How to Set Boundaries Without Cutting People Off :: John Townsend top 10 episode [Ep 566]

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

03/30/26

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47m

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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

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Previous Episode

Parenting Through Divorce: Helping Kids Heal, Co-Parent Well & Trust God :: Vaneetha Risner [Ep 565]

March 23

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49m

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)

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Next Episode

When You've Had Enough Hard :: Kirby Kelly [Ep 567]

April 6

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45m

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)

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