• 27 minutes 28 seconds
    527: The Secret to Stress-Free Potty Training [RE-AIR]

    If you’ve been thinking that summer is the perfect time to potty train, this one’s for you! Christine Clark joins Karen and Emily today - she’s a mom, preschool teacher, and pro who’s successfully potty trained 17 children. From handling accidents with grace to dealing with fear, regression, or defiance, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for moms in the potty-training trenches.

    Episode Recap:

    • Christine runs an in-home daycare and LOVES toddlers (2:33)
    • Personality definitely feeds into potty training (5:58)
    • Is there a difference in training girls vs boys? (7:25)
    • Give us a step-by-step for those who are new to this (8:55)
    • What are the biggest mistakes parents make? (12:00)
    • How to support your child’s training at daycare (14:16)
    • What about kids who have “accidents” out of defiance? (16:35)
    • What if a child is afraid to go #2? (22:21)


    Scripture: 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:

    1. What’s been your biggest potty training challenge so far, and what mindset shift could help you handle it with more patience?
    2. How can you bring fun and encouragement into the process instead of frustration?
    3. What does “everything can be cleaned” look like for you in this season of motherhood?
    4. What other “hard things” have you done recently that remind you you’re capable of more than you think?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?

    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily share some of their own adventures in potty-training and remind us once again that everything can be cleaned!

    Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

    21 July 2026, 11:00 am
  • 29 minutes 10 seconds
    526: [RE-AIR] How to Handle Big Emotions and Bigger Attitudes

    From tantrums to name-calling to after-school meltdowns, this listener-favorite 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:

    • Meltdowns can happen at 6 or 16 (2:10)
    • Lean into the Lord and He will help you (5:14)
    • What do I do about a 10 year old who dominates her friends all the time? (6:31)
    • Role playing is a powerful teaching tool (8:56)
    • My daughter resorts to name calling when she’s angry - any advice? (9:39)
    • Anger is a secondary emotion (18:00)
    • 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? (24:00)


    Scripture for Reflection:

    Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

    Questions for Discussion:

    1. How do you typically respond when your child is disrespectful or melts down?
    2. What do you think is really behind your child’s anger in those moments?
    3. What boundaries do you need to reinforce in your home around disrespect, screen time, or emotional outbursts?
    4. How could role-playing or using tools like the feelings wheel help your child grow in emotional maturity?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?

    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily talk about why so many parents are afraid to address disrespectful behavior and they discuss how to use devices intentionally so they serve your family instead of becoming a parenting crutch.

    Head to https://www.patreon.com/c/BOAW to become an Insider and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

    14 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 53 seconds
    525: [RE-AIR] Do Less For Your Kids - Parenting for the Long Haul

    We're re-airing one of our most popular episodes this week! Karen and Emily sit down with Elizabeth Pehrson to discuss how moms can parent with purpose by focusing on the long game. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her no-nonsense approach to raising independent, contributing adults. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of parenting littles or wondering how to prepare your teens for the real world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

    Episode Recap:

    • Elizabeth is a long time friend of BOAW Moms and a breakout speaker at Soar (2:09)
    • Most women live a Groundhog Day kind of life, but they don’t have to (8:08)
    • We can’t love others when we’re not loving ourselves well (10:32)
    • How did The Exchange come about? (12:37)
    • We need to raise adults who are contributors, not consumers (18:25)
    • We are overprotecting and under preparing our kids for the real world (21:00)
    • Keep the long game in mind! (25:01)


    Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
    Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."

    Questions for Discussion:

    1. What areas of parenting do you feel pressured to “do more,” and how might adopting a “do less” mindset bring freedom to your family?
    2. How are you currently preparing your children for independence, and what’s one practical step you can take to help them contribute more?
    3. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of rediscovering yourself as a mom. What’s something you used to enjoy that you can reintroduce into your life?
    4. How can shifting your focus from short-term achievements to long-term character development change the way you approach parenting?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily talk about why it’s easier to do for our kids than to teach them to do for themselves and Emily shares her new chore routine for her kids this summer.

    Head to https://www.patreon.com/c/BOAW to become an Insider and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

    7 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 12 seconds
    524: My Kid Saw Porn...Now What?

    Pornography exposure is happening younger and more often than most parents realize, and it’s affecting both boys and girls. In this episode, Karen and Erin Mashaw are joined by returning guest Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, for a practical conversation about what to do when your child has been exposed to pornography.

    If you’ve been avoiding this awkward conversation, today’s discussion will motivate you and equip you to help your child navigate this topic.

    Episode Recap:

    • We want our kids to have a plan to reject pornography when they see it (1:30)
    • Parents underestimate kids’ negative online exposure (3:30)
    • Your kid is not bad because they are curious about sex (6:00)
    • Girls’ exposure to pornography is often through literature (8:10)
    • Take time to compose yourself before responding (13:50)
    • Don’t blame yourself (18:00)
    • These conversations help arm our kids against the influence of porn (22:00)
    • Your child deserves to be prepared (27:00)


    Scripture:
    Psalm 119:9 (NIV) "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word."

    Discussion Questions: 

    1. What emotions come up when you think about having conversations about pornography with your children?
    2. What practical steps has your family taken to create open communication around technology and online safety?
    3. What would it look like for your home to be a safe place for difficult conversations?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Kristen explains what's happening in a child's brain after pornography exposure, why these images can become "sticky," and how parents can help prevent repeated viewing from becoming a long-term struggle.

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    30 June 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 17 seconds
    523: Simple Ways to Make Summer More Fun

    Summer doesn't have to be packed with fancy vacations or elaborate plans to be memorable. In this episode, Karen and Emily share simple, practical ways to add more laughter, spontaneity, and fun to your family's everyday moments. From DQ runs to dance-party cleanups, we hope this episode gives you some ideas and encourages you to let go of the pressure and just enjoy your kids this summer!

    Episode Recap:

    • We’re talking about creating fun this summer with your kids (2:02)
    • Does summer feel daunting or fun to you? (4:35)
    • Fun isn’t trivial, it creates connection (9:53)
    • It’s okay to let your kids be bored (12:10)
    • Ask yourself, “is there a FUN way to do this?” (18:33)
    • Fun is the antidote to anxiety! (20:57)
    • I’m a blue, what if “fun mom” is just not my personality? (22:38)
    • Nothing is ever enough for my kids (26:22)
    • My kids are always bored, no matter what I do (27:11) 


    Scripture:

    Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

    Discussion Questions: 

    1. What are some of your favorite summer memories from childhood?
    2. Which ideas from this episode for adding fun into everyday life could you try with your family this week?
    3. Do you feel pressure to create a "perfect" summer for your kids? How might that expectation be stealing joy from your family?
    4. How does your temperament influence the way you approach fun and play with your children?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk +, Karen and Emily dive into how temperament affects the way moms experience and create fun at home. They also discuss why cultivating joy and laughter in your home matters in the long run.

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    23 June 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 1 second
    522: How to Build Work Ethic in Your Kids This Summer

    Summer brings more snacks, more messes, and more opportunities to teach our kids valuable life skills! Today Karen and Emily are talking about why building a strong work ethic starts at home and why moms should avoid overfunctioning for their children, plus Karen gives practical ideas to teach age-appropriate responsibility. We hope this conversation will encourage you to play the long game this summer as you prepare your kids for real life!

    Episode Recap:

    • You don’t have to be the one cleaning all the messes this summer (1:50)
    • Helping around the house instills confidence in kids (3:15)
    • We want to raise contributors, not consumers (5:00)
    • Teach your children to go the extra mile (8:10)
    • What are good kids' chores at each stage of development? (12:00)
    • How do you handle kids who push back on doing chores? (18:50)


    Scripture:

    Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."


