When your husband’s job pulls him away from home, it can leave you holding the weight of family life alone—and it’s exhausting. Today Karen is answering questions from moms whose husbands are frequently gone due to their line of work. From managing toddler tantrums and homeschooling to navigating resentment and self-pity, Karen shares hard-won wisdom from her own years in the trenches. Don’t miss Karen’s honest encouragement about what it means to trust God and stay grounded through the hard seasons! Episode Recap:2:35 - Karen’s husband Greg travelled extensively with his job during their early family years6:10 - How did you manage the inconsistency in your husband’s work schedule? 10:25 - We have to bring God into our daily walk as moms, He will sustain us11:30 - My husband works in a traumatic field, how do I support him without letting the darkness and stress of his job affect our family?15:05 - How do I help my husband get on board with what I’m doing at home since he’s away so often18:23 - Emily’s tips for keeping preschooler occupied while mom homeschools other child21:15 - I’m a working mom and my husband is in residency. I struggle with resentment and self-pity, how did you handle these emotions? Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 73:26 (NIV)“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”Questions for Discussion:What do you find most difficult when your husband is away—emotionally, practically, or spiritually?Have you ever struggled with self-pity or resentment in your parenting journey? What helped you move forward?Karen talks about letting go of the “scoreboard” in marriage and not expecting equal contribution all the time. How does that idea sit with you?What are some practical ways you could invite God into your hard season right now?If you’re parenting a strong-willed toddler, which of Karen and Emily’s ideas could you try this week?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comCheck out the Scoreboard of Life session within Karen’s The Six Truths of Motherhood curriculum: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase/products/six-truths-study-guide
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28:55
462: Why We Call It Good Friday
Today we’re talking about Good Friday —and reflecting on why something so awful was called ‘good.’ Karen walks through the events leading up to the cross, explains why Jesus had to die, and answers some common (and hard!) questions your kids and teens might be asking. Whether your children are little or nearly grown, we hope this conversation equips you to talk about Jesus’ sacrifice and bring the hope of Easter into your home this week.Episode Recap:2:10 - We don’t have to know everything, moms! But it’s our job to point our kids to answers2:36 - Recap of events leading up to Good Friday5:42 - Matthew 27:51-53 shares some incredible things that happened when Jesus died8:44 - Jesus willing endured the Cross for us - that makes Friday good!9:30 - Why did Jesus have to die? Wasn’t there another way?12:51 - Jesus was fully man and fully God, He is our High Priest13:35- Forgiveness doesn’t mean justice is ignored14:24 - How do we know Jesus’ death was real? What about the Resurrection?20:16 - What are practical ways to bring your family together around the story of Good Friday and Easter?24:00 - Don’t be afraid of your kids’ questions, dive in together and look for the truth! Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”Questions for Discussion:What makes Good Friday “good,” even though it was such a dark day?How can we engage well with our kids when they ask hard questions about Jesus’ death or the resurrection?What does it mean to you personally that Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done”?How can your family focus on Jesus this Easter in a meaningful way—especially if your kids aren’t naturally interested?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
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28:34
461: When Little Ones Push Back: Practical Discipline for Moms
From dealing with toddlers who constantly say "no!" to navigating three-year-old stubbornness, today Karen is answering your questions and sharing practical strategies to help you respond with consistency and grace. You’ll learn how to set boundaries that stick and understand why repetition is key to laying a foundation of obedience. Whether you're managing meltdowns or guiding a strong-willed child, this episode will equip you to keep calm and parent on!Episode Recap:2:43 - Is age two or three more difficult?4:41 - My four yr old doesn’t listen and it puts him in danger! How can I get him to take me seriously?7:15 - Toddlers HAVE to know that you are going to follow through!8:50 - I’m constantly threatening my 2.5 yr old daughter with consequences for not obeying, is she only obeying out of fear?11:00 - My 7 year old daughter has no motivation to do anything! How do I get her to get moving? 14:25 - Talk to your child’s teacher if their homework seems to take them forever at home, there could be something to pay attention to there.18:55 - Help! My husband and I are at our wit’s end with our combative 4 year old. Scripture for Reflection: Galatians 6:9 (NIV)"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."Questions for Discussion:What are some challenges you face with your toddler or preschooler’s strong emotions? How do you typically respond?How do you balance immediate consequences with teaching long-term obedience?What strategies have you found helpful for setting boundaries with strong-willed children?How can you maintain consistency when it feels like your child isn’t getting the message?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comKathleen Edelman’s A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring: https://amzn.to/4lmF5VFWire Talk episode 433 with Wellesley Jongko: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/433-you-can-set-your-child-up-for-readin
