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Between Parents

This podcast is a dialog about challenges and opportunities parents face as they raise kids, enjoy marriage, and live a purpose-filled life. These honest conversations give parents fodder so they can talk to each other, be encouraged, and recognize they aren't raising kids alone.
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Now displaying: Page 1
Mar 31, 2020

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!

 

Mar 24, 2020

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!

 

Mar 10, 2020

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!

 

 

 

Mar 3, 2020

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!

 

Feb 25, 2020

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!

 

Feb 18, 2020

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!

Feb 11, 2020

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!

 

Feb 4, 2020

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!

 

Jan 28, 2020

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!

Jan 21, 2020

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!

 

Jan 14, 2020

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!

 

 

Jan 7, 2020

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!

 

Dec 17, 2019

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!

 

Dec 10, 2019

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!

 

Dec 3, 2019

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!

 

Nov 26, 2019

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:

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…

Nov 19, 2019

“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!

 

Nov 12, 2019

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!

 

Nov 5, 2019

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!

 

Oct 29, 2019

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!

 

 

Oct 22, 2019

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!

 

Oct 15, 2019

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...

  1. OVER schedule my family or AVOID planning and making family commitments
  2. DISENGAGE or BE A "QUESTION gun" to my kids at the end of the day
  3. PUSH kids out of their comfort zones or PROTECT my kids when they are uncomfortable.
  4. BE WALKED ON or BULL DOZE OVER my kids when they have different opinions or push back?
  5. MANIPULATE or BE MANIPULATED BY my family?
  6. STUFF my anger or EXPLODE when mad?
  7. BE TOO CONTROLLING or TOO DISENGAGED in addressing my kid's negative behavior?
  8. HELICOPTER or be UNINTERESTED / DISTANCED in my kid's school?
  9. TALK too much or SAY too little?

I AM MORE WORRIED ABOUT ...

  1. My kids being afraid of me OR not respecting me?
  2. Not knowing what my kids are doing OR being overly-involved in their lives?
  3. 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!

 

Oct 8, 2019

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!

 

Oct 1, 2019

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!

 

Sep 24, 2019

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!

 

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