Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Today my friend, Robin Pou, joins us to talk about his powerful testimony of a near-death experience in Africa while on a mission trip and share about his new book, a parable, that was 14 years in the making. Robin is an executive coach, author, and founder of a leadership development firm. He is in the business of training Christians to lead in the marketplace or wherever God has placed them.  Through Robin’s harrowing experience the Lord shifted his life to focusing on how to bring God into the marketplace for those not called to full-time vocational ministry. Robin has so many tips for working and stay-at-home moms on how to be missional in all that we do and how to make our intentions point to the Lord. We are reminded of the Hebrew word “shama,” which means to hear and then obey the voice of the Lord. Robin’s story is gripping but most of all reminds us we are born for a purpose whether we are leading a company or doing the dishes, there is a mission for our lives.  Connect with Robin Pou:  Website:  Empowering Leaders for Success | Explore The Confident Leader Here  are ways you can help support The Reluctant Disciple project… Buy a book or two and share with friends Write a review on Amazon Post on social media, email, or text Connect our team with podcasts and influencers Download discussion questions for your community group or book club Links Mentioned:   Empowering Leadership Services | The Confident Leader Kisses from Katie: by Katie Davis Majors The Reluctant Disciple: By Robin Pou Leadership Training & Employee Development Platform - The Optimism Company Halftime - Get Clear. Get Free. Get Going Crown Financial Ministries Related Episodes: Identifying Your God-Given Space (Part 2) :: Sally Clarkson [Ep 404] How to Own Your Life :: Sally Clarkson {Ep 54} Stewarding Sacred and Spiritual Disciplines at Home :: Jennifer Pepito [Ep 464] Featured Sponsors:  Lands End: Seize the summer in Lands’ End. Head to landsend.com  and use code (DONTMOMALONE) to get 30% off your summer purchase. Greenlight: Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenligh.com/dma.  BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by Betterhelp. Never skip therapy day, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Are you tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally as a mom trying to do it all? Does the thought of resting make you stressed because you can’t see how? Do you know what kind of rest fills your soul?   Today Jess Connolly joins us to talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of rest. Jess’s life is full with being an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach so she knows the challenges of finding pockets of rest in a full schedule. I love how we discuss that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for resting and we are all made differently by our creator with unique ways to recharge. (Don’t forget to take the quiz below to identify what kind of rest you need in this season) Jess reminds us that Jesus had true rest for us even in busy seasons that will lead us to be more awake, alive, and present in our families, ministries, and careers.  We end the podcast by getting sidetracked and talk about everything from theology books to ice machines- join us for tons of truth and fun.  Connect with Jess Connolly:  Website:  Jess Connolly Facebook: Jess Connolly Instagram:  Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Links Mentioned:   Quiz — Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly Breaking Free from Body Shame: By Jess Connolly You Are the Girl for the Job: By Jess Connolly Dance, Stand, Run: By Jess Connolly From Pentecost to Patmos: by Craig Blomberg Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn Paul Behaving Badly: by E. Randolph Richards Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice Sun Visor Hats for Women Wide Brim Straw Roll-Up Related Episodes: Your Body is GOOD :: Jess Connolly [Ep 329] Worth Repeating // Jess Connolly A Naptime Diary :: Jessi Connolly {Ep 68} Featured Sponsors:  Rhone The Course to Court Collection can get you through any workday and straight into whatever comes next. Head to rhone.com/DMA  and use promo code DMA to save 20% off your entire order.  Honeylove Honeylove is not just supporting women, it's empowering women. Treat yourself to the best bras on the market and save 20% Off at honeylove.com/DMA . Elevate your comfort, elevate your style, with bras that empower your lifestyle of flexibility Thrive Causemetics Refresh your everyday look with Thrive Causemetics. Beauty that gives back. Thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for 10% off your first order.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you try to coach or control your kids in friendships? Whether sending them off to Kindergarten or College there are so many opportunities along the way to help them be good friends and pick good friends.  Today we are revisiting an amazing conversation with Sissy Goff and David Thomas discussing how to help our kids foster friendships.  As licensed counselors, working at DayStar Counseling Center in Nashville, they provide support, encouragement, and compassion to children, adolescents, and families in need through counseling. This episode has advice at every turn for every age and stage. David talks about dropping his son off at college and how to be a coach - not a fixer. We discuss shifting from focusing on how to get friends to how to be a good friend. Sissy breaks down the girl issues that arise with anxiety, feelings of isolation or being left out, and moms who sometimes care more than their daughters about certain social situations. This is a perfect episode heading into back-to-school season as we prepare to navigate relationships alongside our kids.  Connect with David Thomas and Sissy Goff:  Website:  Raising Boys and Girls Facebook: Raising Boys and Girls Instagram:  Sissy Goff (@sissygoff) and Raising Boys and Girls (@raisingboysandgirls) Podcast: Podcast | Raising Boys and Girls Summer of Mentorship Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in the week’s episode? What is one step you can take to become a coach instead of a fixer?  