Happy, Holy Mama

Why is it sometimes so hard to simply ask for what you want?
You need more help around the house during the day.
You want to ask your husband for some time together when he's done with work.
You need support from family or friends.

Or maybe there's something you've wanted to do for yourself for a long time, but every time you think about asking, you talk yourself out of it.
What if they say no?
What if they're upset?
What if they think you're selfish?
What if asking creates more trouble than it's worth?
So instead, you keep doing it yourself, going without, or convincing yourself you didn't really need it anyway.
This week, I'm bringing back one of our Most Valuable Podcast episodes to talk about what might actually be keeping you from asking for what you want—and how this struggle can affect far more than you realize.
If you've ever struggled to ask for help, advocate for something you need, or even admit that you want something, grab your earbuds and join me for How to Ask for What You Want. 
This is an episode worth hearing again!
Get your free Homeschool Mindset Toolkit Here!
Work with me here!

Have you ever snapped at your child and wondered, why did I get so angry so fast?
Maybe the kids are arguing again.
Maybe the schoolwork still isn't done,
or you've asked someone to do the same thing three times. 
One more little moment happens, and suddenly you're raising your voice—even though you promised yourself you wouldn't.
I know how discouraging that feels. When my children were younger, I wanted to be a calm, loving mom, but in the middle of a hard day, that felt so far out of reach.
In this week's episode, I'm talking about why anger can seem to come out of nowhere and where you can begin to find room for a different response. 
We'll look at the hope that's available to you right in the middle of ordinary family life, without waiting for your kids—or your homeschool day—to be perfect.
If you're tired of reacting in ways you regret and longing for more peace and connection with your children, grab your earbuds and join me for: Homeschool Emergencies and the River of Anger.
Get my brand new, Free Happy, Holy Homeschool TOOLKIT here!
Work with me here!

Parenting teenagers can sometimes feel like learning an entirely new language.
The child who once told you everything might suddenly seem harder to read. Conversations can turn into misunderstandings, emotions can run high, and sometimes you're left wondering what your teen is actually thinking, and what they need from you in this season…or do they even need me anymore?
Recently, I had a conversation with a group of middle school girls that gave me a beautiful glimpse into what our teens and tweens wish their parents understood about them. 
And as a mom of several (ahem, five) teenagers myself, it got me thinking about what I've learned through nearly twenty years of parenting, working with teens, and doing my own work to become a calmer, more connected mom.
In this episode, I'm sharing what your teens really want you to know. I'm giving you a lot here, but ultimately I've boiled it down to three big ones, so listen all the way to the end. 
Because, understanding their hearts a little better can change the way you see them, hear them, and communicate with them through some of the hardest moments in your relationship.
Which will make those hard moments calmer, more respectful, and more impactful in the long run.
If you're a homeschool mama who wants to stay close to your kids as they grow, while giving them the space they need to become who God created them to be, please grab your earbuds and join me for: Three Things Your Teen Desperately Wants You To Know (But Doesn't Know How to Say to You).
Grab my brand new FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Toolkit HERE!
Learn self-regulation for you in Happy, Holy Mama RIGHT NOW!

Interruptions. 
Repeating yourself for the hundredth time.
Kids who don't listen the first time.
Plans that get derailed.
People who just keep needing things from you.
Sometimes it's not one big thing that causes us to lose our peace, it's the constant accumulation of little annoyances all. day. long.
In this episode, I'm talking about what's really happening when those everyday moments push you over the edge, and why creating more peace in your home doesn't begin with getting everyone else to stop being so frustrating.
Because your children are going to interrupt. You're going to have to repeat yourself. Your husband will sometimes do things you don't like. People will continue to be human.
The question is: Who do you want to be in the middle of all of it?
We're talking about training our children, training ourselves, letting go of resentment and keeping score, and learning to become the woman God is calling you to be—not someday when everyone finally gets their act together, but right here in the actual life He has given you.
If you've ever thought, "I would be so much calmer if everyone would just stop…" grab your earbuds and join me for: HOw to Handle Interruptions Without Losing Your Mind.
Join Reclaim here!

I made a pretty bold claim last week: connection is the key to making homeschooling easier.
Not the perfect plan.
Not the perfect planner.
Not the perfect schedule.
Not the perfect curriculum, school room, or book list.
And maybe you know that, intellectually, but do you believe it down into your bones?
Do you believe it enough to actually practice it? Especially in the tough moments like when kids interrupt you for the 100th time, they say they don't like homeschooling, or you wake up feeling crummy and already on edge?
If not, I'm guessing it's for one of two reasons, (though my guess is it's both):
You don't think connection will work for your unique circumstances.

You don't know how to use the steps to connect. 

 Either way, it's truly never too late to learn! And it's never too late to turn a bad homeschool day around.
Which is why in today's episode I'm breaking down exactly how to use connection in five real life scenarios that come up frequently in coaching, and I'm even tackling your "yeah, but…" objections to why connection won't work in each of the five examples.
Too much to do, and not enough time?
Gotta move onto the next thing in our day?
It won't matter anyway, they'll never change?
If you've ever thought, That sounds lovely, Emily, but you don't understand what's happening in MY house… this episode is especially for you. 😘
Grab your earbuds and join me for: Five Ways to Use Connection to Stop Overreacting and Fall in Love with Your Homeschool!
Join Reclaim: The Stop Yelling (or any kind of Overreacting), Start Connecting Challenge!