Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543]

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to talk about parenting, faith, and finding courage, especially in the spotlight. Katherine opens up about her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, an inspiring story about overcoming fear, bravery, and the bond between animals and humans. She shares how growing up in a politically influential family shaped her values, why protecting her kids’ privacy matters deeply to her, and how faith and humor help her stay grounded in motherhood. From her childhood journals to her love of animals Katherine reveals the experiences that built her courage, and how she hopes to pass those lessons on. Here is some of what we cover: Balancing Fame and Family: How Katherine and Chris Pratt navigate parenting in the public eye while prioritizing a grounded, private childhood for their kids. Why boredom, journaling, and quiet moments sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity. Motherhood with Humor and Grace: Katherine’s honest reflections on mom life, finding laughter in chaos, and building a community that uplifts and supports. Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms: find humor in things, get outside, and give yourself grace. Connect with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt:  Website: Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Instagram: Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger) Facebook: Katherine Schwarzenegger Links Mentioned:   Kat and Brandy: By Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Jingle All the Way Christmas Movie Black Beauty: By Anna Sewell BDA Baby® Podcast Related Episodes: Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466] Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521] Featured Sponsors:  Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Bubs Natural: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code [DMA] at Bubsnaturals.com PolicyGenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That’s the ultimate self-care. 

What does it really mean to parent with grace? Does choosing grace-based or gentle parenting mean we throw out discipline or become permissive? In today’s episode, Cody Kimmel and I, explore the deep spiritual truths behind parenting the way God parents us, full of grace, full of truth, and full of delight. Parenting is not about perfection. It’s about partnering with God in the work He’s doing in our kids' lives. When we align ourselves with His heart—gracious, truthful, joyful—we parent from a place of rest, not reaction. Here is some of what we cover: How to respond to a talking-back teen with both love and limits How our own sanctification plays a role in how we approach our kids and discipline  The role of trust and play in your relationship with your kids Grace doesn't mean permissiveness, it means parenting the way God parents us How modern parenting gets it wrong by saying parenting is death to joy and freedom but there is incredible beauty and delight in motherhood  Connect with Cody Kimmel:  Website: Home - Gracebased Facebook: Gracebased Instagram: Gracebased (@gracebasedfamilies) Links Mentioned:   Grace-Based Parenting: By Tim Kimmel Blueprint Pathway - Gracebased Gracebased Home Journal - Gracebased Podcasts lightcatchers - Gracebased Related Episodes: Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237] Grace-Based Discipline :: Karis Kimmel Murray [Ep 150] “What Does My Child Need?” :: Amy and Jeffrey Olrick [Ep 480] Featured Sponsors:  Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/DMA and enter our code DMA at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.  Voetberg Music Academy: This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Get 20% off the proprietary Voetberg Method Experience. Lightcatchers Podcast: Lightcatchers, a new podcast of original stories for children. Created by an organization with over 40 years of helping moms and dads experience God’s vision for parenting, Lightcatchers is loved by children and parents alike. It’s perfect for parents looking for stories that explore topics like emotional intelligence, mental health, and hope. Listen now to Lightcatchers wherever you get your podcasts. And learn more at bealightcatcher.com

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kathleen from The Pour Over, a news outlet known for delivering the world’s biggest headlines with clarity and Christian perspective. We unpack the emotional weight of our 24/7 news cycle, especially in a world where social media pulls on your emotions and algorithms scream, “Why aren’t you talking about this?”.  Moms are expected to stay informed, care deeply, and somehow shield their kids from the fear and confusion that often comes with breaking news. Here are some of the topics we cover:  How to talk to your kids about heavy headlines without additional fear Discernment in the age of social media and video “evidence” Monitoring your time consuming the news — and its effect on your mood Staying informed while still showing the fruits of the Spirit Connect with Kathleen Wadkins:  Website: Your politically neutral, Christian news source. - The Pour Over Instagram:  The Pour Over | News & Perspective (@thepourovernews) Links Mentioned:   Decaf - The Pour Over Subscribe for FREE to The Pour Over The Pour Over - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Related Episodes: Factual News, Flexible Thinking and Family Moral Imperatives :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 332] Do Not Grow Weary :: Sharon McMahon [Ep 495] Raising Critical Thinkers :: Julie Bogart [Ep 474] Featured Sponsors:  Branch Basics: Ready to kick off your back-to-school reset? Shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Start fresh this season, with products that are safe, simple, and actually work. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/[DMA]. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove.