Could you sit down this week and have your child make a list of what characteristics a good friend has? Ask them how they are doing on that scale and if they are looking for people with those same qualities. Can you name one issue one of your kids is having in this area and what ideas this episode brought up for you to try?  Are you praying for your kids' friendships and connections? If not, stop and pray now for one another that the Lord would provide lifelong Godly friends this year for each of your children.  Links Mentioned:   Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families Are My Kids on Track?: by Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan, and David Thomas  The Invisible String by Patrice Karst Related Episodes: Helping Socially Anxious Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 451] Understanding Boys Better :: David Thomas [Ep 315] Raising Worry-Free Girls :: Sissy Goff [Bonus] Emotional Milestones :: Sissy Goff and David Thomas [Ep 160] Featured Sponsors:  Greenlight: Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenlight.com/dma . Thrive Market: Save time and money and shop Thrive Market today. Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift.  Vegamour:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

As parents, we are keenly aware of the peaks and valleys of our kids’ emotions. Anger, sadness, excitement, and all the other feelings can make us feel like our child is on a roller coaster we’re just trying to slow down.  It’s true that we all feel highs and lows throughout our day, but we rarely talk about what it feel like when we’re “in the zone” and feeling calm and ready to go. My guest today is sharing about the window of tolerance and how to regulate ourselves and our kids to help stay in that window.  “If I am dysregulated, I cannot regulate my child. So if I'm in fight or flight and I'm yelling. There's no amount of yelling that brings my child back into the window. And sometimes parents think the yelling is working, but what you're doing isn’t getting your child in the window. They're going into collapse and into a place of fear.” Charissa Lopez is a Licensed Professional Counselor and believer. Her passion is to come alongside those who are hurting and struggling to help them find truth, hope, healing, connection, and growth. She shares some eye-opening information and statistics to get us on the path to helping our kids build resilience and stay in that window of tolerance.  Charissa shares from a faith-perspective that we as believers are not alone. She reminds us that we can lean on God to regulate our emotions as we love on our kids and go through the hardships of life.  “God himself through Jesus is the ultimate attachment figure. He is always reaching for us. He never fails to respond to our needs. He always loves us. He's never judging us and never shaming us. So to know that when we need to be co-regulated, that when I am feeling like I'm going to leave the window, I can remember the truth of who God is and I can reach out to him in prayer.” What we chat about: The window of tolerance when our brains functioning well and effectively process input to make rational decisions calmly without feeling either overwhelmed or withdrawn When we’re out of the window of tolerance, our thinking brain is not in control and we don’t register consequences  Many of us don’t live in the window of tolerance, but we’re too busy and stressed to stop and assess how we’re feeling at any given moment Hyper-arousal, otherwise known as the fight/flight response, is often characterized by hypervigilance, feelings of anxiety and/or panic, and racing thoughts. Hypo-arousal, or a freeze response, may cause feelings of emotional numbness, emptiness, or paralysis. Learning how to stay in your window of tolerance builds resilience, both for us and our kids When our kids live outside the window, they become “masters of survival” and often turn to negative coping strategies What co-regulating our kids’ emotions looks like Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  We can lean on God to bring us to that window of tolerance and into the fruits of the spirit Connect with Charissa:  Website:  charissalopez.com Facebook: facebook.com/CharissaLopezCounseling  Links Mentioned:   Regulation Pack for DMA Listeners [WEBSITE]  Rosie’s Brain [BOOK] Related Episodes:   Connecting Through Play Episode with Charissa  Ages and Stages–Tween Edition –differentiation episode with Charissa  Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues :: Lynne Jackson [Ep 258]  Summer of Mentorship Discussion Questions: Have you heard of the window of tolerance before? If you look back at today, can you identify times when you were in the window and when you were in hyper-arousal/hypo-arousal? What about when your kids were in hyper-arousal/hypo-arousal? Are there some simple indicators that tip you off to your child’s de-regulation? How could knowing that your child’s thinking brain and understanding of consequences are not functioning in de-regulation change how you parent them when they have big emotional responses? Do you need to take more time to regulate yourself when you are upset before disciplining your kids? Make a list of strategies you can use to get back to the window of tolerance before trying to help your kids regulate.  God is the ultimate attachment figure and he can help us regulate through prayer, corporate worship and community. How have you seen God help you regulate in the difficult moments in life? Share some wins! Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef–Go to GreenChef.com/dmaclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass! That’s code dmaclass at Greenchef.com/dmaclass. Gabb Phone and Watch-Gabb is offering HUGE discounts on phones and watches to new customers. There’s no contract required! Just go to GABB.com/dma to get started. BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day, with BetterHelp.  Visit BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month.

