As moms, it can be easy to confuse parenting with controlling. We want our children to make wise choices, succeed, and avoid pain. But fear can quickly turn our desire to help into nagging, manipulation, or control. Sarah Stephens joins me to talk about what it looks like to move from controlling our children to mentoring, discipling, guiding, and loving them well.

Sarah shares how God has taught her that our calling is not to control outcomes, but to remain faithful to the process. We talk about seeking wisdom from above, listening for God’s voice, recognizing the difference between conviction and condemnation, and learning to entrust our children and their choices to God.
In this episode, we talk about:

Why control is often motivated by fear Learning to focus on the process, not the outcome How to know when to speak up—and when to let something go The only control we’re actually called to have: self-control Seeking God’s wisdom instead of simply collecting more information Learning to recognize God’s voice How comparison can steal a mom’s peace Asking, “Can my child recover from this?” Parenting, guiding, and loving our children even when we disagree Praying for our children and leaving it at the feet of Jesus  What it looks like to say, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” Connect with Sarah Stephens:  Website: Sarah Stephens - Equipping Women for Every Day  Instagram: Sarah Tunstall Stephens (@sstephenstx) Facebook: Sarah Tunstall Stephens

Links Mentioned: 

Boundaries: By Dr. Henry Cloud and  John Townsend Have a New Teenager by Friday: By  Dr. Kevin Leman   Related Episodes: Inner Healing Prayer :: Jennifer Barnett [Ep 323] How Parents Can Equip Kids to Find Freedom, Healing, and Identity in Christ :: Jennifer Barnett [Ep 577] How to Hear God’s Voice: Freedom Prayer and Abiding in Christ with Jennifer Barnett [Ep 576] Featured Sponsors:  Lola Blankets: For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% OFF select Lola Blankets products with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code [DMA] to get 40% OFF your order. Wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news—Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA].  Our place: Upgrade your kitchen with Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/DMA and use code DMA for 10% off sitewide. With a 100-day trial, you can try it completely risk-free.

Family relationships can be complicated! So how do we navigate changing family roles, competing expectations, boundaries, and communication while protecting the relationships that matter most?

In this episode, Stacy Reaoch joins me to talk about the challenges that can come with family relationships and what it looks like to choose connection, extend grace, and build bridges even when things feel awkward or difficult. Stacy co-wrote Making Room for Her with her own mother-in-law and shares wisdom from interviewing women across different generations about their experiences.

We talk about:

Why family relationships can become challenging when roles and expectations change Navigating competing expectations around time, holidays, and extended family Knowing when to speak up and when to let something go Why unsolicited advice can create tension—and what to do instead How parenting preferences can create conflict between generations Choosing the relationship over the small things What grandparents can do to build trust with their adult children and their spouses Finding small ways to show love and move toward a family member, even when it feels awkward How to support your adult child's marriage without taking sides What to do when you're concerned about your child's marriage Learning to navigate a new relationship with your daughter-in-law or son-in-law Practicing patience, humility, and healthy communication

Trusting God with relationships that feel impossible to repair

Connect with Stacy Reaoch:  Website: Stacy Reaoch  Facebook: Stacy Reaoch Instagram: @stacyreaoch Links Mentioned:  Making Room for Her: By Stacy and Barbara Reaoch The Word in Our Home: By Ben, Stacy and Barbara Reaoch Related Episodes: How to Have Healthy Conflict :: Lynn Hoffman [Ep 307] Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 387] Adult Child Estrangement: What to Do—and How to Hold On to Hope :: Dr. Jim Burns [Ep 587]

Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya Health; you can now find Hiya in person at Target stores nationwide, or order directly from their website with a special deal we’ve worked out just for you. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/[DMA]. That’s honeylove dot com slash [DMA]. After you check out, they’ll ask where you heard about them — please support our show and tell them we sent you. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove.

We know we are called to parent in the power of the Holy Spirit, but then life comes at us like a train and suddenly we are back to doing everything in our own strength. I know I can easily fall into this trap. I can know all the right things, but knowing the truth and actually relying on the Holy Spirit in the middle of motherhood are two very different things.

In this top 10 episode, I talk with Jeannie Cunnion about what it really looks like to parent with the Holy Spirit. We start by taking an honest look at what we actually believe about Him. Do I truly trust that the Holy Spirit lives in me and wants to guide, strengthen, comfort, and help me? Jeannie reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not an "it." He is a person, our Helper, Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, and Champion.

We talk about what it means to lean into His presence instead of constantly trying to figure everything out on our own. We are not parenting alone. God has graciously given us the Holy Spirit, and there is no part of the Christian life that is meant to be lived without His supernatural power.

As moms, we have an incredible opportunity to be a gift to one another. We can encourage each other, pray for each other, and help carry one another when we feel like we can't keep going. We don't have to manufacture the fruit of the Spirit through our own effort. We can stay connected to God and allow His Spirit to produce His fruit in us.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood or wondered how you're supposed to keep going, I hope this conversation reminds you that you were never meant to parent alone.

In this episode, we talk about:

What it means to parent in the power of the Holy Spirit Taking an honest look at what we believe about the Holy Spirit Learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's promptings What it means to be the temple of the Holy Spirit Feeding the Spirit instead of feeding the flesh

Why there is no "junior Holy Spirit" when it comes to our kids

Connect with Jeannie Cunnion:  Website: Jeannie Cunnion  Instagram: Jeannie Cunnion (@jeanniecunnion) Links Mentioned:  Never Alone By Jeannie Cunnion Forgotten God: By Francis Chan Mom Set Free: By Jeannie Cunnion Don't Miss Out: By  Jeannie Cunnion The Jesus Storybook Bible: By Sally Lloyd-Jones Related Episodes: Cultivating Intimacy with God in Motherhood :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 490] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190]  Anchoring Our Kids’ Lovability in Christ :: Jeannie Cunnion {Ep 91} 

Featured Sponsors: 

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What happens when our kids grow up and our role as their mom begins to change?

This is something I think so many moms struggle with, but we don't always talk about it. When our kids are young, there is so much support and conversation around parenting. But once they become adults, the challenges can feel much more complicated and lonely.

We can find ourselves comparing our kids' lives. Where did they go to college? Are they married? Do they have kids? What are they doing with their lives? And then there are the harder questions. What happens when our adult child makes choices we don't understand? What happens when they pull away from us? And what happens when there is little or no contact at all?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jim Burns about one of the hardest topics many parents face: estrangement from an adult child. We talk about what estrangement can look like, why parents often ask themselves, "What did I do wrong?" and how we can move from heartache to hope.

One of the biggest reminders in this conversation is that we cannot fix our adult children. But we can learn how to love them well, communicate differently, and keep the door open for reconciliation.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

Why moms often struggle silently when parenting adult children The comparison game that can happen when our kids become adults What adult child estrangement can look like Why parents often blame themselves when a child pulls away Why unsolicited advice can feel like criticism How to become the calmest person in the room Being a safe person without becoming a doormat Moving from being an advice giver to becoming a mentor

How to respond when we feel defensive or hurt

Connect with Dr. Jim Burns: 

Website: HomeWord  Instagram: Dr. Jim Burns and Doug Fields (@homewordfamily) Facebook: HomeWord Family Links Mentioned:  When Your Adult Child Strays: By Jim Burns Ph.D Doing Life with Your Adult Children: By Jim Burns Ph.D Boundaries: By Henry Cloud and John Townsend Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child: By Tina Gilbertson Jim Burns Podcast - HomeWord  Related Episodes: Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543] How to {really} Parent with Grace :: Jeannie Cunnion {Ep 55} “How do I connect better with my kids?” [Ep 475]

Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DMA #honeylovepodExperience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove. Wayfair: Join Wayfair Rewards today to get  5% back on every purchase and start saving on your next home upgrade. Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home. Every Style. Every Home. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alison Cook to talk about attachment, emotional healing, and the ways our relationships shape how we understand ourselves, others, and God.

We all have a deep need for connection, safety, and belonging, but we can sometimes place too much pressure on the people around us to meet those needs. Dr. Cook explains why human relationships are important while also reminding us that no person can be the ultimate source of everything our souls need. There is a deeper attachment available to us through God.

We also talk about what happens when old wounds surface, particularly when we finally feel safe enough for those parts of us to emerge. Dr. Cook describes these experiences as “soul ruptures”, moments when core memories and beliefs about ourselves can become activated. Instead of responding with shame or criticism, we can learn to slow down, notice what we're feeling, and become curious about what that part of us needs.

This conversation is especially meaningful for moms who spend so much of their time caring for everyone else. When we’re constantly focused on our children’s needs, it can be easy to lose touch with what’s happening inside of us. Dr. Cook encourages us to make space for our own souls, tend to the younger parts of ourselves that still need care, and allow God’s healing presence into those places. Our souls are worth tending to, too.

In This Episode

Why attachment is such a fundamental human need Why we can’t expect another person to meet all of our emotional needs What divine attachment means and how God becomes our ultimate source of connection Why parts of us can surface when we finally feel safe What a soul rupture is and how core memories can continue to affect us How shame and blame show up when we feel like we don’t belong Learning to recognize and care for the younger parts of ourselves What it means to “parent your soul” Recognizing our internal bids for connection Why healing requires space for difficult emotions How moms can make more room for their own emotional and spiritual needs

Why we don’t change through shame or criticism 

Connect with Dr. Alison Cook: 

Website: Dr. Alison Cook Instagram: Dr. Alison Cook | Psychotherapist + Secure Attachment (@dralisoncook) Facebook: Dr. Alison Cook
Links Mentioned:  The Secure Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook Boundaries for Your Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook You Are the One You've Been Waiting For: By Richard Schwartz PhD Dr. Alison Cook | The Best of You Podcast  The Best of You Every Day Podcast - 8 minute devotional   Related Episodes: Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543]

Featured Sponsors: 

Our place: Upgrade your kitchen with Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/DMA and use code DMA for 10% off sitewide. With a 100-day trial, you can try it completely risk-free. Oak Essentials: The Luminous Body Lotion has sold out multiple times — and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Head to Oakessentials.com and use code [DMA] for 15% off your first order at checkout. Lola Blankets: For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% OFF select Lola Blankets products with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code [DMA] to get 40% OFF your order. Wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets.