In this episode I chat with the lovely Erica Gwynn, author, podcaster, and mom about her new book That’s Just Not True. She shares how easily we start believing lies about our worth, purpose, and identity. From the pressure to “have it all together” to the quiet voice that whispers “you’re missing out” or “you’re not enough,” the conversation dives deep into how these thoughts take root — and how God’s truth brings freedom. Through honest stories and truth, Erica reminds us that you are not enough — but Jesus is enough. God hasn’t asked us to do everything; He’s gifted us to play our part in the body of Christ. Here is some of what we cover: Turning ordinary (or in between) moments into “breath prayers”  Recognizing lies like: I’m missing out, I missed my shot, and I can manifest my dream life We talk about how mom’s can make their kids their whole life and identity How to shift worldly affirmations to Godly affirmations How social media has become a place of “curated messy” and fake authenticity Connect with Erica Gwynn:  Website:  Popular Philadelphia Lifestyle Blog | Coming Up Roses Facebook: Coming Up Roses Instagram:  Erica Ligenza Gwynn // PHILLY (@ericaligenza) Links Mentioned:   That's Just Not True: By Erica Ligenza Gwynn You Are Special; by Max Lucado Must Be Nice Hat from Sidetracked Podcast Thrive Podcast | Coming up Roses Related Episodes: If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538] The Shift: Overcoming Self-Sabotage, Imposter Syndrome, and Critical Inner Monologues :: Mary Marantz [Ep 520] Unpacking Moms’ Mental Load :: Dr. Morgan Cutlip [Ep 503] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef–Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics–Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Voetburg Music Academy–The Voetberg Family loves playing music together, and they want to help you bring the gift of music into your home in an affordable, efficient, and family-centered way. This month, use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is it too late to rebuild your relationship with your adult child? What if there’s grief, resentment, or even silence between you? In this episode, Kathy Cunningham, a Christian counselor, ordained minister, coach, and inner healing ministry leader shares her deeply personal journey of healing, transformation, and restored connection with her adult children. Kathy went through a journey with both of her kids and started to see more and more parent child estrangement in her counseling practice. This led her to start a ministry that helps parents grow and be a cheerleader instead of controlling their adult kids. Here is some of what we cover:  Why your own healing journey is key to restoring connection Setting healthy boundaries in your home while honoring your child’s independence What to do when your child has cut off contact Radical acceptance: creating space for disagreement without division Moms whose identity has been wrapped up in parenting find themselves feeling lost and unsure of who they are once their kids leave home- what to do next Connect with Kathy Cunningham:  Website:  Grace For The Journey Facebook: A Seed of Hope Instagram:  Katherine L Cunningham (@kathycunningham717) Links Mentioned:   Doing Life with Your Adult Children: By Jim Burns Parents of Addicted Loved Ones | Support Group for Parents, Spouses, Family of Addicted Loved One FREE resources for parents to reconnect with adult children  Grace Restored Membership Related Episodes: “How do I connect better with my kids?” [Ep 475] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] Featured Sponsors:  GoPure Beauty–For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code DMA at checkout. Just head to gopure.com, use code DMA, and you’re all set. And after you buy, do us a favor—when they ask where you heard about goPure, tell them it was from our show! Policygenius: Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes and get the coverage you need. Because being financially protected? That’s the ultimate self-care. Hiya Health: The same multivitamin that more than a million parents trust is now available with an enchanting Disney Princess welcome kit, with a new Princess unboxing experience including Princess bottle and stickers. And we've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

