LIKING the people you LOVE

Today's episode is short and sweet. I'm sharing how I chose to use the sabbath as a day of rest last week. Because maybe you could use a rest too. Matthew 11:28-30

Today we're talking about the difference between discipline and punishment. One is intended to teach and train, the other is intended to control or to assert power. This episode talks about what our real goal is as parents, and how to use consequences not as punishments, but as genuine opportunities to teach. Click here to schedule a free consultation session. 

Today is the continuation of the last week's episode. We're talking about tips 4 and 5 from my ebook: Parenting Teengaers 101: a Guidebook for Parents. 4. Let Your Teaching Strategies Evolve 5. Be Their Biggest Fan

Today I'm sharing three parenting strategies I wish I had understood better when my oldest child entered the teen years. Don't freak out It's not about you Allow big emotions These "tips" come from years of experience, both parenting my own teens, and coaching parents of teens. You can find these same tips in my short ebook, "Parenting Teenagers 101: a guidebook for parents." Or if you're looking for a little longer read, check out "The Power of a Faithful Mother: parenting in the latter days with a faith-filled mindset."

Today's episode was inspired by President Camille N. Johnson's talk in this last general conference, titled "Spiritually Whole in Him." We're talking about how to feel spiritually whole, even when family relationships are difficult or strained. Quote from Elder Ballard here. Quote from Elder Renlund here. Quote from Elder Gong here.

I know this is not a new idea. I'm sure you pray often for your children. But if you're anything like me, you might be praying for the wrong things sometimes. Today I'm sharing four "prayer strategies" that have made a big difference in my life: Turn it over to the Lord Ask "what would you like me to do?" Seek and Expect Miracles ("Spiritual Momentum" by Russell M. Nelson, April 2022) Call on Angels ("The Ministry of Angels" by Jeffrey R. Holland, October 2008)

My thoughts today are inspired by Elder Patrick Kearon's talk from general conference last year, "God's Intent is to Bring You Home." I'm talking about how to apply his phrase "relentless pursuit" to our parenting in a way that doesn't feel like nagging or controlling.

I have seven kids with really different personalities. It's funny how people can be raised in the same home and come out so different from each other. Something my kids all have in common though, is confidence. They are all incredibly brave.  They aren't afraid to try new things, and I am in awe of the things they are learning and doing! While I'm not claiming to have "made them" that way, I do think there are some things I have done in my home to nurture confidence. In this episode I'm sharing those things. 

Today's episode is a repost of epsiode 51- way back in the day. "Parental Leadership" is a term and a concept that I think about often. When I'm feeling frustrated with the way my kids are behaving, it's helpful for me to step back and analyze my own leadership in the situation. Then I can focus my energy on improving my leadership skills to create the result I want.  

Parenting comes with a great deal of sacrifice. Sometimes those sacrifices feel beautiful and holy. But sometimes, when we feel like we don't have a choice in what we sacrifice, we end up feeling resentful.. We can even start to feel like a victim in our own lives. Today we're talking about how to change that. We'll discuss how to recognize when you're making yourself a victim, and what you can do instead.

This past weekend in General Conference, I heard the parable of the ten virgins referenced FIVE times! It caught my attention, and has reminded me that NOW is the time to make sure my spiritual lamp is ready, filled with the oil of conversion. But also... I realized that I am no longer a young virgin. HAHA! What would this parable be like if it were about 10 matrons, or mothers in Israel? Do I have a responsibility for more lamps than my own? That's what I'm talking about in this episode. Come join me. Click here for your free ticket to Reconnect with Your Teen parenting summit. Click here for my book "The Power of a Faithful Mother"

Usually we talk about parenting on here. But sometimes, it's not your children making crazy choices, but your parents, or your spouse, or your sister. Today I have a few tips for those who are struggling with the decisions of another adult that you love. Go listen to this talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Today's episode is just a reminder to zoom out a little and remember that, whatever hard thing you have going on right now, it won't last forever. I'm sharing a couple of examples from my own family just in case you need to feel some hope!

Nothing is more frustrating as a parent than trying to get a teenager to do something they don't want to do! Sometimes our efforts to help our teens even seem to backfire, and they push away from us. In today's episode, I'm talking about what I think are some realistic and important goals for us to remember as parents. "Seeing God's Family Through the Overview Lens," by Tamara W. Runia Schedule your free consultation session here.  

Today's episode is a short, sweet reminder that your efforts matter. I'm sharing a little message that Heavenly Father has impressed on my heart, knowing that you can probably use the same reminder.

You may have heard the old saying "A mother is only as happy as her least happy child." Today's episode is a direct rebuttal to that nonsense! The level of joy you experience in your life does not depend on how well your children are or are not doing! I have a few suggestions to help you find more joy in life even when your child is struggling. I'm referencing the following talk from President Russell M. Nelson:  Joy and Spiritual Survival (General Conference Oct. 2016)

Today's episode is an invitation for you to ponder something with me. I'm talking about the worth of souls, and how to love more like God loves. The book I talk about is "You Are Special" by Max Lucado.