As moms, it's so easy to compare our children to everyone else's. We wonder why one child seems to thrive in situations where another struggles. We ask ourselves if we're doing something wrong or if we'd somehow be a better parent if our child were different.

But what if God intentionally gave you the child you have?

In this episode, I'm talking about what it looks like to parent the child God created instead of the child we expected. Everyone has a unique personality, unique strengths, unique struggles, and a unique purpose. Our job isn't to force them into a mold, it’s to become students of who God made them to be.

I share an episode with Sally Clarkson and her son Nathan about how our parenting often changes when we begin looking beyond behavior and start asking what our children truly need. Sometimes what looks like defiance is anxiety. Sometimes what looks like impulsiveness may be part of how God uniquely wired them. As parents, we have the opportunity to respond with curiosity, compassion, and wisdom instead of frustration.

We'll also discuss the reality of raising children with ADHD, OCD, sensory challenges, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence. Receiving a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't define your child. It simply gives you a better map for understanding how they experience the world. God isn't surprised by your child's wiring, and He certainly isn't limited by it.

Remember, God didn't make a mistake when He gave your child to you. He chose you to be their mom for a reason, and He promises to give you the wisdom and grace you need for every step of the journey.

Connect with Sally Clarkson: 

Website: SallyClarkson.com  Instagram: Sally Clarkson (@sally.clarkson) Facebook: Sally Clarkson Links Mentioned:  Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen Different: By Sally and Nathan Clarkson Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend Related Episodes: Loving Your “Different” Child :: Sally and Nathan Clarkson [Ep 149] Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515] Featured Sponsors:  Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA . Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news—Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. The Premium Starter Kit comes with The Concentrate, and refillable bottles for your surface cleaners, including All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Hand Wash, and Laundry. It also comes with Oxygen Boost for extra stubborn stains on pots and pans, laundry, bathroom tile and more. This kit is a great way to kickstart your human-safe cleaning routine

Have you ever reached the end of the day and felt like you had absolutely nothing left to give?

Maybe it was the question, "What's for dinner?" that pushed you over the edge. Maybe it was another toddler tantrum, another sleepless night, a teenager's attitude, caring for aging parents, or simply feeling touched out after pouring into everyone else all day.

If that's you, I want you to hear this: There is nothing wrong with you. God is not surprised that you feel overwhelmed.

One of the biggest lies we believe as moms is that good moms don't get overwhelmed. Somewhere along the way, we begin acting as though we're supposed to be limitless. But only God is limitless.

I share an episode from Kat Lee that has stayed with me. As a young mom, she found herself sitting in her van in the garage, overwhelmed and in tears. She cried out to God, expecting Him to change her circumstances, but instead He gently invited her to begin preparing her heart before the day ever began. His invitation wasn't about checking off another spiritual discipline or becoming a "better Christian." It was simply an invitation to spend a few quiet moments remembering who He is, reading a few verses, praying for her children, and asking Him to help her become a conduit of His grace throughout the day.

Jesus invites us to return to Him again and again throughout the day. He is the source of Living Water that never runs dry. Whether you're feeling emptied by toddlers, teenagers, aging parents, anxiety, work, or simply the weight of everyday motherhood, His grace is still available. The goal isn't to become a mom who never runs out of energy or patience. The goal is to become a mom who knows where to go when she does.

Connect with Kat Lee: 

Website: InspiredToAction.com - Inspiration for Motherhood  Instagram: Hello Mornings with Kat Lee (@hellomornings) Links Mentioned:  Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen Hello Mornings - We help you build a consistent morning routine.  Related Episodes: The Mom Game Changer :: Kat Lee {Ep 41}  Don’t Mom Alone (#GCMLive Event) :: Kat Lee and Wynter Pitts [Ep 185] Healthy Habit Building :: Kat Lee [Ep 300]

Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve.

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Have you ever felt lonely in a season where you actually had people around you?

I know I have.

After having my fourth child, I found myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I had people in my life, but I realized I wasn't truly letting them in. I wasn't being honest about what was hard, where I was struggling, or what I really needed. After experiencing a panic attack, I found myself in counseling and on a journey toward finding deeper, more meaningful connections.

In this week’s Coffee with Heather mentor series, I want to talk about community in motherhood because I know how hard it can be. As moms, we are constantly pouring out—meeting our kids' needs, managing schedules, and caring for everyone around us. Sometimes friendship gets pushed to the side because we simply don't have the energy left.

But the truth is, we were never meant to do motherhood alone.

In this conversation, I share:

Why making and maintaining friendships can feel so difficult as a mom. How we can unintentionally keep people at a distance. The insecurity that can come when we see groups of moms who already seem connected. How vulnerability helps us move from surface-level relationships into real connection, and how to practically do that. 

Practical ways to start building community, even in a busy season.

I also share an interview with Jada Edwards about the importance of remembering that our kids don't need a perfect mom—they need the mom God created us to be. We can trust Him with the gaps and allow Him to bring people into our lives who can speak truth, love, and encouragement into our children. 

God often provides a village in ways we don't expect. Sometimes we just have to be willing to ask Him to show us who those people are and take the first step toward connection.

Connect with Melanie Shankle: 

Website: Big Mama – the big mama blog  Facebook: Melanie Shankle -The Big Mama Blog Connect with Jada Edwards:  Website: Jada Edwards  Instagram: Jada A Edwards (@jada_edwards) Links Mentioned:  Feelings Chart Needs Chart Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen Related Episodes: You are Qualified in Christ :: Jada Edwards [Ep 248] Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508] Navigating Friendship :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 273] 

Featured Sponsors: 

Branch Basics: And here’s the good news—Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. The Premium Starter Kit comes with The Concentrate, and refillable bottles for your surface cleaners, including All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Hand Wash, and Laundry. It also comes with Oxygen Boost for extra stubborn stains on pots and pans, laundry, bathroom tile and more. This kit is a great way to kickstart your human-safe cleaning routine Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve. Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DMA #honeylovepod

Have you ever had one hard parenting moment and immediately thought, "I'm such a bad mom"? I know I have. It's amazing how quickly we can go from, "Today was hard," to believing something is wrong with us instead of recognizing we simply had a difficult moment.

In this week's Coffee with Heather mentor series, we're talking about one of the most important relationships we have—the relationship with ourselves. As moms, we're often so quick to extend grace to our kids, our spouses, and our friends, yet we're incredibly harsh with the woman staring back at us in the mirror. We hold ourselves to impossible standards, compare ourselves to what we see online, and believe the lie that we're supposed to have motherhood figured out.

In this conversation, I want to encourage you to begin recognizing the difference between conviction, condemnation, and shame. We'll talk about why self-compassion isn't self-pity, how to quiet your inner critic, and how to replace the lies we believe with the truth of God's Word. Motherhood was never meant to be lived under the weight of perfection. God isn't asking you to be a perfect mom—He's inviting you to faithfully walk with Him, receive His grace, and extend that same grace to yourself.

If you've been carrying around mom guilt, feeling like you're constantly falling short, or wondering if you're enough, I hope this conversation reminds you that your identity isn't found in one parenting moment. It's found in Christ. There is no perfect formula for raising kids, but there is a faithful God who redeems our mistakes, transforms our hearts, and walks with us through every season of motherhood.

Connect with Kim Fredrickson: 

Facebook: The Self-Compassion Club Instagram: Kim Fredrickson (@kimfredrickson) Connect with Jada Edwards:  Website: Jada Edwards  Instagram: Jada A Edwards (@jada_edwards) Links Mentioned:  Give Yourself a Break: By Kim Fredrickson Give Your Kids a Break: By Kim Fredrickson Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen Related Episodes: You are Qualified in Christ :: Jada Edwards [Ep 248] Quiet Your Inner Critic and Practice Self-Compassion :: Kim Fredrickson Remaining You While Raising Them  :: Alli Worthington [Ep 420]

Featured Sponsors: 

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Welcome back to the Coffee with Heather series! This week, we're talking about something that has completely transformed the way I parent: connection before correction.

For a long time, I believed it was my job to control my boys' behavior. I thought that if I could just get them to listen better, behave better, or make fewer mistakes, then I would be doing my job as a mom. But if I'm honest, that mindset left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the very people I wanted to love well.

The more parents, mentors, and experts I interviewed over the years, the more I realized something beautiful: God never called me to control my children. He called me to guide them, disciple them, and build a relationship where they know they are deeply loved and safe.

When connection becomes the foundation, correction becomes so much more effective.

In this episode, I share some of the parenting lessons that have given me freedom, including insights from Jim and Lynne Jackson and the biblical reminder that God's kindness leads us to repentance. That verse has changed the way I think about discipline—not as punishment, but as teaching, guiding, and helping my children grow.

When our children know they are loved, enjoyed, and accepted, trust begins to grow. And trust creates partnership. From that place, correction feels less like control and more like discipleship.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The difference between behavior management and heart transformation. Why discipline is really about teaching, not punishing. How to become a safe place for your children. The importance of staying calm and regulating your own emotions. Why giving your child—and yourself—a "do-over" can strengthen your relationship.

Practical ways to create meaningful one-on-one connections, even during busy seasons.

Connect with Jim and Lynne Jackson:  Website: Home | Connected Families  Instagram: Connected Families | Parent with Confidence and Grace (@connectedfams) Facebook: Connected Families Links Mentioned:  Heartfelt Discipline: By Clay Clarkson Discipline that Connects by Jim and Lynn Jackson Don’t Mom Alone book  Related Episodes: Discipline 101 (LIVE Event–Friday Night) :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 221] Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558] Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280]

Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news—Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. The Premium Starter Kit comes with The Concentrate, and refillable bottles for your surface cleaners, including All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Hand Wash, and Laundry. It also comes with Oxygen Boost for extra stubborn stains on pots and pans, laundry, bathroom tile and more. This kit is a great way to kickstart your human-safe cleaning routine.

Motherhood changes everything—including your marriage.

In this first episode of my summor of mentorship series, I'm sharing the conversation I wish someone had invited me into years ago. If we were sitting across from each other with a cup of coffee, these are the things I'd want every mom to know.

Parenting is one of the greatest blessings, but it can also become one of the biggest stress tests on a marriage. The shift from dating and dreaming together to managing schedules, diapers, sports, meals, and endless logistics can leave even the healthiest couples feeling disconnected.

The good news? You're not alone, and your marriage doesn't have to become another casualty of the busy parenting years.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why parenting often creates tension in marriage—and why that's completely normal. How different parenting styles can actually become one of your family's greatest strengths. The danger of keeping score and how resentment quietly grows. Practical communication habits that help couples stay connected. A simple weekly marriage check-in you can start this Sunday. The power of praying together, especially when parenting feels overwhelming.

How small daily habits shape a strong marriage over time.

One truth I hope you'll remember this week:

Your parenting differences don't have to divide you. They can become one of your greatest strengths when you choose to work as a team.

God never intended for us to navigate marriage and motherhood alone. The Holy Spirit is our Helper—the One who comes alongside us, gives us wisdom, and strengthens us for the work He's called us to do. When we bring our parenting struggles to Him first, we make room for His peace, wisdom, and perspective.

Connect with Dr. Kim Kimberling: 

Website: Awesome Marriage — Marriage, Relationships Instagram: Christian Marriage | Help and Education (@awesome_marriage) Facebook: Awesome Marriage Links Mentioned:  Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen [book]Related Episodes: How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491] Self-Differentiation and Why it Matters :: Nancy Houston [Ep 335] Talking, Teens, and Twenty-four Years :: Bruce + Heather [Ep 399]

Featured Sponsors: 

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Friendship isn't something most of us are taught. We often find ourselves fumbling through the trial and error of making and keeping friends while navigating busy schedules, family responsibilities, and a culture that celebrates independence.

In this top 10 replay episode, author and speaker Jennie Allen joins us to discuss why meaningful friendships can feel so difficult to build as adults. Drawing from her own experience of moving to a new city and intentionally creating a close-knit community, Jennie shares practical insights on overcoming loneliness, embracing vulnerability, and finding the people who will walk through life's highs and lows with you.

We explore why new friendships often feel awkward, how shame and pain keep us from being vulnerable, and why many of us expect one or two people to meet all of our relational needs. Jennie challenges us to move beyond comfort, create a "village mentality," and become the kind of people who show up with pizza, sit in the mess, and do life together.

In This Episode

The difference between transparency and complaining How many hours it takes to feel like close friends How shame and pain keep us from vulnerability Jennie's "5 Miles, 5 Friends" approach to building community Why friendship requires embracing awkwardness How to create a village in today's culture The truth about disappointment, expectations, and healthy friendships

Deep friendships don't happen by accident—they require intentionality

Connect with Jennie Allen:  Website: Jennie Allen Facebook: Jennie Allen Instagram: Jennie Allen (@jennieallen) Links Mentioned: Find Your People: By Jennie AllenRelated Episodes: Fighting Toxic Thoughts :: Jennie Allen [Ep 272] How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Summer of Mentorship Wk 6] Redeeming Shame through Community :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Ep 308]

Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA to get 20% off your first order.  Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve.

Motherhood has never come with more information, advice, and expectations than it does today. Every scroll through social media offers another parenting expert, another strategy, and another reminder of what we "should" be doing. While access to information can be helpful, it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and wondering if we're ever doing enough.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Morgan Cutlip explores the invisible mental and emotional load that so many moms carry. From managing household responsibilities to regulating emotions, coordinating schedules, and trying to create the perfect childhood, the pressure can feel relentless.

We discuss why comparison is a natural human tendency, how expectations formed throughout our lives can quietly shape our parenting, and why unmet expectations often become the roots of resentment. Dr. Morgan shares practical ways to have honest conversations with your partner about parenting pressures and the frustrations that keep surfacing.

One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation is the idea of choosing a parenting anchor. Instead of trying to excel in every area, what if you focused on one thing that matters most in this season? Having an anchor gives us something steady to return to when the noise and expectations start pulling us in every direction.

Most importantly, this episode is an invitation for moms to share their real stories. When we talk honestly about the challenges, frustrations, and growing pains of motherhood, we help other women realize they are not alone. The more we pull back the curtain on the realities of parenting, the less power shame, guilt, and comparison have over us.

If you've ever felt weighed down by the mental load of motherhood, struggled with unrealistic expectations, or wondered if everyone else has it figured out, this conversation is for you. 

In This Episode We Discuss:

The three zones of energy: physical, mental, and emotional Why emotional labor is often the most draining part of motherhood How information overload is making parenting feel harder Expectations, resentment, and relationship challenges after becoming parents Practical conversations couples can have about parenting pressures Choosing a parenting anchor for your current season The concept of intensive mothering and the guilt it creates Raising resilient kids without burning yourself out

The power of sharing authentic stories and supporting one another

Connect with Dr. Morgan Cutlip:  Website: Dr. Morgan Cutlip  Instagram: Dr. Morgan Cutlip | Mental Load, Marriage and Motherhood (@drmorgancutlip) Links Mentioned:  A Better Share: By Morgan Cutlip [book] Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself [book] The MomCo [mom ministry] Better Share  [quiz] Motherhood Reflection Guide [pdf] Related Episodes: Unpacking Moms’ Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God’s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544] Organize Your Mental Load  :: Laurel Denise [Ep 444]

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What if our children could learn to take their hurts, fears, and struggles to Jesus in the moment instead of carrying those wounds into adulthood?

In this part two conversation, Jennifer Barnett shares practical tools to help parents equip their children with the foundations of inner healing prayer, emotional resilience, and a lifelong connection with God. Rather than waiting until adulthood to address wounds, shame, fear, or mistaken identity, Jennifer explains how parents can help children recognize God's voice, bring their hurts to Him, and experience His healing presence right where they are.

We discuss why connection with God is the foundation of spiritual health, how the enemy often targets areas of pain and confusion, and why today's children need practical tools to discern truth from lies. Jennifer also shares simple ways parents can model prayer, create safe spaces for spiritual conversations, and help their children learn to take every thought captive and replace lies with God's truth.

If you've ever wondered how to raise children who know how to hear God's voice, walk in their identity in Christ, and find freedom from shame and fear, this episode is filled with encouragement and practical wisdom.

In This Episode We Discuss:

Why childhood wounds can become strongholds if left unaddressed How inner healing prayer can help children process hurts in real time The importance of teaching kids to hear and recognize God's voice Why connection with God is the foundation of healing and freedom Common lies children are believing today—and how to combat them How shame impacts a child's relationship with God and others Practical ways to help children take thoughts captive The difference between responding to children with restoration versus shame

Why helping kids abide in Christ is one of the greatest gifts we can give them

Connect with Jennifer Barnett:  Website: Freedom Prayer  Instagram: Freedom Prayer Facebook: Freedom Prayer (@freedom_prayer) Links Mentioned:  Freedom Tools [book]  First Freedoms: Drawing Near to God by Cultivating a Wholehearted Prayer Life [book] Get a free print copy of Jennifer Barnett's book Next Generation Prayer: Helping Youth Overcome Their Struggles — just pay shipping! Just click on https://oakspress.com/life to check out. Related Episodes: Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4] Inner Healing Prayer :: Jennifer Barnett [Ep 323] How to Hear God’s Voice: Freedom Prayer and Abiding in Christ with Jennifer Barnett [Ep 576]

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What does it mean to truly abide in Christ—and what do we do when our prayer life feels dry, blocked, or distant?

In this conversation with Jennifer Barnett, we explore inner healing prayer as a tool that helps believers move into deeper intimacy with God. Jennifer shares how many Christians struggle with feeling disconnected in prayer, exhausted in their faith, or unsure whether they are truly hearing God’s voice. Rather than striving harder, she invites us back to the simplicity of abiding—remaining close, dependent, and continually connected to Jesus.

Together, we unpack how God gently reveals the false beliefs and inner lies that shape how we see Him and ourselves, and how healing often begins when we invite Him to “search our hearts” as in Psalm 139. Jennifer also explains that hearing God’s voice is not reserved for a few—it is something we grow in over time, much like Samuel learning to recognize God’s voice through Eli’s guidance.

This episode is a powerful reminder that prayer is not just about talking to God, but about learning to be with Him, discern His voice, and allow Him to bring healing layer by layer into our hearts and lives.

In this episode, we discuss:

The biblical meaning of abiding in Christ Why many Christians feel disconnected in their prayer life Healthy boundaries when discerning what comes from God How God reveals lies that keep us stuck The role of confession in spiritual healing and freedom Why speaking truth out loud can bring clarity and breakthrough

Building healthy prayer cultures in our churches

Connect with Jennifer Barnett:  Website: Freedom Prayer  Instagram: Freedom Prayer Facebook: Freedom Prayer (@freedom_prayer) Links Mentioned:  Freedom Tools [book]  First Freedoms: Drawing Near to God by Cultivating a Wholehearted Prayer Life [book] Get a free print copy of Jennifer Barnett's book Next Generation Prayer: Helping Youth Overcome Their Struggles — just pay shipping! Just click on https://oakspress.com/life to check out. Related Episodes: Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4] Inner Healing Prayer :: Jennifer Barnett [Ep 323] How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation :: Ian Cron [Ep 506]

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Dr. Kamilia Smith joins us for an eye-opening conversation about the evolving understanding of PCOS, and why it was renamed PMOS (Poly Endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), and what this shift means for women’s health, hormones, fertility, and treatment moving forward.

For years, PCOS has been treated primarily as an ovarian or reproductive disorder, but Dr. Smith explains why the ovaries may actually be the messenger — not the root cause. We explore the growing understanding of the metabolic, hormonal, and whole-body factors that impact women’s health.

We also discuss GLP-1 medications, insulin resistance, body composition, fertility, migraines, depression, movement, and how moms can support their daughters without fear or overreacting to symptoms.

This conversation is packed with practical insight, hope, and a much more compassionate approach to women’s health.

