Do you need to Kindle Your Spark? Some might say they would like to (re)kindle their spark. With the demands of everyday life, we can often feel like what we once had has all but disappeared. If you feel this way, I want to let you know you aren’t alone.
Today, my friend, Rachel Marie Martin and I discuss how to Kindle Your Spark. We want you to look in the mirror and not wonder, “Where did I go?” It’s true life is busy, but we don’t have to feel poured out and empty. The dreams, hopes, and joy we longed for back in the day don’t die. We can reignite that inner fire we often lose as moms.
Join us for an honest conversation about how to reignite that inner fire within.
Why Do We Lose Our Spark
Moms are the heart of the home. We’re caregivers, problem solvers, chauffeurs, chefs, and a million other things. But while meeting everyone else’s needs, we often forget about our own. The spark dims as we trade our dreams for endless to-do lists, and we start to believe that who we are now is who we’ll always be—tired, worn-out, and lost. Or we lose our identity by replacing it with I’m a mom, wife, daughter, or ____________. But you and I both know there’s more to the story. We are more than what we do or the titles we wear.
Give Yourself Time to Find Yourself
When was the last time you did something just for you? I’m not talking about the two-minute coffee break while the kids are napping. I mean carving out real time for yourself to reflect on what brings you joy and lights up your soul. I know it’s hard. And now I’m watching my daughter and daughter-in-love struggle to get any break with a toddler and newborn underfoot.
Life is busy, and you’re needed by so many people. But finding yourself again isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You are more than the roles you fill every day.
Allow yourself space to dream again, to rediscover the passions that made you feel alive before life got so complicated. It won’t happen overnight, but little by little, you’ll start to see glimpses of the person you were and, more importantly, the person you’re becoming.
Remove the Regulators That Eliminate Possibilites
You know those little voices that say, “You can’t,” “You’re too old,” or “It’s too late”? Yeah, those. They’re regulators—limiters that keep you from taking any action towards your goals. They tell you that what you desire isn’t possible. But those thoughts and feelings aren’t always accurate.
Remove those mental barriers. Replace them with, “What if?” What if you allowed yourself to pursue that dream, no matter how big or small? What if you stopped limiting yourself based on what you think you’re capable of and instead just tried? The truth is, you’ll never know what’s possible until you start removing the limits you’ve placed on yourself.
Fight for Your Story
Mom, your story is still being written. You’ve gone through hard things, and yes, maybe your spark has dimmed along the way. But that doesn’t mean the story ends here. You have a choice: You can let life’s challenges steal your light, or you can fight for your story—fight to find the woman inside of you who refuses to give up.
It’s not always easy. Some days, it feels downright impossible. But you’re not alone in this. We’re in this together, fighting for our stories, fighting for the lives we want, and fighting to show up as the women we know we’re meant to be. May I add that you can be a fabulous wife and mom and still keep the fire of who you are alive?
Be Willing to Be Vulnerable
And here’s the final key: vulnerability. Let go of the idea that you have to have it all together all the time. That’s just a lie we tell ourselves. The truth is, it’s in those raw, vulnerable moments that we connect with others and with ourselves the most. Be honest about where you are. It’s okay to say, “I’m struggling,” or “I don’t know who I am right now.” Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak—it makes you brave! I’ve seen too many people portray perfection only to crash when life gets blurry.
When you let yourself be seen, truly seen, you open the door for healing, growth, and transformation. You’ll find your spark again, not by pretending everything is perfect, but by embracing the mess and still choosing to show up.
You Are Worth Fighting For
So today, we asking you to do one thing: fight for your spark. Give yourself permission to chase after it, to fail, to try again. You are worth the fight, and your story is still being written.
Kindle Your Spark
I truly enjoyed reading Get Your Spark Back. Why? Because friend, I’ve lost my spark. I’ve let the fire dim. I lost myself in the various roles I’ve filled. And let me tell you, you have to work to get it back. But you can kindle your spark if you are intentional
Remember: “No decision is a decision.” Rachel Marie Martin
About Rachel Martin Morris
Rachel believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, to thrive and to find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net and author of Get Your Spark Back, Mom Enough and The Brave Art of Motherhood and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures.
