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Have you been putting off "the talk" with your kids? That uncomfortable conversation about bodies, relationships, and sex that just feels too awkward to navigate? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and this episode will completely transform how you approach these crucial conversations.
Dr. Mario Sacasa, licensed marriage and family therapist and father of four, brings refreshing wisdom to what many parents dread most. The breakthrough insight? It's not about having one perfect, scripted "talk" – it's about creating an ongoing dialogue that evolves as your child grows.• Parents are the primary and perfect people to have these conversations with their children
• Starting age-appropriate conversations as young as 5-6 years old creates a foundation for healthy understanding
• Teaching kids the difference between lust (taking from others) and love (serving others)
• The ultimate goal is helping kids understand God's design for their bodies, relationships, and sexuality
For more resources on talking to your kids about sex, relationships, and faith, visit Dr. Mario Sacasa's website or listen to his podcast "Always Hope."
A children's book we recommend that teaches kids about how to navigate inappropriate pictures on the internet is Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen Jenson, MA.To learn more about how to move well beyond "The Sex Talk", we recommend this thoroughly revised version of Beyond the Birds and the Bees, by Greg and Lisa Popcak. It offers a comprehensive guide to raising sexually whole and holy children.
The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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The summer countdown is on! Are you feeling excited about ditching the school routine, dreading the lack of structure, or somewhere in between?
Jordan shares a simple yet powerful exercise to help parents prepare for summer with kids at home, transforming potential chaos into a season of connection and enjoyment.
• Setting aside one uninterrupted hour to plan can dramatically improve your summer experience
• Start by listing all your children's typical summer day needs - meals, clothing, equipment, transportation, activities
• Identify past summer frustrations and brainstorm specific solutions
• The goal isn't perfect planning but bringing intentionality to create more enjoyable family time
Grab copies of our kids journal "The Best Me I Can Be" - perfect for kids from first grade to sixth grade and available at familiesofcharacter.com. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more parenting resources.Support the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
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Is your summer calendar already starting to resemble a losing game of Tetris? Do you find yourself wondering how you're supposed to feel relaxed when you're constantly shuttling between swimming lessons, camps, and birthday parties? Take a deep breath—there's a better way.
Julia Ubbenga, author of "Declutter Your Heart and Your Home," joins us to reveal how a minimalist approach to summer can transform chaos into connection.
• Create a summer vision by journaling, reflecting, and asking your children what they want to experience
• Make "fulfillment lists" with daily, weekly, and monthly connection activities you treat as non-negotiable appointments
• Embrace boredom as the precursor to creativity and self-directed play
• Limit choices and activities to avoid decision fatigue for both parents and children
• Remember that reducing possessions can decrease housework by approximately 40%
Rate and review our podcast on Apple or Spotify, then email [email protected] with your name to enter a drawing for a signed copy of "Declutter Your Heart and Your Home."The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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What if the key to raising capable, confident adults isn't found in protecting them, but in purposefully equipping them with real-world skills years before they leave your home?
Dena Patton, award-winning leadership coach, co-founder of the Girls Rule Foundation, and author of the book The Greatness Game, reveals how intentional parenting transforms uncertain teenagers into empowered young adults.• Parenting with purpose means breaking negative childhood cycles while intentionally creating positive experiences
• Raising children means raising future adults, requiring deliberate skill-building starting at age 12-13
• Enabling vs. empowering—simple tasks like making appointments build crucial self-advocacy skills
• Creating emotional connections with teenagers through lighthearted moments and memorable experiences
• Leadership is an action, not a title—girls need these skills in their teens, not just adulthood
Learn more about Girls Rule Foundation's Wings to Fly summer camp on their website. Registration is open until May 30th for high school girls.The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Relationship order matters more than most parents realize. When we prioritize our spouse above our children, we're not loving our kids less—we're actually giving them the priceless gift of security and teaching them what healthy relationships should look like.
In this episode, we explore the importance of correctly ordering our relationships:
• The proper order of relationships: spouse first, children second, extended family third, then community
• Prioritizing your spouse demonstrates the foundation of family that God designed from Genesis
• The pitfalls of misplaced priorities include feelings of abandonment for those closest to us
• Practical steps include scheduling regular date nights, creating family rhythms, learning to say no, and praying for wisdom
• Even in difficult marriages, small gestures can begin breaking down walls between spouses
Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear it and subscribe so you don't miss our next conversation about intentional relationships and practical parenting.Support the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
our website -
Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!