    Discussion Questions: 

    1. How were chores and household responsibilities handled in your home growing up? Are you mimicking that environment or handling the workload differently in your own home? 
    2. Are there areas where you might be "over-functioning" for your children? What is one responsibility you could begin transferring to them this summer?
    3. Which age-appropriate chore or life skill would be most beneficial for your child to learn right now? What would the training phase look like?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily get real about how chores work in Emily’s houses and Karen demonstrates how to fold a fitted sheet! Don’t sleep on becoming an Insider - learn today!

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    16 June 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 47 seconds
    521: Serving Alongside Your Kids This Summer

    Summer is a perfect time to help our kids learn to look beyond themselves. In this episode, Karen and Emily share simple, practical ways families can serve together, whether that’s visiting a nursing home, helping with food recovery, serving on a mission trip, or just paying attention to the needs around you. We hope this conversation encourages you to start small, think intentionally, and discover how serving others can grow your family's faith this summer!

    Episode Recap:

    • Snack time strategies for summer (2:00)
    • Serving with your kids can feel daunting (3:52)
    • Start small wherever you are (5:36)
    • Organizations like Lighthouse have opportunities for your whole family (13:17)
    • When you open your eyes, you’ll start to see opportunities everywhere (15:55)
    • Pray and ask God to show you ways to give back with your kids this summer (18:00)


    Scripture: Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)
    "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."


    Discussion Questions: 

    1. What opportunities already exist in your community for your family to serve together?
    2. What keeps your family from serving more often, and what’s one small step you could take this summer?
    3. Karen talks about how serving helps us get outside our own "bubble." Where might God be inviting your family to lift your eyes beyond your bubble this summer?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen shares a personal story about taking Abby on a mission trip to China when she was just 9 years old - you never know how God is going to use your kids in service! 

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    9 June 2026, 7:00 am
  • 33 minutes 21 seconds
    520: How to Grow Spiritually Alongside Your Kids This Summer

    We’re kicking off a brand-new summer series today! All month long, we’ll be talking about how to make the most of the new rhythm summer brings to your home. In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways moms can grow spiritually alongside their kids. We hope this conversation encourages you that you don’t have to do this perfectly to take meaningful steps of growth toward Jesus together as a family.

    Episode Recap:

    • Whether you look forward to summer or dread it, try to enjoy it! (2:00)
    • You do not have to entertain your child all summer long (4:14)
    • Which kind of summer mom are you? (7:15)
    • You want your kids to see Jesus shining through you to your kids (11:35)
    • Let your kids see your real struggles (appropriately) (14:00)
    • Pray BIG with your kids (17:00)
    • Walk your kids through unanswered prayers when you are praying together (20:31)
    • Model humility and repentance (22:00)
    • What does this look like at different ages? (25:30)


    Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7(NIV)
    “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”


    Discussion Questions: 

    1. Which part of this conversation felt most challenging to you: praying big, modeling repentance, letting your kids see your struggles, or something else?
    2. Which one of these do you feel like you’re already doing? 
    3. How can you create small, intentional spiritual rhythms in your home this summer without putting pressure on yourself to “do it perfectly”?
    4. What is one practical step you could take this week to help your kids see authentic faith lived out in everyday life?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily answer listener questions about kids pushing back against going to church and asking big questions about God.

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    2 June 2026, 7:00 am
  • 23 minutes 4 seconds
    519: You Are Not Defined by Your Past

    As we wrap up our Mothers of the Bible series, we’re looking at one of the most complicated and heartbreaking stories in Scripture: Bathsheba. Her life was marked by loss, pain, shame, and circumstances she never would have chosen, yet God was still at work redeeming her story. In this episode, Karen and Emily talk about how our worst moments do not define us, how God meets us in brokenness, and why it’s never too late for redemption.

