Don't Mom Alone Podcast

<div> <p>In episode one of my <em>School Choice Series</em>, 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.</p><p>My hope with this series is to <strong>share a variety of school choice stories</strong> so you can hear different experiences and perspectives. As you listen, I encourage you to <strong>pray and seek God’s guidance</strong>, asking Him to bring to mind exactly what you need to know for your family’s journey. Trust Him to walk <strong>hand in hand with you, year by year</strong>, as you make decisions and navigate each step of your children’s education. Here is some of what we cover: </p></div><ul> <li>Why Kris initially chose to homeschool and how her personality and family dynamics played a role.</li> <li>The challenges of transitioning kids from homeschooling to private school — especially in middle school.</li> <li>The importance of nurturing your own growth as a mom while guiding your kids.</li> <li>Families navigating dyslexia, learning differences, or anxiety around school transitions.</li> </ul><div>Connect with Kris Habashy: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: (I don’t see any SM for her, do you mind asking?) </li> <li>Facebook: </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.krishabashy.com/">Stress management coaching for life’s major moments</a> </li> </ul><div>Links Mentioned:  </div><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/49ZILZV">Living Fearless: By Jamie Winship</a></li></ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2014/08/04/kris-habashy-part-1-ep-34/">Expect the Hard, Experience the Good :: Kris Habashy (part 1) Ep 34</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2014/08/11/kris-habashy-ep-35/">Expect the Hard, Experience the Good (Part Two) :: Kris Habashy {Ep 35}</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/10/09/exchange-false-beliefs-with-true-identity-jamie-winship-ep-433/">Exchange False Beliefs with True Identity :: Jamie Winship [Ep 433]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Branch Basics</strong>: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, <a href="http://Target.com">Target.com</a>, Amazon, and of course, <a href="http://BranchBasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a>. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at <a href="http://branchbasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a> with our code [DMA].</li> <li> <strong>Honeylove</strong>: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at <a href="http://honeylove.com/DMA">honeylove.com/DMA</a>. Experience the new standard in comfort and support with Honeylove.</li> <li> <strong>Hiya Health:</strong> 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 <a href="http://hiyahealth.com/DMA">hiyahealth.com/DMA</a>. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.</li> </ul>

<div> <p>Parenting a spicy child can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting, especially when traditional parenting advice just doesn’t work. In this episode, <strong>Mary Van Geffen</strong> joins us to talk about what it really means to parent a strong-willed, spirited, intense child without losing yourself or crushing their spirit.</p><p>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. </p><p><strong>Here is some of what we cover: </strong></p></div><ul> <li>How to stay connected to your child so you can guide them long-term</li> <li>A practical calm down recipe for flare-ups and explosive moments</li> <li>How to set boundaries without crushing your child’s spirit</li> <li>Why you are not responsible for your child’s happiness</li> <li>How to support the mild child in a family with a spicy sibling</li> </ul><div> <br>Connect with Mary Van Geffen: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maryvangeffen">🌶️Parenting Education Classes (@maryvangeffen)</a> </li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/parentcoachforspicyones">Mary Van Geffen</a> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.maryvangeffen.com/">Mary Van Geffen</a> </li> </ul><div><p><br>Links Mentioned:  </p></div><ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4aaJ5UC">Parenting a Spicy One: By Mary Van Geffen</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4aaJ5UC">The Cost of Control: By Sharon Hodde Miller</a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.maryvangeffen.com/starthere">Start Here- Quiz — Mary Van Geffen<br></a><br></li> </ul><div> <p></p><p>Related Episodes:</p></div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/11/06/parenting-as-a-highly-sensitive-person-mary-van-geffen-ep-438/">Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 438]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2021/08/16/body-awareness-in-parenting-mary-van-geffen-ep-333/">Body Awareness in Parenting :: Mary Van Geffen [Ep 333]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2024/07/22/how-to-stay-calm-with-strong-willed-kids-kirk-martin-ep-479-summer-of-mentorship-week-three/">How to Stay Calm with Strong Willed Kids? :: Kirk Martin [Ep 479]</a></li> </ul><div><p><br>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Barefaced</strong>: If you want to see results and find a skincare routine you’ll actually stick to, this is where I recommend starting. Head to <a href="http://barefaced.com">barefaced.com</a> 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.</li> <li>Green Chef: Right now go to <a href="http://greenchef.com/alonegraza">Greenchef.com/alonegraza</a> 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. </li> <li> <strong>Cove: </strong>Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at <a href="http://covesmart.com/DMA">covesmart.com/DMA</a> 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.</li> </ul>

