Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Welcome back to the Coffee with Heather series! This week, we're talking about something that has completely transformed the way I parent: connection before correction.For a long time, I believed it was my job to control my boys' behavior. I thought that if I could just get them to listen better, behave better, or make fewer mistakes, then I would be doing my job as a mom. But if I'm honest, that mindset left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the very people I wanted to love well.The more parents, mentors, and experts I interviewed over the years, the more I realized something beautiful: God never called me to control my children. He called me to guide them, disciple them, and build a relationship where they know they are deeply loved and safe.When connection becomes the foundation, correction becomes so much more effective.In this episode, I share some of the parenting lessons that have given me freedom, including insights from Jim and Lynne Jackson and the biblical reminder that God's kindness leads us to repentance. That verse has changed the way I think about discipline—not as punishment, but as teaching, guiding, and helping my children grow.When our children know they are loved, enjoyed, and accepted, trust begins to grow. And trust creates partnership. From that place, correction feels less like control and more like discipleship.In this episode, we'll talk about: The difference between behavior management and heart transformation. Why discipline is really about teaching, not punishing. How to become a safe place for your children. The importance of staying calm and regulating your own emotions. Why giving your child—and yourself—a "do-over" can strengthen your relationship. Practical ways to create meaningful one-on-one connections, even during busy seasons. Connect with Jim and Lynne Jackson: Website: Home | Connected Families Instagram: Connected Families | Parent with Confidence and Grace (@connectedfams) Facebook: Connected Families Links Mentioned: Heartfelt Discipline: By Clay Clarkson Discipline that Connects by Jim and Lynn Jackson Don’t Mom Alone book Related Episodes: Discipline 101 (LIVE Event–Friday Night) :: Jim and Lynne Jackson [Ep 221] Parenting a Spicy Child: How to Stay Calm, Set Boundaries, and Keep the Connection :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 558] Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280] Featured Sponsors: Hiya health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. 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 support they deserve. 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! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. The Premium Starter Kit comes with The Concentrate, and refillable bottles for your surface cleaners, including All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Hand Wash, and Laundry. It also comes with Oxygen Boost for extra stubborn stains on pots and pans, laundry, bathroom tile and more. This kit is a great way to kickstart your human-safe cleaning routine.

Motherhood changes everything—including your marriage.In this first episode of my summor of mentorship series, I'm sharing the conversation I wish someone had invited me into years ago. If we were sitting across from each other with a cup of coffee, these are the things I'd want every mom to know.Parenting is one of the greatest blessings, but it can also become one of the biggest stress tests on a marriage. The shift from dating and dreaming together to managing schedules, diapers, sports, meals, and endless logistics can leave even the healthiest couples feeling disconnected.The good news? You're not alone, and your marriage doesn't have to become another casualty of the busy parenting years.In this episode, we talk about: Why parenting often creates tension in marriage—and why that's completely normal. How different parenting styles can actually become one of your family's greatest strengths. The danger of keeping score and how resentment quietly grows. Practical communication habits that help couples stay connected. A simple weekly marriage check-in you can start this Sunday. The power of praying together, especially when parenting feels overwhelming. How small daily habits shape a strong marriage over time. One truth I hope you'll remember this week:Your parenting differences don't have to divide you. They can become one of your greatest strengths when you choose to work as a team.God never intended for us to navigate marriage and motherhood alone. The Holy Spirit is our Helper—the One who comes alongside us, gives us wisdom, and strengthens us for the work He's called us to do. When we bring our parenting struggles to Him first, we make room for His peace, wisdom, and perspective.Connect with Dr. Kim Kimberling: Website: Awesome Marriage — Marriage, Relationships Instagram: Christian Marriage | Help and Education (@awesome_marriage) Facebook: Awesome Marriage Links Mentioned: Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen [book]Related Episodes: How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491] Self-Differentiation and Why it Matters :: Nancy Houston [Ep 335] Talking, Teens, and Twenty-four Years :: Bruce + Heather [Ep 399] Featured Sponsors: 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. Greenchef: Head to greenchef.com/50alone and use the code 50alone to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months. Lola: For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% OFF select Lola Blankets products with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code [DMA] to get 40% OFF your order.

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.

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!

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.