In this episode, we cover:

Why PCOS has been misunderstood for decades The connection between hormones, metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation Why the ovaries may be signaling a deeper metabolic issue Common symptoms like weight struggles, excess hair growth, irregular periods, and prediabetes How GLP-1 medications are changing women’s healthcare Fertility improvements women are experiencing with metabolic treatment Small lifestyle shifts that can make a major impact

Advice for moms navigating hormone concerns with their daughters

Connect with Dr. Kamilia Smith:  Website: Kamilia Smith Voted Best Dallas Gynecologist | Charleston House  Instagram: Charleston House - Whole Woman Care (@charlestonhousegyn) Facebook: Charleston House Gynecology Related Episodes: Perimenopause Guide: Managing Symptoms, Emotional Changes, and Weight Gain During Hormonal Shifts :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 511] Is This Normal? A Women’s Health Conversation  :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 447] Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206]

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What if the anxiety, chronic illness, and emotional struggles you’re carrying are connected to deeper wounds in the soul?

In this powerful conversation, Susie Larson shares her deeply personal healing journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, fear, and anxiety — and how God met her in the middle of it all.

An author, national speaker, and radio host, Susie opens up about surviving physical and emotional abuse, battling Lyme disease while raising three young children, and learning how unhealed trauma impacts the body, mind, and spirit. Together, we discuss why so many women live in survival mode, how fear affects our physiology, and what it looks like to finally face the lies keeping us stuck.

Susie shares how God revealed this life-changing truth to her:

“The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truth we need.”

If you’ve struggled with anxiety, chronic illness, emotional exhaustion, or feeling disconnected from yourself and from God, this episode offers hope, healing, and practical encouragement for the journey toward wholeness.

We also talk about:

How fear impacts the brain and body Why women often suppress pain until it shows up physically Learning to listen to your body instead of pushing through The importance of counseling, rest, and emotional processing Renewing your mind and rewiring fear-based thought patterns Why God cares about your whole health: body, mind, and soul

How healing equips us to minister to a hurting world

Connect with Susie Larson:  Website: Susie Larson  Instagram: Susie Larson (@susielarsonauthor) Facebook: Susie Larson Links Mentioned:  Fully Alive: By Susie Larson The Uncommon Woman: By Susie Larson Curt Thompson MD  Dr. Leaf Related Episodes: How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Summer of Mentorship Wk 6] Redeeming Shame through Community :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Ep 308] Freedom is Not a Look  :: Alisa Keeton [Ep 393]

In this conversation, Haley Scully shares her journey into biblical counseling, ministry, and helping people find real hope in the middle of today’s mental health crisis. With a background in counseling and ministry through Hope for the Heart, Haley discusses the importance of caring for one another biblically while staying rooted in God’s truth rather than chasing cultural counseling trends.

We talk about the growing need for biblical answers to anxiety, pain, disappointment, and emotional struggles — and why true healing comes from addressing the heart, not simply assigning blame. Haley opens up personally about wrestling with unmet expectations, trusting God through singleness, and learning what it truly means to believe in His goodness even when life doesn’t look the way we hoped.

We also dive into one of the most relevant conversations happening today: faith and AI. Haley shares how Hope for the Heart partnered with Pray.com to create AI tools informed by 40 years of biblical counseling content and wisdom, helping ensure people searching for answers online are pointed toward truth grounded in Scripture.

In this episode, we discuss:

How experiences shape our emotions and reactions Finding healing through God instead of blame Trusting God when life doesn’t go according to plan How Christians can approach AI and technology with wisdom Why the Church should engage culture instead of fear it

Using technology as a tool for discipleship and biblical guidance

Connect with Haley Scully:  Website: Hope For The Heart  Instagram: Hope for the Heart (@hopefortheheart) Facebook: Hope for the Heart Links Mentioned:  Pray: The World's #1 App for Daily Prayer and Biblical Audio Content  Hope For The Heart - Event Page  Related Episodes: Rescuing the Girl in You :: Chrystal Evans Hurst [Ep 172] Broken Crayons Still Color :: Toni Collier [Ep 267] Freedom from Anxiety :: Ashley Willis [Ep 180]

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My dear friends, who I've been chatting with for 10 years, are back! David Thomas and Sissy Goff are seeing a growing "crisis of capability" in kids. In this conversation, we talk about their new book Capable and why the goal isn't to raise confident kids. It's to raise resilient ones.

If your child won't try out for a sport, avoids new friendships, or struggles to take initiative, you're not alone. Many kids today are hesitant to step into discomfort, and many parents feel unsure how to help without pushing too hard or stepping in too quickly.

David and Sissy share a powerful reframe: confidence isn't something kids magically gain. It's something they build through repeated, uncomfortable experiences. And instead of chasing success, we should be helping our kids become sturdy, able to handle challenges, setbacks, and real life.

We also talk about why we need to move from reactive skills to proactive strength-building, and how small, everyday opportunities (like ordering food, making appointments, or trying something new) can shape long-term resilience.

This episode is both practical and deeply encouraging, especially if you're navigating anxiety, motivation struggles, or the pressure to "get it right" as a parent.

In This Episode, We Cover:

The difference between capability and confidence Why many kids today avoid risk and discomfort 5 key strengths: competence, flexibility, perseverance, humility, and gratitude 100 practical ways to build independence Why habits matter more than quick fixes

How to motivate teens who won’t engage

Connect with David and Sissy:  Website: Raising Boys and Girls | Tools, Tips, and Hope for Strong Families  Instagram: Raising Boys and Girls (@raisingboysandgirls) Facebook: Raising Boys and Girls Links Mentioned:  Capable: By Sissy Goff and David Thomas I Am Capable: Unlocking the Secret Strengths Inside of You – Boys and Girls Workbook and Activity Guide to Grow in Grit, Resilience, and Confidence: By Sissy Goff and David Thomas Related Episodes: Helping Kids Do Hard Things, Strong-Willed Kids, and Growing Through Failure :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 522] The Art of Nurturing Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 119] “How Can I Help My Kid Make Friends?” :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 483] Summer of Mentorship week 6 Emotional Milestones :: Sissy Goff and David Thomas [Ep 160]

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Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA].  Hiya Health; We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. The updated and revised And the Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh equips you to speak with clarity and confidence about sexual integrity and God’s good design. Rooted in biblical truth and full of grace, this trusted resource helps you start the conversations that matter most— and guide the next generation toward healing, wisdom, and a deeper love for Jesus. For over two decades—and more than 300,000 copies later this message is still changing lives. Get your copy of And the Bride Wore White today 

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Babs Costello—beloved home cook, mom of four, grandmother, and viral content creator who proves it’s never too late to start something new. After launching her social media presence at 71, Babs has become a source of comfort, wisdom, and joy for millions.

We talk about the beautiful chaos of raising a family while running a business, how she built a supportive community of moms, and why the dinner table can be the most powerful place for connection. Babs shares practical tips on meal planning, keeping kids engaged during dinner, and how preparing ahead can make hosting feel effortless.

She also opens up about her children’s book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You…?, a project made even more special with the help of her grandchildren. This episode is a reminder that when life feels overwhelming—“when it rains, it pours”—those storms can still bring growth, beauty, and deeper connection.

Whether you’re a busy mom, a grandmother, or someone wondering if you’ve missed your chance to start something meaningful, Babs’ story will leave you inspired to begin right where you are.

In this episode, we cover:

Simple meal planning strategies for families How to keep kids engaged at the dinner table (and why it matters) Turning everyday moments into meaningful family traditions Overcoming fear and embracing new beginnings at any age

Lessons from her grandmother on faith, hospitality, and joy

Connect with Babs Costello:  Facebook: Brunch with babs Instagram: BABS (@brunchwithbabs) Links Mentioned:  Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: By Barbara ("Babs") Costello Every Day with Babs: By Barbara Costello Celebrate with Babs: By Barbara Costello   Related Episodes: Stewarding Sacred and Spiritual Disciplines at Home :: Jennifer Pepito [Ep 464] Help! My Kids Don’t Know How to Do Anything : Building Life Skills This Summer :: Katie Kimball [Ep 525] Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466]

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Talking to kids about sex can feel overwhelming—but avoiding the conversation doesn’t make it easier. In this replay episode, Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley break down how to approach these important topics in a way that feels natural, age-appropriate, and shame-free.

Instead of relying on a single, awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an ongoing dialogue that evolves as kids grow. From early childhood curiosity to teenage years and deeper conversations about puberty and masturbation, this episode offers practical tools to help you stay calm, confident, and connected.

We cover how to introduce basic biology (like seeds, eggs, and conception), how to respond when your child isn’t interested in the conversation, and why tone matters more than perfection. You’ll also learn how to navigate common parenting moments—like little ones exploring their bodies—without shame, while still setting healthy boundaries.

As kids get older, the conversation shifts. Megan and Mary Flo share how to approach puberty, why “shoulder-to-shoulder” conversations can be more effective than face-to-face talks, and how to handle more complex topics like masturbation in a way that balances honesty, guidance, and emotional awareness.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about when to start, what to say, or how to say it—this episode will give you a clear, grounded approach.

What You’ll Learn:

Why “the talk” doesn’t work—and what to do instead How to start conversations about bodies and sex at a young age Age-appropriate language for explaining reproduction and biology What to do when your child avoids or shuts down the conversation

Why tone and delivery matter more than saying everything perfectly

Connect with Birds & Bees:  Website: Birds and  Bees Instagram: Birds and Bees | Online Course | Megan Michelson (@birds__bees) Links Mentioned:  God's Design for Sex Series: By Stan &Brenna Jones Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys By David Thomas Related Episodes: Gender and Sexuality :: Preston Sprinkle [Ep 370] Let’s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328] Sexual Identity and Radical Ordinary Hospitality :: Dr. Rosaria Butterfield [Ep 301]

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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by comedian Tim Hawkins, who has been making people laugh for over three decades. With years of life, family, and stage experience behind him, Tim brings humor and perspective to everything from parenting to personal growth.

We dive into his family life, including the story of how he met his wife, and reflect on the journey of raising kids, including the rewarding moment of watching them grow into adults. Tim shares his thoughts on parenting, emphasizing that there’s no perfect formula. While many feel pressure to follow methods and systems, he and his wife chose not to get bogged down in outcomes, trusting that God is big enough to guide the process.

We also get into the realities of raising kids, like what to do when they’re constantly wrestling. For Tim, one of the biggest factors in raising kids well is simple but powerful: proximity. Being present matters.

Tim opens up about his own creative journey, including a season where he hit a wall, struggled to write, and had to step back and reset. He shares how his comedy process has evolved over the years and how life itself fuels his material.