What happens when a 10-year-old girl shares her wisdom about family organization? Pure gold. In this refreshingly honest conversation, my daughter, Aniston, joins me to reveal how our weekly "family huddle" has transformed our home life over six years and 200+ meetings.
The weekly family huddle transforms family life by creating order, reducing anxiety, and unifying family members around shared priorities.
• Family huddles follow a simple structure
• The family mission statement prioritizes values in order
• Children experience reduced anxiety when they know what's happening in the upcoming week
• Family meetings don't need to be complex - start with just 20 minutes focused on calendar planning
• The weekly ritual creates unity
Please share this episode with people in your circle. If you're not doing a family huddle already, visit our website for a free handout that tells you how to start your own family huddle. We also have a more robust bundle called the Huddle Up bundle with videos and downloadables.The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Ever fantasized about setting a match to all the toys scattered across your living room floor? You're definitely not alone. That overwhelming feeling of drowning in stuff is precisely what led Julia Ubbenga – mother of five, minimalist living coach, and author – to radically transform her family's relationship with possessions.
The relentless clutter of toys, clothes, and household items can transform parenting from a joy to a constant struggle with stuff management. Julia shares her journey from shopping addiction to simplified living, offering practical strategies for decluttering both our physical spaces and our inner lives.
• The state of our homes frequently reflects the state of our souls – creating physical space can lead to spiritual and emotional freedom
• Starting your decluttering journey by identifying which areas cause you the most stress rather than arbitrary starting points
• Taking a middle ground approach to minimalism – testing what you can live without before permanently letting go
• Addressing gift-giving with family
• Minimalism teaches children generosity, contentment, and that abundant life doesn't require abundant stuff
Visit richinwhatmatters.com to learn more about Julia's courses and new book "Declutter Your Heart and Home: How a Minimalist Life Yields Maximum Joy"The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Tired of barking orders at your kids only to face resistance, incomplete tasks, and frustration all around? This episode reveals the fundamental flaw in how we typically assign responsibilities to children—and we uncover a transformational three-step approach to teaching children responsibility that helps parents guide kids toward taking ownership of household tasks.
• Explore the step-by-step process of showing, explaining and collaborating
• Understand why knowing the purpose behind tasks increases motivation and compliance
• Demonstrate how visual references help children understand expectations
• Create simple family mission statements that give meaning to household responsibilities
• Gradually transition from parent-led to child-led responsibility using the Parent First Approach (I do it, WE do it, YOU do it)
Be sure to grab the "Get Kids to Do things On Their Own" Digital Bundle from our shop!Support the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
our website -
Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!
What if the secret to a more peaceful family life isn't found in grand parenting philosophies but in the simple act of creating order in your home?
Our physical environment profoundly impacts our mental and emotional wellbeing, with research showing that clutter increases stress levels while orderly homes promote peace and clarity of thought. Creating order isn't about perfectionism but about establishing an environment where families can thrive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
• Order in the home mirrors God's design for creation and provides a foundation for virtue development
• Children thrive in predictable, structured environments that help develop executive functioning skills
• Follow the "one-minute rule"—if a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately
• Use Sunday family huddles to meal plan, review calendars, and prepare for the week aheadVisit the Families of Character Shop to view more resources for creating order in your home!
The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Jordan and a very special guest, her husband Josh, explore the profound impact of a father's spiritual leadership on family faith formation, sharing personal stories of their 20-year journey balancing marriage, parenting, and religious practice.
In this episode you'll hear:
• Surprising research shows father-led spiritual leadership results in 44% of children continuing their faith into adulthood
• Josh's personal definition of manhood centers on leading, protecting, and providing with virtue
• Balancing men's spiritual growth activities with family responsibilities creates initial tension but long-term benefits
• Allowing family to experiment with different church attendance patterns demonstrated flexible leadership
• Both spouses play critical leadership roles, especially when one stumbles
• Consistency in faith practices, not perfection, makes the greatest impact on children
If your husband isn't taking spiritual leadership, don't wait - lead the family in faith while always inviting him to join without pressure or guilt. "I trust that you can lead us" may be the most empowering words a wife can say to activate her husband's leadership potential.The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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When was the last time you felt completely overwhelmed by the endless demands of parenting while also feeling guilty about neglecting your spiritual life? If you're nodding in recognition, this conversation with Fr. Nathan Cromly offers a refreshing perspective that might just change everything.
