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Have you ever felt like the end of hands-on parenting is as abrupt and jarring as losing a career? In this heartfelt episode of "A Heart that Beats for Home," my dear friend Kellie and I explore this transformative stage of life. Kellie shares an insightful analogy from her counselor that helps bridge understanding and empathy between moms and their spouses, easing the emotional and physical shifts that come with perimenopause and middle age. We also delve into the complexities of preparing for an empty nest and the importance of mental and physical preparation to thrive in this new chapter.

We then explore the profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We chat about how hobbies like gardening, art, and pottery have been instrumental in finding happiness independently of our children and spouse. Together, Kellie and I discuss the value of embracing our children's significant others as part of the family, the necessity of maintaining a strong marriage through regular communication, and how fostering these relationships leads to a deeper, more fulfilling life. We underscore the importance of celebrating the evolving beauty of family dynamics, especially as our children transition into their own adult lives.

Finally, we dive into the aspirations of transitioning to the empty nest phase with a focus on long-term family growth. How do we create lasting memories and stronger family bonds? By prioritizing shared experiences over material gifts and maintaining an adaptable mindset. We also touch on the crucial role of community support and the significance of moms taking care of themselves emotionally. This episode is brimming with encouragement and practical insights for anyone navigating middle age, emphasizing self-awareness, gratitude, and the joys of new chapters in family life.

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Managing a household of five kids while juggling the demands of a traveling spouse can be a beautiful chaos, and Kellie Yurosek knows firsthand just how intricate and rewarding it can be. Join us for an intimate conversation with Kellie as she shares her experiences of raising children aged 14 to 26, from the bustling days of multiple school pickups to the quieter moments when only two kids are left at home. Kellie's heartfelt anecdotes and insights provide a window into her family's vibrant dynamic and the joys and challenges of nurturing different personalities under one roof.

Balancing family and work responsibilities is a fine art, and Kellie's journey offers valuable lessons on meeting each child's unique needs. Learn how open communication, slowing down, and listening can transform the parenting experience, even amidst a hectic schedule. Kellie and I discuss the emotional and practical aspects of motherhood. Our conversation highlights the importance of mutual understanding, gratitude, and recognizing each other's strengths in maintaining a healthy family and marriage.

Through relatable stories and practical advice, we explore the necessity of core family rules and the impact of good manners and gratitude on child development. From teaching humility through competitive sports to navigating the evolving boundaries of parenting and friendship, Kellie’s experiences resonate on multiple levels. We also touch on the powerful moments of open communication, making every topic approachable, and ensuring children feel heard. Don't miss this enriching episode that celebrates the joy and chaos of cultivating strong, loving families.

Follow Kellie at: https://www.instagram.com/mamabeholdingittogether?igsh=azhjOWRrM3VtY3du

You can follow Ben and cheer on Georgia Dogs Football at:
https://georgiadogs.com/sports/football/roster/ben-yurosek/8297

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Sending your child off to college is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of pride, anxiety, and bittersweet farewells. On this heartfelt episode of "A Heart that Beats for Home," I sit down with my daughter, Madison Smith, to reflect on her journey from freshman to senior year. We delve into the anxieties and guilt that many parents face during this transition, providing reassurance about giving ourselves grace and trusting in our children's ability to navigate their new environments. Through our candid conversation, we emphasize the importance of faith and resilience during these formative years.

Madison and I explore how our family has managed the shifts in dynamics when a child leaves for college. From regular calls to inventive virtual game nights, we share practical tips and personal stories to help maintain those indispensable connections despite the physical distance. Madison opens up about the unique challenges of keeping sibling relationships strong and how integrating new routines can sustain the familial bond.

The episode also celebrates the evolution of relationships during college, shining a light on the often-overlooked efforts dads make to stay connected. Through Madison's experiences, we discuss the emotional aspects of moving in and out each year and the personal growth that unfolds from freshman to senior year. As we approach the bittersweet senior year, we touch upon the mixed emotions of pride and nostalgia that accompany this milestone. Join us for an episode filled with love, support, and the shared wisdom of a family navigating the beautiful, challenging journey of college life.