Out of the gate today we are into all the TMI topics like how to wear your gown at the Doctor’s office, mammograms, and what stage of menopause we are in. (Did you know there are five?) Cynthia’s family keeps it real as usual by washing their healthy vitamins full of fruits and veggies down with Diet Dr. Pepper.  Next up we discuss the Olympics, from what our favorite sports are to handball and break dancing, which we are pretty sure are made-up sports. I rehash my prolific synchronized swimming career and share how I impressed (read tortured) my boys on vacation by showing off my skills. Both of us are fresh off of summer family trips where I bribed my boys to play family games, and Cynthia got recognized in a hotel lobby while sternly talking to her family about taking a good picture.  Cynthia is reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont and gives some ideas on how to slow down and take note of the little things in life so we can remember them later. I share how the pressure to list all the needed family improvements can get overwhelming so I am choosing to list what is going well this season. Come laugh with us and be reminded that no matter how messy summer is making memories and taking time with family is invaluable.  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Podcast: MESSmerized  Links Mentioned:   Hiya kids vitamins (see link and discount below) Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher) Crazy Rich Asians | Prime Video Bird by Bird: By Anne Lamott NYT Games: Word Games and Sudoku Cynthia’s apple watch band The Bear (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb Satin Heatless Curling Set  Bruce’s flat iron from when he chemically straightened his hair Related Episodes: The Goal Isn’t Happy Children :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 6 [Ep 419] A Mash-Up of Summer Support [Ep 411] Breaking Up with Perfect :: Summer of Mentorship Week 4 Featured Sponsors:  Hiya–We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA . This deal is not available on their regular website Skylight Calendar-As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $40 off your purchase of a Skylight Calendar when you go to skylightcal.com/ALONE . Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel like all the parenting books and formulas do not apply to your child? Is there embarrassment over public behavior that causes conflict? Are you longing for a deep connection with your kids that lasts into adulthood? Today we revisit my conversation with Amy and Jeffrey Olrick. Jeffrey is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families and uses his knowledge in the science of healthy human development mixed with faith to help us in our family relationships.  They go through the six needs of every child and share a compass to help you find your way when it gets challenging. Jeffrey compares our walk through life to a long and challenging trek with our kids where we can get off course but can use these tools to get back on track and build deeper relationships with our kids. He came to the Lord through Matthew 11:28-30 which says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.  We can take this to heart in parenting and in life that God wants us to be in right relationship with our kids and He has strengthened us with the Holy Spirit to do that job well.  Connect with Amy and Jeffrey Olrick:  Website:  Growing Connected Facebook: Growing Connected Instagram:  Growing Connected (@growingconnected) Summer of Mentorship Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in this week’s episode? Which of the 6 needs is the most hard for you to do with your kids? Why do you think that is the case? Jeffrey talks about sanctification through parenting. Can you reflect on one way you have been sanctified (free from sin or purified) through parenting? Share that win with the group and celebrate how the Lord has changed your life.  What are some things in parenting you’ve been looking for a one-size-fits-all solution for?  Can you shift your question from “What should I do?” to “How can I be with this child?” That process may start by sitting with the Lord so you have the grace and patience to be with your child in hard spaces. Ask the Holy Spirit for the ability to know what each kid needs at each moment.  Links Mentioned:   Growing Connected Podcast - Growing Connected The 6 Needs of Every Child: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick Which Need Do You Respond to the Most? - Growing Connected (Quiz)   Related Episodes: The “Don’t Miss” List :: Celebrating 10 Years of Don’t Mom Alone [Ep 434] Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Understand Your Developing Teen :: Dr. Nell Bush [Ep 351] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics: Refresh your everyday look with Thrive Causemetics. Beauty that gives back. Right now get 10% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA. Duncan and Stone Paper Company: Right now, we have a special offer for listeners: Get 20% off your first order with promo code DMA20. And did we mention that they offer free shipping on any order over $49? You know we’re a sucker for free shipping. Head to www.duncanandstone.com  to start your memory making journey today! Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

I love Kirk’s realistic approach to parenting. He understands what your home dynamics are like. And gives practical tips. After listening to today’s episode you will have at least three different “tricks” to apply. Most of all, I’m thankful for the new perspective he has given me. Kirk helped me recognize how emotionally invested I was in my boys’ behavior and freed me from the need to regulate their behavior for them. The last couple days I’ve enjoyed the boys more. I’m also less tense and frustrated when we are out in public. In fact, I may need to go back and listen to this episode more than once, so it sticks! This episode originally aired in May of 2015 Kirk came back on the show multiple times. Check out additional episodes here. What we chat about: Kirk’s realization that he needed to focus on his own behavior and stop trying to fix his son’s strong-willed behavior. The switch he made from training 1500 kids in his home to training parents to calm themselves. The one thing you can do today to de-escalate a tense situation in your home. How to calmly handle your child’s meltdown I can only control one person in life, and that’s me. How motion changes emotion–helping little ones calm down b/c they don’t know how to “think” their way out. What to do in the middle of Target aisle 3 when your child freaks out Handling a tantruming child when his siblings are fighting and another needs help with homework and dinner is cooking (Heather’s daily 5 pm reality). If you don’t care enough about yourself, to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually. . .why would anyone else care? How sometimes parents want good behavior so badly, they are too invested in it and give children too much control. How to be an impartial giver of wisdom. Write down your emotional triggers & do the opposite of what you normally do. Connect with Kirk: Site :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Podcast Links Mentioned: CDs/DVDs 888-506-1871–Toll Free Number for Frustrated Parents Summer of Mentorship Discussion Questions:  Discuss Kirk’s realization that he needed to focus on his own behavior and stop trying to fix his son’s strong-willed behavior. If you struggle to stay calm when your kids are out of control, what are some of your triggers?  Which of Kirk’s ideas to de-escalate a situation is most realistic for you? Thinking about how motion changes emotion. How did you react to Kirk’s idea of being an “impartial giver of wisdom” instead of being so invested in how your kids behave?  Spend some time working through a part of your day that is most challenging or a situation with a particular child and brainstorm ways you could respond differently. Share with others in the group and get their ideas if you are willing.  Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Market: Save time and money and shop Thrive Market today. Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!  Better Help: This episode is sponsored by Better Help.  Stop comparing and start focusing, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month. Greenlight: This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenlight.com/dma. 

