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...
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
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23:44
458: Handling Hard Conversations with Grace
Navigating hard conversations can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to extended family! Today Karen is answering your questions about setting boundaries, honoring traditions while carving out your own space, and maintaining peace without losing your voice. We hope you’ll take away some practical nuggets for the next time you find yourself facing a difficult conversation. Episode Recap:5:20 How do I know when to stand up for myself and when to bend?6:22 My husband’s family celebrates religious holidays in a purely secular way. I’m always frustrated by it when we are with them! What can I do? 10:18 We feel guilted into vacationing with extended family every year when it really doesn’t work for us anymore. It has become a source of tension between my husband and I. How do we navigate this? 15:26 How do I “uninvite” our babysitter on our family vacation??!20:00 My dad doesn’t want to see us at the holidays because he says we haven’t seen him/done enough with him all year long. How do I approach him? Scripture for Reflection: James 1:5 (NIV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."Questions for Discussion:Did you relate to Karen’s story about being “afraid” of the 7 year old neighbor? Do unpleasant conversations make you nervous? Have you experienced tension around family traditions or expectations?Do you have particular family members you find it difficult to communicate with?When navigating family gatherings or vacations, what boundaries have you established that have been helpful?How can you invite God into these difficult conversations for wisdom and peace?What steps can you take to ensure your core family unit is nurtured and protected, even amidst extended family obligations?Resources:- Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: www.soaratsea.com - Check out Wire Talk’s viral clip - https://youtube.com/shorts/yd-lyxHD0HU?feature=share- Take the free colors quiz - www.boaw.mom/quiz
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26:09
457: Talking to Kids About Loss: Lessons from Where Did TJ Go?
Grief and joy don’t have to be opposites—sometimes, they go hand in hand. In this tender conversation, Annie F. Downs shares the story behind Where Did TJ Go?, a book she co-authored with her sister to help families navigate the loss of a child. Annie opens up about how her nephew TJ’s brief but impactful life deepened their family’s bond and taught them the beauty of holding joy and sorrow together. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to support a grieving family, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and hope.Episode Recap:4:26- Annie F. Downs joins us today!5:40- Prior to TJ’s death, Annie’s family was not nearly as close 8:00- Annie’s sister discovered she was pregnant with a child who had a life limiting diagnosis 10:45- Aunts and uncles get to say yes, so do it often! 12:45- How can we love on families who are raising kids while grieving? 14:30- Where Did TJ Go? is a conduit for families to connect while grieving16:00- There is good news in sad stories, this is a Gospel story20:50- Get a bookplate customized with the name of a child you want to honorScripture for Reflection: Romans 12:15 (NIV) "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."Questions for Discussion:Annie talked about how grief and joy can coexist. Have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of those around you?How can we, as moms, create space for our children to express their emotions—both happy and sad—without feeling like they have to choose one over the other?Annie’s family found a surprising closeness through their loss. Have you experienced a hardship that has brought you closer to family? How did it change your relationships?What are some ways we can support grieving families, especially those with young children, in a way that honors their loss while also bringing hope?Resources:Pick up Where Did TJ Go? anywhere books are sold: https://amzn.to/4kxSYzTGet a bookplate customized with a name you want to honor at wheredidtjgo.comLast chance to register for the Soar Conference! Don’t procrastinate another day: https://subsplash.com/birdsonawire-ga/lb/ev/+j2j9wpqConnect with Annie: https://www.anniefdowns.com/
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25:55
456: Raising Kids with Unshakable Faith
What is it like to raise children in the middle of a war? In this special episode, Karen sits down with Kimmie Saado, an American mom raising her five kids in Israel, to hear about the realities of life during conflict. From sirens and safe rooms to worshiping through fear, Kimmie shares how faith has anchored her family in uncertain times. Listen in as she encourages moms to raise up the next generation of Daniels—children who stand firm in faith, no matter the circumstances.Episode Recap:1:26- Kimmie is an American mom raising five kids in Israel3:03- How Kimmie and Sahar met and challenges of cross-cultural dating/engagement7:50- What it’s like to lead a Bible tour company in Israel13:20- Karen and Kimmie’s favorite places in Israel15:45- what has it been like to raise children in a conflict zone?19:39- how Kimmie’s son led their family in worship during moments of fear.22:30- how faith-filled habits help equip our kids and others to stand firm in faith.24:31- what does it mean to be a “Daniel”?28:15- what Kimmie and Sahar are doing in the States this year30:00- how Americans can pray and support the Jewish people right now37:30- we have made God so small and our problems so bigScripture for Reflection: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”Questions for Discussion:Kimmie shared a vivid story about responding to a bombing by shouting a Bible verse and also, how her son responded to bombing sirens with worship. How do you model turning to your faith in scary times? Do your kids get to witness that? What does it mean to raise a "Daniel" in today’s world? How can we instill resilience and faith in our children?Kimmie and her husband took intentional steps to prepare for challenges before those challenges arrived. How can we spiritually equip our families before trials come?Kimmie spoke about finding peace in God’s presence, even in uncertainty. What are some practical ways we can cultivate that kind of faith in our own lives?Resources:Last chance to register for the Soar Conference! Don’t procrastinate another day: https://subsplash.com/birdsonawire-ga/lb/ev/+j2j9wpqCheck out Kimmie and Sahar’s company: Israel Bible Tours: https://www.israelbibletours.com/
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!
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