Rachel Nielson, a board member with Power of Moms, recently recorded a podcast with the Marvelous Moms Club about her amazing mother, who battled breast cancer for thirteen years.  In  this episode you will hear…

• What Rachel thinks about when she doesn’t want to make another dinner or sweep the kitchen floor
• Which cassette tape Rachel listened to on her 13th birthday
• Why Rachel’s son’s baby blanket is her most prized possession
• How to find time to journal as a busy mom
• Why you should ask your kids’ friends to set the table when they are in your home
• Ways to celebrate and stay close to your loved ones who have passed away
• Why you should write Love Letters to your children
• Which heroes (real and fictional) Rachel’s children are named after

…and more!

Click over to the Marvelous Moms Club website to listen to this uplifting episode full of real-life ideas and encouragement for all mothers!

Rachel refers to several Power of Moms’ articles in this podcast, including…

• Worth Fighting For
• How to Journal as a Busy Mom
• Your Children Want YOU!!

The post Power of Moms’ Pick: “Stories About My Mother” from the Marvelous Moms Club Podcast appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

This 20-minute podcast by Saren, her mom, and her sisters, Saydi, Shawni and Charity, offers simple, meaningful ideas.

Click here to listen to the Eyre Mom and Sisters’ “Thanksgiving Ideas” Podcast

[download label=”Download the podcast here.”]http://powerofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/11.6.12Thanksgiving.mp3[/download]

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Thanksgiving Ideas – Episode 44 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Would you like to feel more peace, happiness, and love in your daily life—love for yourself, your family, and your opportunities?

If so, join us for this podcast with Rachel Nielson, a young mother who went to counseling for an eating disorder and discovered concrete ways that all mothers can “break the cycle” of unhealthy stress in their lives.

Listen in as Rachel and April discuss specific strategies to do the following:

•      control and reverse negative thoughts, particularly about yourself
•      acknowledge and feel difficult emotions that you may be avoiding
•      identify and implement behaviors that will maximize joy and minimize stress in your daily life

 

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES:

Click the image below to read the podcast summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Part 2, Listening To and Loving your Body through Intuitive Eating.

 

Articles about Controlling Your Thoughts

“It Is What It Is” by Rachel Nielson

“Thought Replacement Therapy” by Saren Loosli

“The Greatest Love of All?” by Allyson Reynolds

“The Surprising Way I Confronted My Eating Disorder” by Rachel Nielson

 

Articles about Feeling Your Emotions

Riding the Motherhood Waves of Pain and Joy by Saren Loosli

 

Articles and Resources about Implementing Behaviors that Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy

Mommy Is A Person by April Perry

Mommy’s Quiet Time 101 by April Perry

“Mind Organization for Moms” program

“Our Deeper Yes” podcast

 

Books and Resources for Overcoming Eating Disorders

How Much Does Your Soul Weigh? by Dr. Dorie McCubbrey (Rachel’s counselor)

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch  (Ten key principles summarized here)

Rachel’s personal blog

Rachel loves birthday surprises, summer sunsets, and a handsome man named Ryan.  She taught high school English for five years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom to their son, Noah Atticus, who was born in August of 2011. His little sister, Sally Grace, arrived in July of 2014.  Rachel and Ryan consider both of their babies to be miracles, as Noah is adopted and Sally was conceived through IVF.  When Rachel is not caring for the littles or picking up the house for the 100th time, she edits for Power of Moms and blogs about motherhood, infertility, adoption, eating disorders, her ridiculously cute children, and the ups and downs of daily life.  Nothing gives her more satisfaction than capturing in words the deepest feelings of her heart.

**Thank you, Positive Pathways in Denver, Colorado, for guiding me through my recovery. Dorie, Rebecca, and EA–you changed my life. It is an honor to be able to share with the Power of Moms community some of what you shared with me.

 

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Audio editing by Christy Elder.

Image from Shutterstock with graphics by Julie Finlayson.

The post Unhealthy Stress & Habits? Break the Cycle! Episode 87 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

We have moved to a brand new location!

It can now be found at “Power of Moms Radio” (a bright blue icon on iTunes like the one on the right…with full details at www.powerofmoms.com/power-of-moms-radio).

Thanks!

Here’s the audio announcement:

Here’s the written announcement:

Hello! This is April Perry from powerofmoms.com

We are SO excited to announce that we have just launched a BRAND NEW higher-quality iTunes feed for Power of Moms.

As always, your recommendation of Power of Moms podcasts means everything to us. Please let your friends know about our new Radio show–either through email, posting a few of your favorite podcasts on Facebook, or simply through conversations you have everyday with the moms around you.

We are a gathering place for deliberate mothers, and we are SO grateful to have you with us.

Thanks so much, and we’ll see you over at our new Power of Moms Radio.

The post Power of Moms Podcasts have MOVED appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

When children’s rooms are set up their way, they may not look Pinterest-worthy!

We come into motherhood with ideals about how things are going to go – then we realize that some of those ideals just aren’t realistic or aren’t all that important.

What have you realized isn’t as important as it seemed to be at first?  Have you let go of aspects of how your house and kids should look, what your kids should eat, that sort of thing?

These questions received lots of interesting and helpful responses from our Facebook community – and April and Saren add their own thoughts in this week’s Radio Show. (As you listen, you’ll gain great perspective and be glad to know you’re not the only one who has worried about silly things!)

Click the play button below to listen:




Or right click here to download the podcast straight to your computer.

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Great Comments/Answers from our Facebook Community

I’m Okay With That – By Tiffany Sowby

I Dressed Myself – By Emily Allen

How Do You Feel Successful as a Mother? (Radio Show podcast)

Audiobook’s Facebook Page

Click here to receive your free 7-day trial and a free book plus use promo code “powerofmoms” to receive and EXTRA free book.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post What’s Not That Important? Radio Show Episode 36 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

If you like, print out the sheet below to help you create “snapshots of gratitude.”

