Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Why does homework and school in general turn into a battle in so many homes?
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Matthew Housson breaks down what’s really going on when kids struggle with homework—and why it’s often not a discipline issue at all. Instead, many challenges come down to executive function skills—things like planning, focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to start and finish tasks.
We talk about how brain development impacts motivation, why some kids struggle to shift into “low dopamine” tasks like homework, and what parents can do to support their child without taking over.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or even discouraged trying to help your child succeed academically, this episode will give you clarity, practical tools, and encouragement—you’re not alone, and there is a better way forward. In this episode we talk about: 

When behavior is developmentally normal vs. when to seek help

The key signs of depression in teens (including irritability)

Why a full profile is often more helpful than a diagnosis

Practical tools to make homework time smoother

Executive function skills are learned and developed over time

You can’t rush development—but you can support it

Connect with Dr. Matthew Housson: 

Website: Home - The Housson Center

Facebook: The Housson Center

Instagram: The Housson Center (@thehoussoncenter)

Links Mentioned: 

Resources from The Housson Center (books & websites)

Definitions of different childhood challenges (parent resource)

Related Episodes:

How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88}

School Choice Series: Public School Options with Emily Fenlaw:: [Ep 561]

Grace Based Discipline for Kids with Unique Needs :: Karis Murray [Ep 237]

Featured Sponsors: 

Hiya: We’ve worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children’s vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA (not available on regular website). Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. 

In The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share more than 40 years of lived experience raising a son with profound disabilities. With honesty and faith, they speak to the strain on marriage, the weight of finances, the sting of unkind comments, and the grief of a journey you didn’t choose, but also the joy you didn’t expect. If you’re walking this road—or love someone who is—this book offers steady encouragement for the long journey ahead. To learn more about The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold.

Branch Basics: And here’s the good news — Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! And for anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code DMA.

What do you do when life doesn’t just hand you lemons—but keeps throwing them at your face?
Today, Kirby Kelly joins us to share about her new book, The Fabric of Hope.  After unexpectedly losing her mom, Kirby turned to Scripture to find hope in a season that felt unbearable. With a Master’s in Theology, she began searching for truth and hope right in the middle of her pain.
When life unravels, it can feel impossible to believe that anything good could come from it. In those moments, it’s easy to begin seeing God as the enemy in our situation. But God is not the author of evil—He is the redeemer of it. And when the hits keep coming, that truth can be incredibly hard to hold onto.
This episode is a reminder to stay tethered to Him through both praise and lament—to remain connected and fight for that connection, even when it’s difficult.
Be encouraged today as Kirby shares her personal story of pain and how God is with us in all things. 
Connect with Kirby Kelly: 

Website: Kirby Kelly

Facebook: Kirby Kelly

Instagram: Kirby Kelly (@kirbyisaboss)

Links Mentioned: 

The Fabric of Hope: By Kirby Kelly

Eternity is Now in Session: by John Ortberg

Related Episodes:

Finding Freedom from Habitual Sin :: Kirby Kelly [Ep 469]

Walking Through Grief: Coping, Comforting Kids, and Embodied Emotions :: Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague [Ep 517]

When Moms Walk through Grief :: Stacey Thacker {Ep 76}

Featured Sponsors: 

Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. Use our exclusive link to save 20% off Honeylove at honeylove.com/DMA. 

Green Chef: Where fad diets fail, Green Chef delivers real food and recipes that make healthy eating easy…and lasting. Head to greenchef.com/50alone and use code 50alone to get 50% off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months.

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

Related Episodes:

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]

Featured Sponsors: 

Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.

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

Connect with Vaneetha Risner: 

Website: Vaneetha Risner

Facebook: Vaneetha Rendall Risner

Instagram: Vaneetha Risner (@vaneetharisner)

Links Mentioned: 

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

Related Episodes:

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]

Featured Sponsors: 

Wayfair: Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. 

Cozy Earth: Discover how care in every detail transforms simple routines into moments of true comfort and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for up to 20% off. Experience the craft behind the comfort, and make every day feel intentional.

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

Connect with Nadya Dickson: 
Website: Formed to Lead | Nadya Dickson

Links Mentioned: 

50 I am statements 

CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment

5 Values Exercise

Annual Vision Process - Children

2026 One-Year PowerSheets® Goal Planner

Related Episodes:

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]

Featured Sponsors: 

Written by Tim and Mark Shoemaker, a father and son duo who have spent years walking with guys through real questions, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be tackles the issues they’re facing, porn, dating, purpose, fear, and spiritual dryness, with clear, biblical direction.

Warby Parker: Warby Parker gives you quality & better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our listeners get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/DMA. 

Cove: Make protecting your home a top priority. Check out Cove at covesmart.com/DMA or use code DMA at checkout for up to 60% off your first order!