Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

On today's show we're talking about the habits that bring our families together. From big, intentional practices like creating a family mission statement to fun traditions like weekly queso-fests at the local Mexican restaurant, Karen shares her thoughts on how to create a family culture that ensures your children know they belong. Whatever your family looks like, we think you'll find something in this episode that you can take and make your own.  Subscribe to the Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for Karen's wisdom delivered directly to your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Leave us a review in iTunes and let us know you love Wire Talk! Reviews help us fulfill our mission by pointing other moms to the encouragement and biblical equipping of Birds on a Wire.

On today’s episode, Karen reflects back over 29 years of parenting and shares the big lessons she learned from all of those small moments. Plus, she shares the greatest lesson she believes she taught her kids and gives a great little tip for any moms of perfection-minded blue kids. We hope this episode inspires you to take a deep breath, to keep the long view in mind, and reminds you that raising children really does take a village.  Links from today's show: Corey's Auto Service - Karen’s mechanic, aka the best mechanic in North Georgia! Get the BOAW app  Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

Discipline is a constant in our world as moms and it's made harder by the fact that what works for your family constantly changes depending on the child you're disciplining and their age. On today's show we're discussing the idea of discipline as "currency", what that means and how to find out what your child's is. Plus, hear Karen delve into the idea of "pain now = peace later" and the Scripture that keeps her motivated to be consistent. If you're struggling with disciplining one or more children in your family, listen in and be encouraged!  Links from the show today: Discipline series: Episodes 154, 155, 156 Mom Core curriculum - Discipline lesson Start a BOAW group! Books on raising boys: Boy Mom, Bringing Up Boys Hebrews 4:11 Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

We got a ton of questions from you guys over the summer and on today’s show we’ve picked out 5 questions that seem to come up over and over again. From sibling rivalry and sleepovers to meal time and bed time shenanigans, Karen and Sunny tackle it all. Mentioned on the Show Today: Episode 151: Sibling Rivalry Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

From managing extracurricular activities and keeping our homes in order, to shepherding our children's faith and paying attention to our marriage in the midst of it all; on today's show we're talking about 4 aspects of family life that are easy to overcomplicate. If you're feeling overwhelmed by pressure to do it all and do it all well, this episode is one you don't want to miss.  Mentioned on the show today: Episode 175: Launching Your College Freshman Well Karen's Studies: Says Who? Part 2 and Parenting Together  Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!     

Karen and Sunny are back together today talking about the experience of sending our children off to college for the first time. They cover so much territory in this episode! From the best advice Karen gave her kids before they left for school to how to handle boyfriends/girlfriends coming back home with them. Karen also advises how to help siblings left behind adjust to the empty place at the dinner table. Whether you are facing this transition right now or if it's on the horizon, listen and be encouraged as Karen shares why she loved this season of mothering so much.  Mentioned on the show today: Get tickets to Mom's Night Out with Karen at Christ's Church in Jacksonville HERE.  Wire Talk episode on Grief with Judy Wolfe Praying for Your Adult Children Grace Walk by Steve McVey Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in

Arlene Pellicane joins us again today to talk about a relatively recent parenting milestone: giving our kids their first phone. From pitfalls we want to avoid, to steps we can proactively take to ensure our child's health and safety, we are talking about it all. This is a conversation that is relevant whether you have a 5 year old or 15 year old, so grab a cup of coffee or pop in those earbuds and join us. As always, we hope you are encouraged and equipped!  Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Karen and guest host Katie Leipprandt are chatting with Arlene Pellicane today about how technology has impacted our parenting world. We talk about the ways we use technology as moms, the benefits and pitfalls of having a world of technology at arm's length and some boundaries we can consider putting in place to stay connected in our most important relationships - our families. Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

On today's episode all of Karen's children join her in the studio to answer questions you guys have asked about the Stubbs family. Hear their thoughts on growing up in a big family, what traditions they want to carry into their own families one day, and for sure don't miss them answering the question, "How did Karen mess up as a mom?" Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

On today’s episode we’re getting real about how isolating and lonely life as a mom can be. Listen in to hear Karen answer questions from moms who have recently moved, single moms, and a newly stay-at-home mom. As always, we hope this conversation encourages you! Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Two single moms, Misty Paige and Michelle Lane, join Karen and Sunny on today’s episode to answer your questions, share their hearts, and discuss their experiences as single parents. Listen to hear how they grew as they journeyed from being single moms to young children, to watching those well-adjusted children leave their nests. We hope this encourages your heart whether you are parenting on your own, or have single moms in your circle of friends. Find links to resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Karen shares wisdom for talking about divorce, separation, and navigating a blended family on today’s episode of Wire Talk.  Even if you are not in a blended family or going through a divorce, listen to better understand the moms around you. (And don’t miss Karen sharing the prayer she prays that helps her love even the most unloveable people in her life!) Whether you’re married for the first time, re-married or divorced, we hope this episode gives you a few tools for navigating a tough season of life. -Find links to all of the many resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Any working moms out there? We thought so. On today's show Karen answers your questions about managing work plus motherhood and the conflicting emotions that often accompany that combination. She reminds us all to quit chasing perfect and tells us exactly what we should do with all our mom guilt.  -Find links to resources mentioned on the show at the Birds on a Wire Moms website.  -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Karen dives into her mentoring bag of tricks on today's episode to share three key principles for fighting fairly in our families. Learn to practice assertiveness and what it means to actively listen to one another. Plus, find out what Karen's "wish list" activity for conflict resolution is all about.  Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review iTunes. For more encouragement on your journey of motherhood, subscribe and receive Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood every Tuesday in your inbox!  

Author Susannah B. Lewis of Whoa, Susannah! joins Karen and Sunny today for a conversation you don't want to miss. Susannah opens up about the very real way she clings to God and His Word while facing the curve balls life inevitably throws. If you're already a fan, you're going to love Susannah even more after this chat (if that's possible). And if she's a new voice for you, you're going to understand why more than a million folks find her honest and encouraging humor so refreshing! Stay tuned through the end of the show for details on a fun giveaway!  Want more?  -Find links to the resources discussed on this episode on the Birds on a Wire Moms website.  -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Don't forget to double tap that subscribe button and leave us a comment on Facebook or Instagram to enter this week's giveaway! 

Dr. Juli Slattery joins Karen and Sunny today to answer your questions about sexual intimacy within marriage. Juli gives her thoughts on what to do when you’re the one with the higher sex drive, how to keep your sex life alive when you’re exhausted at the end of every day, and how we can integrate our spirituality with our sexuality. (Psst, pop in your earbuds for this one!) Want more?  -Find links to all the resources Juli mentions at the Birds on a Wire Moms website.  -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Yellow moms, this episode is for YOU! Karen is also a yellow, so this conversation is especially fun to listen to as she tells stories about growing up as a yellow and how she brought her yellow strengths to play in her mothering. Not a yellow mom? Listen in to better understand and love on your friends!  In today's conversation, Karen and Sunny address your questions about the monotony of mothering, how to balance your desire for FUN with your kiddo's need for structure, and how to keep the long-term in mind when your nature is to live for the moment.  Want more?  -Find links to the resources discussed on this episode on the Birds on a Wire Moms website.  -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.  

We all want to be the healthiest version of ourselves possible, but what happens when we fall into destructive patterns with exercise or eating? And what can we do when we see a loved one struggling with the same thing? Today, therapist Angela Schaffner joins Karen and Sunny in the studio to answer your questions about struggling with eating disorders, uncovering the reasons behind our damaging behaviors, and setting an example for our children. Want more?  -Find links to the resources discussed on this episode on the Birds on a Wire Moms website.  -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

There's no way around it, motherhood changes a woman's body. Whether it's stretch marks from giving birth, or a stretched schedule that allows little time for exercise, there's a new normal once kids are a part of your daily routine. Today Sunny and Karen answer your questions about making time to work out, giving yourself grace, and ultimately, making peace with the beautiful and capable body God has given you.   Like what you heard? Double tap the subscribe button and leave us a review iTunes. For more encouragement on your journey of motherhood, subscribe and receive Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood every Tuesday in your inbox!    

Is it okay that my 7 year old prefers to spend time with our family over other kids? How can I teach my son to be a good friend at school? How do I handle “tricky” friends - ones who look good on paper but who are secretly doing all the things I don’t want my teenage son involved in? On today’s show we’re tackling questions about your kids and their peer relationships. Tune in to hear this far-ranging discussion and stay tuned until the end for the verse Karen wants us to meditate on as we relinquish control over this arena of our children’s lives. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review iTunes. For more encouragement on your journey of motherhood, subscribe and receive Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood every Tuesday in your inbox!