What happens when love meets fear head-on in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy? Today, Amy Ford, from the ministry "Embrace Grace" is here to share her own personal testimony and how God is moving through local churches to love on women. Amy’s own story of an unexpected pregnancy that ends in total redemption is amazing. From that she started Embrace Grace, an organization that provides baby showers, support before and after birth, and a community that goes beyond. Here is some of what we cover:  What “Love Boxes” are and why 30,000+ were given out last year The powerful symbolism of Hagar, the first single mom in the Bible, who encountered the God who sees A support group for fathers called Embrace Legacy and the vital role they play The vision of being in 23,400 churches by 2050  How your church can become a place of welcome and grace for single moms and dads Connect with Amy Ford:  Website:  Unplanned Pregnancy Support Groups | Embrace Grace Facebook: Embrace Grace | Hurst TX  Instagram:  Embrace Grace (@embracegraceinc) Links Mentioned:   Write a Brave Girl Letter | Encourage a Single and Pregnant Mom Love in a Box – Embrace Grace Shop Help Her Be Brave Podcast Hannah Kirkman’s IG story of healing from her abortion journey Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane Forgiven and Set Free Bible Study by Linda Cochrane Surrendering the Secret Bible Study by Pat Layton  Related Episodes: I Am Restored :: Stacy Reaves {Ep 93}  How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson [Summer of Mentorship Wk 6] Set Free From Shame :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 190] Featured Sponsors:  Voetberg Music Academy: If you are ready to get started with either Piano, Guitar, Fiddle, or Ukulele lessons at Voetberg Music Academy then use my code DONTMOMALONE at checkout and get 20% off each month you’re enrolled. Weekly lessons, LIVE coaching calls, monthly performance opportunities, 24/7 messaging with your instructor, access to the VMA community, badges mailed to your home and so much more is included with your membership that is less than one in person lesson.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  Branch Basics: Head to BranchBasics.com to shop their Ultimate Starter Kit and save 15% off with code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. That’s 15% off your new Branch Basics Ultimate Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com with promo code [DMA]. Make the change today—because a healthier home starts with what you clean it with. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Have you ever felt like your teenager is pulling away, and no matter how much you talk, nothing seems to get through? In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Gregston, a ministry leader who has spent over 50 years walking with teenagers through crises, often welcoming them into his home. His insights challenge a lot of the assumptions we make about parenting teens. Mark reminds us that relationships are the most important thing and shares ways to make that connection, and how to transition from parenting littles to older kids. Here is some of what we cover:  What to do when mom shame pops up  How to know when your teen is just being a teen... and when it's a red flag What to do when your teen surprises you with behavior you didn’t see coming How to give them more responsibility and be less controlling Creating a home where relationships flourish is possible—even when things feel hopeless Connect with Mark Gregston:  Website:  Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Website: Heartlight Ministries Facebook: Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Instagram:  PTT with Mark Gregston (@parentingtodaysteens) Links Mentioned:   Family Crisis Coaching Program - Parenting Today's Teens Heartlight Ministries Parenting Today's Teens Podcast with Mark Gregston eBooks - Parenting Today's Teens Related Episodes: Help for the Unspoken Challenges of Parenting Teens :: Amy Betters-Midtvedt [Ep 493] Three Faith Pillars for Parenting Teens :: Melissa Kruger [Ep 457] Important Topics to Cover with Tweens and Teens about Manners, Technology and Friendship :: Lee Cordon [Ep 408] Featured Sponsors:  GoPure: Right now, goPure has a crazy deal. For a limited time, you can get 57% off the Tighten & Lift Neck Cream and Sculpt & Tone Arm Cream Bundle. You can also get 25% off all other products by using code DMA at goPure.com Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA.  Thrive Market: Go to thrivemarket.com/DMA to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Is your child really doomed if they don’t start soccer by age 2? Do you feel the constant pressure to sign your kids up for the “right” teams and keep pace with the families around you? In this episode, longtime youth sports leaders Ed and Brian pull back the curtain on the fear-driven culture so many parents get caught in. They challenge the myth of early specialization and share a hope-filled vision of what true success looks like for our kids—on and off the field. You’ll hear practical wisdom on how to stay connected with your child while letting them own their sports journey. Here’s what we cover: The silent killer: what’s said in the car ride home What the fruits of the Spirit look like on the sidelines Creating spiritual rhythms around practice and game day The myth of “early start or fall behind” Plus, a little Napoleon Dynamite and Uncle Rico