Sometimes it feels like as mothers, there is always something or someone to worry about. We may even think it is helpful and important for us to spend our energy worrying about the people we love. In reality, allowing ourselves to get stuck in worry, fear, or anxiety is unually counterproductive. In today's episode I'll explain why that is, and what we can do instead.

I have long been drawn to the phrase "an eye of faith" found in the Book of Mormon. What does it mean? And how can we apply it to parenting? In this episode we're talking about why and how we can learn to see our loved ones with an eye of faith. *The podcast I mentioned is Come Back Podcast.  

It's my belief that one of the most precious gifts you can give to your children is a happy, healthy, thriving mother. Today's episode is a friendly reminder that your needs matter, and that everyone benefits when you take good care of yourself! And also... this is my 200th episode! Can you believe it? To help me celebrate, I would love for you to leave me a review, and/or send your favorite episode to someone you think would love it too.

Today's episode is packed with tools you can use for better communication with the people you love. I'm talking about the tools mentioned in the best-selling book "Crucial Conversations" by Grenny, Patterson, McMillan, Switzler and Gregory. I highly recommend the whole book! The tools I'm touching on today are: 1.Learn to Look 2.Make it Safe 3.State My Path 4.Explore Others' Paths 5.Take Back Your Pen If you'd like to listen to some other episodes I've done on this topic, I have quick links for you: Communication with Teengaers Leading with Validation Talking Back  

Today I'm sharing with you a tool that has been helpful in my life lately: finding the holy purpose. I've learned that I can do really hard things as long as I can see that it serves a holy purpose in my life. I hope this tool will be a useful one for you!

"Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become." -Brooke Hampton I believe in this principle! I believe the words we speak to our children are powerful! I also believe the words we speak to ourselves are powerful. Here is a link for the talk by Elder Rasband. And here is a link to my book: "The Power of a Faithful Mother"

Did you know that the way you are telling the story of 2024 may impact your experience of 2025? Most of us don't realize that the way we choose to tell the story of the past has a big impact on how we live in the future. Tune in today to learn how and why you should be more intentional in the way you think about your past. 

If you know me at all, you know that I am NOT a perfectionist. I don't believe that the common definitions of "perfect" are supposed to apply to humans at all. Today I'm going to introduce you to the definition of perfect that I use. It's a definition that feels totally do-able, and keeps me feeling optimistic and moving forward. The quote I share is from Orson Whitney, found on the Church of Jesus Christ website.

'Tis the season for peace. At least, 'tis the season we really crave peace, right? With so much of the world in chaos, we want our homes and our hearts to be at peace. Today I have some tips for you that will help you create the peace you are seeking, no matter what is going on around you. Merry Christmas! 

Today's episode is all about how to feel less frustration and more joy over the holidays when you have adult children in the mix. I'm sharing three tips that have really helped in my home: -Let traditions change -Invite, but don't demand -Communication! The book I mentioned is The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

In today's timely episode, we're talking about how to deal with tricky situations around the holidays. We'll talk about healthy boundaries, and when and how to set them.

Today I'm answering a question from a listener. She's in a difficult situation, with an adult child who is angry about the way she was raised. I thought it was a great topic to address because it's a common one. Sometimes as our children are trying to make sense of their world, they decide that their parents are causing their unhappiness. Today's episode will talk about why this happens and what we can do if it does.

It's been said that worry doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles. It only robs us of today's peace. The general consensus is that worry isn't useful, and that we shouldn't waste our mental energy worrying. But to me that doesn't seem totally realistic. When I care about someone, I want to spend some mental energy thinking about them, praying for them, and figuring out how I can best love and serve them. So today we're going to talk about when our "worry" is unhealthy or unproductive, and how to redirect our thoughts to be more helpful and productive. The youtube video that I talk about is here.

We are promised in the scriptures that miracles will follow them that believe. If you feel like you could use a miracle or two in your life, this episode is for you. Talk from President Nelson here.

Today's episode is a reminder that you get to choose where you focus your attention. If you don't choose on purpose, your brain will likely choose the path of negativity. I'm using examples from my own life to help you become more aware of what you're choosing, and to give you some other options.

This episode is not about what you think it is about. It has nothing to do with what your body looks like on the outside. It has everything to do with how you connect with Heaven. Living in Revelation by Elder David A. Bednar

The title of this episode should probably come with a *wink, wink. Listen, if I knew the secret to making our kids do exactly what we want them to do, I'd sell it and be a millionaire. But that isn't really how it works, and it's not actually the plan. We don't have the power to control other people. Even small people. So asking how we can "fix" our kids' behaviors is not really the right question to be asking. A better question is "Who do I want to be when my kid is behaving this way?"

Today's episode is inspired by President Russell M. Nelson's most  recent general conference talk. I also refer to his talk from 2016 entitled "Joy and Spiritual Survival." It is a reminder that the best is yet to come for the world as a whole, and also for you personally! Quote by Madeiline L'Engle: "We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it."

