#60 Jessica Smartt [Let Them Be Kids]

Did you know you can help save childhood, mama? We are continuing our series on parenting and family culture today with Jessica Smartt. She reminds us how important our jobs as moms really are. Even when it doesn't feel important, we have gifts we can give our kids that will shape who they become. Jessica says, "we need to be gracious with ourselves, but that doesn't mean we don't work on the things that are worth doing." And parenting our children well is one of those things! Jessica and I chat about her book, Let them Be Kids. We dive into why and how we can give our kids the gifts of adventure, boredom and more. Jessica says our kids are wired to need adventure and we can "either give it to them in a healthy way, or they're going to want to go find it on their own, and the world offers them tons of options." We talk about why they need the mental white space of boredom too. Jessica gives us permission to "back the bus up" on decisions we've already made about technology. She also shares about grit, work ethic and lessons learned from her kids' pet sitting business. Jessica is a homeschooling mom of three who loves biking, breakfast food, and being the one in charge of a big fun event. She is the author of Memory-Making Mom and Let Them Be Kids.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Memory Making Mom Let Them Be Kids Sex, Jesus and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom Allowance Chore System Summer Planning Guide   JESSICA'S FAVORITE 5 Sunless Tanner Trader Joe's Vegetable Fried Rice Family Friendly TV Shows World of Where Art Hub for Kids   CONNECT WITH JESSICA Instagram | Facebook | Website   GIRLS TALKING LIFE COMMUNITY Did you know that there's a Girls Talking Life community group on FB? It's an extension of the podcast where we can connect and continue to grow even when we can't be with our girlfriends. If you are looking for community, if you want join in the conversation after the show and encourage others as we all grow in our faith, jump in to this group! I'd love to see you there!   Join the Community!