This week on Wire Talk, we welcome Sandra Stanley and her daughter Allie Cooney, co-authors of Meet Me in the Middle, a book designed to help moms and daughters build strong, faith-filled relationships. Sandra and Allie share lessons from their own relationship, and insights from their book—covering everything from communication struggles to the challenges of raising (and being) a teen girl today. They discuss the importance of creating a safe space for daughters, avoiding the “know-it-all” trap as moms, and learning to let go of control while guiding daughters toward wisdom and faith.

Episode Recap:

6:30 - Sandra Stanley & Allie Cooney join us to talk about their book, Meet Me in the Middle

13:00 - This book was written for girls in 5th through 10th grade and their moms

14:30 - Social media creates so much noise for our daughters today

17:20 - Moms and daughters are facing many of the same pressures, just at different times in our lives and at different levels of maturity.

20:02 - When our girls feel safe with us, they are more likely to share with us

22:00 - We don’t need to turn everything into a teachable moment, be interested and be humble

24:00 - It is normal for teen girls to pull away in this season

27:35 - How do we help our daughters deal with comparison?

31:10 - What we do in parenting is far more important than what we say

Scripture for Reflection:

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV) "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Questions for Discussion:

Sandra and Allie emphasize that moms should aim to be a safe place for their daughters. What are some ways you’ve seen this play out in your own parenting? What challenges make it difficult for you to be that safe space?

Allie mentioned that her mom, instead of forcing conversations, placed wise mentors in her life. Does your daughter have wise women in her world other than you that she could learn from?

Have you ever found yourself turning every conversation into a teachable moment? How can you shift toward more natural, two-way conversations with your kids?

What are some practical ways you model faith in your daily life, and how do you encourage your daughter to cultivate her own personal faith journey?

Resources:

Pick up a copy of Meet Me in the Middle: https://amzn.to/42JaRp1