Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Karen Stubbs
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Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!

  1. 3D AGO

    515: Trusting Your Mom Gut with special guest Dr. Laura Bleekrode

    Are you trusting your mom gut or Googling yourself into anxiety? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Laura Bleekrode shares wisdom from nearly 40 years of experience to help moms cut through the noise and parent with confidence. We talk about how social media and constant information can erode your instincts and how to get back to trusting yourself. You’ll be reminded that you know your child better than anyone and that matters! Episode Recap: Dr. Bleekrode is a mom of 8 who owns a pediatric practice and has been practicing medicine for 36 years (1:11)How does Dr. Bleekrode “do it all”?  (4:36)What are you seeing in today’s families that moms didn’t face 20 years ago? (6:15)Our “social networks” used to be personal (6:30)God gave mom’s intuition for a reason! (8:53)What symptoms require immediate medical or psychological attention? (12:13)My toddler is not sleeping for hours at a time, multiple times a month (15:55)What does a healthy sleep routine look like for a toddler? (20:06) Have you noticed parents trying to control all outcomes for their children? (27:20)How does your faith shape the way you counsel your patients? (28:13)Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Discussion Questions:  When you feel anxious about your child, where do you tend to turn first; your friends, your instincts, or Google?Can you think of a time your “mom gut” was right? What helped you trust it (or ignore it)?What outside influences (social media, advice, comparison) tend to shake your confidence as a mom?How can you create stronger, real-life support systems instead of relying on online answers?What is one area where you can release perfection and trust God more in your parenting this week?Resources: Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderPick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW StoreWant More of This Conversation?WT+ Insiders will hear Dr. Bleekrode share 4 things she wishes all her patients knew! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    32 min

  2. APR 21

    514: You Can’t Do It All (and That’s Okay): Surviving May

    May can feel overwhelming for moms, filled with endless events, expectations, and emotional moments.Today Karen offers practical wisdom to help you navigate the busyness without losing your joy (or your mind.) From setting realistic expectations to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation is full of encouragement. Episode Recap: May is just December with sunscreen! (0:30)May feels chaotic with elementary schoolers - how do I get through? (4:40)Sit down with your high schooler and help them prioritize (9:10)Don’t be a wet blanket on your high schooler’s parade (10:15)Working mom here struggling with school events - help!  (11:15)This season has me emotionally up and down with my Senior(14:35) Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Discussion Questions:  What part of May feels the most overwhelming for you right now?Are you trying to attend everything? What might you need to let go of?How can you involve your kids in deciding what matters most this month?Where are you feeling guilt, and is it justified or self-imposed?What is one small way you can slow down and enjoy this season?Resources: Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderPick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW StoreWant More of This Conversation?In the extended WT+ conversation, Karen and Emily get even more practical. Karen shares her system for breaking down exactly how to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin. If you’re craving less stress and more clarity this month, don’t miss this part of the conversation! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    19 min

  3. APR 14

    513: Just Say ‘No’ to Mom Guilt!

    Mom guilt can make even the best moms feel like they’re falling short. In this episode, Karen and Emily talk through the pressures we carry and the expectations we place on ourselves. They offer a practical, biblical perspective to help you recognize what’s true and what isn’t. We hope you walk away encouraged and ready to let go of unnecessary guilt!  Episode Recap: Supermoms are a modern day myth (2:00)Stay tuned after the show for Wire Talk+ (6:20)I have been pregnant or postpartum for the past 4 years, everything feels uphill from here. How does anyone do this? (7:04)How do I make the transition to being a stay at home mom? (12:42)My 6 yr old’s incessant talking overwhelms me, help! (15:19)My fuse is pretty short these days, how do I work on this? (19:20)Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (26:29) Scripture: Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Discussion Questions:  When do you tend to feel mom guilt the most, and what usually triggers it?What expectations are you placing on yourself right now that aren’t  necessary or realistic?How can you distinguish between conviction from the Holy Spirit and unnecessary guilt?What is one practical way you can “let go” of guilt this week and focus on what truly matters?Resources: Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderGo through our Mom Core curriculum with friends or on your ownPick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW StoreWant More of This Conversation? On WT+ today we are answering more questions about guilt, including questions about love languages and dealing with in-laws. Don’t miss it, subscribe today! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    28 min

