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)

Have you ever been taken aback by the BIG feelings coming out of your child's small body? Today we're talking about angry outbursts, emotional meltdowns, sibling jealousy, and a crippling fear of failure. Listen and learn from Karen's wisdom so you can equip your kids to handle big emotions.

Mentioned on today’s episode:

A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring

The Anger Iceberg blog post

Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

Moms often feel like we work all day—either at an office or at home—and then we start a second shift in the evening: dinner, dishes, bathtime, etc. Sometimes it can feel like we do it all alone! Today, we're answering questions about spouses who don't carry half the weight, kids who are perpetual mess-makers, and how to motivate your family to pitch in and help a mom out! 

Mentioned on today's episode:

Elizabeth Pehrson's ministry (mom of 8 who gives lots of chores!!): The Exchange

Moms on Call sleep training program

YouVersion plan: 10 Days to a Better Back to School

Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

August is basically another New Year for moms, right? New schools, new teachers, new schedules, everything starts over and we get a chance for a fresh start. Listen in today for Karen's tips on hitting the reset button and starting off on the right foot this school year.

Mentioned on today's episode:

YouVersion reading plan - 10 Days to a Better Back to School

Karen's daily devotional - Moments with God for Moms 

Want to know the secret to being happily married for 37 years? Listen and learn from Karen in today’s episode! We’re exploring how to navigate differences, keep the love alive, and build the strong, united front that benefits your kids. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs, this episode is all about celebrating the joys and quirks of married life. Tune in and learn from the best. :) 

Episode Recap:

5:21 A strong marriage brings security to children

7:53 Principle #1- Be United

10:14 How to actively listen to your spouse

17:05 Strategies to navigate and embrace differences

21:39 Principle #2- Be FOR one another 

27:01 Be your spouse’s #1 cheerleader

Questions for Discussion:

1. What shared values are most important in your marriage, and how do you reinforce them?
2. How do you and your partner handle differences in parenting styles?
3. What are some ways you keep the romance alive amidst the chaos of family life?
4. Can you share a time when overcoming a challenge together strengthened your relationship?
5. How do you celebrate the small, everyday moments in your marriage?

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

The feelings of guilt are REAL in a mom’s world. Today Karen talks about how she's experienced mom guilt in the past and how she manages it in the present. She also offers advice on asking for help, dropping kids off at child care, and what to do when guilt creeps in. Tune in and be encouraged today!

Mentioned on today’s episode:

Moms of Teens! Register for the SURVIVE retreat today!

Get on Karen’s monthly email list

Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among students today. As a society, we are clearly in crisis. As mothers, we are fighting on the front lines.

Today, mental health professional Debbie Causey joins us to talk about her own journey as the mother of a child with mental health conditions. Debbie also shares wisdom on the warning signs we can be alert for and the steps we can take to fight for our children's lives.

Even if you have toddlers and this conversation feels light years away, listen for a friend, a family member, or a student you know and love.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Moms of teens, register for the SURVIVE retreat today! It's a weekend away with Karen focused specifically on the challenges and the joys of parenting teens. 

Karen’s book The Art of Motherhood

NAMI.ORG

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Crisis Text Line

NAMI Classes

Mother and occupational therapist Christy Bennett joins Sunny and Karen today to dive into sensory based behavior. We discuss what sensory behaviors are, and how to provide the sensory stimulus (or lack thereof) that your child is craving.

Christy also answers your questions on how to talk to teachers about your child's specific needs and how parents can advocate for their child in the school system and in situations with other adults (coaches, church leaders, etc.) 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Moms of teens! Register for the SURVIVE retreat today. 

Lucy the Lapdog

How to Leave a Wire Talk review

Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

Dr. Mike Sytsma joins us to answer your questions about sex and motherhood. Dr. Mike is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Sexual Addictions Specialist. He is also an ordained minister who is passionate about marriage and helping couples grow in their marriage! We are so glad he is here to provide expert level advice and answers to your questions. 

Learn more about the Survive Retreat for Moms of Teens

Take a second to tell us what you love about BOAW!

Intimate Marriage - Dr. Mike's online couples group

IntimateMarriage.Org - Dr. Mike's organization

Winshape Marriage retreats 

Parenting Together study with Karen and Greg Stubbs

Fear in motherhood is a very real thing. It starts when they're young: are they hungry, are they hurting? And never stops, even when they are adults! Many of us are worried we’ll mess something up and mess up our kids in the process. Today Karen reminds us what is true and where to keep our focus when fear threatens to take us down.