His approach to comedy is simple and honest: live your life, take notes, and tell strangers. The more you can relate to people, the more successful your message becomes. Whether it’s disappointment, joy, or frustration, the best material comes from real passion and lived experience. Join us today for a great (and hilarious) conversation. 

Connect with Tim Hawkins: 

Website: Tim Hawkins  Facebook: Tim Hawkins Instagram: Tim Hawkins (@timhawkinscomic) Links Mentioned:  Watch Tim Hawkins: Fist Bump | Prime Video  Listen to Heather on Sidetracked Podcast Related Episodes: Don’t Dad Alone :: Dustin Nickerson [Ep 472] When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor and Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519] From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521]

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Why does homework and school in general turn into a battle in so many homes?

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Matthew Housson breaks down what’s really going on when kids struggle with homework—and why it’s often not a discipline issue at all. Instead, many challenges come down to executive function skills—things like planning, focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to start and finish tasks.

We talk about how brain development impacts motivation, why some kids struggle to shift into “low dopamine” tasks like homework, and what parents can do to support their child without taking over.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or even discouraged trying to help your child succeed academically, this episode will give you clarity, practical tools, and encouragement—you’re not alone, and there is a better way forward. In this episode we talk about: 

When behavior is developmentally normal vs. when to seek help The key signs of depression in teens (including irritability) Why a full profile is often more helpful than a diagnosis Practical tools to make homework time smoother Executive function skills are learned and developed over time

You can’t rush development—but you can support it

Connect with Dr. Matthew Housson:  Website: Home - The Housson Center Facebook: The Housson Center Instagram: The Housson Center (@thehoussoncenter)
Links Mentioned:  Resources from The Housson Center (books & websites) Definitions of different childhood challenges (parent resource)
Related Episodes: How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88} School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561] Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237]

Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya: We’ve worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children’s vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA (not available on regular website). Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.  In The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share more than 40 years of lived experience raising a son with profound disabilities. With honesty and faith, they speak to the strain on marriage, the weight of finances, the sting of unkind comments, and the grief of a journey you didn’t choose, but also the joy you didn’t expect. If you’re walking this road—or love someone who is—this book offers steady encouragement for the long journey ahead. To learn more about The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA. 

What do you do when life doesn’t just hand you lemons—but keeps throwing them at your face?

Today, Kirby Kelly joins us to share about her new book, The Fabric of Hope.  After unexpectedly losing her mom, Kirby turned to Scripture to find hope in a season that felt unbearable. With a Master’s in Theology, she began searching for truth and hope right in the middle of her pain.

When life unravels, it can feel impossible to believe that anything good could come from it. In those moments, it’s easy to begin seeing God as the enemy in our situation. But God is not the author of evil—He is the redeemer of it. And when the hits keep coming, that truth can be incredibly hard to hold onto.

This episode is a reminder to stay tethered to Him through both praise and lament—to remain connected and fight for that connection, even when it’s difficult.

Be encouraged today as Kirby shares her personal story of pain and how God is with us in all things. 

Connect with Kirby Kelly: 

Website: Kirby Kelly Facebook: Kirby Kelly Instagram: Kirby Kelly (@kirbyisaboss) Links Mentioned:  The Fabric of Hope: By Kirby Kelly Eternity is Now in Session: by John Ortberg Related Episodes: Finding Freedom from Habitual Sin :: Kirby Kelly [Ep 469] Walking Through Grief: Coping, Comforting Kids, and Embodied Emotions :: Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague [Ep 517] When Moms Walk through Grief :: Stacey Thacker {Ep 76}

Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA.  Green Chef: Where fad diets fail, Green Chef delivers real food and recipes that make healthy eating easy…and lasting. Head to greenchef.com/50alone and use code 50alone to get 50% off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months. 

As moms, we are like a life support system for our kids. To keep our families healthy, we need to be healthy. A key part of our overall well being is setting healthy boundaries. 

But boundaries are hard. They require uncomfortable, direct conversations. We may need to put a limit on really good things or draw a line in the sand with our in-laws or parents. 

My guest, Dr. John Townsend literally wrote the book on boundaries and he shares some deep wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while honoring our family members and others. 

“You've got to take care of your energy, your heart and your emotions. You've got to take care of yourself and your health. If you don't guard that heart, then the wellsprings of life won't come out from it. Boundaries are basically about how to set healthy, loving limits in our life. So we have something to offer to our children.”

Townsend answers your tough questions about setting limits with in-laws, making healthy boundaries for the holidays and even models having a tough conversation with a parent about a boundary. 

This is an episode packed with great information and Townsend has several books and resources available if you want to go deeper. Let’s make setting healthy boundaries a priority and guard our hearts and our time to bring life to our family!

Connect with John Townsend: 

Instagram: John Townsend (@dr.john_townsend) Facebook: Dr. John Townsend Website: Home - Dr. John Townsend

Links Mentioned: 

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: By John Townsend Relational Nutrients (new layout) - Dr. John Townsend People Fuel: By John Townsend
Related Episodes: Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558] Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 387] Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543]

Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

How do you parent your kids through a story they didn’t choose?

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Vaneetha Risner shares her journey of raising two adolescent daughters as a single mom after divorce. She opens up about the pressure to “hold everything together,” the tension of co-parenting with different values, and the deep questions kids ask about God in the middle of pain.

This episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for all moms, reminding us that while we can’t control our children’s stories, we can faithfully shepherd their hearts—and trust God to restore what has been lost. Here is some of what we cover: 

The balance between sharing too much vs. hiding your emotions Navigating co-parenting with different rules and values The importance of community when you feel alone You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes “I don’t know” is enough

Parenting is a long game—trust God with the outcome

Connect with Vaneetha Risner:  Website: Vaneetha Risner Facebook: Vaneetha Rendall Risner Instagram: Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner) Links Mentioned:  This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce: By Vaneetha Rendall Risner Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption: By Vaneetha Risner The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering: By Vaneetha Risner Related Episodes: How to Never Miss Out :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 402] RWYB Series wk 1 Walking Thru Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324] How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193]

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In part two of my interview with Nadya Dickson, we dive deeper into how Christian moms can lead their families with clarity by identifying their values and creating a vision. 

Values and vision go hand in hand. Whether we’ve named them or not, every family operates from a set of values. Nadya explains that when we take the time to identify and name the values that matter most to us, they become a powerful lens for making decisions, setting priorities, and shaping the atmosphere of our homes.

We also talk about creating a yearly vision for your children, focusing more on character than performance, and asking God to reveal who each child is becoming. In a world filled with competing messages about what motherhood should look like, a clear vision can help moms filter out the noise and focus on what is truly fruitful.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations or unsure how to prioritize your time as a mom, this conversation will help you rediscover peace, purpose, and intentionality in your parenting. Here is some of what we cover: 

The power of naming your top 5 values How moms can filter out cultural pressure and expectations Why clarity helps us determine what is fruitful versus wasteful You can’t change people, but you can control the atmosphere Connect with Nadya Dickson: Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson Links Mentioned:  50 I am statements  CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment 5 Values Exercise Annual Vision Process - Children 2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner Related Episodes: Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]  Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563] Learning to Listen to God’s Voice :: Kelsey Phillips [Summer of Mentorship wk 3]

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Many women today are running at full speed—balancing motherhood, work, leadership, and countless responsibilities—yet still feel like they are barely surviving. In this powerful conversation, purpose strategist Nadya Dickson shares how women can move from survival mode into clarity and confidence by rediscovering their God-given identity.

One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: motherhood is an assignment, not your identity. When women understand who God says they are, everything else—leadership, family, work, and influence—begins to align.

If you’ve ever wondered Who am I beyond my roles? or Where should my time and energy really go? This conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God, and rediscover your purpose. Here is some of what we cover: 

Starting with the prayer: “God, who do You say I am?” Understanding your identity as a daughter of the King of Kings Recognizing the unique personality and wiring God gave you The parable of the four soils and why busyness is not the same as fruitfulness The influences around us are constantly forming and shaping us.
Connect with Nadya Dickson: Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson Links Mentioned:  50 I am statements  CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment Free Personality Test | 16Personalities Related Episodes: Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]  Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4] Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508] If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538]

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Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA.  Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA . 

In this episode, Suzanne Stabile, internationally recognized Enneagram expert and mom of four adult children, shares her personal story and how the Enneagram has shaped her approach to parenting. She explains that the Enneagram isn’t about changing who we are, but about understanding how we see the world and choosing how to act with intention. She reminds us that there’s no one right way to parent; motherhood requires recognizing differences, extending grace, and embracing our own authentic path.

Suzanne dives into the practical applications of the Enneagram in family life, showing how it can transform relationships with your children, your spouse, and other moms. She explains the energy and tendencies of different Enneagram types—from aggressive and dominant types to dependent and withdrawing types—and how understanding these patterns can bring unity instead of conflict. Parenting is never easy, and mistakes are inevitable, but Suzanne emphasizes that grace covers our shortcomings. By using the Enneagram as a tool, we can parent with more awareness, respond with empathy, and honor our own authentic selves while guiding our children with love. Here is some of what we cover: 

Enneagram Types as Animals: Ones are Worker Bees, Twos are Kangaroos, Threes are Eagles, Fours are Butterflies, Fives are Owls, Sixes are Bunny Rabbits, Sevens are Monkeys, Eights are Lions, and Nines are Turtles. Grace covers the places we fall short Set appropriate priorities: You can’t do it all. Be mindful in child-centered families: When the focus is entirely on the children, much can get overlooked, and it often reflects a broader cultural expectation. Connect with Suzanne Stabile:  Instagram: Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile) Website: The Enneagram Godmother Facebook: Suzanne Stabile | Facebook Links Mentioned:  The Road Back to You: By Suzanne Stabile The Journey Toward Wholeness: By Suzanne Stabile Related Episodes: How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193] Enneagram and Stress :: Ian Cron Recap [Bonus Episode] The Enneagram, Marriage and the Gospel :: Beth McCord [Ep 259]

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In part three of my School Choice Series, I sit down with my friend Emily Fenlaw to talk about all things public school. With four children who have experienced everything from traditional public school to the talented and gifted program, an all-girls school, and an arts-focused school, Emily has navigated the many options and transitions that public education can offer.

