Mother’s Day can be sweet, stressful, or just plain disappointing—sometimes all at once! In today’s episode, Karen and Emily get real about unmet expectations, social media comparison, and the emotional weight this day can carry. They also share stories from their own celebrations—some simple, some funny, and some that didn’t go as planned. Whether you're anticipating brunch with your people or dreading a day that feels heavy, this conversation will remind you: it’s okay to name what you need and celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to you.Episode Recap:1:37 - Mother’s Day can be a mixed bag of emotions3:35- There’s a lot of pressure surrounding celebrating well7:00- Social media can quickly steal your joy9:05 - How can we communicate what we want for Mother’s Day effectively?12:30 - What if you want a special day but you know your family won’t plan anything?16:21 - How do you navigate a difficult Mother’s Day? Scripture for Reflection: Romans 12:15 (NIV)“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”Questions for Discussion:What emotions does Mother’s Day bring up for you this year—joy, sorrow, both?Have you ever been disappointed by an unmet expectation on this day? What did you learn from it?What would your ideal Mother’s Day actually look like—and how can you communicate that clearly?How can you support another mom who may be hurting or overwhelmed this year?Resources:Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comDownload the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
--------
20:15
464: How to Welcome Your College Kid Home Well
Your college student has changed—and so has your family. In today’s episode, Karen and Emily talk about preparing for the emotional and practical realities of having a college student return home for the summer. From setting clear expectations to embracing the growth in your child, you'll walk away with practical tips (and encouragement) to navigate this bittersweet transition with grace!Episode Recap:3:45 - Karen shares how re-entry was with different kids coming home from college8:08- How can I temper my expectations before my kiddo comes home? 11:05 - Encourage your college student to get a job!13:00 - How do we prepare our younger kids for their sibling’s reentry?15:52 - What’s reasonable to ask of my college kid while they’re home? 21:34 - Is it ok for me to tell my college kid how their actions made me feel? If so, what’s the best way to do that?25:19 - We have to allow our children to grow and learn on their own because God is at work in their lives. Don’t try to smooth the road out for them, let them learn.Scripture for Reflection: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."Questions for Discussion:How has your family dynamic changed since your child left for college?What expectations do you need to reset—both for yourself and for your college student—before they return home?How can you communicate boundaries and responsibilities clearly without treating your college student like a child?In what ways can you celebrate and embrace who your child is becoming as a young adult?Resources:Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comDownload the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
--------
29:27
463: Surviving Seasons of Solo Parenting
When your husband’s job pulls him away from home, it can leave you holding the weight of family life alone—and it’s exhausting. Today Karen is answering questions from moms whose husbands are frequently gone due to their line of work. From managing toddler tantrums and homeschooling to navigating resentment and self-pity, Karen shares hard-won wisdom from her own years in the trenches. Don’t miss Karen’s honest encouragement about what it means to trust God and stay grounded through the hard seasons! Episode Recap:2:35 - Karen’s husband Greg travelled extensively with his job during their early family years6:10 - How did you manage the inconsistency in your husband’s work schedule? 10:25 - We have to bring God into our daily walk as moms, He will sustain us11:30 - My husband works in a traumatic field, how do I support him without letting the darkness and stress of his job affect our family?15:05 - How do I help my husband get on board with what I’m doing at home since he’s away so often18:23 - Emily’s tips for keeping preschooler occupied while mom homeschools other child21:15 - I’m a working mom and my husband is in residency. I struggle with resentment and self-pity, how did you handle these emotions? Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 73:26 (NIV)“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”Questions for Discussion:What do you find most difficult when your husband is away—emotionally, practically, or spiritually?Have you ever struggled with self-pity or resentment in your parenting journey? What helped you move forward?Karen talks about letting go of the “scoreboard” in marriage and not expecting equal contribution all the time. How does that idea sit with you?What are some practical ways you could invite God into your hard season right now?If you’re parenting a strong-willed toddler, which of Karen and Emily’s ideas could you try this week?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comCheck out the Scoreboard of Life session within Karen’s The Six Truths of Motherhood curriculum: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase/products/six-truths-study-guide
--------
28:55
462: Why We Call It Good Friday
Today we’re talking about Good Friday —and reflecting on why something so awful was called ‘good.’ Karen walks through the events leading up to the cross, explains why Jesus had to die, and answers some common (and hard!) questions your kids and teens might be asking. Whether your children are little or nearly grown, we hope this conversation equips you to talk about Jesus’ sacrifice and bring the hope of Easter into your home this week.Episode Recap:2:10 - We don’t have to know everything, moms! But it’s our job to point our kids to answers2:36 - Recap of events leading up to Good Friday5:42 - Matthew 27:51-53 shares some incredible things that happened when Jesus died8:44 - Jesus willing endured the Cross for us - that makes Friday good!9:30 - Why did Jesus have to die? Wasn’t there another way?12:51 - Jesus was fully man and fully God, He is our High Priest13:35- Forgiveness doesn’t mean justice is ignored14:24 - How do we know Jesus’ death was real? What about the Resurrection?20:16 - What are practical ways to bring your family together around the story of Good Friday and Easter?24:00 - Don’t be afraid of your kids’ questions, dive in together and look for the truth! Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”Questions for Discussion:What makes Good Friday “good,” even though it was such a dark day?How can we engage well with our kids when they ask hard questions about Jesus’ death or the resurrection?What does it mean to you personally that Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done”?How can your family focus on Jesus this Easter in a meaningful way—especially if your kids aren’t naturally interested?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
--------
28:34
461: When Little Ones Push Back: Practical Discipline for Moms
From dealing with toddlers who constantly say "no!" to navigating three-year-old stubbornness, today Karen is answering your questions and sharing practical strategies to help you respond with consistency and grace. You’ll learn how to set boundaries that stick and understand why repetition is key to laying a foundation of obedience. Whether you're managing meltdowns or guiding a strong-willed child, this episode will equip you to keep calm and parent on!Episode Recap:2:43 - Is age two or three more difficult?4:41 - My four yr old doesn’t listen and it puts him in danger! How can I get him to take me seriously?7:15 - Toddlers HAVE to know that you are going to follow through!8:50 - I’m constantly threatening my 2.5 yr old daughter with consequences for not obeying, is she only obeying out of fear?11:00 - My 7 year old daughter has no motivation to do anything! How do I get her to get moving? 14:25 - Talk to your child’s teacher if their homework seems to take them forever at home, there could be something to pay attention to there.18:55 - Help! My husband and I are at our wit’s end with our combative 4 year old. Scripture for Reflection: Galatians 6:9 (NIV)"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."Questions for Discussion:What are some challenges you face with your toddler or preschooler’s strong emotions? How do you typically respond?How do you balance immediate consequences with teaching long-term obedience?What strategies have you found helpful for setting boundaries with strong-willed children?How can you maintain consistency when it feels like your child isn’t getting the message?Resources:Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comKathleen Edelman’s A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring: https://amzn.to/4lmF5VFWire Talk episode 433 with Wellesley Jongko: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/433-you-can-set-your-child-up-for-readin
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!
UK