Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Christmas Traditions with Little Ones :: Jacki Rucksdashel [Ep 142]

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. . .including sassiness? Now I’m not a girl mom. But I am a girl. That’s gotta count for something. I know how complicated my emotions can be. With all the social media and cultural pressures, I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to raise a girl nowadays. Good news!!! Today’s help comes from girl expert and licensed counselor, Sissy Goff. She spends most of her days chatting with girls and their families. The author of eight books including, “Raising Girls”, Sissy brings loads of wisdom and perspective. In this episode we spend the first chunk of time talking on the topic of beauty. Then we move into whining and strong emotions (including the epidemic of childhood anxiety). Sissy shares great thoughts on girl friendships and sister stress. Personally, I love her thoughts on how attention issues (e.g., ADHD) can impact girls socially. Lastly, she gives excellent advice on how to maintain a healthy mother-daughter relationship. And this quote: Connect with Sissy:   Featured Sponsor: Persimmon Prints Persimmon Prints is a faith-based art & apparel company located in the Chicago area.  With every purchase, we help you FILL your life with print, FIX your heart on God, and FIGHT for those in need.  We believe in eternal investments and providing ethically made goods; we prioritize having continued partnerships with various faith-based organizations, both locally and worldwide, while also placing quality goods in your hands.  So, treat yourself & your home to beautiful, purposeful products, while giving back to the greater community. What we chat about: *  Speaking to the different areas of beauty God has placed in each girl, specifically calling out strength and bravery. * How we, as moms, talk about OURSELVES influences how our daughters see themselves. * Helping girls develop their own identity. * Keeping an ongoing dialogue and pulling your daughter back “into the huddle of your family” to discuss external messages. * Building up confidence helps lessen the fixation on external beauty. * Circling back to the places your daughter is confident and the things she likes about herself. * The importance of a girl’s father (or other male role model in her life) to show her she is valued for who she is. * Helping your daughter realize most girls share her same struggles. * Managing her intense emotions at home and recognizing anxiety. * Teaching empathy in practical ways. * Identifying “balcony friends,” “basement friends,” and “rollercoaster friends.” * Respecting her capabilities and fighting the urge to “fix everything” as she moves into the teen years. Links Mentioned: * raisingboysandgirls.com * daystarcounseling.com * Courtney DeFeo * Are My Kids on Track?: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach (to be released Feb 2017) by Sissy Goff and Melissa Trevathan ** * Modern Parents, Vintage Values: Instilling Character in Today’s Kid by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff** * Intentional Parenting: Autopilot Is for Planes by Sissy Goff and David Thomas** * Raising Girls by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff**

Raising Girls :: Sissy Goff [Ep 141]

Small is the new huge. With the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, feels like we’re more isolated and ineffective than ever. But what if we worried less about making a big impact.  And focused more on doing the things in front of us with quality and depth? I’m a big fan of today’s guest, Shontell Brewer. She’s a wise mom to five kiddos, ages 10 to 18. And she has an excellent sense of humor. More than that, she has discipled her children well to love and serve others around them. Discipleship can be organic. Keeping your ministry small enough. To be present wherever God has placed you. In this episode, Shontell and I talk about discipleship during dinner conversations. She shares her method of asking really specific questions. And giving her kiddos a challenge for the day to love others in tangible ways (e.g., encouraging a 4 year old to compliment his preschool teacher). My most favorite thing we talk about is Taco Tuesday. The last Tuesday of the month, the Brewer family serves up meat & tortillas. They invite coaches, teachers, friends, neighbors (any one who interacts regularly with their kids) into their home.  We love on our community one taco at a time. I shared the idea with my boys and they wanted to do it the next night (“Taco Tuesday, but on a Monday”). I’ll let you know how that goes. We may go the Pizza Friday route (love our community one slice at a time). Shontell also inspired me to help open my boys’ spiritual eyes. And to encourage them to fight over who is going to put the other one first. Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * How women apologize for their carpet * Keeping your ministry small * Specific questions to ask during dinner time conversations * How Shontell helped her daughter minister to her Starbucks’ manager * Sending your kids to school with a basic challenge to bless someone * Setting the habit of conversation and other family “norms” * Learning to not be offended when our kids aren’t performing * Parenting small with intimate corrective conversations * The BEST idea to invite people into your home monthly–> Taco Tuesdays! Connect with Shontell:   How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a

