Between Parents

During this time of quarantine, we’re all having LOTS of family meals. As great as sitting around the dinner table sounds, sometimes it’s challenging to make it meaningful. We get it! We’re living the same life. This week we thought we’d pull this episode from our vault to remind us of the difference sitting around the table makes in connecting as a family. Next Steps: Pull out the ol’ calendar and schedule your family meals together for the rest of your month Related-ish Link: We have RESEARCH! National Health Institute Review HERE Family Meals & Social Engagement Study HERE Family Meals & Overall Health insight HERE The Family Dinner Project Website HERE Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

As we all adjust to the impact of a world with homeschooling, social distancing, and quarantines, the struggle for a new normal is real. On today’s podcast we discuss 8-9 strategies that help make the transition smoother. Related Links: Matthew Walker Why We Sleep Process This: What are your observations on how each person is wired and how that impacts their response to being quarantined. Talk about what you do well and what you'd like to do differently Also remember: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

The world is a crazy place! Like every generation before, today’s parents have to process difficult news with their kids. But where do we start? What do we say? How can we explain events we don’t fully understand? In today’s podcast, Billy and Joy talk about principles parents should consider as they process current events with their kids. How do we lead our family well - and wisely - when we are emotionally charged ourselves? Talk about this: Are there any "general rules" we violate? How well do we process current events as a family? How can we improve? WHAT seems like it needs processing these days? Also remember: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!      

Whether we like it or not, every kid faces challenges. Sometimes these difficulties are intense, painful, or life-altering. Does that make the challenges necessary or even bad? What do we do when adversity takes over? How should we respond? Join us for today’s conversation.  Related Links: Lisa D’amour in the NY Times Also check out her books: Untangled Under Pressure Process This: - Share the stories of your "worst childhood/teenager days" with your spouse- what did you learn through the hard times? - What tension do you feel when you think about your kids having bad days? - What is a good way for you to prepare for the evitable, but NOT drift into worry? Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Like a vine growing without the steady hand of a gardener, every marriage has the potential of getting out of control. On today’s podcast we’ll discuss four stages that help both the newly and “oldy” weds make sure they are growing closer. Related Links: Check out the book - Boundaries for Marriage Process This: Of the four steps where are you most likely to fall short? –  Creating a structure (boundaries) - Paying Attention - Doing the work/ climbing the ladder - Committing to growth What is ONE new habit you could create to do better on that missing step? Also remember: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you ever felt like your kids aren’t grateful for what they have or what they experience? Do you ever feel like they live with a distasteful attitude of demandingness? Perhaps you see this tendency in yourself? In this replay episode Billy and Joy discuss the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude and some practical ways to build the habit of thankfulness in your family. TALK ABOUT THIS: How well do I (personally) communicate gratitude? and how well is our family overall at cultivating attitudes of gratitude? Where are your family "pinch points?" What parts of our family environment need to look different and what habits do we need to cultivate? RELATED-ISH LINKS Episode #17 – Creating a Plan For Money & Allowance With Your Kids Do guys or girls make better sound effects? Check out the video HERE ALSO REMEMBER: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!

As long as there have been families, children have misunderstood their parents and parents have misunderstood their kids. No one enjoys this reality, but it is a fact of life. How do you process the frustration that comes along with this truth? How do you build connections? That’s this week’s discussion. Related Links: Episode # 84 – Getting To The Bottom Of Disagreements Process This: How much do you struggle with being misunderstood? What's the best way to address and care for those feelings? Where do you need to focus your mental energies? What "mutual understanding" ideas can you apply this week? Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Life is difficult. This is a universal truth. However, some people seem particularly well-equipped when facing struggles. How does that happen? Are there secrets to enduring (or even thriving?) during challenges? On today’s podcast we’ll discuss a handful of approaches for doing some prework. Related Links: Episode # 163 – The First, Best Response To Any Conflict Episode # 158 – Creating Intentional Habits Episode # 7 – Don’t Do Life Alone Process This: In which of these areas do you feel most deficient? Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Time to clear out the question bag except THIS time we have a theme! Join us as we process some wildly specific newlywed queries with universal answers. Related Links: Episode # 9 – Five Tips On Making In-Law Relationships Work  Episode # 60 - What to do when spouses annoy Episode # 119 – Improving Your Relationships With Better Systems Process This: Which of these are you most likely to struggle with? Where do you need to establish new habits? Who would benefit by hearing these reminders? (share!) Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!

