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.

In honor of Screen-Free Week, Power of Moms is posting podcasts each day. Happy listening!

Do you ever feel like you move from one task to the next, but never actually get the most important things done?

Join April Perry, Tiffany Sowby, and Briana Johnson in their “Post-Retreat Slumber Party” as they discuss practical ways to structure our days and weeks so we’re not running around simply putting out fires.

Here are some topics the podcast will cover:

• the art of the “Multiple-Choice Perfect Day”

• how we decide which things to cut out

• methods for appreciating the memorable moments we are experiencing (like the day Tiffany’s son turned his goat into a pack animal), and

• possible ways to create a tangible vision for each day and week

This podcast has lots of laughter and fun (it was recorded at a slumber party, after all), but it’ll give you a glimpse into an actual conversation with three deliberate mothers . . . who are simply trying to figure out the best way to raise strong families and enjoy this process of motherhood.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “How Can a Busy Mom Stay Focused?

I don’t know how we forgot to take a picture of all three of us, but the top photo is of Briana and Tiffany, and I’m in the bottom photo.

And click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

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

Additional Links:

Tiffany’s Blog

Briana’s Blog 

Come to a Retreat!

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.

Recording this podcast with Katrina Kenison was honestly a dream come true.

For years, I (April) have read her books, followed her blog, and taken courage from her wise, wise words.

She’s helped me to slow down, to see the value of my work, and to experience true contentment in motherhood.

Now, in her brand new book, Magical Journey, she shares deeply and vulnerably about this new stage of her life.

Whether, like Katrina, your children have “left the nest” or whether you’re still in the midst of diaper changes and high-chair feedings, I guarantee that the thoughts and ideas you’ll have when you listen to this interview will inspire and encourage you on your path of deliberate motherhood.

Click here to listen to the “Magical Journey” podcast with Katrina Kenison.

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

And click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

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

Show Notes – Additional Links

Katrina’s Website

Excerpt of Magical Journey

Magical Journey on Amazon

All of Katrina’s books on Amazon

Beautiful interview with Katrina by Amy Makechnie

Magical Journey Video:

Gift of an Ordinary Day Video:

(Our giveaway has ended, and our winners are displayed on the Rafflecopter.  Thanks!)

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Julie has been featured on CNN, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and countless other amazing places.  You can imagine how excited I was to have the chance to interview her on a Power of Moms podcast. (Especially since she jumped on the phone with me just a few minutes after being interviewed by Katie Couric. Isn’t that fun?)

And now I can’t wait to share our podcast with you.

Here’s what we covered in our 25-minute conversation (honestly, you don’t want to miss this):

• How does “getting organized” help us become more deliberate mothers?

• How did Julie go from being very unorganized to being a professional organizer?  And how was motherhood the catalyst for this change?

• What if we want to “fly by the seat of our pants”?  Will systems and processes cramp our ability to be spontaneous?

• Where should we even BEGIN if our lives feel too overwhelming?

• How do we get control over the constant urge we have to check our phones?

• How do I make time to fuel myself with activities and projects that nourish me on the deepest level?  (Is it possible?)

I know you’ll feel just as uplifted as I felt when you listen to this conversation.  And to find out more about Julie, her books, and her coaching services, you can visit JulieMorgenstern.com.

Click here to listen to  the podcast, “Deliberate Organizing with Julie Morgenstern.”

Our Giveaway has closed, but you can scroll down to see some of the great products offered by Julie Morgenstern and Power of Moms.

**Giveaway Recipients***

Julie Morgenstern Packages:

• Sarah Tayler

• Gail Landfried

Power of Moms Packages:

• Aubrey Sanfilippo

• Dana Ferraro

Here is Julie’s “Organize Your Life” Bundle, which includes the following:

Balanced Life Planner

Book: Organizing from the Inside Out

Book: Time Management from the Inside Out

Book: Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens

Lay n Go Lite Toy Storage

This is a Power of Moms “Deliberate Motherhood” package, including

Mind Organization for Moms and M.O.M. in Two Weeks

eBook: Deliberate Motherhood

School Paper and Homework Mastery Kit

Click here for a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

And click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

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

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.

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.

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.

This simple, yet beautiful, area designed by Kelly Donovan of www.houzz.com inspires us to want to create minimalized spaces we can all enjoy.

Have you ever noticed that the home organization/makeover TV shows always send the children AWAY when they’re doing the cleaning and organizing?

So how does a mom de-clutter, organize, and maintain her home when there are children living in it? And when she has a zillion other things to do?

Join April Perry and her dear friend Marilyn Debry in this podcast that will totally motivate you to get your home clean and clutter free–while involving the children and focusing on the relationships.

