Between Parents

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.

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!

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. 

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!

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.  

When parents discuss technology, they frequently have negative opinions.  Finding the threats to safety, attitudes, and relationships is an easy exercise, but what about the good? Are we worried about something innocuous? Or is technology going to ruin our families?

Remember life before smartphones?  Do you ever wish we could go back to those days?   Chances are your kids won’t ever distinguish between being on or off line because life will simply be online all the time. So since our digital devices are here to stay, how do we manage the impact on our lives? How do we navigate the tension when our kids seem obsessed with screens and parents might be a wee bit addicted too?

Have you ever wondered how you’re doing as a parent? What do your kids think about the way you handle the family? If you want some insightful comments, ask them! In this episode we’ll discuss how to solicit feedback from the people who experience your highs and lows first hand.

Have you ever noticed how your spouse is different from you? Have you ever been irritated by the difference? Maybe you’ve been able to move past the difference and ended up in a really happy place. What accounts for the spread between irritation and celebration? That’s the discussion on this episode!

If you have kids middle school age or younger today’s episode gives you some bite-sized thoughts to digest. Consider it a little encouragement for walking through the season of raging hormones, emotional tsunamis, and one-word answers.

Are you stressed out when parents “brag” about their kids? Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up in the land of parents? You’re not alone and you’re not crazy. But what do you do to relieve the pressure when you feel like raising kids is a competition? Let’s chat about it!

If you’re newly pregnant or know someone who is today’s discussion is practical and encouraging! We kick around the question about whether you can “over share” and what it means to curate rather than collect advice. Take a listen (and congratulations!)

Do you love or hate Valentine’s Day? We are surprised how many people fall into the loathing camp! Perhaps it’s time to reframe this holiday and make it fun again. Today’s podcast gives you five ways to make that happen!

Disagreements are part of every marriage, but do we have to fight? Or is it better to stuff our feelings in the name of keeping the peace? What if there’s a third option? That’s the discussion on this episode.

Are you exhausted or discouraged? Perhaps a little bit of both? Today’s podcast is for you with five big picture, you-can-do-this, “at the end of the day” bits of encouragement. You’ve got this!