In this episode of Equipped To Be, I'm peeling back the layers on something we all think we understand-gratitude. But what happens when this supposedly positive attitude turns dark? Join me, Connie Albers, as we break down The Dangers of Forced Gratitude. I'll share how the pressure to always be thankful can lead to suppression and relational conflicts and harm our children and our mental health. 

We've been ignoring some of the pitfalls of forced gratitude. Tune in to learn how to cultivate gratitude in a way that is genuine, healthy, and truly God-honoring for yourself and your children. 

For more resources and links to this podcast,t click here: https://conniealbers.com/the-dangers-of-forced-gratitude/

If you liked this episode, you'd love: https://conniealbers.com/teaching-appreciation-to-kids/

https://conniealbers.com/community-of-friends/

https://conniealbers.com/finding-the-silver-lining/

 

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, please leave a review and a five-star rating. It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and, let's be honest--a little bit hilarious. In this episode of Equipped To Be, I'm sharing why laughter isn't just a coping mechanism but a parenting superpower!

From toddlers throwing epic tantrums over the wrong color cup to teenagers perfecting their eye-roll game, I'll share how finding the humor in these moments can transform chaos into connection. We'll talk about the science behind why laughter matters and how it strengthens the bonds with your children, and I'll even throw in some funny, relatable stories to remind you that you're not alone in the beautiful mess of parenting. 

So, grab your hot tea or coffee (or reheat it for the third time) and join me as we laugh our way through tense parenting moments. Because if we don't laugh...well, let's just say crying is the less fun option!

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/humor-defuses-tense-parenting-moments/

 

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

Want to raise confident, clear-thinking kids who can communicate their ideas with skill and ease? It all starts with teaching our children how to build a strong argument. In this episode, discover practical, easy-to-follow steps to help your children turn opinions into persuasive points and set them up for a lifetime of thoughtful, respectful communication. 

We can teach our children to form coherent arguments; this episode will help you do that. 

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/teaching-kids-to-form-coherent-arguments//

 

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review and a five star rating? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

We're moving into the holiday season with lots of parties, gatherings, and festivities! In this episode, I want to focus on creating traditions and holiday rituals your children will remember. How you do create memories and create traditions that your children will want to continue to do as they get older and desire to implement with their own families?

 

Tune into this episode to hear some activity ideas that we did over the years and how my kids are starting to take some of these traditions and holiday rituals into their own families. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/holiday-rituals-your-children-will-remember 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

We've experienced a lot of change in the last few years. Everywhere I turn, I'm reading or hearing about someone else in crisis. I've had seasons of crisis in my own life recently. Today, I thought it would be helpful to talk about how to help others in a crisis.

 

Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a medical diagnosis, the loss of a job, a wayward child, or just the concern about how to put food on the table this week, there's someone near you in crisis. People want to know that they are not alone! In this episode, I share some thoughts and tips for how to help others in a crisis. read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-help-others-in-a-crisis

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

https://conniealbers.com/teaching-appreciation-to-kids

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

In the episode last week, I talked about resting vs quitting. So many of you contacted me asking about kids who have a tendency to give up on something too soon. How do you go about teaching kids not to quit?

 

It's really important to know each of your children as individuals. There tend to be a few basic reasons that kids want to quit and the way you go about helping and encouraging these kids is very different. In this episode, I talk about three different types of kids, why they want to quit, and things to consider as a parent when you're trying to teach kids not to quit.

 

Each of your children is different, but you are just the parent they need to become who God has created them to be! Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/teaching-kids-not-to-quit

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

There's a difference between resting and quitting. Many times I feel like I want to quit. Today, I want to remind you that it's okay to rest, but it's not okay to quit.

 

In this episode, I'm being vulnerable and sharing some recent life events that have made me want to quit. I know I can't quit, but I also know that God is calling me to a season of rest for a while. I talk you through some helpful advice and considerations for evaluating where and how to rest. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/okay-to-rest

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I speak frequently about how to keep kids safe online. I've found two camps of parenting styles when it comes to technology and internet usage. On one side, some parents decide to give no access at all to technology. On the other side, they allow their kids near unrestricted access.

 

If you've been around the Equipped To Be Podcast for very long, you know that I'm not a proponent of restricting all access to technology and the internet. At the same time, I've found that giving too much access without much monitoring and deep conversations with your kids can also backfire. I believe that the best middle-ground approach to tech usage is to use parental controls AND to have close relationships with your kids.

 

What does this look like in practice? How do you keep your kids safe online? Listen to this episode for ideas for building relationships AND simple practices for safe tech usage. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-keep-kids-safe-online

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

In episode #134, I told you that teaching kids to serve is a great way to help manage the impacts of stress. I mentioned the recent devastation in southwest Florida from Hurricane Ian and that Samaritan's Purse is an excellent ministry to give money to or to partner with for serving in person in a disaster area. This week, Shannon Dailley from Samaritan's Purse joins me to talk about the work that ministry is doing in Florida and around the world.

 

Shannon and I discuss the kinds of work that Samaritan's Purse does in disaster areas around the world. We also talk about how families can get involved together and how impactful that can be for kids for the rest of their lives. Shannon describes what volunteer day looks like starting with breakfast and devotions through volunteering for and ministering to a homeowner.

 

*Please note that volunteers with Samaritan's Purse must be at least 14 years of age due to the nature of the work and proximity to heavy equipment.*

 

Read the full show notes for more details about serving with or requesting assistance from Samaritan's Purse in Southwest Florida: https://conniealbers.com/teaching-kids-to-serve-with-samaritans-purse

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

It's a scary world out there. Humanistic culture is trying to take your kids and instill in them a worldview contrary to our biblical worldview. This week, Lee Ann Mancini is with me on the podcast talking about raising Christian kids and fighting against this evil worldview.

 

We talked about the story behind Lee Ann's children's books and the Sea Kids animated show plus much, much more! Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/raising-christian-kids-with-lee-ann-mancini

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

This week on the podcast I'm doing something a little different. I'm answering some reader questions! Two types of questions that I receive regularly from parents center on stress and failure. So in this episode, I'm going to address how to manage the impacts of stress and failure for your kids.

 

I give you four steps to consider in managing stress as a parent and a list of questions to help you decide when to step and when it is better to allow your child to fail. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/manage-the-impacts-of-stress-and-failure

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I'm excited to welcome Dr. Kathy Koch back to the podcast! Dr. Kathy has a new book about kids and resiliency. She's back to talk with me today about this book titled Resilient Kids and to define and expand upon resiliency. This is about so much more than the trauma of living through a pandemic!     I recently saw a statistic from Max Lucado that something like 80% of young people are feeling stress, anxiety, and/or depression. The mental health crisis in our country is staggering! Dr. Kathy and Celebrate Kids are doing what they can to educate parents. She's optimistic but realistic in the way that she teaches.     In this episode, Dr. Kathy defines resiliency. She talks about things like walking with your kids through struggles, toxic positivity, working on self-talk, Big T vs little t trauma, and so much more! Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/resilient-kids-with-dr-kathy-koch

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Are you a parent who struggling to balance your hopes for your child with how God made them to be? You are not alone. In this heartfelt episode, I share the art of rethinking our parental expectations and why it's so important to see for who they are, not what we think they should be. 

I'll discuss the difference between guiding vs. controlling, how to set expectations that align with your child's unique strengths and interests, and the incredible transformation that happens when we are willing to adjust our expectations. 

Listen today and discover the power that comes from seeing your child in a whole new light.

