Episodes

  • “What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Dr. Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Summer of Mentorship Week 4

    “What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Dr. Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Summer of Mentorship Week 4
    Jul 29 2024
    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]

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    • Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
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    52 mins
  • How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479] Summer of Mentorship Week Three

    How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479] Summer of Mentorship Week Three
    Jul 22 2024
    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.

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    34 mins
  • Sidetracked with Makayla Noble :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 478]

    Sidetracked with Makayla Noble :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 478]
    Jul 15 2024
    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:

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    • Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
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    47 mins
  • "Help When Adult Friendships End?" :: Shundria Riddick [Ep 477] Summer of Mentorship Week Two

    "Help When Adult Friendships End?" :: Shundria Riddick [Ep 477] Summer of Mentorship Week Two
    Jul 8 2024
    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?

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    Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
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    40 mins
  • Sidetracked by Naming Body Parts, Steaks for Lunch, and Summer Dilemmas (when you’re not in Italy) :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 476]

    Sidetracked by Naming Body Parts, Steaks for Lunch, and Summer Dilemmas (when you’re not in Italy) :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 476]
    Jul 5 2024
    **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 shortsHeather’s summer meal planCynthia’s pesto chicken slider recipeCountry Time Lemonade Drink MixStem 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 fryerAudible Books & OriginalsThe Silent Patient: by Alex MichaelidesThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: by John Mark ComerThe Women: by Kristin HannahGreenlights: by Matthew McConaugheyFunny Story: Emily HenryAll My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth MooreZipper bags for movingCynthia’s portable chargerStanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated TumblerTRUE 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.
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    43 mins
  • "How do I connect better with my kids?" [Ep 475] :: Summer of Mentorship Week 1

    "How do I connect better with my kids?" [Ep 475] :: Summer of Mentorship Week 1
    Jul 1 2024
    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
    1. Ask “Heart Questions vs. Performance Questions”
    2. Practice phrases that take you “From Conflict to Calm”
    3. Consider if you are an “Easy-to-Be-Around Adult”
    4. 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?
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    36 mins
  • Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474]

    Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474]
    Jun 24 2024
    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:

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    • 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.
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    52 mins
  • Sidetracked with Beth McCord :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 473]

    Sidetracked with Beth McCord :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 473]
    Jun 17 2024
    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]
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    Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
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    58 mins