Today's episode rides the emotional rollercoaster ride of defiance, particularly with red/blue personality kids. Karen shares insights, encouragement, and practical tips for parents who are facing defiance head-on.Episode Recap:08:26 - Red and Blue Temperament Combination10:16 - Seeking God's Wisdom19:41 - Addressing Defiance in Children24:56 - Gaining Respect from a Defiant Child27:54 - Letting Fathers Take the LeadResources:Don’t miss it! Register for Mom Core Online today! www.boaw.mom/momcoreonlinePick up Karen’s Teen Devotional: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/frontpage/products/preorder-teen-devotionalWant Karen to speak to the moms in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

406: Defiance in the Powerful Perfectionist Personality (Red/Blue)

Today we’re answering your questions about the challenges of potty training. We cover dealing with frequent bathroom trips during outings and handling stubborn three-year-olds and Karen shares practical tips for creating routines and staying patient through the ups and downs of potty training. Tune in for helpful advice, encouragement, and reassurance that you’re not alone on this messy adventure!﻿Episode Recap:2:16 - Potty Training Boys vs. Girls3:24 - Frequent Potty Breaks Issue5:15 - Motivating a Stubborn Child to Potty7:16 - Dealing with Weak Pelvic Floor in Children10:21 - Empathy and Understanding in Potty Training11:36 - Strategies for Poop TrainingResources:Register for Mom Core Online today! www.boaw.mom/momcoreonlineWant Karen to speak to the moms in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

405: The Ultimate Potty Training Episode

Taylor joins Karen and Emily in the studio today to answer your questions about creating a healthy relationship with your son. We answer questions about what experiences bonded Taylor’s heart to Karen early on in life and how Karen being a student of Taylor’s (blue/melancholy) personality helped him to feel known growing up in a house full of girls. This conversation is full of nuggets that will both encourage your heart and help you invest in your sons. Episode Recap:- Mother-Son Relationship Dynamics- How Karen Showed Love During Taylor’s Teen Years- Strategies for Interacting with a Blue Personality- Learning to Communicate with a Blue Child- Dating Rules for Taylor vs. His Sisters- The Four S's for Blues- Structuring Family Time for Blues- Advice for Grandparenting with Sensitivity and Staying in Your LaneResources:Register for Mom Core Online today! www.boaw.mom/momcoreonlineWant Karen to speak to the moms in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Check out Christian Parenting’s Discipleship Simplifed Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/product/discipleship-simplified/Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

404: Q&A with Karen’s son Taylor Stubbs

As moms, making time to prioritize friendship can feel difficult or downright impossible depending on your situation. In today’s episode, Karen answers questions about friendship from the new mom in town, working moms, introverted moms, and the mom who feels out of place with others in her peer group.   Episode Recap: 4:17 - The Loneliness of Motherhood 7:15 - Finding New Friends After Moving 9:15 - The Challenge of Making Friends as an Introvert 10:45 - Balancing Work & Friendship 13:43 - Dealing with Past Hurt from Mom Cliques  Resources:   Want to start a group? Learn more: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/start-a-group   Codependent No More book: https://amzn.to/4bmmrs4     Want Karen to speak to the moms in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Check out Christian Parenting’s  Discipleship Simplifed Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/product/discipleship-simplified/   Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

403: You Need Friends

If the church has hurt you - this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Today Karen is answering questions about what to do if your teens don’t enjoy the church you attend, seeking a new church family, when church hurts, and how to respond to a church that seems to be slowly dying. We hope this conversation encourages you to persevere in your efforts to be a part of a local church and reminds you why it is worth it!   Episode Recap:  4:30 - There’s no such thing as a perfect church 11:20 - How to handle teens hurt by church 16:30 - Help! My teens dislike our church 22:00 - Our church is dying…what do we do?  Resources:   Check out Christian Parenting’s  Discipleship Simplifed Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/product/discipleship-simplified/     Available Now! Karen’s new Teen Girls Devotional:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional     Want Karen to come deliver some encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

402: You Need a Church Family

We’re talking teens and their faith on today’s show. Join us as Karen answers your questions on everything from choosing a Bible for your teen to navigating difficult life situations and even to questioning God. Our prayer is that this episode gives you the encouragement and the resources you need to help guide your teens along their faith journey. Check out today’s show notes for links to all the recommendations from the episode and then some!   Episode Recap: 7:48 - Bible study recommendations for teen girls 8:06 - Announcing Karen’s devotional for teen girls! 9:43 - Handling apathy in your teen's faith 10:01 - Encouraging your teen to read their Bible 10:54 - Creating boundaries around your teen’s behavior  Resources:   Find great Bible studies for teens on Right Now Media: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/     Available Now! Karen’s new Teen Girls Devotional:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional   Great Bible for Teen Boys: https://amzn.to/48IJTOF   Katie’s choice Bible for Tween Boys: https://amzn.to/3vJVI8G   Karen’s choice Bible for Tween or Teen Girls: https://amzn.to/3SsgnHa   Guidance for your prayer life - The Power of a Praying Mom: https://amzn.to/3S91oAy   Boundaries with Teens: https://amzn.to/3OfuKfc     Want Karen to come deliver some encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

401: Encouraging Your Teens’ Faith

It's a milestone episode for us—number 400—and today we are going to answer all your questions about chores! When should we start assigning them? Do we need to pay for them? Is it all just part of being in the family? How do we instill this into our family unit and get it going as a mom? Tune in as Karen shares how chores were handled in the Stubbs home as her kids were growing up and encourages us to reframe how we think about chores!   Episode Recap: 6:09 - Adjusting Chore Expectations 8:00 - Consistency & Allowance for Chores 12:20 - Tailoring Chores to Children's Ages 14:19 - Paying for Chores: Yes or No? 17:04 - Simplifying Chore Systems   Resources: Want Karen to come deliver some tough love and major encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Check out Mom Core Online, course registration opens February 2024: https://www.boaw.mom/momcore2024   Pre-order Karen’s new Teen Girls Devotional:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional   Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms   Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

400: Training Your Children To Do Chores

Join us today as we dive deep into the heart of prayer, answering your questions and offering wisdom on where to start. From instilling the power of prayer in your children to practical tips about getting your mind focused when you pause to pray, we hope this conversation encourages you to make prayer an integral part of your daily routine this year!  Episode Recap: - Overcoming Guilt in Prayer Life (8:47) - Staying Focused During Prayer (10:16) - Praying with Kids and Modeling Prayer (13:35)  - Structure/Format for Effective Prayer (17:34)   Resources:   Want Karen to come deliver some tough love and major encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Kick start your prayer life this year with Karen’s 52 week long prayer journal:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/moments-in-prayer-52-week-prayer-journal   Grab Moments with God for Moms to guide you during your time with God:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/copy-of-moments-with-god-for-moms-daily-devotional-faux-leather   Pre-order Karen’s new devotional, Moments with God for Teen Girls:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional   Pick up your copy of the Christian Parenting Discipleship Simplified guide at www.cpgive.org   Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

399: What Should My Prayer Life Look Like?

We’re back with part two of our “State of Motherhood” address and we hope you’ve got on your closed toe shoes, because Karen might step on your toes today! As we continue this candid conversation about the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of being a mom, we talk about the necessity of taking ownership for your world and encourage you to root out laziness wherever it has crept into your life. Don’t miss Karen’s encouragement for us all at the end, that it is worth it. Despite the challenges and the seemingly never-ending work of motherhood - there are great rewards in this calling. We hope this episode reminds you that everything we do should be done unto the Lord, and that includes being a mom!    Episode Recap • Stop blaming others, take ownership for your life (6:00-18:00) • Stop being lazy (18:53) • Proverbs 31 and the virtuous woman (29:17) • It’s all worth it (32:07)   Resources: Want Karen to come deliver some tough love and major encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Check out Mom Core Online, course registration opens February 2024: www.boaw.mom/momcore2024   Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Guide-Motherhood-Parenting-Christian/dp/0736990054/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3IHHWBH00N3CV&keywords=survival+guide+to+motherhood&qid=1703862226&sprefix=survival+guide+to+mother%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5   Already purchased Survival Guide? Send us an email (info@birdsonawiremoms.com) with a picture of your copy and we’ll put you on our list to receive a brand-new signed copy when the new release comes out!   Pre-order Karen’s new Teen Girls Devotional:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional   Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms   Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

398: The State of Motherhood Address | Part 2

Welcome back to Wire Talk, moms! It's a new year, and today we're kicking off a two-part series with a "State of Motherhood" address. We're acknowledging the good, the hard, and the unfair aspects of motherhood, and we're here to give you a loving kick in the pants to help you refocus and maintain perspective as we jump back into the “real world” this week.  Episode Recap • What’s coming up at BOAW Moms this year (0:00-10:54) • Moms are pursuing wisdom and excellence in parenting (10:54-13:09) • Life isn’t fair (13:09-20:20) • Being a mom is HARD (20:20-32:27) • Lean in on Christ and on others (32:27- 35:57)   Resources:   Want Karen to come deliver some tough love and major encouragement to the moms in your community? Reach out to Katie at www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite    Check out Mom Core Online, course registration opens February 2024: www.boaw.mom/momcore2024   Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Guide-Motherhood-Parenting-Christian/dp/0736990054/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3IHHWBH00N3CV&keywords=survival+guide+to+motherhood&qid=1703862226&sprefix=survival+guide+to+mother%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5   Already purchased Survival Guide? Send us an email (info@birdsonawiremoms.com) with a picture of your copy and we’ll put you on our list to receive a brand-new signed copy when the new release comes out!    Pre-order Karen’s new Teen Girls Devotional:  https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/preorder-teen-devotional    Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms   Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

397: The State of Motherhood Address | Part 1

Today we’re wrapping up our three-part series, Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas, by looking at parallels between the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the ancient Jewish Passover tradition. Listen as Karen unpacks the significance that Jesus is the Lamb of God, and His life is the very best gift we can all receive this Christmas. Mentioned on today’s show: Give to Birds on a Wire Moms to help us carry on our mission in 2024 Watch today's episode on YouTube Messianic Prophecies print out Scripture referenced:  Exodus 12:3-27, John the Baptist declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29)