Have you noticed (or felt) a low-level of parent fatigue? Are you familiar with the dazed expression of someone who is feeling overwhelmed? Well, now is as good a time as any to remember things we can do to encourage our community. Today’s podcast offers nine practical ways to lighten up the load of others and find a little encouragement yourself. Related Links: Episode # 89 – Why Married Couples Need Single Friends (and Vise Versa) Episode # 42 – The Most Powerful Question in Marriage Practice This: Identify 2-3 parents that you can invest in for the next few weeks - then make a plan to use your words of encouragement If you have someone in mind who could use some presence - either in the form of listening - or actually helping with life's logistics, make a plan to SHOW UP! Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

So your kid has made a mistake – not an accident or “oops” – but a bad decision, a willful rebellion, or a knowing infraction. How do you address the problem? What’s your reflex and what’s your strategy? Where do your emotions land in the equation. There’s a bunch of thoughts to process and today’s podcast will get you started! Talk about this: Discuss your default mode when your kid's do something wrong? In what ways are you most likely to mishandle the situation? What ideas resonated with you on correcting your kid's mistakes? What are some steps you can take OR reinforce for making your approach as healthy as possible? Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!    

There’s a principle in medicine to “First, do no harm.” This wisdom is surprisingly relevant to all relationships, particularly in a family setting. However, if you’re like us, sometimes our actions do, in fact, make things worse. Why does this happen? How can we do better? That’s today’s discussion! Talk about this: We have all "made things worse" before - think about some specific examples for you. Consider a current conflict and list out responses that could make things worse (and think about how likely you are to respond that way). Brainstorm ways you can respond in a healthy way! Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

When this happens, guilt creeps into our heads and clouds our hearts. How do you shed guilt in a healthy way? That’s today’s conversation. Talk about this: Are you more likely to feel overly guilty or not guilty at all in your parenting? How does this impact your family life? Are you more likely to accept or deflect blame? What habits would help you to step out of the blame game altogether? How can you practice making amends with your kids THIS week? Where would your home life benefit from developing new plans? Related Link Episode #119 – Improving Your Marriage Through Better Systems – HERE Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Here’s a fact that made us say “wow”:  according to Pew Research, sharing household chores ranks as a top three issue associated with having a successful marriage (third only to faithfulness and good sex). This seems like something we can all master, right? That’s today’s podcast conversation! Talk about this: Go out of your way to express gratitude to your spouse this week. Compare notes to clarify and synchronize your household priorities Discuss which tasks you hate the most and then plan on doing the chores together. Related Link In case you REALLY want to know, the mascot for the University of Waterloo is the King Warrior. Check it out HERE Article about couples thinking they do all the work HERE Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

How is your pace around the holidays? Do you feel like you are absorbing the joys? Or does it all feel like it’s a blur? In this episode we cover four reminders that will help your family make the season more meaningful. Talk About This: Are we comfortable with our pace? What are our favorite traditions? Are there some we need to ditch? Related Link: Episode #78– The Best Way to Destress Your Family Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Even though we know it’s important to have dinner together, after hustling the family to the table, it’s exhausting to guide a meaningful conversation. Where do you start? Who has the energy to form a strategy? In this episode (and JUST in time for the holidays!) Billy and Joy jump-start the process with a structure and 60 questions (pdf attached) so you can make your time around the table meaningful. Take a listen! RELATED LINKS: GET PDF OF QUESTIONS HERE 8 Strategies For Getting Your Family Around The Table Family Stories That Bind Us - NYT The Secrets of Happy Families ALSO REMEMBER: We love hearing from you. Reach out on the socials @betweenparents on instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content! Thanks for being awesome…

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”  So says James Clear – and, we agree. But where do you start new habits in your family? We have a few VERY specific ideas for you on today’s podcast! Talk about this: Discuss where your family would benefit from establishing new habits then pick a small, SUSTAINABLE next step. Practice for the next 30 days! Related Links Episode #38 – Keystone Habits Atomic Habits by James Clear Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

For a host of reasons, the holidays can be rough on our schedule, our health, and particularly our relationships. Wouldn’t it be nice to make the upcoming holiday season a little smoother? In today’s podcast we tackle a few ways to let out the pressure!  Talk about this: What are our priorities? Do our traditions serve our priorities or do our priorities serve the tradition? What expectations am I carrying? What exactly am I expecting of others? How can I celebrate others? Is this ___________ (whatever I’m about to consume) a wise decision? Bonus question for others: “Tell me about why you believe what you do." (then listen!) Related Link Episode #116 - Four reminders to make the holidays meaningful Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you ever told your kids they aren’t normal? Have you ever even THOUGHT it? Today we kick around the idea of “normalness” and that there may be a better and/or more precise word to use. Take a listen! Talk about this: - In what areas of our parenting might we be pushing an agenda under the guise of NORMAL when it might just be OUR agenda or the POPULAR agenda? - In what ways can we begin a conversation with our kids to better understand THEIR desires, affinities, and wants as they grow? - In what ways do you see your kids becoming HEALTHIER versions of themselves? Also remember…  Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

No one likes to be picked at…but criticism is especially deadly in marriage. In this episode Billy & Joy challenge you to try and see your critical habits in the mirror and to consider the impact they have on your marriage. Talk about this: What critique hurts more than others? What critiques feel like personal preferences? What criticisms are good advice, but delivered poorly? What topic/issue is most important to you? How does your wiring impact the way you communicate? Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!    

Have you ever considered how your fellow family members describe your family? Have you ever asked them what they think about when they think about each other? If you’ve ever told a classic family story (e.g., the time the car died, or the dog was lost) chances are you noticed how different the narrative is from one person to the next. In fact, for stories we don’t say out loud the narratives can vary even more wildly – and sometimes not in the best way. In today’s podcast we discuss how those stories can shape our family life and what to do if they go negative. Related Links: Episode # 147 - How Storytelling Impacts a Kid's Happiness Episode # 99 - Asking kids better questions Episode #86 - 60 Conversation Starters For Family Meal time Episode #115 - Making family meals worthwhile Episode #131 - Question Grab Bag  Talk about this: Are you aware of each other's narratives? Where are they the same? How do they differ? What are some specific steps you can take to uncover the narratives of your kids? How can you build habits into your family that bring out the best narratives? Also remember: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Chances are your kids know your flaws better than you do. Of course, they can’t (or won’t) put the most helpful words around those flaws, so we thought we’d give you a way into some insights. In fact, this episode gives you a dozen questions to think about, wrestle with, and squirm through as you own your flaws! Take a listen if you dare!! Talk about this: I AM MORE LIKELY TO... OVER schedule my family or AVOID planning and making family commitments DISENGAGE or BE A "QUESTION gun" to my kids at the end of the day PUSH kids out of their comfort zones or PROTECT my kids when they are uncomfortable. BE WALKED ON or BULL DOZE OVER my kids when they have different opinions or push back? MANIPULATE or BE MANIPULATED BY my family? STUFF my anger or EXPLODE when mad? BE TOO CONTROLLING or TOO DISENGAGED in addressing my kid's negative behavior? HELICOPTER or be UNINTERESTED / DISTANCED in my kid's school? TALK too much or SAY too little? I AM MORE WORRIED ABOUT ... My kids being afraid of me OR not respecting me? Not knowing what my kids are doing OR being overly-involved in their lives? Being inflexible OR being unreliable? Also remember: Sharing is caring!! If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. OR cut/paste a link from our website betweenparentspodcast.com (this is also where you can find helpful packages of back episodes!) Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. Thanks for being awesome!  

