As moms, we are like a life support system for our kids. To keep our families healthy, we need to be healthy. A key part of our overall well being is setting healthy boundaries. But boundaries are hard. They require uncomfortable, direct conversations. We may need to put a limit on really good things or draw a line in the sand with our in-laws or parents. My guest, Dr. John Townsend literally wrote the book on boundaries and he shares some deep wisdom on how to set healthy boundaries while honoring our family members and others. “You've got to take care of your energy, your heart and your emotions. You've got to take care of yourself and your health. If you don't guard that heart, then the wellsprings of life won't come out from it. Boundaries are basically about how to set healthy, loving limits in our life. So we have something to offer to our children.”Townsend answers your tough questions about setting limits with in-laws, making healthy boundaries for the holidays and even models having a tough conversation with a parent about a boundary. This is an episode packed with great information and Townsend has several books and resources available if you want to go deeper. Let’s make setting healthy boundaries a priority and guard our hearts and our time to bring life to our family!Connect with John Townsend:  Instagram: John Townsend (@dr.john_townsend) Facebook: Dr. John Townsend Website: Home - Dr. John Townsend Links Mentioned:  Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: By John Townsend Relational Nutrients (new layout) - Dr. John Townsend People Fuel: By John Townsend Related Episodes: Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558] Good Boundaries and Goodbyes :: Lysa TerKeurst [Ep 387] Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

How do you parent your kids through a story they didn’t choose?In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Vaneetha Risner shares her journey of raising two adolescent daughters as a single mom after divorce. She opens up about the pressure to “hold everything together,” the tension of co-parenting with different values, and the deep questions kids ask about God in the middle of pain.This episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for all moms, reminding us that while we can’t control our children’s stories, we can faithfully shepherd their hearts—and trust God to restore what has been lost. Here is some of what we cover:  The balance between sharing too much vs. hiding your emotions Navigating co-parenting with different rules and values The importance of community when you feel alone You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes “I don’t know” is enough Parenting is a long game—trust God with the outcome Connect with Vaneetha Risner:  Website: Vaneetha Risner Facebook: Vaneetha Rendall Risner Instagram: Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner) Links Mentioned:  This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce: By Vaneetha Rendall Risner Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption: By Vaneetha Risner The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering: By Vaneetha Risner Related Episodes: How to Never Miss Out :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 402] RWYB Series wk 1 Walking Thru Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324] How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193] Featured Sponsors:  Wayfair: Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home.  Cozy Earth: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. Experience the craft behind the comfort, and make every day feel intentional.

In part two of my interview with Nadya Dickson, we dive deeper into how Christian moms can lead their families with clarity by identifying their values and creating a vision. Values and vision go hand in hand. Whether we’ve named them or not, every family operates from a set of values. Nadya explains that when we take the time to identify and name the values that matter most to us, they become a powerful lens for making decisions, setting priorities, and shaping the atmosphere of our homes.We also talk about creating a yearly vision for your children, focusing more on character than performance, and asking God to reveal who each child is becoming. In a world filled with competing messages about what motherhood should look like, a clear vision can help moms filter out the noise and focus on what is truly fruitful.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations or unsure how to prioritize your time as a mom, this conversation will help you rediscover peace, purpose, and intentionality in your parenting. Here is some of what we cover:  The power of naming your top 5 values How moms can filter out cultural pressure and expectations Why clarity helps us determine what is fruitful versus wasteful You can’t change people, but you can control the atmosphere Connect with Nadya Dickson: Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson Links Mentioned:  50 I am statements  CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment 5 Values Exercise Annual Vision Process - Children 2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner Related Episodes: Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]  Motherhood Is an Assignment, Not Your Identity | Clarity Series (Part One) with Nadya Dickson [Ep 563] Learning to Listen to God’s Voice :: Kelsey Phillips [Summer of Mentorship wk 3] Featured Sponsors:  Written by Tim and Mark Shoemaker, a father and son duo who have spent years walking with guys through real questions, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be tackles the issues they’re facing, porn, dating, purpose, fear, and spiritual dryness, with clear, biblical direction. Warby Parker: Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/DMA.  Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order!

Many women today are running at full speed—balancing motherhood, work, leadership, and countless responsibilities—yet still feel like they are barely surviving. In this powerful conversation, purpose strategist Nadya Dickson shares how women can move from survival mode into clarity and confidence by rediscovering their God-given identity.One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: motherhood is an assignment, not your identity. When women understand who God says they are, everything else—leadership, family, work, and influence—begins to align.If you’ve ever wondered Who am I beyond my roles? or Where should my time and energy really go? This conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God, and rediscover your purpose. Here is some of what we cover:  Starting with the prayer: “God, who do You say I am?” Understanding your identity as a daughter of the King of Kings Recognizing the unique personality and wiring God gave you The parable of the four soils and why busyness is not the same as fruitfulness The influences around us are constantly forming and shaping us. Connect with Nadya Dickson: Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson Links Mentioned:  50 I am statements  CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment Free Personality Test | 16Personalities Related Episodes: Goals, Roles and Superpowers :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 112]  Healing Past Wounds for More Freedom :: Jennifer Barnett [Summer of Mentorship wk 4] Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508] If You’re Tired of Feeling Like You Don’t Measure Up… :: Hosanna Wong [Ep 538] Featured Sponsors:  Hiya Health: 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. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA.  Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA . 