We dive into practical ways busy parents can prioritize their faith and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus despite the chaos of family life.
• Using St. Paul the Apostle as a model for busy parents since he balanced work, travel, and ministry
• Letting go of "would have, could have, should have" thinking that creates unnecessary guilt
• Understanding that your struggles are not obstacles to faith but the starting point
• Prioritizing faith means making it important, not necessarily time-consuming
• Making Sunday sacred by creating simple family traditions that children will remember
• Praying with your spouse daily to create spiritual connection
• Recognizing that your primary mission as a parent is your familyDid you miss Fr. Cromly's last episode with us? Check out Ep. #114: How to Influence Your Kids so They Keep Their Faith.
Want to connect with Fr. Cromly? Join his free Thursday morning Gospel reflections through saintjohninstitute.org, or check out his book, Coached by Paul the Apostle.The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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The busyness of family life can often overshadow what truly matters—our relationships with our spouse, our children, and our faith. In our latest podcast episode, we unveil a simple yet transformative practice that has the potential to rejuvenate your marriage and create a serene environment for your family. By dedicating just 15 minutes each morning to nurturing your spiritual life, you can spark meaningful shifts in how you interact and bond with your loved ones.
The podcast covers:
• Importance of faith in family and culture
• Personal testimony on making time for spirituality
• Benefits of morning devotionals
• Practical tips for busy parents to incorporate faith
• The impact of faith on family dynamics
• Encouragement to take small steps and connect with the community
Take a moment to share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their family life today!The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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In our latest podcast episode, we're diving deep into the theme of accepting differences in marriage and how these unique traits can actually strengthen a relationship. Our special guest, Dr. Mario Sacasa, a seasoned marriage therapist and insightful speaker, shares his expertise on navigating the seemingly daunting waters of marital differences. He engages us in a rich dialogue about how understanding these disparities can pave the way for deeper connections, showcasing the beauty of our unique identities within the union.
This podcast covers:
• Importance of accepting and celebrating differences
• Real-life examples from Dr. Sacasa's experiences
• Practical advice for couples to communicate effectively
• Strategies to utilize differences as strengths in marriage
• Encouragement to keep dating and rediscovering each other
• Discussion on supporting younger generations in dating
• Insights into shifting perceptions of marriage among youth
• Value of kindness and compassion in relationships
• Call to action: Share the podcast with your partnerRead the book Dr. Sacasa recommends in the show, Get Married by Brad Wilcox!
The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Discover the keys to a thriving marriage with insights from Doug Hinderer, a seasoned marriage and family therapist. Doug shares his personal and professional journey, offering wisdom on overcoming the challenges of marriage while raising a family. With a touch of humor and heartfelt stories, he discusses his new book, "Rekindled Hearts: A Spiritual Journey to Marital Healing." Join us as we explore the resilience needed to maintain a loving relationship amidst life's chaos.
In this episode you will hear:
• Importance of recognizing that conflict is a natural part of marriage
• Discussion on needs: respect for men, love for women
• Four Horsemen of marriage: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling
• Introduction of "gentle startup" communication technique
• Emphasis on daily 1% investment of time to nurture love
• Significance of forgiveness in sustaining healthy relationshipsBe sure to tune-in to Doug's call-in radio show, Marriage Unhindererd, on Relevant Radio every Monday-Friday from 5-6pm cst.
The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Ever wondered if love is more than just a fleeting feeling? Join us as we explore the profound essence of love and challenge its often distorted portrayal in popular culture. Through heartwarming anecdotes and the innocent wisdom of children, we unveil how love is not just a sentiment but a deep commitment involving self-sacrifice and prioritizing others. Discover the art of modeling genuine love for our children, emphasizing that true love thrives on mutual giving and unwavering support.
This episode covers:
• Redefining love beyond feelings and societal portrayals
• Children’s innocent definitions of love highlight key values
• Love as a commitment and daily choice rather than a fleeting emotion
• Examples of successful marriage strategies based on acts of kindness
• Practical suggestions for teaching kids about sacrificial love
• The importance of leading by example in demonstrating love
• Explanation of a guided journal for children focused on love actions
Love is about choosing to serve others; embracing actionable love brings us closer to joy and fulfillment in our relationships.Support the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
our website -
Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!
Feeling overwhelmed as a parent and noticing that it's impacting your marriage? You're not alone.
Parenting can often overshadow the vital need for marital connection, leading to burnout and distorted relationships. The episode emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with a spouse, encouraging parents to foster independence in their children and maintain a nurturing bond with their partner.
• Recognizing the need for in-person connections
• Parenting creates stress and impacts marital relationships
• Importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace
• Navigating anxieties around caregiving and date nights
• Strengthening marriage through intentional planning
• Leveraging resources for children’s responsibilities
• Concluding encouragement for parents to take decisive actionSupport the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
our website -
Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!
Experience the transformative insights of Janet Quinlan, a certified Catholic life coach with four decades of marital wisdom, as she reveals the core elements of a lasting marriage. Janet, alongside her husband Michael, has distilled their journey into ten essential lessons that prioritize marriage above all else. From the necessity of nurturing your relationship daily to the powerful role of communication, gain practical tools to overcome the distractions and demands that life throws your way.
Through insights into friendship, communication, family unity, and prayer, listeners will learn how to nurture and strengthen their bond with partners over the years.
• Friendship as the foundation of a healthy marriage
• Importance of encouragement and tenderness between partners
• Critical role of respectful communication and tone
• Unified parenting as a vital aspect of family dynamics
• Sacrifice for one another serves as the glue of marriage
• Demonstrating to children that the spouse comes first
• Power of prayer in your relationship
• Practicing empathy and avoiding scorekeeping
• Encouraging patience with each spouse’s temperament
• Understanding when to pause argumentative discussions
You can see the courses that Janet has to offer, her podcast, and coaching membership all on her website.
Are you a wife wanting to start a practice of praying for your husband every day? Check out the book, Provide the Armor, by Katie Hartfiel!The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Discover how the simple act of celebrating small wins can transform your family dynamics. By recognizing every effort, no matter how tiny, you can create a nurturing environment that boosts confidence and enhances mental health. Join us as we promise to share actionable insights on building stronger family bonds, where every family member feels valued and acknowledged. Learn how personal victories, as shared by seasoned parents, can instill the idea that self-improvement is a lifelong adventure, focusing on progress over perfection.
This episode covers:
• Importance of recognizing both small and large wins
• How verbal recognition influences motivation and confidence
• The impact of celebrating achievements on mental health
• Suggestions for practical celebrations like high-fives and mealtime sharing
• The role of a celebration jar in making acknowledgment a habit
• Significance of recognizing progress for family growth and resilience
• Challenge to celebrate one win with the family todaySupport the show
Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!
Looking for things to combat boredom and bolster growth in your kids? Check out our Tame the Tech Bundle and the Best Me I Can Be Journal!
our website -
Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!
Unlock the secrets to a harmonious and successful family life by mastering the art of goal setting and self-control. Join us as we explore how shared family objectives can transform relationships, fostering unity and teamwork rather than isolation in personal pursuits. Drawing from the insights of renowned expert Dr. Leonard Sax, we dive into why self-control is a key predictor of success, health, and happiness in children.
This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of setting shared family goals, with a significant focus on building self-control among family members. By establishing practices that foster independence, responsibility, and mindfulness, families can work together to cultivate self-discipline and unity in their daily lives.
• Discussing the concept of shared family goals
• Highlighting self-control as a predictor of success in children
• Exploring practical strategies for building self-control
• Connecting the practice of self-control to faith and family values
• Encouraging routines that promote responsibility in children
• Fostering constructive communication during family meals
• Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing responsibilities before leisure
• Celebrating self-control through intentional family traditions
• Inviting listeners to reflect on their family practicesThe Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
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Ever wondered how a simple wall calendar could transform your family's daily routine and improve well-being? Join me, Jordan Langdon, as I reveal the Langdon family's secret weapon for setting and tracking goals, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness. You'll learn how recording activities like workouts and sleep patterns can lead to informed decisions and lasting positive changes. My children, Lincoln and Annie, have benefited from this approach, making our mornings smoother and routines more consistent. This episode offers valuable insights into the power of documenting small, manageable goals to create significant improvements throughout the year.
Tracking behaviors and goals can help identify patterns and make informed decisions for positive change in family life.Using a wall calendar provides a visual orientation to time and allows for a different level of engagement.Being oriented in time and space is important for both parents and children to feel grounded and in control.Tracking frustrations and solutions can help improve routines and solve problems in family life.Sharing and building community, as well as participating in group coaching, can provide support and valuable insights for families.
TAKEAWAYSThe Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.
- Visa fler