The best part about this podcast is that it is a no stress experience.  Marilyn shares her ideas in such a relaxed, doable way that you’re sure to come up with your own insights as you hear what a difference this de-cluttering experience has made in her home.

They’ll discuss:

• practical ideas for simplifying life and debunking the myth that “more is better”
• ways to set up time to de-clutter (even if you’re balancing a demanding schedule)
• how to find books and blogs to help you along the way
• how to assign tasks to children of all ages
• specific questions to ask yourself before and during the process, and
• simple ideas to maintain the order (as a whole family) once you’ve gone through all the effort to create it.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Simplifying Your Home Simply–and WITH the Children.”

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

Click here to download the podcast straight to your computer

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

For more design ideas like the one pictured above, visit Kelly Donovan’s page at www.houzz.com.

Is it really possible to go outside our comfort zones and use our voices to make a difference?

For today’s podcast, I (April Perry) interviewed one of the most amazing mom-voices I know (using my minivan as a sound studio while our seven children played together inside the house!).

Sarah Hull and I were dear friends back in high school.

And in 2003, she and her husband, Bryant, became parents to Katie (soon to be followed by Ella and Carter).  Katie is a darling daughter with “extras.”  She was born with Spina Bifida, and over the course of the past nine years, the Hull family has had an incredible impact on their friends, their community, and the thousands of mothers throughout the world who connect with them at school, on their family blog, and through Sarah’s business.

I asked Sarah to share a little about her story–and explain why it’s important for moms to know that they have a voice.

Then we got into some of the “hard” questions.  What prevents mothers from using their voices? How do we get past all those fears, setbacks, and self-doubts?

We also talked about who we look to for inspiration, how we’ve seen our voices make a difference–even in small ways–and what we would recommend to a mother who is trying to get started.

While you’re exercising, cleaning, or simply relaxing in a hot bath at the end of the day, we hope you’ll enjoy this conversation that will inspire you to become more confident and deliberate about the way you use your voice.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Using Our Voices.”

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

QUESTION: Have you had a great experience using your voice–either to be an advocate for your child, make a difference in the community, or share a unique point of view with the world?

CHALLENGE: Take some time to listen to this podcast and then identify one way you could start–or continue–using your voice the way you know, deep down, it’s meant to be used.

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

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

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

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.

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!

A few weeks later, I had the chance to meet Mindy (founder of the site) at a Power of Moms Retreat, and over the course of several months, I’ve learned that what she’s teaching online (more than 96 million video views) and in her family (six darling children!) goes much deeper than the beautiful hairstyles.

In this podcast, you’ll get the chance to hear our conversation about pursuing passions, working together as a family, doing what you love, and making an impact on the world–even when you’re in the thick of family life.

You’ll also hear touching stories about how her work has impacted families around the world–even fathers who have lost their wives and are learning to do hair as a way to offer their daughters a little piece of their mothers.

Everyone has something to teach. Everyone has talents. But building those talents doesn’t have to come at the exclusion of building our families. I have been incredibly inspired by Mindy’s stories, her advice, and her challenge to us to dream boldly and mother deliberately.

Click here to listen to, “Building Out Talents While Building Our Families.”

Visit Mindy’s site at: www.cutegirlshairstyles.com

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

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

Many parents, who perhaps feel they need to pay penance for their own years of procrastination, resort to doing these projects themselves. (I’ve seen an amazing Golden Gate Bridge made out of Popsicle sticks.)

But if we want our children to become independent, confident students who do their own work (before midnight of the day it is due) we need to teach them the skill of getting things done.

The simplest, most effective tip I know for curing the urge to procrastinate is this:

Learn to identify Next Actions.  

The term “Next Action” is from the book Getting Things Done, by David Allen, and it’s defined as “the next physical, visible activity that will move a project toward completion.”  Instead of focusing on how overwhelming a project or assignment can be, we simply focus on the very next task that needs to be done.

Corporate executives are trained in this, but who’s going to teach it to our children?

That would be us.

Saren and I thought it would be fun to teach this process through a podcast featuring real-life stories, so if you’d like to hear about our very best practices for teaching children to confidently move forward on their assignments, this podcast is for you.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Overcoming Homework Procrastination.”

*** Check out our new School Paper and Homework Mastery Kit for lots more ideas, printable charts, and further podcasts to help you fully implement the ideas in this podcast and drastically reduce the mess of papers and the stress of homework in your home.

QUESTION: Do you have some additional ideas for helping your children to avoid procrastination?

CHALLENGE: Listen to this podcast and choose one anti-procrastination technique you can easily implement into your family routine.

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

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

And would you like to pass that healthy perspective on to your children?

The more I learn about body image issues among mothers and children, the more I see that we need to be discussing these issues openly–in an optimistic, positive way that will encourage us to care for ourselves, help us withstand the lies of the media, and create an environment in our homes that emphasizes the real beauty and confidence.

