Do you frequent the parenting shame cycle? Could you use tips on how to genuinely engage with teenagers? How can you help your children choose quality friendships?

Kimberly Stuart grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where she learned to be snobbish about corn on the cob and good storytelling. She earned degrees at St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa, both fine institutions that did very little to prepare her for the lethal cocktail of parenting and writing. Kim is the author of eight novels, including the Heidi Elliott series and her most recent book, Heart Land. She has a passion to write chemistry-driven, smart, romance that requires a reader neither to leave her brain at the door nor to visit a confessional after turning the last page. Kim has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children. What we chat about: how to help your kids when they’re choosing friends using empathy to help create a safe space for your kids how to extend grace to yourself when you’ve said way too much weird things we’ve done when we’ve met famous people super niche documentaries Links mentioned: Pucker UpHeart LandI’ll Be Your Blue Sky Binnie’s Butter Connect with Kim Stuart: website | instagram | facebook Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Natural Red: get 15% off your order with code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!