 

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/rethinking-parental-expectations/

Other popular episodes: 

https://conniealbers.com/when-teens-stop-liking-parents/

https://conniealbers.com/helping-homesick-college-kids/

https://conniealbers.com/showing-children-respect/

https://conniealbers.com/children-need-structure-and-boundaries/

 

Resources: Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy

 

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review and a five-star rating? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

Parenting is hard. Deciding how to implement parenting advice can be even more difficult. There are a lot of parenting books out there. I even wrote one myself! Sadly, many parenting books can come across as being the only right way to parent your child. You might start to think, "What is wrong with my child?" when doing what the author says on page 76 isn't working.

 

In this episode, I want to encourage you to be careful of who you choose to listen to when it comes to parenting advice and show you how to decide which parenting advice to implement. 

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-implement-parenting-advice

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

There's a new term in HR departments around the country: quiet quitters. It refers to people who don't want to overexert themselves. They do just enough to get their paycheck and not get fired. Your children have the opportunity to take the marketplace by storm in this quiet quitter culture!

 

In this episode, I talk about how to raise kids who pursue excellence and know how to put in a good day of work instead of doing just enough.

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/quiet-quitters/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Are you immersing yourself in today? Or are you wrapped up in taking pictures "so you won't forget?" Or consumed with what someone else is doing? Or thinking about work that needs to be done? I have the same temptations and I want to encourage you to focus more on immersing yourself in today rather than the cares of tomorrow.

 

This episode is sponsored by Homeschooling Today Magazine. Learn more, start your subscription, and read my regular column about relationships!

 

How many times when you're on vacation or on a nature walk with your kids, do you pull out your phone and take pictures? You start snapping pictures of everything because you want to remember it all. You want to be able to look back and relive the moment later. How often do you take pictures but forget to be fully present in the moment?

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/immerse-yourself-in-today

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I've recently come through a very difficult season in my life. Trial after trial kept coming. I couldn't get through most days without at least a few tears or without feeling exhausted. For me, this season carried a lot of death and painful losses. For you, maybe it's saying goodbye to someone you love, a financial situation, or a wayward child. How do you get through trials?

 

In my 20s, I was full of hope and expectations. My 30s were much of the same, running towards my goals for my life. But trials hit us all at some point in life. I wrote an article on this topic of trials recently in the Homeschooling Today Magazine. I shared how when we're in the midst of trials, it's easy to get discouraged and frustrated. It's hard when we can't accomplish what we're used to accomplishing!

 

Learn more about our sponsor Homeschooling Today Magazine. Get your subscription and read my regular column about relationships!

 

How do you survive these times of trial? I have some suggestions and encouragement for you! Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-get-through-trials

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Brittany Ann is with me in this episode to talk about how to follow God's will as well as her upcoming virtual conference, Called to Act. She was on the show a while back and I encourage you to listen to episode #48 to learn more about Brittany Ann and her ministry.

 

This time, Brittany Ann and I had a great conversation surrounding learning how to follow God's will. I think you'll be inspired and encouraged by what she has to say! Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-follow-gods-will 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

As a parent, it can be a tricky balance to decide how much to share or not to share with your parents about your homeschooling journey. You may have parents who are supportive or you may have parents who are not supportive of your schooling choice. I've had both experiences. Grandparents can be a great support for their homeschool grandkids if they make intentional choices.

 

I give a little advice for parents in this episode, but I really focus the conversation on grandparents. I have a list of suggestions for ways that you can support your homeschool grandkids - and their parents.

 

This episode is sponsored by Homeschooling Today Magazine. Visit their website and start your subscription today!

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-grandparents-can-support-their-homeschool-grandkids

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

What shapes family relationships? How can your kids grow up to be close friends? I wish I could tell you that you can build sibling relationships using a simple three-step formula. It can be simple, but it does take work and more than three steps to create an environment that will strengthen sibling relationships.

 

I love watching the relationships that have been built between my kids over the years. Let's talk about some ways that you can create an environment to strengthen sibling relationships. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/strengthen-sibling-relationships 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

How does your child think? How do they process the world around them? If you have multiple children as I do, you have probably seen that one child can be extremely different from another child in your family. This is because each of your children is uniquely created by God!

