Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Today Karen is answering questions from moms juggling packed schedules, managing family commitments, and trying to make a little time for themselves! From balancing kids' activities with family time to learning when to say no, in this episode you’ll hear practical advice to help you protect your energy and prioritize what matters most. Pop in those earbuds or grab a basket of laundry to fold and let's figure out what your best "yes" is for this season.

Episode Recap:

- 3:57 Survival Guide to Motherhood is now available as an online course! Register today

- 6:14 My schedule is packed and I was recently asked to lead a group at church. I want to say no, but how can I?  

- 8:37 I’m conflicted about travel sports - help! 

- 12:31 I’m exhausted, how do I stay connected to my husband in this season of parenting?

- 15:42 How can I set boundaries now to avoid overcommitment in the future?

Scripture for Reflection:

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. How do you evaluate whether a commitment is a “best yes” for your family? What criteria do you use to make sure your commitments support your family’s well-being?
2. How can you ensure that your marriage remains a priority amidst the busyness of life? Is this easy for you or is it a struggle? 
3. Karen talks about dividing your time into three categories: essentials, non-negotiables, and bonuses. How do you currently categorize your commitments? What activities or priorities fall into each category in your life? Are there any adjustments you feel called to make after reflecting on this concept?
4. What strategies can you implement to create intentional rest and unstructured family time in your weekly routine?

Resources:

• Register for Survival Guide to Motherhood today: www.boaw.mom/SGTM Use coupon code THRIVE for your exclusive Wire Talk listener discount.
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events
• Join our private BOAW Moms FB group for community and collective wisdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

Today Karen and Emily dive into the dynamics of marriage and parenting, reminding us that we are not our husband's Holy Spirit! Karen talks about letting go of the urge to control her husband's spiritual journey, addresses differences in parenting styles, and offers practical wisdom for managing the emotional ups and downs that come with doing life together. Lean in for practical advice rooted in love and respect, remembering that it is God who ultimately guides our growth.

Episode Recap:

5:15 How do I let go of my husband’s lack of a quiet time? 

7:41 Our job is to love and respect our husbands

8:00 My husband is harsh when he disciplines, what do I do? 

11:29 How can I get my husband to take more initiative?

15:55 My husband’s moodiness brings me down!

Scripture for Reflection:

1 Corinthians 3: 6-7 (NIV): "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

Questions for Discussion:

1. Can you relate to the feeling of wanting to control your husband's spiritual walk? When has this happened in your own marriage, and how have you handled it?
2. In what ways have you seen differences in parenting styles between you and your spouse? What strengths does your husband’s style bring to the family? What strengths does your style bring? Do you think you make a good team or is there a lack of balance?
3. Do you ever struggle with resentment or feeling overwhelmed in your role as a wife and mother? What steps have you taken to address these feelings, and how did your husband respond?
4. When your husband is in a "blue mood," how do you typically react? Have you found any strategies that help both of you during those times, and how do you maintain your own emotional balance?
5. Reflecting on the idea of giving space in your marriage, how have you or your husband used space to deescalate tensions? What are some practical ways you’ve implemented this in your relationship?

Resources:

• Check out BOAW’s curriculum Parenting Together (from Preschool to Prom): https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/studies/products/parenting-together-digital-video
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events
• Join our private BOAW Moms FB group for community and collective wisdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges moms face: determining when to address a child's behavior and when to let things slide. Today Karen is answering your questions about managing high expectations, handling stress-induced blow-ups, guiding toddlers through tantrums, fostering honesty in kids, and navigating family dynamics with your less disciplined relatives. We hope today’s encouragement helps you find the balance between leaning in and letting go!

Episode Recap:

4:20 Are my expectations for my 5 year old too high? 

8:06 Help! I have zero patience for my energetic kiddo right now! 

12:28 You don’t have time “not have time” for your daily quiet time with God.

14:45 How do I handle a toddler who won’t stop crying? 

18:53 I always have to fact-check my child. How do we stop the habit of lying?

21:09 My siblings’ children are wild at family functions and it sucks the joy out of our time together. What can I do? 

Questions for Discussion:

1. How do you decide when to address your child's behavior and when to let things go?
2. Do you turn to prayer during challenging parenting moments, and can you share a time when it made a difference for you or your child? 
3. Did you relate to the question about the toddler who won’t stop crying? Are any of your children especially sensitive or outwardly emotional? How do you help your child learn to express their emotions in a healthy way?
4. Do you have any relatives or close friends who have different parenting styles from you? Does it make those interactions challenging or have you found effective ways to handle those relationships?

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

When you have elementary and middle school aged kids, the pressure and the busy schedule that come with pursuing athletics or the arts can really stress a mom out! Whether it’s pushback from your kids, or a strain on your schedule and your finances, today Karen gives advice on how to juggle it all and keep the most important things central in your world during this season of life.

Check out today's shownotes and find all things BOAW at: birdsonawiremoms.com

Megan and Leigh join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a GREEN MOM. They'll talk about what makes motherhood easy for greens and how it challenges their temperaments; if you're a green, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not green, we think it will give you valuable insights into the green moms in your world.

Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Mentioned on the show:

Personality Plus for Parents

I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman

Today Ashley and Anisa join us in the studio to share how they see the world through the lens of a BLUE MOM. They'll talk about how blues thrive in mom world and what doesn't come easily to them as blues.

If you're a blue, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not blue, we think it will give you valuable insights into the blue moms in your world.

Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Mandee and Erin join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a YELLOW MOM. You know Karen is yellow, so this is one FUN conversation!

We'll hear what these yellows love about mom life, but also how it refines them. If you're a yellow, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not yellow, we think it will give you valuable insights into the yellow moms in your world.

Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Today Katie and Kelly join us in the studio to share how they see life and parenting through the lens of being a "red". They'll talk about working life, home life, and everything in between. If you're a red, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not red, we think it will give you valuable insights into the red moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our colors quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Mentioned on today's episode:

Personality Plus for Parents

I Said This, You Heard That

This episode kicks off 5 weeks of a new Personality Colors series! We're going to share what the colors are, where the concept comes from, how to find out your color, and why it’s a helpful tool for families. Then, week by week we're bringing you interviews with moms of each color to help you understand how this temperament plays out in motherhood. We hope you come away encouraged and equipped to use the colors in your family!

Mentioned on the show:

The BOAW Colors Quiz

Personality Plus for Parents

I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman

A Grown Up's Guide to Kids' Wiring 

We all know focusing on a healthy marriage should be a priority while you raise kids, but sometimes your kids are the source of conflict in your marriage! Today Karen and Sunny are answering your questions about how to navigate the inevitable disagreements that go hand in hand with parenting together.

Links from today's show:

Parenting Together curriculum

Our newest study: Survival Guide to Motherhoood (ages 0-5)