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:
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!
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:
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!
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:
LINKS:
RESOURCES FROM TRANSIT STUDENTS (North Point Community Church):
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS:
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:
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:
LINK:
BOOK: Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour