#373 Courageous Conversations: Preparing Kids for Real Life
As moms in accounting, we already carry a lot — deadlines, schedules, the mental load, and all the quiet questions we ask ourselves late at night. Am I doing enough? Am I connecting with my kids in the ways that really matter? This week’s episode of the CPA MOMS Podcast brings a warm and honest conversation between Nicole and her longtime friend Hannah Mobley, a children’s minister with a background in child development and family care.
Together, they unpack how to have meaningful conversations with your kids, even when you're stretched thin. From teaching body safety and boundaries to building emotional connection and raising kids with their own faith, this episode is full of both heart and practical wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about the “big stuff,” even in the little moments, you’re not alone, and this conversation is here to help.
Why “Enough” Is a Lie
Many of us wake up every morning asking the same question: am I doing enough for my kids? Between work, deadlines, home life, and all the demands, it can feel impossible to give them all the time or the “perfect” moments. As Hannah points out, the very fact that you care signals love. We cannot meet every need all the time. But what many working moms miss is that we do not need endless hours to make a difference.
This episode reframes parenting for busy moms by shifting the focus from quantity to quality. Short moments, if intentional and meaningful, can leave lasting impact. Whether that’s tucking them in at night, letting them help you with everyday errands, or simply saying real words about boundaries and love, those small touchpoints matter.
Conversations That Matter — Age-Appropriate, Shaming-Free, Love-Filled
One of the hardest parts of parenting is deciding what to talk about, when, and how. Hannah and I walked through how you can begin teaching children about safety, body autonomy, and boundaries, often far earlier than we expect.
From infancy, holding, loving, and creating a safe environment builds emotional security
By around 18 months, kids begin to understand “mine,” and that’s a natural time to begin helping them recognize “this is my body”
When they can speak in sentences, parents can begin gently introducing concepts like private spaces, safe touches, and when to say “no”
Use real, correct language instead of euphemisms, so children know how to name their body parts in case they ever need to use those words in a difficult situation
Don’t wait for perfection. Conversations will grow more complex as kids grow. I’ve found that they understand far more than we sometimes assume and are often ready to explore big topics if we invite them
This kind of parenting is rooted in love, honesty, and openness. It creates a safe space where kids know their body is theirs, and they can come to you without shame or fear.
Raising Faith with Questions, Not Assumptions
Another beautiful thread from the episode: how do we teach faith without simply handing down beliefs as rules? Hannah shares that although she grew up in a religious household, she had to make her faith her own. Now as a parent and children’s minister, she wants to equip kids with tools and space to explore, not just accept, spiritual truths.
That means being ready for their questions, being honest when we don’t have all the answers, and worshiping curiosity along with faith. It means modeling humility, admitting mistakes, apologizing, and making room for kids to think for themselves. When we do this, faith becomes theirs, not ours, and can truly guide them through life.
Connection Over Perfection
To all the working moms reading, you don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have long hours or flawless routines. What your kids need is real love, real safety, and the invitation to talk. That looks different for every family, and it changes as your kids grow.
If you walk away with anything today, let it be this: lean into the messy, awkward, imperfect moments. Let them see you, let them ask hard questions, and offer love and truth as often as you can. Over time, those small conversations, the bedtime chats, the quick grocery‑store talks, the gentle “no’s” and the honest “yes’s,” will layer into something beautiful.
If you’re ready to connect deeply with other moms who believe we can have both a career and a meaningful family life, join our community at https://cpamoms.com/start
