M Is for Mama Podcast

Ever wondered what chores (if any) are appropriate for a five-year-old? What about a fifteen-year-old? IS there a biblical precedent for giving our children responsibilities in our home, and what does that look like practically day to day? We'll answer all these questions and more in today's episode about kids' chores, responsibilities, allowances, and privileges in the home. I'll also share our family motto that has helped to keep our eye on what our attitude should be toward others as we do our work "as unto the Lord." In a world that often screams confusing phrases like, "Your child didn't ask to be brought into the world, so he/she shouldn't have to contribute to your home," (huh??), I want to encourage you that giving kids responsibilities, routines, and life skills is one of the kindest and best parenting moves we can make. Not only that, but fostering an others-minded way of thinking leads to kids who are less likely to be lazy and self-obsessed--two things about which the Bible has a lot to say! Bible references: Galatians 6:5-7  Matthew 25:1-13 Proverbs 10:4 Matthew 25:14-30 Proverbs 22:6 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Philippians 2:14 Titus 2:7-8 1 Peter 4:10 Hebrews 12:1 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Corinthians 2:16 Philippians 2:15 James 1:17 Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠ ⁠Chore Post from Flanders Family Blog⁠ (this post also has a bunch of links at the bottom to Jennifer's other posts about chores, including age-appropriate lists) Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Finding kindred spirits to "do life" with is challenging--especially when you throw in all of the mama responsibilities like naptime schedules to coordinate, mealtimes to plan, homeschooling or school drop-offs, and a host of other everyday life details that must be taken into consideration when lining up play dates, dinner with friends, or even a quick chat on the phone (which, if you're anything like me, never happens, so we resort to playing tag with texts or voice memos). It can be so hard to find mama friends that feel life-giving rather than like one more box to tick. Trust me, I know. I prayed for that kind of "fill my cup" community for years before the Lord began to bring along just the right mamas. But hard is not the same thing as bad, and the waiting has made the relationships He's blessed me with all the sweeter. In this episode, we tackle a few core things to do as you pray and look for your "tribe." And we also talk about Grace Girls--the homeschool girls group that I started a couple of years ago that I get asked about all the time. You'll learn: how it came to be, how it works, and how you can start a similar group of your very own, regardless of your school choices or schedule. Bible references: Proverbs 18:24 John 15:13 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

I have such a fun treat for you in this episode--a conversation with one of my favorite people in the whole world: my mama, Beth. In this episode, we talk about why my parents felt the need to "be the change," to fight against generational sins, to pursue multigenerational investment, and to give me and my brother an opportunity to leave a completely different legacy for our own kids. My mom inspires me with her knowledge of the Bible, her perseverance through hardship, her intelligent, analytical mind, her prayer life, and her heart of service to others. I know you will be so challenged and encouraged by her straight-shooting, biblical wisdom. Enjoy! Note: After doing a bit of digging, I couldn't find an exact quote for the John Dewey reference (other than the original Instagram post where I saw it, and that turned out to be a paraphrase as well). Bible references: Romans 2:7 Galatians 6:9 Exodus 20:5 & Deuteronomy 5:9 & Numbers 14:18 Psalm 119:105 2 Corinthians 4:4 Deuteronomy 6:7 Revelation 2 & 3 Galatians 2:20 1 Peter 5:6-7 Matthew 20:16 John 12:25 1 Corinthians 3:19 1 Corinthians 1:18 Philippians 2:6-7 Matthew 5:16 Colossians 3:23 Ephesians 6 Psalm 119:11 Titus 2:4 Matthew 5:2-12 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

NOTE: I usually record podcasts when my littles are down for naps and my older kids are gone to our once-a-week homeschool co-op. This episode was recorded while we were all home with a stomach bug, so there's a bit more background noise than usual. Honestly, between the pukey kids and the background squawking, I feel like we managed to set an appropriate tone for an episode called "Hard Is Not The Same Thing as Bad." ; ) Hey, friends! I wrote a new book! And it's available for pre-order! In this episode, I talk about the period in my life during which the Lord impressed the phrase "hard is not the same thing as bad" deep into my soul. (Hint: It wasn't a season of ease.) Since then, I've discovered from the enthusiastic response to my sharing it that it's such a crucial (and biblical!) concept that every mother (and honestly, every Christian) needs to embrace in order to run well the race set out for us by God. Be encouraged that the hard you're experiencing is not random or cruel but instead designed by God to draw you closer to Him and to grow you up in maturity and faith. BONUS: You get an exclusive sneak peek at the introduction of HINTSTAB (funny acronym, I know), which I read during this episode. Mentions: Grape Juice + Activated Charcoal Blog Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order! M Is For Mama Book Bible references: Philippians 4:4 John 16:33 James 4:14 Psalm 144:4 1 Peter 2:24 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 John 1:14 Isaiah 40:11 1 Peter 2:2 Hebrew 13:5 Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 14:10, 30 Isaiah 40:10 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠ ⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Facebook

