Shows
The Stand-Up MomEpisode 34 - It's the Little Things - "Manners"In this conversation, Caroline Holzberger shares valuable insights on parenting, emphasizing the significance of small, everyday actions in raising respectful and well-mannered children. She discusses the importance of teaching manners, communication, and etiquette, highlighting how these little things contribute to a child's overall development and character. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, she encourages parents to model respectful behavior and instill good manners from a young age, ensuring that children grow up to be considerate and polite individuals.TakeawaysParenting is about the little things, not just big decisions.Manners are essential for respectful communication.Teaching...2025-05-0619 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 33 - It's the Little Things - "Downtime"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger introduces the concept of 'downtime' in parenting, emphasizing the importance of small, intentional moments that foster connection with children. She discusses various opportunities for quality time, including car rides, dinner prep, waiting times, and bedtime routines, encouraging parents to embrace these moments to strengthen family bonds.TakeawaysThe concept of downtime is crucial in parenting.It's often the little things that matter most in family life.Car rides can be transformed into opportunities for connection.Dinner prep can serve as a time for meaningful conversations.Waiting times can be utilized for...2025-04-2919 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 32 - It's the Little Things - "April Fools"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger discusses the significance of small, everyday moments in parenting, emphasizing the importance of fun, humor, and bonding within families. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to incorporate silliness and laughter into family life, fostering strong relationships and resilience in children.Parenting is about the little moments, not just big decisions.Having fun as a family is essential for bonding.Silly nicknames can create inside jokes and strengthen family ties.Teasing should be light-hearted and not hurtful.Laughing at oneself teaches kids resilience and flexibility.Sharing funny stories from the past...2025-04-0123 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 31 - I Don't Want Spoiled Rotten Kids - "The Just Say No Edition"In this episode of the Stand Up Mom podcast, Caroline Holzberger discusses the importance of saying no in parenting. Drawing from her experiences and insights from friends, she emphasizes the need for parents to say no calmly, consistently, and collectively. The conversation explores how saying no can be a powerful tool in teaching children about boundaries, respect, and the value of discipline. Caroline also highlights the significance of modeling behavior for children and the life skills they gain from learning to accept no as an answer. TakeawaysSaying no is essential in parenting to avoid raising...2025-03-2518 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 30 - I Don't Want Spoiled Rotten Kids - "The Clocked-In Edition"In this episode of the Stand Up Mom podcast, Caroline Holzberger discusses the importance of being 'clocked in' as a parent, emphasizing that parenting is a lifelong commitment that begins even before the child is born. She shares insights on how to avoid raising spoiled rotten kids by prioritizing quality time spent together as a family, whether at home, during play, or in the community. Caroline encourages intentionality in family interactions and highlights the value of time as a non-renewable resource, urging parents to reflect on how they spend their time with their children.TakeawaysParenting...2025-03-1721 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 29 - I Don't Want Spoiled Rotten Kids - "The Money Edition"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger dives deep into the money talk we all try to avoid — but really need to have. She chats about why financial literacy is essential for kids, and how wealth doesn’t automatically mean spoiled behavior (phew!). Caroline offers real, actionable tips on raising financially savvy kiddos, like how to teach them the value of money, why earning is key, and how generosity beats greed every time. Key Takeaways:Money talk is crucial, even if it's uncomfortable.Kids can be rich without being spoiled — it’s all about values.Don’t pay for chores...2025-03-0728 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 28 - I Don't Want Spoiled Rotten Kids - "The 12-Letter-Word Episode"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about parenting—no perfect answers here, just a ton of wisdom and honest insights. She breaks down why consequences (yep, that 12-letter word) are not the bad guys, but rather essential lessons for responsibility. She and her husband might not have it all figured out, but through trial, error, and lots of wisdom from family and friends, Caroline shares what’s been helpful for her. From the power of clear communication and setting expectations to the trust built through consistency, Caroline reminds us that discipline is about shaping kids for peace and righ...2025-02-2525 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 27 - "I Don't Want Spoiled Rotten Kids" - Valentine's Day EditionIn this episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a heartfelt journey through the evolving Valentine’s Day celebrations in her family, from the sweet innocence of childhood to the more “I’m-too-cool-for-this” teenage years. Along the way, she shares priceless insights on teaching love, values, and service—spoiler: it’s not about the shiny store-bought gifts! Caroline emphasizes the power of homemade tokens, the shifting parental role as kids grow, and how to focus on meaningful gestures instead of getting lost in the commercial madness.Takeaways: Valentine’s Day does change as kids grow up. Love and service ar...2025-02-1821 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 26 - "I Don't Want to Raise Spoiled Rotten Kids" - Laundry EditionIn this episode, Caroline Holzberger breaks down her parenting philosophy of raising kids who know how toadult—without being spoiled rotten. She talks all about how teaching kids to do their own laundry (yes, you read that right!) helps them develop independence, life skills, and a healthy respect for their things. Caroline also shares personal stories and practical tips for encouraging family teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of consequence, so your kids can confidently step into adulthood.Takeaways:Spoiled vs. spoiled rotten: Know the difference!Laundry = independence.Life lessons? They come with a few dirty socks.Fa...2025-02-1129 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 25 - Fake News - "My Kid Can Handle It"In today’s episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the parenting challenges of our time, especially when it comes to what kids can emotionally and mentally handle. Spoiler: They’re probably tougher than you think, but still need your guidance! Caroline shares personal stories, some laughs, and wisdom on why setting boundaries, teaching patience, and building trust are essential for raising resilient kids.
Key Takeaways:
Kids think they can handle more than they actually can – time to set those boundaries!
Boundaries = safety & development. Plus, kids actually need them.
Patience is a virtue, and in today’s world, i...2025-02-0420 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 24 - Fake News - "It's Not Fair For My Kid"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the concept of fairness (or lack thereof) in parenting and life. Spoiler: Life's inherently unfair, and that's actually a good thing! Caroline shares personal stories, offering a fresh perspective on how overprotecting kids can leave them unprepared for life's tough lessons. From field day mishaps to tough love moments, she dives into how teaching kids to embrace unfairness can build resilience, humility, and grit. Ready to prepare your kids for the real world? Tune in for all the wisdom (and a few laughs) on navigating life’s challenges!
Takeaways:...2025-01-2826 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 23 - Fake News - "It's Too Hard For My Kid"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger drops some truth bombs on parenting and the power of tough love. She argues that the idea that things are "too hard" for kids is pure fake news! Instead, facing challenges is key to building resilience, self-esteem, and character. Through real-life examples and personal stories, Caroline shows us that kids need to practice doing hard things in order to thrive. She reminds us that as parents, it’s our job to cheer them on through those tough moments and help them see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Takeaways:
Kids need to pr...2025-01-2115 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 22 - Fake News - "My Kid Would Never..."In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the ups and downs of parenting. Spoiler: Your kids aren’t perfect, and that’s okay! Caroline reminds us that mistakes are part of growing up, and as parents, we need to guide them with love, grace, and a firm set of boundaries. From recognizing impulsive behaviors to maintaining a strong prayer life, she shares practical tips on how to support our kids’ growth while teaching them accountability.
Key Takeaways:
Kids will make mistakes—accept it and don’t fall for the “my kid would never” trap.
Boundaries aren’t just ru...2025-01-1420 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 21 - Fake News - "My Kid Deserves to Be Happy"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger dives deep into the parenting trap of trying to ensure your child’s happiness. Spoiler alert: It's not your job! Caroline shares why resilience, grit, and navigating adversity are way more valuable than chasing a constant state of joy for your kiddos. We explore how coddling kids can actually set them up for failure, how happiness is fleeting, and why building strong character is the real parenting win. Oh, and buckle up for some mind-blowing stats on youth mental health!
Key Takeaways:
Happiness is a moment, not a destination.
