How Words, Grace, and Repair Transform our Homes w/ Amy Hughes
Intentionally Juggling
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
What if your words could shift the entire atmosphere of your home? In this heartfelt episode, Amy Hughes—mom of nine and author of Words Like Honey—joins Dr. Kelly Cagle to share how grace, emotional connection, and the power of repair create a safe, spirit-led home. From navigating meltdowns to modeling godly speech, this conversation will challenge and refresh every parent.
Insights
How Words, Grace, and Repair Transform Our Homes
Featuring Amy Hughes on the Parenting IQ Podcast
In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast, Dr. Kelly Cagle welcomes Amy Hughes, homeschooling mom of nine children and author of Words Like Honey. With a spirit of gentle wisdom and lived experience, Amy unpacks the power of our words, the fruit of the Spirit, and how grace-filled communication can change the atmosphere of our homes.
Building Faith Through Words
Amy shares the importance of speaking faith-building words over our children—language rooted in truth about God’s character. She encourages parents to shift from using vague “Christianese” phrases to intentionally helping kids know who God is: loving, kind, merciful, and patient.
Instead of repeating religious clichés, Amy urges us to speak with intentionality, helping our children connect emotionally and spiritually to a God who is safe and loving.
“We can help our children know the Shepherd’s voice—by consistently speaking words that reflect who God is.”
Connect Before You Correct
Amy introduces the powerful concept: "Connect before you correct."
Children, especially when overwhelmed or emotional, aren't developmentally capable of regulating like adults. Amy reminds us that the prefrontal cortex (responsible for self-regulation) doesn’t fully mature until the mid-20s—especially delayed in kids with ADHD.
In moments of meltdown, Amy suggests instead of demanding calmness, we offer peaceful presence:
Sit close.
Offer touch or soothing words.
Use art or play as an outlet.
She shares a moving story of her daughter expressing sadness through anger—only for the root emotion to be revealed through drawing, not words. This moment of discovery deepened their connection and reframed future interactions.
Avoid Shame and Comparison
To foster independence, Amy cautions against shaming and comparing.
Statements like “Stop crying, you’re acting like a baby,” or “Your sister could do that by now,” don’t motivate—they harm. They tell a child: something is wrong with you.
Instead, she encourages parents to:
Use inspiring language: “Your reading is coming along so well. You’ll be ready for chapter books soon!”
Offer curiosity-driven questions: “What tool could help make this job easier?”
Create opportunities for kids to solve problems independently, guided by thoughtful support.
“Shame crushes. Inspiration empowers.”
Teaching Self-Control During Downtime
Amy emphasizes the need to teach self-control outside of crisis moments. Using play, connection, and gentle conversation, we can plant seeds of emotional resilience before big emotions erupt.
“We can’t teach self-control in the meltdown—we teach it in the quiet, connected moments.”
She beautifully links this with the fruit of the Spirit, specifically the often-forgotten last one: self-control. Practicing gentleness, patience, and love as a family value—not just rules—shapes a home of safety and trust.
The Power of Repair
To the mom feeling overwhelmed, Amy offers deep hope:
It’s not too late. Grace and repair are always available.
She explains the beauty of repair:
Apologize when you’ve messed up.
Own your mistakes to your kids.
Speak restoring words like:
“I’m sorry. I’ve been in a hard place.”
“Your voice matters.”
“You are so important to me.”
These phrases tell children: “You’re safe. You’re seen. I’m with you.”
About the Book
Amy’s new book, Words Like Honey, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. You can also follow her wisdom and gentle encouragement at @simplelittleamy and on her website simplelittleamy.com.
About Amy Hughes
Amy Hughes is a homeschooling mom of nine children, ranging in age from toddler to adult, residing on California’s Central Coast. She’s the author of Words Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child’s Faith Through What You Say, releasing in September 2025
With a gentle and intentional voice, Amy writes and speaks widely on parenting—especially around creating homes grounded in peace, simplicity, and emotional connection. She teaches parents how to speak with kindness, repair broken moments, and raise emotionally resilient children. Amy is also a contributor to Wild + Free, CiRCE Institute, and Simplicity Parenting, sharing her insights with families looking to build calmer, more meaningful home environments.
You can follow her work and reflections at @simplelittleamy on Instagram or explore more at simplelittleamy.com
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HEY THERE! I’M DR. CAGLE… DO YOU NEED HELP WITH CREATING GREAT HABITS???
Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
Healthy parenting is about seeing yourself as your child’s #1 teacher, saying the right words (or nothing at all) at the right time, and having the right tools to be intentional and impactful. Guessing your way through life, which is what most parents do, is a recipe for failure, but following the lead of someone who has two decades of research-based information and fully understands the demands of parenthood is a recipe for a full life— for you and your child.
With a PhD in education, I’m here to teach you how to use daily moments are learning opportunities so you raise confident and competent lifelong learners that thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, I offer workshops and keynotes on various topics to parents, educators, students, and business leaders— because the need to understand, support, and empower learners is everywhere..
