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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: Category: General
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 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 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 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!

 

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 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 17, 2019

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!

 

Sep 10, 2019

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!

 

Sep 3, 2019

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!

 

 

Jul 17, 2019

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!

 

Jul 2, 2019

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!

 

Jun 25, 2019

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!

 

Jun 11, 2019

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!

 

Jun 4, 2019

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!

 

May 28, 2019

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!

 

May 21, 2019

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!

 

Nov 20, 2018

Have you ever met an academically smart person who doesn't connect well with others? Or someone who frequently misses the emotions of those around them? A lack of Emotional Intelligence is often to blame. Fortunately, these skills can be learned and strengthened. The BEST time to improve your abilities is now, and the place is in a family setting.

Next Steps:

Process the idea of EI by taking a few steps:

First, conduct an honest self-evaluation and rank yourself on Emotional Intelligence - give yourself a # between 1-10 (don't pick 7!)

Next, ask someone you trust to give you feedback on what you do that would argue for both a HIGHER and a LOWER number

Finally, apply this idea to your family: - How do you think your family's specific personalities lend themselves to Emotional Intelligence?

How does your family do with presenting their emotions well... or with empathy for each other? - What are some of the opportunities to practice this and become better?

Related Links:

Episode #71 Showing Emotion To Your Kids

Harvard Business Review - Emotional Intelligence 12 Elements

Feelings Inventory PDF

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (Joy references this frequently!)

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 13, 2018

Time to clear the mailbag! You guys have asked us about what to do when your kids are frustrated, how to work through “painful” shyness, and how an awkward date night might not go so well. Join us as we kick these topics around!

Next Steps:

Send us more questions! We loved this!

Related Links:

Episode #11 – The Awkward Date Night

Episode #22 – Forgiving Your Kids

Quiet by Susan Cain

TED talk by Susan Cain

Susan Cain illustrated here

Mocking font a la sPonGEbOb SqUaRePanTs generator 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!

 

Aug 28, 2018

Welcome to the triple digits everyone! Thanks for coming along on this journey with us. Today we’re doing a “highlight reel” featuring the themes of this podcast. If you’re new to this podcast (or passing it along), below are a few links to episodes that touch on these themes.

Enjoy!

Joy’s Themes

  1. Greatest compliment you can give someone is to enjoy their company! 

  Episode sampling: 

Best Way to Destress Your Family 

Enjoying the Middle School Years

101 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Enjoying Your Family 

  1. Be a team

  Episode sampling: 

Creating Your Family Identity

Marriage as a Team Sport 

  1. Put issues in front NOT between 

Episode sampling:

Five Questions About Marriage

Forgiveness in Marriage

  1. Strategies are your friend

Episode sampling: 

Can You Affair-Proof Your Marriage

Parenting With A Positive Vision

  1. Margins Matter (so build them into your life!)

Episode sampling:

When Is It Time To Quit?

Awkward Date Night

Billy’s Themes

  1. Know thyself.

 Episode sampling:

Discovering Your Default Operating Systems

Practicing Vulnerability In Marriage

  1. Don't do this alone.

 Episode sampling:

Don't Do Life Alone

10 Newborn Principles

  1. Be the one that models the way to be in conflict.

 Episode sampling:

Respect in marriage

Fighting With Your Kids 

  1. Keep the long view.

 Episode sampling:

Keystone Habits For Healthy Families

Erasing Fear From Parenting

  1. Make the most of the time you have.

Episode sampling: 

One Piece of Data That Blew Our Minds

A Parent's Most Fundamental Role

 

Please remember to share with others!  Thanks for being here and listening along!   

 

*but not in a parental advisory, creepy kind of way!

Jun 12, 2018

Have you ever noticed how often friendships drift apart after people get married? Why is this a consistent pattern? Why don’t friends stick around after the “I do” is said?

In this episode Billy and Joy discuss the benefit of having a diverse circle of friends whether you’re married or single. Take a listen!

Talk about this:

How well are we cultivating friendships with people who have a different marital status?

What "benefits" seem most applicable to our lives?

What "bad behavior" are we most likely to indulge?

Related Links:

Nearly & Newly Podcast Package HERE

Say Goodbye to Hollywood HERE

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!

Apr 3, 2018

Everyone keeps score. Our brains are hard-wired to categorize even when it comes to grading our children or marriages. So when someone asks, “how are you doing” what do you use for your scorecard?

