Resolving Sibling Conflict:: Summer of Mentorship Wk 1

News, politics and world events are on a 24-hour and 365-day cycle. Every second something new is happening and keeping up with the latest can be a full time job. Add on top of that the bias inherent in mass media and it can be hard to tell fact from manipulated fiction.  Enter Sharon McMahon, a former high school government and law teacher on a mission to combat political misinformation. With her viral Instagram account @SharonSaysSo, she shares non-partisan facts about the US government and democracy in a way that is easy to understand. Sharon talks with me about how to be flexible thinkers and to hear both sides of a political issue using the same critical thinking skills she taught her students in high school. We also chat about her motherhood journey and raising kids who can talk respectfully with people who have different viewpoints on the world and politics.  But she doesn’t want you to listen to just her or any one person to learn the news of the day: “I don't think it is wise to just look at one human, me or your favorite political pundit or anybody, and believe that person is right 100% of the time. It is still your job to consume and figure out using your own brain, the own skills in your head to determine whether or not that aligns for you and whether or not that actually is an accurate depiction of your feelings or viewpoints. So I always caution people. Don't take one person's word as gospel because all humans are fallible.”  Connect with Sharon:  Website:  www.sharonmcmahon.com  Facebook: facebook.com/sharonsaysso  Instagram: @sharonsaysso    Links Mentioned:   Podcast: https://www.sharonmcmahon.com/podcast Sharon on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Pre-order Don’t Mom Alone and join the Don’t Launch Alone team.  Featured Sponsors: Athena Club— Show your skin you care with the Athena Club Razor Kit! Sign up today and you’ll get 20% off your first order! Just go to AthenaClub.com and use promo code dma Rothy’s— Step up your summer wardrobe with washable, sustainable, stylish shoes and bags from Rothy’s. Head to Rothys.com/DMA to find your new warm weather favorites today.

9 Elo 202154min

In this episode, Jen shares what she’s learned about heaven (from co-leading a study for 100+ women). She also gives a super practical way to figure out how you can help a friend in need. Jen reminds us mamas to hold our children loosely. To realize we have the privilege of partnering with God, but ultimately how our children “turn out” is up to him.  And this. . . It’s hard in the crisis to build that support system. Invest in women’s lives now. Not because you’re going to need them in case you have cancer. But that the time invested in friendships, meaningful friendships is worth it.–Jen My biggest take-away from our conversation is to view my “to do” list as a “get to do” list. What joy to get to pick up my boys from school, to get to serve them meals, and to get to put them to bed! Wrapping up this summer may we all see our everyday in light of eternity. Be grateful for all our “get to”s. And invest in our sweet friendships. Read more of Jen’s story: Personal Blog What we chat about: Jen’s surprise engagement, surprise baby and surprise cancer diagnosis. Hope for the mom with chronic sickness/trauma/heartache. What Jen’s learned about how friends help well. The truths Jen gained from studying Heaven last summer. Lessons for all of us to hold our children loosely. Dealing with temper tantrums and other challenging behavior when mom is sick. The value of building strong friendships. Links Mentioned: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1) “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain,  to the place where you dwell.” (Psalm 43:3) In Light of Eternity by Randy Alcorn “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3) Nobody’s Cuter than You by Melanie Shankle Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts & Jill Lynn Butelyn Featured Sponsors:  Glorify App—Glorify your relationship with God with 50% off unlimited access to premium content designed to help you get into good worship habits and grow closer to God. Download the Glorify app now, create an account and enter code DMA in the profile section for a special limited-time discount of 50%. Lovevery — Take the guesswork out of your child’s play. Choose Lovevery TODAY and get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at Lovevery.com/DMA.

26 Heinä 202156min

Mush brain. That’s how I’d describe my mind after years and years of sleep deprivation. Most young moms (especially if you had lots of littles in a row) know the challenge of forming a complete thought. Or staying focused during a quiet time. Or even having a moment alone with God. I know Jennie understands. Jennie is a sweet mom of two from Cambridge, England. She emailed me sharing struggles with sleep deprivation. Her son suffered from a serious of medical challenges leaving them with four years of interrupted sleep. She knows the power of a strong relationship with God. But in this season has found connecting deeply with Him difficult given her exhausted, “mush brain”.  The mentor that I called to answer Jennie’s questions is the amazing Sally Clarkson. Sally understands having children who don’t sleep and she’s been through her share of challenging seasons. From those experiences and others she began to mentor young moms and encourage other women to do the same . In this episode, Sally helps moms move beyond traditional spiritual disciplines to experience God in their everyday moments. Inspiring us to find the goodness of God, by intentionally filling our lives with beauty and pleasure. For the exhausted mom who longs to know God better, I hope this episode gives you peace, perspective and practical ideas. Connect with Sally Clarkson: Site :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest  What we chat about: Jennie’s Questions:  How do I have a decent quiet time when I’m exhausted? What tips do you have for getting through challenging circumstances? Does a hard season have long-term impacts on your faith? Sally’s Answers:  Motherhood is a battleground. What we struggle through is normal and women for generations have experienced it. God created us to be in community. God is present through people. Build things into your life to enjoy the goodness of God. Other topics we cover:  Journaling prayers Breath prayers Physical rest vs. soul rest Links Mentioned: Jubilee Centre Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love** by Sally Clarkson MomHeart Groups How to Study Your Bible  ** by Kay Arthur (Inductive Studies) Lacey Dobrient, “The Color Method” (Hear more about it from her interview on the podcast–Episode 63 HelloMornings Philip Yancy Featured Sponsors:  Function of Beauty -- Take your quiz and get customized hair products for 20% off your first order at functionofbeauty.com/DMA Stitch Fix Kids -- Try Stitch Fix Kids today and get 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix. Go to StitchFix.com/DMA

19 Heinä 202144min

If you've ever strived for perfection, then you know how it feels when you fall short. Maybe you aren't the one carrying a list of all you "need to do to earn God's love." But more the type who carries a "Never Good Enough List” with all the reasons you'll never be able to earn His love. Either way, Amy Carroll, (author, speaker, Proverbs 31 contributor) is on the podcast this week helping us break up with perfect. In this episode (and in her new book), Amy helps us recognize the lies we have been believing and the Truth to set us free. Lies like: "I was created to produce perfection" or "People are obstacles to my tasks" or "If I have the right stuff, my life will be perfect." My favorite quote from our conversation was: Only when I end my own pursuit of perfection can God do a perfecting work in me. --Amy Carroll  May you experience a supernatural freedom from the struggle to be perfect. May your friendships deepen, your family be strengthened and your awareness of God's love grow as you stop striving and surrender to His gentle heart work. Connect with Amy: Breaking Up with Perfect :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest  What we chat about: The events making Amy aware of her perfectionism The impact a mentor had in Amy's journey to lose the list of perfect The supernatural work God did on Amy to break the shell around her heart, to feel His love The two perfect super moms in Amy's head--torn between two ideals. The destruction of friendship when perfectionism enters. The different types of perfectionists and their lists: good girl list or the never-good-enough list The possibility of passing on perfectionism to our kids. Links Mentioned: Courtney DeFeo--our connector Breaking up with Perfect Dr. Caroline Leaf Proverbs 31 Ministries The Opinion Blender--didn't mention in podcast, but found it on Amy's site. . .such great advice Discussion Questions: Have you had friendships end because of your struggles with perfection? When friends go through hard times do you wonder how to be a good, imperfect friend?  Do you have a mentor? Is there someone you wish you could meet with? Could you make a plan to meet with her once in the next few months?  Could you relate to Amy’s struggle to feel God’s love and having a list of things you have to do to be right with God? What areas are you striving for perfection in motherhood? Who is your mental ‘ideal’ mom? Earth-mama, right-on-schedule mom?  Which type of perfectionist do you relate to—the good girl list or the never-good-enough list? Need to measure up or will never measure up? Or do you swing between the lists?  What have you found helpful to break up with perfection? Featured Sponsors: Betterhelp--get 10% off your first month of secure online professional counseling betterhelp.com/DMA Glorify app--Get 50% off unlimited access to Glorify App with promo code DMA applied in the profile section of the app.

12 Heinä 202140min

Our first year of marriage was HARD. And we hit another rough patch (a.k.a. the “come to Jesus” days) after our second son was born. I took all the marriage advice I could get. For all you mommas out there looking for a little marriage help, I’ve invited Jen Weaver on the show to talk about her newest book, “A Wife’s Secret to Happiness”. This episode originally aired on March 6, 2017.  Jen is an adorable millennial who knows God’s Word and isn’t afraid to hit the marriage topic head on. She shares some great insights on a few controversial issues. But more than anything she helps us identify the marriage habits (a.k.a., “WifeStyles”) that are attracting or denying the blessings God has for our marriages. What we chat about: What is a “wifestyle”? Habits that can attract or deny the blessings God has for our marriages The slightly-controversial topic of “submission” Making room for your spouse to lead and space for the Lord to speak. What about when your spouse isn’t walking with the Lord? Wifestyles: “braided” or “frayed” What Jesus asked Jen. Wifestyles: “doubtful” or “decided” When you go through a relationship winter after a new baby Hebrew convo about “chayil”and Proverbs 31 woman who is a wife of valor Connect with Jen Weaver: Website :: Instagram  Links Mentioned: “A Wife’s Secret to Happiness” by Jen Weaver *** Francie Winslow (ep 61-Power of Sex in Marriage &ep 138 Ripple effect of healthy sexual connection) Discussion Questions: Discuss the idea of submission the way it’s described in the episode.  How can you choose to make space for your spouse to lead in your relationship? In what ways do you lead? Do you feel frayed or braided with God right now? How can you rebraid your attention back toward God? What was your most recent relationship winter? How did you come through that? What are your Proverbs 31 wife superpowers? How do you use your strengths in a way that blesses and doesn’t hinder? Featured Sponsors: Rothy’s — Don’t miss this great opportunity! Get $20 off a purchase of $100 or more. Rothys.com/DMA. Thrive Market — Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA.  Join today to get $20 off your first order AND a FREE gift!

5 Heinä 202146min

This special episode was recorded at our first Live Event held in 2017. Guests, Kat Lee & Wynter Pitts shared their mom stories. And encouraged with audience with thoughts on mentorship, friendship and dealing with fear and insecurity in motherhood.  What we chat about: Kat Lee and Wynter Pitts’ motherhood stories Dealing with insecurities in motherhood The importance of having mentors and deep friends in the motherhood journey Mentors don’t have to be older than you or available weekly. Find a way to make mentorship work for you. Think of areas you are struggling with and look for someone who excels in that area to mentor you, no matter their age Start or join a DMA podcast club as a way to connect with other women You can be a mentor too! Look for younger moms who need encouragement. We are never alone because God is with us, but it’s hard to remember that when life gets crazy. Kat and Wynter share what helps them remember God in the midst of life. “Should is not a sustainable why.” Don’t just do things you SHOULD do if you don’t have a good reason for WHY. Helping your kids develop healthy friendships and community Not trying to over control your children’s lives and praying through how involved you should be in their friendships Hope for dealing with irrational fears and grief Giving yourself permission to be honest with God when you aren’t coping well and realizing that he is good despite your circumstances Connect with Kat and HelloMornings: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram Connect with For Girls Like You: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram Links Mentioned: Music sung by Elena Pitts--"Even when it hurts" by Hillsong UNITED "HelloMornings" Book* by Kat Lee Start a DMA Podcast Club Paul David Tripp’s devotional, New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional ** Barefoot Dreams Bamboo Lite Wrap** (aka "The Blardigan")   She Is Yours: Trusting God As You Raise the Girl He Gave You **  by Wynter Pitts Featured Sponsors:  Lovevery — Take the guesswork out of your child’s play. Choose Lovevery TODAY and get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at Lovevery.com/DMA Function of Beauty — Go to FunctionofBeauty.com/DMA to take your quiz and save 20% on your first order. That applies to their full range of customized hair, skin, and body products.

28 Kesä 202156min

It’s summertime again and in the absence of formal school your kids may be looking forward to unstructured time and more access to screens. As one of the first generations to parent kids in the age of smartphones, we can choose to be on high alert to how healthy our kids' digital habits are and help them set healthy boundaries. My guest Arlene Pellicane shares strategies from her book Screen Kids and from her own family life. They have a “no phone, no gaming, no social media” policy for their kids and she shares the research and practical reasons behind why. But, wherever you are with screens and your family, this time of year is a perfect time for a reset.  “For our summer mindset, we all need a break and this could be a beautiful time to have some kind of different routine with our screens." We talk about digital vegetables vs digital candy, reconsidering phones for younger kids, building real world skills for our kids instead of just digital ones and setting digital boundaries. It’s so helpful and I’m already implementing some of Arlene’s advice for my boys this summer.  Know that you are not alone in this struggle. Together we can do this! Connect with Arlene:  Website:  https://arlenepellicane.com  Facebook: facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor  Instagram: @arlenepellicane    Links Mentioned:   BOOK: Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World BOOK: 5 Love Languages Of Children: The Secret To Loving Children Effectively  Screen Kids in their Own Words ScriptSub by Erika Dawson (Faithful Moms) Gabb Wireless Phone  Featured Sponsors:  Prep Dish—Get 2 weeks of meal plans FREE go to prepdish.com/DMA BetterHelp—get 10% off your first month of professional online counseling at betterhelp.com/DMA

14 Kesä 202155min