be better off without her.
In this episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, McKenna Rose Brown shares her healing journey and the importance of noticing small signs of anxiety and depression before the big ones comes. She has come to learn that vulnerability leads to connection and growth and that you don't need to suffer alone. Life can be both beautiful AND have struggles. Life is worth living and your kids DO need you.
mckennarosebrown.com
Stiry Story: I am McKenna
Do you ever feel stuck in motherhood- like every day is stuck on "repeat"? No mom guilt necessary. We have all been there! Many times this is caused by a lack of personal progression. Since motherhood is the best job in the world, we need to participate in "professional development" and be intential about what we are learning and the skills we are gaining.
Listen to this episode to discover what professional development in motherhood looks like and hear about many great options to get back on the path of personal growth.
As parents, we are in the business of building relationships with our children. We're in it for the long game. What will help us most is approaching parenthood with a stewardship mindset rather than one of ownership. Ganel-Lyn Condie explains the difference beautifully in this episode of Thriving With 8.
An ownership mindset can destroy relationships and lead to comparisons and guilt. The stewardship principle, however, allows for growth to happen, strengthens relationships, and builds trust. It allows for simple things such as changing diapers and playing legos to be sacred experiences and reminds us that as we serve our kids we are serving God.
As humans, we want to keep our struggles to ourselves. But what if we all choose to struggle together instead? After all, being vulnerable with others often leads to connection. Erin Stewart was inspired to write her incredible book ,"The Words We Keep", because of her own struggles wth mental health, specifically perfectionism anxiety. So how can we help ourselves and our kids overcome the impossible pursuit of perfectionism? Listen as Erin shares some of her own experiences and tips to help, including keeping your eyes on your own paper and not beating ourselves up when we miss things our kids are struggling with on their own.
Is screen time keeping your kids from being participants in life? Do they suffer from "virtual autism"? In this episode with Nicole Rawson from Screen Time Clinic we discuss how our children's behavior and feelings are being affected by their relationship with screens, particularly gaming. Because children's brains aren't fully developed until age 25 it is hard for them to self-regulate and addictions can start at a young age. As parents, we have the responsibility to be educated so we can recognize risk factors and protect our kids. When we know better we can do better!
I don't know about you, but our family loves playing games together! It is a source of fun and strengthens our relationship as a family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The Beck family feels the same way! That's what led them to creating Grandpa Beck's Games (some of which games our family has spent MANY hours playing). Grandpa and Grandma Beck share a love of people and game playing. In this episode we discuss the benefits of playing together as a family and the many life lessons that can be learned playing games, including learning to be happy for someone else when they win.
At Thanksgiving time it is common practice to make lists of the many blessings that we have. This is a wonderful place to start as we teach gratitude to our children. As they grow older however, it is important to help our children develop a positive sense of indebtedness. This understanding helps them not only be thankful for what they have, but also for the giver of the gifts, whether that be parents, others, or God. This episode explores why indebtedness is the new thankfulness and includes tips on how to raise more grateful children who in turn desire to serve others and pay it forward.
Article: Why Indebtedness in the New Thankfulness
Article: The Rewards of Indebtedness
jenaemnelson@gmail.com
Talking about all of the dangers our kids can encounter online often feels scary and overwhelming. In this episode, Marilyn Evans of Parents Aware reminds parents of the importance of getting off the fence and talking to our kids about the dangers of pornography. These conversations need to be layered and age apporpriate, but we cannot wait. We want to be our kids seach engine when it comes to navigating technology. As we strategize with our kids, they will be better prepared to make good decisions that support our family's values. And even though they may climb over the fence or peek through every now and then, if we have open communication our children will know they can talk to us and we can work through challenges together.
There's a lot of talk about mothering infants, toddlers, kids, and teens. But what about parenting adult children? It can be challenging making the transition from being mom to a teen to being mom to an adult. Their needs are different and our role as mother changes.