In this episode Billy and Joy discuss the perils of focusing on micro gauges and limiting our evaluations to tangible measures. If you are walking through challenging days, you will definitely appreciate this discussion.

Talk about this:

How do you we currently "score" our family or marriage? How confident are we in the criteria we are using?

What SHOULD we be using to score our relationships?

Related link:

We love Seth Godin – his blog is here…do yourself a solid and check him out!

Dec 5, 2017

When our kids are little, it’s easy to understand how attitudes and dispositions are “just a phase.” But somewhere between 10-14 there’s a shift and we recognize that a “phase” may actually be a more permanent feature. In today’s episode Billy and Joy discuss settling up with our kid’s flaws and adjusting our approach to the kids we have, not to the kids we dreamed about!

Talk about this:

Are there any areas where we need to acknowledge that our kids "phase" is something closer to part of their hard wiring?

What can you do to prepare to parent your "imperfect" kids with the right balance of acceptance and coaching?

How often do I work under the subliminal pressure that my kid (or kids) must be perfect? Where does that come from? How can I find a healthier stance?

Also remember…

We are on Facebook! If you like the page you’ll receive more consistent updates and be able to share episodes with others. Connect with us @BetweenParentsPodcast

Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts (formerly know as iTunes)? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Stitcher, and TuneIn (the fun way to listen if you are using Amazon’s Alexa), Between Parents is now on SoundCloud! You can chat back with us on Twitter @between_parents or on Instagram @betweenparents

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Nov 28, 2017

Bored much? Tapped out of ideas for family fun?

Well, THIS episode will solve that problem! Check out 101 things your family can do together. Some are aspirational and will take focused attention (#72) while others are easy to accomplish any day of the week (#28, 33, or 83).

Here's the list for easy reference.

1

Have a Photo scavenger hunt - (Example here)

2

Moms - Let your daughter do your hair or makeup

3

Play hide and seek

4

Memorize the lyrics to a song that you can all sing together

5

Have a pet and let the kids name it.

6

Shoot baskets in crazy ways

7

Use every single Lego in the house to build something

8

Rearrange the furniture for movie night

9

Let the kids cook dinner (and tell them you love it!)

10

Make friends with the neighbors and bake them treats!

11

Plan secret missions and execute them together (donut drops, balloons)

12

Go fruit pickin' together (strawberries, blueberries, apples) then make dessert!

13

Have coloring book nights

14

Conduct entire conversations using nothing but GIFs for an entire day (bonus for a week)

15

Have "team day" where everyone dresses head-to-toe in the team colors

16

Let the kids show you how to get somewhere... (airport, school, grocery store)

17

Deconstruct an electronic device and figure out how it works.

18

Sleep outside

19

Cook over a fire (s'mores count, but try hotdogs too!)

20

Explore your hometown and let different family members pick the places to go.

21

Let the kids pump the gas (or wash the car windows)

22

Make sure everyone knows how to sew buttons on their shirts!

23

Keep a list/jar/book of blessings

24

Let your kids plan an entire day when you travel

25

Draw pictures on each others hands

26

Use nicknames as often as possible

27

Go to a midnight showing of a favorite movie franchise

28

Have a burping contest

29

Find a way to help some friends anonymously (rake a yard, wash their car...)

30

Illustrate a book IN the book ... make your own illustrations

31

Edit a family video together

32

Dog sit (or HORSE sit for bonus points)

33

Dance party! (duh...)

34

Create a chalk/white board for inspirational/encouraging sayings (here's ours)

35

Speak with an accent for an entire meal

36

Bring cookies to your local fire or police station

37

Let your kid run your workouts!

38

Pray at meals where the kids lead

39

Create family collections (bugs, tickets, spoons, etc.)

40

Geocache!!! (This is a GPS scavenger hunt - link here)

41

Ride a train or subway for no purpose except to ride!

42

Watch Singing in the Rain -- then SING in the rain ASAP!

43

Listen to a podcast together and talk about it.

44

Have a running joke.

45

Find a public place where you can spray paint together (legally!) - go crazy

46

Do the target challenge -- to find the MOST interesting thing for under $3 -

47

Stay for movie credits and look for a specific, random name. We look for "Carl.”

48

Make your own bread, pizza, and ice cream at least once.

49

Watch Elf once a year and quote every favorite line together every single time.

50

Plant something from seed and watch it grow. Bonus points for a mystery seed!

