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

• 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]

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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

• Website: Vaneetha Risner
• Facebook: Vaneetha Rendall Risner
• Instagram: Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner)

• 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

• 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]

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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

• Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson

• 50 I am statements
• CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment
• 5 Values Exercise
• Annual Vision Process - Children
• 2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner

• 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]

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