Extra-marital affairs can be ruinous to marriage, family, and self-esteem and yet they are familiar parts many storylines. Is it possible to stop them from happening in the first place? In today’s episode Billy and Joy talk about 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 to having affairs?

Related links:

The Art of Manliness podcast #179 The Science of Cheating is excellent although NSFW due to topic. (here)

Pornography and broken relationships in Psychology Today (here)

Guardrails – Message 3 Forever Yours (here)

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

“Believe it or not, you will survive toddler hood.” People may tell you this, but some days it’s hard to believe. In this episode, Billy & Joy go through 20 practical tips for making the most of these very fast (and exhausting) years.

Here are the headlines:

1. Know the difference between asking questions versus making statements
2. When you DO give choices (and you should) make sure you are happy with the options
3. Pick your battles (especially over food, clothes, toys)
4. Follow up on threats & promises
5. Customize your discipline
6. Value the time at the dinner table
7. Figure out when you (the parent) are getting a break
8. Get outside
9. No electronics in the car, at the dinner table, or restaurant
10. Practice emotions
11. Have your core value statements in place
12. Ask more questions than you answer
13. Have a thick skin
14. Pay attention fast
15. Build in extra time
16. Practice manners
17. Use your words - keep them positive
18. Remember to play
19. Stay calm
20. Pay attention to your marriage

Talk about this:

1 Which of these practices do we feel like we're doing well? Where can we improve?

2 What would YOU add to the list?

3 - If you have a toddler, whom are you leaning into for wisdom or community? What system do you have to connect with them?

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Don’t think about elephants!

But what do you think about the moment you read the sentence? Yup… elephants!

The mind can’t process negatives so saying, “don’t” doesn’t help. Yet as parents telling our kids “don’t” do something is standard practice. Is it possible to give a more positive vision? Billy and Joy offer some practical ideas in today’s podcast.

Talk about this:

In what categories of my parenting do I seem to default to the defensive?

What are the "better visions" for my kids in the areas where they struggle?

What changes in time, schedule, and venues for discussion will help us grab this vision better?

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Have you ever looked at your spouse cross-eyed and wondered, “Why are you like that?” only to meet their family and then understand? In this episode Billy and Joy talk about how our family of origin impacts our marriage and why we need to get this connections out in the open. They discuss triggers and how to build empathy through understanding our background.

Talk about this:

1. How do you think your/my childhood home influences our home and marriage... for better or worse? What seems to be a specific tension for us?
2. What tendencies are responses TOWARD upbringing? What tendencies are responses AWAY from upbringing?
3. What is the healthiest way forward for use to address these tensions?
4. What are some good prompts, agreements, or reminders we can use to short-cut the impact of the negative habits?

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Are you engaged or recently married? Do you know someone who is? Or have you been married for a while and forget all of the helpful newlywed tips? Take a listen as Joy & Billy review 21 quick bits of advice for how to get marriage off to a great start!

Spoiler… here’s the list!

1. Go to bed at the same time
2. No device in the bedroom
3. Do unpleasant tasks together
4. Hang out a lot together. (Aim for inefficiency)
5. Create shorthand triggers
6. Nest together
7. Practice your faith together
8. Prioritize community
9. Serve together
10. Observe the 10-to-10 rule
11. Think about “being kind” rather than “being nice”
12. Avoid major cash outlays in the first year
13. Also avoid major new time commitments
14. Have a plan with the in-laws
15. Give yourselves time to grow – pace yourself
16. Commit to NO conversations in your head!
17. But don’t say EVERYthing!
18. Don’t lose yourself
19. Date your spouse
20. Sneakaway with your spouse
21. Assume good intentions

Talk about this:

If you're a newlywed or engaged, review the ENTIRE list with your spouse/fiance and talk about which areas might be challenges for you.

If you've been married for a while talk to your spouse about which of these YOU find most challenging.

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Do you know the most important part your kid’s education process? In this week’s podcast Billy & Joy discuss Seth Godin's opinion that the best education focuses on just two things. Listen in 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…
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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

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

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…
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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends.

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…
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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Parents are often nervous about talking to their kids about sex. While this is natural, we need to shake off these nerves and jump into the discussion. But where do you begin? In this podcast Billy and Joy give some practical ideas of when to start and what to cover.

Talk about this:

For each of your kids ask, "What are our family priorities in terms of TIMING - CONTEXT - and CONTENT of what we want our kids to know about sex?"

Who are some people we can talk to and ask about their process of guiding their kids through this conversation?

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

Thanks for listening and remember to share this podcast with your friends!