Parenting can be overwhelming, especially when we experience feeling inadequate or judged by others. In today’s episode, I’ll discuss how to overcome those feelings of inadequacy that many of us struggle with. If your teen is acting out or being influenced negatively, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent—it means you’re on a journey like the rest of us.
Drawing from biblical truths and practical examples, I’ll provide specific ways to reframe these struggles and embrace the challenges of raising children. I’ll also share fundamental tools and encouragement to confidently help you navigate this season.
Parenting can be overwhelming, especially when we start to feel inadequate or judged by others. If your child is acting out or being influenced negatively, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent—it means you’re on a journey like the rest of us. While it is common to feel inadequate, those feelings aren’t true. You can confidently navigate this season with a few tools and leaning on God’s Word.
Feeling Inadequate Key Takeaways
Many parents, even those with the strongest faith, face struggles when their teens begin to assert independence or fall under negative influences.
Acknowledge that Parenting is Hard for Everyone
You’re not alone in your struggles. Many parents face feelings of inadequacy, but these challenges are a part of the growth process for you and your child. Reframe your mindset. Accept that challenges don’t mean failure but rather an opportunity for growth for you and your teen. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “train up a child in the way he should go,” but that doesn’t guarantee an immediate return or perfect behavior. Trust the process.
Combat Judgment
It’s easy to feel judged by peers, family, or society. But remember, your worth as a parent isn’t measured by others’ opinions. We’ll talk about how to lean on God’s grace and approval.
Reframe “Failure”
Moments when your child is acting out can be seen as learning opportunities for both of you. Take time to connect with your child and show them the love of Christ through the difficulties.
Practical Steps When You Feel Inadequate
From daily prayer to finding community support, explore tangible steps you can take to shift your perspective and handle challenges with grace.
Fostering a Supportive Relationship to Reduce Feeling Inadequate
Building a connection with your child is more important than fixing behavior. Learn how empathy, love, and patience can open the door to positive change. Based on what you observe and the conversations you have, set challenging yet achievable goals.
If your child loves writing but struggles with grammar, encourage them to write stories while gradually improving their grammar skills. The idea is to build on their strengths while gently supporting them in areas where they need growth.
Feeling Inadequate Highlights
Understanding the reality: Parenting teens is one of the hardest seasons for any parent. No one has it all figured out.
Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion: I’ll talk about why it’s crucial to stop comparing yourself to other parents and how to embrace God’s grace.
Real-life examples: Hear stories from parents who’ve walked this road and found hope through faith and practical steps.
Scripture Focus
Throughout this episode, I’ll refer to key scriptures like Proverbs 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go…”) and James 1:2-4 to remind us that God is with us in every season of parenting, refining us and our children through these trials.
Feeling Inadequate Wrap Up
As you navigate your parenting journey, remember that perfection isn’t required—faithfulness is. God sees your efforts and is equipping you every day. You are enough for your child, and with God’s help, you’ll continue to grow as the parent He’s called you to be.
Call to Action: If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review. And don’t forget to check out the full episode at [conniealbers.com] or on your favorite podcast platform. You can also join our community for more resources and support. ~Thank you, Connie
When teens stop liking their parents, it hurts. Do you know what I mean? Have you ever looked into your teenager’s eyes and felt like a stranger? As a mom, nothing stings quite like realizing that the child who once clung to you now seems to tolerate your presence barely.
It’s a heartbreaking shift that leaves many of us feeling lost, questioning our worth, and wondering where we went wrong. But take heart—you are not alone in this struggle. While it may feel like the bond you once had is slipping away, there is hope and a path forward to healing and understanding.
When your teenager seems to push you away or act like they don’t like you, it’s easy to feel hurt and react out of frustration or fear. However, there are some key things you should avoid doing during these challenging times to prevent further damage to the relationship. Here are five actions to steer clear of that can help keep the door open for healing and connection, even when it feels like your teen is shutting you out.
What To Do When Teens Stop Liking Their Parents
Acknowledge the Hurt
Acknowledge the deep emotional pain and confusion that come when a child who was once so close becomes distant. Although this phase may feel overwhelming and never-ending, it’s important to remember that it’s just that—a phase. With patience, understanding, and a steady hand, you and your teenager can navigate this season and emerge with a stronger, more resilient bond.