Get the New Mom's Baby Box: boaw.mom/babybox

Join our private FB community of moms seeking godly wisdom: facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

We've all heard the advice to "pick your battles" as a mom. But which battles are the right ones to pick? We asked you to send in the battles you're frustrated by in your home and Karen is going to weigh in with whether or not it's worth the fight. Play along as you listen, can you guess what Karen's answer will be??

Take a second to tell us what you love about BOAW!

Grab our New Mom's Baby Box 

Save the Date - Survive: A Retreat for Moms of Teens registration opens July 10th!

There are all kinds of books and podcasts that aim to prepare you for childbirth or breastfeeding, but one thing that’s hard to prepare for is the isolation you’ll experience in those early days as a newborn mom. From how to "get out there" with a newborn to overcoming FOMO because you're breastfeeding all the time, on today's episode, Karen shares wisdom for the newest moms in our community.

Mentioned on today's episode:

Start a BOAW Group and go through Mom Core together

New Mom’s Baby Box

Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

Whether you love or loathe summer, no one can deny that longer days, soaring temperatures, and no school routine means a change of pace around the house. Today we're tackling questions about how to keep your kids fed, how to manage work from home life when the kids are around, and how to inject FUN into summer as a red mom.

Mentioned on today’s episode:

New Mom’s Baby Box

Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

We spend decades trying to figure out how to parent them well, and then all of a sudden, they are grown ups and we are staring at an empty nest. Today we're talking about how to handle the loneliness that sometimes accompanies a quiet house, how to prepare yourself for this stage of life, and how to move into your new role as mom to an adult child!

Find all the show notes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode316

Just when you think you’re getting a handle on motherhood, your child moves into a new season of life and you’ve got to relearn everything! Today we're talking about high schoolers on the verge of adulthood. Karen shares her thoughts on how to let go without giving up, how to guide without pushing and how to handle college students when they come back home.

In this episode, Karen and Emily share practical tips for creating a fun and memorable summer for your family. From nostalgic ice cream runs and imaginative backyard play to volunteering and fostering independence in kids, they offer ideas for keeping summer simple and enjoyable. Don’t miss Karen’s nuggets on balancing work with quality family time! Share your own summer ideas with us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or Instagram and join the conversation! 

Episode Recap:

3:20 - Karen shares her summer plans
5:51 - Karen was a laid back mom, so summer was a always fun for her
7:16 - Question 1: I'm a working mom and summer feels frantic for me, help! 
11:04 - Question 2: I’m dreading hearing “I’m bored!”  Any suggestions?
17:48 - Emily offers ideas: do your research and prepare ahead of time for a fun summer! 

23:56 - Question 3: What are your thoughts on summer jobs for teens?

26:58 - Question 4: How do I manage working from home with my kids this summer? 

30:00 - Remember, you are not the cruise director for your kids’ lives! 

Questions for Discussion:

1. What are some of your favorite summer memories or traditions from your own childhood? Can you recreate or adapt any of them for your family today?
2. Do you have to balance work responsibilities with family time during the summer? How have you planned ahead or what can you implement that you heard in this episode?
3. How do you promote creativity and independence in your children during summer? Are you hovering too much or do you allow your kids to get bored?! 
4. Reflect on the idea of not being the "cruise director" for your children's lives. How do you manage expectations and foster self-sufficiency in your kids?

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
  
  

Ahhhhh adolescence. Everyone’s favorite time of life. Today’s episode is about that transition from almost teen to full blown teenager. From pushing boundaries to pulling away emotionally, Karen offers wisdom for how to help your child when they still have one foot in both worlds.

Find the shownotes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode314

Today’s episode is about that season when your toddler is growing more independent. From using the bathroom, to getting dressed, this is the "I do it myself!" phase of life. You’d think that means life gets easier for a mom, but each new season comes with its own difficulties. Listen in as Karen offers advice for keeping little escape artists safe, moving toddlers to a "big kid" bed and letting go of control so your little one can learn. 

If you had a difficult relationship with your mom as a teenager, you may be shocked to find that the relationship gets even more complicated when you become a mom.

On today’s episode, we are answering questions about boundaries, passive-aggressive behavior, expectations and we even have a question that a teen emailed us… a first for Wire Talk! 