In this episode, Suzanne Stabile, internationally recognized Enneagram expert and mom of four adult children, shares her personal story and how the Enneagram has shaped her approach to parenting. She explains that the Enneagram isn’t about changing who we are, but about understanding how we see the world and choosing how to act with intention. She reminds us that there’s no one right way to parent; motherhood requires recognizing differences, extending grace, and embracing our own authentic path.Suzanne dives into the practical applications of the Enneagram in family life, showing how it can transform relationships with your children, your spouse, and other moms. She explains the energy and tendencies of different Enneagram types—from aggressive and dominant types to dependent and withdrawing types—and how understanding these patterns can bring unity instead of conflict. Parenting is never easy, and mistakes are inevitable, but Suzanne emphasizes that grace covers our shortcomings. By using the Enneagram as a tool, we can parent with more awareness, respond with empathy, and honor our own authentic selves while guiding our children with love. Here is some of what we cover:  Enneagram Types as Animals: Ones are Worker Bees, Twos are Kangaroos, Threes are Eagles, Fours are Butterflies, Fives are Owls, Sixes are Bunny Rabbits, Sevens are Monkeys, Eights are Lions, and Nines are Turtles. Grace covers the places we fall short Set appropriate priorities: You can’t do it all. Be mindful in child-centered families: When the focus is entirely on the children, much can get overlooked, and it often reflects a broader cultural expectation. Connect with Suzanne Stabile:  Instagram: Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile) Website: The Enneagram Godmother Facebook: Suzanne Stabile | Facebook Links Mentioned:  The Road Back to You: By Suzanne Stabile The Journey Toward Wholeness: By Suzanne Stabile Related Episodes: How God Personally Pursues and Redeems :: Jenn Jett [Ep 193] Enneagram and Stress :: Ian Cron Recap [Bonus Episode] The Enneagram, Marriage and the Gospel :: Beth McCord [Ep 259] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef: Head to Greenchef.com/50ALONE and use code 50ALONE to get fifty percent off your first month then 20 percent off for two months with free shipping.  Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast. Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your Spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

In part three of my School Choice Series, I sit down with my friend Emily Fenlaw to talk about all things public school. With four children who have experienced everything from traditional public school to the talented and gifted program, an all-girls school, and an arts-focused school, Emily has navigated the many options and transitions that public education can offer.She also shares candidly about parenting children with ADHD — walking through 504 plans, medication decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to support executive functioning at home. Through it all she learned to be a student of her child to discover the best path for them. My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:  The beauty of building relationships with families from all walks of life How introverts and extroverts can uniquely flourish in public school environments You can only make the best decision you can with the information you have The challenges of public school and navigating relationships with other parents Connect with Emily Fenlaw:  Instagram: @EmFenlaw Get notified when her tshirt business launches Related Episodes: School Choice Series: Private to Public School with Misty Persefield:: [Ep 560] School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559] The School of Dependency on Christ :: Wendy Speake [Ep 240] Featured Sponsors:  Inspire Bible for Kids: The latest Bible in the bestselling Inspire Bible line, packed with activities for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. With over 400 ready-to-color line-art illustrations, wide margins for creativity, devotional readings and trivia questions, journaling prompts, memory verse prompts, fun facts–and more–all to bring God’s Word to life for young hearts. Discover more at www.InspireBibleforKids.com Barefaced: If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to barefaced.com and use code DMA for 15% off at checkout plus free shipping. Barefaced: less steps, better skin. Cozy Earth: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. 

In part two of my School Choice Series, I sit down with Misty Persefield, a mom of three, to talk candidly about navigating school choice from the early years through high school. Misty shares her family’s journey through private and public schools, the fears she faced, and the peace that came from trusting God rather than comparing herself to others. This conversation offers reassurance for moms carrying the weight of making the “right” educational choices and highlights the importance of keeping fear out of the decision-making process.My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:  Challenges of private school, including finances and high expectations The importance of knowing yourself, your child, and your family culture Pivoting from private to public school for high school Starting kids early vs. late, especially for boys based on birthdays Preparing kids for college by “taking off the bubble wrap” while they’re still at home Connect with Misty Persefield:  Instagram: Misty Persefield (@mistypersefield) Website: Marketing Agency | Misty Persefield Marketing and Media Related Episodes: Shame, Perfectionism and Smiling Depression :: Misty Persefield and Stephanie Coker [Ep 154] School Choice Series: Homeschool to Private School with Kris Habashy :: [Ep 559] Confidence in Parenting Decisions :: Laura Wifler [Ep 497] Featured Sponsors:  Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast. Raising Daughters by September McCarthy: Most moms don’t need more advice—they need reassurance. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your daughter thinking, I said that all wrong, this book is for you. We’re raising girls in a world that’s loud, confusing, and constantly redefining womanhood. And before we can guide our daughters, we have to remember who we are in Christ. Raising Daughters meets you right where you are and gives you one faithful next step at a time—because raising daughters is holy work. It takes grit, grace, and guidance, and you’ll find all three here. Grab a copy here.  Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 

