During this time of quarantine, we’re all having LOTS of family meals. As great as sitting around the dinner table sounds, sometimes it’s challenging to make it meaningful. We get it! We’re living the same life. This week we thought we’d pull this episode from our vault to remind us of the difference sitting around the table makes in connecting as a family. Next Steps: Pull out the ol’ calendar and schedule your family meals together for the rest of your month Related-ish Link: We have RESEARCH! National Health Institute Review HERE Family Meals & Social Engagement Study HERE Fam ..read more

As we all adjust to the impact of a world with homeschooling, social distancing, and quarantines, the struggle for a new normal is real. On today’s podcast we discuss 8-9 strategies that help make the transition smoother. Related Links: Matthew Walker Why We Sleep Process This: What are your observations on how each person is wired and how that impacts their response to being quarantined. Talk about what you do well and what you'd like to do differently Also remember: Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts. This is SUPER ..read more

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 the ..read more

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 go ..read more

Like a vine growing without the steady hand of a gardener, every marriage has the potential of getting out of control. On today’s podcast we’ll discuss four stages that help both the newly and “oldy” weds make sure they are growing closer. Related Links: Check out the book - Boundaries for Marriage Process This: Of the four steps where are you most likely to fall short? –  Creating a structure (boundaries) - Paying Attention - Doing the work/ climbing the ladder - Committing to growth What is ONE new habit you could create to do better on that missing step? Also remember: Sharing is carin ..read more

Have you ever felt like your kids aren’t grateful for what they have or what they experience? Do you ever feel like they live with a distasteful attitude of demandingness? Perhaps you see this tendency in yourself? In this replay episode Billy and Joy discuss the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude and some practical ways to build the habit of thankfulness in your family. TALK ABOUT THIS: How well do I (personally) communicate gratitude? and how well is our family overall at cultivating attitudes of gratitude? Where are your family "pinch points?" What parts of our family environment n ..read more

As long as there have been families, children have misunderstood their parents and parents have misunderstood their kids. No one enjoys this reality, but it is a fact of life. How do you process the frustration that comes along with this truth? How do you build connections? That’s this week’s discussion. Related Links: Episode # 84 – Getting To The Bottom Of Disagreements Process This: How much do you struggle with being misunderstood? What's the best way to address and care for those feelings? Where do you need to focus your mental energies? What "mutual understanding" ideas can you apply thi ..read more

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 ..read more

Time to clear out the question bag except THIS time we have a theme! Join us as we process some wildly specific newlywed queries with universal answers. Related Links: Episode # 9 – Five Tips On Making In-Law Relationships Work  Episode # 60 - What to do when spouses annoy Episode # 119 – Improving Your Relationships With Better Systems Process This: Which of these are you most likely to struggle with? Where do you need to establish new habits? Who would benefit by hearing these reminders? (share!) Also remember… Sharing is caring!!  If you’ve enjoyed this episode please share! You c ..read more

Have you noticed (or felt) a low-level of parent fatigue? Are you familiar with the dazed expression of someone who is feeling overwhelmed? Well, now is as good a time as any to remember things we can do to encourage our community. Today’s podcast offers nine practical ways to lighten up the load of others and find a little encouragement yourself. Related Links: Episode # 89 – Why Married Couples Need Single Friends (and Vise Versa) Episode # 42 – The Most Powerful Question in Marriage Practice This: Identify 2-3 parents that you can invest in for the next few weeks - then make a plan to use y ..read more