Resilience > Happiness wh...2025-01-0722 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 20: Fake News - "The Christmas Edition"In this episode of Stand Up Mom, Caroline Holzberger kicks off a new series called 'Fake News', tackling those little misconceptions kids have about Christmas. From the over-the-top commercialization of gift-giving to the distorted view of reality many children develop, Caroline dives into how parents can navigate these tricky waters. With a little bit of humor and a lot of heart, she talks about shifting focus from what they’re getting to what they can give—because the real magic of Christmas lies in kindness, gratitude, and of course, the true meaning of the season: Jesus.
Takeaways:
...2024-12-3116 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 19 - I'll Trade You - "Selfish Toddlers FOR Selfish Teenagers"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the highs and lows of parenting — from the tantrums of toddlers to the emotional rollercoaster of teenagers. Spoiler alert: selfishness is a phase, but it doesn’t end with toddlerhood!
Caroline shares valuable insights on setting boundaries (yep, for both toddlers AND teens), why “no” doesn’t require an explanation, and how teaching kids the difference between needs and wants is a game-changer. She also reflects on the nostalgia we all feel for those simpler toddler years, while giving a shout-out to the real challenge: raising unselfish adults in a world th...2024-12-1723 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 18 - I'll Trade You - "Endless Nursing FOR Empty Nesting"In this heartfelt episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of motherhood. From the blessed (and sometimes exhausting) days of endless nursing to the bittersweet reality of empty nesting, Caroline reflects on the emotional transitions of raising kids.
She shares personal stories, insights, and lessons learned along the way – reminding us all to cherish those fleeting moments and embrace the inevitable changes. Whether you’re in the trenches of toddlerhood or navigating the quiet of an empty nest, this conversation is a must-listen.
Takeaways:
The endless nursing phase is b...2024-12-1022 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 17 - I'll Trade You - Potty Training FOR Party RavingIn this episode, Caroline Holzberger gives us the real talk on the wild ride of potty training and the transition into the "party raving" phase of parenting. From cold turkey potty training hacks to dealing with the new challenges of raising older kids, Caroline shares how staying grounded in your values (and leaning on your village!) makes all the difference.
Tune in for laughs, lessons, and reminders that childhood innocence is precious — and fleeting. Whether you're deep in the trenches of potty training or navigating the teen years, Caroline's wisdom will keep you grounded and inspired.
...2024-12-0317 minThe Stand-Up MomSPECIAL Thanksgiving Episode - Thanksgiving THEN and NOWIn this special Thanksgiving edition of the Stand Up Mom podcast, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the highs and lows of parenting, reflecting on how her family has grown and evolved over the years. From the early days of toddler tantrums to the challenges (and joys!) of parenting teens, she shares the gratitude she feels for every phase. Caroline talks about how Thanksgiving traditions shift as kids get older, the importance of cherishing every moment, and how to keep gratitude flowing—no matter the age of your kids.
In this episode, you’ll hear:🍂 How parenting phases...2024-11-2814 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 16 - I'll Trade You "Sleepless Months FOR Social Media"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger gets real about the ups and downs of parenting—especially when sleepless nights and social media come into play. She reflects on the challenges of raising older kids in a tech-driven world while missing the simplicity of parenting younger ones. Caroline shares relatable lessons on boundaries, sleep, and the importance of community support.
Key takeaways:
Sleep > Chores (seriously, it’s okay to rest!)
“No” is a complete sentence in parenting.
Social media’s effects on kids? The jury’s still out.
Parenting pressure changes as your kids grow.
Cherish those moments—before they’re...2024-11-2622 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 15 - I'll Trade You - "Diapers FOR Driver's Ed"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a wild ride through the contrasting phases of parenting—from the chaos of diapers to the thrill (and terror) of teaching your kid to drive. Buckle up for personal anecdotes, life lessons, and relatable reflections on these unforgettable stages.
Key Takeaways:
Parenting is like a rollercoaster, with each phase bringing its own set of thrills and spills.
The diaper days might feel endless, but they're just a blink in the grand scheme.
Potty training: a major milestone and a giant leap towards independence!
