Just Ask Your Mom

Generational patterns, the behavioral, belief, and value systems that are passed down through families across generations, can be positive, but often the negative ones, like unhealthy coping mechanisms or repetitive relationship dynamics, are more noticeable. Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta, a trauma psychologist, talks us through how to recognize and diffuse the negative patterns to build better foundation...

If you feel like you're treading water all the time as a parent, you're at the mercy of culture's current.  Our guest, Josh Poteet, lead pastor of 180 Life Church in West Hartford, CT, talks with us on this episode about ways to keep your family anchored, and what discipleship looks like in a family setting.   Parenting Against the Current: Taking Back Discipleship in Your Home   Pa...

When Rachael gave birth to her first child the same year her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, she found herself part of the 24% of caregivers in the US who are millennials. During one of the busiest transitional times of life, this group of caregivers faces challenges unique to their age group. For them, the sandwich generation has additional layers.  The Millennial...

Today’s topic might fuel some conversation around your family dinner table, especially if you’ve got older elementary kids or tweens.  How do you know if your child’s current interests are “worth it?”  Worth the money, time, and energy; worth the schlepping to and from lessons, wrestling with their boredom or waning interest when things get hard?  Today’s guest is RENEE HARRIS, a mom who’s got som...

As a follow-up to our episode about middle school friendships with Jessica Speer, we had our own conversation about friendship: what it means, what it doesn't, what you can or should expect or not. Friendships are different from family. They're essential but--like everything that has to do with humans--they can be tricky!

Is there anyone who's on the other side of middle school who loved it and wishes they could go back? It's just hard, and one of the toughest aspects can be navigating friendships, especially with girls.  Jessica Speer, award-winning author of several interactive books about middle school, joins us for this important conversation!   #podmatch jessicaspeer.com BFF or NRF   Jessica's b...

“Half of families face substance abuse or mental health issues, yet 90% of them don’t seek help.” That alarming stat is from the STEPS Ministries website.  In this episode, we're talking with founder, Steve Ward, about red flags parents should be aware of and steps you can take to help. Steve is candid about his own family's struggles with addiction, so he's got skin in the game.   

In our lively conversation with Simone & Olivia, we get into where confidence comes from, what influence inside and outside voices have on us (including those from an early abusive relationship), and how we can be brave enough to forge new roads.  Simone's an author, speaker, and mom of 6, one of those being her 22-yr-old daughter and podcast co-host, Olivia.  simoneknego.com The Extraord...

Conflict in families is a matter of when, not if, but it's not necessarily something we should shy away from.  Done well, working through conflict can help you grow and can teach your children how it's done.  Who you fight with, what you fight about, and how often you fight matters less than HOW you do it.   

Our favorite pelvic floor PT is back as our guest, and in honor of C-section month, we're talking all about belly births.  Once again, Jenny taught us a lot!  If you're expecting (or know someone who is) or if you've delivered via cesarean, this episode could change your life!   https://archerphysicaltherapy.com/

Author and down-to-earth SAHM, Karen Johnson is our guest as we talk about healthy mothering.  What to do with all that perfectionism, anxiety and resentment that seems to come with the job.   Get her new book:  What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? And Other Thoughts from a 40-something Mom !!   Follow Karen @21stcenturysahm 

We talk with Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies , IRL Atlanta mom of a teenager, and author of a newly released book, Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era .  Titania's appeared on many of your fav nat'l media outlets and is at the forefront of kids & internet safety.  Do you know what the #1 app your child shouldn't have is?  Which video ga...

Guest Karen Johnson, a.k.a. @21stcenturysahm, talks with us about her new book for moms in the final stretch. In the trenches with 3 teenagers at home, she's thinking proactively about her soon-to-be-empty nest and talks to us about some things moms can be thinking about to prepare themselves for their kids' launch.   You can order her book & subscribe to her blog here:  https://www....

While we're out of pocket this week, we're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes.  Our guest, Matthew Houser, of Seeds Family Worship, shares some fantastic insights into the life of a teenager and what parents need to know.  

Does it matter how a society talks about children or people who choose to raise them? In this episode, we look at some recent opinions that highlight the divide between those with kids and those who are childfree. What might our words  really be communicating (often unintentionally)?  

If it's been awhile since you purged your closet or if you'd describe your fashion style as "whatever" or "at least it's clean," join us for this conversation with our budget-savvy fashion friend, Emma Goodwyn. With an eye for what looks good, no matter your body type or age, she gives us some tips that anyone can use.  @emma_goodwyn

Mercy makes our hearts tender, and as parents we sometimes need a reminder to extend mercy to our children instead of being punishment-driven, harsh, or quick to come down on them. This is not wishy-washy or permissive parenting. It's a way of showing God's character to our children and acting as first-responders to someone in need. 

Many of us love to travel but imagine we don't have the money to do it as much as we'd like. Our guests on this episode traveled to 30 countries for under $10k.  This is our conversation about their tips and tricks and how they did it!  Come join their adventure!   https://www.youtube.com/@benalaina  @the_blaylocks  @otagocoffeeco  https://otagocoffeeco.com/

Learning about pelvic floor PT was a new frontier for us!  Join our conversation with guest, Jenny Archer, as she walks us through some surprising benefits, from pregnancy to post-partum, for children with bedwetting or constipation issues, and men and women in all stages of life. Who knew?!   https://archerphysicaltherapy.com/

It can be tough knowing whether to let your child quit an activity (sport, club, class) or require that they stick with it, teaching them perseverance and commitment. In this episode, we run down some questions to help parents get to the bottom of the issue and help talk your child through that decision.  

The average American starts investing at age 31.  In today's economy, what steps can parents take to give their kids a boost so they're not in debt up to their eyeballs in their early 20's?  Financial expert, David Sproles, walks us through some tips savvy parents (or grandparents!) can take to set their kids up for success.  

Special guest, Lauren Stamper (@diaperfreediaries), talks to us about exposing children to potty training at a very early age. This "diaper free" method (which is not strictly diaperless) can save you money and have your child out of diapers by their first birthday.  Lauren's a mom of two and it's worked with both of her kiddos. 

It can sometimes feel fruitless when you take your littles to church. If you have older children, sometimes you'll get push-back as they start to own their own faith. The lost shoes, walking the halls, and time in the cry room....Is all the Sunday morning frustration really worth it?  

Do dogs go to heaven? How do you field questions from your child about the loss of a pet?  Losing a pet can leave a child experiencing real grief, often for the first time in their life, and it can be tricky answering all the questions they come up with!  We suggest some ways to be both truthful and sensitive. 

We walk down memory lane with two of our favorite photographers as we trace how family photo sessions have changed.  Dawn Harrison & Rachael Shannon give us the scoop on what makes a great session and their favorite types of photos. There may just be a road trip to Texas for a Glamour Shot experience in our future.  https://www.rachaelshannonphotography.com/