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Ever wondered how to navigate the emotional whirlwind of sending a child off to college? Today, I sit down with my oldest daughter, Madison Smith, to share our deeply personal journey through her college years. We reflect on the poignant moments of her leaving home, the heartbreak of saying goodbye, and the bittersweet realization of new beginnings. Madison opens up about the challenges and triumphs she faced during her transition from high school to college life at Olivet Nazarene University, balancing roles as a student-athlete, resident assistant, and Bible study leader amidst the chaos of COVID-19.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a college send-off, the importance of keeping busy to manage overwhelming feelings, and the rapid adaptation required when stepping into a new environment. Madison shares candid insights into her early days on campus, from the struggles of isolation during a COVID diagnosis to balancing the demanding schedules of online academics and athletic training. We discuss how our family maintained a close connection despite the distance, highlighting the pivotal role of small gestures and consistent communication in preserving strong family bonds.

Listeners will find valuable advice on transitioning from high school to college athletics, the significance of engaging with college coaches early, and the necessity of overcoming shyness to become an effective team leader. Madison also emphasizes the importance of balancing academics, athletics, and spirituality, supported by a nurturing community and consistent spiritual practices. This episode is packed with practical tips for parents and students alike, covering everything from managing mental and emotional stress to embracing the growth and experiences that come with this significant life change. Join us for a candid and inspiring conversation that is sure to resonate with anyone preparing for or experiencing the college transition.

Follow Madison and ONU Tigerball Basketball at:
https://www.onutigers.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/schedule

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Prepare yourselves for an enlightening journey into the world of parenting teens and young adults with our guest, Annique Dean, a mother of five and a newly certified parent coach. Annique opens up about her unique experiences, offering practical advice on how to navigate the emotionally intense teenage years while maintaining your sanity. Discover her strategies for creating effective routines, practicing self-compassion, and ensuring that both you and your children get the sleep you need to thrive.

As a parent managing a bustling household of athletes, Annique shares the realities behind the logistical and financial challenges, all while debunking myths about the tumultuous nature of teenage years. Expect to hear heartwarming personal anecdotes that illustrate the balance between chaos and joy, and learn about the unexpected fun that comes with raising teens. From grocery shopping to setting boundaries with smartphones and social media, Annique provides a reassuring perspective on managing a household filled with active teenagers.

Finally, we delve into the bittersweet emotions surrounding children growing up and leaving the nest, and the importance of investing in your marriage to create a strong family foundation.  Join us for an episode packed with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered in your own parenting journey.

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Sitting down with Lisa Dooley was a gift, offering deep insights into the dynamics of parenting and marriage. We explore the highs and lows of raising teenagers and nurturing a growing marriage. Lisa shares how open communication and seizing moments with her children have been crucial to developing a close relationship.

We wrap up by focusing on the foundation of family life—the marital relationship. Prioritizing this bond amidst parenting is crucial, and we discuss ways to keep the spark alive through date nights, shared experiences, and spiritual connection. We also touch on finding personal fulfillment and balance, highlighting that our roles extend beyond parenting and nurturing relationships is key to making our hearts beat for home.

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Ever wondered how to balance the chaos of family life with intentional parenting? Join me as I chat with my dear friend Alissa Lovett, a devoted wife, mother, and business owner, who shares her journey of raising children through various stages. Alissa and I dive into the heart of parenting, discussing the pivotal training stage (ages 5 to 12) and the transition into the coaching stage. We emphasize the importance of family time, mentorship, and growing together, offering valuable insights into young parenthood and the significance of being intentional in both parenting and marriage.

Navigating the emotional landscape of growing children can be challenging. Alissa and I explore how to build strong relationships with our children by creating a safe space for them to express their feelings. We highlight the crucial role parents play in modeling emotional intelligence, turning difficult moments into opportunities for connection and growth. Alissa shares personal stories about the balance of nurturing both strength and vulnerability, especially in raising emotionally healthy boys, showing how patience and understanding can transform an angry outburst into a bonding experience.

Alissa and I recount her family's transformative journey traveling across 49 states in an RV. This unique experience taught her invaluable lessons in flexibility, gratitude, and family unity. We also discuss the power of family traditions and the importance of shared mealtime, offering practical tips on managing family dinners amidst busy schedules. From limiting screen time to encourage sibling bonding to simple acts of investing in marriage, this episode is packed with wisdom on creating a nurturing and intentional home environment. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of intentionality in parenting, marriage, and family life.

