The Connected Mom

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Rachael Groll discuss the importance of hearing God's voice in parenting. They explore how to discern God's voice through scripture and the Holy Spirit, the significance of trusting God during painful experiences, and practical ways to teach children to listen for God's voice. Rachael shares her personal journey, including her experience with a failed adoption, and emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God for both parents and children.https://www.rachaelgroll.comRachael's Book : Hearing Jesus: 365 Day Devotional

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling engages in a heartfelt conversation with Blair Linne about the struggles of anxiety and worry, particularly in children and mothers. They explore Blair's personal journey with anxiety, the impact of social media, and practical strategies for parents to help their children cope with anxiety. The discussion also highlights the importance of prayer, scripture, and the therapeutic power of spoken word poetry. Blair shares insights from her book, Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry,' which addresses children's fears and emphasizes God's presence in their lives.Blair’s book: Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner discuss the feelings of invisibility that many mothers experience, the importance of seeking help through counseling, and the comfort found in knowing that God sees and cares for us. They explore the challenges of motherhood, the significance of small tasks, and the need for intentional communication and boundaries in relationships with adult children. The conversation emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of community support.https://sherylgt.com

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Mandy Horne discuss the challenges of the different seasons of raising children. Mandy's Resources: https://www.wellspringoflifecoaches.com/team-1

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling speaks with author Janel Breitenstein about the challenges of motherhood, particularly focusing on the theme of anger. They discuss the societal and religious pressures that lead mothers to feel guilty about their anger, and how understanding and managing this emotion can lead to healthier parenting. Janel shares practical tips for recognizing triggers, the importance of self-awareness, and how to approach anger in a way that reflects God's love and grace. The conversation emphasizes the need for mothers to be kind to themselves and to seek God's help in their parenting journey.Janel’s Book - How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs: Keeping Your Cool While Raising Your Kids

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling and Laine Lawson Craft discuss the significance of genuine friendships, especially during challenging times. They explore the transition from parenting to writing children's literature, emphasizing the foundational truths every child should hear. The conversation highlights the importance of prayer in parenting and the mission behind Laine's new book, 'The Beginning of You,' which aims to support mothers who choose life for their children.Laine’s Book: The Beginning of You

Many believers feel torn between loving others and protecting their hearts. We’re taught to include everyone, forgive quickly, and keep our doors open—but Scripture also calls us to wisdom and discernment in who we allow to shape our thinking, emotions, and spiritual direction.In this conversation, we explore the difference between loving people and trusting them equally—and why healthy boundaries aren’t unloving, but deeply biblical.Author Becky Harling joins us to unpack what emotionally healthy, Christ-centered friendships look like, how to recognize unsafe relational patterns, and how to heal when relationships wound us. Together, we examine how grounding our identity in Jesus frees us to love generously without becoming drained, resentful, or spiritually pulled off course.This episode provides clarity on:why loving everyone doesn’t mean giving everyone equal access to your hearthow to identify safe, reciprocal friendshipswarning signs of codependency, control, gossip, and emotional imbalancehow prayer shapes wise relational decisionswhat loyalty and long-term friendship look like in a Christ-centered lifehow to set boundaries without becoming guarded or cynicalsteps toward healing after relational hurtResource referenced: Friend-Wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, Becky Harling and Erin Davis engage in a heartfelt discussion about the concept of over-functioning in parenting and friendships. They explore the challenges of wanting to do too much for others, the importance of allowing children and friends to experience their own struggles, and the necessity of finding identity and affirmation in Christ rather than in performance. The conversation also touches on the biblical story of Joseph as a lens for understanding family dysfunction and the redemptive work of God in our lives.Erin's book: The Story of Joseph

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling and her friend Carol Kent discuss the vital role of friendship in our lives. They explore themes of intentionality, affirmation, and support in friendships, as well as the challenges of competition and comparison. Carol shares her insights on setting boundaries and the importance of prayer and connection, especially during difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace in relationships and the strength that comes from having a supportive community.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling and her friend Judy Dunagan discuss the vital role of friendship in motherhood. They explore themes of intentionality, prayer, vulnerability, affirmation, and the challenges of competition and comparison among friends. Through their personal stories, they highlight how deep friendships can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of community, ultimately enriching the journey of motherhood. The conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing friendships and being proactive in seeking connections with others.

In this episode of The Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling discusses the vital role of friendship in women's lives, particularly for mothers. She reflects on her personal journey through cancer, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and being intentional in friendships. Harling warns against complacency and encourages listeners to treasure their friends, take initiative, and engage meaningfully in their lives. The episode sets the stage for a series focused on deepening friendships and supporting one another through life's challenges.Becky's book:Friend-wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships

In this episode of The Connected Mom, Becky Harling and therapist Kenza Haddock delve into the complexities of mother wounds, particularly focusing on the impact of borderline personality disorder in mothers. They discuss the emotional turmoil faced by children of borderline mothers, the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of forgiveness in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the significance of therapy, self-awareness, and the power of God's healing in overcoming generational patterns of emotional distress.Kenza's Book: Unmasking Narcissism: Exposing and Breaking Free From Hidden Patterns of Abuse

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling and therapist Kenza Haddock delve into the complex topic of mother wounds, particularly focusing on the impact of narcissistic mothers. They discuss the emotional scars left by such relationships, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the importance of setting boundaries for healing. Kenza emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the role of spiritual mothering in the healing process. The conversation also highlights the significance of prayer and seeking support from healthy relationships as part of the journey towards recovery.Kenza's book: Unmasking Narcissism: Exposing and Breaking Free From Hidden Patterns of Abuse

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, the host discusses the challenges of letting go as a parent, especially when children grow up and pursue their own paths. Featuring Jennifer Dukes Lee, the conversation explores themes of faith, the importance of prayer, and the emotional journey of parenting. Jennifer shares her experiences with her daughters, their educational pursuits, and the role of prayer in navigating the challenges of parenting. The episode emphasizes the significance of trusting God's plan for our children and the power of scripture in providing comfort and guidance.Jennifer’s book: It's All Under Control:

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling and counselor Michelle Nietert discuss the emotional challenges of letting go as parents, particularly when sending children off to college. They explore the importance of understanding the Father heart of God, navigating the complexities of college life, and the dual responsibilities of caring for aging parents while raising children. Michelle shares practical tips for moms in the sandwich generation, emphasizing the need for community support, self-care, and the acceptance of grief during transitions. Michelle book: Strong and Secure

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling and guest Peggy Sue Wells discuss the complexities of motherhood during the holiday season, particularly focusing on the challenges of navigating relationships with adult children. They explore the emotional dynamics of family gatherings, the impact of high conflict divorce on holiday celebrations, and the importance of clear communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for mothers to transition from traditional parenting roles to friendships with their adult children, while also highlighting the significance of gratitude and emotional health in maintaining these relationships. PeggySue Wells is an award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, writing coach, and independent publishing strategist who inspires readers and writers alike with nearly 50 captivating books and practical guides. Peggys book: The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling welcomes actress and author Jen Lilley, who shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and her new devotional, 'Wake Up Your Faith.' Jen discusses the challenges of balancing her acting career with raising four children, the importance of prayer in decision-making, and her personal struggles with an eating disorder. The conversation emphasizes the need for daily encounters with Jesus and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Jen Lilley shares her personal journey of overcoming bulimia and the importance of trusting God in the healing process. She discusses the role of counseling, the balance between boldness and gentleness in faith, and the significance of living out love in daily life. Jen emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to health and the importance of support systems for those struggling with eating disorders. She encourages listeners to focus on Jesus as the standard for love and boldness in their lives.Jen’s book: Wake Up Your Faith

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling welcomes author Julie Lavender to discuss her journey in writing children's books, including her latest works focused on Advent. Julie shares her experiences as a writer, the joy of collaborating with her husband, and the importance of creating meaningful connections through literature. The conversation highlights the significance of instilling a love for reading in children and the role of faith in their upbringing. Julie's books aim to engage young readers and encourage family traditions, making them valuable resources for parents.Julie’s Book: Children’s Advent Stories For Bedtimehttps://mitchelllanepub.com/https://thecreativecompany.us/

Becky and Amanda Cleary Eastep continue the series on children’s books. AMANDA CLEARY EASTEP is an award-winning children’s author and a book editor. She works in a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, but she has lived most of her life in the suburbs of Chicago, the home of the Tree Street Kids. Amanda and her husband, together, have eight grown children and a border collie named Annie who wakes Amanda up early every morning to write. Tree Street Kids Set