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Elevating Motherhood: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Lori Beth Auldridge
All things honest motherhood with host Lori Beth Auldridge. Helping moms find their confidence with resources & fresh perspectives.
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- 3 days ago48 min
200. Calm, Confident Motherhood, Part 1
WOW! 200!From the bottom of my heart...thank you.Thank you, friends, for showing up week after week and supporting the Elevating Motherhood Podcast for nearly six years. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you just recently found this little corner of the internet, I want you to know how grateful I am that you're here.This podcast has always been for you.It's been an incredible privilege to have conversations with authors, educators, experts, and fellow moms who have encouraged us to become more intentional in our motherhood, homeschooling, parenting, and faith. Together, we've explored everything from raising confident children and creating meaningful family culture to finding joy, purpose, and peace in the everyday work of motherhood.Reaching 200 episodes feels like more than a milestone, it feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter. Over the next few months, I'm opening my heart in a way I never have before here on the show. This is Part 1 of a new series where I'll be sharing the years-long journey that led me to what I now call calm, confident motherhood. I'll be sharing the stories, mindset shifts, lessons, and convictions that transformed the way I approach motherhood and, ultimately, the way I experience it.My hope is that these episodes don't simply encourage you, but that they help you see what's possible. That motherhood doesn't have to feel like something to survive. That peace isn't reserved for a select few. That confidence can be cultivated. And that, little by little, we can become the mothers we hope our children remember.Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your motherhood journey. It is a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I pray these conversations continue to encourage and equip you for years to come.If the Elevating Motherhood Podcast has encouraged you over the years, would you help me celebrate 200 episodes by leaving a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Reviews help more moms discover the show, and they truly mean more than you know.Thank you for listening, for sharing episodes with friends, for sending thoughtful messages, and for being part of this wonderful community.Here's to the next chapter. I'm so glad you're here.
- 1 weeks ago29 min
199. In Defense of Homeschool: How to Respond Thoughtfully to Homeschool Critics
The WhatWell, in recent days, podcaster Jennifer Welch and her co-host, Angie Sullivan, shared their colorful thoughtson homeschooling after a caller expressed frustration that stupid people she went to school with were choosing to homeschool their children.What followed wasn't simply a disagreement with homeschooling. It was a stream of insults. Homeschooling wascalled "the worst, worst, worst." Christian parents were portrayed as people who fear critical thinking. Homeschooling was described as selfish, andraising children with a Christian worldview was likened to child abuse. Parents were called "dumbasses," plenty of f-bombs were dropped, and the following day Jennifer doubled down on her view of homeschooling.What struck me wasn't simply that they disagreed with homeschooling. People are free to have different opinionsand make different educational choices for their families. What struck me was the confidence with which they spoke about a community they seemed to know very little about.Their comments reflected a picture of homeschooling that simply doesn't resemble what modern homeschooling lookslike in America today. And judging by the response online, I wasn't the only homeschool parent who noticed.I think many of us in the homeschool community were genuinely gob smacked. Wondering how someone couldspeak with such certainty and such contempt about something they clearly didn't understand. And when I say "ignorant," I mean it in the truest sense of the word: not knowing.I wanted to talk about it almost immediately. Not because I wanted to keep an internet argument going, but because I needed to process what I had just heard. There wasn't really time to sit down with friends and think through it together. It was one of those moments where you hear something and your mind just starts turning.I felt shock. Then disappointment. Then anger.But if I'm honest, the emotion I kept coming back to was sadness.Sadness that millions of homeschool families are still viewed through stereotypes that are decades out of date. Sadness that children who are being lovingly educated at home could someday hear adults describe families like theirs with such contempt. And sadness that so many people listening probably assumed those caricatures were true.Because words matter.When someone with a platform reaches millions of people, those words shape opinions. Opinions shape culture.Culture influences policy. And policy affects the freedoms families have for generations to come.That's why I felt compelled to respond.I posted an open letter, not because I needed Jennifer & Angie to agree with me, and not because I felt insecure about my decision to homeschool, but because I believe homeschool families deserve to be represented truthfully.But here's the thing: this episode isn't really about Jennifer Welch.Long after this particular controversy is forgotten, homeschool families will still encounter the same questions, the same assumptions, and the same misconceptions. So today, I don't want to spend our time dissecting one person's comments.Instead, I want to talk about why homeschooling is worthdefending, not because every family should homeschool, but because every family deserves the freedom to thoughtfully choose the educational path they believe is best for their children.Link to IG Open Letter: https://www.instagram.com/p/Da4hZvRFGfa/FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COMPlease visit our sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors
- 2 weeks ago53 min
198. The Inspired Homeschool with Jennifer Pepito
Buy Jennifer’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4wiwDLS Today I’m so glad to welcome Jennifer Pepito backto the show.Jennifer is the host of the Restoration Home podcast, bestselling author of Habits for a Sacred Home, andfounder of The Peaceful Press, a homeschool curriculum provider many of us know and love. Her writing has been featured in Wild + Free, Commonplace Quarterly, and HomeEducating Family, and she’s been a guest on 1000 Hours Outside, At Home with Sally, and The Read Aloud Revival. Shelives in the mountains with her family, where her days are shaped by reading aloud, tending the garden, and building a home life rooted in rhythm and beauty.And if you’re a mom who has ever felt the tension between what homeschool “should” look like and what your child actually needs… if you’ve wondered whether there’s a more peaceful, more meaningful way to educate without losing depth or vision—this conversation is for you.Today we’re talking about her newest book, The Inspired Homeschool: How History’s Heroes Light a Path Toward Joyful, Confident Learning. In her book, Jennifer pulls from the lives of historical figures, along with research and biblical wisdom, to help us reimagine education through literature, nature, work, and story—so we can raise children who are curious, grounded, and confident in who they are becoming.Here are some of my favorite quotes fromJennifer’s book (& the interview): “Raising my hand too often and too excitedly to answerquestions was met with frustration from teachers.” - page 27 “My personal ideals for our homeschool don’t have to be yours, but if you don’t know your why, you will continually bow to outside pressures and create stress for your children in the process.” – page 29 Not wanting our kids to learn from a system that is hostiletoward our faith. “Young children are great imitators, and if we haven’t yetcrushed their natural desire to help by setting unreasonable standards or expressing disappointment in them, they can be great helpers.” – page 47 “The atmosphere is you.” – page 49 Beauty: Effortlessly incorporate beauty…such intentionality. “Mason particularly emphasized the habits of attention,obedience, right thinking, and right acting.” – page 63 Habits: You’re the one who showed me that virtues andhabits are interconnected. “Homeschooling in the modern age requires tremendous powers of attention, as we must forcibly tear ourselves away from a highly distracting culture and learn to settle into the beautiful and short season of homeschooling our children.” – page 74 “I wanted to give my children the world, so I gave theminspiring books.” – page 79 “It’s hard to understand why traditional schools keeppushing the factory model, and why they’ve replaced classic literature with hopeless victim narratives.” – page 126FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COMFollow LB on IG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease visit our sponsors: www.elevatinghomeschool.com/sponsors
- 3 weeks ago1h 4m
197. Empty Nest Season: Preparing Your Kids (and Your Heart) for Launch
Whether your baby is still in diapers, you’re in the middle of the school years, your teenager just got their driver's license, or you've recently become an empty nester, the relationship you hope to have with your children when they leave home doesn't begin the day they pack their bags.It begins today.It begins with the culture you're creating in your home, the words you speak, the trust you're building, the way you respond to change, and the example you're setting.In this conversation, we talk about what it really feels like when your children begin leaving the nest—not just for them, but for you and even for the siblings they leave behind. We discuss the grief that can catch you off guard, the joy of watching your children become independent, and the mindset shifts that help us parent with open hands instead of clenched fists.You'll hear us talk about becoming an "open nester" instead of an "empty nester," why it's so important not to keep our kids small, how to prepare them with the life skills and confidence they'll need to launch well, and why it's never too late to change the patterns in our homes.One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is something Amy says: "You can't talk to your kids enough." And Jennifer's encouragement not to keep our kids small has stayed with me ever since.If you've ever wondered how to prepare your children to leave home while also preparing your own heart, I think you'll find so much encouragement here.And if your kids are still little, don't skip this episode thinking it's for someone else. The foundation for launching our children well is laid years before they ever leave. The attitudes, habits, and relationships we cultivate now matter more than we realize.So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy this conversation with my sweet friends, Jennifer Ford Berry and Amy Debrucque. In this episode we talk about: Open nester vs. empty nesterThe transition from needing you all the time The change that happens when kids get their driver’s licenseDaily independence vs. financial independenceDifferences based on boys vs. girls leaving the nestDifferences with number of kidsGrieving unexpected things with their departureSong: Crowded Table by Highway WomenEvery flight is differentMindset through our whole motherhood journeyThe parallel between school breaks and when your kids fly the nestThe selfless nature of motherhoodKids still at home with their siblings leave homeLife 360 