In this episode Bonnie Lyman teaches how we can approach this phase of motherhood with confidence, knowing that we did our best while raising our kids. We can continue to be intentional as we parent our adult children, creating a safe place for them, showing up as love, and showing them respect.
Bonnie Lyman Coaching
Most children learn to say "please" and "thank you" at a young age. But what does it mean to have good manners as a teenager and why is that important? Having good manners such as pitching in, introducing yourself, and being a good passenger have long-reaching effects. Teens with manners have more confidence and others enjoy being around them. So how can you teach manners to your teens? In this episode, Brooke Romney discusses the wonderful resource she has created, " 52 Modern Manners For Today's Teens", that makes it easy and natural for teens to apply these tips into their lives.
Planning for your week is much more than to-do lists and putting dates on your calendar. It's about having a vision of the mom you want to become and creating pockets of time to achieve your goals for you, your family, and beyond. If you find yourself feeling bored or discouraged with motherhood or how you spend your time, listen to this episode full of encouragement and realistic tips. As you plan your week with intention and flexibility, you set yourself up to win your week!
https://thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/
Soaring Mothers Summit 2022
In November 2018, Jennie and her family received the devestating news that her husband Brett had been killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. That was the beginning of her family's change, but not the beginning of their American service and sacrifice.
So what are we doing to teach our kids to remember those who sacrifice their lives and time for our freedom? Listen to Jennie share her ideas, as well as her wisdom & heart about mothering with resilience amid hardship.
The Major Brent Taylor Foundation
As we work towards our goals and dreams in motherhood and life, we need to overcome our biggest obstacle- ourself! We can calm our inner bully by replacing it with an "I Can" attitude. Award-winning author Miriam Laundry shares her experience of developing this attitude and how she is teaching it to her own children and others through her books and example.
As parents of young children it's hard to imagine the future when your kids will be grown and gone. But as important as parenthood is, someday all your kids will move out (hopefully) and you will be left home with your spouse. Are you making your marriage relationship a priority? Is your marriage being dominated by the kids or are you taking time to create and maintain a thriving marriage? Join my husband and I as we share what has helped us over the past 20+ years to keep focused on progression and moving forward with common goals for our family and marriage.
How many of you moms have seen little fingers poking under the door while you use the restroom? Or have had a child climb into bed with you in the middle of the night? In this episode we are addressing boundaries, something all parents need! Boundaries can get blurry so it's important to re-define them regularly so that your needs are being met and honored. Just as we parents need to set boundaries for ourselves we need to respect our children's boundaries, especially as they get older. Join guest Deborah Porter, The Ultimate Mom Coach, as she shares her experiences and insight on this important topic.
It's a new year and the present is NOW! This year my theme is "present"- live in the present, appreciate the present, be a present to others, and remember that God is always present. Life is too precious to be distracted by our phones while our kids are needing our attention now. It's too short to worry about what happened in the past or what the future will bring. We need to look for ways to be a gift to others, especially our family members, while remembering that God is always with us on our motherhood journey. What's your theme for the year?
The countdown to Christmas is on! What do you do to focus on Christ during the holiday season? In this episode, Angie from Come Follow Me FHE shares how her family uses Christmas books to bring the Spirit of Christ into their home, strengthen relationships, and have fun as a family. She also shares her top 4 favorite books to help you start this wonderful tradition with your family as well.
Christmas Book Calendar
Suicide is not a topic parents generally avoid with their kids. It can be scary! But we need to be courageous and talk to our kids about mental health and topics such as self-harm and suicide. In this episode Greg Hudnall, the founder of Hope Squad, provides hope to families as he discusses how kids can support one another, signs of mental health problems to look for in our kids, how to build relationships of trust, and where to find help if our teens are struggling.
How do we mother with confidence amid constant mom shaming and judgement? As Deborah Porter teaches, we can feel confident in our mothering as we do what is right for our household/family and not worry about everyone else. If we aim for perfection, rather than progression, we set ourselves up for failure. Parenting out of fear is insatiable and never works. We need to focus only on what we can control and be comfortable standing in our own truth. Listen to this episode for more words of wisdom from The Ultimate Mom Coach.
7 Habits of Confident Moms ebook (Free!)
Is finding balance a myth for moms or can it be a reality? Let's face it, moms cannot work harder! However, sometimes we can work smarter. Whether or not you find scheduling and management as fascinating as mom and life coach Ceri Payne does, you are bound to learn something new to save time and mental energy from her empowering tips. The best plans are both intentional and flexible.
24 Simple Ways to Save 24 Hours This Month!
Do you look forward to mornings? They can be rough, especially if you don't have a solid routine. In this episode Chanelle Neilson shares the many benefits of establishing a good morning routine including alone time and building a reservoir that will last through the day. Give it a try and find what works for you so that you look forward to getting up and facing each new day as mom.
Chanelle Neilson Coaching
Morning Routine Challenge
When it comes to bullying, we can all be part of the solution! As parents, we have a responsibility to raise upstanders. When bullying happens there are usually bystanders. An upstander is someone who takes a stand to help stop the bullying. This can be done in many ways including calmly confronting the bully or removing the target from the situation. Listen as Amber Robbins shares other ideas, that she and her family have learned first hand, on how to raise upstanders that change the world for good.
Amber Robbins and her family have experienced bullying first hand. It lasted for years and even led to her family moving. As a result, she is passionate about this topic and on a crusade to educate others. Bullying is more than a fight on the playground. It is unwanted, aggressive, repeated, and includes an imbalance of power. Listen to hear more about how to recognize if your child is a target or the bully and the long term affects of this behavior.
StopBullying.gov
When it comes to media, you can have too much of a good thing! Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time shares some great tips to establish screen-free rituals, routines, and recharging in your home. This applies not only to our kids, but to us as parents too! Take time to be mindful and intentional in creating a tech-healthy family and make sure your tech habits are replenishing, not depleting, you.
100+Screen-Free Activities for When You Want to Do Nothing
We are the greatest generation of parents raising the greatest generation of kids! But it can be a challenge parenting in this digital age. Jason and Lisa Frost, authors of "The Glass Between Us", offer great insight and advice into the importance of relationship and understanding as we teach our kids to translate offline values into online behavior. When we meet our teens where they are we will better understand the why behind their media choices and be able to safely guide them through the digital world.
Lisa and Jason's mission is that no one be left behind in this digital crisis. Find out more at Wired Human!
What a privilege to visit with parents who are raising children with special needs! Although their lives have taken a turn down an unexpected path, they handle it with love, joy, and acceptance. Their child is a light in their life and gives life new meaning and vision. Listen to incredible stories and experiences as these 3 moms describe what they have learned and their advice to other parents on how to teach kids to interact with those that are outwardly different from them. This episode is also the perfect way to kick-off our #helpkidsthrivefundraiser in behalf of Primary Children's Hospital where all of their children have received superb medical attention.
More info for our: Help Kids THRIVE Fundraiser
We can learn so much from other moms, our "co-workers" in this motherhood journey. In this episode some special moms in my life share what they have learned and their best mom advice. Some of the great advice includes enjoying each stage of motherhood and don't wish years away, be the mom first and friendship will follow, and love and listen to your children. What advice would you give?
We can learn so much from other moms, our "co-workers" in this motherhood journey. In this episode some special moms in my life share what they have learned and their best mom advice. A recurring piece of advice was not to compare yourself with other moms. While we can and should learn from the moms around us we don't need to be them! Be yourself and you will be the mom your children need.
One of the most important jobs as a mom is to become a master story teller and create a strong family narrative. There is strength in stories! Children who know family stories feel more connected and confident. Photos, especially printed, are a great way to relive past events & prompt story sharing. As Vanessa says, "done is better than perfect and something is better than nothing" so get those photos printed and start chatting.
Chatbooks (Discount Code: THRIVING10)
Best Commercial Ever! It will motivate you to get your photos printed. ;)
The word "holy" is defined as, "set apart for a sacred purpose". Doesn't that define motherhood? Friends, you are holy as you are. As Christie Gardiner explains, holiness isn't something outside ourselves, it's something within. We may not have a lot of time to study our scriptures or meditate, but we can look for holy moments with our children as we shift the narrative of the day. Appreciating a sunset together or an intentional conversation that builds our child's confidence can bring divine moments into our daily lives.
Every mom hits the mommy wall every now and then! Whether it's health issues, depression/anxiety, postpartum, loneliness, or just plain exhaustion, we all reach points in motherhood when it's difficult to face the day.
Noelle Nicolai knows this feeling! Her life turned upside down when she started having health issues out of the blue. Three years have passed now, but the chronic illness still exists. She has had to learn how to be a mom, even on the days when she feels like crap. Join as Noelle shares her wisdom, experiences, and sense of humor to help us moms succeed on those hard mommy days.
Katie felt helpless as she drove her 2-year old daughter to the ER! How could this have happened and how could she console her crying daughter in the backseat? Katie prayed silently and specifically for the help of angels. She knew unseen help was in the car when her daughter stopped crying and said, "thank you". This was one of many times she and her family felt heavenly help during her daughter's month stay in the burn unit after suffering 3rd degree burns on both feet. Listen as Katie shares her heart about Eliza's accident, countless "coincidences", and how she was able to move past the burden of mom guilt.
katiegarnerart.com
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We all want to be the perfect parent for our kids. But being perfect doesn't mean we won't make mistakes! As family counselor Valerie Hamaker reminds us, "It's the process that counts." We need to ditch parenting perfectionism & strive for wholeness. We need to recognize that with in order to become better at something, we need to be bad first. When we feel frustrated by our shortcomings we can apply the atonement of Jesus Christ to help us heal, grow, and move forward.
One of my favorite places to be is snuggled on the couch with one (or two, or three,...) of my kids reading a good book! There are so many benefits to reading with your kids such as bonding, increasing vocabulary, and making connections with the world. Storytime Mama takes reading to the next level by bringing literacy to life! In this episode Melissa shares many fun ways to bring books to life by adding an extension activity such as an art project, science experiment, or baking a treat that go along with the story. If you have a toddler or preschooler in your life you will want them give it a try-guaranteed smiles and fun!
It was a day that Barb Winters will never forget, the moment her mom life changed! It was the day she found out that her teenage boy was addicted to pornography and in trouble. Thankfully, she was able to tell her son "we are on your side" as she helped him through this trial. But who was on her side?
What really struck her during this hard time was there was no help for herself. Where can parents go for support in helping themselves grieve and cope when helping a child through an addiction? This episode gives tips in starting difficult conversations with your kids and hope for a bright porn-free future.
Contrary to what it may seem, our kids are not out to get us. In this interview with Cheryl Cardall of Fight Like a Mother Podcast she reminds us that behavior is communication. Kids do well when they can and when they can't then there's something going on and we need to dig a little deeper. Instead of asking, "Why is my child acting like this?" we need to ask "What's really going on here?". When we change our perspective and give our kids the benefit of the doubt it can make all the difference.
Flecks of gold. We all have them in our lives, but do we recognize them? As moms, we want big nuggets of gold-perfect days without crying children or dirty dishes. Sometimes we are too busy surviving the day to recognize the magic mom moments. But they are there when we look for them-the sticky kisses, sweet prayers, and small victories. Rachel Nielson of 3 in 30 Podcast shares her vision of her brilliant Flecks of Gold Journal and how recording these simple moments can bless us as moms and our families.
Trusting God. It's an ongoing, lifelong process. How do you demonstrate trust in God as you tell your children you have cancer- only a short time after losing your mom and sister to the same diagnosis?
In this episode Niki Hardy-author, speaker, and thriver-shares 5 steps she takes to build trust in God and we can take them too. It's never been more important to teach our children to trust God and it starts with our example!
Niki Hardy
"Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart"
Article: 5 Steps to Trust God {When You Don't Feel Like it}
Although motherhood is a divine calling, it is also a lot of work. I believe that motherhood is a profession, not just a job. It is something to which we dedicate our life-once a mom, always a mom! We will thrive as moms as we invest in "professional" development and communicate with our "co-workers" and "team members". Most importantly, stay in tune to what "the boss" (Heavenly Father) needs you to do to raise thriving, resilient children.
I love the smells, sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas! But what I love best of all is witnessing the many acts of Christlike service throughout the season. Getting kids involved in serving others makes the season meaningful and turns the focus to lighting the world as our Savior would. This episode shares fun ways that we have been able to serve others during the years such as our hot chocolate stand, widows dinner, and "Home Alone" night.
Music is powerful! Music can change a mood, help you feel God's love, bring back a memory, and motivate you to keep going. On the flip side, it can also make you feel angry, fill your mind with inappropriate lyrics and give you unwelcome thoughts.
Shawna Edwards, a thriving mom and talented composer, shares beautiful stories of how her songs have changed hearts, given encouragement, and blessed lives. She also tells humorous experiences of teaching her own children to make positive music choices.
We can't always be present to protect our kids from online dangers. So how can we prepare and empower them to make smart media choices? Deanna Lambson, founder of White Ribbon Week, shares two specific tips, Tic-Tac-Toe and the 10-Minute Rule, that can help get us started. These tips apply to all ages! She also shares personal and heart-felt examples of how these two strategies have empowered her family to be safe with their media choices and have stronger connections as a family.
One of the greatest challenges of being a parent is meeting the needs of your children. Tamara is a Prevention Program Coordinator and expert in mental wellness. She discusses the pillars of motional health and where to start when our children are struggling. Our kids will THRIVE when their needs to feel safe (physically & emotionally), connected, and confident are met.
Pillars of Emotional Health by United Way (Everyday Strong Program)
Due to the pandemic, the start of this school year is full of unknowns and anxiety. So how can we keep smiling, whether our kids are heading to school with a mask or staying home to do school online? Mom, teacher, and life coach Ceri Payne addresses how we can stay positive during uncertain times and how we can help our kids embrace changes in life.
More Information about Ceri Payne
Personal revelation is a critical skill to teach our children. Dina Alexander has written a beautiful book, "This is the Spirit of Revelation", that outlines 4 steps in guiding our children to receive personal revelation. As parents we worry about teaching temporal skills such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning. But it's even more important to teach our kids spiritual skills such as praying, living worthy of the Spirit, and recognizing answers to prayers.
More about Dina...
"Will You Engage in the Wrestle?"
"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives"
Family history is so much more than names and dates- it's about real people, stories, and making a connection. We can bring family history to life by making it fun and engaging for our children. We can do this through many creative ways such as games, trips, and songs. This episode presents many ways to connect your family to each other and the past. Remember, the activities of today will become your family's history tomorrow!
Additional resources:
"Heaven is cheering you on..." quote
Create a fun Kahoot game!
Because even diligent parents are overwhelmed by the digital choices our children are facing, Chris McKenna founded Protect Young Eyes. It is important that parents stay informed with changing technology trends in order to protect kids from online dangers and Protect Young Eyes is a great resource for families. Due to the pandemic, as well as summertime pattern changes, screen time often increases so be a "loving investigator" into your child's technology habits and establish digital trust.
protectyoungeyes.com
More than ever, our kids are dealing with feelings of disappointment, frustration, and grief! How do we help our kids navigate through these emotions? Do we try to re-create missed proms, end of the year activities, recitals, and sports seasons or just let them go? Join life coach Jill Freestone as she answers these questions and shares advice to help us all handle our big feelings in appropriate ways.
Moms wear many hats-nurse, maid, chauffeur, detective, event planner, law enforcer... the list could go on and on! But the most important hat that moms never take off is the crown of motherhood. Sometimes this crown gets buried beneath the other hats. As moms, we need to make sure that we remember that motherhood is a noble calling and let our crown shine!
"Hats Off to Mother"
Ann Romney Quote
Joy D. Jones Quote
Easter egg hunts, new pajamas on Christmas Eve, chili on Halloween night... These are all fun traditions that our family looks forward to each year. But are these the traditions that matter most? Are we consciously creating righteous traditions in our homes or focusing more on earthly traditions? Righteous traditions not only bring parents closer to their children, but also bring them to God. Through our consistency and commitment to these righteous traditions we can prepare our children to leave home by strengthening their knowledge that they have a loving Father in Heaven who will always be there to guide them through life.
"Cultivate Righteous Traditions"
"Righteous Traditions"
Do you remember when the internet was new? I do! Now our kids live in a different world with almost 24/7 access. When it comes to our kids and pornography it's a matter of "when", not "if". So how do we educate our children so they can navigate the internet safely? In this interview, Parker from Fight the New Drug educates us on the dangers of porn and how it affects individuals, relationships, and the world. He also discusses signs to tell if our child has a problem with porn and gives resources that can aid in this "fight".
Fight the New Drug
Being happy each day can be a challenge, especially when things aren't "perfect". Mom life is wonderful, but it can sometimes be difficult to choose happiness instead of frustration. In this episode, Michelle McCullough shares some happy habits that will help us become even better than an optimist-be the happyIST! The happyIST doesn't just look on the bright side-they live there!
"Out of the mouths of babes" denotes wisdom given from a child. Teenagers also have wisdom to share. In this episode high school seniors, Zach and Harmony, give a teen perspective on life. What is enjoyable about being a teen, how does technology bless and hinder them, what are their greatest challenges? Zach and Harmony also give their best advice to parents so listen up and don't judge as you enjoy this episode! (So thankful for my son Zach who gave me a coupon last Christmas to "interview...your favorite son"!)
Disclaimer: Please ignore the background noise as this episode was recorded during a family Thanksgiving dinner. ;)
As a social worker and mental health advisor, Lyle Burrup has seen many youth "falling apart". This is due largely to an increase in stress and a lack of resilience. Lyle teaches 3 tips to help parents in their quest to raise resilient, stress hardy kids. Learning and effort are the keys to resilience.
8 Tips for Building Resilience
Article: Resilience-Spiritual Armor for Today's Youth
Article: Raising Resilient Children
When Jenny chose to left her prestigious career with the National Symphony Orchestra she had no idea what the future would hold. She only knew that the Spirit had prompted her to close that chapter in her life and choose to focus on motherhood. Now 12 years later, Jenny is still achieving her dreams as a concert violinist, but now they include her family. The Baker family thrives through working hard, developing talents, and sharing their love of music with the world.
https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2019/9/3/20809089/national-symphony-jenny-oaks-baker-latter-day-saints-mormon-president-nelson
jennyoaksbaker.com
Suicide, unfortunately, is a growing problem in our society. In this interview Kristen shares with us her "why" that motivates her to be an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness. Suicide awareness and prevention begins with mental wellness. Mental wellness talks should start from the time our kids can talk. None of us are immune from life and the challenges that come from it. As we help our children understand their feelings, give them tools to handle their emotions in appropriate ways, and communicate openly we are creating connections and building strong kids.
#seize the awkward
#choosetostay
Violence is all around us- in the news, glorified in movies, on TV, and in video games. As parents, it is important that we teach our kids that violence is never the answer. We need to empower our children with tools so that when they experience feelings of anger and frustration they know how to respond. By teaching our kids how to deal with anger in appropriate and healthy ways, we are setting them up to succeed.
The Country's Hearts are Broken, But We Can Change
Are you simply surviving summer "break" or are you thriving? It can be a challenge to have your kids home all day, every day. In this episode I share 3 tips that have helped my kids and I thrive during summer break.
According to Dr. Christy Kane, Ph.D, we are raising the "Smart Phone Generation". Do we really know how smart phones are affecting the brains of our children, especially our teenagers? Scientific research shows that our teens brain development is literally being altered. Technology is not going away so we need to understand how it works and be able to maintain balance. Although there are many benefits from using technology, specifically the smart phone, too much can lead to anxiety, depression, and addiction. In this interview with Dr. Kane we learn why and how to "unplug and connect" in order to help our kids, and ourselves, thrive.
Kids are born resilient. Failure and negative self-talk are learned. As moms we can follow the example of our little ones and adapt an "I got this" mind set! We are our own worst critic and usually believe ourselves more than others. We can practice positive self-talk by reminding ourselves daily in the mirror that we are children of God, by reviewing our successes, and saying "I love you".
Additional resources:
Challenge from Elder Gary Stevenson
Success Through Failing
Do you ever doubt your abilities to be a mother? Worry that you aren't enough? That is common for mothers. However, the truth is that you are the mother your children need! In this encouraging interview with author and mother Christie Gardiner she gives the key to our success-"show up as you with God." Heavenly Father specifically prepared you for this time and these children.
God's grace is available to all of us. Christ paid the price for our mistakes through His atonement. Now it's up to us to use this precious gift to become more like Him, to progress day by day in order to thrive in life. We are literally practicing for heaven. Brad Wilcox is an amazing teacher, speaker, and author. This episode is an inspiring message of hope that will encourage our families as we keep "practicing for heaven".
"You didn't have a cell phone when you were a teen? How did you survive?!" Let's face it, our children live in a much different world than we did and face challenges that didn't exist when we were growing up. It's crucial that we have open communication concerning their phones, social media accounts, and sexting (just to name a few). Kyle Henrie from NetSmartz joins me for this discussion with some suggestions on how to approach these topics, in addition to explaining the difference between digital citizenship and digital leadership.
Additional resource:
https://www.netsmartz.org/HOME
As busy moms, it's often hard to find time to exercise. However, it's important to make time for ourselves and find something we enjoy doing. There are so many benefits to being active! Megan Murff, founder and owner of Cahoots Fitness, joins me to talk about how exercise can help us thrive as moms (and what to do with our kids while we work out).
Cahoots Fitness
Creating a thriving marriage is an on-going process. Although each marriage is different, we can learn from the examples of other couples. Listen as I share lessons on happy, enduring marriages I have learned from my loving grandparents.
It's that time of year again. Will your New Years Resolutions just be more items on your to-do list or really help you become the person you want to be? Our goals should be meaningful and realistic. In order to be successful we must have strong motives behind them and real purpose. When we include God in our goal planning He will help us set goals that will help us become better moms, loyal wives, stronger women, and more devoted followers of Christ.
"One Thing Needful"
Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them
Have you ever pondered how Mary must have felt gazing into the eyes of her newborn baby that first Christmas night? How did she feel about being the mother to the Savior of the world? Although we are not mothers to the Savior we are mothers to very special children of God. Do our kids recognize their divine potential? Do we make an effort to see our children through God's eyes?
Additional resources:
https://ldsblogs.com/32781/child-soul
Mary, Did You Know?
Have you ever arrived at the end of the Christmas season, only to realize that you forgot the reason for the season? Join me as I talk with Christie Gardiner, author of "Our Family Christmas: Creating Meaningful and Memorable Christ-Centered Traditions". Christie has some wonderful ideas on how we can invite the Savior into our lives as we celebrate this special time of year with our families.