Sometimes little things make a big difference – especially in marriage. In this week’s episode we kick around three ideas that can make all the difference in keeping your marriage strong (and fun!) Talk about this: Ask your spouse for a ranking on how they think you are doing AS A COUPLE when it comes to 1) Embracing consistency 2) Having strategic habits 3) Having fun. Which areas do you need to work on? Make a plan! Related Links: How to fold a fitted sheet – HERE James Clear: Atomic Habits – HERE  Episode #38 – Keystone Habits   Episode #48 – Is Criticism Killing Your Marriage? Also remember: Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Time to clear out some lingering questions! In this episode we’ll discuss how to not squash your kids with a disciplinarian approach, what to do if you aren’t having regular date nights, and finding the middle ground when it comes to keeping your house tidy. Talk about this: We've jumped around today so pick one of these areas to discuss with your spouse: Your disciplinarian approach - does it need work? Your date nights - does it need structure? Your housekeeping challenges - does it need flexibility and improvement? Also remember: Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Do you have a child who is wired so differently than you that you find yourself thinking, “Who IS this child of mine?” Do you ever wonder how to navigate those differences in a healthy way?  If so, then you’ll find today’s podcast particularly helpful! Take a listen or pass along to anyone who might relate! Talk about this: Kick around the idea of differences with your spouse and compare notes on the differences each of you see between you as parents and your kids (you'll likely identify different pieces!) How likely are you to argue over Preferences rather than Principles? What can you do to make sure you're valuing Relationship over Being Right? Related Links: Episode #60 – What To Do When Your Spouse Annoys - HERE Episode #107 – Understanding Personality Types - HERE Episode #128 - When You Don't Understand Your Spouse - HERE Also remember: Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Inevitably every parent faces moments of discouragement. But when these moments come, what’s the best way through the challenge? How do you find the support and wisdom you need to thrive? Check out today’s discussion on Between Parents! Talk about this: Where are you in relation to the hurricane wall? What can you do to establish community now? (where can you offer support?) Identify a handful of people you would like to connect with who could offer wise counsel. Seek them out and get some time on the calendar! Also remember: Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Marriages are complicated, subject to falling into ruts and disrepair. Discouragement is a natural byproduct when this happens. So how do we battle this trap? How do we find hope when challenges arise? Today’s podcast has a handful of helpful ideas to get you on track. Talk about this: Since this week's content is super action-focused, review the five starting points: Recognizing seasons Checking your habits Finding brightspots Leaning into community Serving others Consider the next thing you can do to move to a more encouraging time? Talk about it - if not with your spouse, then with whomever would encourage you to follow thru - then DO something! Related links: People who sort of look like Adam Sandler but aren’t Adam Sandler Facebook Group HERE Episode #136 Keystone Habits HERE Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!   Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you ever noticed how many details kids forget about their childhood? Developmentally kids haveto forget old things so they can learn new things. But what happens to all of those happy memories? Well, that’s where parents come in. Today’s podcast is about the little known job parents have to be the “keepers of happiness.” Talk about this: As you go away this week, we'd love to challenge you to do two things: Decide on one or two ways you can collect stories and Have at least one “story time” this week Related links: Gretchen Rubin’s podcast goodness HERE A terrific article on family story telling HERE Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!    

Do you feel like you need to talk about every aspect of the future with your spouse? What if your speculative conversations do more harm than good? Have you considered waiting to see how life unfolds first? Join us for a conversation where we kick around the idea of holding your tongue.   Talk about this: Is "over-processing" something you are likely to do? Do you ever feel like you either tune out your spouse OR feel like you're being tuned-out by your spouse? Discuss what YOU think are “major” and “minor” things you have talked through in the past and whether it's been “likely” and/or helpful. Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you ever considered how easy it is to find flaws in other people and how challenging it is to see our own faults? Even though this bias is natural, it’s not very helpful in a marriage. Today’s discussion breaks apart this phenomenon and challenges us to dig a little deeper into our individual issues. Fun, right? Listen in if you dare! Talk about this: The biggest flaw I bring in the marriage is _______ What words feel safe for my spouse to use around this flaw?  In what way does my spouse's behavior make sense? How well do I empathize with their struggles? What can I do to extend grace to them? Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

School days are right around the corner, which often feels like a blessing, but can also feel like a curse. So how do you make the most of the school year? Today’s episode is a great place to start with eight reminders for every family with school-aged children! Talk about this: Which item on this list feels like a challenge for us? What’s our plan for encouraging our child’s teacher? Related Links: Episode #66 – Picking Schools For Your Kids  An additional article on enjoying school here Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Are you bored at home? Does the monotony of your routine zap all of your enthusiasm for parenting? You are not alone! We polled our listeners and compiled their best ideas for beating the monotony and enjoying the days more. Although this list may not be groundbreaking, each idea is a reminder that there are ways to find joy in the little moments and small wins of each day. Talk about this: Compare notes with your spouse or whomever you are doing life with and BUST up this weeks routine to do something different. Pick an idea from our list or come up with your own, but find the EXTRA and have fun! Also remember… Have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome! https://www.betweenparentspodcast.com

Do you know the most important part your kid’s education process? In this week’s podcast Billy & Joy discuss one guy’s opinion that the best education focuses on just two things. Check out the quote below and decide if you agree! Seth Godin quote “ Sooner or later parents have to take responsibility for putting their kids into a system that is indebting them and teaching them to be cogs in an economy that doesn’t want cogs anymore. Parents get to decide. I’m a huge fan of public school … But from 3 to 10 those kids are getting homeschooled, and they’re either getting homeschooled watching the Flintstones or they’re getting homeschooled in learning something useful. And I think we need to teach kids two things: one, how to lead, and two, how to solve interesting problems. There are plenty of countries on earth where people are willing to be obedient and work harder for less money than us. So we cannot out-obedience the competition. Therefore we have to out lead or out solve the other people … who want whatever is scarce. The way you teach your kid to solve interesting problems is to give them interesting problems to solve. And then, don’t criticize them when they fail. Kids aren’t stupid. If they get in trouble every time they try to solve an interesting problem, they’ll just go back to getting an A by memorizing what’s in the textbook … We don’t need to have them spend a lot of time getting good grades so they can get into a famous college, because famous colleges don’t work anymore. Famous colleges don’t work anymore. The point is, is there an entity that will have trouble living without you when you seek to earn a living? Because if there is, you’ll be able to make a living. If on the other hand you’re waiting in the placement office for someone to pick you, you will be persistently undervalued. “ Talk about this: What are practical ways we can get our kids to practice leadership? What are my tendencies that might undermine their leadership process? What are interesting problem solving skills we can give our kids this week? What are my tendencies that might undermine their problem-solving process? Related Links: Bats and turbines – read at your peril here The Seth Godin conversation was originally found on the Tim Ferriss Podcast here  Also remember… Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Extra-marital affairs can be ruinous to marriage, family, and self-esteem and yet they are familiar parts of our storylines. Is it possible to stop them from happening in the first place?  In today’s episode Billy and Joy discuss factors that erode our relationship and what we should focus on to keep our marriage strong. Talk about this: - How much do we talk about our temptations as a couple? How much do we talk about what concerns us? How can we be better? - In what areas might I/we be "eroding?" - Is there any practice or mindset that might leave us more exposed for affairs? Related links: The Art of Manliness podcast - HERE Pornography and broken relationships article HERE Guardrails – Message 3 Forever Yours HERE Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Are you thinking about having kids? Ever wonder what you need to know or maybe what things you shouldn’t worry about? Where do you start? In this episode Billy & Joy discuss six crucial practices to develop before you have kids. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s a great starting point. Here’s a quick recap of the list: #1 – Establish healthy habits #2 – Dial into families whose family (and processes) you admire #3 – Prioritize your marriage #4 – Prepare for your new life with some practical questions #5 – Imagine the failings, disappointments, and flaws with a family #6 – Practice Serving Talk about this: Where do we need to spend time thinking about our pre-kid planning? Related Link In case you want to see the list of misspelt words, look HERE  Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Do you ever lose your cool?  Have you ever felt like you have one nerve left and everyone is standing on it?  If you’re like us, it’s easy to react to people and circumstances reflexively – to give full range to impatience, frustration, or anger. In this summer replay episode Billy and Joy kick around the idea of responding rather than reacting to the things that bug us. Take a listen and form some of your own opinions about their opinions! Talk about this: How often do I react to my kids versus respond to them? What "Pause Phrases" can I use? (Practice them!) What circumstances do I need to imagine in advance? Where do I struggle to "assume good intentions?" Related-ish Links Malaphor examples HERE Getting to the bottom of disagreements – Episode #84 HERE Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

I don’t know about you, but quoting movies is one of our favorite hobbies. We love when characters say EXACTLY what’s on our mind. In this episode we kick around a classic exchange between parents that convicts, challenges, AND entertains us. You might want to check out the link below before you listen to this episode so you can “see” what we’re talking about. Talk about this: Kick around these quotes - discuss what you find challenging about parenthood. Do any of these ideas ring close to home? How do you respond to life's messiness? Related link: See the movie clip HERE  Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you ever heard of a nameless team…or of a team without logos, colors, and songs? These tools identify groups, rally individuals and galvanize fans. When you see people sporting a particular mascot on the back of their car or t-shirt, you learn something about them. In this episode, we discuss the importance AND the process of creating a family identity. Talk about this: What's stopping you from creating a family identity? What is your process to hone in on your values? When and where will you do it? How will you display and celebrate your values? Related link: HERE is an example of the truth wall mentioned in the episode. Also remember: Have you left a review on iTunes?  This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

