Equipped To Be

As kids grow, they start needing more privacy and space—but what does that look like in a healthy way? How much privacy and space should you give your child? 🤔

If your child starts asking for more privacy, it doesn't mean they don’t need you anymore. It means they are growing! But as parents, it’s hard to know when to step back and when to step in.

In today's podcast, I'm discussing how to give your child space and privacy without sacrificing connections.

In today's podcast, I discuss how to give your child space and privacy without sacrificing connections.

Parenting is tough, and we’re all in it together! 🤝 This year, let’s focus on what brings joy, not stress. On this week’s Equipped to Be podcast, I’m sharing 5 Parenting Trends for 2025 that will help you simplify your routine, strengthen your bond with your kids, and reduce that constant feeling of overwhelm. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it all. Let’s make 2025 a year of embracing what truly matters. 🎙️ Listen now!

As parents, we often wonder: Is my parenting approach broken, or does it just need some fine-tuning? 🤔

In the latest episode of Equipped To Be, I dive into how to assess your parenting methods with honesty and humility:�
✔️ Learn to recognize when it’s time to let go.�
✔️ Discover how small changes can create big improvements.�
✔️ Embrace the power of a growth mindset for you and your child.

Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about prayer, staying present, adaptable, and committed to adjusting along the way. 🌱
🎧 Listen to the episode: l ink in comments

🌟 Feeling Overwhelmed? Let’s Simplify Together! 🌟

Between the clutter on the counters, the never-ending to-do lists, and the mental noise that just won’t quit, life can feel a little too much sometimes. 😅 But here’s the good news: you don’t have to tackle it all at once.

Simplifying your life isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. 💡 It’s about taking small, intentional steps to clear the clutter in your mind, heart, and home so you can make space for what truly matters: peace, joy, and connection.

✨ Start small:
📝 Write down everything swirling in your mind (trust me, it helps!).
🛋️ Declutter just one drawer or shelf.
❤️ Let go of a grudge or worry that’s weighing on you.

One step at a time, you’ll start to feel the difference. 💛

What’s one small way you can simplify your life today? Share it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on! 👇👇

🎄 Embracing Imperfect Holidays 🎄

Let’s be real—Christmas rarely goes as planned. The cookies might burn, the kids argue over decorations, or maybe this season just feels heavier than usual.

But here’s the thing: Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

This week on Equipped To Be, we’re talking about finding joy, peace, and connection even when the holidays don’t look like we hoped. Whether you’re navigating grief, loneliness, or just the chaos of life, this episode is a warm reminder that the beauty of Christmas is in the love and grace that fills the imperfections.

Let go of “perfect” and embrace what matters most. 🎧 Tune in now!

🎄 Mama, let’s talk about the holidays. 🎄

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but also…the most stressful, right? Between shopping lists, endless events, and the pressure to make everything “perfect,” it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the North Pole on your shoulders.

Here’s the truth: The holidays don’t have to leave you stressed—or broke. This year, let’s focus on what really matters:
✨ Memories over money.
✨ Connection over chaos.
✨ Love over perfection.

Here’s how:
• Set a budget (and stick to it!).
• Swap fancy for meaningful—handwritten notes or homemade cookies go a long way.
• Embrace simple moments like baking cookies or watching Christmas movies together.

You don’t have to do it all. Your family doesn’t need a Pinterest-perfect holiday—they just need you. 💖

So take a deep breath, sip your cocoa, and let’s reclaim the joy of this season. Share your favorite stress-free holiday tradition in the comments—I’d love to hear it! ✝️🎁

Elections bring out so many emotions—excitement, hope, fear, even disappointment.

In my latest episode, Finding Hope Beyond Politics, I discuss how we can find true peace and purpose regardless of the outcome. 🇺🇸

Whether you’re celebrating or processing, join me as we focus on unity, gratitude, and hope that goes deeper than politics.

Let’s come together, find common ground, and look forward to a brighter future! 🎧✨

~connie

Life can feel so heavy sometimes—like the world is spinning out of control, and all we can do is hold on. I know you’re trying to keep everything together, but let’s be honest… it’s not easy. Between caring for everyone around you, the constant news, and the endless to-do lists, it can feel like there’s no room to just breathe.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone in this. And peace? It’s still possible. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing three small but powerful steps to help us find calm when life feels chaotic. These steps aren’t about quick fixes but about creating a steady foundation that helps us—and our families—feel a little more secure, no matter what’s happening around us.
So take a few minutes for yourself, Mama. Listen in, breathe deep, and remember: you don’t have to carry it all alone. 💙

🧠 Ever feel like your stress is rubbing off on your kids? You're not alone. Our children pick up on our emotions more than we realize, and it can impact their mood and well-being.

