Thriving In Motherhood Podcast

Problem solving is one of those skills I’m truly passionate about - for us moms and for our kids. When our children know how to solve problems, they can face whatever challenges come their way with confidence. In today’s episode, I talk with Linsey Jensen about three simple principles that help our kids become better problem solvers. Whether you’re dealing with homework struggles, teaching science concepts, or just trying to get your kids to clean their rooms, these ideas will change how you approach teaching this important skill. Linsey shares: Why making our kids the heroes of their own experiences builds confidence.   How discovery creates deeper learning than following directions   A simple framework for breaking big tasks into manageable steps As a bonus, Linsey shares some of the amazing tools she’s created. If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love for you to join the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit waitlist! I’ve created this program to help you move through the five steps from survivi

Today I’m sharing a delightful conversation that I had with Erin Loechner author of, “The Opt Out Family.” Erin and I dive into what it really means to create a low-tech family life and explore practical ways to reduce technology’s grip on your home while cultivating richer, more meaningful alternatives that both parents and children genuinely enjoy. This is longer than my usual episodes, but the conversation was just too good to cut anything out!  In this conversation, Erin shares: Her journey from social media influencer to intentionally stepping away from screens Simple ways to bring her family motto to life in your home Practical ideas for discovering what truly delights your children How to earn your children’s trust and respect in a digital world What it looks like to opt INTO wonder, creativity, and human connection I hope this episode gives you plenty to think about as you consider technology’s role in your family life. If reducing technology use in your life is something you’re considerin

The transition from quarter 1 to quarter 2 here from March to April is one of my absolute favorites because we’re not coming off major holidays, our routines are set for the next little while, school schedules are still flowing, and the weather’s warming up! It’s such a perfect time to reset in a couple of different ways. In this episode I’ll walk you through: A complete RESET framework for reviewing your vision for the year How I’m decluttering  my digital life – including my email inbox, phone apps, and Google Drive folders My approach to physical spaces now that I realize my home should work, even when I’m not my best I’m sharing all my real-time discoveries about what’s actually working in my life right now – practical tips you can implement even during busy seasons. You’ll hear exactly how I’m setting up systems that don’t require me to be at full capacity to maintain a peaceful home. This isn’t perfection – it’s about taking these little windows of opportunity to make tiny changes that create bi

Are you feeling overwhelmed by complicated clearing systems and endless to-do lists? In this episode, I’m sharing our family’s journey from complete survival mode (where we abandoned all cleaning systems) to creating simple, sustainable routines that keep our home relatively clean without exhausting my limited pregnancy energy.  I’ll walk you through: How to identify YOUR daily cleaning priorities based on your family’s actual pain points Our “confiscate and clean” strategy that’s transforming our tidying habits Why we’re tackling deep cleaning with music and turning it into a family activity How just 20-30 minutes of focused cleaning each morning is creating dramatic results This isn’t about perfect Pinterest-worthy spaces or following someone else’s complicated checklist. It’s about figuring out what matters most to YOU, making it easy to maintain, and celebrating the progress that comes from consistent simple actions. Whether you’re pregnant like me, in a busy season with young children, or just

Do you ever find yourself responding to your children in ways that don’t align with the parent you want to be? As I navigate through pregnancy with our fifth child while homeschooling through Georgia’s cold winter days, I’ve found myself struggling with patience and tone - especially when cabin fever sets in. In this weeks episode, I open up about: One parenting skill I’m trying to master right now.   How a moment of frustration with one of my kids led to an unexpected heart-to-heart.   The simple, yet profound principles of maintaining respect even when kids make bad choices.   Why this approach encapsulates so much of what I’ve learned from countless parenting books. I’m not sharing this as someone who’s mastered respectful parenting - far from it! This is my real-time journey of growth alongside my children, inspired by divine guidance when I needed it most. For those feeling stuck in reactive patterns or discouraged by family tensions, this episode offers a gentle reminder that parenting

Do you ever feel like your best isn’t cutting it? Like no matter how hard you try, you can’t keep up with what it takes to run your household? I hit this wall recently in my fifth pregnancy. Despite giving it my all, I couldn’t maintain the peace and systems I was used to. But through this struggle, I discovered something important about the standards we set for our homes. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why linking household management to family peace is a flawed mindset How to shift from feeling stuck to finding solutions The reality check about “normal’ capacity versus survival mode Why this challenging season has become an unexpected gift A new way to think about our household standards Whether you’re in a survival season or just feeling overwhelmed by your current systems, this conversation might help you move from despair to hope. If you’re struggling to figure out how to do the things you need and want to do, I have a free training for you. Head to thrivinginmotherhood.com for the Plan a Week

I wanted to give a personal update today - I haven't shared much about what's been happening behind the scenes with the podcast and my own life, and there's a lot to tell. Our fifth baby is on the way (I'm about 17 weeks), and while this pregnancy has brought some unexpected challenges, we're so excited. I've been mostly horizontal these past months, but that hasn't stopped our family from dreaming and doing. The kids have been incredible - helping with everything from digging out tree stumps to managing our new two-tier garden. In this episode, I'm sharing: The projects we tackled this past year (including a rock climbing wall and that garden story!) Our vision for transforming our yard into an edible landscape How homeschooling has clicked in a whole new way What's really happening with the podcast while I'm learning to work from bed Why I'm finding more joy in home life than ever before For those who've been around a while and feel like we're friends (some of us are!), this one's for you. P.S.