On September 20, 2021, Makayla Noble, a world-champion cheerleader, suffered an injury that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. Both Cynthia and I were part of her extended community and were getting updates on her healing journey and how to pray for her.  Today we have the honor of interviewing her to see how God has used her life to glorify Him even when things don’t go as planned.  From the moment of her accident, Makayla felt the overwhelming peace of God, that He was going to take care of her and had a plan. She has mourned her physical body and what she thought the future would look like but remains in the truth that “God is not done with me yet”.  Come along with us as we hear Makayla’s story.  Connect with Makayla Noble:  Website:  Makayla Noble | Mak's Warriors Youtube: Makayla Noble - YouTube Instagram:  Makayla Noble (@makaylamnoble) Links Mentioned:   Joni and Friends | Sharing Hope Through Hardship ATF Official Home Page | AdaptiveTrainingFoundation.org The Chosen TV Series Related Episodes: How to Never Miss Out :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 402] RWYB Series wk 1 Praising Through the Pain of Physical Limitations :: Karen Harmon [Ep 231] Finding Your Voice :: Sandi Patty [Ep 224] Featured Sponsors:  Duncan and Stone–-Get 20% off your first order with promo code DMA20. And did we mention that they offer free shipping on any order over $49? You know we’re a sucker for free shipping. -Head to www.duncanandstone.com  to start your memory making journey today! Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

A few years ago on an Instagram survey I learned that 68% of y’all have experienced broken friendships. I knew we needed an episode to help. Licensed professional counselor Shundria Riddick is here to walk us through some healthy ways to work toward reconciliation and how to know when to walk away from a hurtful friendship. We talk about setting healthy boundaries, having clarifying conversations, and how to analyze the health of relationships. We also cover the new trend of Millennials cutting off their parents and how to heal those wounds and come to new understandings.  With the busyness of parenting, work, and family- friendships often take the back burner. Shundria is here to help us make them a priority and learn how to move forward into healthy relationships even if we have been hurt in the past.  Connect with Shundria Riddick:  Website:  Shundria Riddick Facebook: Shundria Riddick MA, LPC Instagram:  Shundria Riddick (@shundriariddick) Links Mentioned:   Relax – Shundria Riddick, MA LPC  Related Episodes: The Unicorn That is Adult Friendship :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 3 [Ep 416] Friendship is Hard :: Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston [Ep 350] Healing Friendship Wounds :: Lisa-Jo Baker [Ep 159] Summer of Mentorship Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in this week's podcast?  Have you had a broken friendship or relationship?  What has been your experience of walking away from a friendship in the past? What boundaries do you set on friendships and how do you communicate them? Sit still and ask God to help you filter through a relationship that you have trouble with. Are you navigating it the way he wants you to?  Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics-Refresh your everyday look with Thrive Causemetics. Beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 10% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA  Greenlight-Greenlight: This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenlight.com/dma  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

**earbud alert–if you listen with little ones around may want to pop in the ole earbuds or be prepared to have lots of conversations ;) **  We kick off today looking like we are going to two separate events, with one dressed up and one in athleisure. Are you team shorts or team dresses for summer? We give some summer updates including how to feed ALL of the teens that are home and my 1980’s drink that is keeping 4 boys hydrated. Social media has us convinced that everyone is traveling to Italy this summer, was there a BOGO deal we missed? Recapping the last month  includes a funeral for our young friend Pike who lost his battle with leukemia and how powerfully his family honored him at the touching memorial.  I was reeling emotionally going from graduation to funeral to medieval times with sixth graders then wisdom tooth removal for my college-bound son.  