Whether we acknowledge it or not, sex is more than just a physical act. In today’s episode, Billy and Joy discuss nine intimacy principles that impact every relationship and then they tee up a list of questions that should open the flow of communication. Take a listen and, more importantly, have a chat!

Talk about this:

1. What eternal factors seem to affect our sex life the most … (schedule, low energy, distractions are a few suggestions)? What are some ideas to manage them?
2. What from our past (individually or together) seems to affects our sex life the most? What are ideas to deal with them in a healthy way?
3. What impact does body image plays into our sex life?
4. With 10 being “best ever” and 1 being “very poor,” how would you rate our communication about the feelings / thoughts regarding our sex life? What are some ways that we can communicate better?
5. What are some things you enjoy most about our sex life? What could I do to help you enjoy it more?
6. Is there something you desire sexually that I can help fulfill?
7. Are there moments you are uncomfortable sexually? If so, what can I do to help?
8. What boundaries do we or should we have in place to protect our intimacy?
9. What role do you think that our natural wirings (either as male, female, or simply individuals) play into our sexual desires or habits?
10. How well does our sex life fit into your expectations? Are there things we need to do differently to better manage our expectations? If so, what are they? 

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Writer Stephen Covey said, "The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.'" This is certainly true in marriage as couples often lose what’s best while they do what’s good. In this episode Billy and Joy discuss how marriages often develop ruts and how couples can make changes to keep relationships fresh. 

Talk about this:

What are your ruts?
What do you miss?
What do you wish you did more of / less of?
What is your plan to jump out of ruts?

Related(ish) Links:

Table Talk Conversation Starters - here

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Our words are powerful, particularly as we use them with our kids. In this episode, Billy & Joy talk through a strategy of how to use words well and how to avoid common pitfalls in our families. They talk about the danger in making comparison statements and how to make statements that will be memorable (in a good way!)

Talk about this:

In light of where your kids are CURRENTLY... what message do they need most from you?

What are some creative ways to deliver that message?

What (if any) unintended messages are you most at risk of sending? How do you prevent them?

Related link:

Elizabeth Smart TED talk is here.

Also remember…
We are on Facebook! If you like AND follow 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Did you pick up the dry cleaning? Have you walked the dog? Did you pay the bill? Every day we ask our spouse a list of questions, but most of them don’t impact our relationship. On this episode, Billy and Joy talk about one question that has the ability to improve EVERY relationship.

Take a listen and ask your spouse this simple, impactful question!

Talk about this:

What are your least favorite family chores/activities?
What chores feel tedious?

How well do we notice when our spouse needs help?

AND FINALLY….

How can I help?

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Are you stuck in a car? Delayed at an airport? Or maybe you need a few questions to pick up a lagging conversation around the dinner table. Here are some favorite conversation starters.  These questions are perfect for the family (or a date night)! So keep the pause button handy or just refer to the list below.

1. Cast your family in a movie, who is playing each person?

2. Your radio/phone is broken and you can only play one song for a day/week/year what would it be?

3. You are moving to a new city and you have to change your look ENTIRELY - hair, clothes, style- what "look" do you do?

4. What picture do you like best of yourself when you were little?

5. If you could add one person to our family for a year, who would it be? why?

6. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

7. What makes you happy?

8. Your cat/dog/pet is describing your family to others, what does it say?

9. It's your birthday! You're going to celebrate like a kindergartner - what will you plan?

10. The house is on fire! All people, pets, photographs, and phones are safe. You can grab five things. What do you take?

11. Fill in the blank: I wish our family did more ______.

12. Fill in the blank: I wish our family did less ______.

13. Describe yourself to someone you've never met what do you say? (EXTRA CHALLENGE - the person is blind so physical features don't matter!)

14. You're going to live in a remote cabin for a year -- you have basic living supplies, but no entertainment or luxuries. You can bring a backpack worth of things with you (nothing requiring power) - what do you pack?

15. You can get rid of one physical thing in the world, what would it be?

16. What do you like best about yourself?

17. What do you think is really cool in nature?

18. You can only eat one style of food for a year - breakfast, lunch, AND dinner - what kind of food would you choose?

19. If you could live in someone else's shoes for a week, who would you pick and why?

20. You have $1,000,000 to give away, but you couldn't give it to anyone in your family AND you have to give it to at least 3 people and/or organizations. Who would you give it to and why?

21. And finally - the bonus question -- You are a superhero... What is your superpower?

Here's to some great conversations!!  Have fun and let us know how it goes. You can chat back to us on instagram @betweenparents or on Facebook @betweenparentspodcast.  

Please share with your friends - subscribe - and leave a review. Thanks so much!!

In this episode Billy & Joy discuss the fact from the blog post, The Tail End, that points out that by the time you graduate from high school you will have used 93% of the face-to-face time you have with your parents.

Feel free to re-read that sentence. Doesn’t that stop you in your tracks?

What are the implications to this fact? Get the conversation started with this episode.

Talk about this: 

How intentional are your priorities? What needs to change?

In what moments, environments, and practices does conversation & connection flourish? When and where is it a challenge?

Imagine that moment your kids pack up and head to college. What does that moment look and feel like if it is regret-free?

Related(ish) Links:

Shoe-tossing as per Wikipedia

Tim Urban blog post The Tail End

Tim Ferriss interview quote.

Calendar Countdown apps here.

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

By the time we reach adulthood everyone has fully developed Operating Systems. These systems are the way we engage with the world in a kind of reflexive manner. They are a well-crafted blend of nature AND nurture and are perfect for achieving the results we are currently experiencing. But because these systems operate in the background, we don’t always recognize what’s working and what’s not. In this episode Billy and Joy tee up a few ideas for identifying our systems and for getting insights into our blind spots.

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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

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 talk about 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…
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 iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Unfortunately children don’t come with an owner’s manual and parents aren’t given a detailed job description. Is it any wonder raising kids can be confusing? In this episode Billy and Joy talk about three parts of a parent’s job which clarify what it is we are really doing with our kids!

Talk about this:

Talk to your spouse and/or circle of people you do life with and compare note about the most challenging parts of your parenting “job description. Do you struggle most being the Conscience, Consequences, or Self-Discipline?

ALSO - spend some time talking about your “segue plans.” Are you intentionally handing things off to your kids? Why or why not?

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Have you ever heard of a nameless team…or of a team without logos, colors, and songs? These are common tools used to identify groups, to rally individuals and to galvanize fans. When you see people sporting a particular mascot on the back of their car, you learn something about them. In this episode, Billy and Joy talk about 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’s an example of the truth wall mentioned in the episode. (Click here)

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Was Jerry McGuire right? Does marriage really “complete” us? We have all heard ideas about marriage that bear little resemblance to the realities of our relationships. In today’s episode Billy and Joy kick four myths to the curb and offer some more practical insights on what having a spouse really means.

Talk about this:

Which myth did or do we currently believe? In what way do we need to ground our marriage in a more healthy reality?

Related link:

The Tim Keller series Billy mentions in the episode was eventually turned into a book that we love called The Meaning of Marriage. Click here.   

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

What do you do when you catch your kid lying to you? This is one of the biggest, most common dilemma parents face. In this episode Billy & Joy talk about why this topic is so emotional and review four approaches to confronting the lies.

The quick four:

1. Set right expectations
2. Execute productive reactions
3. Foster communication
4. Be intentional with consequences

Talk about this:

From what I've experienced / known of MY kids, what is his/her propensity or reasoning for most lies?

What might be the problem behind the lie?

What do I need to change in the way I approach lying?

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 iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

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 talk about six crucial practice you should 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! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5538890/Definitely-is-most-commonly-misspelt-word.html

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? TODAY IS YOUR DAY!!!!

Leaving a review is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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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Somewhere between the sleepless nights and high school graduation, parents often lose the “fun” part of their family. As understandable as this loss is, who really wants to settle for drudgery? In this episode Billy and Joy talk about what kills the fun and then talks about approaches to maximizing the enjoyment with your team. 

Take a listen and if you need a quick reminder of their list, here you go:

1. Defend against the return of the bad habits (or to put in a positive way, get your rest, maintain margin, avoid comparisons, stop complaining, & manage expectations)
2. Articulate “Fun” as a goal
3. Lean into your kids for ideas -- kids come naturally to play -- PLAY WITH THEM (If you need specific ideas, download episode #10)
4. Make a plan
5. Celebrate often
6. Lighten up the pressure.

Talk about this:

Do we have all the joy we desire in our family? What needs to change?

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!

Parenting is the perfect environment for fear to grow and flourish…but it doesn’t have to. In today’s episode Joy and Billy kick around a few ideas for getting out of the worry/fear cycle. (And yes, worry is a synonym for fear!) Here’s the four key habits for those of you who like notes!

1. Name you fears – bringing your fears into the light helps defuse their power.
2. Get to the root of your fear – knowing what you’re really afraid of helps you understand and deal with the true issue.
3. Share your fears – there’s power in community.
4. Take a long view- perspective helps!

Talk about this:
What are you afraid of…really?

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

Also have you left a review on iTunes? This is SUPER helpful in helping others find our show. Along with iTunes, 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

Thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends!