Just Ask Your Mom: Recent Episodes
Just Ask Your Mom
You have questions? We have answers. We're two Southern moms on the backside of raising kids and we have some things to say. We have lived life, made mistakes, and learned some lessons. Join us for answers to the questions you just want to ask your mom.
After 10 seasons and 5 years of the pod, we're running down the top episodes according to listeners and our own favs. It's like Spotify Wrapped for Just Ask Your Mom! Since airing our first episode in 2021, we've laughed, cried, reminisced, learned and changed....and we hope we've been an encouragement and a bright spot for you!
PG-13 We're telling it like it is and filling in the gaps on areas you probably didn't touch on in that premarital counseling. It's surprising how many women & men don't know some of the basics about sex or have relied on bogus input from porn. It's a skill, takes practice, and is super important relationship glue in marriage.
Archer Physical Therapy in Nashville
Sheet Music
She Comes First
We've come a long way, baby! In this episode, we're talking about the sexual revolution, the economics of sex, and how all the freedom we're so fond of may have turned out to be less of a blessing than we thought.
PG-13 It's not enough to have the traditional birds & bees talk with your kids about sex anymore. There's a whole new landscape that's changed quickly over the past decade. We're getting frank here and talking about some topics that you might want to think about addressing.
The term tradwife (short for traditional wife) is popping up all over social media. There's some nuance to the modern role that we thought was worth digging into. Why all the interest in tradwifery and should you aspire to be one??
For our upcoming holiday season, we're re-airing a classic episode from our archives about hospitality. It's not about stressing over clean baseboards.
We're gearing up for Thanksgiving with this class rewind from our "cultivate" series. Why gratitude is important, how to focus on this virtue and some tips for practicing it with kids!
We're replaying a classic conversation about near-death experiences, with someone who's actually had the experience herself. If you're on the fence about whether there's an afterlife, this episode might give a hint.
Astrology has become increasingly popular among teens and young adults over the past decade. 65% of people between the ages of 14 and 29 read their horoscope on accessible apps daily and often make life decisions based on it. What's the harm in "knowing your sign?"
Find yourself yelling a lot? Responding at Level 10 to a Level 3 situation? Our guest, Kristin Cogan, licensed therapist, coach and Texas mom of 5 talked with us about how to calm that feeling of overwhelm and practice some emotional hygiene.
Kristin’s IG ImperfectlyWonderfulMotherhood
Are you a crier or a stoic? Is one better for you than another? We're talking about ugly crying, having a good cry, and what all those tears might be good for on this episode. A baby's cry might trigger you or cue the nurture reflex. What might those responses say about you?
This warm conversation with Deana Thayer went in lots of directions! She's a mom of 5 with over 20 years' experience in the marriage & family sphere, part of a blended family, and a wise new friend. Something for everyone in this fun conversation.
Few things can be as frustrating as arguing with your child at the end of a long day about getting to bed on time. We're sharing what worked (or didn't) with our own kids as well as some tried-and-true tips for simple bedtime solutions.
Mom of two, Misa Pignataro joins us on this episode to talk about picky eaters, the all-important "flavor window" from 6-18 months, and how to make food a high-adventure/low pressure issue in your family. We're looking at common food struggles and how to address them.
https://www.misascleankitchen.com/
"If you have divorced parents, you're probably not doing fine." Our guest, Kent Darcie, founder of Adults With Divorced Parents Ministries in Michigan, sheds light on issues most ADPs commonly face. We also get into "gray divorce," projected to triple from 1990 to 2030, and the unique challenges faced by adults experiencing their parents divorce after they leave the nest.
Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:
http://hope4adp.com
Choose a Better Path by Kent Darcie
Leila Miller Primal Loss
The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce
Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce
By the first grade, roughly 5% of children have noticeable speech issues. If you're a language specialist, would you even notice this in your child? How do you know if your child might benefit from speech therapy? Join us and our guest, Jessie Kensey, founder of Simply Speech Therapy in Orange County, CA.
And the pendulum swings again. FAFO may be an over-correction to the often misapplied gentle parenting. We're taking a look at yet another yikes-y trend and weighing in. What's FAFO parenting? "Fool" Around and Find Out!
We take a look at the trend in gentle and conscious parenting to discuss where it stems from and whether it's effective. Most parents want to be gentle and self-aware, but is that enough and is there more to add to the conversation?
It's harder and harder to find movies and entertainment for kids that's positive, clean, and actually fun to watch. Nathan D. and D'Lytha Myers, veterans in the film and acting professions, have done just that with Aria Appleton Shines. Think High School Musical for middle school without crossing any moral lines. This was such a fun conversation about their movie and the entertainment industry in general!
https://www.ariaappleton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ariaappletonfilm/
https://www.instagram.com/ariaappleton/?hl=en
MOVIE TRAILERS
52% of young adults ages 18-29 in the US live with one or both parents. College debt and housing costs contribute to that, but more alarmingly, there's a trend toward failure to launch positively, leading to fractured relationships or estrangement. Guest Jack Stoltzfus is a psychologist whose mission is to help parents successfully launch their children to adulthood.
The Parents' Launch Code: Loving and Letting Go of Our Adult Children
The relational whiplash of parenting tweens and teens can leave parents spinning. One morning they're hugging you at breakfast and the next anything you say is a minefield of conflict. Join us for our fun and insightful conversation with Jeanine Mouchawar, a mom who's been through it with her own teens and who learned valuable communication skills along the way.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeanine.theparentingcoach
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jeaninemouchawarcoaching
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeaninemouchawar/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmQD811NxejLhXRJwG19k7g
Today in the US, way over half of 11-14 year-olds wear braces and a growing number of adults have joined those ranks. Correcting a child's bite is about more than appearances. How do you know if your child might need braces? How early should you check with an orthodontist? In this episode, we're talking about experiences in our own families and hearing from an expert: Dr. Alex from Atlas Orthodontics.
atlasbraces.com
The thought of accidentally leaving your child in a car seems unthinkable--something only careless or negligent parents would do. But science and real-world cases tell a different story. Today's guest is Michael Israel, nephew of one of the inventors of CLEVERELLY, a unique & effective reminder device that disrupts our normal patterns--even when we zone out.
cleverelly.com
If you're not a teacher, you're not as likely to know how to teach reading to your child. It's easier to miss signals your child might be struggling or know how to help them. Guest Daniela Feldhausen teaches us how to recognize early signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia and gives some helpful early intervention tips to set kids on the right track to reading well.
Kids Up Reading Tutors
One of our favorite podcast guests ever, Kathy Cunningham gets real about what it's like navigating our changing role when our kids are adults out in the world on their own journeys. It's often tough on a parent's heart, but it's God's invitation into surrender and a stronger faith.
@kathycunningham717
Listeners of JAM can get a 10% discount on membership via Kathy's website by entering the code: GRMEM10
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://www.kathycunningham.org/
Doing Life With Your Adult Children, by Jim Burns
When Marriage is Tough (previous JAM podcast)
Generational patterns, the behavioral, belief, and value systems that are passed down through families across generations, can be positive, but often the negative ones, like unhealthy coping mechanisms or repetitive relationship dynamics, are more noticeable. Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta, a trauma psychologist, talks us through how to recognize and diffuse the negative patterns to build better foundations for our families.
If you feel like you're treading water all the time as a parent, you're at the mercy of culture's current. Our guest, Josh Poteet, lead pastor of 180 Life Church in West Hartford, CT, talks with us on this episode about ways to keep your family anchored, and what discipleship looks like in a family setting.
Parenting Against the Current: Taking Back Discipleship in Your Home
Parentingagainstthecurrent.com
When Rachael gave birth to her first child the same year her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, she found herself part of the 24% of caregivers in the US who are millennials. During one of the busiest transitional times of life, this group of caregivers faces challenges unique to their age group. For them, the sandwich generation has additional layers.
The Millennial Caregiver: Caring For Loved Ones in the Busiest Years of Your Life
Today’s topic might fuel some conversation around your family dinner table, especially if you’ve got older elementary kids or tweens. How do you know if your child’s current interests are “worth it?” Worth the money, time, and energy; worth the schlepping to and from lessons, wrestling with their boredom or waning interest when things get hard? Today’s guest is RENEE HARRIS, a mom who’s got some skin in the game. There are NINE children in her family, and their approach to this question has been out-of-the-box. Maybe it’ll make you look at your child’s talents in a different way, too.
parenttheirpassion.com
podmatch
As a follow-up to our episode about middle school friendships with Jessica Speer, we had our own conversation about friendship: what it means, what it doesn't, what you can or should expect or not. Friendships are different from family. They're essential but--like everything that has to do with humans--they can be tricky!
Is there anyone who's on the other side of middle school who loved it and wishes they could go back? It's just hard, and one of the toughest aspects can be navigating friendships, especially with girls. Jessica Speer, award-winning author of several interactive books about middle school, joins us for this important conversation! #podmatch
jessicaspeer.com
BFF or NRF Jessica's book
Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised
“Half of families face substance abuse or mental health issues, yet 90% of them don’t seek help.” That alarming stat is from the STEPS Ministries website. In this episode, we're talking with founder, Steve Ward, about red flags parents should be aware of and steps you can take to help. Steve is candid about his own family's struggles with addiction, so he's got skin in the game.
In our lively conversation with Simone & Olivia, we get into where confidence comes from, what influence inside and outside voices have on us (including those from an early abusive relationship), and how we can be brave enough to forge new roads. Simone's an author, speaker, and mom of 6, one of those being her 22-yr-old daughter and podcast co-host, Olivia.
simoneknego.com
The Extraordinary, Unordinary You (Simone's book)
Her Unshakeable Confidence podcast
Conflict in families is a matter of when, not if, but it's not necessarily something we should shy away from. Done well, working through conflict can help you grow and can teach your children how it's done. Who you fight with, what you fight about, and how often you fight matters less than HOW you do it.
Our favorite pelvic floor PT is back as our guest, and in honor of C-section month, we're talking all about belly births. Once again, Jenny taught us a lot! If you're expecting (or know someone who is) or if you've delivered via cesarean, this episode could change your life!
https://archerphysicaltherapy.com/
Author and down-to-earth SAHM, Karen Johnson is our guest as we talk about healthy mothering. What to do with all that perfectionism, anxiety and resentment that seems to come with the job.
Get her new book: What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? And Other Thoughts from a 40-something Mom !!
Follow Karen @21stcenturysahm
We talk with Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, IRL Atlanta mom of a teenager, and author of a newly released book, Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era. Titania's appeared on many of your fav nat'l media outlets and is at the forefront of kids & internet safety. Do you know what the #1 app your child shouldn't have is? Which video games and apps have decent parental controls and which are a joke--and would you know how to know? If you have a middle schooler, would it surprise you to know sexting is the new first base? Be intentional and be informed, and don't miss this important conversation!
titaniajordan.com
Childhood 2.0
Guest Karen Johnson, a.k.a. @21stcenturysahm, talks with us about her new book for moms in the final stretch. In the trenches with 3 teenagers at home, she's thinking proactively about her soon-to-be-empty nest and talks to us about some things moms can be thinking about to prepare themselves for their kids' launch.
You can order her book & subscribe to her blog here: https://www.the21stcenturysahm.com/
Follow on IG @21stcenturysahm
While we're out of pocket this week, we're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes. Our guest, Matthew Houser, of Seeds Family Worship, shares some fantastic insights into the life of a teenager and what parents need to know.
Does it matter how a society talks about children or people who choose to raise them? In this episode, we look at some recent opinions that highlight the divide between those with kids and those who are childfree. What might our words really be communicating (often unintentionally)?
If it's been awhile since you purged your closet or if you'd describe your fashion style as "whatever" or "at least it's clean," join us for this conversation with our budget-savvy fashion friend, Emma Goodwyn. With an eye for what looks good, no matter your body type or age, she gives us some tips that anyone can use.
@emma_goodwyn
Mercy makes our hearts tender, and as parents we sometimes need a reminder to extend mercy to our children instead of being punishment-driven, harsh, or quick to come down on them. This is not wishy-washy or permissive parenting. It's a way of showing God's character to our children and acting as first-responders to someone in need.
Many of us love to travel but imagine we don't have the money to do it as much as we'd like. Our guests on this episode traveled to 30 countries for under $10k. This is our conversation about their tips and tricks and how they did it! Come join their adventure!
https://www.youtube.com/@benalaina
@the_blaylocks
@otagocoffeeco
https://otagocoffeeco.com/
Learning about pelvic floor PT was a new frontier for us! Join our conversation with guest, Jenny Archer, as she walks us through some surprising benefits, from pregnancy to post-partum, for children with bedwetting or constipation issues, and men and women in all stages of life. Who knew?!
https://archerphysicaltherapy.com/
It can be tough knowing whether to let your child quit an activity (sport, club, class) or require that they stick with it, teaching them perseverance and commitment. In this episode, we run down some questions to help parents get to the bottom of the issue and help talk your child through that decision.
The average American starts investing at age 31. In today's economy, what steps can parents take to give their kids a boost so they're not in debt up to their eyeballs in their early 20's? Financial expert, David Sproles, walks us through some tips savvy parents (or grandparents!) can take to set their kids up for success.
Special guest, Lauren Stamper (@diaperfreediaries), talks to us about exposing children to potty training at a very early age. This "diaper free" method (which is not strictly diaperless) can save you money and have your child out of diapers by their first birthday. Lauren's a mom of two and it's worked with both of her kiddos.
It can sometimes feel fruitless when you take your littles to church. If you have older children, sometimes you'll get push-back as they start to own their own faith. The lost shoes, walking the halls, and time in the cry room....Is all the Sunday morning frustration really worth it?
Do dogs go to heaven? How do you field questions from your child about the loss of a pet? Losing a pet can leave a child experiencing real grief, often for the first time in their life, and it can be tricky answering all the questions they come up with! We suggest some ways to be both truthful and sensitive.
We walk down memory lane with two of our favorite photographers as we trace how family photo sessions have changed. Dawn Harrison & Rachael Shannon give us the scoop on what makes a great session and their favorite types of photos. There may just be a road trip to Texas for a Glamour Shot experience in our future.
https://www.rachaelshannonphotography.com/
The science of caregiving--yes, there's research behind it!--is beginning to shed light on what it means to give and receive care (to children, parents, others), and how it changes us. Despite the prominent narrative in our culture that caregiving is a burden and detracts from higher aims, the evidence tells a different story.
The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others
by Elissa Straus
We're answering a listener's question about what to do when your parents (the grandparents) dismiss or disagree with how you're raising your children. Looking at both sides of the coin, we reveal some of what could lie behind this behavior and ways to help the situation.
A familiar childhood complaint --that's not fair!--actually holds more nuance than we might think. What's the difference between fairness, justice, equality and equity? How do you handle it when your kid complains that something's not fair?
If Santa is a part of your Christmas traditions, there's a good chance your kids will visit him & Mrs. Claus at some point. Maybe that's for pictures or perhaps it's just to let Santa know their fondest wish. We've got some best practices and pro tips for visits to the jolly guy in red.
Is Santa just a magical given at your house, or does the whole Santa story give you pause? Are childhood "characters" lying to your children? Join us for a jolly conversation about St. Nick and some options for his place in the holidays.
Before the comprehensive book of baby names, how did parents choose names for their children? What's in a name anyway? What goes into choosing a name today? This episode might make you think twice before filling out that birth certificate!
All parents will face situations where our children need correction. The parenting interwebs offer a wide range of opinion on just how to do that. What IS discipline anyway and what does it look like? How does it differ from punishment, and what does it look like when we model our parenting after God's heart for us?
We move pretty fast in American society. There's so much to do and so much to take in. What's the real pace of childhood and can it teach us something as harried (and hurried) parents? How much down time should you (can you) actually have?
The Hurried Child by David Elkind has its 25th anniversary this year.
Earlier this year, the term kinkeeping exploded. What is it and who tends to do it? We're talking about the emotional and organizational labor involved in keeping family connections strong, from being active in the group text to orchestrating the annual holiday family reunion. Is this a gendered role or one that anyone can do?
Sometimes it's helpful to step back from our day-to-day as parents and see what sort of role we're taking on with our kids. If we have a broader perspective, a view from 30,000 feet, say, we might learn a bit about our approach and whether it's serving us or our kids the way we want it to. Is your approach one of "ownership" or "ambassadorship"?
Halloween is a huge holiday with consumers, with billions spent each year. We're talking about our own Halloween experiences and where we've landed these days with trick-or-treating. Where does Halloween come from anyway? Does it matter if or how we celebrate it?
Jessica Patay, a mom of 3 from Los Angeles, CA, isn't fearless. But she is brave. She's formed a support organization and completed an anthology of stories from moms like her, moms whose expectations of motherhood turned out differently from what they'd imagined. One of her sons has Prater-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that they've learned to not only live with, but that has spawned an incredible outreach of support and community.
wearebravetogether.org
Brave Together podcast
the Becoming Brave Together book
Older children need different guidance. There are some real transitions going on between parenting an elementary aged child and an adolescent/teen--for both parents and kids. They should be gaining responsibility and earning some freedom, while parents shift from directive guidance to a more influential role. We talk about many of those transitions and some of the issues that arise during these sometimes bumpy years.
The gig of motherhood. If we do it right and all goes according to plan, we end up with children who leave and make their own way in the world. It's the most all consuming thing for parents aannnddd then it isn't. On this episode, we're reflecting on what the empty nest felt like initially and how it's going.
Attorney and mom, Melissa Hogan, wrote the first book of its kind when her son was handed a challenging diagnosis. As she's navigated the health care system and learned how to care for her son and herself in the process, Melissa recognized the need to help all parents prevent and manage medical trauma. In our conversation she talks through some practical and surprising things parents can do with their children--even for routine pediatric doctor and dental visits--that can help allay fears and smooth the process.
Afraid of the Doctor
One of the first major transitions a child has is the first day of school. We talk to two seasoned kindergarten teachers who give us great tips on what's really important for kids to know and practice before they start school, and some helpful advice for parents, too. Kindergarten is about way more than learning letters and numbers. How do you know when your child is ready?
Grocery prices have skyrocketed and the average family struggles to afford feeding their family every week. Mandy is a real-life, regular mom who has figured it out. She's got easy and delicious meal plans with shopping lists and normal ingredients for busy families--even if cooking isn't your thing. We tried some of her recipes and gave them two thumbs UP!!
Plandy Mandy Meal Plans
LISTENER DISCOUNT CODE: MOM30
Student debt can be a hot button subject! We wanted to see how it looked from a student's point of view. This episode is our conversation with a student recently out of grad school, with the student loans to prove it. Savannah Cunningham (Bonnie's daughter) taught us a thing or two and offers some on-the-ground tips for families with high school or college students navigating the minefields of student debt.
Many of us have looping tapes playing in our heads with a soundtrack that's largely negative. With a little practice and some small habits, we can arrest these toxic thoughts before they gain a foothold and hijack our relationships, success, and joy. And, we can teach our kiddos early on how to do this, too!
How we tell our stories determines how we see ourselves and the world. How do we frame a failure or diappointment? How do we recount a struggle? But it's not just all about the spin. In this episode, our conversation covers learning how to tell better, truer stories in order to find those glimmers of joy.
Marcus Warner's book: The Four Habits of Joy-Filled People
In this third episode of our Joy series, we look at the difference between living from a fear-based perspective and one based on joy. We walk through some easy-to-practice skills you (and your kids!) can do to learn the power of appreciation and get back on the path to emotional regulation and calm.
Marcus Warner's book: The Four Habits of Joy-Filled People
In this episode, part 2 of our joy series, we're talking about the first habit we can practice to move out of our "fear house" and into our "joy house." When we feel out of control -- like a toddler whose emotions are all over the place-- there are things we can do to quiet our bodies. Being calm isn't simply a matter of will or choice. When someone simply tells us to "calm down," it usually has the opposite effect! If your day seems to be spiraling, practice some of these calming exercises with your kids!
We hear the slogan "choose joy" tossed around a lot, but is that even possible? In this upcoming series we're unpacking a few habits that we can practice--and help our children practice to get a headstart on things!--to unearth more joy in our lives. Simple and quick habits anyone can do.
Four Habits of Joy-Filled People: 15 Minute Brain Science Hacks to a More Connected and Satisfying Life
This 2-part interview with Traci Condra details her 15+ year marriage with her husband, Kyle, who struggled for years with worsening anger and rage. After years of prayer and counseling, Traci and their two daughters found themselves at a low point, wondering if this was just what life would be like. Then, the But God moment.
National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft
This 2-part interview with Traci Condra details her 15+ year marriage with her husband, Kyle, who struggled for years with worsening anger and rage. After years of prayer and counseling, Traci and their two daughters found themselves at a low point, wondering if this was just what life would be like.
National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft
In the 3rd in our birth order series, we peel back the curtain on the baby of the family. What makes lastborns tick and how might that play out in their marriages and parenting tendencies? Lastborns have advantages and disadvantages that other children in families don't. Plus, they really know how to turn on the charm.
There's more to middle children than being the overlooked, overshadowed kid who gets lost in the shuffle. Middles do find ways to distinguish themselves from other siblings. They're sociable, adaptable, and very loyal friends. As a middle child, how might you react as a parent, or a spouse? Knowing these tendencies about yourself or your chlid can be enlightening and helpful!
The family context we're born into plays a large part in who we become. It's the nurture part of the nature versus nurture equation. Firstborn and Only children not only have parents to themeselves for a good period of time, but they may also bear the first-time stress and doubt of new parents. They're the guinea pigs, the first drafts, and the ones who are oldest and should "know better." If you're a firstborn or only, sharing this episode with your younger siblings or spouse might explain a lot about you!
From hula hoops to Pelaton, this conversation with guest Hannah Skelley covers miles of fitness ground. She's a golf coach and mom of two who also designs her own fitness routines to work with a busy mom's schedule. Join us for the low down on fitness from pregnancy to post-partum and beyond!
Check out the vothcenter.com (Voice of the Heart), the counseling center mentioned in this episode.
It may be one of the trickiest and most notorious relationships in the history of families: mother and daughter-in-law. We've been both daughter-in-law and mother-in-law and we think there may be some best practices on both sides that can smooth a potentially rough road.
It's not a dad bod, it's a father figure. ;) We're approaching father's day this week, and our conversation digs into at a couple of very do-able dad things that can make a big difference in your child's life. Moms, feel free to forward this one along as an encouragement to the dads in the trenches with you!
Do you have a target in raising your children? If you don't know where you're aiming, you could wind far from where you intended. If you fail to aim, you aim to fail. We get into some practical life skills and character traits that kids need to learn to become competent, capable adults. Far too often, we underestimate our kids!
Here's a link to the "how adult are you" test we mentioned in the broadcast!
Just Ask Your Mom website
Much of mothering is sheer ordinariness: 2 am feedings, reading Good Night Moon AGAIN, and carpooling to soccer, band, or dance. Maybe we find ourselves yearning for "more," something more exciting or noteworthy. Somewhere along the way, "ordinary" became something to avoid or scoff at. But if we dig a little deeper, it just may be where all the best parts of life are found.
A fun twist on our format, 3 new moms turn the tables on us and WE are in the hot seat. Totally unscripted, this trio fired away with all kinds of topics they wanted answers for. We managed to sweat our way through the minefields and ended up with a fun, spontaneous conversation.
We're poking the bear a little here, questioning the old-fashioned Puritan "work ethic" our culture is bathed in. Where does this come from? As busy moms in a busy world, it's hard to hop off the merry-go-round, but there may be some profound things to learn by trying it out once in a while!
When a grandparent or another family member dies, it's only natural for kids to start asking questions. So how do we respond without confusing them? Perhaps some accounts of near-death-experiences could help. During a heart episode and 3+ minutes without a heartbeat, LaDonna Brown experienced something that she carries with her still and that has erased any fear about what is to come.
We're approaching graduation season, which means celebrating transitions of all kinds: preschool to elementary, elementary to middle school, and high school and college graduations. How are rites of passage important and how do we mark these milestones? From a public school & homeschool perspective, we weigh in on how things went while our kids were in school.
If you've got young children and don't live near family, odds are you'll need a sitter at some point. What do you look for? How do you find one? What do sitters expect and what should you expect in return? In this episode, we talk to two sisters who give us the down low on all that and more!
Join us for our conversation with two seasoned nannies, Merri Aydelott and Mary Hill. They've nannied for multiple families and walk us through what it's like from the Nanny's perspective. What goes into hiring a nanny? What things might you consider? What happens when kids age out of needing a nanny? We learned a lot in this conversation & you will, too!
Our guest, Nellie Harden, a mom to 4 teenaged daughters, talks with us about some of her favorite conversations to have with them to instill self esteem, self worth, and self-confidence. Nellie is an author and speaker and offers courses and resources on navigating the teen years at her site nellieharden.com.
40 Scriptures and Conversations to Have with Daughters
Daughter Decoder Masterclass
In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons (and dos and don'ts) of having children AT your wedding, IN your wedding, or being the parent of a child in a wedding party or on a guest list. From simple etiquette know-how to things to consider whether you're a guest or a host, this fun conversation covers it all.
Just before her 40th birthday, Jamie Jackson received a shocking diagnosis. A mom of 3 daughters, Jamie's first concern was wanting to be there to see her kids grow up. Seven years down the road, the future is promising, and Jamie shares with us lessons she's learned about faith, fortitude, and fragility. And also that holing up under your bathroom vanity is maybe not the most solid life plan.
We may spend a lot of time praying on behalf of our children. We've noticed over the years that our prayers have changed from those for blessings and success to those for resilience and transformation. When our children face the hardest things, sometimes God wants us to pray them through that instead of out of it. In this episode we chew on what that looks like and get curious about why we as parents have a hard time doing that.
The word "respect" gets tossed around a lot when kids reach the tweens & teenage years. What does respect look like and how do we raise respectful kids? What if we model and mirror respect with our marriages? Respect is reciprocal. Chances are, if we're feeling disrespected, it might be because we aren't as respectful as we could be ourselves.
Prayer is a two-way conversation, but we often struggle with helping our children to connect with and tune in to a God. This is especially true if it's something we struggle with in our own prayer life. Guest Sara Bryson joins us for a conversation about drawing near to God, hearing from Him, and some ways to help our children do that.
If you'd like to sign up for facilitated prayer in person or via Zoom or learn more about today's conversation:
Sign Up To Pray
Freedom Prayer
The book we mentioned by Andy Reese and Jennifer Barnett: Freedom Tools
Over 6 million parents in the US use day cares for their childcare. What should parents look for and expect in a day care center? Special guest, BJ Smith, owner of several day cares in the middle Tennessee area, gives us the lowdown on what kids are doing in day cares and how they're faring. We learned a lot in this episode and hope you will, too!
Tot's Spot Academyis the day care business BJ owns and operates.
Part 2 of 2: Guest Kelly McCasland offers some suggestions and observations about what makes young women feel confident and what parents could do to bolster that. We talk feminism, finances, and flat tires and a whole host of other things that #girlmoms need to be tuned into.
Part 1 of 2: Guest Kelly McCasland offers some suggestions and observations about what makes young women feel confident and what parents could do to bolster that. We talk feminism, finances, and flat tires and a whole host of other things that #girlmoms need to be tuned into.
Life with kids is busy, and when you can't find anything and your home's a wreck, that can push a lot of us over the edge. Professional organizer, Gabri Goodwyn, weighs in on tips and methods to take back the reins of your home. From clever ways to deal with items on the spot to better ways to think about how you use your space, this episode will inspire you to finally tackle that junk drawer!
A Fresh Space
For this episode, we interviewed a seasoned public high school teacher who raised the question of what exactly IS or SHOULD BE our expectation of safety on school campuses where we send our children for 7-8 hours a day. Schools of today do not look like the ones you as a parent may remember even 10-15 years ago. If you don't yet have school-aged children, this may well be a factor when deciding where and how to educate your kids.
warning: some content may not be appropriate with young listeners in the room Check out our website for stats & more in-depth articles about this subject.
https://projects.sun-sentinel.com/teenage-time-bombs/how-schools-manage-violent-kids/
The start of a new year isn't only a great time to set some goals, it's a perfect time to reflect on where you've been, what you've learned, and how you've grown. Bonnie & Renee give their answers to some dig-deeper questions from the past year. These are great conversation starters for a date night or friend group, too!
On those days where you're stuck inside because of weather or sick children, we've got you covered! This episode is full of ideas for being indoors with kids of all ages and not losing your mind. Don't let a surprise like weather or being UNDER the weather throw you for a loop!
The average cost of raising a child in the US per year is roughly $16,000. What goes into that estimate and what can budget-conscious families do to whittle that down? In this episode, we walk through some ways you can raise children without digging yourself deep into debt--and still have fun!
Words matter. The words we say and those we focus on. In this episode we outline 10 easy, creative, and kid-friendly ways to incorporate scripture (the most powerful words there are!) into your home. Words carry energy, so why not bring some positive, growth-centered energy into your new year?
We hear it all the time: moms are overwhelmed juggling ALL THE THINGS and it seems like everything falls on us. Maybe we talk to our kids about "helping out" or being "mommy's helper," but is this doing the trick? Does it teach initiative and teamwork? Catch this week's episode for some new language you might want to try to ease the burdens you're carrying.
Mell Hashey, of the Strong Family Project, joins us in this episode to talk about the elements that make a strong family. Mell and her husband Joe have incorporated all seven of these in their family of 5 and she walks us through some great tips for positive family routines, solid identity, and ways to get everybody contributing to the family.
strongfamilyproject.com
Christmas can break the bank, but it doesn't have to be that way. On this episode, we run down some ways you can spend within your means and not spend January getting out of debt. And if that train has already left the station for this December, you can use it as motivation for next year!
We asked our listeners & you responded! This episode is full of tried & true Christmas traditions. If you're looking for something new and fun to try this season, you're sure to find something in our conversation! And if you're already too overwhelmed to think about adding one more thing, we get it! No pressure.
Part 1 of 2: On this episode, we're talking about looking at the big picture of the holidays and asking the question what might we slide off the table? Does our calendar HAVE to look jam-packed? Do we NEED to do that cookie swap or gift exchange? How can we get more intentional at the holidays and find some of that "peace and goodwill" all the songs talk about?
In 2023, it's nothing to snap a photo and post it in a matter of seconds, and parents are at the top of the list for posting about our kids. We call it sharenting. In this episode we run down 15 things to consider before hitting "post" for pictures of our kiddos.
A cycle breaker is someone who recognizes harmful or dysfunctional traits in the culture of their family and decides to trade those in for something better. When we become parents, at some point something our child does will trigger something in us, especially if that child is a lot like us (our "little me"). What might that look like, what can we do about it, and why does it matter that we are aware of it?
Author of Mom Enough, Rachel Marie Martin joins us to talk about the exhausting but totally normal days of motherhood. She's a mom of 7, writer, blogger, and founder of Finding Joy, and she knows all about juggling, overwhelm, and the pull of perfectionism!
Mom Enough by Rachel Marie Martin
Eight Things Fearless Moms Do
FindingJoy.net (Rachel's site)
Speakers, authors, and teachers, Joey & Carla Link, join us for a run-down of their top 5 tips for parenting. These two have helped hundreds of families over the past few decades through their Parenting Made Practical ministry, and they're sharing some proven principles that work!
Parenting Made Practical
Taming the Lecture Bug
Why Can't I Get My Kids to Behave?
Nineteen years ago, Joey & Carla link, along with their 15-yr-old daughter, Amy, were driving home from an event three hours away. In an unavoidable accident, their van was hit, rolled multiple times, and Carla was thrown from the car. After years of surgeries, PT, and daily pain, she can no longer stand or walk alone. Their inspiring story is one of faith, perseverance, and trust--from the hospital stays to Joey's role as caregiver, to their newfound delight in grandchildren.
Returning guest, Meg Wallace, Texas mom of 7, opens up about the deal-breaker when it comes to marriage, and it may not be what you thought! Her personal experience with her parents' divorce and a dear friend facing the end of her marriage gave her some insight into what may be at the root of many rocky marriages.
Meg's also got a foolproof potty training course that we wanted to give you access to & and has written a book on preventive parenting. Check these resources out!
In this episode, we talk with Pat Thweatt, a seasoned grandmother (a.k.a. "MOP"), who has juggled both close-by and long distance grandparenting. On top of that, Pat cares for a grandson with autism and talks about things she's learned about grandparenting kids with special needs.
Links we mention in this episode:
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
200 Family Conversation Cards
The Jesus Storybook Bible
The average person leans 80% negative in her perceptions, outlook, and conclusions. Join us for our conversation with Dr. Alex Loyd, author, speaker, psychologist & ND, where he outlines some practices for upping the positive -- in parenting in particular.
https://www.dralexanderloyd.com/
In search of wisdom from actual grands & great-grands, this is the first in a series of interviews with some of the women who we've admired in these roles. Guest, Pat Whitaker, is a grandmother to 6, and her grandma name depends on who's speaking.
Check out: https://legacycoalition.com/ for some helpful grandparent resources!
In search of wisdom from actual grands & great-grands, this is the first in a series of interviews with some of the women who we've admired in these roles. Guest, Nancy Webb, happens to be Renee's own mom, and she's a Nana of 9 and great grandmother to one (so far).
Grandparenting is just one more thing that's changed noticeably over the decades. In the start of this new series, we find out what's new with grandparents--who are they? how do grandparents differ between cultures? What are some of a grandparent's responsibilities and is it reasonable to expect them to enforce bedtimes or a no-sugar rule?
Our interview with Texas mom of seven, Meg Wallace, was full of grace, truth, and more than a few tears. Based on an article she penned a few years ago, Meg talks about what it means for our hearts to be hardened as mothers and what we can do to turn that around. One of our favorite episodes yet!
We hear a lot about the importance of mentors these days. All the cool kids seem to have one. What is a mentor & do you need one? How do you find one and what makes these relationships work? In this episode, we dive into all this and more. Scripture encourages older women to pass their wisdom down to those younger. We could all use a helping hand and some encouragement at times!
A follow-up to the previous episode (season 6, episode 7), we explore what it means to have an abundant life. Can you have an abundant life even when your heart is broken? In the midst of grief or betrayal? Abundance comes from abiding, no matter what's going on around or inside you. How does that work exactly?
What is an abundant life? Is it even possible when most days we might feel grateful just to make it to bedtime? Who or what steals our promise of abundance and how can we take it back?
Special guest, Kira Whitaker, explains health & wellness and why self-care isn't necessarily as indulgent or "pampery" as it sounds. She's a certified Health & Wellness coach and yoga therapist (owner of Arden Yoga & Wellness). Join us for this enlightening and inspiring conversation!
Whether you love or hate cooking at home, a lot of our time is spent thinking about, preparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals. In this final episode in our HOME series, we talk about some of the ways providing the 18K+ meals for our families is a spiritual exercise at heart. Plus--we have a few tips for planning ahead & how to share the feast with others.
It's rare for a relationship to suddenly rocket off the rails. More likely, we deviate off course a degree at a time. Fortunately, there are some do-able and practical efforts we can make to "course correct" on a regular basis to maintain the direction we want to grow in!
We lay out our top 10 "rules for life," otherwise known as stuff that's worked for us over the years. Join us for this line up of part-wisdom/part-opinion!
Special guests, Marisa Bailey and Katelyn Sproles, join us for a conversation from two points of view: a parent raising kids in a different culture and a kid who was raised that way. Both lived in Tanzania, East Africa, for many years and have felt the effects of crossing back and forth between cultures and navigating the differences. Third Culture Kids (TCKs) definitely have a different worldview than the rest of us!
What goes into choosing a home? Are there some features in particular families should look for? We walk down memory lane a bit in this episode with Rachel Farrell as we talk about what made our houses "home." (Pre-recorded and pre-aired on the RACHEL FARRELL SHOW.)
While this isn't "the birds & the bees" talk, on this episode we talk about body parts and frequently asked questions by parents of toddlers and young kids. Is it just our American culture with its Puritan roots that makes us uneasy with brazen nakedness or is it something else? How do we educate our kids without shaming them and still give them a sense that their body--ALL of it--is fearfully and wonderfully made?
There's something in all of us that aches for home. When our homes are threatened--by natural disaster or other catastrophe, it can be disorienting and shake our sense of safety. On this episode, our guest is Tiffany Wax Mangus, who lost her new home suddenly through a fire ignited by a gas leak. She, her husband, and sons were safe, but most everything they'd worked for was gone in a matter of hours. She walks us through an emotional time, when her family discovered where their faith lay and the power of community.
For many parents, their kids' transition into tween or teen can feel abrupt and personal. Most of the things teenagers cope with and act out about are universal, and we can do ourselves (and them) a favor by recognizing when and how to react. Psychologist Lisa Damour's book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, is a helpful resource when navigating the white water of kids ages 12-20.
We may be on top of it when it comes to intellectual, physical, and emotional training of our kids, but many of us feel inadequate or forget to address the spiritual side of our kids. How do we talk to our children about God, salvation, and things they might witness in church? This JAM episode gives you ideas, age by age, on what kids can comprehend and when and how to introduce concepts and practices to help children grow spiritually.
Part 5 in our Home Series, this episode focuses on our homes being a temporary reflection of our eternal home. What features does a Christian home have and how can we set our sights on things beyond the laundry and dishes? What does it mean to be Christ-centered?
A fantastic & informative interview with father of 4 and self-described tech nerd, Doug Smith, author of the book Unintentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free. A companion episode to our "Should My Kid Watch That?" conversation, we dig into what (or who) is behind the screens, apps, & games we use and look at some practices that might help us take back the reins.
Tech & kids. As more research comes out, more of us are catching onto the effects screens may have on our kids. Especially our youngest ones. We asked our listeners: what have you noticed in your kids after they watch certain TV programs or have screen time? And you responded! This episode has some great resources for parents curious about this issue!
Our concept of home starts with relationships. Even very young children know home is where their favorite people live. It's also where we learn (or don't) to love our Creator. In this episode, we look at how home can teach us to love God and one another better and we run down some practical ways to practice the art of "welcoming."
Although miscarriage is common, it's not always talked about. Licensed doula, Sarah Perry, joins us in this episode for a conversation about experiencing and coping with pregnancy loss. A mom of 3 boys--and expecting a girl!--Sarah speaks from both professional and personal experience in this touching conversation.
Somewhere along the [American] way, our homes became places we upscale, accumulate, and compare to others. Because we're made to create and find beauty, finding ways to do this at home can often be a simple but meaningful gift to those who live there--and even generations to come. Join us as we talk to mother-daughter duo, Melissa Skidmore and Daisy Montgomery, masters in creating beautiful spaces, no matter the budget or square footage.
If there's one universal celebration moment in parenting, it's when your child finally sleeps through an entire night. Opinions and approaches differ widely in how to accomplish this, but there's no need to villify one camp or another. Mary Vaughn, certified sleep consultant and mom of 4, joins us for a lively conversation about how parents can help their kids go to sleep and stay asleep. You can find her on mothertogether.com.
There's something deeply comforting about having a place where you can relax, take off your mask, and not pretend or strive. For many of us, that place is our home. What can we do to make our homes feel restful and safe, somewhere we can exhale at the end of the day and lean into one another?
Join us for a fun conversation about our favorite things we loved watching our kids achieve, some obvious and some maybe not so expected. Yes, the days are long and the years are short, but when your kids become more indpendent, life sure does get a little easier!
What does the word "home" bring to mind? In the first of a series on HOME, we take a peek into what our homes are for, what it is that draws us to the place or feeling of home, and what we can do to make a happy home for ourselves, our children, and others.
We're familiar with left-brain/right-brain functions & being left or right handed, but we also have a dominant eye, ear, and foot. The experiences and research from Dr. Carla Hannaford's book, The Dominance Factor, shed some surprising light (for us) on how our dominant sensory and motor functions may affect us under stress or new learning situations--which is pretty much the conditions our children are in all the time. This is just one more factor to consider for parents to "know their child."
Being intentional about raising your kids isn't about rigidity or loading even more expectations and pressure on yourself or your kids. Checking in with each other about your goals and course-correcting now and then makes good sense if you're aiming to do more than just survive another day. We run down some helpful tips to set yourself and your family up for success, make good habits, and celebrate the victories, no matter how small.
8 in our cultivate series, we get into how to teach your kids what it means to be gentle and give you some practical ways to demonstrate what gentleness looks like. Even the strongest among us can be gentle with both words and touch. Gentleness matters in both sons and daughters, but there may be differences in how we teach it to each of them.
Tongue ties, mouth breathing, snoring, nursing or feeding issues, sleep issues, speech problems, tonsils and adenoid issues and frequent ear infections can all stem from correctible problems in jaw, tongue, throat, or facial muscles. Orofacial Myofunctional therapist, Chelsea Madison, from the BreatheWell Group, talks us through what happens at her office and the surprising and often quick results a visit to an OMT can provide. We learned so much in this interview!
Tantrums? Grabbing things? Interrupting? All young children struggle with self-control. It's one of the main areas parents teach and coach our children through. In this episode, we talk through how to help kids master this important skill.
Join us with veteran art teacher, Shawn Baughman, as we talk about what art does for kids. The obvious benefit is how it helps creativity, but there's so much more involving neurodevelopment, problem solving and more. Plus, she explains why all kids start out drawing "potato people"--an A-HA moment.
Research shows that grit may be more important to success than IQ and talent. The building of perseverance comes every day when your child learns how to deal with minor setbacks--and major ones. Join us for some tips on how to walk your child through wanting to quit and the benefits of building perseverance.
Tired of doing all the things for all the people? So many moms live in survival mode, reacting to things instead of doing the things we really want for our families. Laura Hernandez, Texas mom of 10, joins us in this episode to talk about the systems she's created to tackle tasks, foster team spirit, and bring back the joy to family life. She offers 1:1 consulting with moms to help them do the same @ www.mamasystems.net.
One of the first big purchases as a new parent is likely a car seat. In the US, you're not allowed to take your baby home from the hospital without one. Selecting, installing, and operating a car seat is not for the faint of heart--there are a lot of options in the marketplace. Join us for this conversation that will take you from your baby's arrival to the end of the booster seat years!
What are spiritual gifts and how are they different from natural talents or temperaments? Where do they come from and how can you recognize them in yourself and your children? In this episode, we explore how to identify and nurture those sparks you might notice and find a purpose in the gifts we're given.
From your child's first birthday where they dive into the cake to the teens where birthdays may be more low key, we look at birthday traditions. Join us for a chat about how we handled birthdays, some major birthday flops, and some favorites. Plus, if you're not a party planner, we've got some tips for hosting a fun celebration.
Number 5 in our cultivate series. How do we foster patience in ourselves and our children? We offer some practical tips for parents for helping kids learn to wait, delay gratification, and have self control--all vital but tough skills to learn.
Part 4 of our Cultivate series, we focus on fostering joy in ourselves and our kids. Some of us are naturally more melancholy than others, but there are a few practical disciplines we can focus on to spawn more joy in our lives. Who doesn't want that in the coming year?! Join us for this joyful episode, in which we break into song not once, but twice!
Music is a universal language that connects us and taps into our creativity. It's good for our mental health and lessons learned playing an instrument, singing, or being part of a choir or band spill over into lots of other areas of life. Millie Tracy and Bob Blaylock (cellist and tuba player) join us in this fun conversation about kids & music.
As we approach Christmas, what's running through most kids' minds is PRESENTS, PRESENTS!! How can we nurture a spirit of generosity in our children? Why is it important? Is "that's not fair!" a common refrain in your house? Are you frequently referring battles over sharing? This is a great episode for some tips to exercise the "giving" muscle!
How do you respond when your teenager wants to start dating? What does dating even look like these days and what are the expectations? In this episode we share some great conversations to have with your young adults before, during, and after relationships. We're joined by two of our favorite guests: Lori Shea and Amy Sain (from the #girlmom episode). This is a fun one!
Join us with our guest Dr. Bobbie Solley, expert on teaching kids to read, as we talk about the impact early reading has on kids' success. Even kids who read only one book a day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who don't read regularly. What should our kids be reading, and when?
In this week leading up to the US Thanksgiving holiday, we offer some tips to teach, model, and nurture the virtue of gratitude. What does it mean to be grateful and is it different from toxic positivity? Besides its many health benefits, practicing gratitude can make us more aware, present, content, and focused. Besides teaching the basic "thank you" response, what else can we do to make gratitude a part of our kids' lives?
Sports are as American as apple pie. They build character, appreciation for a team, physical fitness and the ability to win and lose well. The episode's guests include a mom whose daughter went on to play college soccer, and another "sport mom" who's also seen hundreds of families navigate the time crunch of having their kids in sports. There's lots of pressure on families to have their kids play & be good at something-- how can we decide what's enough or too much?
This episode features two military moms who give us a peek into what it's like raising a family while serving their country. What are their unique challenges and how do they cope with deployments, transfers, and the uncertainty that comes with a life in the armed services? Bonnie's sister, Maj. General Karen Rizzuti (USAF), and Toni Laubacher, whose husband, Maj. Matt Laubacher (USAF) had multiple deployments, weigh in on Veteran's Day week.
We're always saying it's much better to cultivate what you ARE looking for in your children rather than squashing what you don't want. This is the first in our "cultivate series," and we're talking about ways to cultivate kindness in your children--and maybe in yourself while you're at it!
Table manners aren't about stuffy formality. They're about polite behavior that respects others. Table manners matter because people matter. In this episode, we give a run-down of some basic table manners parents can work on from toddlers just starting to use a spoon to teenagers & all the rest of us! Are mealtimes a battleground at your house? This episode will have some tips!
Emotional intelligence is what glues people together, and it's a proven predictor in academic, professional, and relationship success. What exactly IS it, can we improve it, and how do we coach our kids to have better EQ?
Got toddlers? This episode is a quick rundown (because obvs you're busy!) of our top toddler tips. What behavior can you reasonably expect from a toddler and what's asking too much? 15-36 months is a time of rapid development, discovering (& testing) boundaries, and a great time for parents to help set the stage for their successes down the road.
Not much happens accidentally in life, and that includes making and meeting goals we have for our marriages. This episode sums up 6 intentional steps we can all use to create a more flourishing, successful marriage relationship. Based on Paul Tripp's book on marriage, we talk about ways we did or didn't practice these tips in our own ways.
A key element in any relationship, trust involves some risk. How do parents foster trust between themselves and their children? What should we do when that trust is broken? Who (or what) do we and our children put our trust in--and is it trustworthy?
What's the best time to have kids? There's no right answer, but the age when women become first-time mothers has been steadily increasing in the US. In this episode, we talk with moms in their 20's, 30's and 40's about the pros and cons of having kids in these decades of life and what each of them have discovered from their experiences.
The concept of having healthy boundaries has been around for decades, and it's an extremely helpful way of thinking through relationships. More recently, this concept has shifted, making "boundaries" and "toxicity" popular buzzwords. What ARE boundaries, exactly, and what are they FOR? Can we go too far with them?
It's nice to feel wanted, but what happens when your child stiff-arms one parent and demands the other? All the daily tasks can become battle ground issues! We talk about some reasons for this behavior, what you can do about it, and some parent perspectives.
Is there a way to help people from different generations recognize each others' positive traits instead of being frustrated at the differences? Author, speaker, and leadership trainer, Jessica Stollings-Holder, talks us through the difference a generation makes and how we can make each other stronger.
The cost of sending a kid to college can bring on a cold sweat of anxiety for parents! Many of us are late to the college savings game--is there any way to catch up? Financial advisor and college planning expert, Brad Baldridge (from the Taming the High Cost of College podcast) joins us for this helpful discussion!
Nothing quite prepares you for the stark reality of bringing home a real live baby, no matter how much babysitting you've done or how many younger siblings you may have had. We take a look at some of the transitions, weird stuff, and learning curves of the 0-12 month phase with a new baby at home.
It's back to school time again, and we thought it would be worthwhile to give teachers the floor. How can parents help our kids to be successful in school? How can we best work with our child's teacher, and what do teachers themselves wish parents knew?
Some kids are happy and easy-going by nature, but sometimes, your "easy kid," the one you subconsciously call the "good one," can be compliant and quick to save the day for other reasons. On this episode, we talk about why it's good to check in with that child who's under the radar and who makes your life easier.
Peanuts, gluten, dairy: food allergies & sensitivities are more common than ever. Join us as we talk to veteran pediatrician Dr. Castleberry about the uptick of these issues over the years and what parents can do to detect, treat, and live with food allergies/sensitivities in their families.
Face it: babies suck. It's a survival instinct and strong reflex that parents have to fulfill in some form. Some babies naturally find their fingers or thumb, and others are soothed by a pacifier or lovey (stuffed toy, blanket, or other adopted object). Is one form of soothing better than another? What are the pros and cons? What are some ways to ditch the paci once it's time?
On this episode, we talk with firearms instructor and incident responder, David Sproles, about best practices for keeping your family safe. How do we teach our kids about situational awareness, fire safety, weather preparedness? Some great tips for all the "just in case" situations that could come up! "Be prepared" isn't just a Scout motto: it's a great principle for life!
Fun! Spontanaeity! Competition! Action! These are some of the things people with the "orange" temperament value and exhibit. What does parenting an orange child look like? How can you best motivate, correct, and teach an orange child and what are some things to keep an eye on? This episode explores the temperament that keeps us on our toes and brings color to our lives!
One of the earliest temperaments to discern, the child with the gold temperament can be the most challenging to raise. Leaders, organized, and doing best on a routine or schedule, golds keep things running smoothly, but they need to learn flexibility and loosening control. Self-confessed golds, Renee & Bonnie talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of this temperament!
On those hot days of summer, many of us head to the lake or the pool to beat the heat. What do parents need to know about kids & water? How can we keep our kids safe and still have fun? When should you start swim lessons? Top ten safety rules for kids and water every family should know!
Knowing your child's temperament is a giant tool in understanding how best to motivate, correct, and teach them in the ways they can best receive instruction. This episode looks at the green temperament: the analyzer, procrastinator, deep-thinker, and loyal friend. Is this your child? Is this you? What does it look like to raise a child with this temperament?
How do you know your child's temperament and why does it matter? The better we know our kids, the better we can relate to them, motivate them, correct them, and train them. The more we can love them the way they most need to be loved. It makes all the difference, AND bonus: it teaches US to be more empathetic and appreciative of others, too.
More and more families are opting for summer camps for their kids, and there are so many types to choose from! How do you know when it's time to send your kids? What if they're hesitant? How do you pick and what are the pros and cons?
Pets can teach kids empathy, responsibility, and life lessons about loss and caring for others. How do you know when (or if) your family is ready to adopt a pet? Should it be a goldfish or a puppy? We talk with long-time veterinarian (& Bonnie's husband), Robert Blaylock, recount our own experiences with family pets, and look what getting a family pet could mean for a family.
Almost everything we do as parents teaches our kids something. There's so much they need to learn! Is there a difference in how to teach life skills versus moral behaviors? How do we motivate our kids to reach a goal?
At 18, Matthew Houser wrote a blog from a teen perspective that offered insight into a teen's point of view. In our candid conversation with Matthew, he reveals some of the struggles he faced as a teen, and gives parents a glimpse of what helped and what didn't, how he processed things and how he made decisions. A helpful (& hopeful!) episode!
Today, teens report spending an average of over 8 hours/day with screens. Girls, in particular, are experiencing record-high rates of mental anguish, due in part to this shift. How can parents compete with that much input and influence? Our final episode in this 3-part series examines what we can do to "get in their way."
We hear it more and more: how we feel mentally scattered and easily lose our focus, our memory seems fuzzy and we can't concentrate for long. The rates of diagnosed ADHD in the US have catapulted over the past decade. What's going on with our focus?
The dreaded "screen time" issue. How much is too much? What effect does it really have? Join us for this important 3-part series on video games, phones, & screens in the lives of ourselves & our kids. We dive into 3 well-researched books & see what the latest science has to say.
It's one of the universal trials of parenthood--getting your kid to go potty. We take a look at what works & what doesn't, how you know it's time to start, and the cost & need for diapers. Take heart: hardly anyone leaves the nest still hiding behind the living room chair to poop!
One of the first sounds a baby makes is a cry. And there's a lot more where that came from! Childhood comes with a lot of tears, which can be distressing for a parent. What do we do with our kids' feelings of sadness? How can we comfort them without dismissing or hurrying them through their tears?
How is parenting a teenager like watching a trapeze act? We talk with veteran youth minister, David Skidmore, to find out the top things parents need to know about raising a young adult. A dad of three young adult daughters, he weighs in on how parents can foster trust with their kids. An encouraging conversation with so many gold nuggets of wisdom!
One thing is for sure: life brings the unexpected. If you're left flying solo, would you know what to do first or would you flounder in panic? Turns out, there are practical (and not that hard!) things EVERY family needs to do TODAY that can make the unexpected, tragic things in life a little easier.
In our increasingly isolated, individualistic society, how can we better connect with others? The friendships, support, and connection we all crave can be found in the practice of hospitality. What is it and how does it work? How have WE practiced it or been welcomed? And should we care if the floor is swept or there's a pile of laundry on the bed?
While we may have a handle on sports, school, and encouraging our kids' talents, lots of moms and dads figure the spiritual/moral development of their kids will happen naturally. This may be because of our own upbringing or feeling unequipped to take charge in this arena. Our guest is a children's minister with 15+ years' experience in guiding children preschool through grade 6. She runs through her top to-do's for families wanting to make God an active part of their lives.
Monsters under the bed, a dark room, separation: all common childhood fears that are developmentally appropriate for certain ages. We break down fears by age, how to combat them, how to address childhood fears, and what we can do as parents to help our kids through an emotion that can seem overwhelming.
Every pregnancy has a 1 in 250 chance of identical twins. What's it like to carry, deliver, and raise TWO at once? In this episode, we talk to two moms of twin girls: ages 7 and 20 and walk through their twin experiences. As hard as it might be, there's lots of added sweetness and blessings to being a twin mom!
Happy heart day! We're sharing some of our favorite family valentine traditions and memories in this episode. Candy hearts and shoebox crafts, anyone? Also, we take a look at what we're celebrating: what's love really mean? How do we communicate this to our kids, especially when they start showing interest in the bf/gf dynamic?
In addition to their OB and pediatrician, many moms have started to see the benefits of chiropractic visits--and not just when their kid has a collision on the soccer field. In this episode, we talk to pediatric and prenatal specialist, Dr. Marilyn Jackson of Milestone Family Chiropractic, who talks us through the effect of chiropractic care on your nervous system, health, and well-being. Who doesn't want a fully-functioning nervous system, especially in children whose brains are developing like crazy?
Anger is such a dynamite emotion, it can startle us and activate our defensiveness, even against our own children. It's hard not to take personally! In this episode, we peel back the onion and look at some causes of anger in children, how to react (and not react), and how to help kids identify what's really going on underneath that volcano!
In this final episode of the 3-part Kids & Food series, we talk about SNACKS and the Golden Rule of food: it should be a joy, not a stressor. If we change our language about food (good food vs. bad) and our approach to the table, it's a win-win for parents & kids.
How come French kids have no problem eating veggies & anything else their parents eat? Join us for part 2 of our series as we compare food cultures with Karen LeBillon's book, French Kids Eat Everything. Do you have a picky eater? Issues at mealtime? This series is for you!
One of the most frequent complaints pediatricians hear is "I can't get my kid to eat!" Typically, parents are talking about their 2-3 year old, but often it's older kids, too. In this 3-part series, we take a peek at a different culture--one that doesn't seem to have this problem--and see what they're doing to de-stress and simplify food issues with kids.
Many parents report feeling inadequate in guiding their kids in spiritual matters. How can we lead our kids to maturity there just like we do in academics, sports, and social areas? Our guest, Jason Houser, is a husband & father AND a singer, songwriter, and founder of Seeds Family Worship ministry. Join us for a fun conversation as we talk about making room for God in your family.
Are you a planner or does the thought of setting goals give you hives? In this episode, we go through an easy way to set some short term and long term goals using a simple 1-10 scale. It covers seven key areas: Faith, Fun, Friends, Finances, Fellowship, Fitness, and Family. Make this the year for progress! Baby steps count!
Every now and then, it's a good idea to check in with your marriage and see how its engine is running. All marriages could do with a good tune up from time to time, no matter how many years you've been together. We run down 10 areas where you may or may not want to do some maintenance. Nobody can do all of them at once--just pick a couple at a time and see if the road feels smoother.
In this episode, we're joined by two of the best dads we know--our husbands! We get them talking about four important ways fathers strengthen the family and their kids in particular. Spoiler alert: there are wayyy more than just four ways! This podcast will give you some great conversation starters for moms and dads and will give dads some concrete tips for investing in those relationships.
What's one thing we can teach our children that will teach them humility, grace, compassion AND be glue for their future relationships? Apologizing and asking for forgiveness may be a struggle, but it's vital to our health and a key to harmonious relationships. What's it look like? How do we do it completely so the recipient feels we mean it? This episode dives in!
Prayer is giving our attention to God where we talk to God and also listen to Him. The conversations our children have with God can be the sweetest! And they're often insightful and honest, leading us to grow in our own spiritual relationship. What are some ways we can teach our kids to pray and how can we model it? With two special guests, who have tried and tested various prayers with their kids, we explore what a culture of prayer in a home can look like.
In most families in America, it's MOM who shoulders most of the load, especially when it comes to kids and household chores. It's 2021, yet in this respect, many of us seem stuck in the 50's. Why is that? What can we do to share the burden? Eve Rodsky's book FAIR PLAY gives some GREAT suggestions on how to change our script and lessen the overwhelm that many (most??) moms experience.
Holidays can often come with a big ol' dose of "overwhelm." In this episode, we talk about what to keep and what to get rid of, how to have a workable holiday schedule, and what we can do to help our kids focus more outward and less inward. Plus, we let you in on some of our favorite family traditions that you can try for something new!
Over 60% of families in America live in some type of blended family home. Kyleen Baptiste, a stepmom and family and child life therapist, talks honestly with us about what that can be like for the adults and the kids. Her faith-based approach to her own blended family experience is inspiring and hopeful, and the wisdom she shares with us in this episode is an encouragement to all families.
Does giving our children lots of choices teach them to make good ones? Research has shown that decision fatigue affects all of us, and it might be more pronounced in children. What is actually happening psychologically when we give our kids abundant choices very early? This may be the answer to 90% of the behavior issues moms deal with at home.
In any given day as a mom, our kids give us plenty of challenges, whether they're 3 or 13. If we take on all of them, everyone's overwhelmed and demoralized. If we ignore them all, things go south quickly. How do we decide which hills to die on? We lay out some ways to sift through the chaos.
Expecting mothers have lots of birth options available today. In this episode, we talk with Sarah Perry, an experienced doula, about what a doula can offer before, during, and after childbirth. Why would an expecting mom consider using a doula? In this heartfelt and funny conversation, we compare and contrast birth stories of the past with the kinds of choices new moms now have.
Pornography, Hyper-sexualized culture, & a worldview of Romance/Marriage. This episode tackles 3 thorny topics that, in our combined years of mom life, we've seen lots of parents struggle with, including in our own families. In our digitized, sex-saturated world, how can we guide our kids through the quicksand? We're all for empowering women, but today's definition of empowerment is inherently flawed. What's the Christian worldview and response?
We may tend to think kids will just absorb information about money and how to use it, but turns out parenst can teach some practical life skills parents from a suprisingly early age to help foster a positive and financially savvy approach to money. In this episode, we run through key concepts from saving to investing, allowances, generosity, and a whole range of topics for a good head start.
Sibs are the only ones with us for the whole ride. The relationship may define us & form us more powerfully than any other. But even if siblings are best friends, there's often a lot of conflict and irritation that come with the territory. From Cain & Abel to the Jonas Brothers, siblngs are as old as time. What can parents do to solidify the bonds and minimize the tattling and arguing?
They Whine, I Wine. It's Wine O'Clock. Mommy's Sippy Cup. You've probably seen the memes, merchandising, and movies associated with what's now known as the "mommy wine culture." Samantha Perkins, author of Alive AF, One Anxious Mom's Journey to Becoming Alcohol Free, gets honest and real about her nightly chardonnays while parenting her two children under 5. This is a brave conversation we shouldn't shy away from.
https://www.amazon.com/Alive-AF-Anxious-Journey-Becoming-ebook/dp/B08RF1LSMP
https://www.amazon.com/We-Are-Luckiest-Surprising-Magic/dp/160868654X
Our special guest on this episode is Emma Goodwyn, who happens to be Renee's firstborn child. We chat about the arrival of Emma's own daughter and what it's like to watch your grown child have her own. In an honest and open conversation about being a new mom and a new grandparent, how their mother-daughter relationship changed, and how it's going so far, Renee & Emma keep it real.
What used to be noisy family chaos at dinnertime now becomes mom, dad, and the youngest blinking at each other over meatloaf. How do we navigate changing family dynamics as, one by one, the kids leave home? Is it ok to parent one child differently than their siblings? In this episode, we encourage moms to "finish strong," having perseverance in that home stretch toward the empty nest.
According to author Hope Edelman, when new mothers are grieving their own mothers, the physical and psychological stress can be overwhelming: You're suddenly in the role of the person you need most—who's no longer there. If you become a mother after your own mother dies, you're mourning what might have been. On this episode, we talk with Danielle Cunningham and co-host Bonnie Blaylock, who both lost their mothers before they had children of their own, and how that changed the way they parent.
School's back in session or soon will be for 2021, whatever that's going to look like. It can be hard to get back in the groove of schedules, homework, and bedtime. In this episode, we touch on some helpful areas where you can refocus to tackle that transition. Renee gives the homeschool perspective, and Bonnie looks at life when your kids are in public school.
The sleep-deprived mom is a common trope we can probably all relate to. On this episode, we speak with Dr. Tiffany Rogers, a PhD in behavioral neuroscience and mom of three. She walks us through what the brain does while we're asleep (hint: it's not just shut off!) and why sleep for us and our children should be a priority.
Instead of asking "what's wrong with you?" it may be more helpful to ask "what happened to you?" We take our childhoods with us, and carrying trauma and stress from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can actually affect our health way down the road into adulthood. What's an ACE test and what might the score mean? What can we do to help soften the blows? This episode affects us all in some way.
What kind of baby products are best? What's the best way to do tummy time? Does it make a difference how you position your child in a car seat, high chair, or exersaucer? Dr. Courtney Parsons (PT) and Gladys Harms (OT) have worked with children in various types of therapy for years. They join us on this episode to explain the types of issues they see, and how parents can help their children reach those all-important milestones. We learned a ton and we know you will, too!
Our kids aren't the only ones who grow & change, but as grown-ups the milestones and transitions slow. We tend to measure or see our own growth by decade. For many of us, we get a growth spurt somewhere around 30's/40's (commonly known as midlife). In this episode, we look at The Gift of Imperfection, by Brene Brown, and walk through our own experiences of growth through transition and learning how to talk to ourselves with more respect. (If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.)
On this episode, we talk to a veteran mom & special ed teacher who's navigated just about every corner of raising children on a spectrum. She has four of her own and has had to research and wrestle with the system herself. She walks us through what new parents should look for, how to best use the resources available, and knowing what your child needs, whether he/she falls under the definition of gifted or exhibits behaviors on the autism spectrum. This one's full of helpful information and guaranteed to help you or someone you know.
We're solidly into summer here in the South. How many times have you heard the phrase "Mom, I'm bored"? Turns out, boredom is a CHILD'S problem, not an ADULT's. On this episode, we give you plenty of great ideas for summer stuff to do for kids of all ages and ways to put blocks of time in your day so you're not overwhelmed by All.The.Snacks.And.Towels.
1 in 7 babies born in the US spends time in the NICU for various issues. On this episode, we spoke with our friend, Becky Bilodeau, who's all too familiar with hospitals, NICUs, and procedures—and not because she happens to be a pediatric surgery nurse. Her second son, Jacob, was born with 3 chambers of his heart, rather than 4. Becky takes us through what their journey has been like and what parents in similar situations might need. To learn more about CHD or to help fund research for this common disorder, check out http://www.brettboyerfoundation.org/donate.
In this episode, we hear from listeners on the good, bad, and ugly of in-laws. What works when navigating that relationship? What doesn't? How do we set reasonable boundaries and also respect family members? And, we look at the other side of the coin now that we both HAVE in-laws and ARE in-laws ourselves. What are our lessons learned about what to do and what not to do.
With the trend toward marrying and having children later, more of us are feeling the squeeze of being sandwiched between raising our own children and caring for aging parents. Unique stresses--financial, emotional, and physical--are a common concern for folks (and let's face it, mainly women) in this situation. If you're not there yet, you likely will be. In this episode, we talk about finding ways to balance and some practical things to address sooner rather than later.
For decades, pediatricians and psychologists have been seeing climbing rates of anxiety in children and adults, to the point where parenting is sometimes now referred to as a crisis. Many parents say they just want their kids to be happy, but what if what we're doing is having the opposite effect? What's the cause and is there a solution? We unpack the data and look at what this looks like in an average household and what we might do to change course.
As home schooling options broaden and more families opt for alternatives to public schools, we look at 10 legit reasons you should consider before buying that curriculum. Special guest Holli Turner joins Renee for the lowdown while Bonnie (with zero homeschool experience) asks some probing questions about the number of bonnets homeschoolers actually own.
Joined by special guest Lavy Little, we dive into what it looks like when you're raising children through one parent's illness and death. Lavy shares honestly about her husband Conrad's medical issues and how the family navigated that with faith and determination. When Conrad died in 2017, her three sons faced their late teens and young adulthood without their father. The way they openly and honestly shared their grief with one another has helped them all move forward together.
Shame is universal. Where does it come from and is it possible to raise kids in a way that helps them overcome this feeling? Is it just a matter of fostering self-esteem or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the difference between shame & guilt and give several tips to help ourselves and our children value taking the risk of connection.
Want a simple & FREE way to lower stress, anxiety, and radically engage you & your child's imagination and creativity? Go outside. In this episode, we talk with Jamie Langley, a child & family therapist with over 30 years of experience. Our conversation about the importance of play and nature and how it works in kids' lives was both enlightening & encouraging. This is something easy all of us can do more.
We do a lot of talking as moms, and it drives us nuts when our kids tune us out. In this episode, we run down 10 things your kids need to hear that they'll never get tired of. *Plus, a bonus one we threw in for free (you're welcome).
Mom friends can be our lifelines when we're drowning, the ones who really "get" the whole motherhood gig. They can talk us off the cliff, make us laugh, and set us straight. Where do mom friends come from and is it ok if our friend groups change? This episode explores the joys of friendship while raising kids.
We surveyed new moms about what they wish they'd known about post-pregnancy. We talk about all the haywire things your rockstar body may be doing, how your spouse may react to the newborn differently, and a ton of other issues common to motherhood.
In this episode we talk to two experienced girl moms who've each raised 3 daughters. We talk friendships, image issues, technology, and the importance of dads, and we were just getting started! There was so much to say we need a part 2! Join us as we chat with Lori Shea (a speech therapist) and Amy Sain (a children's minister) about raising daughters.
It's a road full of highs and lows. 1 in 8 couples have difficulty conceiving a child. In this episode, our friend, Katie Frazier, leads us through her honest and personal experience with this issue. What can you say to a friend who's hoping with all her heart for that positive pregnancy test? What are some options for couples struggling with infertility? Join us and Katie as we talk through the process.
The bittersweet junior/senior years of high school can be some of the busiest! Here's our take on how to navigate the road to college, which, admittedly, may not be for everyone. We've been to big state universities and smaller private ones. Join us for a chat about costs, loans, scholarships, high school classes, standardized tests, and college tours & what we hope is about to be the best time of your student's life.
What makes a teenager act the way they do? How does your role as a parent change? We de-mystify the teenage brain and offer practical tips for how to help your teen navigate his/her way to young adulthood. There are some key transitions to make as mom/dad during this stage: don't miss them!
We address a handful of questions sent in by listeners. How do I build trust with my children? How do I handle repeated disobedience? How do I find time for myself when my spouse is gone a lot? How do I love my family without losing myself? How about living on a budget with small children. A potpourri of topics all in one episode.
There's a whole list of things moms tend to be great at: second-guessing, guilt, regret, negative self-talk. Nobody has time or space for all that noise! In their list of 10 things moms need to hear, Renee and Bonnie offer encouragement and empowerment for moms in all stages of parenting. This might be one you need to listen to EVERY week! (or share with your spouse as a not-so-subtle hint). ;)
A good husband/wife relationship is the foundation for a child to feel that all is right with the world. Good or bad, your marriage is teaching your children what relationship looks like. Do you want them to expect affection and kind words from their future spouse? Bonus: modeling good stuff for your kids in this area benefits YOU as well! We give a quick rundown of 10 things to work on. Pick one or two to focus on this week!
A few months into her second pregnancy, Jenna got the news that the daughter she was carrying had Trisomy-13, a diagnosis that was "incompatible with life." While she continued working and being a mom to her young son, Jenna and her husband Dalton faced a new future, one that would not include their daughter, Evelynn. This is her story of what those months before and after looked like, how her faith sustained her, and what life looks like now. Pregnancy loss can be a silent grief, but Jenna's story gives it a voice.
On this episode, Bonnie & Renee welcome special guests Sarah Perry and Trish Waldron, two moms on either end of raising trios of boys. We talk about what it's like to be the only female in a houseful of men, particular parenting challenges, and some of the sweetness and humor that only sons can bring to a home.
The plan was to grab a few favorites from our bookshelves. Renee heard "books for kids," but Bonnie thought "books for parents." So you get a bargain sampling of both! There are approximately 2,567 more titles we could have mentioned, but we've included some of our top picks here.
If you're a parent, the day will eventually come when you'll have to decide where and how your child will attend school. Public? Private? Homeschool? Co-op? How do you weigh the options? Instead of throwing your hands up and asking Alexa, join us for a discussion of what to consider. Between the two of us, we've tried just about everything out there!
In the diverse landscape of America, how should parents address the subject of race with their kids? Is it better to wait for questions or have proactive conversations? In this episode, we have a frank discussion with special guests Ashley Golden and Abby Rosser where we explore how their experiences parenting black children differ from our own and ask what we can all do better.
Do the long stretches in your day with toddlers leave you at a loss? Are you often out of balance with over-scheduling or forgetting about dinner until 5 pm rolls around? Having a flexible rhythm to your days--and life--keeps everyone sane, makes kids feel secure, and leaves plenty of time for fun.
Is traveling with children worth the extra baggage and expense? Renee & Bonnie discuss the ups and downs of family travel. Exploring with your kids offers lots of benefits, no matter what your kids' ages.
There's more than one path to motherhood. This episode features two moms who've adopted children from overseas and through the U.S. foster care system. We look at adoption through the eyes of families who have experienced the ups and downs. What's it like to adopt a child?
Mama said there'd be days like these. Anyone wrangling little people (and big ones, too!) knows every day's not sunshine and lollipops, despite what the shiny happy people on instagram say. In this episode, we get real about when everything feels like it's falling apart.
Find our website and other accounts at the link below:
https://linktr.ee/justaskyourmom
Welcome to Just Ask Your Mom! Meet the hosts, Renee Sproles and Bonnie Blaylock, as they tell a bit about who they are and their purpose and focus for this podcast.
Find our website and other accounts at the link below:
https://linktr.ee/justaskyourmom