The Connected Mom

Wait! Can "peaceful" and "discipline" co-exist in parenting? Join us in this "Grace Space" where we acknowledge the difficulty of disciplining our kiddos without drama. Our excellent guest Sarah R. Moore gives us some super practical tips from her book, "Peaceful Discipline." She tells us what "discipline" means...and you may be suprised at her answer. Buy Sarah's book here: Peaceful Discipline: S...

Phew. Perfectionism in motherhood can really be strong. If you're ready to break away from mindsets that hold you down, this is the podcast for you. Alicia shares from her experience as a NeuroCoach. Here's your reminder that thought patterns obsessed with perfection CAN change. There is hope! ABOUT OUR GUEST Alicia Michelle is an author, speaker, certified NeuroCoach and host of the award-winning...

Spoiler alert: JOY is actually rooted in relationships. Why? Join us for a "girlfriend gathering" as we chat about how to have genuine relationships...connecting us with fellow moms...and how that can bring JOY. Becky just published a new book on this topic, so we chat with her about her intent for this book and what she learned in the process. ABOUT THE BOOK: ROOTED JOY The Secret to a More Joyfu...

Goodness! Our world can have a million distractions away from what really matters. Even good things take our attention and energy. Do you feel this as a mom? If so, this episode is for you. Our guest, Katie Westenberg, unpacks her new book " But Then She Remembered " and the subtitle is exactly our heart for you: "How to Give God Your Full Attention in a Distracted World." ABOUT OUR GUEST Katie We...

Spoiler Alert! Yes, rest is possible for mamas...but it may not look how you think. Join us for this super-practical episode with Dr. Saundra about different kinds of rest and how you can get some...and must!  FREE Resource from Dr. Saundra: Take this quiz and find out what type of rest you need to live your best life... ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an award-winning author, speaker,...

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. If you're parenting a "prodigal," our hearts are with you and we want to encourage you with our guest, Laine Lawson Craft. She shares her story of praying for all 3 of her prodigal children and the lessons she learned through these difficult times. Her story of God's working in her kids' life reminds us that no one is ever too far from God's power and redem...

Did you know that Jesus' prayer includes 6 invitations to know God more deeply? In this episode, Becky practically walks through how we can help our children understand the Lord's prayer...and why it's so important! Today's podcast is based on Becky's book Our Father: A Study on the Lord's Prayer. Order here! ABOUT OUR GUEST Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A...

Our families--and parenting--can look a lot different than we expect. Especially when disabilities enter the picture. Today we talk with Jillian Benfield about her journey of shock, grieving, and discovery in parenting a child with special needs. Her honesty and perspective give HOPE for families who grapple with life's unexpected twists and turns...and encouragement on how God can use and transfo...

Find yourself being angry or responding harshly...even when it's the last thing you want to do? Today's episode with guest Amber Lia is a conversation about triggers and anger in parenthood...and practical advice on what you can do to change. We're here to help you make sure that connection with your child is the strongest, healthiest bond it can be!   ABOUT OUR GUEST A former high school English...

How do we best talk about race and cultural differences with our kids? We should...but sometimes we avoid it because we aren't sure what to say. Listen in! We're thankful to discuss this important topic with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.   Website mentioned: https://colorfulconnectionsbook.com BONUS RESOURCES as free downloads: "Pre-Prayered" Journal and Questions Pack ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Saundra Dalt...

We're all about connection at The Connected Mom--and today we're jumping into why connection with our kids is SO important. We glean some amazing tips and encouragement from our guest, Dr. Gregory Jantz. Dr. Jantz has written extensively and even has a book on this topic The Power of Connection: Maximize Your Health and Happiness with Close Relationships. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Gregory Jantz is a bes...

The word "theology" can freak people out. But don't run away! As a mama, we want to help you understand "theology"--the study of God and why it's so important as we parent. That's why we have two amazing guests on today who wrote a book to equip parents with theology in a visually engaging way. "I'm going to say this simply, moms. After you're done here in this conversation, you're going to know t...

