Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

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/p

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/collectio

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

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

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)

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

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 Net

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

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  

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

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

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

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

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

There’s no getting away from technology use these days, but parents need to recognize screens for the double-edged sword that they are. In this conversation with author of Screen Kids, Arlene Pellicane, we discuss the threat technology poses to our kids’ development, strategies for developing tech boundaries in our homes, and action steps parents can take to reclaim their family time from screens. Mentioned in this episode: My Time with God kids devotional Screen Kids by Arlene Pellicane and Grandparenting Screen Kids by Gary Chapman Parents Rising conference San Diego, March 2, 2024 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Hamlet’s Blackberry by William Powers 

Whether you’re at home or in public, consistency is KEY when it comes to disciplining your toddler! Today Karen answers questions about setting expectations, addressing undesirable behaviors, and enforcing consequences with your little one. This conversation will leave you motivated and encouraged to maintain a firm but loving approach the next time your toddler pushes a boundary!

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Sissy Goff, author of "The Worry-Free Parent," to discuss anxiety's impact on parents and children. We explore how anxiety can be contagious, affecting brain chemistry and parenting strategies. Sissy explains the difference between fear, worry, and chronic anxiety and shares practical strategies to tackle our own anxiety as moms. Tune in to learn how to break the anxiety cycle in your family.    Mentioned on this episode:  Last week's conversation - Understanding and Supporting Your Anxious Middle Schooler Noteworthy Prayers from Christian Parenting The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff and The Worry-Free Parent workbook

Today Karen and Emily welcome school counselor, Sarah Coats, to discuss anxiety in middle schoolers. Sarah opens a window into what she sees in her office and in the halls of middle school right now. We'll learn how to discern everyday worries from anxiety, and Sarah offers practical tips for moms who wants to support an anxious student without enabling anxious behavior.

Today we are talking about how to address the needs of very different kids growing up under one roof. We cover personalities, educating your kids about their differences, and something most moms struggle with - bickering!  Mentioned on today's episode: WT 283 - Understand the Personality Colors  Colors Quiz Personality Strengths and Weaknesses Chart More Personality Resources from BOAW Moms    

Today we are fielding questions from the moms of Tween Girls. This is a tricky stage for sure, but also a sweet one. In this episode we’re covering modesty, social media, mean girls and more.   Mentioned on this episode: Register for Mom Core Online today Watch this episode on YouTube Colossians 3:14-17 Arlene’s book Screen Kids WT116: Technology and Your Kids Stock up on Karen’s Lunchbox Notes for the school year! (Available in Kids, Teen Boy, and Teen Girl options)