The Stand-Up Mom

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the concept of fairness (or lack thereof) in parenting and life. Spoiler: Life's inherently unfair, and that's actually a good thing! Caroline shares personal stories, offering a fresh perspective on how overprotecting kids can leave them unprepared for life's tough lessons. From field day mishaps to tough love moments, she dives into how teachi...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger drops some truth bombs on parenting and the power of tough love. She argues that the idea that things are "too hard" for kids is pure fake news! Instead, facing challenges is key to building resilience, self-esteem, and character. Through real-life examples and personal stories, Caroline shows us that kids need to practice doing hard things in order t...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the ups and downs of parenting. Spoiler: Your kids aren’t perfect, and that’s okay! Caroline reminds us that mistakes are part of growing up, and as parents, we need to guide them with love, grace, and a firm set of boundaries. From recognizing impulsive behaviors to maintaining a strong prayer life, she shares practical tips on how to support o...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger dives deep into the parenting trap of trying to ensure your child’s happiness. Spoiler alert: It's not your job! Caroline shares why resilience, grit, and navigating adversity are way more valuable than chasing a constant state of joy for your kiddos. We explore how coddling kids can actually set them up for failure, how happiness is fleeting, and why building...

In this episode of Stand Up Mom , Caroline Holzberger kicks off a new series called 'Fake News' , tackling those little misconceptions kids have about Christmas. From the over-the-top commercialization of gift-giving to the distorted view of reality many children develop, Caroline dives into how parents can navigate these tricky waters. With a little bit of humor and a lot of heart, she talks abou...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the highs and lows of parenting — from the tantrums of toddlers to the emotional rollercoaster of teenagers. Spoiler alert: selfishness is a phase, but it doesn’t end with toddlerhood! Caroline shares valuable insights on setting boundaries (yep, for both toddlers AND teens), why “no” doesn’t require an explanation, and how teaching kids the dif...

In this heartfelt episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of motherhood. From the blessed (and sometimes exhausting) days of endless nursing to the bittersweet reality of empty nesting, Caroline reflects on the emotional transitions of raising kids. She shares personal stories, insights, and lessons learned along the way – reminding us all to cherish those fle...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gives us the real talk on the wild ride of potty training and the transition into the "party raving" phase of parenting. From cold turkey potty training hacks to dealing with the new challenges of raising older kids, Caroline shares how staying grounded in your values (and leaning on your village!) makes all the difference. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and remi...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of the Stand Up Mom podcast, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the highs and lows of parenting, reflecting on how her family has grown and evolved over the years. From the early days of toddler tantrums to the challenges (and joys!) of parenting teens, she shares the gratitude she feels for every phase. Caroline talks about how Thanksgiving traditions shift a...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the ups and downs of parenting—especially when sleepless nights and social media come into play. She reflects on the challenges of raising older kids in a tech-driven world while missing the simplicity of parenting younger ones. Caroline shares relatable lessons on boundaries, sleep, and the importance of community support. Key takeaways: Sleep...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a wild ride through the contrasting phases of parenting—from the chaos of diapers to the thrill (and terror) of teaching your kid to drive. Buckle up for personal anecdotes, life lessons, and relatable reflections on these unforgettable stages. Key Takeaways: Parenting is like a rollercoaster, with each phase bringing its own set of thrills and spil...

In this episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a whirlwind journey through the ever-changing landscape of parenting. From the chaos of toddler tantrums to the thrilling highs (and lows) of tournament sports, Caroline shares personal stories and invaluable insights that every parent can relate to. What You’ll Learn: Parenting is all about trading one set of challenges for another—who knew? Tantru...

Show Notes: Episode 13 - I’ll Trade You - "Littles for Bigs" Join Caroline Holzberger as she kicks off her new series, "I’ll Trade You," where parenting wisdom meets a splash of humor! In this episode, Caroline dives into the wild ride of raising kids, contrasting her adventures as a parent of older children with the challenges faced by those with little ones. What to Expect: Seasoned Reflections:...