Join us today as we get sidetracked and share the hard and joyful parts of summer 2024.  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Podcast: MESSmerized  Links Mentioned:   Heather’s slip shorts Heather’s summer meal plan Cynthia’s pesto chicken slider recipe Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix Stem Cell Donor Matching Program in Pike’s Honor: Anyone 18-55 that is in good health can request an at home swab kit at https://www.dkms.org/get-involved/virtual-drives/gettypedforpike  Heather’s Air fryer Audible Books & Originals The Silent Patient: by Alex Michaelides The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: by John Mark Comer The Women: by Kristin Hannah Greenlights: by Matthew McConaughey Funny Story: Emily Henry All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore Zipper bags for moving Cynthia’s portable charger Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer The Jess Connolly Podcast Episode 8 — Jess Connolly— “Must Be Nice Disease” Related Episodes: Let’s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328] Preparing Now for Future Puberty and Masturbation Questions :: Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley [Ep 243] Birds and Bees (Continuing the Conversation) :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 153] Sidetracked with Beth McCord :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 473] Sidetracked with Toni Collier :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 468] Featured Sponsors:  Gabb Wireless –Gabb is offering $25 off any device to new customers–with no contract required! That’s $25 off any Gabb smartphone or smart watch. Go to Gabb.com/DMA use code DMA.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Welcome to week one of the Summer of Mentorship! This summer we are answering your questions with guests from past episodes. We are starting off with an episode from April of 2020 (ep 280) with Rachel Macy Stafford, the founder of Hands Free Mama.  Rachel’s Hands Free Mama mentality is all about finding balance in a media-saturated, perfection-obsessed world. And it’s about seizing the little moments that life offers us to engage in real and meaningful interaction. She shares a realization that she was not connected with her own people. How she was believing a lie that she needed to hide certain parts of herself, the messy parts, the imperfect parts, in order to be loved and accepted.Her “ah-ha” moment came when she vulnerably shared this belief with her daughter and found acceptance.  “Opening that door to being human actually brings us closer together. Then we can connect from that place of 'I'm struggling' and that doesn't mean there's something wrong with me. That doesn't mean I need to hide it. It means I need to reach out and talk to someone about this so we can work together to see how we might go forward.” From that place she has chosen to extend that same acceptance and found real connection. Which then helps keep the lines of communication open as they grow up.  “This is all about redefining what our role is as a parent. It is not the authoritarian model anymore. It is the guide, the truth teller and the encourager. Not the enforcer, not the half listener, not the critic. That those roles are only going to get us further and further from each other when the idea is right now we need to come closer.” Connect with Rachel:  Website:  handsfreemama.com Facebook: facebook.com/TheHandsFreeRevolution Instagram:  @handsfreerevolution Twitter: @handsfreemama FREE LIVE LOVE NOW LISTENING PLAN:  Click here for special 7-day listening plan for Don’t Mom Alone Listeners Links Mentioned:   Live Love Now [BOOK] Only Love Today [BOOK] Amy McCready--Positive Parenting Solutions Pre-order Bonuses--21-Day Self-Care Listening Plan AND 4 Downloadable Tools for Connection Ask “Heart Questions vs. Performance Questions” Practice phrases that take you “From Conflict to Calm” Consider if you are an “Easy-to-Be-Around Adult” Exclusive Phone Lock Screen - “Connecting by Protecting” Summer of Mentorship Podcast Club Discussion Questions: What kind of parenting model did you grow up with? How has that model influenced your parenting today? Do you see your role as more of an enforcer or an encourager? What are some problem areas for your child(ren) that you can bring them in on finding a solution?  Could taking the time to listen to them make a difference in how you both respond? What is one thing you’d like to implement this week from Rachel’s talk?

