Crazy Cool Family

We've been asked by parents how to make the holidays meaningful. It's about more than presents, food, parties, and events. Here's our answer.... traditions! Traditions are ways to build family culture and it's really what your kids will remember. 

So how do you build family traditions? Don and Suz unpack mindsets and practical ways to build your family's culture through traditions! 

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Today we are talking about gratitude and how powerful it is. Just in time for Thanksgiving (which we did on purpose) we want to talk about gratitude, gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy! As we prepare for Jesus’ birth, we need to start practicing our gratitude muscle – because this season is ALL ABOUT HIM! 

Here are the main topics from today’s episode:

The condition or quality of being grateful; an emotion or sentiment of thankfulness. A warm sense of appreciation for kindness received; accompanied by a feeling of good will toward the benefactor, and a desire to repay the favor. 

Recognizing who God is and what he has done.

A feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word. 

Define these with your family this month and practice them! We believe these are the ingredients to a life-giving culture in your home. When we focus on building gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy - gratitude will become the norm. Practice these things this week and watch how your family culture changes for the better! 

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Lee Ann Mancini found us through our Guides (which you can purchase through the link below), and we’re thrilled to have her join Don for an insightful conversation on the value of depositing truth into our children. Early in her parenting journey, Lee Ann found herself searching for Biblical materials to teach her kids. When she couldn’t find as many resources as she had hoped, she took matters into her own hands and wrote her own. Today, we’re diving into her newest book, Raising Kids to Follow Christ, where she shares wisdom and practical advice for parents.

Raising Kids Amid Today’s Worldly Struggles: Lee Ann discusses the unique challenges parents face in a culture that often conflicts with Biblical values and how to navigate those struggles with intentionality.

Teaching Self-Motivation: Lee Ann shares strategies for cultivating self-motivation in children, empowering them to take initiative and develop a strong work ethic rooted in faith.

Role Playing Scenarios: One of Lee Ann’s practical methods is role-playing scenarios to help kids prepare for real-world challenges. This allows them to think critically and practice their responses before facing difficult situations.

Creating Critical Thinkers by Asking Questions: Instead of simply providing answers, Lee Ann emphasizes the importance of asking thought-provoking questions that help children develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of faith.

Building Parent-to-Kid Relationships and Making Them Feel Safe: Lee Ann shares ways to strengthen the emotional bond with your children, fostering an environment where they feel safe, loved, and heard.

Controlling Behavior vs. Empowering Our Kids: Lee Ann explores the difference between controlling a child’s behavior and empowering them to make wise decisions based on their values and beliefs.

This podcast is packed with practical advice and valuable insights from Lee Ann. It truly feels like she’s sitting at our kitchen table, answering the burning questions that many parents face. If you're looking for wisdom and guidance to improve the relationships within your family, this episode is for you!

As Lee Ann wisely says, “Every adversity is an opportunity.”

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McKenzie Reaume and Macy Robinson (Manning. daughters #3 and #4) join Suz on today's podcast. This topic is one we believe will impact mothers all over the world.

Because let's face it.... 

We challenge you to listen to this podcast and change your thinking! Every mother can feel like a victim - it's part of the enemy's plan to steal, kill, and destroy our families. We are giving you wise counsel and practical tips to help combat the schemes of the enemy. 

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There are a lot of words for it these days but in today's episode we focus on Kingdom guidance - what does it look like and how do you access it? 

We believe EVERY PARENT benefits from mentoring. Life's questions aren't getting any simpler and we need older, wiser mentors to help us navigate marriage, kids, and more! If you are needing guidances or help making a family decision- this podcast will help inspire you to invest in mentorship. Listen and share today! 

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This is a new phrase (maybe even a verb) we are going to start using. Our heart is to give ALL parents Kingdom tools to help them be the best parents they can be. Our topic today is...  

We discuss scriptures, personal relationship with Jesus, and how you as a parent can love your child right where they are. It’s not about what you “should or shouldn’t do.” Instead, we share practical ways you can reach your rebellious child.  

Listen and share this with a friend who needs help with their rebelling child. Send us questions to [email protected] if you have a specific situation, you want insight into. We are here for you! Let’s go Crazy Cool Parent our rebelling kids😊  

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First off, your family needs to personally seek God and obey what he is saying for your family. There is no right or wrong. Obeying God is top priority!  

Secondly, if you do decide to dress up and go house to house here are some mindsets you can empower your kids with.  

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Mark Lubbock joins us to talk about relationships. If you are a husband, or man - this podcast is for you! BUT if you are a woman or wife, this will give you insight into your spouse like never before. 
 

"Men want to earn respect and find value in life. They want an identity that is worth living in." - Mark Lubbock

Don and Mark unpack manhood and what men desire when it comes to a purposeful life. The take time in the podcast to discuss purpose, profession, and what men really want to live for. 

Mark talks about the value of community for men when discovering their identity. It creates a brotherhood and ultimately creates development. Relationships create opportunity for belonging. 

If you are looking for purpose (or seeking to understand your spouse's purpose) This podcast is for you! Listen and share with your friend! 

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“In today’s day and age- our kids can just ask AI “what does God look like?” and get an actual picture- is it accurate? NO! But so many things are being defined for our kids- how do we show them that following God/knowing Him is worth it and an adventure worth going on?!” - CCF Parent 

Don and Suz unpack the realities of technology in our kids' lives and how it can affect raising kids. They share how different times were when they raised most of their kids BUT they have learned along the way how technology can hinder or help build family relationships. 

Join them as they unpack ways you can help your kids desire the things of God over the things of the world. They share vision for your family and practical ways to set boundaries around technology. 

"We must continuously show them God and that he is worth following. He is no comparison or competition with technology... it just seems that way because we must work a little harder in this world to see, know, access God." - Suz

If your family is struggling with technology - how to use it and how to not allow it to become an idol, then this is the podcast for you! 

Check it out and share it with someone you know! 

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Today’s episode is special – we are celebrating Don’s 60th birthday! We are going to reminisce and share a few practical parenting tips in 60 seconds or less!

Share this podcast with anyone you know who needs a parenting boost today! Also, go donate to Crazy Cool Family for Don's birthday! We love each of you and are looking for faithful supporters as we continue to do what God's asks us to do for families! 

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