It’s okay to feel down, but you can’t stay down. God is in control and continues to work all things out for His good and His glory.
What You Need To Know?
Understanding the Teenage Mindset
Humanizing the Pain: A Mom’s Perspective
Practical Steps to Take
Finding Support
Holding on to Hope
Understand A Teens Mindset
To make it through these tough moments, it helps to step into your teen’s shoes and understand what they’re really going through. The teenage years are a rollercoaster of emotions, independence, and self-discovery. By understanding their mindset, you can approach them with more empathy and patience, helping to keep your connection strong, even when things feel rough.
Hormonal and Developmental Changes: Hormone changes and brain development can affect a teenager’s mood and behavior. The hard part for parents is that many teens don’t fully understand what is happening to their bodies, which makes communication much more difficult.
Desire for Independence: As teens try to establish their independence, they may push away from their parents as a part of this process. We want our kids to gain independence so they can handle adult life, so being able to observe what is happening will help you.
The Role of Peer Influence: Peer relationships can become more important, often overshadowing family relationships. We must discern how influential friends are on our child and help them become strong and confident in who God made them to be.
Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Humanizing the Pain: A Mom’s Perspective
A NormalExperience: I want to remind you that feeling hurt is normal and that you are not alone in this experience.
The Power of Vulnerability: Acknowledge your feelings and possibly even share them with their teenager calmly, non-confrontationally.
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Practical Steps to Take
Stay Consistent in Love and Support: Continue to show love, even when it feels unreciprocated.
Create Open Lines of Communication: Keep communication open by actively listening, not interrupting, and validating feelings.
Respect Their Space and Independence: Giving teens the space they crave while being present and available shows your teen respect and understanding.
Finding Support
Lean on Your Community: Don’t be afraid to contact friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through.
Consider Professional Help: Consider seeking help from a counselor or therapist for your teen or yourself. Sometimes, getting outside help gives you insights into what can be done to make the situation less stressful.
Holding on to Hope
We have to remember to have hope. God is at work. Your child is not going to feel this way forever. Even during the toughest times with their teenager, there’s always a reason to stay resilient and patient.
The Power of Time: Like many phases, this too shall pass. Teens grow up, mature, and often return to a closer relationship with their parents. 🙂
Encouragement to Persevere: I want to encourage you to continue your unwavering love and patience, which can make a profound difference.
Malachi 4:6 – “And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers; lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
Scripture for Strained Relationships
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of nurturing and guiding children without causing unnecessary conflict or resentment.
Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Encourages parents to avoid actions or words that may lead to bitterness or discouragement in their children.
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
It suggests that a strong foundation, even if met with resistance during the teenage years, will have lasting effects.
Scripture For Healing and Reconciliation
Healing and reconciliation offer hope that strength will be renewed through patience and reliance on God.
Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Corinthians 5:18-19 – “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Wrapping It Up
Watching your teenager pull away can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences as a parent. It’s tough—there’s no sugarcoating that. But take heart: you’re not alone in this journey, and it doesn’t mean you’re losing them forever.
With the Lord, patience, empathy, and a lot of love, this difficult season can be a time of growth, so hang in there—your bond is stronger than you think. God’s got you and will lead you through this season of parenting.
Welcome to Healthy Back to School Habits Part 1 with my friend, Loisann Fowler of Coach in Tandem! As the new school year approaches, we want to ensure our children are set up for success both in and out of the classroom. Today, Loisann and I will discuss two crucial areas: improving your child’s nutrition and ensuring they get quality sleep. Let’s explore some practical, easy-to-implement tips that will make a big difference in your child’s health and well-being.
I know life is busy, and meeting our healthy habits goals can be difficult when school picks back up. That’s why now is a perfect time to consider five easy foundational non-negotiables we can incorporate into our homes before school starts.
In part one of Healthy Back to School Habits, Loisann and I focus on eating real foods and getting quality sleep. Let’s start with eating real food.