  4. APR 7

    512: Dealing with Extended Family Conflict

    Family dynamics can get complicated quickly, especially when expectations, boundaries, and communication styles start to clash. Today we’re talking about how to navigate tension with extended family without losing your peace (or your voice.) We hope you’ll walk away with practical ways to communicate clearly, pursue peace, and love your extended family well. Episode Recap: Moms can easily get stuck in the middle of family conflicts (1:59)I’m stuck in the middle of conflicts between my mom and my husband, help! (4:02)My MIL is extremely difficult, even mean and petty toward me (7:47)How can I be good friends with my mother in law and still have boundaries? (11:30)How can grandparents be closer to the grandchildren of divorced parents? (14:33)Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (18:00) Scripture: Romans 12:18 (NIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Discussion Questions:  Where do you feel the most tension right now with extended family or in-laws? What makes that situation difficult?Do you tend to avoid conflict or confront it quickly? How does your temperament affect the way you handle family tension?Are you currently acting as a “middleman” in any relationships? What would it look like to step out of that role in a healthy way?What does it look like to “live at peace…as far as it depends on you” in your current situation?What is one practical step you can take this week to improve communication or reduce tension in a family relationship?Resources: Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderCheck out Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John TownsendListen to a past episode on boundaries with familyDownload our FREE temperaments packetWant More of This Conversation?On WT+ today we are answering more questions about extended family - how to make vacations and extended time together work well - and Karen shares her insights on keeping family connected and what to do when someone pulls away. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    20 min

  5. MAR 31

    511: When Nothing Seems To Work: Second Guessing Your Parenting Instincts

    Ever find yourself second guessing your parenting decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, Karen answers questions from moms navigating school struggles, motivation, and knowing when to step back. We hope you walk away feeling encouraged to trust God with the parenting choices you are making. Episode Recap: One parenting decision won’t make or break your child (1:50)My 1st grader doesn’t work hard in school and I can’t make her care! (2:30)How do I motivate my 10 year old yellow/green son? (5:00)My son is reluctant to participate in extracurriculars, how should I handle this? (11:42)Don’t project your fears and anxieties onto your child (14:15)Ask God for the wisdom you need to make parenting decisions today (15:00)Scripture: James 1:5 (NASB) “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him” Discussion Questions:  When do you find yourself second guessing your parenting the most? What tends to be the trigger?Are there areas where you might be over-helping (or enabling) instead of allowing natural consequences to teach your child?What practical systems (routines, checklists etc.) could help your child take more ownership?Are you projecting fears about your child’s future instead of focusing on what’s true today?What would it look like to release your parenting decisions to God and trust Him with the outcome?Resources: Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insiderUse A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring to become a better student of your childCheck out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleDownload our FREE temperaments packetWant More of This Conversation?In WT+, we dive into tougher parenting moments: attachment struggles, discipline that isn’t working, and navigating disagreements with your spouse. Plus, you’ll hear Karen’s practical ways to stay consistent when it feels like nothing is sticking. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    16 min

  6. MAR 24

    510: Am I Ruining My Teenager’s Life?

    If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I ruining my teenager’s life?” - you’re not alone. Today, Karen answers questions from moms navigating strong personalities, emotional pushback, and the tension between protecting and preparing their teens. With her trademark practical wisdom, she reminds us that what feels like conflict is often part of God’s process for refining our kids. Episode Recap: As moms, we can see the writing on the wall but our teens literally can’t (1:45)My daughter and I fight all the time, I just do not like her right now (4:02)You cannot take their attitude and/or push back personally (7:43)How do I motivate my lazy teenage son? (9:01)We don’t need to coddle our sons (11:09)Look into our new study: How to Teach Your Kids the Bible (13:30)My daughter’s career dreams are unrealistic, how do we talk to her about it? (13:45)Any tips for a blue mom raising a melancholy 15 year old teen? (17:36)Our job is not to solve all our kids’ problems, it’s to point them to the Lord (19:41)Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (NLT) “​​So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Discussion Questions:  When have you felt like your teen misunderstood your intentions? How did you respond?Where are you tempted to take your teen’s behavior personally?What would it look like to “get out of God’s way” in your parenting right now?How can you stay emotionally steady when your teen is not?What is one boundary you need to hold with confidence this week? Resources: Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insiderCheck out Karen’s Peace for the Anxious Mom study todayCheck out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleDownload our FREE temperaments packetPick up Karen’s devotional for Teenage Girls on AmazonWant More of This Conversation?WT+ listeners will hear Karen encourage you to stand firm in your parental convictions without damaging the relationship. Karen shares personal stories of the fruit that both she and her children have reaped from maintaining stricter boundaries in the teenage years. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    23 min

  7. MAR 17

    509: Tantrums, Tears, and Temperaments

    If you’re in the stage of parenting where tears, tantrums, and big emotions seem to take over every day, you’re not alone. Today Karen and Emily are tackling questions from moms navigating the emotional ups and downs of preschoolers and early elementary kids. They discuss why some kids cry more than others, how to handle tantrums without giving in, and how to guide sensitive kids through big feelings. If you’re in the thick of it these days, we hope this episode reminds you that this stage is normal and it won’t last forever! Episode Recap: All of our kids go through hard phases, you are not alone (1:08)My 5 year old boy cries about EVERYTHING - help! (3:05)My son’s temper tantrums are out of control, what can I do? (7:08)My 4 yr old is very dependent on her brother, I’m worried about her clinginess (9:11)How do I approach the “stranger danger” conversation with my outgoing girl? (12:39)You’re not going to change the way your kid is wired, but you can understand it (20:00) Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Discussion Questions:  How do you usually respond when your child cries or throws a tantrum? How’s that working for your family? Karen talked about helping kids learn that not every situation is a “10 out of 10.” How do you teach your children perspective when they’re upset?What are some practical ways you can help your child learn to express feelings with words instead of tears?How does remembering that this stage is temporary change the way you respond in the moment?Resources: Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insiderSend us your questions through the BOAW Moms app [Apple] [Google Play]Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleWant More? Wire Talk+ listeners get extended conversations every week. Today Karen and Emily are sharing tips for how to make mornings easier with reluctant risers. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    16 min

  8. MAR 10

    508: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids Without Losing Your Cool

    Last week, Karen talked about the temperaments. This week, she takes that conversation one step further by answering real questions from moms who are navigating strong-willed kids, harsh words, whining, and emotional outbursts. If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, I know their heart is sweet, so why is this coming out so sideways? this episode is for you. Karen shares practical wisdom for understanding your child’s wiring, correcting with grace, and helping them grow. Episode Recap: Last week, we talked about blue and red temperaments (2:00)My blue/green son often comes across as critical and harsh (3:00)My rising Kindergartener is controlling and bossy and can be physical (7:23)My daughter used to love being the center of attention, now she’s self-conscious (12:25)What is the temperaments book you reference all the time? (16:05)Pick a “lane” when you take the temperaments test (18:57) Scripture: Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) “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.” Discussion Questions:  Which of my child’s behaviors may be connected to their temperament, and which ones need clear correction?Do I tend to react to my child’s tone or behavior in a way that escalates things?How can I better coach my child after the emotional moment has passed?Where does my own temperament make parenting this child especially hard?What would it look like to be more patient and intentional in helping this child grow over time?Resources: Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insiderEpisodes featuring moms of different temperament colors: 330, 331, 332, 333Grab Personality Plus for Parents by Florence Littauer Take the Colors Temperament Quiz todayWant More of This Conversation? Wire Talk+ listeners get extended conversations every week! Today Karen delves deeper into how moms’ own temperaments affect the way they respond to their kids and gives a helpful rundown of the core needs of each temperament. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    21 min
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About

Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Stubbs
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    523
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

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