Practically Speaking Mom: Intentional Mom, Strong Family

Val Harrison, The Practically Speaking MOM

Do you long to be a more intentional mom but you feel overwhelmed or weary or just don't have a clear path to the next step toward a successful family life? The Practically Speaking MOM, Val Harrison, is here to bring some order to the chaos and some focus to the confusion. You don’t have to be the perfect mom to have a strong family, you need a plan! Join author, speaker, mother of seven, mother-in-law of four, and grandma of five, as she shares wisdom and encouragement about the six areas of an intentional mom's life. You'll learn from her years of experience, successes, mistakes and redemption. Val and her husband Rich have been married 32 years and she's been homeschooling for 25 years. This podcast covers all stages of parenting, from babies to toddlers to teens and beyond. Val wants to encourage you to not become weary in your work as an intentional mom, "Even with all its unique personalities, imperfections and scars; your family is God's masterpiece. Your efforts matter in this worthy journey of motherhood." Galatians 6:9 says, "Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you'll reap a harvest if you do not give up." Let's walk this marathon journey of motherhood TOGETHER, right here, on the Practically Speaking MOM podcast, the place for an intentional mom to build a strong family.

read less

Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Play Trailer

Meet the Practically Speaking MOM

Meet the Practically Speaking MOM

Welcome to the Practically Speaking MOM podcast - the place for an Intentional Mom to build a Strong Family.I’m Val Harrison, mom to seven and wife to Rich for 27 years. I love warm drinks in my favorite mug, future-dreaming with my favorite guy, and listening to music by any of my favorite kids (that’s all of them). We have three married children, two college students, a Sophomore in high school, a fifth grader, two adorable grandsons, and our dogs Copper and Cali. I'm also a home school mom. That all means the Lord definitely gets an earful of prayers every day from this mama regarding Team Harrison!Our family isn’t perfect. We’re full of mistakes and redemption and lots of love. We’re strong, not because we’re exceptional (we’re not) but because we’re intentional! I love using my stories of valleys and victories to encourage and equip moms for this worthy journey of motherhood.What can you expect on the Practically Speaking MOM podcast for the the Intentional Mom, Strong Family? We’ll work together to find your FOCUS for your family to be the masterpiece God intended! I’m praying for you, mom. No matter what season of motherhood you are in, God has a purpose for your steps and He is walking right beside you through all of the stuff. When you weep, He weeps with you, and when you are anxious, He wants to be your comfort and your peace. And then, when your journey begins to reveal the redemption and victory that he was working on for you all along, God is going to be rejoicing with you on that day too! Mom, can I walk your journey with you a little each week? I’m going to share practical solutions and encouragement and sometimes I’m going to tell you the hard things to motivate you to change but it’s all because I love you and I want victory for your family. Seasons of Motherhood by the Practically Speaking MOM.There's a season for everything under heaven;A time to get married and a time to raise children;A time to make mistakes and a time to learn from them;A time to mourn the death of a friend, the death of dream, or the death of a fairy tale;A time for your children to grow, change, succeed, fail, flourish;A timSend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

Episodes

Boundaries and Bonding: Drill Sargeant, Big Softy, or a Mercy Seat Parent, ep 224

Boundaries and Bonding: Drill Sargeant, Big Softy, or a Mercy Seat Parent, ep 224

This bonus episode is fire!Want more? Listen to episode 61, 37, and 2 forkre on this topic. Check back next week for links. Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

Strategies in Discipline from Toddlers to Teens - Pt 2 of Diagramming a Difficulty, Ep 223

Strategies in Discipline from Toddlers to Teens - Pt 2 of Diagramming a Difficulty, Ep 223

Consequences, Discipline, Rules, Boundaries, Standards, Principles - what are all these key words in parenting? I'm feeling like I should walk on eggshells over here because we are looking at a touchy subject - discipline. Should we ever discipline a child? What does that mean? How should it look? When is it okay? Episode 223 will bring clarity to the complicated role that consequences play in the life of a child or teen. We're going to jump into the issue of consequences and discipline so buckle up!Please remember, while sometimes I do a series where it doesn't matter if you listen to the episode in order or not, this is not one of those series. For diagramming a difficulty or dealing with a struggle in your child or teen, it is important to listen to Part 1 first.This is Part 2. So if you haven't listened to Part 1, please stop here and go back there first. Here's why. In today's episode, we're talking about consequences and discipline. Consequences come second, not first when we're parenting, when we're dealing with a major difficulty with our child especially.What comes BEFORE consequences?What's gumption got to do with discipline in parenting?We're also going to talk about our big parent mouth and how to keep it under control! Episode 222 - Diagraming A Difficulty Part 1Episode 4 - Dealing with Lying in Your Child Pt 1Episode 12 - Dealing with Lying in Your Child Pt 2Episode 83 - Four Stages of DisciplineEpisode 25 Root Parenting vs Surface Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