In episode one of my School Choice Series, Kris Habashy shares her family’s journey from homeschooling to Christian private education. From navigating dyslexia to the challenges of transitioning middle schoolers, Kris offers a heartfelt, honest look at the joys, struggles, and unexpected growth that come with trusting God in your educational choices.My hope with this series is to share a variety of school choice stories so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to pray and seek God’s guidance, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk hand in hand with you, year by year, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover:  Why Kris initially chose to homeschool and how her personality and family dynamics played a role. The challenges of transitioning kids from homeschooling to private school — especially in middle school. The importance of nurturing your own growth as a mom while guiding your kids. Families navigating dyslexia, learning differences, or anxiety around school transitions. Connect with Kris Habashy:  Instagram: (I don’t see any SM for her, do you mind asking?)  Facebook:  Website: Stress management coaching for life’s major moments Links Mentioned:  Living Fearless: By Jamie WinshipRelated Episodes: Expect the Hard, Experience the Good :: Kris Habashy (part 1) Ep 34 Expect the Hard, Experience the Good (Part Two) :: Kris Habashy {Ep 35} Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433] Featured Sponsors:  Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove. Hiya Health: 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.

Parenting a spicy child can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting, especially when traditional parenting advice just doesn’t work. In this episode, Mary Van Geffen joins us to talk about what it really means to parent a strong-willed, spirited, intense child without losing yourself or crushing their spirit.So often, as moms, we unknowingly tie our identity and worth to how our children behave. When our kids are calm, compliant, or successful, we feel like we are doing a good job. When they are loud, explosive, or struggling, we internalize it as failure. Parenting a spicy child brings this tension to the surface and forces us to ask deeper questions about where our identity really comes from. This conversation invites moms to loosen their grip on performance-based parenting and remember that our value is not measured by our child’s behavior, but by who we are and whose we are. Here is some of what we cover:  How to stay connected to your child so you can guide them long-term A practical calm down recipe for flare-ups and explosive moments How to set boundaries without crushing your child’s spirit Why you are not responsible for your child’s happiness How to support the mild child in a family with a spicy sibling Connect with Mary Van Geffen:  Instagram: 🌶️Parenting Education Classes (@maryvangeffen) Facebook: Mary Van Geffen Website: Mary Van Geffen Links Mentioned:   Parenting a Spicy One: By Mary Van Geffen The Cost of Control: By Sharon Hodde Miller Start Here- Quiz — Mary Van Geffen Related Episodes: Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 438] Body Awareness in Parenting :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 333] How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479] Featured Sponsors:  Barefaced: If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to barefaced.com and use code DMA for 15% off at checkout plus free shipping. That’s DMA for 15% off plus free shipping. Barefaced: less steps, better skin. Green Chef: Right now go to Greenchef.com/alonegraza and use the code alonegraza to get started with 50% off Green Chef and FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait.  Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order! And if you get a survey, please let them know you heard about Cove from this podcast.

*Republishing our most downloaded episodes, one a month this year*Whether you’ve been married for a few years or are approaching a milestone anniversary, a healthy marriage takes intentional work. Marriage isn’t built in the big, dramatic moments, but in thousands of small habits and daily interactions that over time lead to either a God-honoring, joy-filled relationship—or one marked by strain and self-focus.Author and speaker Paul David Tripp joins me to talk about how those everyday habits shape our marriages and how to identify the ones that need to be uprooted. Drawing from nearly 50 years of marriage, Paul helps us see our relationships through the lens of the gospel.“A biblical view of marriage is a sinner married to a sinner in a fallen world—but with a faithful God. That means we can’t coast. There are things in each of us that threaten our marriage, and we need God’s grace every day.”My hope is that this conversation encourages you to re-engage your marriage with renewed faith and confidence in what God can do.What we talk about: How marriages are shaped by thousands of small moments Why daily habits matter more than big moments Identifying healthy and harmful marriage habits How sin turns us inward—and why marriage is a covenant of community Confession, forgiveness, and navigating conflict Unity vs. uniformity in marriage The role of the fruit of the Spirit in a thriving marriage Why isolation harms marriage and community helps heal it Connect with Paul David Tripp:  Instagram: Paul David Tripp (@paultrippquotes) Facebook: Paul David Tripp Website: PaulTripp.com | Pastor. Author. Conference Speaker. Links Mentioned:  Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul David Tripp Related Episodes: Hope for the Hopeless Marriage :: Kathy Bush [Ep 453] Building Strong Marriages :: Kimberly Beam Holmes [Ep 374] Rebuilding from an Abusive Marriage :: Jeni B [Ep 246] Featured Sponsors: Thrive Causemetics: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.  Cozy Earth: These viral pj’s are so good they sold out during the holidays, and now they’re back with an exclusive deal only available January 25th to February 8th. Head to cozyearth.com today and use my code DMABOGO to get these pj’s for you and someone you love! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Cash App: For a limited time, new Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code FAMILY10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.