In this enlightening episode, Caroline Holzberger brings the math classroom to life as she dives into the art of teaching financial literacy to children. Buckle up as we explore why understanding money is just as vital as acing algebra—especially when it comes to preparing for college! What You'll Learn: Why financial literacy is a must-have life skill for kids Budgeting basics: teaching kids to v...

Join us for a lively chat with Caroline Holzberger as we dive into the nostalgia of school competitions—specifically, those epic field day events! Caroline shares her competitive spirit and personal stories that remind us how much fun (and chaos) these days can be. In this episode, we tackle the hot topic of participation trophies. Are they boosting our kids’ confidence or fluffing up their egos?...

In this episode, Caroline dives into the world of retakes, comparing the no-retake rules of her school days with today’s mandatory do-overs. She explores how this shift impacts kids’ work ethic and resilience. Caroline shares why letting kids fail is crucial and how championing effort over grades can build self-confidence and grit. It's all about teaching the value of hard work and the real-life c...

In this episode, Caroline gets honest about a harsh lesson for kids (and parents): the world doesn’t revolve around them. Drawing from her experiences as a stay-at-home mom, she shares three practical strategies for raising kids who understand independence and responsibility. From giving them ownership early to not rushing in to fix every problem, Caroline offers tips for teaching self-reliance an...

In this episode, Caroline takes a trip down memory lane, sharing her 90s obsession with a certain pair of pants and how it ties into today’s trend of must-have water bottles. She breaks down the pressure kids face to keep up with trends and offers three practical tips for parents: check your heart (and theirs), teach delayed gratification, and make sure they have some skin in the game. It’s all ab...

In this episode, Caroline shares a funny but eye-opening story about a student who spilled water and expected her to clean it up. Spoiler: That didn’t happen! She discusses the importance of teaching kids responsibility, starting with the basics—like knowing how to use a paper towel. Caroline then breaks down the different types of chores (from messy to character-building) and explains why chores...

In this episode, Caroline puts on her teacher hat and shares some hard-earned wisdom from her days in the classroom. Reflecting on the wild ride that is middle school, she talks about why teaching life skills and building character is just as crucial as academic subjects (maybe even more so!). Caroline takes us back to her own sixth-grade experience, sharing lessons she’s carried with her through...

In this episode of  The Stand-Up Mom , Caroline takes us on a wild ride through the jungle—well, the jungle of parenting, that is! She dives into the difference between raising ‘jungle kids’ who are prepared for the real world versus ‘zoo kids’ who are sheltered and unprepared for life’s challenges. Drawing from her experience as both a teacher and a mom, Caroline doesn’t hold back on the reality...

In this episode of  The Stand-Up Mom , Caroline gives us a peek into life with her strong-willed daughter, Abigail—the one who’s been keeping things interesting since day one! With humor and honesty, Caroline shares the ups and downs of raising a child with a big personality, including her secret weapon: 'sassy spray' (yep, it’s exactly what you think). Caroline opens up about the real wor...

In this heartwarming episode, Caroline introduces her middle child, Benjamin—affectionately known as Ben Ben, the family’s very own “joy boy.” Born when his older brother Jacob was just two years old, Benjamin arrived in style, with big brother announcing the big news to the waiting room! From the start, Benjamin was an easygoing baby, full of happiness and always ready to connect with everyone ar...

In this episode of  The Stand-Up Mom , Caroline introduces her firstborn, Jacob—the kid who had his toy trucks lined up before he could even walk! With a mix of humor and heart, Caroline dives into the joys (and occasional chaos) of raising a natural-born organizer with a brain for academics and a love for order. From navigating stay-at-home mom life to the financial pinch of those early years, Ca...

In this debut episode of  The Stand-Up Mom , Caroline introduces herself and invites listeners into her world. From her Texas roots and a family of educators to her 23-year marriage and life with three kids, Caroline shares the experiences that have shaped her journey. She also opens up about facing illness and how laughter has become a lifeline during tough times. With a mix of heartfelt storytel...