Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

Learning to do life alongside a spouse is a constantly evolving process. Similar to being a student of your child, we have to work to understand and connect with our partners, even after decades of marriage! In this episode, Karen tackles your questions about communication, what to do when you’re at an impasse with your husband, and of course, sex! Enjoy mommas! Check out today's show notes for all the links from this episode. Will you partner with Birds on a Wire to help us grow in 2020? Click here today!

Whether it’s outbursts of your own anger, temper tantrums from your 5 year old, or the overwhelm that comes from working full time as a new mom…we all know what it’s like to feel defeated from day to day in motherhood. On today’s show Karen answers questions about what to do when it seems like nothing you’ve done has worked. Listen in, be encouraged, and as always, remember that you are a GREAT mom! Check out today's show notes for all the links from this episode. If you love Wire Talk, share this episode with a friend or double tap that subscribe button! And it really does make a difference for us when you leave a review in iTunes. :)

From losing a parent and co-parenting with a wayward ex, to dealing with disappointment and silence from God - today we are talking about the role faith plays in our lives when things are not easy. Don’t miss Karen sharing stories she’s never told before about experiencing God’s voice throughout her life, including the story of God telling her to start this ministry. We hope today’s show leaves you encouraged to seek God and run after his will regardless of the circumstances of your life. Check out today's show notes for all the links from this episode, including two powerful news articles from 1996 detailing Greg's mid air collision. If you love Wire Talk, share this episode with a friend or double tap that subscribe button! And it really does make a difference when you leave a review in iTunes, so share some love with us today. :)

Whether you're trying to understand what is actually happening during their school day, or struggling with an issue at home, today Karen answers your questions and shares wisdom on how to communicate so our school-age kids hear and understand us. Don't miss a short list of alternative questions to ask besides, "how was your day?" and Karen's approach to dealing with sibling jealousy. As always, we hope this conversation encourages you and gives you a practical nugget to carry into your mom world today.  If you love Wire Talk, double tap that subscribe button. And it really does make a difference when you leave a review in iTunes, so share some love with Wire Talk today!  

We're back today with the last installment in our Love Languages mini-series. Acts of service and physical touch are the final languages we're covering as we answer your questions and Karen gives loads of practical tips. If you're just tuning in, be sure to catch up with episodes 182 and 183 in this series!  Check out today's show notes for links to everything we talked about and if you love Wire Talk, subscribe and leave us a review in iTunes!    

We're back with part two of our conversation on the five love languages today. In this episode, we're taking a look at Quality Time and Gifts. Karen defines what it means to speak these languages to your kids and answers your questions like, "how much quality time is enough?" and "how do I deal with sibling jealousy when I give gifts to one child?"  Check out our show notes for links to everything we talked about on today's episode. And if you love Wire Talk, subscribe and leave us a review in iTunes!    

We're kicking off a brand-new series today with Part One of a three-part conversation all about the five love languages. You'll get a birds-eye view (no pun intended) of what the five languages are, and then we'll deep dive into Words of Affirmation. As always, Karen gives loads of practical phrases you can start using this week, and even shares how the love languages still help her love her adult children well today. Mentioned on the show: Leave us some Words of Affirmation with an iTunes review!  Karen’s Lunch Box Notes The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman Video lesson: Being A Student of your Child from Mom Core Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button. :) 

Karen’s son Taylor joins her in the studio today for a conversation about his years growing up in the Stubbs household. He reflects on some of the ways Karen and Greg instilled character in him across the years and the one family habit that stands out in his mind as character-building. He also shares a recent story of personal failure, and how the lessons he was taught as a boy gave him resilience to get back up again as a man. Mentioned on the show: Colors Personality Quiz Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

On today's show we're talking about the habits that bring our families together. From big, intentional practices like creating a family mission statement to fun traditions like weekly queso-fests at the local Mexican restaurant, Karen shares her thoughts on how to create a family culture that ensures your children know they belong. Whatever your family looks like, we think you'll find something in this episode that you can take and make your own.  Subscribe to the Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for Karen's wisdom delivered directly to your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Leave us a review in iTunes and let us know you love Wire Talk! Reviews help us fulfill our mission by pointing other moms to the encouragement and biblical equipping of Birds on a Wire.

On today’s episode, Karen reflects back over 29 years of parenting and shares the big lessons she learned from all of those small moments. Plus, she shares the greatest lesson she believes she taught her kids and gives a great little tip for any moms of perfection-minded blue kids. We hope this episode inspires you to take a deep breath, to keep the long view in mind, and reminds you that raising children really does take a village.  Links from today's show: Corey's Auto Service - Karen’s mechanic, aka the best mechanic in North Georgia! Get the BOAW app  Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

Discipline is a constant in our world as moms and it's made harder by the fact that what works for your family constantly changes depending on the child you're disciplining and their age. On today's show we're discussing the idea of discipline as "currency", what that means and how to find out what your child's is. Plus, hear Karen delve into the idea of "pain now = peace later" and the Scripture that keeps her motivated to be consistent. If you're struggling with disciplining one or more children in your family, listen in and be encouraged!  Links from the show today: Discipline series: Episodes 154, 155, 156 Mom Core curriculum - Discipline lesson Start a BOAW group! Books on raising boys: Boy Mom, Bringing Up Boys Hebrews 4:11 Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

We got a ton of questions from you guys over the summer and on today’s show we’ve picked out 5 questions that seem to come up over and over again. From sibling rivalry and sleepovers to meal time and bed time shenanigans, Karen and Sunny tackle it all. Mentioned on the Show Today: Episode 151: Sibling Rivalry Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

From managing extracurricular activities and keeping our homes in order, to shepherding our children's faith and paying attention to our marriage in the midst of it all; on today's show we're talking about 4 aspects of family life that are easy to overcomplicate. If you're feeling overwhelmed by pressure to do it all and do it all well, this episode is one you don't want to miss.  Mentioned on the show today: Episode 175: Launching Your College Freshman Well Karen's Studies: Says Who? Part 2 and Parenting Together  Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!     

Karen and Sunny are back together today talking about the experience of sending our children off to college for the first time. They cover so much territory in this episode! From the best advice Karen gave her kids before they left for school to how to handle boyfriends/girlfriends coming back home with them. Karen also advises how to help siblings left behind adjust to the empty place at the dinner table. Whether you are facing this transition right now or if it's on the horizon, listen and be encouraged as Karen shares why she loved this season of mothering so much.  Mentioned on the show today: Get tickets to Mom's Night Out with Karen at Christ's Church in Jacksonville HERE.  Wire Talk episode on Grief with Judy Wolfe Praying for Your Adult Children Grace Walk by Steve McVey Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Like what you heard? Help other moms find Wire Talk by double tapping that subscribe button and leaving us a review in iTunes!

Arlene Pellicane joins us again today to talk about a relatively recent parenting milestone: giving our kids their first phone. From pitfalls we want to avoid, to steps we can proactively take to ensure our child's health and safety, we are talking about it all. This is a conversation that is relevant whether you have a 5 year old or 15 year old, so grab a cup of coffee or pop in those earbuds and join us. As always, we hope you are encouraged and equipped!  Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Karen and guest host Katie Leipprandt are chatting with Arlene Pellicane today about how technology has impacted our parenting world. We talk about the ways we use technology as moms, the benefits and pitfalls of having a world of technology at arm's length and some boundaries we can consider putting in place to stay connected in our most important relationships - our families. Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

On today's episode all of Karen's children join her in the studio to answer questions you guys have asked about the Stubbs family. Hear their thoughts on growing up in a big family, what traditions they want to carry into their own families one day, and for sure don't miss them answering the question, "How did Karen mess up as a mom?" Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

On today’s episode we’re getting real about how isolating and lonely life as a mom can be. Listen in to hear Karen answer questions from moms who have recently moved, single moms, and a newly stay-at-home mom. As always, we hope this conversation encourages you! Let us know what you want to hear more of on the show by emailing us at info@birdsonawiremoms.com. Subscribe to Karen's Tips on Motherhood email newsletter for more wisdom in your inbox each week.  Find links to all the resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Two single moms, Misty Paige and Michelle Lane, join Karen and Sunny on today’s episode to answer your questions, share their hearts, and discuss their experiences as single parents. Listen to hear how they grew as they journeyed from being single moms to young children, to watching those well-adjusted children leave their nests. We hope this encourages your heart whether you are parenting on your own, or have single moms in your circle of friends. Find links to resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.

Karen shares wisdom for talking about divorce, separation, and navigating a blended family on today’s episode of Wire Talk.  Even if you are not in a blended family or going through a divorce, listen to better understand the moms around you. (And don’t miss Karen sharing the prayer she prays that helps her love even the most unloveable people in her life!) Whether you’re married for the first time, re-married or divorced, we hope this episode gives you a few tools for navigating a tough season of life. -Find links to all of the many resources discussed on this episode in our show notes. -Subscribe to Karen's weekly Tips on Motherhood email newsletter -Like what you heard? Double tap that subscribe button and leave us a review in iTunes.