 

This is episode eleven of a series I've been doing on my book, Parenting Beyond the Rules. From the beginning of parenting, I wanted to know how my kids tick and what ticks them off. We have already talked about how the goal is to reach the finish line with your relationships with your children intact. You want them to know that you are their greatest cheerleader and that you are trustworthy. Part of that process is to help each child find how they were uniquely created and this requires a lot of observation on your part.

 

Let's talk about how to observe and support your kids in finding out who they are uniquely created to be. Read the full show notes with links at https://conniealbers.com/uniquely-created 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Ever have that desire to jump into the car for a very long drive... ALONE? Or feel the need to take a long walk by yourself rather than deal with another teenage drama or toddler meltdown? As a mom of 5, I know the feeling. But, you can't quit. Take a break, but remember it's always too soon to quit. Your kids need you to stay engaged! Yes, even those teens who act like they don't need you at times, they need you too!

 

This is episode ten of a series I've been doing on my book, Parenting Beyond the Rules. Friend, we are in a fight for our families and for relationships with our kids. You can't check out mentally, emotionally, or physically. You don't have the luxury of telling them to come back when they are 18 or 25. Let's talk about why you need to stay engaged and some ways to stay engaged when this parenting things gets hard. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/stay-engaged/ 

 

Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend!

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

We have been gripped by fear for the last several years. The pandemic and waves of uncertainty hit us on top of the more common day-to-day fears. But, God says there's no place for fear in our lives! He tells us not to fear because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10). Do you believe that? Are you ready to squash fear?

 

In this ninth episode of the series we've been doing on my book Parenting Beyond the Rules, I want to show you how to squash the fear in your life so it no longer paralyzes you. Let's also talk about 6 ways that you can respond to sticky parenting situations that cause fear to arise in you. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/squash-the-fear

 

Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend!

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Watching your teen pull away can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences as a parent. You might find yourself wondering where the sweet child who once adored you has gone or feel the sting of rejection as they seem to distance more each day. It's tough! And there's no sugarcoating it. But take heart: you're not alone in this journey, and it doesn't mean you're losing them forever. 

When your teen acts like they don't like you and pulls away from the relationship, there are things you should do and things to avoid doing to protect your future relationship.  

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/when-teens-stop-liking-parents/

Popular episodes you missed: 

The Impact of AI on Students

Teaching Your Children to Trust You

Showing Your Child Respect

Buy Connie's book Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

How many times have you said something and then wished you hadn't said those words? Have you reacted to something your child did without thinking and you snapped at them in the process? The power of your words can be a tool or a weapon.

 

This is the eighth episode in a series on my book, Parenting Beyond the Rules. Last week we talked about learning to listen and this week I want to pivot to monitoring your mouth. The power of words can be used to build up or tear down. Neutrality isn't really an option. And, the power of words doesn't end with your kids. This applies to your spouse, friends, and coworkers too.

 

Let's talk about what it looks like to monitor your mouth and harness the power of your words. And I have some tips for getting started in using your words wisely. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/the-power-of-words/ 

 

Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend!

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I've worked with kids from little ones to college kids for over 30 years. The number one complaint I hear from parents is: "My kids don't talk to me!" On the other side, the number one complaint I hear from kids is: "My parents don't listen to me!" You want our kids to talk to you, but do you know how to listen to your child?

 

It's up to you as the parent to become a better listener. In this episode, I'm sharing tips to help you learn to listen to your child. Over time, you'll be able to show yourself as trustworthy and reliable so your child is more likely to choose to talk to you. Read the full show notes with links here:  https://conniealbers.com/how-to-listen-to-your-child/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Have you ever felt like you're trying so hard but you're losing the battle to talk to your kids? First, I want to tell you that is a defeatist mindset and I invite you to change the way that you look at the situation. There are things you can do! Second, there are so many forces out there who are against you and trying to speak into your child's life. Don't give up! You have to learn how to understand your child's world and have the hard conversations in order to develop a strong relationship with your child.

 

In this sixth episode in a series about Parenting Beyond the Rules, I want to give you some suggestions for how to understand your child's world. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/how-to-understand-your-childs-world/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

When you have a baby, there is unimaginable joy. It's hard to understand how much a mom or dad loves their child. But, we have to be careful to not put conditions on that love as they grow older. There are hindrances that can pop up to giving your kids unconditional love.     In this episode, I'm discussing four hindrances that could prevent you from giving your kids unconditional love and giving you suggestions for overcoming those hindrances. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/unconditional-love/     Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend!

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

My father-in-law is an architect. Years ago, when my kids were little, I was in his office looking at the artwork on the walls. It was a collection of buildings that he had designed. One, in particular, caught my eye. It was a building designed on the side of a mountain with metal posts going into the ground. As I talked to him about it, I learned about foundations and what it takes to know how to build in a situation like this. His answer: the soil. You have to know the soil. It's the same with your kids. To build a strong foundation of relationship with them you have to know their soil and how to best build on that soil.

 

God created your child to be a masterpiece, as we've already discussed in this series. It's up to you to learn about the soil of each of their hearts to help build a strong foundation in them. You have to become an expert on your child. What gets them excited? What lifts them up? What drives them to tears? Each of your children is different so it's important to adjust your approach so you do not wound the sensitive one but also get through to the strong child.

 

In this 4th episode in a series about Parenting Beyond the Rules, let's dive into what it takes to build trust with our kids. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/foundation-of-relationship/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Did you get a parenting manual when your child was handed to you? Sometimes it feels like it would have been easier if we had been given a guide or some 3-step formula when they were born. Instead, you're searching the internet for quick tips and hacks to get you through the current parenting struggle. Sometimes the picture gets blurry... but God is not done with the story!

 

Maybe you're currently looking at a picture of life and of your child that isn't quite what you thought it would look like back when they were little. Maybe your teen is rebellious. Maybe you have a child who is simply ignoring you. Maybe you've thrown up your hands and declared, "It is what it is!" That may be true, but only for this moment. God created that masterpiece in the making and He is not done yet!

 

In this third episode in a series about Parenting Beyond the Rules, I'm talking about the top 5 parenting styles and how you can adjust to the needs of each of your children when the picture gets blurry. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/when-the-picture-gets-blurry/

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

The purpose when I started writing Parenting Beyond the Rules was to talk about the principles that we're trying to instill into our kids as we're raising them: Discipline, kindness, sharing, honesty, trustworthiness, etc. But, it is so easy to get confused and think that this parenting thing is all about the rules. If you break a rule, then here's the consequence. It is so much more than that!

 

As I wrote the book and it went through the editing process, the message changed along the way. The cover of the book so perfectly illustrates what the book really turned out to be. The paint brushes and the strokes of paint show how it's really about how your children are each a masterpiece in the making. Your kids are not all the same. We're not making assembly line parts!

 

Tune into this episode for tips for helping your child become the masterpiece they were created to be. Read the full show notes with links here:

https://conniealbers.com/your-child-is-a-masterpiece/

 

Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend!

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I've made mistakes in my parenting journey. Plenty of mistakes! I didn't do it all right and I don't have all of the answers. If I were to go back and start this process all over again, I would just make different mistakes because imperfect parents can't parent perfectly. And your kids are imperfect too. In this series of podcast episodes centered on the themes from my book Parenting Beyond the Rules, I want to help you see how you can parent beyond the rules.

In this first episode, I share how Parenting Beyond the Rules came to be and the importance of parenting beyond the rules to help each of your children become the unique masterpiece God created them to be. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/the-importance-of-parenting-beyond-the-rules 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Our minds are powerful. Sometimes our thoughts run away from us. We find ourselves falling into destructive self-talk and negativity. This mindset not only affects us personally, but we end up bringing this baggage into our marriage and parenting. How can you overcome toxic thinking?

 

Alicia Michelle joins me to talk about mindset, toxic thinking, and how to use science and the Bible together to make changes. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/toxic-thinking-with-alicia-michelle/ 

 

About Alicia Michelle

Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know how to renew their minds in order to overcome toxic thinking patterns (such as perfectionism, fear/worry, and not feeling “enough”) so they can cultivate godly confidence.

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Sometimes it can be hard to be and to love where you are. It is so tempting to try to speed up time and pass over sticky, messy seasons. We want to rush through suffering and pain. But, there are lessons to be learned and relationships to be built in these seasons. Somer Colbert joins me in this episode to talk about these things and how to love where you are.

 

About Somer Colbert

Somer Colbert is a writer, speaker, and host of the Love Where You Are podcast. She is the Director of Adoption and Foster Care Ministry at Crosschurch and Connected Champion with the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries where she creates support, awareness, and advocacy for families seeking to serve in the areas of adoption and foster care. Somer is also a part of the Hope in Grief writing team where she encourages families walking through adoption grief. She creates weekly podcast episodes and resources to equip and empower Christian families to identify their influence for the gospel in every season, live life on mission, and share Jesus right where they are.  Somer is passionate about equipping spiritually healthy families and seeing a movement of God's people step into confidence in their ability to change the world around them through the way they love! She resides in Arkansas with her husband, three kids, and three dogs. She's obsessed with British docudramas and cooking shows and can always be found with a cup of hot tea in hand. Her life has been forever changed by the love of Jesus, marriage to her favorite person, parenting her crazy crew, and walking multiple adoption journeys.

 

Tune in to this conversation where we discuss how to love where you are in every season of your life, building relationships, and living out Deuteronomy 6. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/love-where-you-are-with-somer-colbert 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Helping Homesick College Kids find their way without coming home is the focus of today's podcast. 

Did you know that 70% of college kids experience homesickness and often beg their parents to come home? That shouldn't surprise us. Our children traded what was familiar for the unknown. This big adjustment causes many kids to become completely overwhelmed. 

It takes them time to find their way, but there is so much we can do to help them adjust to their new environment without quitting. 

Tune in to this episode if you or someone you know has a college student. You can help them navigate this season with confidence and joy. 

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/helping-homesick-college-kids/

 

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review and a five-star rating? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

Do you smile in your homeschool and in your family life? Raising your kids, homeschooling, and developing relationships are all hard work. Sometimes you lose your smile... You're not alone in this journey! Todd Wilson from The Smiling Homeschooler wants to see you have joy and smile.

 

In this episode, Todd had me laughing as we talked about having joy in homeschooling, dads taking responsibility in the family, and more. Read the full show notes with links here:  https://conniealbers.com/the-smiling-homeschooler-with-todd-wilson 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Translating between languages can be tricky. Sometimes one word just can't encompass all of the nuances of meaning or one words contains the concepts of two words from another language. When translated into French from English, delight is one of these complicated words. In the French language and culture, you can't separate the idea of delight from deliciousness. This means that God is both delightful and delicious! Stephanie Rousselle joins me in this episode to talk about how to taste the spice of the Gospel and so much more.

 

About Stephanie Rousselle

Stephanie Rousselle is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One over the last two decades on three continents, four countries, and five cities through six professional roles. She is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director, and strategy consultant. And she is 100% French. Stephanie thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking, and dark chocolate. She loves sharing nuances taken from the French and English languages and cultures to experience the New Testament from the inside out. She has quoted her favorite words more times than she can count, first to herself and her children, and then also in settings as diverse as Bible studies, conferences, podcasts, and more: “There is nothing you can do for God to love you more; and there is nothing you can do for God to love you less." Her favorite verse and passion is Philippians 3:10, “For my determined purpose is to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship
in His suffering.”