fun! Connect with Ed and Brian:  Website:  Away Game Instagram:  Ed Uszynski Instagram: Brian Smith Links Mentioned:   Away Game: By Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski  Related Episodes: Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280] How to be Calm and Kind Under Pressure :: Candace Cameron Bure [Ep 223] Parenting in the Power of the Holy Spirit :: Jeannie Cunnion [Ep 347] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef: Make this fall your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Thrive Causemetics: Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Untriggered by Amber Lia: Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger available at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever you get good books. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Do you feel embarrassment or shame around talking to your kids about sex? Do you wish someone else could come talk to them for you?  Well today Kristin Miele is here to share her curriculum called Sex Ed Reclaimed. Kristin very reluctantly dove into this topic, she kept trying to run from it but God kept putting her in spaces to teach the truth of how our bodies are made. Here is some of what we cover: Teaching about boundaries, safety, and abuse prevention The "STOP" acronym for responding to porn exposure The difference between recognizing our feelings and declaring that they are truth Talking to your kids about abortion, same-sex attraction, and gender questions The harm of 90s purity culture—and a healthier, more grace-filled way forward Connect with Kristen Miele:  Website:  Christian Online Sex Ed Courses | Sex Ed Reclaimed Instagram:  Finally, Sex Ed You Can Trust Just For Kids! (@sexedreclaimed) Links Mentioned:   Good Pictures Bad Pictures: By Kristen Jenson Sex Ed Reclaimed Curriculum –use code DONTMOMALONE for 15 percent off.   Related Episodes: Porn-Proofing Our Kids :: Kristen Jenson [Ep 256] Birds and Birds? Oh Help Me Please :: Mary Flo Ridley [Ep 25] Let’s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328] Overcoming Barriers to Sexual Intimacy :: Nancy Houston [Ep 206] Featured Sponsors:  Outschool: Get your family’s first month for only $1 when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. You’re Still a Good Mom by Hallie Dye available at MoodyPublisher.com or wherever you buy good books. Read a free sample chapter here.  Voetberg Music Academy: Use my code: DONTMOMALONE to get 20% off each month you’re subscribed and encounter the proprietary Voetberg Method experience at Voetbergmusicacademy.com Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Who does God say you are? And how do you step into your true identity when the world (and even yourself) have told you otherwise? If you (or your kids) feel unseen, unworthy, or unwanted, this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Hosanna Wong shares her journey of growing up on the streets of San Francisco with a father who battled addiction, only to see God transform his life and spark an outdoor church that reached the hurting. Her story goes on to share how she went through some hard years that were full of disappointment and lies from the enemy. She continued to press into the word and God reminded her who she is in Christ, through that season her spoken word ministry was born. Here is some of what we talked about:  How God uses ordinary moments and people, like a mother opening her door to a vacuum salesman and sharing faith, to change generations The struggle of feeling like you don’t measure up to “good Christian molds” and learning freedom in Christ Why God delights in your unique personality, schedule, and situation, He made you that way on purpose Hosanna reminds us that we have freedom in how we connect with our creator and God wants to meet us where we are  Connect with Hosanna Wong:  Website:  HOSANNA Facebook: Hosanna Wong Instagram:  Hosanna Wong (@hosanna.wong) Links Mentioned:   SPOKEN WORD: I Have A New Name What God Says About You: By Hosanna Wong You Are More than You've Been Told: By Hosanna Wong  Related Episodes: Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433] When You Need a Personal Revival :: Cleere Cherry Reaves [Ep 504] Fighting Toxic Thoughts :: Jennie Allen [Ep 272] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics: Maximize your look with minimal effort. Go to ThriveCausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Hiya Health: The same multivitamin that more than a million parents trust is now available with an enchanting Disney Princess welcome kit, with a new Princess unboxing experience including Princess bottle and stickers. And we've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA.  Outschool: Get your family’s first month for only $1 when you use our link: https://outschool.com/DMA and use code DMA at checkout. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.