396: Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas | Pt. 3 The Lamb of God

We’re back with the second episode in a three-part series leading up to Christmas. In the middle of this FULL season as moms, our hope is that these episodes allow you to take a moment for yourself and pause and reflect on the reason behind this season. Today we’re focusing on the role Mary played in the story of Jesus’ arrival. Karen points out that Mary's life was completely disrupted when she was chosen to give birth to the Messiah, but she chose to trust God despite the messiness of her situation. Join us as we meditate on the faithfulness of God, who walks with us through the challenges and the uncertainty of our own messy lives. Mentioned on today’s show: birdsonawiremoms.com Give today to help us grow next year Watch today's episode on YouTube Messianic Prophecies print out  Luke 1:26-56 Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

395: Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas | Pt. 2 The Trustworthiness of God

Join us for the first installment of a special three-part series leading up to Christmas. We all know how crazy December can be with shopping, family gatherings, cooking, and so much more. It's easy for Christmas to become background noise. But in these next three weeks, let's take a moment to pause and reflect on the faithfulness of God.  Today, we'll dive into the topic of God's faithfulness by exploring Old Testament prophecies that found their fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. Karen shares parallels between a God who kept His promises in ancient times and the God who keeps his promises to us today. No matter what your personal circumstances look like this year, we hope you’ll find peace as you reflect on God’s faithfulness today, which anchors us even in the midst of chaos. Mentioned on today’s show: Watch today's episode on YouTube! Chapter 3 of Science Speaks (regarding the probability of one man fulfilling all the OT prophecies about Christ)   Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

394: Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas | Pt. 1 The Faithfulness of God

We know that for many moms, parenting solo is a daily reality. For whatever reason and for however long you are walking through this season, it is HARD. The questions in today’s conversation come from moms whose situations may sound like your own. We pray this episode encourages you today and points you to your heavenly Father, who always stands ready to meet your every need.  Mentioned on today’s show: Watch today's episode on YouTube Take the BOAW Moms Colors quiz for insights into your particular temperament Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

393: Parenting with an Absent or Uninvolved Spouse

Whether you have toddlers or teens in the house, disrespect can rear its ugly head at any stage of parenting. Today Karen helps us define disrespect, offers encouragement for the weary disciplinarian, and offers up a script for dealing with sassy behavior.  Mentioned today: BOAW Moms Colors personality quiz  

392: Raising the Level of R-E-S-P-E-C-T in Your Home

Have your ‘say’ match your ‘do’ mom! That’s the theme of this episode as Karen answers questions from moms who are fed up, exhausted, or on the struggle bus in some form or fashion when it comes to parenting. We talk about going to the Lord in prayer first, finding your child’s “currency”, and looking for small wins during seasons you are stretched thin. No matter how old your child is, this episode is going to encourage your heart!  Mentioned on today’s show: Watch today's episode on YouTube! Christian Parenting’s new Advent Devotional  Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

391: Staying Engaged When you Want to Throw in the Towel

Those laidback personalities are a dream to parent...except when they’re not. :) Today Karen and her laidback daughter, Emily, answer your questions about how to help these kids get going in the morning, how we can encourage them to make friends in new situations, what to do about a teenager with little to no ambition, and how to love and encourage a child suffering with low self-esteem. As always, we hope you carry a nugget of practical advice away from today’s show!  Watch today's episode on YouTube! Take the BOAW Moms Colors temperament quiz HERE Learn more about all of the temperaments HERE Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

390: Motivating Your Laidback Child

Today’s conversation deals with an always tricky subject: the in laws! With the holidays approaching, this discussion is extra timely. You’ll glean wisdom on how to set boundaries, how to keep boundaries, and how to release the guilt that comes from not being able to please everyone. Mentioned on this episode: Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend   Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

389: Establishing Boundaries with Your In-Laws

Join us as we dive into the wild, wonderful world of parenting boys in today’s show. Karen shares her wisdom on re-integrating older sons who return from college and disrupt your routine, navigating the world of a perfectionist 7-year-old who's feeling blue (in more ways than one), and handling an argumentative teenager who could debate for a living. Plus, we answer the age-old question: when is it okay to ignore a temper tantrum in order to keep your sanity intact? Mentioned on this episode: A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring  Raising Emotionally Strong Boys book and  workbook Wire Talk interview with David Thomas

388: Raising Boys Right: Balancing Discipline and Love

Greg Stubbs joins Karen in the studio today to talk about marriage during the busy season of raising kids. We cover how to handle disagreements, rekindling a connection with your spouse, and addressing financial tension. Listen in for practical ways to revive your marriage when it feels like you're living as roommates, and be encouraged that your marriage can thrive in the beautiful chaos of family life! Mentioned on this episode: Invite Karen to speak to the moms in your community! Learn more.  Parenting Together curriculum Wire Talk is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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