Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

Toni Collier, founder of the women’s ministry, Broken Crayons Still Color, joins Karen today to talk about the message of her brand new book - Brave Enough to be Broken. We know you’ll enjoy hearing Toni’s personal story and resonate with the message that God uses all of our brokenness for His glory. Be sure to grab a copy of Toni’s brand new book and share this episode with a woman in your life who needs some encouragement today! Mentioned on today’s episode: Toni’s ministry Get the book: Brave Enough to be Broken Connect with Toni on social media

If you have toddlers in the house, you know nap time is a BIG deal! Today Karen is fielding questions from moms desperate for a little afternoon peace. Listen in for tips on how to create a “quiet time” for your kiddo and how to navigate the tricky in-between season when they still need sleep, but just won’t surrender! 

Disagreement is inevitable in any relationship and marriage is no exception. When you’re parenting together, and your husband has his own way of doing things, disagreements cause even greater tension. Today we’re answering your questions about conflict with your husband, everything from planning date nights and handling criticism to riding motorcycles with the kids! Mentioned on today’s episode: Wild At Heart WT 197: Creative Date Nights Survival Guide to Motherhood (ages 0-5)

There's a reason they're called the 'Terrible Twos' friends! Whether it's daycare drop-off, not wanting to share, or just not getting their way, it can take us by surprise when our little angels find their voice and use it in a big way. If there's a toddler in your home, today's questions will probably sound familiar, so listen for a pep talk from Karen to stay the course, not give in, and keep up the good work, mom! 

When you have elementary and middle school aged kids, the pressure and the busy schedule that come with pursuing athletics or the arts can really stress a mom out! Whether it’s pushback from your kids, or a strain on your schedule and your finances, today Karen gives advice on how to juggle it all and keep the most important things central in your world during this season of life. Check out today's shownotes and find all things BOAW at: birdsonawiremoms.com

Megan and Leigh join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a GREEN MOM. They'll talk about what makes motherhood easy for greens and how it challenges their temperaments; if you're a green, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not green, we think it will give you valuable insights into the green moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ Mentioned on the show: Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman

Today Ashley and Anisa join us in the studio to share how they see the world through the lens of a BLUE MOM. They'll talk about how blues thrive in mom world and what doesn't come easily to them as blues. If you're a blue, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not blue, we think it will give you valuable insights into the blue moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Mandee and Erin join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a YELLOW MOM. You know Karen is yellow, so this is one FUN conversation! We'll hear what these yellows love about mom life, but also how it refines them. If you're a yellow, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not yellow, we think it will give you valuable insights into the yellow moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Today Katie and Kelly join us in the studio to share how they see life and parenting through the lens of being a "red". They'll talk about working life, home life, and everything in between. If you're a red, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not red, we think it will give you valuable insights into the red moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our colors quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ Mentioned on today's episode: Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That

This episode kicks off 5 weeks of a new Personality Colors series! We're going to share what the colors are, where the concept comes from, how to find out your color, and why it’s a helpful tool for families. Then, week by week we're bringing you interviews with moms of each color to help you understand how this temperament plays out in motherhood. We hope you come away encouraged and equipped to use the colors in your family! Mentioned on the show: The BOAW Colors Quiz Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman A Grown Up's Guide to Kids' Wiring 

We all know focusing on a healthy marriage should be a priority while you raise kids, but sometimes your kids are the source of conflict in your marriage! Today Karen and Sunny are answering your questions about how to navigate the inevitable disagreements that go hand in hand with parenting together. Links from today's show: Parenting Together curriculum Our newest study: Survival Guide to Motherhoood (ages 0-5)

Have you ever been taken aback by the BIG feelings coming out of your child's small body? Today we're talking about angry outbursts, emotional meltdowns, sibling jealousy, and a crippling fear of failure. Listen and learn from Karen's wisdom so you can equip your kids to handle big emotions. Mentioned on today’s episode: A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring The Anger Iceberg blog post Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

Moms often feel like we work all day—either at an office or at home—and then we start a second shift in the evening: dinner, dishes, bathtime, etc. Sometimes it can feel like we do it all alone! Today, we're answering questions about spouses who don't carry half the weight, kids who are perpetual mess-makers, and how to motivate your family to pitch in and help a mom out!  Mentioned on today's episode: Elizabeth Pehrson's ministry (mom of 8 who gives lots of chores!!): The Exchange Moms on Call sleep training program YouVersion plan: 10 Days to a Better Back to School Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

August is basically another New Year for moms, right? New schools, new teachers, new schedules, everything starts over and we get a chance for a fresh start. Listen in today for Karen's tips on hitting the reset button and starting off on the right foot this school year. Mentioned on today's episode: YouVersion reading plan - 10 Days to a Better Back to School Karen's daily devotional - Moments with God for Moms   

The feelings of guilt are REAL in a mom’s world. Today Karen talks about how she's experienced mom guilt in the past and how she manages it in the present. She also offers advice on asking for help, dropping kids off at child care, and what to do when guilt creeps in. Tune in and be encouraged today! Mentioned on today’s episode: Moms of Teens! Register for the SURVIVE retreat today! Get on Karen’s monthly email list Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among students today. As a society, we are clearly in crisis. As mothers, we are fighting on the front lines. Today, mental health professional Debbie Causey joins us to talk about her own journey as the mother of a child with mental health conditions. Debbie also shares wisdom on the warning signs we can be alert for and the steps we can take to fight for our children's lives. Even if you have toddlers and this conversation feels light years away, listen for a friend, a family member, or a student you know and love. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Moms of teens, register for the SURVIVE retreat today! It's a weekend away with Karen focused specifically on the challenges and the joys of parenting teens.  Karen’s book The Art of Motherhood NAMI.ORG National Suicide Prevention Hotline Crisis Text Line NAMI Classes

Mother and occupational therapist Christy Bennett joins Sunny and Karen today to dive into sensory based behavior. We discuss what sensory behaviors are, and how to provide the sensory stimulus (or lack thereof) that your child is craving. Christy also answers your questions on how to talk to teachers about your child's specific needs and how parents can advocate for their child in the school system and in situations with other adults (coaches, church leaders, etc.)  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Moms of teens! Register for the SURVIVE retreat today.  Lucy the Lapdog How to Leave a Wire Talk review Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!

Dr. Mike Sytsma joins us to answer your questions about sex and motherhood. Dr. Mike is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Sexual Addictions Specialist. He is also an ordained minister who is passionate about marriage and helping couples grow in their marriage! We are so glad he is here to provide expert level advice and answers to your questions.  Learn more about the Survive Retreat for Moms of Teens Take a second to tell us what you love about BOAW! Intimate Marriage - Dr. Mike's online couples group IntimateMarriage.Org - Dr. Mike's organization Winshape Marriage retreats  Parenting Together study with Karen and Greg Stubbs

Fear in motherhood is a very real thing. It starts when they're young: are they hungry, are they hurting? And never stops, even when they are adults! Many of us are worried we’ll mess something up and mess up our kids in the process. Today Karen reminds us what is true and where to keep our focus when fear threatens to take us down. Get the New Mom's Baby Box: boaw.mom/babybox Join our private FB community of moms seeking godly wisdom: facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

We've all heard the advice to "pick your battles" as a mom. But which battles are the right ones to pick? We asked you to send in the battles you're frustrated by in your home and Karen is going to weigh in with whether or not it's worth the fight. Play along as you listen, can you guess what Karen's answer will be?? Take a second to tell us what you love about BOAW! Grab our New Mom's Baby Box  Save the Date - Survive: A Retreat for Moms of Teens registration opens July 10th!