<div> <p>*Republishing our most downloaded episodes, one a month this year*</p><p>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.</p><p>Author and speaker <strong>Paul David Tripp</strong> 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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>My hope is that this conversation encourages you to re-engage your marriage with renewed faith and confidence in what God can do.</p><p><strong>What we talk about:<br></strong><br></p></div><ul> <li>How marriages are shaped by thousands of small moments</li> <li>Why daily habits matter more than big moments</li> <li>Identifying healthy and harmful marriage habits</li> <li>How sin turns us inward—and why marriage is a covenant of community</li> <li>Confession, forgiveness, and navigating conflict</li> <li>Unity vs. uniformity in marriage</li> <li>The role of the fruit of the Spirit in a thriving marriage</li> <li><p>Why isolation harms marriage and community helps heal it</p></li> </ul><div><strong>Connect with Paul David Tripp: </strong></div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paultrippquotes/">Paul David Tripp (@paultrippquotes)</a> </li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pdtripp">Paul David Tripp</a> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://www.paultripp.com/">PaulTripp.com | Pastor. Author. Conference Speaker.</a> </li> </ul><div><p><br><strong>Links Mentioned:  </strong></p></div><ul><li> <a href="https://amzn.to/3LvkEJm">Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make</a> by Paul David Tripp</li></ul><div> <br><strong>Related Episodes:</strong> </div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2024/02/26/hope-for-the-hopeless-marriage-kathy-bush-ep-453/">Hope for the Hopeless Marriage :: Kathy Bush [Ep 453]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2022/08/15/building-strong-marriages-kimberly-beam-holmes-ep-374/">Building Strong Marriages :: Kimberly Beam Holmes [Ep 374]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2019/05/06/rebuilding-from-an-abusive-marriage-jeni-b-ep-246/">Rebuilding from an Abusive Marriage :: Jeni B [Ep 246]</a></li> </ul><div><p><br><strong>Featured Sponsors: </strong></p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Thrive Causemetics</strong>: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to <a href="http://thrivecausemetics.com/DMA">thrivecausemetics.com/DMA</a> for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. </li> <li> <strong>Cozy Earth:</strong> 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 <a href="http://cozyearth.com">cozyearth.com</a> today and use my code <strong>DMABOGO</strong> 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!</li> <li> <strong>Cash App</strong>: 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 <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/podcast">cash.app/legal/podcast</a> for full disclosures.</li> </ul>

<div> <p>Are we living in the most anxious generation ever? In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Max Lucado joins us to talk about anxiety, mental health, and the unseen struggles so many kids and teens are facing today—and what parents can do about it.</p><p>With constant access to phones, social media, and nonstop information, anxiety often shows up sideways in our kids through anger, withdrawal, or fear. Max explains what’s happening in the brain, why anxiety feels like an alarm that never shuts off, and how parents can become a soft place to land when emotions run high.</p><p>We also talk about the importance of parents addressing anxiety in their own lives, how worry steals joy and peace, and why our presence (not perfection) is what God desires most. Max shares encouragement for praying parents, reminding us that Jesus never turned away a parent who asked for help for their child. Here is some of what we cover: </p></div><ul> <li>Why today’s kids are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety</li> <li>The physical and emotional toll of chronic worry</li> <li>Why a parent’s physical presence matters more than we realize</li> <li>Max Lucado’s personal faith journey and what God taught him about presence over performance</li> </ul><div>Connect with Max Lucado: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maxlucado/">Max Lucado (@maxlucado)</a> </li> <li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maxlucado">Max Lucado</a> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://maxlucado.com/">Max Lucado</a> </li> </ul><div><p>Links Mentioned:  </p></div><ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/45bKSaq">Calm Thoughts for Kids: 90 devotions for Anxious Days </a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3LgKl08">Tame Your Thoughts: By Max Lucado</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3NxEJz3">Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4qkteJX">Hermie Series–Buzby and the Grumble Bees</a></li> <li><a href="https://calendly.com/egvolunteer/pro-love-saturday">**SIGN UP to Join Heather and Megan at Pro Love Saturday for Embrace Grace</a></li> </ul><div>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2022/10/03/life-empowered-by-the-holy-spirit-max-lucado-ep-381/">Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit :: Max Lucado [Ep 381]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2020/09/28/you-are-never-alone-max-lucado-ep-298/">You Are Never Alone :: Max Lucado [Ep 298]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/10/13/from-overwhelmed-to-anchored-replacing-the-lies-of-motherhood-with-gods-truth-erica-gwynn-ep-544/">From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God’s Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544]</a></li> </ul><div><p>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>Cove</strong> : Make protecting your home one of your New Year’s resolutions! Check out Cove at <a href="http://covesmart.com/DMA">covesmart.com/DMA</a> or use code DMA at checkout for up to 70% off your first order.</li> <li> <strong>Wayfair</strong>: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to <a href="http://wayfair.com">Wayfair.com</a> right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. </li> <li> <strong>HiyaHealth</strong>: 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 <a href="http://hiyahealth.com/DMA">hiyahealth.com/DMA</a>. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.</li> </ul>