Do you notice our culture (especially online) is full of people who all think their opinion is correct and want to argue? Do you wish you had the tools to help your child think for themselves and have deep conversations? Julie Bogart; author, podcaster, and creator of Brave Writers; is here to help us teach our kids how to have critical thinking skills and how to use those tools as parents. In a world full of people defending their views and trying to convince everyone around them that their way is the right way, Julie shows us how to have real conversations. Many of us grew up with authoritarian parents and have moved all the way over to the gentle parenting side but Julie explains how both are not the best way forward.  She gives many ideas on how to approach conversations, especially with our teens, using imagination, curiosity, and empathy to understand them better.  She teaches us how to pay attention in uncomfortable conversations and how that is a critical thinking opportunity. This episode is full of wisdom and tons of ideas on how to teach our children to think well. From how little kids learn through play to how our big kids learn through reading and expanding their worldview. The goal is to have deep and meaningful relationships that go far beyond their years in our home and this episode equips us to build better conversations and relationships.  Connect with Julie Bogart:  Website:  Brave Writer | Writing programs and online classes Facebook: Brave Writer Instagram:  Julie Sweeney (@juliebravewriter) Links Mentioned:   The Brave Learner: by Julie Bogart Raising Critical Thinkers: by Julie Bogart Becoming a Critical Thinker: by Julie Bogart Inside Out Approach to Parenting Our Challenging Child [BLOG POST] DMA Podcast Clubs (scroll down, look for box to input email address if you want support) Related Episodes: Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Crafting Your Family Culture :: Rebecca Hagelin {Ep 124} Parenting Ahead :: Kristen Hatton [Ep 409] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/dma50 and use code dma50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months.  Greenlight: This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenlight.com/dma  BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/dma  today to get 10% off your first month. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today’s podcast kicks off with a real-life example of how the enneagram can improve relationships and facilitate healthy conflict resolution. Heather sent our guest, Beth McCord, a less than friendly email recently and Beth responded with grace and understanding because she knows how to navigate our personalities, what a gift.  Our guest Beth is a well-known speaker, author, teacher, enneagram coach, podcaster, and more. She has honed her skill of understanding personalities while helping people find freedom in Christ.  We ask her the big question of how to approach the enneagram from a Biblical perspective when there are so many rumors swirling around that its roots are ungodly. At the end of the day, this is a tool to bring freedom to relationships and Beth reminds us the goal is to be a non-anxious connected presence to our kids. Her new book is about motherhood and how we approach our children and conflict based on our personalities and how to heal in unhealthy areas so we can be whole. Stick around to the end where she nails our enneagram types when it comes to mom life, work, and friendship.  Connect with Beth McCord:  Website:  Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, and Coaching Facebook: Your Enneagram Coach Instagram:  Beth McCord | (@yourenneagramcoach) Links Mentioned:   Eight Sleep | The Intelligent Sleep System Should Christians Use the Enneagram I Origins of the Enneagram Gospel For Enneagram | Tyler Zach More Than Your Number: Beth McCord The Enneagram for Moms: Beth McCord Becoming Us: Beth McCord 9 Enneagram Type Core Motivations Enneagram Assessment - Your Enneagram Coach The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery: Ian Cron Beth’s Sidetracked Show : Dark Matter  Beth’s Sidetracked Amazon Purchase: Inflatable Baby Seat for Babies 3 Months and Up, Baby Floor Seats for Sitting Up  Related Episodes: The Enneagram, Marriage and the Gospel :: Beth McCord [Ep 259] Enneagram and Stress :: Ian Cron Recap [Bonus Episode] The Enneagram and Motherhood :: Suzanne Stabile [Ep 232] Featured Sponsors:  Honeylove: Treat yourself to the best bras on the market and save 20% Off at honeylove.com/DMA . Use our exclusive link to get 20% off - to find your perfect fit.  Rhone:  Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use DMA to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/DMA Thrive Market: Save time and money and shop Thrive Market today. Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and Dustin Nickerson- Comedian, author, and podcaster- is here to share all things funny and serious about parenting. On his podcast with his wife Melissa, they laugh at and also talk about the tough parts of parenting. I ask him about what it is like to try and balance family, travel for work, and attempt to have meaningful connections in friendships. The more busy we get with families and work the harder it is to lean in and make those very important relationships a priority. Dustin brings tons of joy to the parenting journey as he talks about fighting while hiking, kids with ADHD, and stolen cupcakes.  Connect with Dustin Nickerson:  Website:  Dustin Nickerson Facebook: Dustin Nickerson Instagram:  @dustinnickerson Links Mentioned:   Don't Make Me Come Back There with Dustin and Melissa Nickerson How to Be Married (to Melissa): by Dustin Nickerson  Dustin Nickerson at Addison Improv Related Episodes: #FeelFreetoLaugh :: Jordan Watts [Ep 137] Raising Emotionally Strong Boys :: David Thomas [Ep 368] ADHD :: Sara Furlich [Ep 165] Featured Sponsors:  StoryWorth: Give all the “fathers” in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years–StoryWorth! Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to Storyworth.com/dma.  BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. Thrive Causemetics: Refresh your everyday look with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 10% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today’s sidetracked starts off with Cynthia airing her grievances. We talk about eyebrows and all of the products we use to get them to grow. Then move on to an update about our Patreons which we find out are the Wal-Mart and Target of that platform. I guess once you start posting content people remember they are paying for it. We also talk about our local celebrity from American Idol, Jack Blocker, and break down the difference between the new American Idol and the era of Simon Cowell. Turns out we are both the Simon Cowell of our families sharing brutally honest truth daily.  We wrap up with Father’s Day, and I get emotional sharing how my dad was the picture of a Godly leader and made it easy to trust the Lord. Cynthia shares the challenges and struggles of this season of life with teens and parents who need a little more help, there is always something to do. Both Bruce and Mike have shown up for our families in incredible ways and we honor them by talking about their strengths. Come laugh, cry, and rant with us as we get sidetracked.  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Podcast: MESSmerized  Links Mentioned:   Don't Mom Alone Community | creating support for isolated moms | Patreon MESSmerized with Cynthia Yanof | Your support is greatly appreciated! | Patreon Vegamour RevitaLash Cosmetics, RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner Serum Tinkle facial hair razors  How do I improve my marriage? Guests Dave & Ann Wilson Jack Blocker (@jackforestblocker) Bob Ross socks Talking Bob Ross  bobblehead Univ of Tennessee earrings Tozer and a Face Wax Related Episodes: Sidetracked with Cynthia and Heather [Ep 426] How to shine a light as a family :: Bruce MacFadyen {Ep. 5} The Legacy of a Calm Father :: Kirk Martin [Ep 210] Featured Sponsors:  CrunchLabs: For the summer CrunchLabs is hosting Camp CrunchLabs, where kids get 12 build-it-yourself toys - with one shipped every week! Plus access to exclusive Mark Rober videos and weekly challenges that are chalkful of the juiciest engineering. Go to Crunchlabs.com and sign up for Camp CrunchLabs today!  Gabb Mobile: Gabb is offering $25 off any device to new customers–with no contract required! Just go to Gabb.com/dma to get the best deal.  Hello Fresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/dmaapps for FREE appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel like since 2020 your family tech rules have gone out the window? How do you handle tech guidelines if both parents are not on the same page? Do you find it difficult to manage different ages and stages when it comes to screens?  Andrea Davis, a mom of five with a degree in secondary education, is here to share a ton of wisdom and guidance on tech and screens for summer and beyond. We discuss the differences between kids earning screens, where often the screens become the entire focus of the long summer days and a family tech plan that creates more balance.  Andrea's plan for teens includes the three p’s; purpose, plan, and passion. These all create space for your child to get creative and work on skills in their free time. Also, check out her boredom busters in the show notes for the days when mom needs to work, the budget is tight, or the kids are done with all of their daily tasks. This episode is full of practical ideas but more importantly, Andrea reminds us that our kids want time with us and shaping their character and who God created them to be is more important than rules and regulations.  Connect with Andrea Davis:  Website:  Better Screen Time | Andrea Davis Facebook: Better Screen Time Instagram:  Leading Families to Slow Tech • Andrea Davis (@betterscreentime) Links Mentioned:   Summer Screen Time Survival Guide 100+ Screen-Free Boredom Busters for Kids and Teens Aro | Turn Screen Time into Family Time Digital Minimalism: by Cal Newport Atomic Habits: by James Clear Related Episodes: Time and Space for Flourishing in a Tech World :: Andy Crouch [Ep 208] Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Tech :: Joey Odom [Ep 425] Braving the Tech Landscape Through Connection :: Chris McKenna [Ep 424] Featured Sponsors:  Vegamour–Give your hair the power of the little pink bottle with Vegamour. For a limited time, Don’t Mom Alone listeners get 20% off their first order by going to Vegamour.com/DMA and use the code DMA at check out.  Trust and Will- Secure your assets and protect your loved ones with Trust and Will. Get 10% off plus free shipping of your estate plan documents by visiting trustandwill.com/DMA.  Greenlight - Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to Greenlight.com/dma.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you ever struggled with a repetitive sin that you can’t seem to break on your own? Do you swing from feelings of shame to justifying sin as no big deal? Do you understand the enemy’s tactics and how he preys on our weaknesses?  Today Kirby Kelly- speaker, author, scholar, and Christian content creator- joins me to share her powerful and very vulnerable story. Kirby dealt with habitual sin for years until the Lord showed up in His grace and mercy to set her free. She shares how sanctification works in the life of believers and how the Christian community and other women standing beside her helped release her from shame and break off chains.  Kirby also talks about green and red light zones which are boundaries that keep us free from sin and out of enemy territory. She discusses the difference between operating from a place of superhuman, subhuman, and simply human mindsets and how each of those affects our view of sin and ourselves.  Through vulnerability, boundaries, our identity in Christ, and understanding our enemy Kirby imparts truth and tools that are truly life-changing.  Connect with Kirby Kelly:  Website:  Kirby Kelly Facebook: Kirby Kelly Instagram:  Kirby Kelly 🕊️✨🌿 (@kirbyisaboss) Links Mentioned:   You Can Be Free: by Kirby Kelly Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age: by Rosaria Butterfield You Are More Than You've Been Told: by Hosanna Wong The Soul of Shame: by Curt Thompson Perfect or Perfected | Pastor Robert Morris | Gateway Church The Art Of War: by Sun Tzu You Can Be Free — Kirby Kelly  Preorder bonus material Related Episodes: Redeeming Shame through Community :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Ep 308] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190] Finding Courage to Speak Up When You’re Not OK :: Kristen Glass [Ep 427] Featured Sponsors:  Betterhelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. Green Chef: Go to GreenChef.com/dma50 and use code “dma50” to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months. #1 meal kit for eating well.  