Healthy Back to School Habits: Eat Real Food
What do you mean when you say eat real food? It’s simple. It means foods with no labels. No additives, food coloring, or added sugars. According to Mark Hyman, there is no such thing as “junk food.” There is junk, and there is food. What we are talking about here is real food. Food that nourishes your body and gives your child energy. How do we know if food is good?
Check labels. It might take a little time initially, but you will quickly find products that are better options for your children.
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables to have available for lunches and snack time.
Limit processed, pastries, or boxed goods as much as possible.
Introduce new natural food every day to expand your children’s palates.
Studies show that children who eat real food perform better, think clearer, and experience a general sense of well-being. What foods should our children eat?
Include 3 Foods Everyday
When we create our weekly meal plan, let’s focus on serving:
High-quality proteins
Healthy fats
Good Carbohydrates
By simply starting with these three food groups, we can have peace of mind knowing our children’s bodies are receiving the nutrients they need to thrive.
Healthy Back to School Habits: Quality Sleep
Understanding why children need quality sleep and getting them to get that sleep
Sleep allows our brain to repair damaged cells.
Hormones are rebalanced and reset during sleep cycles.
Sleep allows our brain to destress from the activities of the day.
Muscle and bone strength occur during sleep.
Emotional regulation happens while we sleep.
Knowledge is stored in our long-term memory when we sleep.
One of the best ways to ensure our children function optimally is to ensure they sleep for an appropriate number of hours.
Healthy Back to School Habits Matter
The little habits you implement today will yield huge rewards in your children’s future. Remember, they trust you to take care of them. Children don’t instinctively know what is good for them. You create an environment where they can truly thrive by creating healthy back-to-school habits, serving your children real food, and teaching them the importance of getting adequate sleep.
Thank you for joining us today! We’re so glad you’re here and committed to helping your child succeed. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Healthy Back to School Habits series, where we’ll discuss three more easy, healthy habits to support your child’s success. Remember, every small step you take makes a big difference. You’ve got this!
About Loisann Fowler
Loisann Flower is a nationally board-certified functional medicine health coach. She helps people from teens to 90-somethings uncover and achieve their highest wellness in body, mind, and spirit. There is a gap between our level of health today and where we want to be. Loisann’s coaching bridges that gap, discovering lasting practices for a strong and energetic life.
In “Raising Creative Children Part 2,” I continue to share information about understanding the unique needs of our young artists. This week, I’m excited to share essential insights and practical tips to help parents and educators recognize the importance of providing time and space in a creative child’s daily life. By fostering an environment that nurtures their imagination and respects their need for unstructured moments, we can help our children truly thrive and develop their creative potential.
Following the enthusiastic response to Part 1, I continue our journey into understanding and nurturing the unique talents of our young creatives. We want to be aware of their needs so their talent can be fully developed.
Creative Children View Life Differently
A creative child views the world through a lens of endless possibilities, where every ordinary object holds the potential for extraordinary transformation. They see patterns, colors, and stories in the most mundane settings, turning every day into a canvas for their imagination. Their perspective is rich with curiosity and wonder, and they constantly seek to explore, understand, and reinvent the world around them.
Common Needs of Creative Children
Creative children often display a unique set of traits and behaviors that distinguish them from their peers. I could list many characteristics of a creative child, but these will help you identify the common characteristics :
Vivid Imagination: Creative children frequently have rich imaginations and enjoy inventing stories, games, and scenarios.
Curiosity: They often ask a lot of questions and show a keen interest in exploring and understanding the world around them.
Energetic: Creative children are usually energetic and enthusiastic, particularly when engaged in activities they are passionate about.
Resilience: They are often persistent and resilient, willing to tackle challenges and learn from failures.
Self-Directed: Creative children often prefer working independently and may resist conventional instructions or routines.
Depth of Emotion: They often experience and express deep and complex emotions through their creative outlets.
When we pay attention to what our creative children need, we can better nurture their creative potential effectively.
Creatives Need Encouragement
Encouraging your creative child doesn’t have to be complicated; small, everyday actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical examples to help nurture and inspire your child’s creativity at home.
Provide creative time and space to think and form ideas.
Encourage exploration and experimentation: Allow your child the freedom to experiment with different art forms, materials, and techniques, encouraging them to take risks and embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences.
