[Breitenstein] does valuable work in highlighting the insidious ways in which women often suppress their emotions, in dismantling reductive stereotypes about Christian femininity, and in reassuring readers that experiencing a full spectrum of emotions is part of being alive. ― Publishers Weekly Lead with love when your last nerve is shot. You want: a peaceful home where you model self-control. You have: regrettable reactions when the kids baptize the cat. Your children, whom you dearly love and usually like, are bickering upstairs, baiting each other across the invisible line on the back seat, or causing the laptop to bellyflop on the linoleum. The end of your rope vanished along with the chance to enjoy a hot cup of coffee. How can you handle your real-life kids and real-life stress without flipping your lid or locking yourself in the bathroom? With been-there humor, Janel Breitenstein offers wisdom and practical strategies pulled from God's approach to conflict. In this boots-on-the-ground field guide, you'll find empowering tips to parent smarter, not harder—with greater emotional intelligence and intentional discipleship; - thoughtful questions to help you dive into the "whys" beneath your anger; - group discussion prompts; and - "cooling" prayers. It's time for an inner exploration that will clear your path and your mind. You can calmly and confidently raise your kids, lower your voice, and shape a home of peace. "Children are a blessing and a heritage from the Lord—but they're also sinners, and so are their parents! My wife, Erin, and I can recall many occasions of extreme frustration and flared tempers during those early years when our kids seemed intent on pushing all our buttons. Janel Breitenstein understands this, too, and with How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs , she's written an excellent resource for moms who want to honor the Lord and keep their anger in check during those high-intensity moments." -- Dr Greg Smalley, vice president of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family Published On: 2025-11-25 " How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs is marked by Janel Breitenstein's characteristic wit and charm, filled with pro tips, prayers, and practical advice about how to cool off and deal with that kid who's got your number. Dealing with conflict in the family, Breitenstein reminds us, is an incredible opportunity to replay the drama of redemption for our little ones. When we lose it, we may well be looking for something that only Jesus can satisfy—words all of us could stand to hear again and again." -- Michael Morgan, professor at the William Tennent School of Theology Published On: 2025-11-25 The Awkward Mom blogger Breitenstein ( Permanent Markers ) provides pragmatic, faith-infused guidance on how moms can better regulate their anger. Dismissing notions of a “godly femininity” that means sublimating one’s feelings in order to serve others, she reassures readers that their emotions are legitimate, acknowledged by God, and should be tackled from the root up, as anger can be a secondary emotion sparked by fear or rejection. She offers strategies for handling anger in the moment and in the long term, including by working through past family traumas that have shaped one’s parenting approach. She also wisely clarifies that anger isn’t in itself a negative emotion and touts the benefits of bringing one’s difficult emotions to God. While the author’s stress-reduction tips aren’t new, she does valuable work in highlighting the insidious ways in which women often suppress their emotions, in dismantling reductive stereotypes about Christian femininity, and in reassuring readers that experiencing a full spectrum of emotions is part of being alive. The result is a compassionate resource for mothers seeking peace of mind. -- Publishers Weekly Published On: 2026-01-21 Janel Breitenstein's path has included six years in youth ministry, five years overseas, and far more years writing and speaking to parents. She has over twenty published works and more than a decade of publishing and marketing experience. Mom to her own messy family of six , Janel's authentic, intimate style connects with readers around the globe. You can find her having uncomfortable, important conversations at janelbreitenstein.com.