    Episode Recap:

    • Soar is coming up in September - join us and see Karen live! (4:00)
    • What we know of Bathsheba’s story begins with David’s lust (6:54)
    • Bathsheba becomes the mother of Solomon (11:12)
    • Bathsheba was not in control of what was happening to her (12:35)
    • God is in the business of redemption (14:00)
    • Our worst days or seasons do not define our identity (16:00)
    • No one is too far gone for God to use in His story (18:19)
    • Do not let Satan convince you that you are unworthy (19:20)


    Scripture: Matthew 1:6 (NIV)
    “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife…”

    Discussion Questions: 

    1. Have you ever felt defined by a mistake or painful season in your life?
    2. What parts of Bathsheba’s story stand out to you the most, why?
    3. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe God can bring redemption?
    4. What does it practically look like to separate your identity from your past?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily share a family story that illustrates the importance of bringing our sin into the light and allowing Christ to redeem our past.

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    26 May 2026, 7:00 am
  • 19 minutes 26 seconds
    518: How Do We Trust God When Life Hurts?

    Naomi’s story is one of grief and disappointment, but ultimately, it’s about redemption. Today on Wire Talk, Karen and Emily continue our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at how God was working behind the scenes even when Naomi felt abandoned and bitter. If you’re walking through loss, broken relationships, or a season that feels nothing like the life you imagined, we hope this look at the life of Naomi reminds you that God is not absent and He is still writing your story.

    Episode Recap:

    • This week we’re looking at Naomi’s story (1:26)
    • When this story begins, Naomi is living through one crisis after another (3:00)
    • Naomi’s outlook on her future was bleak (7:30)
    • God works to weave a thread of redemption through Naomi’s life (13:42)
    • God never abandons us even when it feels like He has (15:33)
    • We are not writing our own stories (18:19)


    Scripture: 
    Ruth 4:14 (NASB) “Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.”


    Discussion Questions: 

    1. Have you ever gone through a season where disappointment or grief changed the way you viewed your life or even God?
    2. Are there losses or disappointments you’ve tried to “move past” without honestly grieving them?
    3. Is there a story you’re currently telling yourself that may not actually be true? (“God has forgotten me,” “Things will never change,” etc.)
    4. Which truth from Naomi’s story do you most need to hold onto right now:
    • It’s okay to grieve
    • Your perspective isn’t always accurate
    • God is still writing your story


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?
    During Wire Talk+, Karen shares more personally about seasons in her own life that didn’t turn out the way she expected and how God redeemed her disappointment.

    Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    19 May 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 30 seconds
    517: When God Feels Silent

    Today we’re continuing our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel. Hannah was a woman who longed for a child and wrestled with seasons of waiting and disappointment. Listen as Karen teaches through this story, reminding us that God invites us to trust Him, even when our prayers feel unanswered. If you’ve ever waited on God for something close to your heart, we hope you are encouraged to persevere today.

    Episode Recap:

    • This week we’re looking at Hannah’s story (0:43)
    • Don’t miss the BOAW birthday party after the Soar Conference this year! (2:30)
    • Hannah is where, “...for this child I have prayed.” comes from (5:00)
    • Hannah had dealt with infertility for years (7:00)
    • Your pain may be different from Hannah’s but we can learn from her response (11:03)
    • Hannah and Jochebed both had hearts that were surrendered to the Lord (12:40)
    • Hannah recognized that it was the Lord who made her strong (16:00) 
    • Like sheep, we need to follow first (17:28)
    • We must continually remind ourselves that God is good (19:06)


    Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NIV) 
    “Then Hannah prayed and said:

    “My heart rejoices in the Lord;
        in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
    My mouth boasts over my enemies,
        for I delight in your deliverance.

    “There is no one holy like the Lord;
        there is no one besides you;
        there is no Rock like our God.”


    Discussion Questions: 

    1. What is something in your life that feels like a “waiting season” right now?
    2. How do you typically respond when God doesn’t answer a prayer in your timing?
    3. What would it look like to surrender that situation fully to God, like Hannah did?
    4. Where are you tempted to compare your life to others, and how is that affecting your heart?
    5. How can you remind yourself daily that “God is good” even when life feels hard?
    6. Practically speaking, what does it look like for you to let God be your strength instead of trying to do it all yourself?


    Resources:


    Want More of This Conversation?

    Insiders will hear Karen share a personal story of a season of waiting in her own life and what God taught her through it. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

    12 May 2026, 7:00 am
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