 Click the play button below to listen:

Click here to receive your free 7-day trial and a free book plus use promo code “powerofmoms” to receive and EXTRA free book.

Show Notes:

9 Ways to Fill November with the Joy of Gratitude

Gratitude Posts (from Saren’s blog)

Podcast music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Creating a Snapshot of Gratitude – Radio Show Episode 34 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Totally humble and down-to-earth, Larry and Syd shared some of their best secrets for raising a strong family, and now I’m excited to pass these ideas on to you.

In this 12-minute podcast, you’ll get the answers to the following questions:

• What does Syd consider to be the most important thing when it comes to building a strong family?

• What are their favorite ideas for creating family unity?

• How did Larry compensate for the fact that he didn’t have any sons?

• How did they structure their lives so they could have more time together?

• Which room in the house became the “hub” for family conversations (and how did they attract their daughters to that special place?).

• What family motto was hanging in their home–and how did it impact who their children are becoming?

• And what do Larry and Syd have to say to any parents who might feel like they’ll never have enough time, energy, or strength to raise a great family?

Right click here to download the podcast straight to your computer.

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Six Sisters’ Parents: How They Did It – Episode 66 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

This lively podcast with Power of Moms Co-Director, April Perry, and motivational speaker, Chantelle Adams, will provide some great ideas to help all of us live with more courage, confidence, and compassion.

More about Chantelle (and the podcast)

Chantelle is one of the 12 main authors of Deliberate Motherhood and is a popular motivational speaker.  (You can learn more about her work teaching children by visiting www.chantelleadams.com.)

A recovering perfectionist and fear addict, she’s now become a Courage Coach and Freedom Creator, and in this podcast she digs deep into the power that comes from facing your fears and ways we can start to take action right now to live our most courageous lives.

Chantelle tells of the turning point in her life where she realized that she was alive, but not really living, and how she set out on her own personal courage revolution which has included her most recent adventure of skydiving where she fell 10,000 feet to raise $10,000 to build a school in Nicaragua. You can read her list of crazy fears and find out more about The Courage to Fly Project at www.couragetoflyproject.com.

In this podcast we also talk about how our children need to be courageous (now more than ever) and how they need their moms to be brave and show them the way to really accept themselves, make choices based on what they know is right, and stand up for others. They also need to have courage to step out of their comfort zones and go for their big dreams while making a difference in the world in their own way. This podcast will help each of us commit to courageous parenting and set us on that path to living our “big, brave lives.”

Special GIVEAWAY!

Chantelle is on a mission to help women “get their brave on” and is going to give FIVE lucky listeners a Courage Igniter Session for Free, each session is valued at $250.

All you have to do is write a comment after listening to the podcast and share with us one fear you are ready to conquer.The winners will be selected on Tuesday, November 5th.

The Courage Igniter Session is for you if:

You have been hiding behind your excuses, your fears, and what the world thinks you SHOULD be doing.

You are so tired of putting on an act, you are feeling exhausted trying to be something you aren’t, and you are trying desperately to fit in when what you really want is to be seen and accepted for exactly who you are. (You are looking for someone to give you the green light to be who you are, no apologies, no exceptions.)

You are ready to start living your life your way but that means getting really clear on what has kept you wanting and waiting for so long and then taking some serious action right now.

Show Notes:

Chantelle’s main speaking website: www.chantelleadams.com

The Courage to Fly Project site: www.couragetoflyproject.com

Find Chantelle on Facebook page is: www.facebook.com/chantelleadamsspeaks

Chantelle on twitter: www.twitter.com/chantellespeaks

Chantelle on Pinterest page is: www.pinterest.com/chantellespeaks

Music in the podcast from Creations by Michael R. Hicks

The post Courage to Fly – Episode 64 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

April loves to purchase produce on sale and keep it handy. And her daughter Grace likes to decorate it.

POMRadio.HealthyEating

The post Healthy Eating (and No More “Diets”) – Radio Episode 24 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Get the scoop on how to take photos of the “moments”  in your life and still remember why you took the pictures! Even better, how about getting yourself in those moments and truly enjoying both the special times and the day-to-day experiences with your family?

Find out how to take great shots without the pressure of producing “professional” results and how all shots will NOT be magazine cover quality and that is OKAY!

Click the play button below to listen:

 

Or right click here to download the podcast straight to your computer.

***Our giveaway (featured below) has now closed.  Thank you!***

Two winners received:

101 Set Photography Course from Mom and Pop Photo School.

One Grand Prize winner received:

Any in-stock camera bag from Epiphanie (approximately $150 – $225 in value)

PLUS the Mom and Pop 101 Set Photo Course listed above.

Winners can be viewed on the Rafflecopter widget:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special Deal: 25% off the 101 Set

(Just for Power of Moms Community Members!)

Show Notes:

Epiphanie Bags Website

Facebook    facebook.com/epiphaniebagsfacebook.com

Twitter        twitter.com/EPIPHANIEBAGS

Candace’s Mom and Pop Photo School Website

Power of Moms’ Get In The Picture Challenge

Camera Remote Controls

Tips on How to Use a Camera Remote Control

“The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Power of Moms wholeheartedly endorses Mom and Pop Photo School, and we have signed up to be an affiliate.

The post Deliberate Photography – Episode 57 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

In this week’s Radio Show, Saren and April talk about how we can heighten the joy we feel in our lives as we “bring ourselves” more fully to our work as mothers. Saren shares some of the insights she’s shared and learned at the Mini-Retreats she’s put on across the country.

The joy is there for the taking – but we need to cultivate it.

Click the play button below to listen:

Or right click here to download the podcast straight to your computer.

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Bringing Yourself to Work as a Mother: Radio Episode 19 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

“What did they teach you?” I asked.

She only had time to discuss a few of her many pearls of wisdom, but three of her tips have already made a huge difference in my mothering.

So now I’m sharing them with you.

(You can either listen to a four-minute podcast of our conversation or you can read the synopsis I typed up below.)