AppGiving them messages of security and encouragementMaking sure we lay a secure foundation and not one of nagging and mistrustLearning from our realizations and taking action from therePivoting and adaptingWE NEED TO MODEL FOR OUR KIDSIt’s never to late to changeHow moms change when kids leave the nestMistakes they made when their kids first left the nestBeing more awareFigure our what draws your kids in and what drives them awayTaking up hobbies as a mom in this season for rejuvenation Talking with moms who have gone before you in this seasonAcknowledging the griefPreparing your child to launch – was there a list of skills you want them to have before they leave home? Open communication within a familyBecoming less offended“You can’t talk to your kids enough.” -Amy DebrucqueRealistic expectationsTalking through how to navigate situationsBuilding up their courageDealing with homesickness“Don’t keep your kids small.” – JFBAnd so much more...full show notes at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Link to Jennifer’s Podcast: The Make Room Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-room-show/id1664260193 Link to Amy’s Podcast: Life on Purpose Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-on-purpose-podcast-with-amy-debrucque/id1498212623 Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Please Visit Our Sponsors: <a href="http://www.elevatin
- Jun 27, 202631 min
196. How to Lobby for a New Playground in Your Community
You don't have to be a politician to change your community.Back before 2020, when we were still living on Maui, my friend Katie and I lobbied for a new playground to be built upcountry at Kula Park…and it happened! There is a small, but mighty playground with bicoastal ocean views and lots of opportunity for vestibular and proprioceptive input (want to know what that is? Find out in Episode 196!)Most parents assume playgrounds simply appear because a city decides to build one. They don't realize that many parks, trails, splash pads, and playgrounds exist because one persistent citizen cared enough to ask.Have you ever driven past an empty field and thought, 'This would be the perfect place for a playground'? Or watched your kids struggle on outdated equipment and wondered why nobody does anything about it? What if I told you that 'somebody' could be you? Today I'm sharing how I helped advocate for a playground in our community on Maui and what I learned about working with city leaders, gathering support, and turning an idea into reality.Action Step 1: Research - Start With Curiosity, Not ComplaintsOne of the biggest mistakes people make is approaching leaders with frustration.Instead of:"Why hasn't anyone done this?"Try:"I noticed a need and would love to understand how decisions like this are made."People are far more willing to help when they feel respected rather than attacked.Questions to ask:Who oversees parks?How are projects prioritized?What funding sources exist?Is this already on a future plan?What would need to happen for it to become a reality?Your goal is to learn before you advocate. Action Step 2: A Conversation - Find Out Who Actually Makes Decisions & Talk to ThemMany people spend months talking to the wrong person.Potential decision-makers include:Parks and Recreation DepartmentCity CouncilCounty CommissionersPlanning DepartmentsSchool BoardsParks FoundationsCommunity Development OrganizationsLearn the process before trying to influence the outcome.A great question:"Who would I need to talk with to better understand how a playground project might move forward?" Action Step 3: Support - Bring Friends, Not Just OpinionsThis may be the most important lesson.Leaders need to know the need extends beyond one family.I want you to: Gather parentsCollect storiesCreate surveysBring neighborsAttend meetings togetherA room filled with supportive, respectful citizens communicates far more than one passionate person.People often underestimate how powerful it is to simply show up Action Step 4: Educate - Present Information, Not DemandsDecision-makers are constantly balancing:BudgetsSafetyMaintenanceStaffingCompeting prioritiesHelp them by doing some homework.Bring:PhotosCommunity surveysPopulation statisticsExamples from nearby communitiesPotential locationsGrant opportunitiesPlayground conceptsInstead of saying:"We need a playground."Say:"Our neighborhood has 600 children within a one-mile radius and no accessible play space. Here are examples of communities that successfully addressed a similar need."Help them solve a problem. Action Step 5: Consistency - Your Attitude Matters More Than You ThinkCommunity leaders hear complaints every day.The person they remember & want to work with is often the one who is:GratefulRespectfulPreparedPatientCollaborativeYou aren't trying to win an argument. You're trying to build a partnership. Advocate like a neighbor, not a customer.Communities thrive when citizens and leaders work together. Action Steps You Can Take This Week:Identify one community need.Find out who oversees that area.Schedule one conversation.Invite two friends to join you.Ask questions before making requests.Communities don't change because someone gets angry enough. They change because someone cares enough to stay involved.Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comIG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood
- Jun 20, 202627 min
195. When Kids Crave Movement: Understanding Vestibular and Proprioceptive Input