Rhone Apparel: The Course to Court Collection can get you through any workday and straight into whatever comes next. Head to rhone.com/DMA and use promo code DMA to save 20% off your entire order.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Today kicks off our new sidetracked series with a surprise guest! Toni Collier- author, speaker, podcaster, and single mom- joins us to cover all the topics. Toni is the author of Broken Crayons Still Color and encourages people that even in the hard and dark parts of life God is waiting to use us. In our brokenness, we can see God in the land of the living. She reminds us that regardless of events in our past there is still hope and joy to be found. Toni discusses how we lose wonder and excitement as we become adults and how to remain like a child while we look for God in the everyday, He is always working if we have the eyes to see it.  It wouldn't be sidetracked though if we didn’t go on every tangent possible from tattoos with Ann Voskamp, to Toni’s dream concert, sushi, and the Ironman movies, we cover it all.  Connect with Toni Collier:  Website:  HOME | Toni Collier Facebook: Toni J Collier  Instagram:  Toni Collier (@tonijcollier) Links Mentioned:   PODCAST | Toni Collier Brave Enough to Be Broken: by Toni Collier Broken Crayons Still Color: by Toni Collier Ironman movie Matched workout sets on Amazon (something like this) Nuuly Torres - Black Truffle Potato Chips  Related Episodes: When You’re Busy and Stressed by Mom Life Expectations :: Joanna Weaver [Ep 463] Brave Enough to be Broken :: Toni Collier [Ep 388] Broken Crayons Still Color :: Toni Collier [Ep 267] Featured Sponsors:  Greenlight: Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to GREENLIGHT.com/dma Thrive Causemetics: Refresh your everyday look with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 10% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Dwell: If you're struggling to find time to read the Bible, then head over to dwellbible.com/dma  to receive your 25% discount today. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Did you know that once you are postpartum you are always postpartum? Do you have issues from pregnancy, birth, or c-sections that have followed you and don’t know where to turn? Do you know that only 4% of parents are getting the movement that they need?  Today Krystle Howald, a women’s health physical therapist and co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, is here to break down some of the pains and issues we as moms experience after birth and beyond. While going to physical therapy school she quickly realized there were limited resources for moms who have incontinence issues, pain during sex, or just want to feel good in their body after childbirth.  She shares tips on how to baby-carry without injury, how to breathe properly to bring our body back into alignment, and how to fit movement in as a busy mom.  Krystle brings hope, proving there are providers out there that want to help with the pain or shame around these sensitive topics, and that God has created our bodies to heal. Stick around until the end where she shares a coupon code for the Expecting and Empowered App!  Connect with Krystle Howald:  Website: Expecting and Empowered Instagram:  Expecting and Empowered App: App — Expecting and Empowered Links Mentioned:   Podcast — Expecting and Empowered Code for app: dontmomalone to get 25% off a one year subscription  Related Episodes: Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206] Postpartum Depression :: Brittany Turner [Ep 277] The Ripple Effect of Healthy Sexual Connection :: Francie Winslow [Ep 138] Featured Sponsors:  Honeylove- Treat yourself to the best bras on the market and save 20% off at honeylove.com/DMA Better Help- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/dma today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. Thrive Market- Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Rebecca St. James, a popular Australian American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and actress, is here to talk about the amazing new movie Unsung Hero, which chronicles her family's journey to rebuild their lives from the ground up. She shares personal stories from her childhood and how their mom’s faith stands up against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs. Rebecca vulnerably shares her own  marriage and motherhood struggles as she longed to be married and have children and how God shaped her through the waiting. Once she started a family all of the spiritual disciplines that her parents instilled in her have become an important part of how she and her husband lead their children today.  This movie and conversation reminds us that every Christian family is called to a unique adventure- they are not all the same but God has a plan for every one of us. When we settle for cookie-cutter lives we are missing out on the miracles He has for us. Be encouraged today that God has an adventure for your family when we step out in faith.  Connect with Rebecca St. James:  Website:  RSJ (rebeccastjames.com) Facebook: Rebecca St. James Instagram:  Rebecca St. James (@rebeccast.james) Links Mentioned:   Unsung Hero | Now Playing In Theaters Thank-You-Poster.pdf (focusonthefamily.com) Related Episodes: Summer of Mentorship 2019 Week Four :: Helen Smallbone Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] The Day Fear Died :: Courtney Smallbone [Ep 201] Lasting Parent-Child Relationships :: Summer of Mentorship 2022 Week 1 Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics- 10% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Vegamour- Get twenty percent off your first order by going to VEGAMOUR.com/DMA and use code DMA at check out Greenlight- This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to GREENLIGHT.com/dma Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.