Child/Teen Struggling? Part 1, Diagramming a Difficulty, Episode 222

Child/Teen Struggling? Part 1, Diagramming a Difficulty, Episode 222

Does your child seem to hold on tight to their unhealthy behavior? Every child or teen struggle is an opportunity for equipping them for life. In fact, there's a simple method you can teach your child or teen so that they learn how to step out of their struggle, their weakness, their stubborn obstinance even. Join Val Harrison, the Practically Speaking MOM, for a method she calls Diagramming a Difficulty. This four-step method also works for pretty much any life situation and any aged person. So, pull up a chair and take a few notes about how you and your child can learn how to Diagram a Difficulty with Val Harrison, in episode 222 of the Practically Speaking MOM Podcast, the place for intentional parents to build strong families.This episode mentions an earlier episode about helping your child to set goals and achieve them and also how goal-setting in marriage is also helpful. Listen to it here: Episode 17 Episode 18 is a great follow-up to this theme as well.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

221 Yes, No, and Boundaries, Parenting Basics for ages 1-18

221 Yes, No, and Boundaries, Parenting Basics for ages 1-18

As intentional parents, we must cut through the confusion and get back to the basics - creating a strong foundation for our kids. How do we say NO and YES to our kids in effective ways that equips them for a thriving future? What does your child need from you when it's time to tell them "no" or "yes" to a request? In episode 221, Val Harrison, The Practically Speaking MOM is sharing parenting basics for a strong foundation for your kids.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

220 Creating Connection- Val and Abby talk Mentoring and Being Mentored

220 Creating Connection- Val and Abby talk Mentoring and Being Mentored

Do you long for more meaningful relationships for your family? Is it difficult for you or your kids to build new and deeper connections with others? The entire family can benefit from the principles in this episode. Especially you, your teens, college students, and adult children will get a lot of practical help. In episode 220 of the Practically Speaking MOM Podcast, Val Harrison and her college daughter Abby have a conversation about how to mentor those who are coming after us and how to find a mentor for us as well. You'll learn step by step how to build impactful relationships. This is a new series to help parents equip their children to CONNECT better with those around them, and to establish more meaningful, healthy relationships. Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

219: 5 Ways to Walk with Your Child Toward Wholeness in a Broken World - finality of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood

219: 5 Ways to Walk with Your Child Toward Wholeness in a Broken World - finality of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood

How do we help our kids on their path to wholeness in a broken world? Daily our kids are facing the same world that we are facing. They're trying to navigate a world that is constantly pushing and pressuring. Our kids are facing burdens and burnout while dealing with their own insecurities, fears, brokenness, and overwhelm. What should our journey with our child toward wholeness look like in a broken world? This is the final episode in the series Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood. All eight episodes have focused on something Val calls wholeness. A whole heart is not depleted but thriving, not stagnate in our brokenness but growing healthier, not closed off but open to giving and receiving love. It is fully engaged in living out God's unique design. A whole heart isn't remaining hindered by lies, insecurities, deficiencies, wounds, unrepented sin, or fears. A whole heart has been freed from those hinderances. First, let me remind you about where we have traveled in this series. We began this series (called Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood) in episode 212, where Val shared how developing a parenting mindset of wholeness SIMPLIFIES your parenting decisions. Then, Val's husband, Rich, joined in for a few episodes where Val and Rich discussed wholeness in marriage, wholeness in sibling relationships and in our family unit. Finally, last week, Val began her top 10 tips for walking WITH YOUR CHILD toward wholeness.In episode 218, Val covered #10 thru #6. They were:10. Give your child a vision of the concept of their own wholeness9. Pray more than you pester8. Help your kids interpret their failures and wounds7. Ask and Listen6. Be impeccably trustworthyResources mentioned in this episode:Audiobook of Wearing All Your Hats without Wearing Out $10Your Love Becomes Their Strength workshop $12 Unfortunately, the preschool songs Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

218 - 10 Tips for Growing Your Child's Wholeness part A from Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood Series.

