Happy, Holy Mama

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!

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!