Embrace the little moments—they grow...2024-11-1918 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 14 - I'll Trade You - "Tantrums & Bawling FOR Tournament Balling"In this episode, Caroline Holzberger takes us on a whirlwind journey through the ever-changing landscape of parenting. From the chaos of toddler tantrums to the thrilling highs (and lows) of tournament sports, Caroline shares personal stories and invaluable insights that every parent can relate to.
What You’ll Learn:
Parenting is all about trading one set of challenges for another—who knew?
Tantrums are like a rite of passage. (Spoiler: they don’t come with a manual.)
Keeping perspective is key when you're knee-deep in chaos.
Setting priorities is the ultimate life hack for juggling your child’...2024-11-1219 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 13 - I'll Trade You - "Littles for Bigs"
Show Notes: Episode 13 - I’ll Trade You - "Littles for Bigs"
Join Caroline Holzberger as she kicks off her new series, "I’ll Trade You," where parenting wisdom meets a splash of humor! In this episode, Caroline dives into the wild ride of raising kids, contrasting her adventures as a parent of older children with the challenges faced by those with little ones.
What to Expect:
Seasoned Reflections: Caroline shares hilarious anecdotes from her parenting journey—because who doesn't need a laugh amidst the chaos?
Littles vs. Bigs: Get the scoop on the ups an...2024-11-0520 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 12 - Kicking it Old School - "How to Pay for College"In this enlightening episode, Caroline Holzberger brings the math classroom to life as she dives into the art of teaching financial literacy to children. Buckle up as we explore why understanding money is just as vital as acing algebra—especially when it comes to preparing for college!
What You'll Learn:
Why financial literacy is a must-have life skill for kids
Budgeting basics: teaching kids to value every dollar.
The magic of delayed gratification (and how it can change lives).
Shaping positive attitudes toward wealth and money.
Viewing money as a tool for God's purpose, not just a...2024-10-2923 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 11 - Kicking it Old School - "Pick Your Favorite Color Ribbon"Join us for a lively chat with Caroline Holzberger as we dive into the nostalgia of school competitions—specifically, those epic field day events! Caroline shares her competitive spirit and personal stories that remind us how much fun (and chaos) these days can be.
In this episode, we tackle the hot topic of participation trophies. Are they boosting our kids’ confidence or fluffing up their egos? Caroline argues that while everyone loves a trophy, it’s crucial to teach our kiddos about resilience, losing gracefully, and the fact that life isn’t always fair. Spoiler alert: failure can actu...2024-10-2224 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 10 - Kicking It Old School - "Eh, I'll Just Wait for the Re-take"In this episode, Caroline dives into the world of retakes, comparing the no-retake rules of her school days with today’s mandatory do-overs. She explores how this shift impacts kids’ work ethic and resilience. Caroline shares why letting kids fail is crucial and how championing effort over grades can build self-confidence and grit. It's all about teaching the value of hard work and the real-life consequences of not putting in the effort.
Tune in for real talk, parenting insights, and a few laughs as Caroline shares how to build a strong work ethic in your kids!
fo...2024-10-1525 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 9 - Kicking It Old School - "My Mom Isn't Doing Anything Anyway"In this episode, Caroline gets honest about a harsh lesson for kids (and parents): the world doesn’t revolve around them. Drawing from her experiences as a stay-at-home mom, she shares three practical strategies for raising kids who understand independence and responsibility. From giving them ownership early to not rushing in to fix every problem, Caroline offers tips for teaching self-reliance and discipline, all while raising well-rounded adults.
Takeaways:
- Teach kids ownership early by making them responsible for their belongings.
- Get involved in activities that don’t center arou...2024-10-0822 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 8 - Kicking It Old School - "Hydroflask/Yeti/Stanley/Owala"In this episode, Caroline takes a trip down memory lane, sharing her 90s obsession with a certain pair of pants and how it ties into today’s trend of must-have water bottles. She breaks down the pressure kids face to keep up with trends and offers three practical tips for parents: check your heart (and theirs), teach delayed gratification, and make sure they have some skin in the game. It’s all about teaching contentment and not getting caught up in the latest “must-have.”
