Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs Karen Stubbs

Are you raising confident kids? Today Karen encourages moms to take a step back so our kids can step up. She and Emily discuss the pitfalls of doing things for our kids and the reasons we often fall into that trap. They also talk about the difference between nurturing and enabling and share the critical connection between kids who take ownership and confident kids!
Episode Recap:
6:40 Why is there a whole chapter on confidence in this book? 
8:32 Where are moms missing the mark when it comes to raising confident kids?
12:56 What role do chores play in confidence? 
14:04 Small, practical ways you can allow your children to grow in confidence
Scripture for Reflection:
Galatians 6:5 (NIV): "For each one should carry their own load."
Questions for Discussion:
Can you identify any specific behaviors or actions where you might be enabling your child rather than nurturing their independence? What changes could you make to shift from enabling to nurturing?Reflect on a recent situation where you stepped back and allowed your child to handle something on their own. How did it go, and what did you learn from the experience?How do you incorporate chores into your child's routine? How have you seen chores impact your child's sense of responsibility and confidence?What are some small, practical steps you can take to help your child grow in confidence? How can you implement these steps in your daily routine?Resources:
- Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD- Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

In this third part of our series on Karen's new book, "Survival Guide to Motherhood," Karen and Emily discuss the importance of raising kids with a strong foundation in biblical principles, even when it goes against the grain of today's world. They chat about how teaching kids to obey their parents leads to a more peaceful home in the long run. Don’t miss Karen’s prayer at the end of the episode asking for wisdom, courage, and blessings for all the families tuning in! 

Episode Recap:
6:29 Discipline is hard and different for every child and in every season
7:43 Discipline has to be taught - it does not come naturally to children
11:42 Discipline has to be consistent.
13:00 The 3 stages of discipline each require a different focus from parents 
17:07 The “B”s of discipline are: Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear
18:08 In the later years, we have to give our kids the “why” behind the no
Scripture for Reflection:
Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

James 1:5 “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:
Are there any negative behaviors you see in your child now that you are tempted to ignore, thinking they will grow out of it? Karen mentioned the idea that "pain now will equal peace later" when it comes to parenting. Have you experienced this in your own life? How have you seen this in your parenting journey? Which stage of discipline are you in right now? (Laying the Foundation, Teaching the ‘Whys’, The Coaching Years)Do you think the pace of your life is preventing you from disciplining effectively? How so? Of the three “B”s (Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear), which do you struggle with most? Have you ever prayed and asked for wisdom to know how to discipline your child? Pray together as a group today for the wisdom to discipline effectively. 
Resources:
Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlDMore Wire Talk episodes on discipline: Laying the Foundation, The Middle Years, The Coaching YearsFind ALL the episodes we’ve ever recorded on discipline HERE. Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

How do you make sacrifices for your kids without sacrificing yourself in the process? In today’s conversation, Karen and Emily explore this question and Karen offers wisdom on knowing when it’s time to prioritize yourself. We'll dig into taking care of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health because a healthy mom equals healthy kids! 
Episode Recap:
(3:31) There is a difference between sacrificing for others and sacrificing yourself in the process
(5:42) Surround yourself with the wise counsel of those who are ahead of you on the journey
(10:19) Good emotional health for a mom results in good emotional health for her children
(15:26) Take care of your spiritual health and invest in a resource to help you
Questions for Discussion:
Can you share a time when you felt you were sacrificing too much of yourself for your children? How did you recognize this, and what steps did you take to find a better balance? If you’re in the middle of this right now, can you share more about what’s going on?Karen mentions the importance of surrounding yourself with wise counsel. Who are the people in your life that provide you with wisdom and support, and how have they helped you navigate motherhood?Karen shares that emotional health is passed from parent to child. What was the emotional climate in your home growing up? What effect did that climate have on you and the way you respond emotionally now? How do you want to change or maintain that climate in your home now as a parent?On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (all of the time) how well do you think you are prioritizing your physical health? What changes if any do you need to make in this area?How are you nurturing your faith right now, and what resources or practices have you found most beneficial in staying connected to God during this season of life?Resources:
Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlDGrab a copy of Karen’s Six Truths of Motherhood and use code WTSix for free shippingPick up the Moments with God for Moms daily devotional or Karen’s weekly prayer journal for your quiet time. Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Today we’re cracking the spine of Karen’s newest book, Survival Guide to Motherhood. Karen shares insightful excerpts from the opening chapters, exploring the ideas that kids develop like Crock-Pots, joy is a choice, and moms are the CEOs of their homes. Grab your copy of Survival Guide today. Check the show notes for the link.
Episode Recap:
3:17 Survival Guide to Motherhood is available for pre-order
9:58 Process of recording the audiobook version
13:25 Moms all want to “get it right” and we all want someone to walk alongside us
16:43 Kids are like Crock-Pots
21:19 Joy is a choice
24:20 Moms, you are the boss of your home
26:25 You’re not in control (God is!) but you can control the atmosphere in your home
Questions for Discussion:
Reflecting on Karen's analogy that kids are like crock pots, how have you seen your child's growth and maturity reflect the concept that progress takes time, much like a slow-cooked meal? Is there something going on right now with a child where you are finding it hard to be patient with their slow maturation process? Is it easy for you to “choose joy” in your day to day situation right now? Can you share a time when choosing joy made a difference in your approach to a difficult situation with your children or spouse?In what ways do you see yourself as the "boss" of your home, and how does this influence your daily decision-making?Can you share an example of a time when taking charge in your household led to a positive outcome for your family?Resources:
Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlDWant to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges moms face: determining when to address a child's behavior and when to let things slide. Today Karen is answering your questions about managing high expectations, handling stress-induced blow-ups, guiding toddlers through tantrums, fostering honesty in kids, and navigating family dynamics with your less disciplined relatives. We hope today’s encouragement helps you find the balance between leaning in and letting go!
Episode Recap:
4:20 Are my expectations for my 5 year old too high? 
8:06 Help! I have zero patience for my energetic kiddo right now! 
12:28 You don’t have time “not have time” for your daily quiet time with God.
14:45 How do I handle a toddler who won’t stop crying? 
18:53 I always have to fact-check my child. How do we stop the habit of lying?
21:09 My siblings’ children are wild at family functions and it sucks the joy out of our time together. What can I do? 
Questions for Discussion:
How do you decide when to address your child's behavior and when to let things go?Do you turn to prayer during challenging parenting moments, and can you share a time when it made a difference for you or your child? Did you relate to the question about the toddler who won’t stop crying? Are any of your children especially sensitive or outwardly emotional? How do you help your child learn to express their emotions in a healthy way?Do you have any relatives or close friends who have different parenting styles from you? Does it make those interactions challenging or have you found effective ways to handle those relationships?Resources:
Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlDWant to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Want to know the secret to being happily married for 37 years? Listen and learn from Karen in today’s episode! We’re exploring how to navigate differences, keep the love alive, and build the strong, united front that benefits your kids. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs, this episode is all about celebrating the joys and quirks of married life. Tune in and learn from the best. :) 
Episode Recap:
5:21 A strong marriage brings security to children
7:53 Principle #1- Be United
10:14 How to actively listen to your spouse
17:05 Strategies to navigate and embrace differences
21:39 Principle #2- Be FOR one another 
27:01 Be your spouse’s #1 cheerleader
Questions for Discussion:
What shared values are most important in your marriage, and how do you reinforce them?How do you and your partner handle differences in parenting styles?What are some ways you keep the romance alive amidst the chaos of family life?Can you share a time when overcoming a challenge together strengthened your relationship?How do you celebrate the small, everyday moments in your marriage?Resources:
Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlDWant to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms