Mama Mentors

Traveling with kids can be exciting—but when bedtime rolls around, sleep often feels impossible. In this episode of Mama Mentors, Mamas Beth and Holly share practical tips for helping children sleep while away from home. From maintaining familiar bedtime routines to encouraging daytime activity, creating a calming wind-down period, and moderating expectations, you’ll learn how to set your child (and yourself) up for more restful nights on vacation.Whether you’re preparing for a family trip, a weekend getaway, or an overnight stay with relatives, these insights will help you reduce stress and support your child’s sleep—even in an unfamiliar place.✨ Topics We Cover:How keeping some routines consistent helps kids feel secureHow to balance flexibility with structure on vacationSimple ways to help children wind down before bedThe importance of daytime activity and playAdjusting your expectations—and knowing when to offer extra comfortPerfect for parents who want to enjoy travel and keep bedtime battles to a minimum.

Deciding whether or not to have kids is one of life’s biggest questions. In this episode, we dive into the common fears and objections people face when thinking about parenthood. Do you need to feel completely ready before becoming a parent? How can you process the worries that come with this decision? And was it easier for earlier generations to choose family life? Drawing from our own experiences and stories from people we know, we offer honest, down-to-earth reflections to help you think through this deeply personal choice.Music by Joystock.

In this special Mama Mentors episode, five of our Mamas share real stories about teaching their children perseverance. Today, it’s easy to let kids avoid responsibility or give up when things get hard. But perseverance is a skill they’ll carry for life. The Mamas talk about everyday habits and choices that help kids build determination, resilience, and the confidence to keep going—even when challenges come their way.Music by Joystock.

Parenting a special needs child comes with unique challenges, deep joys, and life-changing lessons. In this heartfelt episode, Julie Adam shares her journey of adopting Lola Ruth, a tiny Bulgarian orphan with Down syndrome, and the struggles of being a special needs parent. From navigating adoption hurdles to facing unexpected medical challenges, Julie opens up about her faith, resilience, and the vital role of community. As a single mother, she’s learned the importance of accepting support for parents with a special needs child—from family, friends, and church. Julie’s story is a reminder that these families need our awareness, compassion, and practical help. Hear how Lola Ruth is already fulfilling God’s plan for her life and why Julie is grateful to be part of it.

You may be surprised to learn that many of the ways we respond to our loved ones are based on fear rather than love. Transformational life coach AnnMarie Chereso tells us how we can change this tendency. We talk about how women are particularly sensitive to others' energy, and what that means for their role in the world. How does you guide your older children to seek first an "exquisite" life? What is the most potentially damaging thing we do to our kids as parents? How can we teach our kids to be community-builders? We've got the answers in this packed episode. Enjoy!Lessons From Living Podcast with Beth Graham, LessonsFromLiving.net

Need a few moments to yourself? Before turning to screen time, let’s explore some thoughtful options! In this episode, Mama Martha shares how she approached limited screen use while raising her children—and what she's learning now with her young granddaughter. We dive into research on the effects of screen time on toddler brain development and the value of setting healthy limits. Plus, we discuss creative ways to make reading fun and meaningful, turning books into opportunities for bonding and lasting memories.Show Notes:Music by JoyStockraisewildflowers.comSuper Simple SongsBluey ShowSandra Boynton booksEric Carle booksKid to Kid Consignment storeshttps://imaginationlibrary.com/James' book suggestions:The Day the Crayons Quit, Drew DaywaltHenny Penny, Paul GaldoneThree More Stories You Can Read to Your Cat, Sara Swan MillerUp the Mountain Path, Marianne DubucSleep Tight Farm, Eugenie DoyleLittle Witch Hazel, Phoebe WahlThe Poky Little Puppy, Janetter Sebring LowreyThe Digger and the Flower, Joseph Kuefler

Are you concerned that your child always starts the school year playing catch-up? Studies show that for some children, as much as 40% of their learning evaporates during summer months. This doesn't have to be the case! Veteran teacher, Mama Lisa shares ideas for maintaining and building upon what your child has learned during the school year. Let us hear your ideas, too, for fun summer learning activities, as we Parent Better Together!

Does your child struggle to make friends, or handle themselves well in a social situation? Is your inclination to step in and smooth the way for them? Mama Holly suggests some practical ideas for making your child proficient socially; and you may be surprised that interjecting yourself into the process is not one of them! You will come away from this episode with actionable ideas and perhaps even a different way of thinking of your role as a parent. Let us hear your thoughts on this subject!Music by Joystock.Show Notes:References: How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Planning on bringing a baby home soon? Or maybe you already have a new little one, and are feeling completely overwhelmed. This episode is loaded with practical advice from Mama Betsy, who has brought home four of her own babies, plus a new grandson. Betsy is The Master of all things organization and preparation, and no surprise, she came through in a BIG way for us on the early days of surviving baby! Don't struggle alone: try out these tips and let us know your own ideas about transitioning to parenthood.Music by Joystock.Show Notes:References:Cry When the Baby Cries, Becky BarnicoatMama Doc Medicine, Wendy Sue SwansonWhat Your Baby Wants You to Know, Marie DeromesPlayful by Design, Myriam Sandlers

Is it possible to maintain your identity while growing into the role of a parent? And is it even okay to want a life outside of your parenting responsibilities?In this episode, Mama Martha opens up about how she and her daughter have both wrestled with these questions, and the practical steps they took to restore a sense of balance in their lives.We explore how parents and children can each grow into their own personhood — and how a parent’s pursuit of fulfillment can actually model healthy self-care and emotional maturity for their kids. It's a conversation about boundaries, balance, and the beauty of becoming.Music by JoyStock.Show notes:References:Fair Play, Eve RodskyMotherwhelmed, Beth BerryUntamed, Glennon DoyleThe Fifth Trimester, Lauren Smith Brody

In this inaugural episode, we will introduce the Mamas, learn about their families, and warm them up with an initial question about parenting.Now they're ready for your questions!Leave a question in our box at mamamentors.net, or message us on Instagram at Mama Mentors06.We look forward to journeying with you as we learn to parent better together!

Have a pressing parenting problem?Record your question at MamaMentors.Net, or message us on Instagram at MamaMentors06The Mamas will build an episode around your answer!SUBSCRIBE for free on your favorite podcast platform, so that you're notified immediately when your answer episode drops.Don't parent alone... Let's Parent Better Together!Music by Joystock.