Ever looked at another mama and wondered HOW she's managing to do everything she's doing when you seem to only be able to manage the bare minimum? MEEEEE TOO! What I've discovered through the years is, often, when I'm frustrated with where I am and longing for the circumstances that another woman has, I am ignoring some key factors for why the Lord has me where he does. (Because, if we are in Christ, He does everything for our good and His glory.) There is a season for everything in motherhood. And, just like Paul, if we can learn the secret of being content in our circumstances, we can experience so much freedom and purpose right where the Lord has us. Yes, our productivity may be limited in certain periods. No, we won't always be thrilled with the particulars of the season in which God has us. But that's okay! God can still use it! May this episode, which tells a bit of my journey to the stage in life that the Lord has me in currently, encourage you that each season of motherhood has its own unique joys and challenges and that the Lord is never done using and growing and blessing us until we reach glory! Mentions: Book Number 2--Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order! Paint & Prose Bible references: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Philippians 2:13 Ephesians 2:10 Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠ ⁠Penny Reward System⁠ ⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Facebook

It can be easy to feel like we're drowning in a tidal wave of "mommy snark," negativity toward children, and a fatalistic view of kids that leaves us with little hope but the prospect of their one day leaving the house. Our culture's view of motherhood often focuses almost exclusively on the hard aspects of being a mama (which I will never deny) to the exclusion of the multitude of joys and opportunities for growth that abound as we navigate the tricky waters of toddler tantrums and teen angst (and every age in between). So, what do we do? In this episode, we'll discuss practical ways to not only keep our heads above the water of cultural disdain for children but actually use our knowledge of the Bible (which says that children are a blessing!) to climb out and find ourselves on the firm ground of the knowledge that, though there will be struggles, we know the One who is greater than any challenge we may face with our kids and who loves us (and them!) more than we could possibly imagine.  Mentions: The Gentleness Challenge (on Instagram @thegentlenesschallenge and available in ebook form soon) Bible references: Philippians 4:4 Links: M Is for Mama Penny Reward System Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show Find Abbie at: Instagram Youtube Facebook

Practical tips for engaging with toddlers effectively, balancing firmness and kindness for behavior development. Parenting challenges of a four-year-old, including potty training resistance. Importance of autonomy and guidance in dressing toddlers. Emphasizing parental role in guiding children towards the Lord and navigating parenting challenges with spiritual guidance.

Explore the highs and lows of parenting toddlers, embracing the challenges and joys while maintaining calm communication. Reflect on the transformation from challenging toddlers to delightful children, emphasizing perseverance and guidance in this journey.

Ever looked at the way another mom: dresses her kids, exercises, cooks, cleans her house, schools her children, organizes her pantry, brushes her teeth (okay, hopefully not that last one)...and thought, "That's it! I'm done! I can never measure up!"  If so, join the club. Sometimes, it seems like "mom comparison" is an Olympic sport, and we're all competing for a place on the podium.  But, my sisters, this should not be! (Imagine me saying this in my best Pauline "letter to the Ephesians" voice.) Yes, we can notice what others are doing so we can glean new ideas, but when we find ourselves in a place of insecurity and resentment, that's a pretty good sign that we've fallen into the pit of comparison, and we need the light of Scripture to guide us back out.  The theme verse for this episode was 2 Corinthians 10:12, and I mention that I also have a chapter (two, actually!) about comparison and staying the course in the path that the Lord has for us in the M Is for Mama book (available wherever books are sold.) 

Explore the importance of establishing consistent rhythms in daily routines for a peaceful home environment, including tips on balancing homeschooling and household tasks. Learn about morning Bible reading and breakfast routines, as well as the benefits of repetitive routines for reducing chaos and bringing peace to your home.