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 u...

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...

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. Do...

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 BO...

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...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 episo...

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...

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

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 i...

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 famil...

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....

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 t...

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 Mom...

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 Lunch...

Today we are talking about 6 key areas that are fundamental to thriving in motherhood. Just like in college, when you had to get your “core” classes out of the way before you could move on to more advanced subjects, these fundamentals make up the “core” information you need to have a solid grasp on as a mom. From over a decade of talking to moms and refining my wisdom on these subjects, Birds on a...

The start of school each year is like January 1st for families. New activities, new schedules, and oftentimes, new stresses! Today Karen is answering your questions about the transition from summer to school, how to stay involved in your child’s class, fostering independence in your older kids, and the mindset moms need to embrace when schedules are crazy and you are juggling allllllll the things!...

Today we’re answering questions from the working moms in the BOAW Moms community. We’re going to address the transition from work to home, the ever-present mom guilt, negotiating to re-distribute responsibilities on the home front, and learning to say no. Working moms, we see you, and we hope this episode helps bring peace to your home this week. Mentioned on this episode: - Check out Mom Core Onl...

Today the tables have turned and Karen is the one asking the questions of Emily. With her background as an elementary school teacher, Emily is sharing what teachers REALLY want this year! She’s offering tips for starting the school year well, sharing how to prepare your child for a new school, class or teacher, and of course, giving us the inside scoop on what gift teachers really look forward to...

Dr. Hodges joins us today to share wisdom that comes not only from her clinical background in psychology, but also from 3 years of raising her own autistic son. She encourages moms not to fear a diagnosis, and shares how to pursue free early intervention measures and support from your community. You’ll love the wisdom she shares about deescalating situations with your autistic child and the advice...