Why Does My Kid Always Want Me to Push Them on the Swing?Understanding Vestibular and Proprioceptive InputHave you ever wondered why your child begs for 'one more push' on the swing, spins until they're dizzy, hangs upside down from furniture, jumps off things that make you nervous, or crashes into the couch cushions over and over again? What if all of those behaviors are actually your child's body asking for something it needs? Today we're talking about two sensory systems that most parents have never heard of, but once you understand them, you'll see playgrounds, nature play, and your child's behavior in a completely different way. Kids are Designed to Seek MovementMost parents know about the five senses: sight, taste, touch, smell, hearing…but there are other sensory systems at work.Vestibular InputThe vestibular system lives in the inner ear and helps us understand: balance, movement, direction, and spatial orientationChildren seek vestibular input when they: swing, spin, roll, hang upside down, jump, and climbProprioceptive InputThis is our body's awareness of where we are in space.Children seek proprioceptive input through: pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, wrestling, jumping, and heavy work (think "maximum effort")Many behaviors we label as "wild" are actually healthy sensory-seeking behaviors.The Playground Used to Be More ChallengingMany modern playgrounds prioritize safety and liability reduction.While safety matters, many playgrounds have lost: height, risk assessment opportunities, spinning equipment, climbing challenges, uneven surfaces, and natural obstaclesChildren often end up with: one slide, one climbing structure, rubber flooring, & limited opportunities for sensory-rich movement. The result? Kids leave the playground still seeking the input they need. Nature Is One of the Best Sensory GymsNature provides what many modern playgrounds can't.In nature children naturally: climb logs, balance on rocks, walk uneven terrain, pull branches, climbing hills, crawling under obstaclesEvery step provides vestibular and proprioceptive feedback. Unlike a manufactured playground, nature is constantly changing and requires the body and brain to adapt. Nature is one of the richest sensory experiences available to children. These Inputs Support More Than Physical DevelopmentVestibular and proprioceptive input don't just help kids burn energy. They support: attention, emotional regulation, body awareness, coordination, confidence, motor planning, and learning readiness.Many parents notice that after active outdoor play, children are calmer, more focused, and better able to sit and learn. We Can Create More Opportunities Without Expensive EquipmentParents don't need a giant backyard playground. Simple ways to provide vestibular input: swings, hammocks, rolling down hills, spinning games, wheelbarrow walks, obstacle courses, & hanging upside downSimple ways to provide proprioceptive input: carrying groceries, moving firewood, gardening, digging, pushing a loaded wagon, shoveling, helping move furniture, animal chores, & climbing treesMany homesteading activities naturally provide excellent sensory input. Challenge Yourself: "How can I give my child more movement instead of more entertainment?"More at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Watch what movement theirchild naturally seeks.Children were designed tomove. Long before organized sports, screen time, and rubberized playgrounds,children spent their days climbing, carrying, balancing, digging, running, andexploring. When we understand vestibular and proprioceptive input, we stopseeing those behaviors as problems to manage and start seeing them as clues towhat our children's growing bodies need most.
- Jun 13, 202648 min
194. When Doing It All Is Undoing You with Alyssa Bethke
Today's conversation is one I'm pulling from the archives. I recorded this interview with Alyssa Bethke quite a while ago, and as I was looking through past episodes, it felt especially worth bringing back. At the time, I had not yet read her book, When Doing It All Is Undoing You. But after revisiting this conversation, I've added it back to my summer readinglist because the message feels just as timely today as it did then.If you've ever felt the pressure to keep all the plates spinning, to do more, be more, achieve more, or somehow hold everything together, I think you'll appreciate Alyssa'sperspective. We talk about motherhood, identity, striving, rest, and the freedom that comes when we stop measuring our worth by our productivity.Whether you're folding laundry, driving kids to activities, working in the garden, or taking a quiet walk, I hope this conversation encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that your value was never found in how much you accomplish.I hope you enjoy this conversation with Alyssa Bethke.Alyssa's Bio: Alyssa Joy Bethke loves Jesus, matcha, and the sun, and squeezes as much pickleball and reading into her week as possible. She is married to Jeff, the love of her life, and is mom to three of the greatest gifts: Kinsley, Kannon, and Lucy. The Bethke family recently moved from Maui to Tennessee and are embracing the wild adventure of a life surrendered to God. Alyssa and Jeff help reclaim God’s design for men, women, and families at Forming Men, Forming Women and Family Teams.Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comIG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors
- Apr 28, 202643 min
193. Talking Openly About Divorce | with Alisha Roth
Some conversations feel tender before they even begin...and divorce is one of them. Today, I’m joined by Alisha Roth, author of Courageous Divorce, to talk openly about a topic that touches more lives than we often acknowledge.Whether you’re personally facing divorce, have walked through it in the past, or want to be a steady, supportive presence for someone you care about, this episode is meantto give language, perspective, and a starting point for those conversations.Buy Alisha’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4d6clhL Alisha’s Links: Website: www.alisharoth.comInstagram: @littlewomenfarmhouse Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.comInstagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhoodPlease Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors
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