51

Save a baby tooth and show your older kids how it dissolves in soda.

52

Build at least one piece of furniture for your home.

53

Put lights up outside.

54

Hike a local trail.

55

Serve a meal in the form of a face.

56

Host a guest from a foreign country.

57

Start a water balloon fight on the last day of school.

58

Save the wishbone from that roasted chicken, dry it, and then make a wish!

59

Have a TV show you watch together as a family.

60

Buy a canvas and paint something - hang it in the house.

61

Serve dinner by candlelight monthly.

62

Once a year work a puzzle together.

63

Jump into a pool/lake/ocean with your clothes on!

64

Wear a costume out in public when it's NOT Halloween.

65

Tell a story a fun about the grandparents at dinner.

66

Surprise each other with balloons.

67

Put a note with a favorite treat into each other's lunch.

68

Celebrate a random holiday (Flag Day, Earth Day - for us Guy Fawkes w/ bon fire - MLK jr day with photo scavenger hunt) with customized family traditions

69

Go doorbell ditching (to friendlies!)

70

Have a whipped cream fight (preferably with another family!)

71

Sponsor a child thru compassion international (and write letters!)

72

Visit all 50 states

73

Decorate each other's doors to celebrate personal victories!

74

Each breakfast for dinner on a regular basis

75

Listen to an audio book on a long drive

76

Have a secret handshake

77

Race popsicle sticks down the gutters on a rainy (no lightening) day.

78

Create family award night during "award season" (Jan - March) - and customize your own awards for things like "best performance in an awkward situation" or "best spill..."

79

Go to a local high school event - play, sporting event, concert BEFORE your kids are old enough to actually attend said school

80

Take 10 year old trips

81

Invite the neighborhood over for a potluck (everyone brings a dish) -- set up on the driveway if necessary!

82

Read a book out loud together. Take turns reading chapters for older kids or picture books for younger kids

83

Spend an evening playing the Wikipedia game (link here)- also see EP# 10

84

Plan your own 5K and make t-shirts

85

Have "classic movie nights" with the parents showing kids their favorite flick.

86

Let the kids introduce the parents to their favorite video game.

87

Read about a different culture then visit a restaurant that serves that food.

88

Have a family pedicure night - complete with foot soaking!

89

Explore a new part of town on a rented bike

90

Do a regular family service project in your community

91

Plan a board/card game night

92

Allow the kids to plan and serve the grown ups with a menu they design - and serve - and be sure to light the candles!

93

Bake AND decorate sugar cookies WITH sprinkles

94

Have a non-device day and just see what you can do with boredom!

95

Wash the car together and end with a water fight!!!

96

Invite the neighborhood out for a competitive game of kick the can.

97

Spend a day on the beach building sand castles and then celebrate when the waves crash them in!

98

Produce a family and/or neighborhood talent show.

99

Have every person print out a favorite picture from the previous year and make a collage on canvas or wood.

100

Play "punch bug" - slugging OR tapping each other when you see a VW beetle

101

BONUS - make a habit of taking family jump shots together - tag w/betweenparents

 

Also remember…

We are on Facebook! If you like the page you’ll receive more consistent updates and be able to share episodes with others. Connect with us @BetweenParentsPodcast

Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts (formerly know as iTunes)? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Stitcher, and TuneIn (the fun way to listen if you are using Amazon’s Alexa), Between Parents is now on SoundCloud! You can chat back with us on Twitter @between_parents or on Instagram @betweenparents

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Aug 29, 2017

What if you had to summarize your life story in a few brief statements – what would you say? Consider the headlines of your life; milestones that rise to the level of being noted. What if you were to reverse engineer your life, how you raise your kids and the way you treat your marriage based on the milestones you want to hit? In today’s episode, Billy and Joy talk through four things to consider for your family's story.

Talk about this:

First - think about your story - how do you describe the milestones of your life? What do your sentences sound like?

NOW - talk to your spouse/friend/small group about the aspirational sentences you want your spouse/kid to say about your life.

Think about the categories about how you spent your time, attention, and resources.

Also remember…
We are on Facebook! If you like the page you’ll receive more consistent updates and be able to share episodes with others. Connect with us @BetweenParentsPodcast

Have you left a review on Apple Podcasts (formerly know as iTunes)? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Stitcher, Between Parents is now on TuneIn (the fun way to listen if you are using Amazon’s Alexa). You can chat back with us on Twitter @between_parents or on Instagram @betweenparents

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