Today we're talking about weight and dieting and *all* the things involved with body image. Becky and our guest, Laura Acuña, share their stories of battling body image and yo-yo dieting that left them feeling defeated...and even impacted their families. Listen in as we dive into this important topic of understanding the roots of disordered eating and turn to the hope found in God's Word.  ABOUT O...

Marriage! Here’s the thing, in the thick of parenting challenges, it’s easy to let things slide in your marriage. However, In God’s design husband and wife are to function as one. Their relationship is to be growing and thriving, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. So it’s important that we talk about our marriages and how to cultivate those in the thick of parenting challenges. This week we...

Today we’re continuing our series on mental health issues . . . and specifically when it affects your spouse. We’re talking to Becky's dear friend Tracy Arntzen about finding hope when mental health issues enter your marriage. We chat about how to stay connected with God, and your husband, and also help your kids through that battle. ABOUT OUR GUEST Tracy Arntzen is a passionate wife, mother of 3...

If you're a parent to a teen or have teens you love, listen in. Today we're talking about teen depression--what to look for and what to do when you identify that a teen you love may be depressed. With all that is going on in our world it's so important to recognize the warning signs and have a plan when depression enters the picture. Dr. Jim Coil joins us and shares a lot of very helpful informati...

Did you know that at least 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety? Postpartum depression is considered the number one complication of childbirth. Listen in as we dive into these very real issues and how they can affect us and those we love. Ashley Hudson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, joins us for a very real, practical episode. "You deserve to feel better." Please share! L...

Our guest Jenny Randle is here to remind us that creativity comes in all forms . . . and our kids may express creativity in a variety of ways. Join us as we identify creative “killers” and glean a few ideas on how you can foster creativity in your child(ren). Find creative ways to connect . . . you won't regret it! Free download mentioned in the episode: 31 FUN AND EASY WAYS TO GROW your kids’ God...

Make time to listen as Carol McLeod chats with Becky and Sarah about how she found JOY in tremendous loss and depression. You are sure to relate with parts of her story or know someone who needs to hear her message. How can we experience the fullness of JOY even in the hardest parts of mothering? We're glad you're listening in. ABOUT OUR GUEST Carol McLeod is a best-selling author and popular spea...

As moms, we want to do all we can to avoid hard times for our family. On today's podcast, we chat with Grace Fox about what we can do when those hard times inevitably come. Listen for "hope" as we discuss these topics:  How to deal with the anxious "what ifs" Choosing joy over fear How pain can mold/shape our kids Identifying joy-stealers How we can change our view of "weaknesses" ABOUT OUR GUEST...

As the new year approaches, we recommend becoming "Soul Strong." What does that mean? Our special guest Lucinda Secrest McDowell talks with us about her book Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life. These concepts are a great way to begin 2023. Make it the year where you go deeper in your connection with God. ABOUT OUR GUEST Lucinda Secrest McDowell , M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who...

The demands of motherhood can leave us feeling exhausted and like we hardly have the emotional energy to pull out our Bibles or have a long prayer time. Running between activities, events, and work can feel overwhelming. On this episode, we get really practical and specific about helping mamas connect with God. At times this goal can feel elusive and ethereal and so we want to have a conversation...

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Julie Lavender is the award-winning author of several books, including 365 Days of Celebration and Praise and Creative Sleepovers for Kids! , and coauthor of Come and Behold Him . Her work has appeared in several anthologies and curricula, as well as many magazines, such as The Upper Room , Guideposts , Homeschooling Today , ParentLife , Clubhouse , Today's Christian Woman , and F...

In the busyness of the holidays, we can easily lose sight of why celebrations matter. In this episode Becky reminds us that celebrations were actually God’s idea. So, it's worth spending some time thinking about how celebrations and traditions build connection in our family and even our faith. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling au...

Sometimes these BIG emotions can interrupt family life and leave us feeling disconnected. We want to help you--and today's episode is packed with practical advice that can help you and your child deal with the big emotions that come our way. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Michelle Nietert has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award winning book Loved and Cherished:...