Parenting Small Shontell Brewer Ep 140

Got tantrums? Stuck in head-t0-head battles with your kiddos? Good news. Calm parenting expert, Kirk Martin, is back on the show. Not just to get behavior to change but to strengthen the relationship. To give us phrases and techniques to stay calm in stressful situations. To step back and allow our kids to step up in taking responsibility and solving problems. After a fight we want our kids to “say sorry right now”.  Kirk encourages us to: Trust that we taught our kids the right thing. And believe our children will humble themselves to make it right. This is my favorite conversation I’ve had with Kirk. We get deep into the heart behind our control issues. We narrow in on pride and shame (both in our kids and ourselves). He shares several helpful phrases to use in the heat of the moment. Ones I’ve had the “opportunity” to use several times this past week. Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * The phrase to use when your child is procrastinating. * Recognizing the shame a child feels after a meltdown. * An invitation for a child to transition out of a meltdown. * Help for the child who struggles to admit fault. * The intermingling of pride and shame. * Leaving enough space and showing respect by letting our kids solve problems. * Words to use when we see our kids are stressed/tired/overwhelmed. * Less demeaning phrase to use than, “What were you thinking?”. * Special discount code for GCM listeners for anything on Kirk’s site. * How to get out of an argument with your child with one phrase. * What to say when your teenager wants to do something you don’t think is a good idea. Connect with Kirk: Site :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Podcast Links Mentioned: * Previous episodes: * How to Stop Yelling, Lecturing & Power Struggles (Ep 62) * Calmly Parenting a Strong-willed Child (Ep 69) * Summer Sibling Survival Guide (Ep 77) * How to Stay Calm with School Stress (Ep 88) * Q & A with Kirk Martin (Ep 104)

10 Ways to Stop Meltdowns and Arguments Kirk Martin Ep 139

Three years ago she directed us to soul healing. Two years ago she reminded us of the power of sex in marriage. Francie Winslow is back. This time to share what she’s learned about the exponential impact marital intimacy has on the world around us. Sex is a multiplying factor in our lives, not just with producing kids, but producing a massive amount of connection. In the past two years Francie has been doing extensive research on theology of the body. Exploring how God stamped His image on us. How we express our roles as image bearers through sex in marriage. God is an invisible God who wants to make himself visible to us. When man and woman come together as one it’s his invitation for humanity to become one with God. Intimately connected with Him. Francie shares their own family stress and her personal struggle with anxiety. Things that can disrupt marital connection. She vulnerably shares how she and her husband have purposefully chosen sex over isolation. God’s training us to fight for connection and for each other instead of against each other. Love Francie’s practical tips for keeping technology in check. So often screens and devices creep in between couples, increasing the distance and decreasing the intimacy. Don’t miss the list of great resources below to help train your children in forming a healthy perspective of the body and sex. Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * Francie’s journey to learn sex isn’t dirty or a duty but a delight. * Her recent study of theology of the body. * How anxiety and adoption stress led Francie and her husband to choose to have more sex (you read that right). * How technology impacts our marital connection and practical solutions * Help and healing for women who struggle with their view of sex. * A reminder to daily do the things that keep you alive as a person. * The Ripple Effect of sex in marriage. * A word of encouragement for the single mom. * Training our kiddos in a healthy sexual worldview (check out Francie’s resource list below). Connect with Francie:   Links Mentioned: * Soul Freedom (encore)Episode * The Power of Sex in Marriage Episode * Andy Crouch * Beth Moore’s Daniel Study** Francie’s Resource List: * Theology of the Body Books for Kids by Monica Ashour * Every Body is Smart: God Helps Me Listen & Choose**

The Ripple Effect of Healthy Sexual Connection :: Francie Winslow [Ep 138]