Click the play button below to listen:

[audio http://powerofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2013.6.17mini-2.mp3 ] 

Or right click here to download the podcast to your computer.

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Brief synopsis of the podcast:

(1) Children need a minimum of 8 touches during a day to feel connected to a parent. 

If they’re going through a particularly challenging time, it’s a minimum of 12 a day.  This doesn’t have to be a big deal–it could be the straightening of a collar, a pat on the shoulder, or a simple hug.

(2) Each day, children need one meaningful eye-to-eye conversation with a parent. 

It is especially important for babies to have that eye contact, but children of all ages need us to slow down and look them in the eyes.

(3) There are nine minutes during the day that can have the greatest impact on a child.

• the first three minutes–right after they wake up
• the three minutes after they come home from school, and
• the last three minutes of the day–before they go to bed.

We need to make those moments special and help our children feel loved.

These are simple, right?  Nothing really earth-shattering here.

But try it.  For a month.  And then I think you’ll see what I’m talking about.  I honestly didn’t realize how much I could improve in this area, and though I still have lots of room for improvement, I can see myself becoming a better mom.

QUESTION: Do you have any additional simple tips to share?

CHALLENGE: Choose just one of these ideas to put into action this week.  Then come back and tell us how it went!

To become a part of Power of Moms, simply register at the top of this page.

It’s absolutely free, and you’ll receive instant access to our Free Member Package–plus lots of complimentary resources prepared specifically for deliberate mothers.

Podcast music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Mini-Podcast: Three Unbelievably Simple Parenting Ideas (that Work!) appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Join Power of Moms Co-Founder, Saren Loosli, and reading expert Amanda (Mandy) Roos as they offer a fresh, powerful perspective on reading with our children.

They talk about how reading with our children can be a beautiful relationship-building activity and how it can help us develop more confidence as mothers. They also offer specific tips on how to make time to read with children individually and how to adjust the reading experience to fit children of all ages.

For more in-depth instructions, videos, and printables, check out Mandy’s Sharing the Joy of Reading Kit.

Click the play button below to listen:

[audio http://powerofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2013.5.31Mandy.mp3 ]

Or right click here to download the podcast straight to your computer.

All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Sharing the Joy of Reading – Episode 55 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Can’t we all relate to this beautiful painting? Sometimes we feel like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders . . .

We recently received this question from a mom in our community:

“How am I supposed to find the joy in motherhood when all I can do is keep my head above water? I am barely surviving, let alone thriving!”

Well, if you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.  And as we prepared for this radio show, we reached out to our Power of Moms Facebook community for answers.  (The response was wonderful.)

Join Saren and April as they discuss thoughts and actions that deliberate mothers can use when things feel really heavy, and receive a virtual pat on the back from our community as we acknowledge the beauty and power of motherhood.

Finding Joy When We’re Barely Surviving

Click the link above to listen or right click to download the broadcast straight to your computer.

Show Notes

Join Saren on her Power of Moms Cross-Country Road Trip! (And be the first to get our brand new version of Deliberate Motherhood.)

Register for Power of Moms and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Book recommendation by Cheryl Cardall: Raising Your Spirited Child

Deliberate Mothering Podcasts

Mommy is a Person – Online Video Training

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks

Beautiful painting by Caitlin Connolly

The post Finding Joy When We’re Barely Surviving – Radio Episode 17 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

This is my 13-year-old daughter, Alia. (She does like to borrow my clothes, but this dress she is wearing is her own . . . .)

Seriously, though, parenting teens is something I’ve been afraid of for years.  Everyone has warned me how hard it would be, and pretty much every teen-related article in the news is full of bad news–studies about violence, drug and alcohol abuse, wild parties . . . you know what I’m talking about.

But now that I’m officially a mom of a teen, I want to do it right, so I’ve asked my daughter (and now I’m asking our Power of Moms community) to help me.

For starters, I sat down with Alia and asked her to share her initial thoughts on what teenagers need.  (We recorded this discussion as a 12-minute podcast below.) Here are her first two pieces of wisdom:

(1) We need to give our teenagers extra responsibilities.

I know.  This was counter-intuitive to me at first.  Don’t teenagers want us off their backs?  Don’t they want freedom from responsibility?  After all, “You Only Live Once.”

But no, from my daughter’s perspective, at least, teens don’t want to be treated like children anymore.  They want to prove they’re useful and get the chance to do hard things.

In the podcast we recorded, Alia will share some examples of extra responsibilities she enjoys doing. I’ve also included some photos and links in the Show Notes below.  (I couldn’t get by without this girl.)

(2) We need to know our teenagers better than ever before.

We need to know what frustrates them, what they’re excited about, what kind of music they like, how they like their hair to be, and what’s happening with their friends.  According to Alia, now is the time this matters–way more than when our children were little.

But what do you do if your teenager doesn’t want to talk with you?  Alia shares her ideas on how to make ourselves available, how to be persistent (without being annoying), and how to set up an environment where talking is totally natural.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “What Teenagers Need.”

Right click to  download the podcast straight to your computer.

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

QUESTION:  Do you have any additional ideas to share about what teenagers need?

CHALLENGE: Listen to this podcast with your teenager and find out how he or she feels about these ideas.  (This could be a jumping-off place for a great discussion!)

Show Notes:

This is the garden Alia and her dad planted (referenced in the podcast):

When I had to be out of town, Alia helped put on a birthday party for her 11-year-old sister Grace:

This is a Popsicle stick sculpture Alia was asked to make for our elementary school’s 100-Mile Club.

And if you’d like to see some of the product reviews we’re doing on Power of Moms, Alia is now helping with Power of Moms Giveaways.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Two Things Our Teenagers Need – Episode 54 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the Radio Broadcast, “You Know More Than You Think You Know.”

Right click on the link above to download the Radio Show to your computer.

