Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

As July comes to an end, many moms are turning their eyes toward the school year ahead. That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most-loved mini-series: the State of Motherhood. This honest two part conversation dives into the good, the hard, and the unfair parts of motherhood and offers the loving kick in the pants we all need to reset our perspective. Whether you’re wrapping up summer or bracing for new routines this fall, we hope this episode helps you gear up for what lies ahead! Episode Recap:Check out all our new curriculums (6:30)Join our private Facebook group this year (9:20)The amount of complaining we do doesn’t change how hard motherhood is (19:21) Life is not fair (24:02)You are doing a good job and you are going to get through this (38:42)Resources:Find all Karen’s FREE curricula in the BOAW Moms app: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/free-curriculumPurchase brand-new curricula in the store: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase-1Reach out to https:/

Today Karen and Emily dive into the dynamics of marriage and parenting by reminding us that we are not our husband's Holy Spirit! Karen shares her own story about letting go of the urge to control her husband's spiritual journey and offers practical wisdom for managing the emotional ups and downs that come with doing life together. Lean in for practical advice about navigating differences with your spouse, remembering that it is God who ultimately guides our faith journey!Episode Recap:1:49 We diminish God’s power when we try to control our husbands6:10 How do I let go of my husband’s lack of a quiet time? 9:05 Allow the Holy Spirit to do its job, your job is to love and respect your husband10:15 My husband is harsh when he disciplines, what do I do? 14:10 How can I get my husband to take more initiative and help me more?17:30 Be specific when you ask for help18:45 My husband’s moodiness brings me down! Scripture for Reflection:1 Corinthians 3: 6-7 (NIV): "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has b

Today Karen and Emily are talking about one of the biggest challenges moms face—knowing when (and how) to say no. With stories from their own families and practical advice for every season, this conversation will help you evaluate what’s best for your family right now. Whether you're navigating sports schedules, volunteer asks, or the push to "do it all," this conversation will give you permission to prioritize wisely and protect your peace, so you can say yes to what matters most.Episode Recap:8:02 How can I say no to one more thing? I feel guilty! 11:00 Travel soccer used to be fun but now it’s expensive and overwhelming…what do we do?15:05 I’m struggling to prioritize time with my husband, any tips? 17:30 You need to determine for your own family what are your non-negotiables18:26 What steps can I take to prevent over commitment? 20:22 - Your best yes looks different from other families Scripture for Reflection: Philippians 1:10 (NLT)“For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live p

Discipline is one of the hardest parts of parenting—and one of the most frequently asked-about topics from Wire Talk listeners. In this popular re-air, Karen breaks down discipline into three practical stages and shares wisdom from her book Survival Guide to Motherhood. Whether you're parenting toddlers, school-aged kids, or teens, grab your headphones and get ready to reframe your mindset with the powerful biblical principle: pain now equals peace later.Episode Recap:8:14 Discipline starts with your mindset 9:36 Pain now equals peace later12:24 Discipline has to be consistent.13:34 The three stages of discipline each require a different focus from moms16:17 The “B”s of discipline with young kids are: Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear17:05 In the middle years it’s time to teach the “why” behind the no18:11 You have to slow down and make time to teach your child20:20 During the “coaching” stage, parents have to let consequences play outScripture for Reflection: Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)“No discipline seems pleasant

We can’t shield our kids from everything—but we can prepare them. In today’s episode, Karen answers your questions about navigating tricky situations that stem from outside influences. From toddlers to teens, the answer isn’t control—it’s conversation. Listen and learn why awkward talks now might be the most powerful gift you can give your kids!Episode Recap:3:39 - My preschooler is coming home using potty words, how do I address it? 5:41 - My neighbors’ kids are obnoxious and I don’t want my kids around them…9:46 - My teenager’s friend (the son of a friend of mine) uses foul language in his texting, should I address it with her? 13:34 - How do I balance our family values and God’s command to think about praiseworthy things with my daughter’s taste in popular music that isn’t God-honoring?20:05 - These conversations are awkward and hard but if we don’t teach our children, who will?Scripture for Reflection: Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them

From disappointment in marriage to disrespectful teens, today’s episode tackles some hard moments moms are facing. Karen answers questions about how to parent through anger, restore broken relationships, and course-correct when obedience and respect have gone off track. With stories from her own life and wisdom rooted in Scripture, Karen reminds us thar God is in the business of redemption—and it’s never too late!Episode Recap:4:36 - My life is not at all going as I had planned - is there a Bible Study for that? 10:44 - We missed the boat on disciplining our boys well in their younger years, how do we course correct now? Is it too late? 15:45 - You answer to the Lord and you don’t need to apologize to anyone.16:46 - My husband is an extremely permissive parent - what can I do?19:40 - My 14 year old son hates me (I think in many ways, it’s deserved) what can I do? Scripture for Reflection: Galatians 5:22-33 (NIV)"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentl

What if understanding your child’s temperament could transform the way you parent? Today Karen and Emily sit down with author and temperament expert Kathleen Edelman to talk about wiring, communication, and the power of speaking life into our kids. Kathleen shares tips for how to spot your child’s core temperament, explains why it’s so important to know your own, and reminds us that God intentionally chose each of us to be the mother of our unique child. Episode Recap:4:05 - Kathleen Edelman joins us in the studio today to talk temperaments6:15 - God chose YOU, with your unique temperament, to be the mother of your unique children. It was not an accident. 8:00 - Where did this idea of the 4 temperaments come from?10:50 - You can watch the body language of your child and pay attention to their words to discern their temperament14:00 - Temperaments are innate, personality evolves18:44 - You have to understand how God uniquely wired you to be able to speak your child’s language well 22:00 - What are common mista

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by anxiety, resentment, or fear in motherhood? You’re not alone. Today Karen and Emily open up about navigating hard seasons—from managing a home alone while your husband is away, to struggling with trust in God when fear creeps in. They dive into real questions from moms who are tired, discouraged, and looking for peace. Grab your coffee, because this one’s packed with encouragement, truth, and a little tough love. ;)Episode Recap:7:05 - The world is loud and stressful, but we can have peace because God is with us9:18 - I feel overwhelmingly resentful toward my husband because the weight of family life is all on me - how can I get through this season?10:30 - Some seasons are just HARD and you have to persevere12:20 - Self pity is of the devil. Ask God to meet your needs.17:16 - My husband is SO moody - help!18:50 - What are the various temperament colors?25:00 - It is easy to forget the strengths of our spouse and only focus on their negatives.31:00 - My 17 yr old struggles with

From dentist visits to bedtime clinginess, today’s conversation is all about helping kids face fear with confidence. Karen answers your questions about navigating anxiety, new experiences, and tough transitions. With practical ideas and plenty of encouragement, this episode will equip you to walk with your child through fear and toward courage.Episode Recap:2:05 - Emily is more than halfway through her pregnancy6:50 - How can I help my 3.5 year old face the dentist without a meltdown?10:12 - My outgoing, bubbly 5 year old becomes totally silent at school - what do I do? 12:00 - After an active shooter drill, my daughter is terrified to go to school16:00 - My child is overly attached to me, how can I help her gain independence? Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”Questions for Discussion:What does fear look like in your child’s behavior—and how do you usually respond?What are some situations where you’ve helped your child face th

From tantrums to name-calling to after-school meltdowns, this episode is packed with practical help for moms dealing with big emotions—and even bigger attitudes. Karen and Emily talk about red temperaments, ADHD outbursts, and how to handle disrespectful behavior without losing your cool. Listen in for advice on teaching kids to pause before reacting, role-playing tough situations, plus learn why setting boundaries with screens and school is worth the fight. Episode Recap:2:10 - Meltdowns can happen at 6 or 165:14 - Lean into the Lord and He will help you6:31- What do I do about a 10 year old who dominates her friends all the time?8:56 - Role playing is a powerful teaching tool 9:39 - My daughter resorts to name calling when she’s angry - any advice? 18:00 - Anger is a secondary emotion  18:30 - What does being intentional this summer look like? 24:00 - I’m struggling with the amount of screen time that is embedded in school/homework, it clearly changes my kid’s behavior. What can I do? Scripture for Reflecti