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26:26
460: Title: Help! My Teen is Struggling
The stakes feel high when you’re parenting teenagers, but you don’t have to go it alone! Today Karen is answering questions from moms facing challenges as they are navigating the teen years. From dealing with inappropriate relationships and emotional struggles to setting boundaries and having tough conversations, Karen offers encouragement to help you parent with confidence. Whether your teen is acting out or just feeling melancholic, you'll find practical wisdom and support in this candid conversation.Episode Recap:4:06- It’s critical to be a parent rather than a friend during the teen years.6:48- My 16 yr old is texting inappropriate pictures with his girlfriend, what do we do?11:49- Strategies for connecting with a melancholic teen.16:50- My college-age child is making poor choices when it comes to grades/work ethic - what does tough love look like?23:07- How do I firmly address drug/alcohol use concerns with young adults who aren’t living at home anymore?26:21- My 16 year old is dealing with depression and thoughts of self-harm - help!Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."Questions for Discussion:Do you struggle with balancing being a parent versus being a friend to your teenager?Think of a time your teen has made a poor choice. Did you manage your own emotions well while addressing the behavior? If not, what would it look like to have a re-do in that particular situation?What role does prayer play in your parenting during the teen years? What are 3 things you can be praying for your teen right now? Write them down and hold one another accountable to praying daily for those things in our teens’ lives.Resources:Check out our studio glow up on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@birdsonawiremomsDon’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comListen to Raising Emotionally Strong Boys with David Thomas: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/347-raising-emotionally-strong-boys-with-david-thomas
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31:07
459: Not Every Conflict With Your Child Is Defiance (Sometimes, It’s Just Personality)
From preschool power struggles to teenage arguments, this episode is full of real mom moments. Today, Karen’s answering your questions on sibling conflict, possessiveness, and strong-willed kids. Whether it’s a four year old not wanting to share, or a teenager pushing against boundaries, Karen reminds us that parenting isn’t about controlling every outcome—it’s about cultivating character, modeling grace, and being a steady presence as kids grow and learn.Episode Recap:5:24- How do I help my child get over her excessive possessiveness? 9:50 - Should I get involved over the messiness of my daughters’ room? 12:18- My teens’ argumentativeness ruins the mood of our entire family, help! 17:55- How can I help cultivate a close relationship between siblings? Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”Questions for Discussion:Have you ever struggled with a child being overly possessive or anxious about their belongings? What has helped (or what would you try based on this episode)?How do you handle arguments with your strong-willed children, especially when they push back against authority? Is what you’re doing working? What’s one way you’ve helped your kids build or maintain a strong sibling bond?How do you balance honoring your child’s temperament with helping them grow in areas like generosity, respect, and submission?Which part of Karen’s advice in this episode resonated most with you today—and why?Resources:Check out our studio glow up on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@birdsonawiremomsDon’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: www.soaratsea.comWant more on parenting toward your child’s temperament? Check out A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring: https://amzn.to/4c34sYCListen to Karen’s episode with Abby: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/wt-284-worth-the-fight-with-karen-and-abbyGrab a copy of Karen’s devotional for Teen Girls: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/all-active-products/products/preorder-teen-devotionalWant to know your or your child’s temperament? Take our FREE Colors Quiz! www.boaw.mom/quiz
Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!
Listen to Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs, Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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