 

Read the full show notes with links here:  https://conniealbers.com/taste-the-spice-of-the-gospel-with-stephanie-rousselle/  

 

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We tend to have relationships based on what was modeled for us as children. That's the first place we learn about relationships. As parents, we have the opportunity to change the negative patterns and teach our children about nurturing relationships and how to navigate the subtle nuances of relationships.

 

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with my friends Blythe Daniel and her mom, Dr. Helen McIntosh. We discuss:

• How to deal with "mother wounds"
• Making a deliberate decision to change patterns
• Resolving distance in relationships
• and much more!

 

Read the full show notes with links: https://conniealbers.com/nurturing-relationships/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Navigating grief is not easy. I've endured several seasons of loss in the last few years, so I know this firsthand. My guest on this episode is sadly well-acquainted with grief but has turned her story into one that serves and encourages others as they navigate grief.

 

Danita Jenae has learned to navigate grief by holding both joy and sorrow in the same breath as a military widow who was already familiar with trials. Shortly after making what was to be their final military move, which would lead into finishing out her husband Dan's final year of service before retiring, he passed unexpectedly while hiking in the mountains of Colorado. She says that her mountains crumbled that day, in more ways than one.

 

Danita shares how she rebuilt in this new location, how she handled isolation when the pandemic started just months later, and so much more. Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/navigating-grief-with-danita-jenae/ 

 

About Danita Jenae

Danita Jenae is a young mom and recent military widow learning to carry both joy and sorrow in the same breath. As an author, speaker, poet, and artist, she walks alongside the broken-hearted, offering practical and creative ways to lead a Spirit-led life.

   

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Are you biting your nails a little more than usual lately? Are you flat-out irritated or angry about what you see happening around you? I'm right there with you! We're living in a woke world. So, what should you do?  

 

Whether it's Disney, Florida Governor DeSantis signing the law to prevent early elementary-aged children from being taught about gender, or Will Smith and Chris Rock's "slap heard 'round the world," anyone with a microphone is trying to tell you how you should think or what you should do in response.

 

How are they supposed to know what you're supposed to do? There are blatant attacks on your values at every turn. Let's talk about running your race in a work world. Read the full show notes with links here:  https://conniealbers.com/woke-world/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Are you a sunrise or a sunset person? Do you like rising early to start the day and ponder what is ahead of you as the sun comes up? Or do you prefer to sit and consider what happened in your day as the sun goes down? Every day there's a beautiful rhythm and repetition to our days. But, what are the benefits of repetition? Why do we need these rhythms to our days?  

Whether is it the story your children ask you to read over and over again or whether is it the discipline that needs to become a habit in your life, repetition has much value in your life. Read the full show notes with links here:

https://conniealbers.com/benefits-of-repetition/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

You can't ignore conflict and have that conflict just disappear. You also can't resolve conflict by addressing it straight up. Working out conflicts is a complex process. Let's talk through some ways that you can better handle conflict resolution, whether the person on the other side is your child, your spouse, your friend, or your coworker. The goal is to resolve conflict to restore relationships.

 

In this episode, I share some tips and thoughts on how to handle conflict whether you are the offender or the offended in the situation. Read the full show notes with links here: 

https://conniealbers.com/resolve-conflict-to-restore-relationships/

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

It used to be that college kids were the ones who would walk away from their faith. Now, it's teens leaving the Church. It is kids aged 15-17 who are are the ones walking away at an alarming rate. This is rooted in the pandemic and the deeming of churches as non-essential. 

 

Did you know that 16.5% of people don't believe in good and evil? I guess this could explain all of the hostility, rudeness, and violence we're seeing these days. If you don't believe in good and evil, then what do you believe in? This is what your kids are facing!   So what can you do in response to this? I have 4 suggested responses in this episode. Read the full show notes with links here:

https://conniealbers.com/teens-leaving-the-church/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I've been at the National Religious Broadcasters conference this past week. My experiences there made me think about people and how they pitch themselves to others. There's a time and a place for pitching yourself, such as in a job interview. But, I think as Christians, we have to be careful of constantly self-inflating or making sure that people around us know how great or wonderful or accomplished we are. We want to teach our children to be discerning about this as well.  

