Send us a text Once you have a basic understanding of AI, the next step is figuring out how your kids are going to use it for entertainment, socialization, and learning. In this episode, we cover how parents can navigate AI with their children and keep them safe. Mentions: All Pro Dad Podcast Real or AI Quiz 6 Things You Need to Know About AI Right…

Send us a text AI is new and exciting (and a little intimidating). In this episode, we talk with Mary Jo Wyse, iMOM's AI researcher to learn the basics of this new technology and how it will impact our families. Mentions: All Pro Dad Podcast 6 Things You Need to Know About AI Right Now 4 Ways AI Will Change Education for Your Child (For the Better)…

Send us a text Has motherhood made you more authentically you, or have you lost your sense of self? In this episode, we ask how moms can embrace the sacrifices that come with parenting and maybe even find themselves in this journey. Mentions: State of Motherhood Report Losing Yourself in Motherhood—But Maybe Not Laura Rutledge: 10 “Get To’s” of Mot…

Send us a text Mental health is a big part of our cultural conversation, which means it has become part of many families' conversations. In this episode, we talk about what influences a mom's decision to put her child in therapy. Mentions: Article from The Sydney Morning Herald 5 Situations that Might Require Therapy for your Child 7 Things You Can…

Send us a text Even if your husband and son are like two peas in a pod, you have a special relationship with your boy, too. In this episode we chat about how moms can use their influence to raise kind, strong young men. Mentions: 3 Words We Say That Hurt Our Sons 7 Things Single Moms Can Do to Raise Awesome Boys 10 Things Boys Want to Hear From The…

Send us a text It's time to go back to school. A mom's attitude and approach to a new school year can make all the difference, so in this episode, we break it down to the ABCs. Mentions: 7 Ways to Be Involved at School Even When You Work After School Conversation Starters Printable The Mom I Am Personality Test All Pro Dad School Chapters This epis…

Send us a text Grab your husband for this episode because the iMOM ladies are joined by speaker, author, and founder of For Us Marriage, Ted Lowe. We fire questions at Ted as he tells us what to avoid when we're in the midst of conflicts with our husbands. Mentions: Conflict in Marriage: 4 Things to Avoid More about Ted Lowe Book Ted to speak to yo…

Send us a text Part two! In the last episode, we talked about how Susan and Megan's family changed through adoption. In this episode, we dig into how and when to share changes with kids and how big changes can help our faith grow. Mentions: Adoption resources Susan's Adoption Story 10 Reasons Why Adoption May Be Right for Your Family 5 F’s You Need…

Send us a text Every family faces big changes at some point or another. A move, an illness, a job loss, or, in the case of Susan and Megan’s family, adoption. The way you respond to the changes can bring your family closer together and strengthen your family identity. So in this episode, Susan shares her family's adoption story, and we’ll talk abou…

Send us a text Our kids need to make decisions on their own as they grow, so it's on us as parents to teach the skill of discernment. In this episode, we talk about how to help kids make good choices with media, friendships, and life decisions. Mentions: 2 Questions Every Child Needs to Answer to Make Wise Decisions Does Your Kid Have Red Light Fri…

Send us a text Teaching kids how to be independent is key to their physical and mental well-being, but man, is it hard for moms to let go. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of independence and little ways to give our kids room to grow. Mentions: University of Michigan poll: "Promoting children's independence: What parents say vs do" Quit Tel…

Send us a text Can a mom actually feel like she's on vacation when she takes a trip with her family? In this iMOM Podcast episode, we share mindset shifts, practical ideas, and stories of surviving nightmarish vacation situations. Mentions: 15 Family Car Games to Beat the Boredom Bug A Trip With Kids CAN Feel Like a Vacation! 7 Tips for Loving Trip…

Send us a text Resilience is one of the most important things we can teach our kids, but that means we have to let them struggle, which can be really tough for moms. In this episode, we'll talk about what resilience is and how to look for everyday opportunities to build it in our children. Mentions: 3 Ways to Help a Child Through a Rough Patch 5 Th…

Send us a text A new tie and golf balls are great Father's Day gifts, but the best gift you can give your husband any time of the year is to be a more loving wife. In this episode, things get real. We talk about how we (might) be falling a little short and what makes it difficult to be the loving wives we know we should be. If you need reassurance …

Send us a text If you could give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say? Whether you want to talk to the nine-months-pregnant you or you from last year, you probably have some words to share! In this episode, we talk about the lessons we learn throughout motherhood and how to hold on to the nuggets of wisdom we gain every day. …

Send us a text Often, one of the first battles between moms and kids is at the dinner table. In this episode, we talk about picky eating struggles, how to know when it’s time to get help, and a few ideas to help expand your picky eater’s palate. Mentions: 9 Strategies for Feeding Picky Eaters How to Fix a Picky Eater: 3 Easy Tricks 4 Signs Your Chi…

Send us a text Generation Alpha—the kids born between 2010 and the end of 2024. They're impacting our culture and our world in big and small ways. All of Chloe's, Abby's, and Megan's children are Gen Alpha, so in this episode, we talk about what makes these kids unique and how moms can help them through the challenges the generation faces. Mentions…

Send us a text We all have different stories. Our pasts, our kids, our marriages... they're all unique, but we love to compare ourselves to one another anyway. In this episode, we talk about how to stop comparing yourself with others, what pulls you into that trap, and what to do to maintain a healthy mindset. Mentions: Dare to Compare Study The Mo…

Send us a text No two kids are the same, even within one family! In this episode, we discuss how different personalities can make parenting more challenging and how we can use our strengths to be the best moms we can be to all of our children. Mentions: How to Know What Your Kids Are Made of The Positive Impact Fostering Has on Your Biological Chil…

Send us a text We can't prepare our kids for everything the might encounter in life, but we can help lay a foundation that sets them up to be able to make good decisions and be confident in who they are. If you're trying to build kids who know their worth and can handle difficulty, this is the episode for you! Mentions: 5 Traits of a Well-Rounded C…

Send us a text Being a mom is a gift and a blessing, but boy, is it a lot of work. That means motherhood can lead to burnout. But there's hope! In this episode, we talk about the things moms believe that lead to that "I need a break" feeling and ways to find rest. Mentions: 5 Lies the Exhausted Mom Believes 15 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Overw…

Send us a text Bullying, risky behavior, inappropriate conversations... when a child is in trouble or doing something he shouldn't, but it's not YOUR child, when should you step in? In this episode, we talk about when to meddle and when to mind your own business. Mentions: How Involved Should You Get in Another Kid’s Drama? The Mom Mafia This episo…

Send us a text "Blink, and your kids will be grown." Have you heard that before? Well, we can't avoid blinking, so how can moms slow down a little and practice being present with our kids so we can have meaningful moments? Mentions: 4 Things You Need to Fall Back Into 7 Meaningful Ways to Spend Time With Your Kids 3 Simple Truths That Help You Pare…

Send us a text No mom wants to stand on the sidelines and listen to her child get yelled at or hear about a coach who's a bully at practice. But knowing the next best step can be tricky. Pull your child from the activity? Report the coach? That's our discussion for today's iMOM Podcast episode. Mentions: 5 R’s to Use With Your Kid’s Harsh Coach Fin…

Send us a text Why are the tiniest members of our families the ones who frustrate us the most? When your toddler won't listen or is mischievous, it's tempting to yell (and yes, we all yell). In this episode, we'll discuss our attempts to get toddlers to comply without raising our voices. Mentions: 8 Ways to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Yelling 5 …

Send us a text Hindsight helps us realize a situation wasn't as big of a deal as we thought, but when we're in the thick of it, it's hard not to cry. In this episode, Chloe talks about how she managed to laugh during a disastrous day, and we talk about keeping things in perspective. Mentions: 5 Ways to Laugh Instead of Cry All Pro Dad Podcast Ep. 8…

Send us a text Have you ever gotten to the end of a school break and thought, did we really relax? Did we have fun? Did we make the most of it? Striking a balance during time off isn't hard, but it takes some thought. Let us do the thinking for you in this episode. Mentions: 6 Ways to Make the Most of School Breaks The Schedule That Saved Our Summe…

Send us a text The iMOM Podcast has hit a milestone: 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're answering questions from listeners. Thanks for growing with us and taking us along on your parenting journey! Mentions: Want to ask a question? Have an idea for an episode? Email imom@familyfirst.net. This episode’s show notes can also be viewed here on iMOM.com.…

Send us a text Are you a people pleaser? What happened when you became a mom? Did it get worse, or did you become more assertive? In this episode, we chat about what's behind the need to please others and how to do what's best for our kids. Mentions: 5 Things a Recovering People Pleaser Should Practice My Son Laughs When I Yell. It Used to Drive Me…

Send us a text When your name changed to "Mom," did you experience an identity crisis? Even if you were overjoyed to become a mother, it's a massive change for your body, mind, and self-image. In today's episode, we'll talk about adjusting to this new (and hopefully improved) version of you. Mentions: 3 Reasons Becoming “Mom” Is Awesome Losing Your…

Send us a text With more moms working, we really do need our husbands to be parenting partners. In this episode, we talk about how to cooperate with our husbands, express what we need, and lean on each other’s parenting strengths. Mentions: 5 Ways You Can Help Your Husband Be a Better Dad 5 Strengths Dads Bring to Parenting When You Resent Your Hus…

Send us a text Even if you aren't familiar with the capabilities of A.I., your kids are, and it's probably just a matter of time before they want to use it for school. In this episode, we discuss whether using A.I. at school is helpful, harmful, or maybe a little bit of both. Mentions: Is Using A.I. for Schoolwork Cheating? 7 Core Values Every Chil…

Send us a text The Sunday Scaries (a.k.a. the Sunday Blues) hit adults and kids, but they don't have to! This episode will help you get to the heart of what's giving you that icky feeling on Sunday evening and help you and the kids hold on to that relaxed weekend vibe. Mentions: 7 Tips for Eliminating the Sunday Scaries Printable Habit Trackers Pri…