Show Notes: (materials referenced in the show)

Learning Circles

Mommy is a Person Video Training (50% off through Mother’s Day)

Virtual Retreat

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post You Know More Than You Think You Know – Radio Episode 14 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

One of our deliberate mothers at a Power of Moms Retreat. (Photo by Macy Robison)

At Power of Moms, we believe that motherhood is beautiful, noble, and essential for growing strong families and strong communities.

But since it’s so easy to get distracted, we asked our community to answer this question and remind all of us what matters most:

In 10 words or less, what did you love best about your mom while you were growing up? We’re guessing you’re not going to pick her “rock-hard abs,” but is there a specific experience or characteristic that stands out in your mind?

We were deeply touched by the comments we received, and it was wonderful to see that deliberate motherhood isn’t about our employment status, our looks, our exotic vacations, or our ability to be “perfect.”  It’s simple.  It’s personal.  And it’s, quite honestly, amazing.

Click this link to read the whole Facebook thread and then click the link below to hear April and Saren discuss this conversation and share their thoughts about their own mothers. (Add your thoughts in the comments!)

Click here to listen to the broadcast, “What Our Children Will Remember.”

Right click on the link if you’d like to download the audio file to your computer.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post What Our Children Will Remember – Radio Episode 13 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Join April and Saren as they talk about how they deal with what they’ve come to call “post-retreat let-down syndrome.”

This radio show podcast will help you:

• learn how to give yourself a break
• move forward at a pace that really works for you and your family
• realize that it’s OK to have a down day and/or put some great ideas on the shelf for a while

 Click here to listen to the broadcast, “Dealing with the Down Days.”

Right click on the link above to download the Radio Show to your computer. 

Show notes: (resources referenced in the show)

Riding the Waves of Pain and Joy

Spring Decor – in the Snow (Saren’s blog post)

Free Member Package

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Dealing with the Down Days – Radio Episode 11 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

I (April) heard about it 30 minutes before my children got home from school, and initially, I wasn’t quite sure when (or how) I was going to talk about it with them. During our afternoon snack, however, my 13-year-old checked her Instagram feed and said, “What happened today? Everyone is posting images that say ‘Pray for Boston.'”

So then the conversation happened. I kept it simple, but I explained the facts, and then we had a brief but tender family discussion about tragedies, choices, life and death, fear, hope, and purpose.

While horrifying and devastating, this tragedy isn’t the first I’ve had to discuss with my children, and it unfortunately won’t be the last, so today Saren and I thought it would be helpful to gather as deliberate mothers and help each other identify the best ways to help our families handle tragedy.  (We recorded this as a podcast and also included the main points below.)

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Deliberate Mothering Ideas for Handling Tragedies” – Episode 52.

Right click on the podcast link if you’d like to download the audio file to your computer.

The thoughts we’ve put together here are a compilation from our Power of Moms Facebook community (to see all the comments on our Facebook page, click here). We also welcome you to share your thoughts below and take part in this conversation. Our hope is that we can all help each other work through the grief and shock and move forward with compassion and hope. Each of these points is discussed in more detail in the podcast at the beginning of this page.

(1) With younger children, we may not want to discuss it at all. Most toddlers and young preschoolers don’t really need to discuss what is going on in the larger world. If they are not going to be hearing about the bombing from outside sources, we may choose not to bring up this incident with them at all.

(2) With school-age children or teens, we want to be the ones to frame the tragedy in an appropriate way.

If children are in school they will hear about it from other kids or teachers and it may not be framed in a way that you will be happy with. It is better to set the tone of this event in a way that works for you and your family to help your kids from becoming afraid by the accounts of others. – Lisa Trainor

I didn’t tell my children about the recent school shootings, afraid it would traumatize them. Instead, they learned about it from kids at school, and the school had an “intruder drill” to practice what to do if it happened in real life. The reality is, as their mother, I have to tell them about these things. If I don’t, someone else will and in perhaps not a reassuring way that there are others that ARE good people and that we can be examples to others in everyday life of goodness in hopes to change the bad in the world. – Nichole Isom

This is the world they live in, and we as their guardians and parents need to teach them. – Deirdre Davis

(3) Be honest.

Expressing the basic facts about the tragedy in a calm and compassionate way generally works well for children. Showing them images and information that we’ve pre-screened and carefully selected based on what we know about our children’s interests and needs can be very helpful. Children appreciate the truth – but they don’t need to know or see every gory detail. Expressing our own feelings about the event, our sadness over the fact that some people make really bad choices that hurt others, our compassion for those who were hurt and lost loved ones, etc. can help our children learn compassion.

(4) Focus on the good.

“’When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.’ ~Mr. Rogers.

Point being it doesn’t matter if it was 1 person or many who orchestrated the attacks, the point is there will always be more heroes and people willing to help then there will be bad guys.” – Diane Clements

I told my 6 year old and he looked at me and said, “There’s more good people in this world than bad people. There’s only, like, 400 bad people and a MILLION good people. – Karin Cevasco

(5) Listen and invite our children to ask questions.

After laying out the facts and sharing our feelings, it’s great to ask children if they have any questions or concerns. Children may not have questions right away. That’s fine. We can let them know that they are welcome to bring up questions and share their thoughts with us at any time.

(6) Pray or gather together to focus on those who were directly impacted by the disaster.

While we may wish that there were something tangible we could do to help when a tragedy happens, often the only thing we can actively do is show our compassion and concern through positive thoughts, positive actions, and prayers.

My husband is on a terrorism task force and trains law enforcement around the country in situations like this. Things like this are common discussion in our lives, since our kids were small. We are honest, we talk about the disaster, then we talk a lot about the good – humanity and the heart of others helping strangers, first responders running towards the danger – fearless and determined. We talk a lot about families and how when tragedy strikes, it reminds us how we are all one big family. We listen and let them ask all their questions. We reassure their safety and to have continued faith in their protection and prayers for others. Of course this is a personal decision for each parent, but I do not see anxiety in my children over these things because we discuss it with them. By discussing and being prepared, they are strong in the face of adversity. – Jonelle Hughes

(7) Don’t feed the fear.

Don’t feed the fear. I have to tell myself that too. I know we need to teach our children to be safe, and its going to be talked about somewhere. The discussion has its own time and purposes, but when we worry, and we post our opinions, and we let it flood the news, or other media (Facebook), and we let it drag on and turn into other issues, it fuels the fear. – Julia Weis

I do remember when we did have nonstop TV on a news subject and that was the US/Cuba thing. I wasn’t afraid because my parents weren’t afraid. – Joanne Black

I told my boys, “It’s scary, but you don’t have to be afraid.” – Julie Pasta

It’s easy to get consumed with following these big news stories and the sensational photos and details that keep popping up on the Internet and in the news. But it’s important to help our children be calm and compassionate through our examples of continuing our regular lives with an extra dosage of kindness concern.

(8) Let our children know they can trust the adults to handle this.

I also reassured my kids that there are grown ups who are prepared to deal with any scary situation – we talked about fire drills and police and ambulances and school procedures and plans that are all made to keep them safe and respond to any situation, so that they don’t have to worry about “what if” because the grown ups are taking care of it. In Boston, all the doctors in the medical tents were ready to rush in and saved countless lives, the bomb squads were there within minutes, etc. – Vera Chenault

(9) Encourage our children to be leaders and helpers–people who are going to make a difference.

With Newtown, I told my kids that there will always be darkness in the world – our job is to be the light, which will always win out. Then we talked about what we could do to bring light to the world (being nice to sister, helping someone who is hurt, etc.). (My kids are 1, 3, 6, 7) – Vera Chenault

This is a great opportunity to talk to our children about how they can be a great influence for good in this world. Their kindness to those around them can help to make the world a better place, one person, one act of service, at a time.

QUESTION: What further points and ideas would you add? How have you addressed tragedies with your children?

CHALLENGE: Think about the points that resonate with you from this podcast and article and develop your plan for how you will address tragedies with your children.

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music in the podcast from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo above from New York Times.

The post Deliberate Mothering Ideas for Handling Tragedies – Episode 52 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Coming to a Power of Moms Retreat is one way to get together with other moms. This is a photo of our board. (We love them!)

We need friends. We need to socialize. We need to have time face to face with other moms who “get” what we’re going through.

In the midst of this important, essential work of raising families, it’s all too easy to wind up feeling lonely and isolated.

Whether you’re home during the day with little children, spending hours a day shuttling older children back and forth to extracurricular activities, or simply jumping one from one thing to the next as you balance a variety of roles, you (like ALL of us) need other moms.

Join April and Saren in this week’s radio show, as we discuss a variety of ways to get together with other moms, tips for making friendships happen (even when it’s not easy), and encouraging thoughts to get you through extended periods of “alone time” when getting together face-to-face with people just can’t happen very much.

(Maybe this recording can keep you company today!)

Click here to listen

Right click on the link above to download the Radio Show to your computer.

Show Notes

For more information on the Learning Circles described in this episode, click HERE.

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post We Need Each Other – Episode 8 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Join Saren and April in this week’s Power of Moms Radio show where they talk about ways to really focus on the feeling in the home and the experiences we’re having with our families.

There’s certainly a place for all the Pinterest-worthy themed ideas, but in the midst of all this “focus on love,” these are some ideas that will help us really focus on the love.

Click here to listen to Power of Moms Radio Episode 5, “Focus on the FEELING.”

Photo by Freedigitalphotos.net

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Focus on the FEELING – Radio Episode 5 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Last week, we enjoyed a great 45-minute teleclass with Richard and Linda Eyre, authors of the NY Times Bestseller, Teaching Your Children Values.

We invite you to enjoy the recorded teleclass which includes:

• a little history on how Teaching Your Children Values became the first parenting book since the 1950’s to hit #1 on the NYTimes Bestseller List (fun stories about being on Oprah, etc.)
• tips and ideas for how you can pre-empt a lot of parenting issues by proactively teaching your children about honesty, kindness, respect, courage and other important values, focusing on one value each month
• answers to specific questions from parents about helping their children embrace important values and character traits
• tips on how to effectively use the Alexander’s Amazing Adventures program to proactively focus on one value a month in your home

Click here to listen to the Values Teleclass with Richard and Linda Eyre

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post FREE Values Teleclass with Richard and Linda Eyre appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Join April Perry and Andrea Davis (two of the authors of Deliberate Motherhood), as they discuss Andrea’s section of the book that was published in Chapter 4: Celebrate Your Uniqueness.

They’ll discuss methods for focusing on our own “personal bests” and giving ourselves relief from trying to measure up to someone else’s standards.

Click here to listen to episode 49, “Your ‘Personal Best.'”

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Your “Personal Best” – Episode 49 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Sometimes our task lists, the unexpected needs that arise, the concerns on our minds, and our desires to be really great moms combine to create a less-than-ideal experience. Can you relate?

We’re pretty sure that every mom in the world has felt overwhelmed at one point or another.

There are lots of logistics to manage.  We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. We have worries about our relationships with friends and family. We want to know that our lives have purpose.  And in the midst of all this, something unexpected happens every single day.

In this episode, Saren and April share their own experiences with feeling overwhelmed and provide dozens of suggestions for making our lives feel much more manageable.

They’ll talk about ways to accept our imperfections and stop the guilt, the importance of small, manageable lists, techniques to recharge regularly, and tips for implementing long-term strategies for minimizing the amount of time we spend feeling like we’re barely keeping our heads above water.

Our Power of Moms Facebook community provided much of the content for this radio show, and you can click here to see the original Facebook thread.

Click here to listen to Power of Moms Radio Episode 3, “Define ‘Overwhelmed.'”

The post Define “Overwhelmed” – Radio Show Episode 3 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Alia, April, Saren, and Ashton – at the Los Angeles airport in preparation for their flight to Australia in March of 2012.

This month, Saren and April’s oldest children both turned 13–which means that their motherhood experiences are stretching to a whole new level.