We are wrapping up our time in the book of James today by reading and talking through chapter 5.

I pray that this month has made you more confident and comfortable in sitting down with your own Bible to study the Word.

James 5:16 NLT "...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

We are continuing our journey through the book of James this week. Today Karen is reading and teaching through chapters 3 and 4- focusing on the power of the tongue and seeking God's wisdom. 

We're back in the book of James this week!

Join us as Karen reads and teaches through the second chapter of this highly practical book and shares truths that apply to our world today. 

As Easter approaches, many of us feel like we should be getting into the Word and reading our Bibles, but if we're honest, a lot of times we don't know how to study the Bible! This month, Karen is going to walk us through the book of James, verse by verse, and share the nuggets of wisdom she takes away from this very practical book. Join us today as we walk through chapter 1 together. 

At times we all need someone to tell us how to think about things differently, and that’s something Karen does really well. On today's show, we’ve gathered questions from moms who are burnt out, disheartened, or just plain TIRED! With loads of encouragement and a little tough love, Karen help us all adjust their attitudes in this conversation.

All month long, we've been sharing conversations about the 'battles we don’t always see.'

We’ve talked about raising a special needs child, anxiety, struggling with a chaotic marriage, and today we are going to hear from NFL hall of famer, Bryant Young, and his incredible wife Kristin, as they share their testimony of walking with the Lord through cancer, grief, and loss.

From the prayer they prayed when they received the news of their son's diagnosis, to the way they walked this road with 5 other children at home, hearing their story will grow your faith.

Their testimony is one that epitomizes Romans 5:3-4, "...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

Today you’re going to hear from dear friend and long time BOAW mom, Jenny Boyett, as she joins Karen to share what it has been like to walk through a marriage that did not turn out the way she dreamed. Unless you have a friend walking through this season of life, or you are going through a situation like this yourself, you may never otherwise know what it’s like to be faced with this scenario. All month long, we are sharing these stories so we can grow in empathy and compassion alongside our fellow BOAW moms. 

In this episode of "The Summer Before...", Karen and Emily discuss the summer before college and answer your questions about preparing for this big transition. They talk about fostering independence, celebrating your Senior, and teaching essential life skills. Emily shares some hilarious advice on dorm room safety, and Karen reminds moms to lower our expectations when it comes to phone calls. As always, tune in for practical tips and heartfelt encouragement as your child embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Episode Recap:
5:16 - Karen’s goal was to have her kids ready for independence by the time they left high school 
7:19 - How can I celebrate my Senior well? 
10:10 - Karen shares how she ended up at Auburn University
11:29 - What are some life skills I can teach my 18 year old this summer? 
14:52 - Emily gives advice for how not to set your college dorm room on fire ;)

15:45 - How do I set my teen up to be supported in their faith while they are away from home

17:23 - Your prayer life is essential to your child’s faith

18:18 - What should my expectations be for how often I talk to my kids while they’re at school? 

22:58 - Be excited for your child as they enter this new phase of life! 

Questions for Discussion:

1. How are you feeling about your child leaving for college? What emotions have surfaced as you prepare for this significant transition, and how are you processing them?
2. How do you think the dynamics in your household will change with your child away at college? Have you thought ahead to how you will navigate that shift? 
3. What challenges do you foresee in balancing guidance and allowing your child to make their own decisions? How do you plan to handle situations where you might need to step back and let them navigate on their own?
4. What are you most excited about for your child as they embark on this new journey? 

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 31st: 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

We've talked about the anxiety epidemic our kids are facing these days, but there are a ton of moms battling chronic anxiety as well. Today, Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen to give us practical ways to combat anxiety and shares how to know when we need extra help.

Cady Dugger joins us in the studio to talk about raising her daughter, Christine, who was born with a rare chromosomal disorder. All month long we want to pull back the curtain on the battles moms in our community are facing, battles that many of us know little to nothing about. Our hope is that today’s conversation will inspire empathy and grow your compassion for the moms in your world who are facing unseen battles of their own.

Dr. Sharon Marcanthony joins Karen and Sunny today to talk about the changing hormones women experience throughout our lives. We’re asking Sharon your questions about menopause, sexual health, postpartum depression, and managing PMS. Sharon reminds us of the importance of having a comfortable relationship with our health care providers as well as how critical community is in helping us navigate the changing seasons of our lives (i.e. don’t menopause alone!)

A lot of moms put their needs on the sideline when their children are young- but when those children get older, a mom can’t even recognize what her needs are anymore. Self care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health, and it’s something we need to make time for as moms.

It’s natural that our kids try to “trump” their dad and become the priority in a mom’s world, but your husband came first! And like Karen always says, you want him to be there after the kids leave home! Join the conversation today as we tackle your questions about keeping your spouse #1.

Find links to all the resources Karen shared in this episode at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode300

All month long we are talking about getting our priorities straight. Many of us try to do this going into the new year, but come February, we’ve already given up on many of the changes we said we wanted to make. So, think of this whole month like a priorities pep talk! 

We’re going to cover marriage, self-care, and even hormonal health with a guest later this month, but today we are kicking things off talking about friendship.

Parenting a teen in today’s world is not for the faint of heart! Join us today as we answer your questions about raising teenagers and dealing with tough topics like pornography, low self-esteem, smartphones, and social media. Moms of littles, please listen! Looking down the road a few years can help you make choices today that will make your tomorrow easier.

Find show notes at: birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode298

One of our primary roles in our child's life is to point them toward God, but their relationship with God is just that, it's their relationship. Your child is not an extension of you, and for better or worse, you are not in control! In this conversation we talk about the importance of being a prayer warrior for your child and how to approach them in a winning way. 

Consistency is Karen’s key word for discipline and on today’s episode we are talking about what that looks like in the life of a teenager. From how to pick your battles and knowing which topics aren’t worth the fight, today’s episode gives practical tips and encouragement to stay the course and be consistent during the teenage years.

We’re baaaaack! And we’re kicking off the New Year with a month of episodes focused on teenagers. Whether you’re the mom of multiple teens or you’re still in toddler world, you’ll benefit from tuning into today’s practical wisdom for dealing with drama.

Grab a copy of Karen's 365 day devotional for moms HERE. 

As your kids transition to a new season in their school journey, summer presents a unique opportunity to support and celebrate them. In this episode, we discuss the developmental changes happening at this stage and the importance of letting your middle schooler discover their identity. We also tackle preparing your daughter for dealing with mean girls and how your child evolves during high school years. Plus, we explore the benefits of summer jobs, ways to connect with your son, and setting reasonable expectations for this new season. Tune in for practical tips and encouragement as you navigate this pivotal summer with your child!

Episode Recap:

3:25 - What is changing developmentally as our kids move on from elementary years?

7:14 - Let your middle schooler start to figure out who they are and find their path

13:47 - How do I prepare my daughter for dealing with mean girls? 

20:43 - How are our kids changing as they move into the high school years? 

25:10 - Is having a summer job important? 

28:43 - How can I connect with my son this summer?

31:49 - How do I set reasonable expectations for my child in this new season?

Questions for Discussion:

1. After hearing about the developmental changes our kids go through as they move from elementary to middle and high school, what new insights did you gain about your child’s behavior or needs?
2. What strategies have you used (or do you plan to use) to help your middle schooler begin to figure out who they are and find their path?
3. What are your thoughts on encouraging your child to get a summer job? Do you think it’s important, and why?
4. How do you plan to set reasonable expectations for your child in this new season of middle or high school?
5. What challenges do you foresee in setting these expectations, and how do you plan to address them?

Resources:

• Moments with God for Teenage Girls: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/preorder-teen-devotional
• 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

Today we’re giving you a peek into our Patreon podcast - Real Life, Real Moms! 

Ann Mason and I have been friends for a while, and I've been so impressed by the God-honoring way she parents. She has three children, one of whom is special needs and non-verbal. We talk a little about that and the isolation and grieving that often comes alongside having a special needs child. We also chat a little about boundaries and freedoms as kids get older. 

Become a Patron today and hear the rest of Ann's episode!  

Blended family expert Ron Deal joins Wire Talk today to answer questions from moms in our BOAW community and offer his unique perspective from decades of ministry with stepfamilies. Ron tackles everything from how to prepare your child's heart to accept a new relationship to disciplining stepchildren. This episode is packed with great advice, and no matter what kind of family you have, listening will leave you with a nugget of wisdom you can put into practice today.

Mentioned on today's episode:

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We love how this show has enabled the Birds ministry to grow and impact families across the world. Today, Karen and Sunny share emails from listeners with BOAW advice that is making a difference in their lives today. What BOAW advice has worked for YOU lately? 

Find show notes (and that family values pic) HERE.