In this week’s episode let's discuss problem solving and how it applies to motherhood.  We'll get super practical with my new S.O.L.V.E. framework to help you get practical and apply this powerful principle today.  Be part of our  beta group of the surviving to thriving toolkit. Join at: thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/toolkit We are only taking 10 members for this first group.  This beta launch includes exclusive coaching access so don’t wait to sign up! 

When I started Alveary this year, I was drawn to their modern take on Charlotte Mason education. Now after completing our first term, I’ve discovered both unexpected joys and real challenges that surprised me. In this episode, I’m sharing the complete picture - from the resource that’s brought more joy to our family than I expected, to the hidden costs I wish I’d known about, to what’s actually involved in implementing this curriculum. Whether you’re considering Alveary or just curious about Charlotte Mason education, this honest review will help you understand what this curriculum looks like in a real home. You can learn more about the Alveary here: https://lddy.no/1jdpq Use the code JJACKSON to get $25 off your membership! And a quick update: The first run of the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit opens next week! We’re only accepting 10 people into the beta group.  If you want to hear about it, make sure you've signed up on the waitlist so you will get the emails! https://thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/toolkit

During our January technology fast, I've been diving into some books that are shifting how I think about life beyond screens. Today, I want to share four powerful reads that are helping me envision what I want my days to look like instead of defaulting to technology. Here are the books that are transforming my perspective: The Opt-Out Family by Aon Lochner - Through a series of essays, she shows how one family helped their children observe and understand technology's impact Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke - Understanding the science of pleasure and pain in our high-dopamine world For the Family's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay - A beautiful perspective on creating home and family culture (written before smartphones took over) Habits of a Sacred Home by Jennifer Pitts - Using historical examples to help us think about living out our values Whether you're in the middle of your own tech fast, thinking about starting one, or just wanting to be more intentional with your technology use, these books off

I’ve done technology fasts in previous years when my life was more stable - when I was in the thriving stage or at least normalized. This year is different. I’m in full-blown survival mode, and it’s making me see this practice in a whole new way. In this week’s episode, I’m walking through a tech fast looks different depending on where you are on the five-step path: Survival Mode: When willpower isn’t enough, your environment matters more than ever. I share what I’m learning during this season of being mostly in bed - from catching up on my kids’ book recommendations to what happens when we move key tools closer to where we actually are. Re-entry: This step on the path pairs beautifully with a tech fast. Without digital distractions splitting your attention, that frantic re-entry energy calms down. You can focus on the next right thing with more peace and momentum. Normalizing: This is the perfect time to dig into your Thriving in Motherhood planner and set up your systems. With added mental bandwidth,

What would it take to feel truly satisfied? Thomas Aquinas suggests we’d need to experience everything - every restaurant, every country, every possibility. But since that’s impossible, what do we do with our constant desire for more? In this episode, I’m exploring this tension between desires and contentment, especially as it relates to motherhood and creating our vision for the year.  I share: Why understanding our infinite capacity for wanting more can actually be liberating The balance between setting big goals and finding peace where we are How the “loaves and fishes” principle changed my approach during a recent survival season Why turning off outside influences (through a technology fast) can help us hear what we truly need Whether you’re in a season of big dreams or just trying to make it through each day, this conversation about wants, contentment, and vision-creating might shift how you think about your own desires. If you want to join me on my 30-day technology fast you can get the workbo

As we wrap up another year, I’ve noticed my technology use creeping up. Maybe you’re feeling it too - more scrolling, more shows, more social media. It’s easy to fall into, especially during the holidays. That is why in January, I like to combine two practices that set up my entire year for success: a technology reset and creating my vision for the new year. Here’s why this matters: When we’re constantly connected, our brains don’t have the space to think deeply or receive new ideas. Whether you’re in survival mode, overwhelmed by your house, or trying to figure out how to make time for the things you want to do - reducing technology use can make a significant difference. I’ve been amazed how after just one week, my mind feels sharper and more focused - it’s like rediscovering how your brain is meant to work. What does a technology reset look like? It’s different for everyone, but here are some key steps: Start with your “why” - Get clear about your reasons for doing this Write your yes and no list - What

If you want a better present, you need a bigger future. This principle from Victor Frankl’s “Man’s Search For Meaning” has been proven in positive psychology - to truly thrive in your present, you need something you’re working toward. I came across this years ago when I had two little kids at home and felt aimless, with days dragging on. That’s when I started developing my yearly vision practice, and it’s become the single most transformative tool in my journey from surviving to thriving. In this week's episode, I’m walking you through the five steps of creating your vision for 2025 using the CREATE framework: Capture what happened (by reviewing the previous year) Rewrite your story (shifting from default negative stories to empowering ones) Envision the year (exploring possibilities in all areas of life) Assess your roles and foundation (who do you want to be in each role?) Think long-term and evaluate priorities (where are you heading?) Whether you’re deep in survival mode and can barely think b

When I was pregnant with my fourth baby, I learned something fascinating about labor – in between contractions, our bodies release oxytocin, flooding us with feel-good hormones. This completely changed my birth experience because I started focusing on these moments of relief instead of just anticipating the next contraction. This principle, when we choose to magnify applies to every season of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, teenage conversations, pregnancy challenges, or relationship struggles, we can choose what we focus on. In this episode, I dive into: Why our brains naturally focus on the negative How magnifying the hard moments can seep into our relationships The difference between acknowledging difficult seasons and letting them consume us Practical ways to start noticing and appreciating the good moments How to train your brain to look for what’s going well Whether you’re in the trenches of morning sickness, managing strong-willed toddlers, or navigating big kid chal

I read close to 100 books in 2024, and I'm excited to share my favorite book recommendations across different genres! From classic books to literary fiction, I've curated selections that align with my reading goals and support a positive motherhood mindset. Join me for this comprehensive book review that will inspire your next great read! Children's Literature The Penderwicks: https://amzn.to/49joJrb National Parks Mystery Series: https://amzn.to/49hS9WQ Ruby Holler: https://amzn.to/3ZgakYv Classic Literature Adam Bede: https://amzn.to/3B8YWW7 Middlemarch: https://amzn.to/4gbVqt5 Biography/Memoir Romney A Reckoning: https://amzn.to/49jvHfO Farewell To Manzanar: https://amzn.to/49fRRjk Self Help I Will Teach You To Be Rich: https://amzn.to/3ZxVnSY Find Your People: https://amzn.to/3ZyrUbx The Miracle Morning: https://amzn.to/3VikZkc 10x is Easier Than 2x: https://amzn.to/41eZTXv Choose Your Story, Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/3Oxta8v Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: https://amzn.to/49eUTUM Let it Go:

As a mom, I know exactly who I want to become. I also know there’s a gap between that vision and my current reality - in my character, my behavior, and my actions.   To help close this gap, I’ve created something that’s become one of my favorite tools this year: a personal life philosophy. But don’t let the fancy name fool you - it’s simply a collection of your best ideas, thoughts, and inspiration that help you specifically in your journey of becoming who you want to be. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into what a personal life philosophy is and why each of us needs one. I’ll share how it helps me in my quest to become who I want to be, plus practical tips for actually using it (because we all know how easy it is to create something and never look at it again). I’m excited to walk you through: A simple but effective way to organize your most important guiding principles How to create a spot for weekly (or even daily) reminders of how you want to navigate life Practical examples of how this tool ha

Ever been part of a book club that fizzled out after a few months? Or maybe you’ve wanted to start one but weren’t sure how to make it stick? This week’s episode is for you! I’m talking about what makes a book club truly work with Madeline Casey, who, along with Phoebe Cook, started the book club I’ve been part of for four years (and still love!). In this episode, we’ll talk about: Choosing books that people want to read Creating a format that keeps the discussion flowing Handling different beliefs and perspectives with grace Building an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing Managing the practical stuff (hosting, leading discussions, etc.) Plus, we’re sharing our favorite books over the last four years!  Looking to start a book club that becomes the highlight of your month? This episode walks you through exactly how to make that happen.  

This fall has been a very busy season for our family where we are stuck tackling things that are urgent. While it has been exhausting and at times felt like survival mode (some days have been 100% survival mode), I have learned some powerful lessons that are changing how I approach my days that I discuss in this week’s episode. I’ve found myself living on razor-thin margins lately - where there’s just enough capacity for the scheduled things, but anything else feels impossible. Throughout this season, I’ve been learning some important lessons about how to make things work better, even when we’re at capacity: How a simple whiteboard is changing our family communication and getting everyone moving in the same direction What happened when I started letting my family help instead of running faster and faster by myself Why acknowledging our limitations (and communicating them to our kids) actually makes everything easier The mindset shift that’s helping me recognize I’m more capable than I think How simp

I’ve been getting questions after the focus on how to merge effective mom planning with planning with your spouse. Andrew and I sat down after we tucked the kids into bed this week and talked about what planning looks like for us in our marriage which I hope will inspire you. But first, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way: Misconception #1: We Plan the Same Way Nope! Andrew has his own style of planning that works for his work schedule and keeping his priorities in check. Misconception #2: We are good at weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual planning together. Also, no. We are pretty great at weekly planning (we rarely skip). We are good at doing annual reviews together. Anything beyond that is superb, but we really haven’t been consistent over the last 13 years of marriage. I hope that encourages you. You only need to be pretty good at one thing to have a huge impact in your marriage and family life. Misconception #3: We follow a clear checklist and it’s the same every time. Negative. We have fine-