In preparation for this radio show–all about teenagers–they asked the Power of Moms Facebook community for advice and ideas.  The response was amazing.  (Click here to see the full thread on Facebook.)

In this podcast, April and Saren will talk about how you show love to teenagers (do you tuck them in bed at night?), how to give them the space they need (while still staying close to them), how to give them the additional responsibility they crave (without overwhelming them), and how to help them develop great friendships outside the home.

Once you’ve listened to the show, please share your comments below.  We’d love to learn more!

Click here to listen to the Radio Broadcast, “Starting the ‘Teenage Years.'”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Starting the “Teenage Years” – Radio Show Episode 2 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

It was about a mom who, for her 40th birthday, decided that she wanted to do 40 acts of kindness.

But she wasn’t thinking small here–she involved an entire crew (including her 15-year-old daughter), and they spent a full day (and several weeks of preparation) blessing those in their community–in very meaningful ways.

Honestly, it’s amazing.  You’ll definitely want to visit the full birthday post on Amy and Michaela’s Blog, Making Life Whimsical.

So I got together with the birthday girl (Amy) and her friend/blog partner/co-“Giving Crew” member (Michaela), and what resulted was a fun, inspirational podcast that will tell you how you could make this into a family tradition at your house–on any budget of time or energy.

It’s about kindness inspiring kindness.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Kindness Inspires Kindness”

(You might need to give it a minute to load.  All podcasts are also available on iTunes.)

Amy was also kind enough to let me include a photo of her planning sheet.  She carried this piece of paper around with her for weeks as she brainstormed service ideas, set up her budget, and organized which ones she would do in which order.  So inspiring.

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Kindness Inspires Kindness – Episode 47 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

April and Saren, Power of Moms Founders

Welcome to this very first Power of Moms Radio Show!  April and Saren (Co-Founders of Power of Moms) are excited to invite you into their conversation each week as they discuss ideas, stories, and experiences that help them to become happier, more deliberate mothers.

Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s show:

• A variety of ways to evaluate your year (What are we becoming?)

• How to record the growth in your life and the really great experiences you don’t want to forget

• Practical tips for being more present

• Questions to ask yourself when you’re deciding which activities deserve your time.  (For example, “What is my job? What isn’t my job?”)

• Motivation to work toward bite-sized change.

• How to emphasize relationships and character-building

• How to choose your priorities based on what you really love and what’s unique to you

• Ways to make reflection, resolutions, and change a regular part of your life–not just something that you do at the beginning of the year.

Click here to listen to the first Radio broadcast with April and Saren

[download label=”Click here to download the broadcast straight to your computer.”]http://powerofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013.1.7Radio1.mp3[/download]

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post New Year’s Reflections and Plans – Radio Show Episode 1 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

However, if we want our children to develop healthy, positive perspectives about sex, it’s important to build strong relationships, start the conversations at an early age, and keep the door open for ongoing questions, concerns, and meaningful discussions.

In this podcast, you’ll get to join April Perry and her 12-year-old daughter, Alia, as they talk about basic principles that make “the talk” into a very comfortable series of ongoing, deliberate conversations that benefit everyone in the family.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Having ‘The Talk.'”

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Having “The Talk” – Episode 43 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Julie Morgenstern has published a fantastic book called Time Management from the Inside Out.

And in this podcast, I have the chance to talk with the amazing Adina Soclof of Parenting Simply to talk about how she has applied these principles in her own life.

Here are some of the questions we’ll discuss:

What are the different strengths mothers have when it comes to time management and getting things done?

How can mothers do a better job of not “fighting who they are” in terms of organization?

How can we be creative in “making things work” as we balance our many roles?

How do we make sure that effective time management doesn’t take the place of genuine, powerful parenting?  (Sometimes it’s easy to brush children aside so we can get something “done,” when, in fact, our children are really the ones who are most important to us.)

I came away with a much healthier perspective about time management, appreciating our unique styles, and putting first things first.  Enjoy!

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Managing Time from the Inside Out.”

Visit Adina’s website at: parentingsimply.com and see her related post about Time Management here.

Click on the featured photo to see an enlarged version of Adina’s schedule she referenced in the podcast.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

The Power of Moms is an Amazon Affiliate.  If you link to and purchase a book we recommend on Amazon’s website, we will receive a small commission.  However, our we only make honest endorsements on products we know and use ourselves.  Thanks for your support!

The post Managing Time from the Inside Out – Episode 42 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Perspectives on Balance.”

Some ideas from this podcast are further explained in this article: A Three-Minute Daily Balance Solution

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

The post Perspectives on Balance- Episode 38 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

So I teamed up with DeAnne Flynn, an inspiring mother of seven children (ages 8-22), who had tons of great tips to share.  I thought I would feel stressed out by the end since there is so much I am not doing. But guess what!  It’s not as hard as I thought.

We teach our children to help out around the house.  We don’t solve all their problems for them.  We let them be bored sometimes.  We pull back a bit as a parent.  We breathe.  We relax.

That, I can totally do.

DeAnne has wonderful ideas I know you’ll love. Enjoy the podcast!  (And you can visit her on her website, www.deanneflynn.com.)

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Getting Excited About Goals.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

Interesting associated link: http://www.wimp.com/graduationspeech/

The post Getting Excited About Goals- Episode 37 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Sometimes we fail to see or recognize the beauty and wonder around us.  That applies to our bodies!  While there is always room for improvement, there is also room for awe and amazement.

In response to April’s recent article, Moms’ Body Image, she and Dawn Wessman (certified instructor, mother, and incredible motivator) teamed up to record a podcast full of practical ways to have a positive view of our bodies and make exercise and nutrition a priority.

Full Podcast: “Solutions to Moms’ Body Issues.”

-OR-

To listen to the podcast in smaller segments, click on the appropriate podcast section below.

Section one: “Introduction”

Section two: “How to Have a Positive View of our Bodies.”

Section three: “How to Make Exercise a Priority.”

Section four: “Nutrition and Getting Started.”