Celebrate effort, not just results. Creative children tend to be more sensitive to failure, and they thrive when we praise their progress.
Teach them how to fail. Failure can cause them to produce better work.
Watch for naysayers who discourage your creative child.
Creatives tend to push the boundaries of everyday reason. We want them to take risks and be adventurers, innovators, and explorers, but we must be careful not to make them conformists.
Supporting children’s artistic journey not only fosters their talents but also contributes to their overall personal development. By encouraging exploration, offering support, and celebrating their efforts, you are not only helping your child develop their creative talents but also instilling confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Have you ever wondered how to encourage and develop your child’s creativity without overwhelming them or stifling their natural curiosity? I have. Raising creative children taught me so much about how creative/artistic kids see and engage in the world around them that I started speaking on this topic years ago. This topic is so valuable to parents that I decided to dedicate two episodes: Raising Creative Children Part 1 and Raising Creative Children Part 2.
During this episode, I will share practical tips to help you cultivate a nurturing environment that allows your child’s imagination to flourish. Whether your child loves to paint, dance, write, or invent, they need you to guide and celebrate their creative journey. So, grab a smoothie, relax, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together! 🙂
Before we talk about nurturing a creative child, you need to know how they think, feel, and experience the world. If you take time to learn some simple characteristics, you’ll enjoy the rewards of watching them grow and develop their craft.
Creative Children View Life Differently
A creative child views the world through a lens of endless possibilities, where every ordinary object holds the potential for extraordinary transformation. They see patterns, colors, and stories in the most mundane settings, turning every day into a canvas for their imagination. Their perspective is rich with curiosity and wonder, constantly seeking to explore, understand, and reinvent the world around them.
Common Characteristics of a Creative Child
Creative children often display a unique set of traits and behaviors that distinguish them from their peers. I could list many characteristics of a creative child, but these will help you identify the common characteristics :
Vivid Imagination: Creative children frequently have rich imaginations and enjoy inventing stories, games, and scenarios.
Curiosity: They often ask a lot of questions and show a keen interest in exploring and understanding the world around them.
Energetic: Creative children are usually energetic and enthusiastic, particularly when engaged in activities they are passionate about.
Resilience: They are often persistent and resilient, willing to tackle challenges and learn from failures.
Self-Directed: Creative children often prefer working independently and may resist conventional instructions or routines.
Depth of Emotion: They often experience and express deep and complex emotions through their creative outlets.
When we pay attention to what our creative children need, we can better nurture their creative potential effectively.
Supplies for Creative Children
By providing the right resources, environment, and encouragement, you can help your artistic children hone their skills and develop their unique creative voices. It’s about progress over perfection, nurturing imagination, and learning to fail and keep going.
Basic Supplies: Keep a stock of essential items like paper, pencils, paints, brushes, and clay.
Specialty Items: Occasionally introduce more specialized materials such as canvases, charcoals, or digital art tools.
Books and Tutorials: Invest in art books, online tutorials, and classes that cater to your child’s interests.
Your children look to you not just for basic needs but also for emotional and spiritual support. They need you to protect them from harm, teach them right from wrong, love them unconditionally, serve them with a joyful heart, and play with them. All these actions create lasting memories.
Practical Examples to Encourage Creatives
Encouraging your creative child doesn’t have to be complicated; small, everyday actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical examples to help nurture and inspire your child’s creativity at home.
Provide creative space. Creative children need time and space to think and dream.
Encourage exploration and experimentation: Allow your child the freedom to experiment with different art forms, materials, and techniques, encouraging them to take risks and embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences.
Celebrate effort, not just results. Creative children tend to be more sensitive to failure, and they thrive when we praise their progress.
Create diverse experiences: Encourage your child to explore various activities and environments, such as visiting museums, attending art workshops, or spending time in nature to broaden their creative horizons.
Encourage collaboration and sharing
When you add practical examples for your children, you will foster a supportive environment that nurtures and develops a child’s creative abilities.
Supporting children’s artistic journey not only fosters their talents but also contributes to their overall personal development. By encouraging exploration, offering support, and celebrating their efforts, you are not only helping your child develop their creative talents but also instilling confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