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Have you ever found yourself missing out on life's precious moments because you were glued to your phone? In this compelling episode of A Heart that Beats for Home, we welcome Joey Odom, co-founder of Aro, who shares a deeply personal story about missing his son's first soccer goal due to phone distraction. Together, we examine the profound impact that technology has on family dynamics and the urgent need to be present in our children's lives. Joey's journey from that pivotal moment to co-founding Aro offers valuable lessons for all of us struggling to balance technology use with meaningful family interactions.

We also delve into the critical role parents play in modeling healthy phone habits for their children. Joey and I discuss the irony of parents' frustrations when their children mirror their own poor phone behaviors. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility in setting a positive example. Joey introduces Aro, an innovative platform designed to help families manage their phone use more mindfully. With practical insights and relatable stories, we emphasize the importance of creating new habits to reclaim control over our technology use without inducing guilt.

In our discussion, we emphasize the transformative potential of reshaping our phone habits on relationships with our spouses, teenagers, and ourselves. By prioritizing relationships over screen time, we can foster genuine interactions and build stronger family bonds. Joey shares actionable steps like setting "sacred times" and "sacred places" to eliminate technology distractions and enhance family connections. The episode concludes with a powerful message: adopting a "stop at nothing" mindset to persevere through challenges and make meaningful changes in our family dynamics. Listen in for an episode filled with heartfelt insights and practical advice that could change the way you and your family interact with technology.

Follow Joey and the Aro family on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/goaronow?igsh=Y2thZGg5b3U2YmJ0

Aro Blog: https://www.goaro.com/aro-the-blog

Aro Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aro-podcast/id1665937884

Get your Aro Box here:
https://www.goaro.com/membership

Starting in August you can access the benefits of Aro from the App alone.  Stay tuned for more details. 

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Discover the art of igniting an entrepreneurial fire in our children with Erica McMullen, a seasoned entrepreneur and mother. Amidst a culture of abundance, we examine how to instill a work ethic in our kids and dismantle the myth that today's generation lacks drive. Erica shares her journey as the daughter of a business owner and her resolve to sow seeds of industriousness in her children, providing them the tools to dream big and chart their own paths to success.

Venture into the world of pint-sized CEOs as we recount the awe-inspiring moments from a children's marketplace event. These young minds, with their uncanny grasp of ROI and marketing strategies, turned everyday interests into profitable ventures, demonstrating the profound impact of nurturing business savvy from a tender age. From selling homemade crafts to organic dog treats, these stories are not just about profit margins but also about instilling life skills, building confidence, and sparking the joy of turning ideas into tangible realities.

In closing, we look at the broader horizon of how to foster communication skills and entrepreneurial thinking in our kids. 

Erica and I also trade our favorite parenting hacks and the humor we find in the everyday adventures of family life, offering a glimpse into the heartfelt process of parenting empowered, creative individuals. Join us for laughs, lessons, and a look at how we can equip our children for a world where the only constant is change.

You can follow Erica and Young Entrepreneurs at: https://www.instagram.com/young_entrepreneurs_mm?igsh=d3M3dXI4YTQ4aTVi

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What if balancing a career, family, and personal growth wasn't just a juggling act but a transformative journey? Join us on "A Heart That Beats for Home" as we hear from Nyisha Chu, a dedicated homeschool mom who shares her candid reflections on embracing motherhood and marriage.

Flexibility and grace prove to be important in parenting, especially when shifting from a structured corporate mindset to a nurturing homeschooling environment. Through heartfelt stories, Nyisha emphasizes the importance of understanding our children's unique learning styles and the profound connections formed by spending meaningful time together. Whether it's bedtime reading or simplifying play environments, these moments foster deep family bonds and enrich our lives beyond measure.

Balancing work and family often feels like a daunting task, but our discussion sheds light on the significance of supportive partnerships and the value of seeking help when needed. We share practical advice on managing household responsibilities and navigating the emotional journey of prioritizing family over career aspirations. Nyisha's resilience and dedication are an encouragement for parents striving to cultivate strong, authentic family relationships amidst the chaos and laughter of daily life. Tune in for a genuine, heartfelt conversation that celebrates motherhood's rewarding and challenging aspects.

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