Links mentioned in the podcast:

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

The post Solutions to Moms’ Body Issues – Episode 36 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

We’ve all had those days, haven’t we?  The groceries got left in the car, the sock got stuck in the vacuum . . .. And you think to yourself, “Is this real?  What else could possibly happen today?!”  You’re not alone.

Join Kristine Jones and April Perry as they discuss ways to manage all those things that somehow find a way to go wrong.

Click here to listen to, “Ever had a day that felt like a circus?”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from flickr.com

The post Ever Had a Day that Felt Like a Circus? – Episode 35 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Come join me in a fun and meaningful discussion with Sarah Osmotherly where we discuss why we need social time with other mothers, what we loved about our experience at the Retreat, and what we can do to become really rockin’ mums.

Honestly, her darling accent and incredible energy can’t help but inspire you.  (She even got my husband laughing . . . )

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Becoming a ROCKIN’ Mum.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Becoming REALLY Rockin’ Mums appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

In our first international podcast (recorded the night after our Sydney Retreat), six mums share ideas about how to identify and pursue passions–without sacrificing the well-being of our families.

In this podcast, you’ll hear the voices (and laughter) of Laura Jacobsen, Naomi Ellis, Felicity Aston, Alaine Kowalski, Saren Loosli, and April Perry.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Discovering Your Passions.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Discovering Your Passions – Episode 32 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

photo by Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beverly Nelson was recently named California Mother of the Year 2012 by American Mothers Inc. She raised eight children and housed three teen-aged foreign exchange students. That’s a lot of teenagers! Beverly calls them “baby adults” and in this podcast, she and Caryn Payzant discuss strategies for teaching teenagers to be respectful and responsible. (Her secret? Start early!) She also speaks about the importance of maintaining patience, especially in communication, as teenagers learn the skills of adulthood.

Click here to listen to the podcast by Caryn and Beverly.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Patience with Teenagers – Episode 31 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo submitted by Grant Cochrane at www.freedigitalphotos.net

When I read about the uprising in Syria, the nuclear issues in the Middle East, or the drug wars in Mexico, I end up feeling quite discouraged.

Here I am chopping carrots, matching socks, and sewing on Cub Scout badges–and I can’t do a thing to solve the world’s problems (or so I thought).

Yes, I want to be an informed voter.  Yes, I think one person can affect public policy and “change the world,” but what I’ve been looking for (and what I’ve finally found) are simple ways I can shape the next generation, right in my own home.

Last week, I had the chance to spend an hour on the phone with Homa Sabet Tavangar, the author of one of my new favorite books, “Growing Up Global.”  (We’ve got a book giveaway below, so be sure to leave a comment to enter.)

It’s all about raising children who feel at home in the world–children who are genuinely compassionate, appreciative of other cultures, and knowledgeable about the successes and challenges every country faces.

Think about it.  If every mother worldwide operated out of the same playbook–raising respectful, solid, global-minded children–our future would look mighty bright.

Click here to listen to our full podcast.

And if you’d like to know five simple ways that Homa suggests we begin this process of raising global children, here are some ideas from her first chapter:

(1) Keep the World at Your Fingertips

Whether it’s an inflatable globe, a classroom globe, or a huge wall map, having the world in front of us will shape our conversations.

Let’s say you have a map hanging in your kitchen, and as you’re unloading your groceries, you notice that your kiwi has a sticker reading, “Produce of Italy.”  How simple is it to show your child where the fruit was grown and how far it had to travel to get to your local grocery store? (Assuming your child isn’t throwing a tantrum because he wants to eat the jelly beans you bought, even though you haven’t had lunch yet.)

After the tantrum last Wednesday, my son and I did take a couple of minutes to explore the kiwi-Italy connection, and now “Italy” doesn’t seem like such a vague concept.  It’s a place; a place that brings him great fruit, for starters.

(2) Surf the Internet

My children love to be online, but there are so many time traps that drive me crazy.  We spent three minutes watching Conan O’Brien delivering Chinese food to New Yorkers this morning, and I’m thinking we could have done something a little more productive (even though it was pretty funny . . .). It’s not like we always have to use the Internet for education, but sprinkling a few global, educational sites into our online time is simple and effective.

National Geographic’s My Wonderful World page is a fun place to start, and the American Library Association has a listing of great websites for kids.  There are limitless resources out there, but we need to be looking for them.

(3) Find Beautiful Books

This is where I’m lacking, so it’s a good thing we have such a helpful librarian (who I’ll be visiting shortly).  Homa started out with these two favorites: Children Just Like Me and A Life Like Mine.

(4) Enrich Your Playlists and Music Collection

Your local library undoubtedly has a plethora of excellent music from around the world, but if you’re looking for some other ways to get started, I’m thrilled with Putumayo’s World Music for Kids.  And since talking with Homa, I’ve been showing my children YouTube videos of Yo-Yo Ma, and I even took my husband on a date to an Italian opera. (Romantic!)

(5) Get Passports

Even if you have no plans to travel right now, having passports opens the possibility.  My 12-year-old daughter and I are traveling together to our Power of Moms Australian Retreats next month (so exciting . . . and so nerve-wracking).  The week after I took her to the passport office, she and her siblings created their own set-up for their Zhu Zhu Pets.

They took “official” photos of each of their 12 little animals and then printed passport images off the Internet to make covers for the booklets.

Photo submitted by April Perry

This is just a small example, but children structure their play around their experiences, and even though I don’t have plans to backpack through Europe with my four little ones anytime soon, I want to create a life that literally means the world to my family.

We may not be able to do something about everything we see on the news, but can we do something (even a little something) every day to positively affect the next generation?  Absolutely.

For more great information, visit Homa’s website, www.growingupglobal.net.

QUESTION: What are the best resources you’ve found to help your children develop a global mindset?

CHALLENGE: Pick one idea–either from this post, from Homa’s website, or from your own imagination–to help your family develop a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the variety of cultures in our world.

Thanks to those who commented and entered our book giveaway!  The winner was randomly selected, and her name is . . . Emily Ballard!  Congratulations!

