Between Parents

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?

After you listen to this episode, have a candid discussion to assess if you're overly concerned OR if you need to pay closer attention to what's happening with these devices.

TALK ABOUT THIS:

• Which POSITIVE benefits of technology have you seen in your home?
• Consider the positive impact of time management, improved efficiency, and better connections.
• Which NEGATIVE repercussions have you felt in your home?
• Consider the negative impact of time management, improved efficiency, and better connections.
• If you have teenagers, ask THEM these questions, too! What did you learn?
• What factor does FEAR play in your approach to giving your kids digital opportunities?
• What adjustments should we make to our thinking?

LINK:

BOOK: The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.

by Andy Crouch

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?

Listen to episode one then have a candid conversation about managing the tension tech brings.

TALK ABOUT THIS:

• How addicted are you to your devices? Do you struggle with feeling like a hypocrite?
• Where do you fall on the technology pendulum? Are you more likely to see devices as a non-issue or are you hyper-concerned? Does it vary? why?
• What are you emotions when it comes to parenting around technology?
• In what ways do you relate to the idea of being a "digital immigrant?" Are you reluctant to jump into the new culture? How are you resistant to embracing the new motherland?
• How do you see your kids being "digital natives?" Are any of their natural adaptations intimidating to you?
• How can you connect with your kids THIS WEEK to understand more of their world? What specific app/game/YouTube star are you willing to have them teach you on?

LINK:

BOOK: Right Click: Parenting Your Teenager In A Digital Media World

by Dr. Kara Powell, Art Bamford, Brad M Griffin

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.

Talk About This:

Although this week was all about questions, we still think there are a few things you should process with your spouse.

Discuss the answers you got from your kids and what you learned. Did any of the answers surprise you?

Are there things you need to change in light of your kid's answers?

What would you do differently the next time you plan an "awkward" session?

Related Links:

Episode #11 – The Awkward Date Night

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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!

Talk About This:

Evaluate what season are you in?

Is your spouse in the same season?

What are the differences that need to be celebrated?

What obstacles are preventing you from moving to season 4 or 5 (Appreciation/Celebration)

Related Links:

Episode #60 – What To Do When Your Spouse Annoys

Episode #107 – Understanding Personality Types

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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.

Talk About This:

Which resonate with you most?

Which are you already doing?

Which will be hardest for you to implement?

Which do you want to try?

Related Links:

Episode 8 - Is this Really Just a Stage?

Episode 73 - Enjoying the Middle School Years

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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!

Talk About This:

How often do I feel competitive with other parents? What are the triggers? Is there anything I do that could make other parents feel like I am being competitive with them? What specific person/family do I need to celebrate more?

Related Links:

Mindset by Carol Dweck

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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!)

Talk About This:

Which of these 10 tips feels most challenging? Why?

How should we prioritize this advice?

Related Links:

#90 - What New Parents Wish Grandparents Knew

#25 - Ten Guiding Principles for Parents with Newborns

#54 - Toddler 101: Parenting Through the Early Years

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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!

Talk About This:

Ask your spouse what they think their love language is...gifts/physical touch/words of affirmation/acts of service/quality time

Ask your spouse if they feel like Valentine's Day fills them up or drains them.

Talk about how you would MOST like to acknowledge the day (OR NOT) - remember - if it's a stressful thing, then you're not doing it right. We should ENJOY CELEBRATIONS ; ) - and that can mean simply letting them pass OR buying a box of chocolates.

Related Links:

The Five Love Languages By Gary Chapman HERE

Waffle House Valentine's Day HERE

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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.

Talk About This:

Ask your spouse where THEY think you fall on the spectrum.

DO NOT DISAGREE - JUST LISTEN

In light of where you land, go through the three practice areas and decide what changes you need to make.

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!

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!

Talk About This:

What thought did I MOST need to hear?

HOW can I commit it to memory?

What other parent needs this encouragement? (pass it along!)

Related Links:

Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl - HERE

Also remember:

Want to reach us? You can find us on the socials @betweenparents on Instagram and @betweenparentspodcast on Facebook. While you're there, tag someone who would also enjoy this content!

Finally, if you don't know where to begin listening to back episodes of the podcast, look for the helpful packages on our website betweenparentspodcast.com

Thanks for being awesome!