This podcast with Lindsay Kite of Beauty Redefined is one of the most informative, enlightening, uplifting discussions about body image that I have ever had in my life.

Learn real tips and strategies to love and appreciate the beauty that is in each one of us.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Beauty Redefined”

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

• Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

• Photo from Lindsay’s website: http://www.beautyredefined.net/

• Referenced blog post about a mother photographing her post-baby stomach.

• April’s recent posts regarding body image issues: Part One and Part Two

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

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/

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

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

In this podcast, Saren and April, the founders of The Power of Moms, discuss thoughts on why this post went viral and what moms can to do avoid the “compare snare” and celebrate the unique strengths they bring to their families while still enjoying the wonderful things that the Internet and social media has to offer.

Click here to listen to the “Celebrate Your Strengths” Podcast by Saren and April.

Referenced in the podcast are the following resources that will help you do some self-evaluation, celebrate your strengths, and work towards becoming more of what you really want to be:

Celebrate Your Strengths Worksheet

This simple worksheet will take you about 10 minutes to fill out and can really help you change the way you view yourself.

The Bloom Game

Use the online self-assessment tool in this program to think through your strengths and examine the areas where you’d like to improve. Then we’ll help you set bite-sized goals to move you towards the things you want and need for yourself, your family and your pursuits beyond your home.

You Deserve a Cheer

Take 30 seconds to type in something you’ve accomplished lately and get some validation in a fun way!

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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Mary Jenkins is the incredible mother of two children who have been diagnosed with autism.

When I (April) met Mary Jenkins at a recent Power of Moms Retreat, I just knew we needed her voice on a podcast.

Mary could honestly be our Power of Moms “Poster Mom.”  She comments on posts, participates in our webinars, and most importantly–applies what she learns on the site into her own family. (You might like to see Mary’s Deliberate Mothering Video.)

In this podcast, Mary shares her experience mothering two young children with autism.  She tells us specific ways The Power of Moms has helped her create more structure in her family (and balance in her own life), talks about some of her favorite resources for children with autism, and provides encouragement for all mothers who are navigating these parenting waters.

Click here to listen to the podcast by April and Mary.

(Here is the link for the 100 Day Kit Mary mentioned from www.autismspeaks.org.)

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So how do I raise children who feel at home in the world?  How do I prepare my children to work and serve in a global society?  How do I create a home full of rich traditions, fun (and educational) discussions, and exciting new experiences that build character and compassion?

I lucked out big-time when I met Homa Tavangar, the author of Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World.

This lady knows her stuff.  She has three children of her own, and she has spent years putting together simple, doable ideas that any family–on any budget–can implement into their homes.

Seriously, I was so excited about this podcast that I could hardly sleep the night before, and our family has been benefiting from Homa’s wisdom ever since.

Want to listen in on our conversation?  Want to help your children connect genuinely with people and appreciate the beauty of other cultures?

You’ll love the results, and you’ll be amazed at how your own family bonds are strengthened along the way.

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Raising Global Children.”

If you’d like to visit Homa’s fabulous website, it’s called Growing Up Global.

We’ve also put together a full Power of Moms Book Summary.

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

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.

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

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

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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.

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 All podcasts are also available on iTunes.

Click here to download the podcast straight to your computer

Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.

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”

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”

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.)

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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”

“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.”

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

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

Click here to listen to the “Building up” podcast.

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

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

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

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

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

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”

Experienced mother Caryn Payzant joins April Perry in this helpful podcast about choosing where our children (and we, as moms) spend our time.  Caryn has raised three successful children (who are now well-adjusted adults) and has been through the tough world of extracurricular activities.  Listen to her philosophy on how to pick the best activities for your family members, battle peer pressure, teach values, and prepare your children for college.

Click here to listen.

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

Click here to listen.

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

You also might like the other two podcasts in this series:

Keeping Our Focus (Part 1: With Our Children)

Keeping Our Focus (Part 2: Time Alone)

photo by graur codrin at freedigitalphotos.net

Alone time is an important part of nurturing the person inside the mom, but how do we make sure that we are accomplishing what’s most important during that time?  How do we recharge our batteries for the mothering that’s ahead?  How do we focus our alone time?

This 20-minute podcast with April and Lacy explores some answers to this question. And we welcome your ideas and suggestions!

Click here to listen to the podcast, “Keeping Our Focus (Part 2: Time Alone)

You also might like the other two podcasts in this series:

Keeping Our Focus (Part 1: With Our Children)

Keeping Our Focus (Part 3: With Our Spouses)

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

Do you want to be sure that the time you spend with your children is quality time?  Whatever the ages and stages of our children, our time together matters.

In this 20-minute podcast, April Perry and Lacy Anderson discuss: How do we focus our time with our children?  This is the first in a series of three podcasts about focusing our time.  Join us for all three!

Click here to listen.

You also might like the other two podcasts in this series:

Keeping Our Focus (Part 2: Time Alone)

Keeping Our Focus (Part 3: With Our Spouses)

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

Illustration by Grace Perry, Age 8

Raising a strong, happy family is ideally a team effort, but we’ve found that before a couple can be on the same page concerning their children, they (we) need to be on the same page as a couple.

Join Power of Moms Co-Director, April Perry, and her husband, Eric, in this 20-minute podcast where they discuss powerful ideas that have helped their own marriage of 13 years.  They’ll tell you about the times they “got it wrong,”  discuss some principles for setting realistic expectations, and invite you to share your own advice on what works in a true partnership.

Click here to listen.

We’d also love to have you join Richard and Linda Eyre, Saren, Eric, and April at our Couples Retreat on September 9-10th in Park City.

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

Photo by Lacy Anderson

Ever find yourself saying, “There isn’t enough of me to go around” or “I just can’t fit one more thing into this day” or “I’m feeling so frazzled right now”?  Having time in each day to do all the things you want to do to be a great mom is a huge balancing act.  Balance is a law of nature, and each of us needs to find a way to balance time for our families, ourselves, and everyone else who needs us.

In this podcast, April Perry and Lacy Anderson talked about the importance of finding balance in our lives.  They discuss a few key things that can help each of us achieve more balance and feel more peace because of it.  Enjoy!

(Also listen to the podcast to find out what this adorable monkey costume has to do with balance!)

Click here to listen to the “Finding Balance in Our Sometimes-Frazzled Lives” podcast.

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

Image: kongsky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you ever feel empty, unsatisfied, or like something is missing? Do you feel guilty because you have a good life, but you are always looking for more? Are you under the impression that being a mom should fill and complete you . . . but it doesn’t? That’s okay! You’re in good company.

After having children, many women come to the realization that they need to be fulfilled in all areas of their life, not just the part that answers to “Mom.” Don’t get us wrong, being a mom is great, and we love our kids, but that doesn’t mean we can’t love other things too!

There’s no reason to feel down, drained or disappointed when you have a whole community of moms ready to support you as you become the mother (and person) you most want to be.

Whether you’re a new mom struggling to figure out where your pre-mom self has gone, a mom whose children have become a bit more independent, or a mom whose suddenly discovered that her “empty nest” is feeling too empty, we invite you to join April Perry, co-founder of The Power of Moms, and Heather Sobieralski, of My Mama Mojo Life Coaching for moms, as they discuss what feeds their passions–along with tips and tricks for bringing back your mojo and creating a life you love!

Click here to listen.

(And one little clarification by April: In the podcast, I was discussing how the development of our specific talents can be helpful to other people, and I listed music as one of my talents that isn’t very serviceable.  Please understand that I was only referring to MY lack of talent in that area.  Musical talents are a beautiful gift to the world.  Thanks!)

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

Do you feel like nurturing your talents is nearly impossible if you’re simultaneously trying to be a good mom?

Is there a dream or a purpose inside that’s yearning to get out, but you’re not quite sure where to start?

Do you feel like you’ve lost yourself a bit since becoming a mother?

If you’d like to hear someone say, “You can live your dream!” then you’re in the right place.

Join us as we discuss practical ways to identify your talents, dream big, and live the life that you were meant to create.

Listen to the podcast.

(For more information on the “Finding Your Purpose” program mentioned in the podcast, click HERE.)

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

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cookies in the milk jug, tantrums at the grocery store, strong personalities you wish you could control . . . .

It feels nearly impossible sometimes to keep your wits about you when everything seems to be going wrong.

In this podcast, we’ll discuss questions like the following:

• “What defines patience?”

• “Is anger a choice?”

• “How do we stay patient with ourselves?”  and

• “What are some techniques that actually work when you’re in the middle of melting down?”

Although families are noisy, messy, and often difficult, they are also sources of our greatest joy.  April and Kristine will share some stories about when they weren’t patient, talk about methods that have helped them handle their families with more love and respect, and offer concrete, practical ways to help your home be a more peaceful place (does “no more yelling” sound like a dream?).

Listen to the podcast.

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

Photo by www.freedigitalphotos.net

We all know that love is an important ingredient in any family, but how do you show love to yourself and your family members amidst all the thousands of things there are to do each day?

Here’s a podcast by April Perry and Allyson Reynolds where we discuss practical ways to create a loving home environment.

• How do we overcome the guilt we feel when we take care of ourselves?

• What are some inexpensive, meaningful ways to let our children know we’re crazy about them?

• What do fairy wings, handball, and playdough have to do with love?

Click HERE to listen to the podcast.