Dear Mattsons with Jeff and Terra

Saying no is hard and mom guilt is real, but we were not made to do everything. Join us as we talk through setting up a support system, language to use when you are put on the spot, and choosing what to commit to.   Check out these similar resources:  Is doing it all what God asked you to do?: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/is-doing-it-all-what-god-asked-you-to-do/ Learning to be in t...

Watching your child be mistreated is heartbreaking at any age, and we are here to walk this journey with you. Join us as we discuss how to ask healthy questions, listen, and try to understand why your adult child is choosing an unhealthy relationship.   Check out these similar resources:  How do I tell my adult daughter I don’t like her boyfriend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyAhGBAmrDQ&li...

What do you do if your teen is eating unhealthy, not exercising and gaining a lot of weight? Join us as we talk through how to engage your teen, find a fun way to incorporate exercise into the day, and encourage healthing eating without negatively impacting your child’s self esteem.    Check out these similar resources:  How to help our kids fight body shame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZQSWa...

Teaching manners is always a challenge, but when one parent doesn’t model the behaviors you are trying to encourage in your child, it is extra challenging. Join us as we talk through tips on teaching your son to be a gentleman and discussions to have with your spouse to parent as a team.   Check out these similar resources:  Three character qualities that set your kids up for success: https://www....

What do you do when your child has a hard time getting up in the morning and their attitude affects the whole family? Join us as we talk through strategies to set up a calm morning routine, conversations to have the night before, and how to rewire the brain to look forward to getting up in the morning.   Check out these similar resources:  Helping moms raise confident daughters: https://www.cpguid...

Shy and introverted children are wired to need more information and tend to be more cautious in new situations. We will encourage you to practice and talk through social situations at home, learn what introverts need and speak life into your child and their wiring.   Check out these similar resources:  How do I get my introverted child to communicate with me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h95dV...

Teaching your children to understand their design and wiring will help set them up for success in life. In this episode we will talk through the language to use when parenting a perfectionist, physical outlets when frustration sets in and how to help your child have a kingdom mindset.   Check out these similar resources:  How do I help my kids with big emotions?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L...

Managing sibling rivalry can be exhausting, but teaching your kids to fight well will set them up for success as adults. Join us as we talk through tips to help your children cool down and teach true reconciliation.   Check out these similar resources:    Stop the sibling rivalry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_5W99C3uA&list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3a6ze06CiY38l&index=27 Sibling Rivalry:...

When you have multiple kids, it can be easy to find yourself comparing them to their siblings. Join us as we encourage you to share with your child their unique contributions to the family, ask the Lord who he made each of your children to be and lean on each family member's strengths.   Check out these similar resources:  Trusting God’s plan for my kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbTyoz...

Homework can be a frustrating battle where both you and your child end up in tears. Join us as we talk through ideas to set up a homework routine, fight negative self-talk and stay engaged with your child and teachers.   Check out these similar resources:  Helping moms raise confident daughters: https://www.cpguides.org/ Five things to remember as your kids start school: https://www.christianparen...

When it comes to introducing new boyfriends/girlfriends into your kids' lives, the key is to take it slow and listen to your kids. We will encourage you to have open conversations with your kids, honor their pacing and be careful about infusing your lives too quickly.   Check out these similar resources:  How do I help my kids deal with divorce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bet0-1rmNas&...

Grandparents are a huge blessing to our children, but sometimes they use different discipline techniques and methods.   Join us as we talk through how to have hard conversations with parents and in-laws, the importance of affirming their love and contribution, and when it is time to set boundaries.   Check out these similar resources:  Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Teaching kids abou...

When it comes to preschoolers, you have to pick and choose which battles are worth fighting. Join us as we give you tips on how to step out of power struggles and give your preschooler choices.    Check out these similar resources:  Help! I am always saying no to my toddler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_zYBI0w5Bs&list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3a6ze06CiY38l&index=19&t=12s Pointing your...

When it comes to allowance and chores, we think it is all about balance. There are some things you do because you are part of the family and some things you get paid for. Join us as we give you ideas and tips for finding the balance in your home.   Check out these similar resources:  Generosity starts in the home: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/generosity-starts-in-the-home/ Teaching...

Some children experience more worry and fear than others and creating a daytime plan is the first step to help your child overcome their fears and stay in bed. Join us as we talk through how to set up a comforting bedroom environment and reward system and remind you that consistency is the key.   Check out these similar resources:  Helping our kids overcome fear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U...

It is heartbreaking when your child chooses to walk away from God, but remember you are parenting the long game. Join us as we encourage you to ask clarifying and curious questions, stay engaged and walk you through the steps to practice effective listening.    Check out these similar resources:  Help! What do I do when my child is not attending church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUGMCNxueX0&...

Potty talk with little boys is a very normal thing. As parents we need to communicate when and if that type of humor is appropriate. Join us as we walk through the ACT model to help curb unwanted behaviors in a positive loving way.   Check out these similar resources:  How do you balance discipline and grace in parenting?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMSG9xPfVNU&list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3...

Kids are craving real connection and parents that will set some boundaries. How do we know when to enforce the rules and when it’s ok to bend them because friends are over? Join us as we discuss technology and teens and give you tips for creating a fun, compelling environment that will help teens put their phones down and connect face to face.   Check out these similar resources:  Helping your son...

There are many reasons a child might be a picky eater. Join us as we give you tips and tricks to make mealtime less of a battle. In this video, we talk through setting boundaries at mealtime, inviting your kids into the meal prep process and picking and choosing what battles are worth engaging in.   Check out these similar resources:  How to avoid power struggles with your children: https://www.ch...

College is a carefree wonderful time. Sometimes partying can become the thing to do, but it may be masking real life issues. Keep pursuing your college child and don’t be afraid to let them know that you care and are worried. Join us as we give you some ideas on how to connect with your child at this stage of their life.   Check out these similar resources:  A word to parents of college-bound kids...

Divorce is hard, and having a support system for you and your child is so important. Join us as we talk through ways to help your children process grief, the importance of keeping routines consistent and how to guard against meeting your own needs through your children.   Check out these similar resources:  Helping your kids when the home is splintered: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/...

Discussing puberty and sex is a nerve racking conversation for every parent but having those conversations as a single mom presents its own unique challenges. Join us as we remind you that talking openly with your son about sexuality and the body takes shame out of the picture. It is great to pull a dad or male figure into the conversation if one is available, but don’t be afraid to engage your so...

Don’t just talk about being thankful, teach your children how to serve others. Join us as we talk though ideas on how you can teach your kids to use the gifts that God has given them to serve others in your community. The experience of serving others helps curb entitlement.   Check out these similar resources:    Teaching kids to love their neighbor: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/tea...

Introverts need more time and space to articulate their feelings. They enjoy the quiet spaces of the world, and if we want to connect with our introverts, we need to join them in those spaces. We will encourage you to figure out what your child is into, be curious, and join them in their passions. And remember silence is ok.   Check out these similar resources:  How to thrive as the parent of a se...

Keep it simple and point your child towards God’s Word and his design for families when these questions arise. We will encourage you to continue to talk about God’s love, how we can love and serve families that are different from us and how to point your children to what we are for as opposed to what we are against as Chrisitans. Check out these similar resources:  How do I explain homosexuality t...