In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling speaks with author Janel Breitenstein about the challenges of motherhood, particularly focusing on the theme of anger. They discuss the societal and religious pressures that lead mothers to feel guilty about their anger, and how understanding and managing this emotion can lead to healthier parenting. Janel shares practical tips for recognizing triggers, the importance of self-awareness, and how to approach anger in a way that reflects God's love and grace. The conversation emphasizes the need for mothers to be kind to themselves and to seek God's help in their parenting journey.

Janel’s Book - How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs: Keeping Your Cool While Raising Your Kids

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling and Laine Lawson Craft discuss the significance of genuine friendships, especially during challenging times. They explore the transition from parenting to writing children's literature, emphasizing the foundational truths every child should hear. The conversation highlights the importance of prayer in parenting and the mission behind Laine's new book, 'The Beginning of You,' which aims to support mothers who choose life for their children.

Laine’s Book: The Beginning of You

Many believers feel torn between loving others and protecting their hearts. We’re taught to include everyone, forgive quickly, and keep our doors open—but Scripture also calls us to wisdom and discernment in who we allow to shape our thinking, emotions, and spiritual direction.

In this conversation, we explore the difference between loving people and trusting them equally—and why healthy boundaries aren’t unloving, but deeply biblical.

Author Becky Harling joins us to unpack what emotionally healthy, Christ-centered friendships look like, how to recognize unsafe relational patterns, and how to heal when relationships wound us. Together, we examine how grounding our identity in Jesus frees us to love generously without becoming drained, resentful, or spiritually pulled off course.

This episode provides clarity on:

• why loving everyone doesn’t mean giving everyone equal access to your heart
• how to identify safe, reciprocal friendships
• warning signs of codependency, control, gossip, and emotional imbalance
• how prayer shapes wise relational decisions
• what loyalty and long-term friendship look like in a Christ-centered life
• how to set boundaries without becoming guarded or cynical
• steps toward healing after relational hurt

Resource referenced: Friend-Wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, Becky Harling and Erin Davis engage in a heartfelt discussion about the concept of over-functioning in parenting and friendships. They explore the challenges of wanting to do too much for others, the importance of allowing children and friends to experience their own struggles, and the necessity of finding identity and affirmation in Christ rather than in performance. The conversation also touches on the biblical story of Joseph as a lens for understanding family dysfunction and the redemptive work of God in our lives.

Erin's book: The Story of Joseph

In this episode of the Connected Mom Podcast, host Becky Harling and her friend Carol Kent discuss the vital role of friendship in our lives. They explore themes of intentionality, affirmation, and support in friendships, as well as the challenges of competition and comparison. Carol shares her insights on setting boundaries and the importance of prayer and connection, especially during difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace in relationships and the strength that comes from having a supportive community.

In this episode of the Connected Mom podcast, Becky Harling and her friend Judy Dunagan discuss the vital role of friendship in motherhood. They explore themes of intentionality, prayer, vulnerability, affirmation, and the challenges of competition and comparison among friends. Through their personal stories, they highlight how deep friendships can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of community, ultimately enriching the journey of motherhood. The conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing friendships and being proactive in seeking connections with others.

In this episode of The Connected Mom podcast, host Becky Harling discusses the vital role of friendship in women's lives, particularly for mothers. She reflects on her personal journey through cancer, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and being intentional in friendships. Harling warns against complacency and encourages listeners to treasure their friends, take initiative, and engage meaningfully in their lives. The episode sets the stage for a series focused on deepening friendships and supporting one another through life's challenges.

Becky's book:Friend-wise: Practical Ideas for Richer Relationships

In this episode of The Connected Mom, Becky Harling and therapist Kenza Haddock delve into the complexities of mother wounds, particularly focusing on the impact of borderline personality disorder in mothers. They discuss the emotional turmoil faced by children of borderline mothers, the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of forgiveness in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the significance of therapy, self-awareness, and the power of God's healing in overcoming generational patterns of emotional distress.

Kenza's Book: Unmasking Narcissism: Exposing and Breaking Free From Hidden Patterns of Abuse