A Heart That Beats for Home
Hey friend! I’m Nikki Smith—wife, mom of three, entrepreneur, and host of A Heart That Beats for Home. Over the years, God has used marriage, motherhood, business, and everyday life to stretch me, grow me, humble me, and draw me closer to Him. This space is a reflection of the journey I’m still on—growing, learning, and leaning into much-needed grace. I have a heart to keep investing intentionally in my marriage of 26 years with the man God has given me as a partner and best friend, to walk faithfully toward the season of empty nesting, and to grow deeper in relationship with my adult and soon-to-be adult children. More than anything, I’m passionate about drawing closer to my Heavenly Father—truly knowing Him in a way that is real and active in my everyday life—and reflecting Him in all my relationships, actions, and plans.
Each episode is a real, hope-filled conversation about the things that matter most: building strong families, walking faithfully in the gift of marriage, parenting intentionally through every stage, and keeping Christ at the center of it all. Alongside my own story, you’ll hear from amazing guests who share a deep passion for nurturing strong families where Jesus is glorified. Their wisdom, vulnerability, and encouragement will remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
Whether you’re single, newly married, raising little ones, building a business, or walking through a new season, you’re welcome here. This is a space for women who love their families fiercely and want to lead with purpose—honoring God in the roles He has placed us in, faithfully shepherding the souls in our homes, and nurturing an environment that reflects the fruit of the Spirit and a life that glorifies Him.
One day at a time, may we become women who cultivate hearts that beat for home.
Thanks for being here,
Nikki
A Heart That Beats for Home
93. Connecting with Your Teen and Young Adults in Ways That Last
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This week’s episode is a continuation of a conversation that I truly believe every parent of teens and young adults needs to hear.
After revisiting one of the very first episodes of this podcast last week, I was reminded just how relevant these principles still are, and how much they continue to shape the way I parent today.
So this week, we’re finishing that conversation.
In this episode, we walk through three powerful ways to build deeper, lasting connection with your teens and young adults—especially in seasons that can feel overwhelming or uncertain.
We talk about:
- Why living by example matters more than anything we say
- The importance of connecting more than correcting
- How to create real, meaningful connection with your kids
- The difference between monologue vs. dialogue in parenting
- Recognizing when your child needs to vent vs. receive advice
- Parenting each child individually based on their unique needs
One of the most powerful reminders in this episode is the idea that parenting is like gardening. Each child has different needs, different wiring, and different ways they grow best, and it’s our role to pay attention and nurture them accordingly.
Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or a revisit, my prayer is that it meets you right where you are and gives you one or two simple takeaways to help strengthen connection in your home.
Because at the end of the day… connection is what lasts.
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