Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

All month long we're re-airing some of the most downloaded episodes from the Wire Talk vault. In today's interview Sunny is joined by one of our most popular guests, child psychologist David Thomas. During their conversation David addresses your questions about the emotional needs of our kids. Sunny and David cover when to lean in and when to back off, how to discern what is hormones and what is normal behavior and David gives loads of practical tips to help you navigate the outbursts. Whether you're dealing with anger, sadness, anxiety or frustration in your kids, we think you'll hear something today that equips you to respond with grace. Love this episode? Double tap subscribe so you never miss an episode of Wire Talk! 

Today’s topic is one all moms can relate to - whiny kids! Whether your child is 4 or 14, listen as Karen answers your questions about how to handle whininess in the moment and how to nip it in the bud for good. Can't get enough of Karen? Become a Patron today and gain access to our monthly podcast, Real Life Real Moms! 

The Stubbs girls got together for this special episode to discuss the way quarantine has changed daily life. From job losses and pregnancy to missing out on the end of her senior year of college and travel opportunities, the girls share the challenges they are still walking through and what God is teaching them in this season.  Love Wire Talk? Double tap that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! 

In this episode, we’re sharing exclusive audio from a live event featuring both Karen and her husband, Greg. Listen in as they teach on the topic of staying united as a couple and share a few tools you can use today to communicate better in your marriage. Love this episode? Share it with your spouse! Our full curriculum for married parents, Parenting Together, is available for digital download on our site. 

Beth McCord (@YourEnneagramCoach) joins Karen and Sunny today to dive into the popular personality typing system, the Enneagram. We loved hearing Beth’s perspective on what makes the Enneagram such an effective tool for understanding ourselves and learning how we can use that knowledge to empower our parenting. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to the many resources Beth shares!

From getting up in the middle of the night with babies to staying up until the wee hours because your teen wants to talk late at night, this mom-gig is literally 24/7. On today’s episode we cover sleep regression, Saturday morning tussles over who has to get up with the kids, and dealing with parenting solo when your spouse travels. Sunny and Karen answer your questions and offer tips so you can be there for your kids, no matter what time of day it is. And don’t miss Karen sharing a prayer prayed over her many years ago that still brings peace whenever Greg is away to this day. If you want more Karen in your earbuds, sign up today to become a Patreon supporter! Receive a new episode of our Real Life, Real Moms podcast each month as well as gain access to intimate Q&As with Karen and other fun surprises! 

We’re back this week with a continuation of this fantastic conversation about ADHD with Dr. Staci Bolton. Today Dr. Bolton answers your questions about treatment alternatives to medication, how to help your teen develop stronger executive functioning skills, and how to discipline when ADHD is a factor. Don’t miss Dr. Bolton talking about how girls with ADHD Inattentive often fall through the cracks. Loving Wire Talk? Double tap that subscribe button so you never miss an episode! 

Today Karen and Sunny ask clinical psychologist Dr. Staci Bolton your questions all about raising a child with ADHD. Dr. Bolton brings years of wisdom and expertise to this conversation, including her take on the difference between ADHD and a typically developing active child in the early years, the misdiagnosis of ADHD,  and practical strategies for families dealing with the difficult dynamics ADHD can introduce into sibling and parent relationships. This conversation was so rich, we've split it into 2 episodes so you have time to digest all of the information Dr. Bolton shares.  Loving Wire Talk? Leave us a review and be sure you're subscribed so you don't miss Part 2 of this conversation! 

Karen and Sunny gathered virtually this week to talk about how COVID-19 has changed life for us all this month. They talk about the highs and lows, from having more meals together as a family, to feeling overwhelmed by the kids' questions all day long. Stay tuned til the end to hear Karen's encouraging word for us from the book of Job.  We would love to be praying for you specifically during this time, you can share any prayer requests with us on our Facebook page, our staff prays over each one of those!

Today's episode should give us all hope. Moms, this is what we are all aiming for - the stage when we finally get to be our child's friend! As your child begins to stand on their own two feet, help maintain a great relationship with them by tucking away the tips Karen shares during this rich discussion.  If you have enjoyed this series on Wire Talk, make sure you are subscribed and share it with a friend!  And if you want more Karen in your life, become a member of our Patreon community for exclusive episodes each month and intimate Q&A sessions with Karen! 