Our purpose is to elevate Jesus, not ourselves. We don't have to self-elevate because God equips us for what we need to do. We need to be living a life that is promoting and causing other people to see the Lord because it's not about us. We need to be teaching this truth to our children as well. 

 

I encourage you use to use the acronym P.R.A.Y. to help you keep your focus on God in these situations. Read the full show notes with links here:

https://conniealbers.com/be-genuine/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

I've been doing a lot of research about technology and how it affects our families and our kids. Since the beginning of the pandemic, online usage, especially social media, has risen 50% or more. But, I've said many times, technology is not the problem! It's the usage of technology that is the problem. It's how we are using it and how often we are using it. How can you manage device use when your family is gathered together so that relationships are kept top priority?  

In this episode, I'm sharing how to set expectations for device usage when your family is gathered as well as how to approach a disengaged family member who is using their device too much.

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/manage-device-use/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

In today's increasingly connected world, it's nearly impossible to shield our children from political discourse. As parents, our role is to equip our children with the tools they need to navigate political conversations with our kids in the safety of our home. When we teach our children how to have these conversations with friends and family in a respectful manner, their confidence and critical thinking skills grow. 

I'm Connie Albers, a veteran homeschool mom who is married to Tom. Together, we have five grown children (three married) and many grandkids. I am committed to strengthening families through live TV, radio, podcasting, writing, and speaking. My book and audio, Parenting Beyond the Rules, Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy, helps parents navigate a critical season of parenting with a focus on building relationships. 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/political-conversations-with-kids-part-2//

To become a sponsor of Equipped To Be, email contact@conniealbers.com.  

If you enjoy listening to Equipped To Be, would you kindly leave a review and a five-star rating? It is easy and will only take a few seconds. When you do, it helps others see the show in their feed. Also, would you kindly share this with a friend or two? Equipped To Be might be an encouragement to them, too. Thank you ~ Connie

 

Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

 

The CDC recently released new developmental milestone markers for children. This new guidance sadly shows that our children have been developmentally delayed and emotionally hindered during the pandemic. Young children are taking longer to get to their first steps, to smile for the first time, and to wave goodbye. All of our lives have been interrupted in the last two years, but the fallout is showing up in our children.

 

Your child doesn't have to be a casualty of the experiment or remain a statistic. Let's talk about some ways that you can equip your children in this season. 

 

Read the full show notes with links here: https://conniealbers.com/developmental-milestones/ 

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

Yvette Hampton from Schoolhouse Rocked and her family have an incredible story of following God. God called them to sell their home, buy an RV, leave California, and create a documentary about homeschooling. Yvette shares how the perfect author of our lives does amazing work when we trust Him and allow Him to do His work. He is a faithful God!  

This is a fascinating Abraham-type story that you have to hear straight from Yvette's mouth. I hope it encourages you to follow God even when the circumstances seem impossible!

 

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of Schoolhouse Rocked and hope that you'll take the time to watch the documentary for yourself and share it with your friends.

 

Read the full show notes here: https://conniealbers.com/following-god-schoolhouse-rocked/  

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/ 

It's been a long road for this podcast, but I've stayed the course. The Equipped To Be podcast began just a few weeks before COVID hit and the world went into lockdown. I knew we were supposed to be doing this podcast. People had been asking me for a podcast for years. And so in February of 2020 we prepared and then went live at the end of that month. That was almost two years ago! And now, here we are at episode 100! Let's take a look at these first 100 episodes and what is needed for staying the course.

 

Read the full show notes here: https://conniealbers.com/staying-the-course/

 

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Have a question? Interested in having Connie speak? Send an email to Connie here: https://conniealbers.com/contact/