We have dug deep into the archives to one of our favorite principles - establishing keystone habits that help make and keep a family healthy. We all have habits. We all do little things daily that add up to something bigger than we expect. In this episode Billy and Joy discuss Charles Duhigg’s concepts around Keystone Habits and how little efforts can make a big difference in our relationships and with our families. Take a listen and find small victories you can have with little changes! Talk about this: What ills do you see in your marriage / family that might improve in the presence of a good keystone habit? What Keystone habits do you ALREADY do? What others might you try adding on? Remember – just introduce one new habit at a time!! Related Links: If you love this topic, we highly recommend Charles Duhigg’s book, The Power of Habit Listen to Duhigg’s TED Talk HERE.  The Jerry Seinfeld “Don’t Break The Chain” calendar explained HERE.   Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

When someone says you should “invest in your marriage” do you ever wonder what that means? How can you make the idea practical?  Look no further! We have 20 quick ideas for you! Talk About This: Today’s episode is less about talking and more about DOING! Pick your favorite “investment reminders” from the show and do some of them! Related Links: Episode #57 – Hurry Home Episode #9 – Making In –Law Relationships Work Episode #45- Let’s Talk About Sex: Marriage Edition Episode # 95 – Marriage As A Team Sport The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman HERE Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Are you ready for summer? Even though it feels like we have barely defrosted from winter, the days of grilling, swimming, and sunscreen are here. If you’re like many parents, the change of routine has its blessings and curses. On this REPLAY episode Billy and Joy discuss practical tips for making summer fun with just a little bit of effort. Have a listen! Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Have you or your spouse ever felt judged by your in-laws? If so, you know the experience is not just challenging, it’s emotional. How do you navigate these treacherous waters and still maintain a relationship? That’s today’s conversation. Talk About This: As you process with your spouse consider the five ideas 1 - How can you create space for your emotions? 2 - In what way do you need to cultivate understanding? 3 - Where do you have expectations as it relates to your inlaws? 4 - Consider what's the best way to plan for the long term? 5 - Do you embrace the "we" factor or does your spouse feel at all accused? Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

What do you want to be when you grow up? This seems like a harmless question, right? But what if it undermines what we really want for our kids? That’s the thesis of a recent article by Adam Grant and the topic of today’s podcast. Talk About This: When we talk about the future with our kids, how much do we emphasize the "what" you'll be versus what you'll be "LIKE?" What are the potential liabilities in the way we talk future employment with our kids? What should we continue to emphasize in the same way? What unique personalities, types, or wirings separate our kids (or separate our kids from us) that should be noticed as we have future-oriented conversations?  Related-ish Links: The Full NYT article by Adam Grant HERE  Dolphin like submarine video HERE Adam Grant TED talk HERE and his book Originals HERE  Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!

Today’s episode clears out some of the random questions we have received about family life. There’s a little something for everyone here PLUS maybe we answered a question that’s been on your mind too! Talk About This: In what areas do we struggle with being servant-hearted? What are key words/phrases we can use to elevate our service factor? What prevents our ability to release our expectations in our relationships? Who do we need to spend time with those behind us (newer to) in their season of marriage? Discuss the idea of opening up your home to others. Are you ready for that? What would be your hesitations? What makes you excited about doing so? Related Links: Episode #89 – Why Married People Need Single Friends (& Vise Versa)   Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Are you ever tempted to control your kids? Perhaps you’re merely tempted to drift into the world of “over-managing” them. Whatever the case, in this episode we give you a word picture WE LOVE that can help you stop the control madness! Talk About This: We encourage you to talk to your spouse and extended friends and family about the idea of being a Gardener or an Architect. Work to bring that language into your conversations. Then identify how your mindset reflects Gardner ideas or Architect ideas. How is this mindset helping or hurting? NEXT consider what behaviors need to change BECAUSE of this mindset. Finally, discuss where you feel most pressure to grow at home- curiosity/patience? Improving environments? Or purging worry?  Related Links: Episode #65 – Balancing Freedom & Responsibility Episode #114 – How to Worry Less About Your Kids Neil Gaiman on the Tim Ferris Podcast Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Some say "life is a series of negotiations," so why shouldn’t marriage be the same way?   In this episode we’ll discuss how negotiations is not only tedious, but also dangerous to your relationship with your spouse. Then, we’ll also suggest an alternate approach. Talk About This: Discuss your tendencies to turn challenges into negotiations. Does this happen often? Sometimes? Rarely? When are you most likely to negotiate instead of white boarding your challenges as a couple? What are reminders/key words you can use with your spouse to make sure the next decision is handled with a "team" approach? What potential decisions are in your future where you might be tempted to negotiate? Related Links: Episode #29 - The Mosquitos of Marriage Decisive by Chip & Dan Heath Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome!  

Who are you? I don’t understand him! I don’t get her! These are common frustrations in any relationship, but what can you do to move pass misunderstanding? How can you demystify your spouse? That’s today’s conversation! Talk About This: Take one of the areas of your marriage and talk to your spouse about how your behavior reflects Nature, Nurture, and/or Choice. Possible non-emotional areas to process are: Where and how do you like to vacation How do you like to spend your evenings How do you respond to music Related Links: Episode # 107 – Understanding Personality Types in Marriage Episode # 126 – The Five Seasons of Marriage Differences Episode # 52 – How Family of Origin Impacts Your Marriage Episode # 97 – Forgiveness in Marriage  Also remember: Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you’re there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!  Finally, if you don’t know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com Thanks for being awesome! https://www.betweenparentspodcast.com

Unfortunately this simple question doesn’t have a simple answer.  In this episode Billy and Joy discussed the critical milestones your kids should reach before getting a phone and the markers you’ll need to notice and, as necessary, discuss with your kids during the Pre-Phone Season.  Now it’s time for you to have your own discussion. These questions should get you started! TALK ABOUT THIS: How digitally mature are your kids? What conversations do you need to initiate with your kids? What have been your biggest takeaways through this podcast series?  What changes or additions do you want to make?  What other adults are you having this conversation with on a regular basis?   LINKS: RESOURCES FROM TRANSIT STUDENTS (North Point Community Church): VIDEO: Joy Interviewing Andy Stanley on Technology & Parenting GUIDE: Smartphone Guide for Parents TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS: Circle By Disney: Internet content and time manager  Covenant Eyes: Screen Accountability

In the last episode we introduced the idea of evaluating digital maturity through a three-part filter - WHEN/HOW MUCH/WHY. Keep those categories in mind as you listen to episode four. Then get ready to talk strategy! The discussion questions below should prompt you to share how to practically apply those filters in our families. However, you should use this time to get at the best ideas and to consider where you might need to make some changes!   TALK ABOUT THIS: What digital guidelines do we have for our family? How do you know they are working? Ask everyone to give a grade on their techniques considering the pros and cons.  What digital guidelines do we want for our family?  What are the best ways for us to have healthy discussion as a family around digital issues?  What are the opportunities for us to use technology for good together?  Are our kids mature enough to handle the digital opportunities we are giving them? LINK: BOOK: The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. by Andy Crouch

The primary role of a parent is to raise our kids into mature adults. This includes people who know how to do their own laundry, work, pay a few bills, recycle and maybe even get their own place to live!  However, in the age of constant electronic connection, parents have a new item in their job description: raising digitally mature adults.   Where do you begin? How do you know that maturity actually exists? Listen to this episode as a prompt for the discussion questions below. TALK ABOUT THIS: How do you define “digital maturity?” Does it differ from what you heard in the episode? From your perspective, which seems to be the biggest challenge for your kids: WHEN they use it HOW MUCH they use it, or  WHY they use it? Ask your kids to identify their challenges, too. Do they match? What are YOUR challenges with tech? (Remember, you don't get off the hook!)  What should each of you do in response to these challenges? How do you rate your ability to discuss your family tech struggles? Discuss how you can incorporate the language of WHEN/HOW MUCH/WHY into regular conversations.  LINK:  BOOK: Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour

When parents discuss technology, they frequently have negative opinions.  Finding the threats to safety, attitudes, and relationships is an easy exercise, but what about the good? Are we worried about something innocuous? Or is technology going to ruin our families? After you listen to this episode, have a candid discussion to assess if you’re overly concerned OR if you need to pay closer attention to what’s happening with these devices. TALK ABOUT THIS: Which POSITIVE benefits of technology have you seen in your home? Consider the positive impact of time management, improved efficiency, and better connections. Which NEGATIVE repercussions have you felt in your home?   Consider the negative impact of time management, improved efficiency, and better connections. If you have teenagers, ask THEM these questions, too! What did you learn?  What factor does FEAR play in your approach to giving your kids digital opportunities?  What adjustments should we make to our thinking? LINK: BOOK: The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. by Andy Crouch