In my latest Equipped To Be podcast episode, I discuss how stress affects our kids and what we can do to help them feel safe and secure, even when life gets chaotic.

✨ Want practical tips on creating calm for your family? Tune in now, and let’s tackle this together!

🔥Amazon sale on Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy. Grab your copy! ⬇️⬇️

Parenting beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy Parenting beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy

Today we are continuing with part 2 of Healthy Back-To-School Habits. My guest, Loisann Fowler, and I unpack three of the five non-negotiables for living well.
Today we focus on movement, stress, and relational downtime. You don't want to miss part 2 of Healthy Back-to-School Habits.

📚🍎 Now is the time to create healthy habits as we prepare for the next school year? This two-part series will cover five easy, healthy non-negotiables that will make a big impact on your child's health and academic success. My guest, Loisann Fowler, and I share practical tips for parents to improve their children's nutrition and ensure they get quality sleep.

These small changes can lead to a big impact. Let's make this school year the best one yet! 💪✨

Do you wonder how to raise boys to become strong, godly men?
Men who will one day lead a family, a company, a community, or maybe even a country. We want our sons to be risk-takers, adventurers, innovators, and creators, but it's hard when we live in a culture that does more to confuse boys than help them.
Summer is the perfect time to re-air one of ETB's most-listened podcasts. Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, and I talk about what you can do to raise boys to become responsible men filled with integrity, honesty, and determination.

Navigating End-of-Year Stress: A Guide for Parents

Are you nearing the end of another school year? Are your kids feeling overwhelmed with deadlines, projects, and final exams? It's common for kids to feel anxious about year-end activities, graduation, and other academic requirements.

This guide delves deeper into the subject to help you help your kids navigate the pressures and find balance. In a recent news segment, I found that five minutes wasn’t nearly enough to explore the topic fully, so here we’ll cover it in more detail.

Parents, here's how to guide your kids toward a calm mind and a confident spirit as they face end-of-year challenges.

New podcast!! We all encounter obstacles in life, but the keys to overcoming them are developing the skills and using the right tools to turn these challenges into stepping stones. There is no reason to spin your wheels or fret over what to do but to change your approach and stop doing what isn't working.
Today's podcast focuses on how you can overcome the obstacles in your life by assessing why you’re stuck, identifying triggers and patterns, readjusting your thoughts, and developing new skills.

🌟 Feeling stuck? You're not alone! We all encounter obstacles that seem to hold us back. But what if we could turn these challenges into opportunities? 🚀

In today’s podcast episode, I share the practical steps I’ve taught my children and used myself to move forward, even when the path seems blocked. Whether it’s navigating personal struggles or guiding our children through their own, there’s always a way to progress and grow.

🎧 Tune in as I share how we can overcome obstacles and turn them into stepping stones. Let this episode be a blessing to you and a practical guide for your family.

💬 Missed my last episode on "Overcoming Rejection Part II"? We explored parent-child relationships, the developmental stages of children, and the journey towards healing after rejection.

👉 Link in bio.

Overcoming rejection is possible when we focus on our emotional actions, mental actions, physical actions, and spiritual actions! I don't like to be rejected. And chances are you don't either? Honestly, no one likes to be rejected, but overcoming rejection is a part of life that we must learn to do well. Today, we'll continue our topic on rejection. Last week, we focused on navigating rejection. While navigating rejection is vital to understanding what is happening in your child, overcoming rejection helps us protect the bond during the healing process.

It is possible to overcome the sting of rejection and experience the joy of restoration.⬇🎙🌷

Do you fear being rejected by your child? Does the thought of breaking the bond of closeness cause you to parent differently? Navigating rejection is part of the rollercoaster world of parenting, where the highs are dizzying, and lows can knock the socks off you. You're not alone, and there are ways you can handle any rejection while maintaining your relationship.
To any parent or grandparent walking through the shadow of rejection, know this isn't the end of your relationship. ⬇️🎙️

‎Equipped To Be: Navigating Rejection | Part I - 210 on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Equipped To Be, Ep Navigating Rejection | Part I - 210 - Apr 10, 2024