LIKING the people you LOVE

Well friends- this is it.  After more than 5 years and 250 episodes, this will be my last. In this episode I'm sharing some of the things I have loved and learned, as well as a few things I hope you'll remember. Thank you for being here, for listening, and for doing the work to create more love at home. If you'd like to continue learning from me, remember that my book is still available on Amazon. "The Power of a Faithful Mother."

If it sometimes seems like your teenager doesn't like you, you are not alone! Teens are developmentally wired to be emotional and easily irritated. For many parents, it feels personal. Today I'm sharing lots of personal stories about my teens not liking me (haha) so you will know you're in good company. I'm also sharing some things that I have found helpful while navigating this stage. Favorite quote from Brooke Hampton that applies to surly teens as well as small children: "Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become."

Many thoughtful parents believe they need to be "on the same page" in order to be good parents. But what happens when you and your spouse genuinely see things differently? In this episode, Christi talks about the tension couples feel when they disagree about parenting decisions- from grades and discipline to bigger issues of values and faith. She shares a personal story and explains the difference between argreement and unity. You'll learn how parents can stay connected, respectful and supportive of each other-even when they don't handle situations the same way. Your kids don't need parents who agree on everything. They need parents who remember that they're on the same team.    

So many moms feel stuck in the middle-trying to smooth things over between a husband and a teenager or between two siblings who can't seem to get along. The problem is that playing referee usually leaves everyone frustrated- especially YOU! In this episode Christi talks about why stepping out of the middle actaully helps relationships to grow, and what a mom's role can look like instead.  

Today's episode is a quick story about me applying my own advice from last week- being the calm in the storm. Moral of the story: "Everything will be OK in the end. If it's not OK, it's not the end." -John Lennon

In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, our families need steady mothers of faith.  In this episode, Christi shares ideas of how to be the "calm in the storm" by anchoring yourself to Jesus Christ, and applying President Nelson's guidance to create homes that are safe, peaceful, and spiritually secure. "Embrace the Future with Faith" Oct 2020

It's easy to focus on what's going wrong with our teens. But what happens when we intentionally look for- and speak about- what's going right? In this episode I'm offering some simple reframes that can change how you experience your teenager and create more love and connection in your home. Join my email list HERE ***you have to scroll down to the bottom

In these challenging times, one of the most valuable skills we can teach our teenagers is resilience. In this episode, I have three suggestions of ways we can help our teenagers-even the ones who aren't listening- to build resilience. If you'd like some personalized help, you can book your FREE consultation session HERE.

How do you know if you're succeeding as a parent of teenagers- especially when you can't control their choices? In this episode, Christi reframes what success really looks like when parenting teens, and shares four faith-centered questions to help you measure progress, trust yourself, and parent with confidence and peace. Schedule your FREE Ministering Session here Talk by Tamara Runia

If you've ever doubted your parenting instincts, or gone quiet about something that feels important to you, this episode is an invitation to trust yourself and speak up- with confidence and clarity. So many faithful moms wonder if they are doing this right, even when they are thoughtful, capable, and deeply committed to their families.  Today I'm talking about why your family needs you to trust yourself and that still, small voice inside you.