Today's episdoe is intended to help you feel peaceful about your parenting efforts, even if your child has not mastered everything you have taught. I have three things for you to keep in mind: Parenting is a work of planting seeds Waiting counts as work We have plenty of time A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells by Henry B. Eyring My old blog post here.

When life gets confusing or overwhelming, it's always good to go back to the basics, and make sure the most important things are taken care of first. The same is true in parenting. When things get confusing or overwhelming and you don't know what to do, it may be time to take a break from all the correcting you're trying to do and go back to the basics. How is your connection with that child? Is your relationship good enough that their heart is open to your help? Today I'm sharing a few things that have been helpful for me in improving my relationships with kids in difficult stages. Book I reference: The Power of Moments

Today I'm sharing a less-than-stellar parenting moment I had recently. I'm also sharing the tool that I use to turn those moments into valuable, relationship building moments. HOPE day tickets here

As covenant women and mothers in Zion, we have an important work to do. And though our work can sometimes be exhausting and discouraging, we know that our efforts really matter. Today I'm sharing three bits of advice to you as you evaluate how you are spending your time and energy. Don't judge your success by your children's behavior Don't believe the adversary when he tries to get you down Some efforts are more important than others Links that I mentioned in the episode: HOPE day  Oct. 12, 2024 "The Power of a Faithful Mother" by Christi Davis 

Today I'm talking about what I consider a perfect combination for teenagers to grow and thrive: doing hard things while having a close relationship with a parent who acts as a mentor. If that isn't the kind of relationship you have, I'll offer you three tips to improve your connection: Have confidence in them Give less advice and ask more questions Be more fun! Here are the links to ALL the things I mentioned in the episode: HOPE day  code: CHRISTI Amplify Through Christ retreat "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller "Hold on to Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld My website :)

Just hopping on to give you a quick update on what's going on in my life right now, and to explain why I'm taking August off of podcasting. I also share an experience I had recently that was a reminder that Heavenly Father cares about the details of our lives. If you're interested in either of the retreats I mentioned, here are the links to check them out: Hope Day- Oct. 12th, Logan, UT Amplify Through Christ- Oct. 24-26, Kansas City, MO

Just in case you have a large family gathering coming up... Today I'm sharing a few tips to help you not just endure your reunions, but actually enjoy them. Details about the HOPE DAY retreat here.

In honor of my 28th anniversary, today I'm sharing ten things I've learned about marriage. I'm also sharing some reasons I love being married to Jeff. My hope is that this episode will invite you to think about all the good things in your own marriage! 

This is unusual for me.  I almost never feel the need to talk publicly about issues that feel political or contentious. But today I feel inspired to share my thoughts about Pride month, and the way we think about LGBTQ issues. I hope this episode will inspire more love and understanding in our family relationships, as well as our church community. Here are the resources I mention in the episode: Listen, Learn and Love by Richard Ostler Without the Mask by Charlie Bird

When I suggest acceptance, sometimes clients think I mean that they should just give up and allow any and all behaviors. That is not at all what I'm suggesting! Listen in today to figure out why learning to accept our present reality is the first step toward creating the result you want. If you want a review of "the Model," you can listen to episode 26.

Today I have a big announcement, and a sweet reminder for you. The talk I reference was "Jesus Christ is the Strength of Parents" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Sometimes as parents I think we get it backwards. We focus on changing our kids behaviors without really understanding their hearts. Today's episode is a reminder that behavior is always an outward sign of something going on inside. If we really want to influence our children, we need to get to the heart of the matter. Faith Matters episode "Come as You Are."

This is a classic question in my house-used heavily when Caleb lived at home. Today we're talking about learning to zoom out and ask ourselves "What is the Point?" It's a way to broaden our perspective and help us stay focused on the things that really matter. The point of life is to gain experience that will help us grow in wisdom and become more like our Heavenly Father. The point of parenting is to use our influence to point our children to Jesus Christ. The point of family relationships is JOY. Click here to purchase my online course "Love at Home." Or if you would like to talk to me personally, click this link to set up a free consultation.

Today's episode is inspired by a talk I heard at BYU Women's Conference this year. I'm talking about the power we have as mothers to speak possibility into the hearts of our children, and all those around us. Quote from C.S. Lewis: "It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest, most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship."

This is the fourth episode in the series of interviewing my own kids. Josh is 21 years old, and has been through a lot. Heads up: we talk about some heavy things in this episode, including substance use and thoughts of suicide. I'm just so proud of him for how far he's come, and for his courage to tell his story.

Heavenly Father has designed a wonderful plan that includes learning and growing by our own experience. Part of that plan includes the natural process of maturing. Just as we cannot force a plant to grow before it's ready, there are some things we cannot teach our children before they are mature enough to understand. Sometimes we, in our enthusiasm to be good parents, feel the need to teach every little thing using a system of rewards and punishments. But the truth is that, if we provide the right kind of environment, maturity happens quite naturally. Link to my book is here.