218 - 10 Tips for Growing Your Child's Wholeness part A from Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood Series.

How do we help our child grow in wholeness? How do we help them to flourish in God's design for them? How do we reach their heart for maximum impact? In this series, we parents have been learning how to be ambassadors of wholeness for our own lives, in our marriage, to our family and among sibling groups. Now, in episode 218, we are looking at Val's Top 10 Tips for Growing Our Child Toward Wholeness.Here's three resources that Val referenced in this episode:Episode 129 about Circles of InfluenceGod of the Garden, Andrew PetersonFreedom in Christ studySend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

217 Siblings, Family Harmony, Shema: Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Pt. 6

217 Siblings, Family Harmony, Shema: Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Pt. 6

How can we foster healing and wholeness for our family unit when sibling conflict is a real thing? How can we improve the family culture and the atmosphere of the home? Val's husband Rich joins Val on the podcast as they cover a lot of various issues and practical solutions in our journey toward Wholeness in the family unit. Be sure to all the way to the end because there are two important concepts that could change the way you parent.In this episode, Val referenced an earlier episode that she said you'd want to listen to - Episode 149 Life-giving words episode w/ Dakota HammondShe also introduces two impactful concepts: The Hebrew word Shema which means "to listen, pay attention with your heart and head, and take action." Then Val shares a parenting concept she has coined "Expectant reciprocity."Shema and Expectant Reciprocity are two keys to a family culture that supports healing and wholeness. Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

216 Wholeness for Marriage and Family - Rich and Val - Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 5

216 Wholeness for Marriage and Family - Rich and Val - Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 5

The Key to a Lasting Marriage and a Family that Heals, Mends, Rests, and Restores...episode 216, Operation Wholeness for Marriage and Family w/ Rich and Val, part 5 of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood.This is the day! 32 years ago, we made a commitment to forever.We didn't know what all we were committing to, but that's kind of the point.The first half of the 32 years we didn't know how to do commitment from a place of nurturing one another, blessing one another, seeking each other's wholeness and health.The second half of the 32 years, we've been living as ambassadors of wholeness for each other, ourselves, and our family.An ambassador is on mission for the leader. We are on God's mission of restoring and healing. Everything we say and do either hinders or helps restore and heal another person and ourselves. We choose to heal. This has changed everything about our lives, our marriage, our family, and anyone that God brings along our life journey.Every day we strive to build up, mend, and bless. We don't get it right all the time, but I can tell you this - having a partner in life that is committed with me to creating a life that heals means that every day, little by little, our relationship becomes stronger, we become more stable for those around us, and we are more committed to each other than ever before.We began to prioritize taking time to mend and nourish one another.Arguments stopped being a tug-a-war for power and instead were discussions to find common-ground solutions. We no longer were willing to make little "one-up" zingers at each other that would jeopardize healing. Nitpicking was replaced with encouraging words and having grace for one another's imperfections. Because my goal was Rich's healed heart, mind, body, and spirit, I no longer was willing to compromise his progress just so I could "win" an argument or get my way.Likewise, because Rich's goal was my healed heart, mind, body, and spirit, he gave more effort in finding ways to affirm me and restore my injured areas. We both began digging deeper into unhealthy emotions, facing past trSend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

215 Operation Wholeness - Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 4

215 Operation Wholeness - Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 4

Make "Broken Becoming Whole" the Measuring Stick for All Aspects of LifeAs individuals: What will help my broken parts to heal? What will strengthen me and help me to grow? What barriers to growth need to be removed? What hinders peace in my spirit? What distracts me from healing?Within our marriage: What will help our marriage to become stronger? What actions and words heal the insecurities, tension, and wounds between us? What are obstacles to oneness?For each of our children: What do they need from us as we partner with God in their wholeness – to help them heal and flourish? For each relationship within our family: What does each relationship need to heal, to be strengthened, to grow?Within our family unit: What brings strength to our family as a whole? What tears it down? What increases unity?Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

214 Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, pt 3

214 Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, pt 3

Struggling with your child? Have you told them "a million times" and it's not sinking in? Are you having a hard time reaching their heart? If so, I hope you're listening to our newest series, CLARITY FOR THE MISSION OF PARENTHOOD.Childhood is this marvelous but small window of time where we have the privilege of teaching our kids how to navigate life. We don't want to miss the opportunities that are in the obstacles!!This week we're looking at how OBSTACLES in our child are really OPPORTUNITIES1. Opportunities to discover your child's unique design and giftings2. Opportunities to bond as you discover and face life together.3. Opportunities to teach your child how to navigate life.We're talking about it as we continue our series, "Clarity for the mission of Parenthood. We mamas work hard every day at reaching our children's hearts. It's a BIG, important job, and boy, oh boy, are there a lot of obstacles that stand in the way of our mission.When it all starts feeling too big and too overwhelming, what can we focus on to reach their hearts?In "Clarity for the Mission of Motherhood," we learn steps to SIMPLIFY our mission of partnering with God in removing obstacles that stand in the way of reaching the hearts of our children!Let's talk about it TOGETHER in this new series, Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

213 Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 2

213 Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood, Part 2

We mamas work hard every day at reaching our children's hearts. It's a BIG, important job, and boy, oh boy, are there a lot of obstacles that stand in the way of our mission.How can we live a lifestyle of meeting the needs of our children's hearts. We have these messages that we want to reach our children's hearts, but it seems there are obstacles that stand in the way. Some obstacles include: heart wounds, clashing family dynamics, walls that they have around their heart, warped thinking about themselves (false labels), discouragement, sin, and more.We talk about the lyrics from the song, Maria, from the Sound of Music. This song mirrors what we experience as parents. There are three hidden special messages in this song that help bring home the point of episode 213. Ultimately my child is a magnificent masterpiece, even if they have a lot of ways they still need to grow and improve. How can we help them grow without discouraging them? We talked about it in this episode. We are going to look at how God helps us grow one small step at a time even though we have so many ways we need to grow. God has clarity about the true mission for our growth.When it all starts feeling too big and too overwhelming, what can we focus on to reach their hearts?In "Clarity for the Mission of Motherhood," we learn steps to SIMPLIFY our mission of partnering with God in removing obstacles that stand in the way of reaching the hearts of our children!Let's talk about it TOGETHER in part two of this new series, Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood.Link - Episode 61: Small Changes with Big ResultsSend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

212 SIMPLIFY, part 1 of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood

212 SIMPLIFY, part 1 of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood

Are you a parent whose been calling S.O.S, feeling like you're sinking under the mountain of responsibilities with never enough time to get to what matters most - the hearts of your children? In this new series of the Practically Speaking MOM Podcast, we are busting through the obstacles that stand in the way of reaching your children's hearts. Part 1, episode 212 helps you to get a handle on your responsibilities. You are 20 minutes away from a big sigh of relief as we get practical ways to simplify your to do list. Let's break down that heavy pile of obligations TOGETHER! Not only do we deal with the mountain of responsibilities but also the interruptions and how to handle those too. Let's get growing, together, in episode 212 of the Practically Speaking MOM Podcast and part one of Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood. We mamas work hard every day at reaching our children's hearts. It's a BIG, important job, and boy, oh boy, are there a lot of obstacles that stand in the way of our mission.When it all starts feeling too big and too overwhelming, what can we focus on to reach their hearts?In "Clarity for the Mission of Motherhood," we learn steps to SIMPLIFY our mission of partnering with God in removing obstacles that stand in the way of reaching the hearts of our children!Let's talk about it TOGETHER in this new series, Clarity for the Mission of Parenthood.Link to the book Wearing All Your Hats without Wearing Out: Finding Focus for Your Family to be the Masterpiece God Intended.Related Podcast Episodes that would be a good resource to go with this episode:Episode 2- Time Saving Strategies for Busy Moms, part 1: Manager of the Monkeys (and I don't mean your children)EpisodeEpisode 5- Time Saving Strategies for Busy Moms, part 2: Getting Kids to Listen the First Time and Other Mom Hacks Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

211 Siblings and Their Friends - Connection and Communication

211 Siblings and Their Friends - Connection and Communication

How can we navigate the delicate dance of nurturing family time/sibling relationships alongside the growing need for personal friendships in the lives of our children?I'm often asked by extended family and friends, how is that my kids get along so well and have close relationships. Today we'll be looking at one thing we did in our family that made a big difference to cultivate unbreakable bonds. AND YET, as our kids get older, their need for other FRIENDSHIPS increases. Is it possible to grow and maintain sibling relationships while also growing friendships? It can be tough, but doable!Let me share practical HELP for navigating your child's growing need for other friends while cultivating sibling relationships as well. We will use a LISTENER QUESTION to talk about balancing these facets of family life. I'll provide heartfelt guidance on a listener's dilemma about an older child's yearning for exclusive time with friends. This episode is an essential listen for parents who wish to foster deep connections within their family while respecting their children's social development.Embark with me, Val Harrison, on a heartening journey towards strengthening the family unit.Also be a part of our "Intentional Mom, Strong Family" Facebook community where wisdom and questions flow freely. In this episode, I also share a personal update on how Rich and I are diving deeper into our calling to help struggling marriages.This is more than a podcast; it's a community of intentional parents, and your enthusiastic participation makes all the difference in creating strong families anchored by love and understanding.LINKS:Episode: https://www.practicallyspeakingmom.com/podcast/episode/78020fe0/130-part-2-your-childs-nine-circles-of-influence-on-their-self-perception-from-the-life-giving-words-seriesEbooks: Homeschooling in Real Life https://www.practicallyspeakingmom.com/product-page/7-system-for-homeschool-success-simplifying-schedules-records-and-curriculumEbook: The Homeschool High School Roadmap to College https://www.practicallyspeakingmom.com/product-page/the-homeschool-roadmap-to-collegeSend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

210 Season 5 Debut, Parents start now - Lessons on Love, Dating, Marriage

210 Season 5 Debut, Parents start now - Lessons on Love, Dating, Marriage

Season Five is here! Let's talk heart-to-heart! Now is the best time to share with your kids from your heart about love, dating, and marriage. Do you have your philosophies and principles figured out about these topics? I'm here to help! Your philosophy will impact the words you say, the jokes you make, and the guidance you give your kids years before they're even dating, so don't wait to figure it out! Let's talk about it TOGETHER! Navigating the maze of romantic relationships can often feel like an untamed wilderness for parents, but fear not, we can take this adventure together!Join us, as we continue the journey as intentional parents building strong families TOGETHER!Here's links to earlier episodes about parenting principles regarding dating and marriage (episodes with ** were the ones that we shared clips in this episode):**#125 "Family Bonding Activity & Wisdom-giving about Love, Dating, and the Meaning of Marriage#97 Modesty, Pitfalls from the Purity Movement, and Treasuring Sexuality#96 Val & Abby Share Keys to Waiting with Grace, Part 2#95 Conversation with a Teen about Guarding Your Heart, Part 1**#72 Teach Your Kids the Truth about Love, Dating, and Marriage**Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

209 Siblings, Connection, and Family Bonding Activities

209 Siblings, Connection, and Family Bonding Activities

Need a parenting pick-me-up? Join in an episode to encourage and equip intentional parents to build strong families. In episode 209 you'll find*More HELP for sibling issues*Emphasizing CONNECTION in the family*Family Bonding Activities Through BLESSING OthersWhether you're stepping into motherhood or have years of parenting under your belt, there’s something here for everyone. Join our growing community of intentional moms and strong families. Let's navigate this journey together.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

208 Sibling Strife - Help for the Pestering Child & the Tattle Tale

208 Sibling Strife - Help for the Pestering Child & the Tattle Tale

If you have multiple children at your house, you probably have experienced one sibling intentionally irritating another sibling, maybe pestering them, causing them unhappiness on purpose, possibly even bullying. What do we do about this? We're going to talk about it today in episode 208, right here on the Practically Speaking Mom Podcast. It's the place for intentional moms to build a strong family. I'm Val Harrison, your mom friend for the journey. Ever felt overwhelmed when your kids come to you with stories of sibling irritations, and you're unsure of how to handle it? Buckle up, as we bring you an enlightening episode dedicated to handling sibling bullying and pestering. Find strategies to help the child who is doing the pestering, and strategies to help the one who is being pestered. Get to the heart of these sibling dynamics, helping you decode the stories your kids bring to you, without labeling them as tattlers.Our exploration doesn't stop there; we tap into the five Rs - reflection, regret, repentance, refinement, and restoration for your CHILD, powerful tools to help your children understand their actions toward their siblings. We put the spotlight on the kids who might be causing disharmony, identifying the root cause of their behavior to channel their energy positively and build better habits.Prepare for a power-packed journey of building stronger families.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

207 Let's Get Real w/ Tiff and Val, Habits to Thrive

207 Let's Get Real w/ Tiff and Val, Habits to Thrive

Ever wondered how to balance an organized home while raising kids? That's what we're chatting about this week with the delightful Tiffany Deschner, a mom of four who shares some helpful nuggets of wisdom with us about joy in the midst of housekeeping and enjoying quality time with her kids. "Let's Get Real w/ Tiff and Val" is an occasional series, this time it overlaps with our ongoing theme of Habits to Thrive - where everyday intentional moms share their habits to thrive with our listeners.In episode 207, we talk about the challenges of fostering productivity in our everyday life. Tiffany shares with us about 'blessing her future self' and her clever way of anchoring new habits into existing routines. She even lets us in on her strategy of using time tracking to handle her tasks efficiently. Sprinkled in this rich conversation is a thought-provoking discourse on the impact of social media on our lives, along with Tiffany's recommendation of Wendy Speake's 40-day social media fast for reclaiming control.Hear how Tiffany motivates her daughters to take ownership of their spaces and how her husband's organized nature serves as the perfect foil to her spontaneous spirit - a balance that keeps their home in harmony. Tune in and let's journey together.Want to hear more from Let's Get Real with Val & Tiff? Listen to episodes 70, 71, 73.Want to hear more from the HABITS TO THRIVE series? Listen to episodes 192, 172.Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

206 "Don't Be Late!" Facing Weaknesses & Finding Strengths in Our Kids

206 "Don't Be Late!" Facing Weaknesses & Finding Strengths in Our Kids

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when your child's weakness continues to cause issues for your child or for the family? I understand and have been there too! Take heart, mom friend, as those weaknesses may be important guides to our child's strengths. Yet, we still have to manage and finetune the weak spots. How do we do this all at the same time and in a way that doesn't squash your child's gifts?! We can do this TOGETHER! We can manage our child's weaknesses without trying to change their unique personalities. I'm Val Harrison, the Practically Speaking Mom, and I'll be sharing some of the strategies I've discovered, and I'm also going to share an embarrassing family memory in hopes that it helps you see that yours isn't the only imperfect family. We are all beautifully flawed and, well, we might as well laugh about the mishaps! More so, I discuss how the habits we help our kids form today will shape their lives tomorrow and why a child's weaknesses can actually be a roadmap to their strengths.Together, let's explore the importance of identifying and managing our children's weaknesses in a way that allows their strength to emerge! Send Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...

205 Resources for Growing Confidence

205 Resources for Growing Confidence

One Announcement, Two Lists, and the Next Confidence Manner...Imagine unlocking the treasure of good manners in your children and seeing them navigate the world with poise and confidence. This episode includes my favorite manners books and a character development chapter book. Some programs mentioned in this episode include: AmericanHeritageGirls.org, TrailLifeUSA.com, Meals on Wheels, CYIA, and Teen Pact, Speech and Debate Leagues, STOA USA and NCFCA, designed for homeschooling parents keen on teaching speech, debate, and apologetic skills. We wrap up by discussing the art of maintaining attention, and teach your kids to be like a carrot, not like jello!Some books I mentioned in this episode (they are not affiliate links):The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain: 9780394873336 - Christianbook.comPinocchio's Quest, Grade 5: Robert Rogland: 9781932971118 - Christianbook.comThe Children's Book of Virtues: William J. Bennett: 9780684813530 - Christianbook.comSend Val your encouragement and thoughts about the show.Support the showVisit Val's website: PracticallySpeakingMOM.comJoin Val's Facebook Group Intentional Mom, Strong FamilyFollow Val on Instagram and her Facebook Public Page Practically Speaking MOMWe're on a mission to strengthen families.Want to help cover some of the costs of the show? click here. A few dollars a month would help so much!Here's some other ways to give:Cash App: $valPSMPaypal: val@PracticallySpeakingMOM.comDonate with a credit card HEREAll donations will be used for the ministry. Gifts are not tax deductible. THANK YOU for partnering in this ministry to strengthen families and encourage intentional moms."May the Words of my mouth and the medit...