- The pressure to keep up with trends is real—whether it’s pants or wat...2024-10-0119 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 7 - Kicking It Old School - "Paper Towels & How to Use Them"In this episode, Caroline shares a funny but eye-opening story about a student who spilled water and expected her to clean it up. Spoiler: That didn’t happen!
She discusses the importance of teaching kids responsibility, starting with the basics—like knowing how to use a paper towel. Caroline then breaks down the different types of chores (from messy to character-building) and explains why chores are necessary for raising hardworking, capable kids.
Tune in for practical tips and laughs as Caroline shares why responsibility starts at home, one paper towe...2024-09-2425 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 6 - Kicking It Old School - "6th Grade Report Card"In this episode, Caroline puts on her teacher hat and shares some hard-earned wisdom from her days in the classroom. Reflecting on the wild ride that is middle school, she talks about why teaching life skills and building character is just as crucial as academic subjects (maybe even more so!). Caroline takes us back to her own sixth-grade experience, sharing lessons she’s carried with her through life.
With humor and heart, Caroline dives into the importance of letting kids own their feelings, the power of repetition in learning, and why parents should zoom ou...2024-09-1722 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 5 - Kicking It Old School - "Zoo Kid or Jungle Kid"In this episode of The Stand-Up Mom, Caroline takes us on a wild ride through the jungle—well, the jungle of parenting, that is! She dives into the difference between raising ‘jungle kids’ who are prepared for the real world versus ‘zoo kids’ who are sheltered and unprepared for life’s challenges. Drawing from her experience as both a teacher and a mom, Caroline doesn’t hold back on the reality check about the lack of responsibility and consequences many kids face today.
She breaks down her top three strategies for raising resilient, real-world-ready kids: letting natural consequences do...2024-09-1026 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 4 - Who is This Chick? - Sassy SprayIn this episode of The Stand-Up Mom, Caroline gives us a peek into life with her strong-willed daughter, Abigail—the one who’s been keeping things interesting since day one! With humor and honesty, Caroline shares the ups and downs of raising a child with a big personality, including her secret weapon: 'sassy spray' (yep, it’s exactly what you think).
Caroline opens up about the real work of shaping Abigail's fierce will, guiding it toward faith, humility, and kindness. She also gets real about the fact that parenting isn’t always easy—it’s a journey that requires...2024-09-1021 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 3 - Who is The Chick? - The Oreo Cream FillingIn this heartwarming episode, Caroline introduces her middle child, Benjamin—affectionately known as Ben Ben, the family’s very own “joy boy.” Born when his older brother Jacob was just two years old, Benjamin arrived in style, with big brother announcing the big news to the waiting room! From the start, Benjamin was an easygoing baby, full of happiness and always ready to connect with everyone around him.
Caroline shares the joys of raising this feelings-first, affirmation-loving middle child and the unique challenges that come with guiding a kid who feels everything so deeply. Whether it's his physical...2024-09-1023 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 2 - Who Is This Chick - The First PancakeIn this episode of The Stand-Up Mom, Caroline introduces her firstborn, Jacob—the kid who had his toy trucks lined up before he could even walk! With a mix of humor and heart, Caroline dives into the joys (and occasional chaos) of raising a natural-born organizer with a brain for academics and a love for order.
From navigating stay-at-home mom life to the financial pinch of those early years, Caroline keeps it real about the struggles. She shares how she’s worked to teach Jacob that while life isn’t always fair, a little faith and a lot of...2024-09-1025 minThe Stand-Up MomEpisode 1 - Who Is This Chick - "Crazy Caroline"In this debut episode of The Stand-Up Mom, Caroline introduces herself and invites listeners into her world. From her Texas roots and a family of educators to her 23-year marriage and life with three kids, Caroline shares the experiences that have shaped her journey. She also opens up about facing illness and how laughter has become a lifeline during tough times.
With a mix of heartfelt storytelling and humor, Caroline shares her vision for the podcast: to provide parenting advice, share funny stories, and, most importantly, bring a smile to your face.
T...2024-09-1018 min