She also shares candidly about parenting children with ADHD — walking through 504 plans, medication decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to support executive functioning at home. Through it all she learned to be a student of her child to discover the best path for them. 

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

The beauty of building relationships with families from all walks of life How introverts and extroverts can uniquely flourish in public school environments You can only make the best decision you can with the information you have

The challenges of public school and navigating relationships with other parents

Connect with Emily Fenlaw:  Instagram: @EmFenlaw Get notified when her tshirt business launches Related Episodes: School Choice Series: Private to Public School with Misty Persefield:: [Ep 560] School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559] The School of Dependency on Christ :: Wendy Speake [Ep 240]

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In part two of my School Choice Series, I sit down with Misty Persefield, a mom of three, to talk candidly about navigating school choice from the early years through high school. Misty shares her family’s journey through private and public schools, the fears she faced, and the peace that came from trusting God rather than comparing herself to others. This conversation offers reassurance for moms carrying the weight of making the “right” educational choices and highlights the importance of keeping fear out of the decision-making process.

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

Challenges of private school, including finances and high expectations The importance of knowing yourself, your child, and your family culture Pivoting from private to public school for high school Starting kids early vs. late, especially for boys based on birthdays

Preparing kids for college by “taking off the bubble wrap” while they’re still at home

Connect with Misty Persefield:  Instagram: Misty Persefield (@mistypersefield) Website: Marketing Agency | Misty Persefield Marketing and Media
Related Episodes: Shame, Perfectionism and Smiling Depression :: Misty Persefield and Stephanie Coker [Ep 154] School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559] Confidence in Parenting Decisions :: Laura Wifler [Ep 497]

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Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast. Raising Daughters by September McCarthy: Most moms don’t need more advice—they need reassurance. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your daughter thinking, I said that all wrong, this book is for you. We’re raising girls in a world that’s loud, confusing, and constantly redefining womanhood. And before we can guide our daughters, we have to remember who we are in Christ. Raising Daughters meets you right where you are and gives you one faithful next step at a time—because raising daughters is holy work. It takes grit, grace, and guidance, and you’ll find all three here. Grab a copy here.  Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 

In episode one of my School Choice Series, Kris Habashy shares her family’s journey from homeschooling to Christian private education. From navigating dyslexia to the challenges of transitioning middle schoolers, Kris offers a heartfelt, honest look at the joys, struggles, and unexpected growth that come with trusting God in your educational choices.

My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why Kris initially chose to homeschool and how her personality and family dynamics played a role. The challenges of transitioning kids from homeschooling to private school — especially in middle school. The importance of nurturing your own growth as a mom while guiding your kids. Families navigating dyslexia, learning differences, or anxiety around school transitions. Connect with Kris Habashy:  Instagram: (I don’t see any SM for her, do you mind asking?)  Facebook:  Website: Stress management coaching for life’s major moments Links Mentioned:  Living Fearless: By Jamie WinshipRelated Episodes: Expect the Hard, Experience the Good :: Kris Habashy (part 1) Ep 34 Expect the Hard, Experience the Good (Part Two) :: Kris Habashy {Ep 35} Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433]

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Parenting a spicy child can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting, especially when traditional parenting advice just doesn’t work. In this episode, Mary Van Geffen joins us to talk about what it really means to parent a strong-willed, spirited, intense child without losing yourself or crushing their spirit.

So often, as moms, we unknowingly tie our identity and worth to how our children behave. When our kids are calm, compliant, or successful, we feel like we are doing a good job. When they are loud, explosive, or struggling, we internalize it as failure. Parenting a spicy child brings this tension to the surface and forces us to ask deeper questions about where our identity really comes from. This conversation invites moms to loosen their grip on performance-based parenting and remember that our value is not measured by our child’s behavior, but by who we are and whose we are. 

Here is some of what we cover: 

How to stay connected to your child so you can guide them long-term A practical calm down recipe for flare-ups and explosive moments How to set boundaries without crushing your child’s spirit Why you are not responsible for your child’s happiness How to support the mild child in a family with a spicy sibling
Connect with Mary Van Geffen:  Instagram: 🌶️Parenting Education Classes (@maryvangeffen) Facebook: Mary Van Geffen Website: Mary Van Geffen

Links Mentioned:  

Parenting a Spicy One: By Mary Van Geffen The Cost of Control: By Sharon Hodde Miller Start Here- Quiz — Mary Van Geffen

Related Episodes:

Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 438] Body Awareness in Parenting :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 333] How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479]

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*Republishing our most downloaded episodes, one a month this year*

Whether you’ve been married for a few years or are approaching a milestone anniversary, a healthy marriage takes intentional work. Marriage isn’t built in the big, dramatic moments, but in thousands of small habits and daily interactions that over time lead to either a God-honoring, joy-filled relationship—or one marked by strain and self-focus.

Author and speaker Paul David Tripp joins me to talk about how those everyday habits shape our marriages and how to identify the ones that need to be uprooted. Drawing from nearly 50 years of marriage, Paul helps us see our relationships through the lens of the gospel.

“A biblical view of marriage is a sinner married to a sinner in a fallen world—but with a faithful God. That means we can’t coast. There are things in each of us that threaten our marriage, and we need God’s grace every day.”

My hope is that this conversation encourages you to re-engage your marriage with renewed faith and confidence in what God can do.

What we talk about:

How marriages are shaped by thousands of small moments Why daily habits matter more than big moments Identifying healthy and harmful marriage habits How sin turns us inward—and why marriage is a covenant of community Confession, forgiveness, and navigating conflict Unity vs. uniformity in marriage The role of the fruit of the Spirit in a thriving marriage

Why isolation harms marriage and community helps heal it

Connect with Paul David Tripp:  Instagram: Paul David Tripp (@paultrippquotes) Facebook: Paul David Tripp Website: PaulTripp.com | Pastor. Author. Conference Speaker.

Links Mentioned: 

Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp
Related Episodes: Hope for the Hopeless Marriage :: Kathy Bush [Ep 453] Building Strong Marriages :: Kimberly Beam Holmes [Ep 374] Rebuilding from an Abusive Marriage :: Jeni B [Ep 246]

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Thrive Causemetics: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Cozy Earth: These viral pj’s are so good they sold out during the holidays, and now they’re back with an exclusive deal only available January 25th to February 8th. Head to cozyearth.com today and use my code DMABOGO to get these pj’s for you and someone you love! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Cash App: For a limited time, new Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code FAMILY10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Are we living in the most anxious generation ever? In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Max Lucado joins us to talk about anxiety, mental health, and the unseen struggles so many kids and teens are facing today—and what parents can do about it.

With constant access to phones, social media, and nonstop information, anxiety often shows up sideways in our kids through anger, withdrawal, or fear. Max explains what’s happening in the brain, why anxiety feels like an alarm that never shuts off, and how parents can become a soft place to land when emotions run high.

We also talk about the importance of parents addressing anxiety in their own lives, how worry steals joy and peace, and why our presence (not perfection) is what God desires most. Max shares encouragement for praying parents, reminding us that Jesus never turned away a parent who asked for help for their child. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why today’s kids are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety The physical and emotional toll of chronic worry Why a parent’s physical presence matters more than we realize Max Lucado’s personal faith journey and what God taught him about presence over performance Connect with Max Lucado:  Instagram: Max Lucado (@maxlucado) Facebook: Max Lucado Website: Max Lucado

Links Mentioned:  

Calm Thoughts for Kids: 90 devotions for Anxious Days  Tame Your Thoughts: By Max Lucado Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado Hermie Series–Buzby and the Grumble Bees **SIGN UP to Join Heather and Megan at Pro Love Saturday for Embrace Grace Related Episodes: Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit :: Max Lucado [Ep 381] You Are Never Alone :: Max Lucado [Ep 298] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God’s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544]

Featured Sponsors: 

Cove : Make protecting your home one of your New Year’s resolutions! Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order. Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home.  HiyaHealth: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.

My friend and Sidetracked podcast co-host, Cynthia Yanof, joins me to discuss her new book, How’d I Miss That?

Cynthia shares hilarious and poignant stories about family and kids that help uncover deeper truths—reminding us that God has a plan, and there’s no formula for this parenting journey. We often stress over things that feel big at the moment, like preschool registration or making the “right” sports team, but what really matters is having an eternal perspective—focusing on who our kids are becoming at 25 and who we are becoming as parents. In this episode, we talk about:

How to pray audacious, faith-filled prayers over our kids Trusting the process, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment Why not all friendships are meant for every season of parenting—and being intentional about your inner circle And we wrap up with some fun hosting tips from Cynthia
Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Instagram: Cynthia Wilkinson Yanof (@cynthiayanof) Website: Cynthia Yanof

Links Mentioned:  

How’d I Miss That?: By Cynthia Yanof Sidetracked - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Draw the Circle: By Mark Batterson Pre-order Cynthia’s book and then fill out this form to join us LIVE on Jan 27th at 7:30 pm CST
Related Episodes: The Goal Isn’t Happy Children :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 6 [Ep 419] The Unicorn That is Adult Friendship :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 3 [Ep 416] Raising Kids Who Can Stand Alone :: Cynthia Yanof -Summer of Mentorship-Wk 2 [Ep 415] 

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BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer and kick 2026 off the right way! BUBS is running a HUGE New Year New You sale PLUS for a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code [DMA] at checkout. Bubsnaturals.com Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA].  Thrive Causemetics: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

Moms, life throws us into so many conversations every day…

Talking with our kids, navigating our husband’s work party, connecting with other moms, or building our own friendship. All of these moments show who we are and how we communicate.

Today, Debra Fileta, counselor, author, and podcaster, joins me to share practical tips on how to communicate effectively with friends, family, and loved ones. In our tech-driven world, we’ve lost many opportunities for genuine connection, and often we don’t realize how we come across when meeting new people or entering a room full of strangers.