Wherever you are on your journey of motherhood, don't miss hearing Karen's perspective on the high school years! The more you learn early on, the better off you'll be when you do get to those high school years. This season is all about gradually letting go of control so your child can leave your nest prepared for the wider world. Hear Karen's tips about helping your child earn trust, about the importance of letting them fail, and don't miss the one thing Karen says moms absolutely must not do during high school. Love Wire Talk? Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Find links to all the resources mentioned on today's show in our show notes. 

Today on Wire Talk Karen and Sunny are talking middle schoolers. These middle school years are when your child is trying desperately to figure out who they are. If you only take one thing away from this conversation, that’s the thing I hope you remember! Middle school is a time of transition and it’s a time when as moms, we need to lean in and pay attention to who they ARE, not who we want them to be.

These are crucial teaching years. Like we talked about last week, hopefully by elementary school you’ve laid the foundation with your child that you are the authority they need to obey. Now is the time to your child teach the 'why' behind the 'what'. Use Scripture and use real life stories to teach your child the principles of how life works. This is the age when you need to help them begin to take responsibility for themselves. Love Karen and want more each month? Become a Patron today and automatically get an episode of Real Life. Real Moms. each month! 

So many times in parenting we get caught up in the weeds with our kids and we can’t see the forest for the trees. This series is a way to help moms pause for just a moment, and look at the big picture. During our month long Bottom Line series, Karen and Sunny are tackling 5 different stages of life for our kid and sharing wisdom for what we moms need to keep our focus on during those years. Today we’re talking all about the early years, where you need to keep your focus ages 0-5. Love Wire Talk? Share this episode with a friend!  And if you can't get enough of Karen, become a Patron today to receive our brand-new podcast, Real Life. Real Moms. 

Today we're celebrating 200 episodes of Wire Talk by flipping the script on our typical show! Listen in as Karen interviews Sunny - Real Life. Real Moms. style - about her journey of motherhood; what has been challenging, what she is loving, and how God has grown her faith in this season of her life.  Become a Patron today and automatically get a Real Life. Real Moms. episode each month!

Opposites may attract, but when it comes to parenting your kids, how do you parent effectively as a team when your partner’s personality is the exact opposite of yours? On today’s show Karen answers questions from moms about their husband’s red, blue, green, or yellow personality clashing with their own. Find out what 'color' you are with our free quiz.  The next episode of our Patreon podcast Real Life. Real Moms. releases this week. Don't miss it! Become a Patron today.

Whether it’s you or your child struggling with angry outbursts, we’ve all been there. On today’s show, Karen and Sunny tackle questions from moms about aggressive behavior and physical tantrums, and Karen reminds us where self control ultimately comes from. Listen to our new show, Real Life. Real Moms. now available exclusively in Patreon! 

If you think of your marriage like a bank account, when was the last time you made a deposit? During the years your kids are at home it’s easy to get in the habit of constantly making withdrawals and forgetting to “put money in the bank”. On today’s episode, Karen and Sunny are sharing date night ideas that are sure to improve your balance. We’ve got stay-at-home date ideas, creative childcare solutions, and outside-the-box date night activities. Pick something new to try this month and let us know how it goes! Become a Patreon supporter today and get access to our brand-new podcast, Real Life. Real Moms. today!   

Setting boundaries can be uncomfortable, whether you are trying to take control of your schedule, your toddler, or any other area of life. Listen in as Karen and Sunny answer questions from moms in our Facebook group about healthy, biblical boundaries and saying “no” without guilt! Head to birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode196 for links to all of the resources mentioned on today's show.  And thank you to our newest Patrons: Mollie, Jessica V., Rachel, Allison, Ashley, Mariah, Lynn, Paula, Jessica B., Alice, Catherine, Sonia, Natalie, Amber, Jessica R., Halli, Mary Ellen, Caylin, Dana, Melissa, Robin, Brittany, Meghan, Valerie, Alicia, Julie, Nicolette, Rodnie, Abby, Bethany, Renee, Maggie, Laura, Cooper, Audrey, Candice, and Rachel P.   Become a Wire Talk Patron today!  

Our first episode of Real Life Real Moms is coming soon and features Karen's daughters Kelsey and Emily. Listen in for a sneak peek of their conversation and to hear Karen explain what our new show is all about.  Become a Patron today to get the whole episode as soon as it's released.  And a big thank you to Patrons Katie, Fernanda, Alison, Cara, Kareen and Brittany for your early support!