Happy, Holy Mama

Just as my husband and I were getting ready to leave for a weekend away recently, two of my boys got into a pretty heated argument. 
 
A familiar tension and urgency to make it stop began to form in my stomach and shoulders.
 
Not again.
Right before I leave, really?
Will they ever figure this out?!
 
But I didn't let it take over and cause a mommy-meltdown, like the old me had done so many times, because a long time ago I realized something important about the way we approach sibling conflict as homeschool moms.
We spend so much time teaching our children math, reading, and history, but what about teaching them how to navigate disagreements, manage their emotions, and love one another well?
In this week's episode of the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast, I'm sharing why I've come to see sibling relationships and emotional regulation as essential subjects in our homeschool, and how changing the way we think about our children's conflicts can change the way we show up for them.
If you're tired of playing referee, frustrated that your kids are still fighting, or wondering what you're doing wrong, this episode is for you.
Those messy, uncomfortable moments might be doing more for your children's formation—and your own—than you realize. Grab your earbuds and join me for: From Chaos to Calm: Navigating Sibling Conflict with Faith and Patience (and without Losing Your Mind!)
Get your Happy Catholic Homeschool Mom Toolkit for here (it's free)!
Become a Happy, Holy Mama here!

When my kids were younger my home and homeschool felt entirely out of control.
Between the constant pushback, repeated directions, "forgotten" chores, and math nobody wanted to do, I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the verge of sending everyone to 'real school' on a daily basis.
If we could just get through these lessons, then we could do the things I've been looking forward to! is a thought I used to have regularly, especially when our home and homeschool felt like being on a runaway train.
Here's what I learned, through significant trial and error: feeling in control is up to me, and getting what I want to have accomplished doesn't have to be so hard!
This week on the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast, I'm sharing what I wish I'd understood when my seven children were younger and I was too focused on getting things done than I was enjoying my kids.
And the crazy part was that I was trying to get things done so that I could enjoy them!
I just had it all backwards, and putting your life into right order is exactly what I'm talking about in this week's episode!
If you're tired of feeling like you and your children are on opposing teams, grab your earbuds and join me for: How to Get More Done in Your Homeschool.
(Psssst! Don't forget to grab your free Happy Catholic Homeschool Mom Toolkit here!)
Become a Happy, Holy Mama here!

I used to use TV as our go-to calm down method when my kids were little. 
My parents used to call it the "Electronic Babysitter." It's what I grew up doing to relax and so it's all I knew how to do in my early parenting career.
And honestly, in the thick of babies and toddlers, it was a lifeline. But it wasn't actually teaching my children (or me) what they (ahem…we) truly needed to learn: emotional intelligence and regulation. 
Recently my almost 8 year-old has been making his birthday list and he discovered a toy called Emotional Support Cheeze-Its. Yep. A squishy toy shaped like a snack food with an adorable face, designed to calm my child down.
I TOTALLY get why these things are so popular! But at the heart of the matter, these toys, shows, or any other distraction can't and shouldn't replace you. Their parent.
In this week's episode, I'm talking about why quick fixes fall short and what our children truly need from us as parents to build lasting emotional resilience, self-regulation, and strong character. 
Grab your earbuds and join me this week's somewhat feisty episode: Emotional Support Cheeze-Its and What Your Kids Really Need.
Come work with me in CONNECT here!
Get your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Toolkit here!

When my seven kids were all under 14 years old I felt completely overwhelmed by their big feelings. It seemed like they were happening constantly and that I was just running to put out one fire after another.
Every time I tried to help them handle their big emotions, I would just end up getting frustrated because it seemed like it either wasn't working, or I just couldn't figure out what they needed.
I wanted to be patient and understanding, but I also had other kids who needed me and dinner that wouldn't make itself!
I was ill-equipped to handle my own big emotions, let alone half a dozen other people's big emotions all day long!
The thing that I was missing was emotional intelligence and maturity. And once I grew these skills, everything in my life changed. 
Starting with my relationships with my children and their big feelings.
What if there was a way to help your children navigate their emotions while actually strengthening your relationship with them?
In this week's episode, I'm introducing you to emotion coaching—what it is, what it isn't, and why I believe it's one of the most valuable skills we can learn as Catholic mothers.
I'm also sharing a personal story of how my teenage boys knocked my socks off by not needing me to settle a squabble after having done this work with me. I had to pull my jaw off the floor when they said this!
As a mom of now five teenagers (including two adults!), one tween, and a second grader, I am here to tell you that this work is 100% worth it for both your current experience, and also for your Future Self who desires to have connected relationships with your older kids one day.
If you're tired of the constant emotional battles and want to raise children who can navigate life's challenges with confidence, self-control, and virtue, then grab your earbuds and join me for: Becoming Your Child's Emotional Coach.
Join Connect: Being Your Child's Emotional Coach HERE!
Get your FREE Homeschool Mindset Toolkit HERE!

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!