Debra shares insights from her new book, People Skills, to help us connect in deeper, more authentic ways. Here’s some of what we cover:

Relationships and people skills: The strength of your relationships depends on the skills you bring into them.  Communication matters: In a tech-driven world, real-life interactions with tone, body language, and facial expressions are more important than ever.  Understanding communication styles: Learn the four types—assertive, aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive—and how to navigate them.  Practical tips for being a great conversationalist: Honor your story, honor theirs, and create space for give-and-take in relationships. Connect with Debra Fileta: 

Instagram: Debra Fileta Facebook:  Debra Fileta Truelovedates.com Website:  Debra Fileta, M.A. LPC (@debrafileta) Links Mentioned:  

Soul Care: By Debra Fileta People Skills: By Debra Fileta Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast Related Episodes: When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor and Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Helping Our Kids Foster Friendships :: David Thomas and Sissy Goff [Ep 338] Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA.  Cove: Make protecting your home one of your New Year’s resolutions. Check out Cove at covesmart.com, use code DMA for an additional 10% off your first order —easy, affordable, and peace of mind guaranteed. Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/ALONEGRAZA use the code ALONEGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait. 

In this episode, author, podcaster, and speaker Mary DeMuth returns to share the inspiration behind her latest work, which spotlights overwhelmed women in the Bible—women whose stories have often been minimized or overlooked. From Mary the mother of Jesus to Hagar to the widow with two mites, these women model faith, resilience, and wholehearted trust in God.

We talk about how Christmas can be both beautiful and heavy. Mary opens up about her own seasons of overwhelm, from her water breaking on Christmas Eve to sleeping in a barn the week before Christmas. She reminds us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived through the deepest fears a mother can face, yet she remained faithful as a disciple. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why Christmas often heightens grief, trauma, and unmet longings The consumerism of the holiday season vs. the simplicity of God with us What Shalom really means: wholehearted, whole-bodied peace rooted in surrender Jesus’ care for the overlooked, the aging, and the marginalized The definition of “Whelm” which  refers to out-of-control stress,  “overwhelmed” is that same stress amplified beyond capacity Connect with Mary DeMuth: 

Instagram: Mary DeMuth // Healing from Trauma (@marydemuth) Facebook:  Mary DeMuth Website:  Mary DeMuth Links Mentioned:  

Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge: By Mary DeMuth Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overwhelmed Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth Podcast - Pray Every Day Mary DeMuth Church Hurt Checklist Related Episodes: Building the Family You Never Had :: Mary DeMuth [Ep 156] Nobody’s Mother :: Dr. Sandra Glahn [Ep 443] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God’s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544] Featured Sponsors: 

Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/ALONEGRAZA use the code ALONEGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait.  Policygenius: With Policygenius real users have gotten 20-year $2 million policies for just $53 a month. Don’t wait until next year. Give your family the gift of security today with Policygenius. Head to Policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your holiday look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marc Cameron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to explore one of the most influential (and often overlooked) elements of our emotional lives: attachment styles. Drawing from more than 80 years of research, Marc breaks down how our earliest experiences with our families shape the way we connect, communicate, handle conflict, and relate to the people closest to us well into adulthood.

This episode offers a compassionate and scientifically grounded roadmap for understanding yourself and the people you love. Whether you identify as avoidant, anxious, vacillating, disorganized, or relatively secure, you'll walk away with clarity, validation, and practical tools for building healthier patterns of connection. Here is some of what we cover: 

Why attachment styles are not personality traits, but relational survival strategies formed early in life Why “secure” doesn’t mean perfect; it means the relationship feels predictable and safe most of the time How attachment ruptures can be healed in adulthood through awareness and practice Why the holidays amplify attachment triggers—family roles, old wounds and unresolved expectations How to move toward secure attachment by learning emotional language, practicing repair, and using the comfort circle  Connect with Marc Cameron: 

Instagram: How We Love (@howwelovebook) Facebook:  How We Love Website:  How We Love – Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage Links Mentioned:  

How We Love: By Milan and Kay Yerkovich Understanding Your Attachment Style:By Marc Cameron Love Style Quiz – How We Love Freebies – How We Love Related Episodes: Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491] What Does my Child Need :: Amy and Jeff Olrick [Ep 480] SofM 2024 Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics:  Complete your holiday look with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone you love to Honeylove this holiday season and right now you can save 20% at honeylove.com/DMA Story Worth: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years–Storyworth Memoirs! Right now save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to Storyworth.com/dma. 

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and investigative journalist Lee Strobel to explore some of the most profound questions of faith: Are miracles real? What evidence supports the Christmas story? What are angels like? 

Lee was famously an atheist, and when his wife came to faith in Christ, he set out to prove her wrong. In the end, he discovered that the evidence for Jesus was too substantial to ignore and he became a Christian. Since then, he has helped countless people wrestle with life’s biggest questions: Is God real? How do we navigate a spiritually mismatched marriage? How can we help our kids understand the evidence that Jesus came, died, and rose again? 

Now, he has a new movie coming out called The Case for Miracles, bringing the supernatural to life in a powerful and compelling way. In this interview, we explore:

Documented cases of divine healing Spiritual Mismatch in marriage and how to have hope  The evidence surrounding Christmas and the incarnation Do angels exist? Do we have guardian angels? What Scripture and research reveal How God is using miracles and dreams around the world to draw people to Him  Connect with Lee Strobel: 

Instagram: Lee Strobel (@lee_strobel) Facebook: Lee Strobel Website: Lee Strobel Links Mentioned:  

The Case for Miracles Movie Spiritual Mismatch: By Lee Strobel The Seeing the Supernatural: By Lee Strobel The Case for Christ: By Lee Strobel The Case for Miracles: By Lee Strobel Is God Real? for Teens by Lee Strobel Related Episodes:

Moms and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever :: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins [Ep 501] “What is My Responsibility in My Child’s Salvation?” :: Vela Tomba [Ep 431] Seek Him First :: Lillian Richey [Ep 494] Featured Sponsors: 

BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer! For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code DMA at checkout. Just head to BubsNaturals.com and use code DMA and you’re all set.  Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA. 

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Jess Connolly—author, podcaster, and speaker—invites us into a season of her life marked by heartbreak and uncertainty. 

Jess opens up about the winter of 2023, when her husband experienced panic attacks, heart issues, and a mental health crisis. At the same time, her family was facing major loss as her stepfather passed away after heart surgery, while also preparing for a book release. Followed by one of her children walking through a dark trial. Jess brings so much truth and gentle encouragement to anyone walking through a season that desperately needs hope, not the shallow Christian clichés we often hear, but a deep and steady hope that God is with us in the valley. Here’s some of what we cover:

The myth of the “prosperity gospel of parenting” and why 1+2 does not always equal 3 The pressure to assign purpose to a painful season  Rethinking Psalm 23 and understanding the rod and the staff  Learning to lament: why anger expressed to God is actually intimacy An exclusive sneak peak at her next book!  Connect with Jess Connolly:  Instagram: Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Facebook: Jess Connolly Website: Jess Connolly Links Mentioned:  

What Comes Next: By Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: By Lysa TerKeurst Related Episodes:

Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484] Your Body is GOOD :: Jess Connolly [Ep 329] Worth Repeating // Jess Connolly Featured Sponsors:

Sex Ed Reclaimed: Sex Ed Reclaimed offers a full curriculum with lifetime access so with that mind, visit sexedreclaimed.com to get your family's video curriculum today. Branch Basics: Get yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all - the gift of clean with Branch Basics! For a limited time only, our listeners get 15% off and Free Shipping on their premium starter pack when you use code DMA at BranchBasics.com/DMA . Jones Road Beauty: This holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that’s clean, strategic, and multifunctional. From November 18th - December 1st, Jones Road is doing their first ever Black Friday Sale! Go to JonesRoadBeauty.com to get up to 20% off sitewide.

As a young mom, I felt the tension of wanting to have it all together: the boys in matching outfits, the house spotless, and dinner on the table. But no matter how hard I tried, it always felt just out of reach. 

Today, Ashleigh Surratt joins me to talk about what it means to be a Type C mom — a blend of Type A and Type B — and how this mix shapes the way we experience motherhood. She is a mom and faith-filled encourager who speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, and finding God’s grace in the messiest seasons of life. Her perspective helps moms release perfectionism and embrace the freedom found in authenticity. We talk about: 

How to stop comparing yourself and embrace what truly matters to you How “ideal mom” expectations can become an idol Why authenticity and vulnerability invite connection rather than shame Create simple “catch-all” systems to manage chaos in your home When you feel drained, pause and invite God into the overwhelm Connect with Ashleigh Surratt: 

Instagram: Ashleigh Surratt (@ashleigh.surratt) Facebook: Ashleigh Surratt Links Mentioned:  

The Lazy Genius The Ashleigh Surratt Show - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Podcast with her husband Related Episodes:

Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 492] The Lazy Genius Kitchen :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 365] Choose What Matters to YOU :: Kendra Adachi [Ep 293] Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone special to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth this holiday season. Save 20% off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order. 

When life doesn’t go as planned, it can be hard to see where God is working. In this powerful conversation, Sandra Peoples, author, special needs mom, and ministry leader,  opens up about her journey from growing up with a sister with Down syndrome to parenting a son with autism.


Sandra shares how her family’s story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover: 

Disability families are often unreached — the church has an incredible opportunity to serve and love them. Support for the whole family — offer counseling, respite nights, and peer connection for parents and siblings. The church should be a whole picture of the body of Christ including those with disabilities who often enter into worship in the most beautiful ways.  What questions to ask your friends who are hesitant to come to church with their special needs child.  Hope for the mom that feels unseen or hopeless. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
Connect with Sandra Peoples

Website: Sandra Peoples: Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families Instagram: Sandra Peoples (@sandrapeoples) Facebook: Sandra Peoples
Links Mentioned:  

Accessible Church: By Sandra Peoples Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: By Sandra Peoples Unexpected Blessings: By Sandra Peoples 99 Balloons
Related Episodes:

Adopting Special Needs :: Alice and Candace [Ep 213] Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515] Parenting Neurodivergent Children–Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413]
Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  StoryWorth Memoirs: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years–Storyworth Memoirs! Right now, save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to storyworth.com/dma !

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to talk about parenting, faith, and finding courage, especially in the spotlight. Katherine opens up about her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, an inspiring story about overcoming fear, bravery, and the bond between animals and humans.

She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids’ privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover:

Balancing Fame and Family: How Katherine and Chris Pratt navigate parenting in the public eye while prioritizing a grounded, private childhood for their kids. Why boredom, journaling, and quiet moments sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity. Motherhood with Humor and Grace: Katherine’s honest reflections on mom life, finding laughter in chaos, and building a community that uplifts and supports. Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: find humor in things, get outside, and give yourself grace.