<div> <p>My friend and <strong>Sidetracked</strong> podcast co-host, <strong>Cynthia Yanof</strong>, joins me to discuss her new book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4q9LRA8"><em>How’d I Miss That?</em></a></p><p>Cynthia shares hilarious and poignant stories about family and kids that help uncover deeper truths—reminding us that God has a plan, and there’s no formula for this parenting journey. We often stress over things that feel big at the moment, like preschool registration or making the “right” sports team, but what really matters is having an eternal perspective—focusing on who our kids are becoming at 25 and who we are becoming as parents. In this episode, we talk about:</p></div><ul> <li>How to pray audacious, faith-filled prayers over our kids</li> <li>Trusting the process, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment</li> <li>Why not all friendships are meant for every season of parenting—and being intentional about your inner circle</li> <li>And we wrap up with some fun hosting tips from Cynthia</li> </ul><div> <br>Connect with Cynthia Yanof: </div><ul> <li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/">Cynthia Wilkinson Yanof (@cynthiayanof)</a> </li> <li>Website: <a href="https://cynthiayanof.com/">Cynthia Yanof</a> </li> </ul><div><p><br>Links Mentioned:  </p></div><ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/4q9LRA8">How’d I Miss That?: By Cynthia Yanof</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidetracked/id1765742489">Sidetracked - Podcast - Apple Podcasts</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/455EscO">Draw the Circle: By Mark Batterson</a></li> <li>Pre-order Cynthia’s book and then <a href="https://forms.gle/K8f8DByA5qDJZUE19">fill out this form</a> to join us LIVE on Jan 27th at 7:30 pm CST</li> </ul><div> <br>Related Episodes:</div><ul> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/07/24/the-goal-isnt-happy-children-cynthia-yanof-summer-of-mentorship-wk-6-ep-419/">The Goal Isn’t Happy Children :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 6 [Ep 419]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/07/03/the-unicorn-that-is-adult-friendship-cynthia-yanof-summer-of-mentorship-wk-3-ep-416/">The Unicorn That is Adult Friendship :: Cynthia Yanof – Summer of Mentorship – Wk 3 [Ep 416]</a></li> <li><a href="https://heathermacfadyen.com/2023/06/26/raising-kids-who-can-stand-alone-cynthia-yanof-summer-of-mentorship-wk-2-ep-415/">Raising Kids Who Can Stand Alone :: Cynthia Yanof -Summer of Mentorship-Wk 2 [Ep 415] </a></li> </ul><div><p><br>Featured Sponsors: </p></div><ul> <li> <strong>BUBS Naturals:</strong> Live Better Longer and kick 2026 off the right way! BUBS is running a HUGE New Year New You sale PLUS for a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code [DMA] at checkout. <a href="http://bubsnaturals.com">Bubsnaturals.com</a> </li> <li> <strong>Branch Basics:</strong> And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, <a href="http://Target.com">Target.com</a>, Amazon, and of course, <a href="http://branchbasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a> Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at <a href="http://branchbasics.com">BranchBasics.com</a> with our code [DMA]. </li> </ul><div> <strong>Thrive Causemetics</strong>: Amplify Your Every Day. Go to <a href="http://thrivecausemetics.com/DMA">thrivecausemetics.com/DMA</a> for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. </div>