Happy, Holy Mama

The excitement of a new school year has worn off, the holidays are calling, and you're just trying to make it to the end of the semester without losing your mind. So when you discover that your child hasn't been completing their schoolwork, has been dishonest about an assignment, or is struggling with behavior you thought you'd already worked through, it can feel downright discouraging. You start wondering where you went wrong. What you should have done differently. Whether you're even doing a good job as a homeschooling mom. But my friend, there's something much bigger at stake here than unfinished assignments, bad attitudes, or getting through your curriculum. In this week's episode, I want to have a heart-to-heart about the discouragement that can creep into our homes and homeschools, especially when our children aren't behaving the way we hoped they would. I'm talking about the spiritual battle happening in the midst of our ordinary homeschool days, why our children's struggles can feel so personal, and what it means to truly let Jesus lead our families. If you've been feeling disappointed, frustrated, or even a little hopeless about how things are going in your homeschool right now, grab your earbuds and join me for: Stop Letting the Devil Run Your Homeschool. Because the enemy would love nothing more than to steal your hope, mama. And we're not going to let him. Join Happy, Holy Mama Planning for Presence Workshop here! Get your FREE Happy Catholic Homeschool Mom Toolkit here! Get the FREE Christmas Celebrations Morning Time Plans from Homeschool Better Together here!

Just as my husband and I were getting ready to leave for a weekend away recently, two of my boys got into a pretty heated argument.    A familiar tension and urgency to make it stop began to form in my stomach and shoulders.   Not again. Right before I leave, really? Will they ever figure this out?!   But I didn't let it take over and cause a mommy-meltdown, like the old me had done so many times, because a long time ago I realized something important about the way we approach sibling conflict as homeschool moms. We spend so much time teaching our children math, reading, and history, but what about teaching them how to navigate disagreements, manage their emotions, and love one another well? In this week's episode of the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast, I'm sharing why I've come to see sibling relationships and emotional regulation as essential subjects in our homeschool, and how changing the way we think about our children's conflicts can change the way we show up for them. If you're tired of playing referee, frustrated that your kids are still fighting, or wondering what you're doing wrong, this episode is for you. Those messy, uncomfortable moments might be doing more for your children's formation—and your own—than you realize. Grab your earbuds and join me for: From Chaos to Calm: Navigating Sibling Conflict with Faith and Patience (and without Losing Your Mind!) Get your Happy Catholic Homeschool Mom Toolkit for here (it's free)! Become a Happy, Holy Mama here!

When my kids were younger my home and homeschool felt entirely out of control. Between the constant pushback, repeated directions, "forgotten" chores, and math nobody wanted to do, I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the verge of sending everyone to 'real school' on a daily basis. If we could just get through these lessons, then we could do the things I've been looking forward to! is a thought I used to have regularly, especially when our home and homeschool felt like being on a runaway train. Here's what I learned, through significant trial and error: feeling in control is up to me, and getting what I want to have accomplished doesn't have to be so hard! This week on the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast, I'm sharing what I wish I'd understood when my seven children were younger and I was too focused on getting things done than I was enjoying my kids. And the crazy part was that I was trying to get things done so that I could enjoy them! I just had it all backwards, and putting your life into right order is exactly what I'm talking about in this week's episode! If you're tired of feeling like you and your children are on opposing teams, grab your earbuds and join me for: How to Get More Done in Your Homeschool. (Psssst! Don't forget to grab your free Happy Catholic Homeschool Mom Toolkit here!) Become a Happy, Holy Mama here!

I used to use TV as our go-to calm down method when my kids were little.  My parents used to call it the "Electronic Babysitter." It's what I grew up doing to relax and so it's all I knew how to do in my early parenting career. And honestly, in the thick of babies and toddlers, it was a lifeline. But it wasn't actually teaching my children (or me) what they (ahem…we) truly needed to learn: emotional intelligence and regulation.  Recently my almost 8 year-old has been making his birthday list and he discovered a toy called Emotional Support Cheeze-Its. Yep. A squishy toy shaped like a snack food with an adorable face, designed to calm my child down. I TOTALLY get why these things are so popular! But at the heart of the matter, these toys, shows, or any other distraction can't and shouldn't replace you. Their parent. In this week's episode, I'm talking about why quick fixes fall short and what our children truly need from us as parents to build lasting emotional resilience, self-regulation, and strong character.  Grab your earbuds and join me this week's somewhat feisty episode: Emotional Support Cheeze-Its and What Your Kids Really Need. Come work with me in CONNECT here! Get your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Toolkit here!

When my seven kids were all under 14 years old I felt completely overwhelmed by their big feelings. It seemed like they were happening constantly and that I was just running to put out one fire after another. Every time I tried to help them handle their big emotions, I would just end up getting frustrated because it seemed like it either wasn't working, or I just couldn't figure out what they needed. I wanted to be patient and understanding, but I also had other kids who needed me and dinner that wouldn't make itself! I was ill-equipped to handle my own big emotions, let alone half a dozen other people's big emotions all day long! The thing that I was missing was emotional intelligence and maturity. And once I grew these skills, everything in my life changed.  Starting with my relationships with my children and their big feelings. What if there was a way to help your children navigate their emotions while actually strengthening your relationship with them? In this week's episode, I'm introducing you to emotion coaching—what it is, what it isn't, and why I believe it's one of the most valuable skills we can learn as Catholic mothers. I'm also sharing a personal story of how my teenage boys knocked my socks off by not needing me to settle a squabble after having done this work with me. I had to pull my jaw off the floor when they said this! As a mom of now five teenagers (including two adults!), one tween, and a second grader, I am here to tell you that this work is 100% worth it for both your current experience, and also for your Future Self who desires to have connected relationships with your older kids one day. If you're tired of the constant emotional battles and want to raise children who can navigate life's challenges with confidence, self-control, and virtue, then grab your earbuds and join me for: Becoming Your Child's Emotional Coach. Join Connect: Being Your Child's Emotional Coach HERE! Get your FREE Homeschool Mindset Toolkit HERE!

Why is it sometimes so hard to simply ask for what you want? You need more help around the house during the day. You want to ask your husband for some time together when he's done with work. You need support from family or friends. Or maybe there's something you've wanted to do for yourself for a long time, but every time you think about asking, you talk yourself out of it. What if they say no? What if they're upset? What if they think you're selfish? What if asking creates more trouble than it's worth? So instead, you keep doing it yourself, going without, or convincing yourself you didn't really need it anyway. This week, I'm bringing back one of our Most Valuable Podcast episodes to talk about what might actually be keeping you from asking for what you want—and how this struggle can affect far more than you realize. If you've ever struggled to ask for help, advocate for something you need, or even admit that you want something, grab your earbuds and join me for How to Ask for What You Want.  This is an episode worth hearing again! Get your free Homeschool Mindset Toolkit Here! Work with me here!

Have you ever snapped at your child and wondered, why did I get so angry so fast? Maybe the kids are arguing again. Maybe the schoolwork still isn't done, or you've asked someone to do the same thing three times.  One more little moment happens, and suddenly you're raising your voice—even though you promised yourself you wouldn't. I know how discouraging that feels. When my children were younger, I wanted to be a calm, loving mom, but in the middle of a hard day, that felt so far out of reach. In this week's episode, I'm talking about why anger can seem to come out of nowhere and where you can begin to find room for a different response.  We'll look at the hope that's available to you right in the middle of ordinary family life, without waiting for your kids—or your homeschool day—to be perfect. If you're tired of reacting in ways you regret and longing for more peace and connection with your children, grab your earbuds and join me for: Homeschool Emergencies and the River of Anger. Get my brand new, Free Happy, Holy Homeschool TOOLKIT here! Work with me here!

Parenting teenagers can sometimes feel like learning an entirely new language. The child who once told you everything might suddenly seem harder to read. Conversations can turn into misunderstandings, emotions can run high, and sometimes you're left wondering what your teen is actually thinking, and what they need from you in this season…or do they even need me anymore? Recently, I had a conversation with a group of middle school girls that gave me a beautiful glimpse into what our teens and tweens wish their parents understood about them.  And as a mom of several (ahem, five) teenagers myself, it got me thinking about what I've learned through nearly twenty years of parenting, working with teens, and doing my own work to become a calmer, more connected mom. In this episode, I'm sharing what your teens really want you to know. I'm giving you a lot here, but ultimately I've boiled it down to three big ones, so listen all the way to the end.  Because, understanding their hearts a little better can change the way you see them, hear them, and communicate with them through some of the hardest moments in your relationship. Which will make those hard moments calmer, more respectful, and more impactful in the long run. If you're a homeschool mama who wants to stay close to your kids as they grow, while giving them the space they need to become who God created them to be, please grab your earbuds and join me for: Three Things Your Teen Desperately Wants You To Know (But Doesn't Know How to Say to You). Grab my brand new FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Toolkit HERE! Learn self-regulation for you in Happy, Holy Mama RIGHT NOW!

Interruptions.  Repeating yourself for the hundredth time. Kids who don't listen the first time. Plans that get derailed. People who just keep needing things from you. Sometimes it's not one big thing that causes us to lose our peace, it's the constant accumulation of little annoyances all. day. long. In this episode, I'm talking about what's really happening when those everyday moments push you over the edge, and why creating more peace in your home doesn't begin with getting everyone else to stop being so frustrating. Because your children are going to interrupt. You're going to have to repeat yourself. Your husband will sometimes do things you don't like. People will continue to be human. The question is: Who do you want to be in the middle of all of it? We're talking about training our children, training ourselves, letting go of resentment and keeping score, and learning to become the woman God is calling you to be—not someday when everyone finally gets their act together, but right here in the actual life He has given you. If you've ever thought, "I would be so much calmer if everyone would just stop…" grab your earbuds and join me for: HOw to Handle Interruptions Without Losing Your Mind. Join Reclaim here!

I made a pretty bold claim last week: connection is the key to making homeschooling easier. Not the perfect plan. Not the perfect planner. Not the perfect schedule. Not the perfect curriculum, school room, or book list. And maybe you know that, intellectually, but do you believe it down into your bones? Do you believe it enough to actually practice it? Especially in the tough moments like when kids interrupt you for the 100th time, they say they don't like homeschooling, or you wake up feeling crummy and already on edge? If not, I'm guessing it's for one of two reasons, (though my guess is it's both): You don't think connection will work for your unique circumstances. You don't know how to use the steps to connect.   Either way, it's truly never too late to learn! And it's never too late to turn a bad homeschool day around. Which is why in today's episode I'm breaking down exactly how to use connection in five real life scenarios that come up frequently in coaching, and I'm even tackling your "yeah, but…" objections to why connection won't work in each of the five examples. Too much to do, and not enough time? Gotta move onto the next thing in our day? It won't matter anyway, they'll never change? If you've ever thought, That sounds lovely, Emily, but you don't understand what's happening in MY house… this episode is especially for you. 😘 Grab your earbuds and join me for: Five Ways to Use Connection to Stop Overreacting and Fall in Love with Your Homeschool! Join Reclaim: The Stop Yelling (or any kind of Overreacting), Start Connecting Challenge!