Connect with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt: 

Website: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Instagram: Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger) Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger Links Mentioned:  

Kat and Brandy: By Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Jingle All the Way Christmas Movie Black Beauty: By Anna Sewell BDA Baby® Podcast Related Episodes:

Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466] Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521] Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Bubs Natural: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code [DMA] at Bubsnaturals.com PolicyGenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That’s the ultimate self-care. 

What does it really mean to parent with grace? Does choosing grace-based or gentle parenting mean we throw out discipline or become permissive? In today’s episode, Cody Kimmel and I, explore the deep spiritual truths behind parenting the way God parents us, full of grace, full of truth, and full of delight. Parenting is not about perfection. It’s about partnering with God in the work He’s doing in our kids' lives. When we align ourselves with His heart—gracious, truthful, joyful—we parent from a place of rest, not reaction. Here is some of what we cover:

How to respond to a talking-back teen with both love and limits How our own sanctification plays a role in how we approach our kids and discipline  The role of trust and play in your relationship with your kids Grace doesn't mean permissiveness, it means parenting the way God parents us How modern parenting gets it wrong by saying parenting is death to joy and freedom but there is incredible beauty and delight in motherhood  Connect with Cody Kimmel: 

Website: Home - Gracebased Facebook: Gracebased Instagram: Gracebased (@gracebasedfamilies) Links Mentioned:  

Grace-Based Parenting: By Tim Kimmel Blueprint Pathway - Gracebased Gracebased Home Journal - Gracebased Podcasts lightcatchers - Gracebased Related Episodes:

Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Grace-Based Discipline :: Karis Kimmel Murray [Ep 150] “What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Featured Sponsors: 

Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/DMA and enter our code DMA at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.  Voetberg Music Academy: This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Get 20% off the proprietary Voetberg Method Experience. Lightcatchers Podcast: Lightcatchers, a new podcast of original stories for children. Created by an organization with over 40 years of helping moms and dads experience God’s vision for parenting, Lightcatchers is loved by children and parents alike. It’s perfect for parents looking for stories that explore topics like emotional intelligence, mental health, and hope. Listen now to Lightcatchers wherever you get your podcasts. And learn more at bealightcatcher.com

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kathleen from The Pour Over, a news outlet known for delivering the world’s biggest headlines with clarity and Christian perspective. We unpack the emotional weight of our 24/7 news cycle, especially in a world where social media pulls on your emotions and algorithms scream, “Why aren’t you talking about this?”.  Moms are expected to stay informed, care deeply, and somehow shield their kids from the fear and confusion that often comes with breaking news. Here are some of the topics we cover: 

How to talk to your kids about heavy headlines without additional fear Discernment in the age of social media and video “evidence” Monitoring your time consuming the news — and its effect on your mood Staying informed while still showing the fruits of the Spirit

Connect with Kathleen Wadkins: 

Website: Your politically neutral, Christian news source. - The Pour Over Instagram:  The Pour Over | News & Perspective (@thepourovernews) Links Mentioned:  

Decaf - The Pour Over Subscribe for FREE to The Pour Over The Pour Over - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Related Episodes:

Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495] Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] Featured Sponsors: 

Branch Basics: Ready to kick off your back-to-school reset? Shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Start fresh this season, with products that are safe, simple, and actually work. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/[DMA]. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.

In this episode I chat with the lovely Erica Gwynn, author, podcaster, and mom about her new book That’s Just Not True. She shares how easily we start believing lies about our worth, purpose, and identity. From the pressure to “have it all together” to the quiet voice that whispers “you’re missing out” or “you’re not enough,” the conversation dives deep into how these thoughts take root — and how God’s truth brings freedom. Through honest stories and truth, Erica reminds us that you are not enough — but Jesus is enough. God hasn’t asked us to do everything; He’s gifted us to play our part in the body of Christ. Here is some of what we cover:
Turning ordinary (or in between) moments into “breath prayers”  Recognizing lies like: I’m missing out, I missed my shot, and I can manifest my dream life We talk about how mom’s can make their kids their whole life and identity How to shift worldly affirmations to Godly affirmations How social media has become a place of “curated messy” and fake authenticity Connect with Erica Gwynn: 

Website:  Popular Philadelphia Lifestyle Blog | Coming Up Roses Facebook: Coming Up Roses Instagram:  Erica Ligenza Gwynn // PHILLY (@ericaligenza) Links Mentioned:  

That's Just Not True: By Erica Ligenza Gwynn You Are Special; by Max Lucado Must Be Nice Hat from Sidetracked Podcast Thrive Podcast | Coming up Roses Related Episodes:

If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538] The Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Critical Inner Monologues :: Mary Marantz [Ep 520] Unpacking Moms’ Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503] Featured Sponsors: 

Green Chef–Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics–Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Voetburg Music Academy–The Voetberg Family loves playing music together, and they want to help you bring the gift of music into your home in an affordable, efficient, and family-centered way. This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is it too late to rebuild your relationship with your adult child? What if there’s grief, resentment, or even silence between you?

In this episode, Kathy Cunningham, a Christian counselor, ordained minister, coach, and inner healing ministry leader shares her deeply personal journey of healing, transformation, and restored connection with her adult children. Kathy went through a journey with both of her kids and started to see more and more parent child estrangement in her counseling practice. This led her to start a ministry that helps parents grow and be a cheerleader instead of controlling their adult kids. Here is some of what we cover:  Why your own healing journey is key to restoring connection Setting healthy boundaries in your home while honoring your child’s independence What to do when your child has cut off contact Radical acceptance: creating space for disagreement without division Moms whose identity has been wrapped up in parenting find themselves feeling lost and unsure of who they are once their kids leave home- what to do next Connect with Kathy Cunningham: 

Website:  Grace For The Journey Facebook: A Seed of Hope Instagram:  Katherine L Cunningham (@kathycunningham717) Links Mentioned:  

Doing Life with Your Adult Children: By Jim Burns Parents of Addicted Loved Ones | Support Group for Parents, Spouses, Family of Addicted Loved One FREE resources for parents to reconnect with adult children  Grace Restored Membership Related Episodes:

“How do I connect better with my kids?” [Ep 475] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] Featured Sponsors: 

GoPure Beauty–For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code DMA at checkout. Just head to gopure.com, use code DMA, and you’re all set. And after you buy, do us a favor—when they ask where you heard about goPure, tell them it was from our show! Policygenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That’s the ultimate self-care. Hiya Health: The same multivitamin that more than a million parents trust is now available with an enchanting Disney Princess welcome kit, with a new Princess unboxing experience including Princess bottle and stickers. And we've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What happens when love meets fear head-on in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy? Today, Amy Ford, from the ministry "Embrace Grace" is here to share her own personal testimony and how God is moving through local churches to love on women. Amy’s own story of an unexpected pregnancy that ends in total redemption is amazing. From that she started Embrace Grace, an organization that provides baby showers, support before and after birth, and a community that goes beyond. Here is some of what we cover: 

What “Love Boxes” are and why 30,000+ were given out last year The powerful symbolism of Hagar, the first single mom in the Bible, who encountered the God who sees A support group for fathers called Embrace Legacy and the vital role they play The vision of being in 23,400 churches by 2050  How your church can become a place of welcome and grace for single moms and dads Connect with Amy Ford: 

Website:  Unplanned Pregnancy Support Groups | Embrace Grace Facebook: Embrace Grace | Hurst TX  Instagram:  Embrace Grace (@embracegraceinc) Links Mentioned:  

Write a Brave Girl Letter | Encourage a Single and Pregnant Mom Love in a Box – Embrace Grace Shop Help Her Be Brave Podcast Hannah Kirkman’s IG story of healing from her abortion journey Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane Forgiven and Set Free Bible Study by Linda Cochrane Surrendering the Secret Bible Study by Pat Layton  Related Episodes: I Am Restored :: Stacy Reaves {Ep 93}  How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Summer of Mentorship Wk 6] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190] Featured Sponsors: 

Voetberg Music Academy: If you are ready to get started with either Piano, Guitar, Fiddle, or Ukulele lessons at Voetberg Music Academy then use my code DONTMOMALONE at checkout and get 20% off each month you’re enrolled. Weekly lessons, LIVE coaching calls, monthly performance opportunities, 24/7 messaging with your instructor, access to the VMA community, badges mailed to your home and so much more is included with your membership that is less than one in person lesson.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  Branch Basics: Head to BranchBasics.com to shop their Ultimate Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. That’s 15% off your new Branch Basics Ultimate Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com with promo code [DMA]. Make the change today—because a healthier home starts with what you clean it with. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you ever felt like your teenager is pulling away, and no matter how much you talk, nothing seems to get through?

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Gregston, a ministry leader who has spent over 50 years walking with teenagers through crises, often welcoming them into his home. His insights challenge a lot of the assumptions we make about parenting teens. Mark reminds us that relationships are the most important thing and shares ways to make that connection, and how to transition from parenting littles to older kids. Here is some of what we cover:  What to do when mom shame pops up  How to know when your teen is just being a teen... and when it's a red flag What to do when your teen surprises you with behavior you didn’t see coming How to give them more responsibility and be less controlling Creating a home where relationships flourish is possible—even when things feel hopeless Connect with Mark Gregston: 

Website:  Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Website: Heartlight Ministries Facebook: Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Instagram:  PTT with Mark Gregston (@parentingtodaysteens) Links Mentioned:  

Family Crisis Coaching Program - Parenting Today's Teens Heartlight Ministries Parenting Today's Teens Podcast with Mark Gregston eBooks - Parenting Today's Teens Related Episodes:

Help for the Unspoken Challenges of Parenting Teens :: Amy Betters-Midtvedt [Ep 493] Three Faith Pillars for Parenting Teens :: Melissa Kruger [Ep 457] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Featured Sponsors: 

GoPure: Right now, goPure has a crazy deal. For a limited time, you can get 57% off the Tighten & Lift Neck Cream and Sculpt & Tone Arm Cream Bundle. You can also get 25% off all other products by using code DMA at goPure.com Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA.  Thrive Market: Go to thrivemarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.