Ever heard of a lil show called “Friday Night Lights”? Well, if you’re a fan. . .I’ve got a surprise for you in this bonus episode. Mr. Friday Night Lights (Drew Waters) and the “Firepoof lady” (Erin Bethea) have teamed up to create Argentum Films. On October 28th they release their first feature film, “New Life”. Drew served as writer, director and producer. In this episode, I joined Kay Wyma (“Say Something” show), Erin Shreyer (“Flourish” Podcast) and Drew in a poignant and fun conversation. Beyond talking about the film, Drew shared some personal stories. Including the time he surrendered his life to God while filming a salvation scene in “The Redemption of Henry Myers”. Powerful stuff. Drew also told us about how his grandfather dying of a broken heart influenced the writing of this film. Which led us to a discussion on the ups and downs of life. How we grieve with one another by sitting with and listening to our friends in pain. Drew encouraged us to have a conversation with someone. Not knowing the impact it could make in that person’s story. Most importantly, we chatted about Drew & Erin’s desire to create entertainment that inspires. Bringing hope to the hopeless. Who doesn’t need more of that? New Life Movie: Links Mentioned: * “The Redemption of Henry Myers” (2014) * Argentum Entertainment * Mud Love Shop **Amazon Affiliate Link How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.

New Life Movie Drew Waters Bonus

The mother load. That pile of “shoulds” and “ought to’s” moms carry around. Unmanageable burdens we were never meant to shoulder. Like I’ve said, this mom gig isn’t easy. I often make it harder than it needs to be. Today’s guest, Jordan Watts, delivers a message of freedom and joy. For moms to know they are fully loved by God. And to hand Him the responsibilities He never intended them to manage. In this episode, we laugh. A lot. The entire last 10 minutes Jordan tells her infamous Chick-fil-A poop story. But we also chat wisdom and truth. Jordan brings a good word on trusting the slow transformation process. On surrendering our control. On letting God save our kids instead of thinking it’s up to us to “love our children to Jesus”. If you love Jordan’s wit and insight (which I’m sure you will), then check out her newest book (click image for Amazon affiliate link): Connect with Jordan Watts:   Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * How Jordan’s Adele parody prompted my boys to plot an escape plan. * How Jordan was drawn to a message of joy and freedom for women (& moms). * Jordan’s journey to realize she is fully loved just as she was. . .not earning God’s love and in bondage. * God gives us freedom to choose: live in freedom of Christ or try to grasp for control. * The struggle to believe in the unconditional love of a Heavenly Father. * The active choice to set aside earthly perceptions and surround yourself with truth. * Trusting the slow process of transformation. * Our control issues in motherhood. * Letting go of the burden to “love our children to Jesus”. * Modeling your faith for your kids and invite them along with whatever you do. * Jordan’s infamous Chickfila poop story…DO NOT MISS THE LAST 10 MINUTES!

FeelFreetoLaugh Jordan Watts Ep137

I’m guessing, like me, you find this “mom gig” overwhelming. You and I believe the lie that our mom friends have this thing figured out. With their FB and IG pics proving how much better they are doing motherhood. Words like: “failure” and “not enough” float in and out of our thoughts. Forcing us into further isolation. But God never intended us to walk the mom journey alone.    Each week y’all tell me how the podcast guest helps you feel less alone. How your struggles feel more normal. And how guests point you to hope in God. One listener reached out to me with such a fabulous idea I needed to share it with y’all. So I invited her on the show for a bonus episode to tell ya herself!!    A few months ago Carla Goodwin asked if she could use some of the podcast episodes for her small group to discuss. Carla picked eight past episodes and wrote out discussion questions. Each week the gals listen to the episode she assigns. Then they gather together to talk about it on their small group night. Here are Carla’s people. . . Carla’s fabulous idea (+ a prompt from the Holy Spirit) got me thinking. What if women around the world gathered together in twos, threes, tens? Not just listening in isolation, but purposing to meet together and grow in relationship and faith. Like a book club. . .but for podcasts! Introducing. . . No more guilt for not reading the book. No scrambling to put together curriculum for your small group. You pick the people. You pick the time. You pick the place. You sign up for the GCM Podcast Club (check side bar). And I’ll send you the goods. I’ll email you a pdf with links to six weeks of episodes and discussion questions. We’re kicking off the first session by following the curriculum Carla put together (thanks Chica!) You can hear all about Carla, her group and this idea on the bonus podcast episode attached to this post. Love this from her: From the first episode I listened to I felt connected. I had never met you. I’d never met your guest. But I felt connected. Oh that we could all be connected in One Spirit spur each other on!  

Bonus Don't Mom Alone GCM Podcast Club