For those of you who didn’t win, you can still order the book at Amazon.  (It’s well worth it.)

The post Five Ways To Open The World To Our Children appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Isn’t love the most important element of discipline and conflict resolution? Saren, her mom Linda and her sisters Shawni and Saydi recorded this 20-minute podcast during their recent girls’ weekend. They offer lots of stories and methods for making love the key ingredient in our discipline strategies with our children and our resolution of issues with our spouses and friends.

Click HERE to listen to the podcast – Love is the Answer

For more great podcasts by NYTimes Bestselling Author, Linda Eyre, and her daughters, Saren, Shawni, and Saydi, click HERE.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Love is the Answer – Episode 28 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “I Love You Rituals”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post I Love You Rituals – Episode 27 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the podcast “What to Accept About Our Children”.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post What to Accept About Our Children – Episode 26 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

In this 30-minute podcast, Power of Moms Co-Director, Saren Loosli talks with Koni Smith (Power of Moms Board Member) about accepting and working through the super hard things that life can throw our way.

Koni shares her story of hard times (her husband has been out of work for a couple years now which necessitated the sale of their home and a move into her husband’s parents’ basement with their five children while expecting a sixth “surprise” child) and Saren and Koni discuss concrete ideas for getting through (and learning from) the really difficult circumstances we all face at some point in our lives.

Whether you’re facing economic hardships, physical challenges, or emotional difficulties, the principles in this podcast can help you see the hope and find the power to change your mind and heart even when you can’t change your circumstances.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Getting Through the Dark Times” with Saren and Koni.

(You might need to give it a minute to load)

 All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

[download label=”Click here to download the podcast straight to your computer”]http://powerofmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013.1.10SarenKoni.mp3[/download]

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

The post Getting Through the Dark Times – Episode 48 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo by Whitney Winter

We all know that motherhood is the best improv show out there.  And things rarely turn out as planned.

So in the midst of all the chaos and unmet expectations, how can The Power of Acceptance influence us as wives and mothers? What specific things can we do to become healthier, happier women?  When a daughter colors on her new doll’s face (as pictured), how do we keep from freaking out?

Click here for Part Two of the podcast, “When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out as Planned”

(Click here to listen to Part One.)

*And if you love the quote by Rachel Jankovic that Whitney shares with us during the podcast, you can find it here in full . . . and a snippet below.

“[To many in the world,] children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.

“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

“It isn’t enough to pretend. You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.

“Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.”

(That’s what we’re all about at The Power of Moms.)

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out as Planned – Part 2 – Episode 25 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo by Whitney Winter

As much as we try to set and achieve goals that will help us become the mothers and women we most want to be, our lives will never turn out exactly as planned.

In this podcast, Whitney Winter and April Perry discuss why acceptance of our not-so-perfect lives is such a challenge, and they share specific strategies (like creating a “Power Page”) to help us turn “the hard stuff” into launching points for living powerful lives.

Click here to listen to Part One of the podcast, “When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out as Planned.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out as Planned – Part 1 – Episode 24 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo by Jennie Rowen

How do you develop the confidence to teach your children well?  How do you help your children develop the characteristics that are important to a successful life?  And where do you start if you feel like you’re failing miserably?

Join April Perry, Co-Director of The Power of Moms, and Tina Marantette, of www.raisingyourchildren.net, as they discuss these and other important questions that help us take advantage of the teaching moments that are all around us.

Click here to listen to Part 2 of the podcast, “Mothers ALWAYS Teach.

(To listen to Part 1, please click here.)

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Mothers ALWAYS Teach, Part 2 – Episode 23 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo by BGDL at www.flickr.com

Whether consciously or not, mothers are always teaching their children.  We teach by example.  We teach by what we say, how we discipline, what we allow, what we don’t allow, how we handle frustrations, and how we handle our time.

Join April Perry, Co-Director of The Power of Moms, and Tina Marantette of Raising Your Children as they discuss ways to make teaching a priority, techniques for incorporating teaching into everyday routines, and powerful perspectives that can help every mom see that she can be her child’s best teacher.

Click here to listen to Part 1 of the podcast, “Mothers ALWAYS Teach.”

(To view Part 2, please click here.)

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Mothers ALWAYS Teach, Part 1 – Episode 22 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

“Jerusalem Dinner”

As moms, we wish each moment of our parenting lives could be picture perfect.  But, we aren’t always putting on our best face or doing the best we can.  There are always things that we wish we’d done differently.  In this podcast, our guest, Karen Baker, discusses some ways she’s found to keep her thoughts clear of regret.  Karen is the mother of 6 children, most of whom are grown.  She says, “Regret does not necessarily have to be negative; look at the past and learn from it.  Try to do the best you can- that is all you can do.”  Karen has a wonderful perspective on how to stay positive, including- using scrapbooks to remember good memories, not judging others, long term planning for holidays.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “No Regrets.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post No Regrets – Episode 21 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Ever Feel Like ‘Just a Mom’?”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Ever Feel Like “Just a Mom”? – Episode 20 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “An Attitude of Gratitude.”

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post An Attitude of Gratitude – Episode 18 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Click here to listen to “The Gift of an Imperfect Mom” Podcast.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post The Gift of an Imperfect Mom – Episode 17 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.

Photo by April Perry (This is our “We Love to Be a Family” Day, referenced in the podcast)

Sometimes it feels like implementing quality traditions into our homes is “just one more thing” to do. When we’re swamped with activities, work, messes, and a seemingly-endless list of tasks, the last thing we need is pressure to make magical memories along the way.

In this podcast, Caryn Payzant and April Perry will remind you that traditions don’t have to be “big” or stressful.  Chances are, you’ve already got some great traditions going in your family (ones you might not have recognized before).  Join us as we share helpful ideas for creating powerful traditions your family will love.

Click here to listen.

“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”

The post Stress-Free Traditions – Episode 16 appeared first on Support for Moms - Power of Moms.