Whether you're juggling work or chasing toddlers all day, summer can sneak up fast—and so can the pressure to make it “magical.” So today, Karen and Emily talk about how to define “winning” for your family before the season starts. They share practical ways to keep things meaningful without overextending yourself, and how to set realistic expectations for chores, rhythms, and fun. No matter what your summer looks like, you can make it a win for your family!Episode Recap:4:10 - Your summer won’t look like everybody else’s6:25 - Decide on what would be a ‘win’ this summer for your family10:10 - How can shifting your mindset help you accept your summer?13:00 - How do I enjoy my summer when I’m working all the time?16:00 - Involving your kids around the house more will make your summer smoother! 17:45 - Chores are a great way to stop hearing, “I’m bored!”18:30 - What does being intentional this summer look like? Scripture for Reflection: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establis

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 w

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

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 f

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 w

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

The stakes feel high when you’re parenting teenagers, but you don’t have to go it alone! Today Karen is answering questions from moms facing challenges as they are navigating the teen years. From dealing with inappropriate relationships and emotional struggles to setting boundaries and having tough conversations, Karen offers encouragement to help you parent with confidence. Whether your teen is acting out or just feeling melancholic, you'll find practical wisdom and support in this candid conversation.Episode Recap:4:06- It’s critical to be a parent rather than a friend during the teen years.6:48- My 16 yr old is texting inappropriate pictures with his girlfriend, what do we do?11:49- Strategies for connecting with a melancholic teen.16:50- My college-age child is making poor choices when it comes to grades/work ethic - what does tough love look like?23:07- How do I firmly address drug/alcohol use concerns with young adults who aren’t living at home anymore?26:21- My 16 year old is dealing with depression an

From preschool power struggles to teenage arguments, this episode is full of real mom moments. Today, Karen’s answering your questions on sibling conflict, possessiveness, and strong-willed kids. Whether it’s a four year old not wanting to share, or a teenager pushing against boundaries, Karen reminds us that parenting isn’t about controlling every outcome—it’s about cultivating character, modeling grace, and being a steady presence as kids grow and learn.Episode Recap:5:24- How do I help my child get over her excessive possessiveness? 9:50 - Should I get involved over the messiness of my daughters’ room? 12:18- My teens’ argumentativeness ruins the mood of our entire family, help! 17:55- How can I help cultivate a close relationship between siblings? Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”Questions for Discussion:Have you ever struggled with a child being overly possessive or anxious about their belongings? What has helped

Navigating hard conversations can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to extended family! Today Karen is answering your questions about setting boundaries, honoring traditions while carving out your own space, and maintaining peace without losing your voice. We hope you’ll take away some practical nuggets for the next time you find yourself facing a difficult conversation. Episode Recap:5:20 How do I know when to stand up for myself and when to bend?6:22 My husband’s family celebrates religious holidays in a purely secular way. I’m always frustrated by it when we are with them! What can I do? 10:18 We feel guilted into vacationing with extended family every year when it really doesn’t work for us anymore. It has become a source of tension between my husband and I. How do we navigate this? 15:26 How do I “uninvite” our babysitter on our family vacation??!20:00 My dad doesn’t want to see us at the holidays because he says we haven’t seen him/done enough with him all year long. How do I appro

Grief and joy don’t have to be opposites—sometimes, they go hand in hand. In this tender conversation, Annie F. Downs shares the story behind Where Did TJ Go?, a book she co-authored with her sister to help families navigate the loss of a child. Annie opens up about how her nephew TJ’s brief but impactful life deepened their family’s bond and taught them the beauty of holding joy and sorrow together. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to support a grieving family, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and hope.Episode Recap:4:26- Annie F. Downs joins us today!5:40- Prior to TJ’s death, Annie’s family was not nearly as close 8:00- Annie’s sister discovered she was pregnant with a child who had a life limiting diagnosis 10:45- Aunts and uncles get to say yes, so do it often! 12:45- How can we love on families who are raising kids while grieving? 14:30- Where Did TJ Go?  is a conduit for families to connect while grieving16:00- There is good news in sad stories, this is a Gospel story2