Send us a text How do you show love to each of your kids when they need it when you’re just one person? ESPN’s Laura Rutledge is back with us to talk about how to be a great mom when your attention is divided between multiple kids. Mentions: The 5 Love Languages of Children A Simple Way to Discover Your Child’s Love Language What I Didn’t Expect Ab…

Send us a text The “smart one,” “lazy,” “a handful,” “our future pro athlete.” Putting labels on kids is tempting. We all do it to a certain extent, but when does it become harmful? In this episode, Chloe shares a story of being labeled as a kid, and we talk about the effects of labels. Mentions: Six 4-Letter Words Never to Say to Your Child 5 Ways…

Send us a text Eating together as a family is no easy feat with busy schedules and wiggly kids. In this episode, we talk about how to make family meals happen and plan meals so you’re not scrambling every night (unless it’s breakfast for dinner, of course!). Mentions: 10 Ideas That Will Help You Conquer Meal Planning How to Make Family Dinners Happ…

Send us a text Can you hear the baby cooing? Chloe shares what the first three months of motherhood have been like (and her sweet baby makes his first podcast appearance). What do you remember from your first months as a new mom, and what advice do you give new moms now? Mentions: 7 Ways to Resist the Pressures of Being a New Mom 15 Things I Wish I…

Send us a text It's the most wonderful time of the year, and then it's over. (Or is it?) Many of us struggle with the blues when Christmas or the New Year has passed. This episode will give you some ideas for working through them and for talking through the blues with kids, too. Mentions: Simon Sinek's talk on the scientific power of kindness 7 Way…

Send us a text Most of us have relatives who ruffle our feathers or have habits we’re not crazy about, so how do we love them and celebrate holidays and special occasions without losing our cool? Mentions: 5 Healthy Ways to Handle a Manipulative Mother-in-Law 5 Things to Help You Understand Your Mother-in-Law Problems 3 Ways You’re Creating Barrier…

Send us a text Every couple communicates in their particular way, but there are some communication tools that are helpful across the board in marriage. In this episode, we share ideas for how to be more clear, open, and productive in how we speak with our husbands. Mentions: Could a Feedback Wheel Change Your Marriage? Let’s Talk About Marriage Com…

Send us a text ESPN’s Laura Rutledge joins us for this episode about how to enjoy the sweet and silly moments of motherhood when they seem to be overshadowed by the crazy and chaotic ones! Mentions: Survey on Parents' Busyness Affecting Time With Kids Sometimes I Hate Being a Mom. Now What? Printable: Don't Forget to Remember Follow Laura Rutledge …

Send us a text Presents are a fun part of Christmas, even if they’re not the most important part. Moms have great ideas for buying, hiding, and wrapping gifts. So, let’s share those ideas and discuss how to keep our families focused on what matters most. Mentions: 15 Experience Gift Ideas for Christmas 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Gifts for You…

Send us a text Moms are experts at imagining how a special day will unfold and then feeling disappointed when things don’t go as expected. How do we keep our expectations from getting in the way of our enjoyment of the holidays? This episode will help you keep yourself in check and prioritize what matters most to you and your family. Mentions: 3 Wa…

Send us a text Have you ever called a family meeting? Before you ignore the idea and say it’s just another thing to put on your list, listen to this episode. We’ll share how a family meeting can help your house run more smoothly, improve communication and cooperation, and strengthen your family identity. And it can all happen in 15 minutes! Mention…

Send us a text You and your husband are a team, a united front committed to parenting your kids well, but what do you do when parenting makes your marriage feel less united? In this episode, we get honest about how kids can make it hard for husbands and wives to connect or get along (and how they make marriage stronger, too!). Mentions: How the Rul…

Send us a text Backtalk is one of the most frustrating behaviors from a child, but is all backtalk created equal? In this episode, we talk about what defines backtalk, how to respond to it, and how to raise a child who can assert himself without being disrespectful. Mentions: Want Respectful Kids? Follow These 5 Steps 4 Types of Back Talkers and Ho…

Send us a text Do you think the best kind of mom is the perfect mom? If you feel pressure to be perfect, this episode will bring you a big sigh of relief. Not only is the perfect mom not actually a thing, but it’s better for our children if we drop the ball now and then! Mentions: 4 Times to Embrace Good Enough Parenting Take the Mom I Am Personali…

Send us a text As a kid, did you ride your bike to the neighbor’s house or talk on the phone in the evening? That's how we socialized. Many kids today socialize through screens: Online gaming, social media, texting, which means moms are fighting this battle. On one side is the desire to limit screen time. On the other is the understanding that this…

Send us a text Have you ever been accused of nagging? If you have, we bet your response was, “If I don’t nag, nothing gets done!” In this episode, we discuss the difference between nagging and reminding and the hidden reasons why moms nag. Mentions: How to Stop Nagging in 3 Steps How to Stop Nagging: 3 Red Flags to Watch For Is It Nagging or Giving…

Send us a text Do you have a child who’s eager to imitate her friends? Is it a personality thing or a search for identity? In today’s iMOM Podcast episode, we’ll help you encourage your kids to make their own choices and appreciate what makes them unique. Mentions: How to Prepare Your Child to Resist Peer Pressure Washington Post Article: ‘Like’ it…