Are you a bucket filler? We can help our kids understand the importance of kindness by teaching them about being bucket fillers. Every time we are kind, give a compliment, notice the good, etc. we are filling another person's bucket. A mom should be her kids #1 bucket filler! Although this is not always easy it will lead to more happiness in the home. Thriving moms are bucket fillers!
Have You Filled A Bucket Today?
Quote by Fred Rogers
These days, with constant internet access, it's more important than ever that parents have "The Talk" with their kids. But how do we talk about maturation and intimacy in a comfortable way? What is the right age to begin? Brad Wilcox has some wonderful insight and tips on how to open the lines of communication with your kids about sex education.
Additional resources:
https://deseretbook.com/t/author/brad-wilcox
Tackling your daily to-do list will become easier when you apply the 4 D's: Do, Delegate, Delete, and Defer. You can't do everything so take time to figure out what's most important and not "run faster than [you] have strength." Make sure to put your spiritual needs on your "Do" list everyday! We thrive when we keep our family and God our top priorities.
Additional Resources:
Mosiah 4:27
http://leftwithasmile.com/
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng
Interview with Christian actor and family advocate Kirk Cameron!
Social media is replacing real relationships. Families are suffering from the negative effects of technology. But there is hope! The film "Connect", hosted by Kirk Cameron, will help families thrive through this digital world we are living in. Join me as Kirk talks to us about social media, technology, and the importance of family and God in our lives.
www.connectmovie.com
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng
Can you teach your children to be friends with each other? You can definitely provide opportunities to spend time together and help encourage those friendships. This episode shares ways to help siblings become friends. If we believe families can be together forever then we should enjoy spending time together!
My friend Natalie is an amazing example of a thriving mom. I was thrilled when she let me interview her during a recent visit from China. She has great advice for moms on dealing with change, challenges, and adjusting to life in China.
In his movie "Connect", Kirk Cameron refers to us as "pioneer parents" when it comes to social media and technology. No other generation has faced the parenting challenges that we are facing! Just like teaching our kids to drive is scary, but necessary, so is technology. This episode discusses the importance of learning alongside our kids and presents ways we can stay connected to them.
https://connectmovie.com
"Forget Me Not" by Elder Uchtdorf
"You can choose to be kind!" This statement is heard repeatedly in our home (thanks to Daniel Tiger). So how do we teach our children to be kind? Kindness begins with ME, the mom. We can start by being kind to our kids. Our kids will follow our example. We can also help them thrive by identifying ways to help others, complimenting times when they are kind, and asking them each day "How were you kind to someone?". Helping others be happy will help us be happy in return!
Additional Resources:
Daniel Tiger: "You Can Choose to Be Kind"
Song: "Kindness Begins with Me"
Do our kids know the difference between saying "I'm sorry" and true repentance? Going to time out does not equal being sorry. Let's help our kids understand the steps to repentance, starting with our example of humility and apology when we do wrong. Our family's Legend of the Ketchup Bottle is a humorous example of sibling conflict and applying the steps to repentance.
Additional resources:
"I'm Sorry" by Mercer Mayer
Book of Mormon
Do video games keep your family from thriving? Are you familiar with the content of the games your kids are playing? Violence in video games does affect how you think and act. Thriving parents are aware of the video games their kids play and how it affects them.
Do video games keep your family from thriving? (Part 1) As moms, it's important to be aware of how much time our kids spend playing video games as well as what types of games they are playing. Too much video gaming can lead to addiction, isolation, a decrease in health, wasting time, and so forth. Let's help our kids thrive by teaching them the importance of limiting video game time and keeping balance in their lives.
Thriving Through Finding Balance: How do moms sacrifice for others without sacrificing themselves? Balance is the key. We will thrive as moms and help our kids thrive as we balance the needs of our body, mind, spirit, and relationships.
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate being a mom, not to feel guilty about how we are failing! Join me as I share why my mom is a thriving mom and what I have learned from her over the years.
What does it mean to thrive as a mom? Thriving is all about progression and reaching your full potential. Moms, you're doing better than you think you are!