Discover stress-free holiday meal preparation with the delightful insights of James Beard Award-winning chef Emma Smock, who also happens to be my talented daughter. You'll learn how to wow your guests with a simple yet stunning roasted green beans recipe, offering a healthier twist on the classic green bean casserole. Emma shares her culinary secrets, from selecting the finest French-style green beans to mastering the art of roasted garlic and choosing high-quality olive oil. This episode is packed with practical tips and mouthwatering recipes to ensure your Thanksgiving contributions shine at the dinner table.

Dive into the heartwarming world of Thanksgiving traditions and the joys of hosting large family gatherings. We explore the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, where cherished traditions blend with new ones, like sending the kids to a movie while the adults cook together. Listen in as we recount personal stories, from hosting 52 families to a memorable Thanksgiving involving a wayward dog, emphasizing the value of involving everyone in meal preparations. With practical advice on simple, flavorful dishes like sweet potatoes, this episode aims to inspire you to create lasting holiday memories and enjoy the warmth of togetherness.

Picture this: a knock on the door shatters the calm of a Sunday morning, bringing with it the unexpected weight of reality. That's the moment many of us dread, yet so few of us prepare for. Life insurance isn't just a piece of paper; it's a promise to protect your family's future against the uncertainties of life. Join us as we unpack the critical role of life insurance in adulthood, revealing how everyone—from singles to grandfathers—can benefit from this vital safety net. Through real-life stories like Steve's time in the Navy and the unforeseen tragedy of Bruce and Julie, we highlight why it's crucial to act now, even if the topic isn't the most exhilarating.

Our conversation also navigates the often-overlooked need for advance planning with a next of kin box. This isn't just about organizing papers; it's about ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Learn the importance of stocking this box with essentials like a last will and testament and a living will, empowering your family to handle emergencies with clarity. We discuss the significance of having these conversations early, especially with young adults, about life-saving measures and organ donation. As we embrace the less glamorous side of adulting, understand that these preparations are a profound gift to those we care about most, ensuring their journey through life's toughest moments is a little less daunting.

When is the right time to start a family, and how do you navigate the societal pressures that come with it? Megan and Dr. Steve Scheibner are here to share their own personal insights and experiences from raising eight wonderful children. We'll tackle the age-old conversation about the infamous "biological clock" and explore how career aspirations can mesh with family life. With a focus on intentional and prayerful decision-making, we discuss the potential challenges of postponing parenthood, especially for women approaching their late thirties. Our journey is filled with anecdotes and lessons that aim to guide couples on their family planning adventure, ensuring decisions are made with care and thoughtfulness.

From personal adoption stories to the everyday chaos of a large family, this episode offers a heartwarming look into our unique family dynamic. Megan shares her transformative journey of adopting our son, Taylor, from Guatemala and how it enriched our lives beyond measure. Adoption added a new layer of love and unity, transcending racial backgrounds and societal expectations. The lively energy of our household is both a blessing and a source of endless humor, from juggling logistics to fielding funny questions from strangers. We celebrate the profound satisfaction of nurturing a bustling household, embracing the joys and trials that come with a large family, and finding strength and laughter amid the chaos.

Unlock the secrets to evolving from an authoritative parent to a cherished friend to your adult child. This episode promises to guide you through the intricate journey of parenting, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for every stage of your child's development. From setting firm boundaries during their formative years to adopting a coaching mindset through their teenage phase, we cover it all, ensuring you're well-equipped to foster a relationship rooted in love and mutual respect.

Our discussion doesn't stop there; we draw parallels between parenting and the world of sports. Imagine yourself as a trainer and coach, preparing your child for life's challenges while encouraging resilience and independence. We stress the importance of allowing your children to learn from their mistakes, providing constructive feedback that equips them for the transition to adulthood. It's about guiding without dictating, supporting their decisions while standing back to let them experience both triumphs and setbacks.

As we reach the pinnacle of the parent-child relationship, we explore the transition to friendship in adulthood. Sharing personal anecdotes, we highlight the tools necessary for nurturing this bond, from open communication to shared family activities like group texts or a fantasy football league. By respecting their autonomy and offering advice only when sought, we create an environment where trust and friendship flourish. Whether through daily conversations or fun family endeavors, the goal is to build a lasting connection that transcends the traditional parent-child dynamic.

Ever wondered how to juggle the demands of career, finances, and starting a family? Dr. Steve and Megan Scheibner share their heartfelt journey and the lessons they've learned from raising eight children on this episode of "Death by Adulting." From the importance of mutual agreement and prayer in family planning to the challenges of timing and fertility concerns, Megan and Dr. Steve offer honest insights into making these life-changing decisions. Tune in as they discuss the balance between career aspirations and the desire to grow a family, providing advice on how long couples should wait after marriage before having kids and addressing the societal pressures that often come with these choices.

In addition, we challenge the common perception of children as financial burdens, celebrating the immense joy and growth that come with parenting. Discover the blessings of a large family and the beauty of adoption through personal anecdotes that highlight the profound impact children, whether biological or adopted, can have on our lives. Hear touching stories like Taylor’s friendship with Landon, showing how children naturally embrace differences. We also share the amusing and sometimes rude comments we've received about our large family, emphasizing that the fulfillment and spiritual growth from being fruitful and multiplying far outweigh any challenges. Whether you're considering your first child or contemplating adoption, this episode offers a heartwarming and thought-provoking perspective on the true value of family.

Can a simple trip transform your relationship? Find out how a few days of isolation at Bethany Beach, Delaware, reignited our spark and could do wonders for your bond too. This episode of Death by Adulting, the on-the-road edition, is all about the magic of getting away together, just the two of you, and why it's crucial for couples at any stage. Whether you're discussing big life changes or simply reconnecting, we share personal stories and practical tips that highlight the importance of investing in your relationship without the usual distractions.

Join us as we break down the difference between a typical family vacation and a much-needed couple's retreat. We talk about creating moments free from daily chaos—no honey-do lists, no kids, no endless to-dos. Hear our experiences and learn actionable steps to prioritize your partner, no matter how long you've been together. From young couples to seasoned partners, discover how planning these little getaways can keep the romance alive and ensure your relationship remains vibrant and strong. Get ready to reignite your relationship with a simple yet profound approach to spending time together!

Can obedience truly lead to responsibility in parenting? Today on Death by Adulting, we explore this provocative question and uncover how small adjustments in parenting can yield significant positive outcomes for your child's future. By challenging the conventional wisdom that obedience is the ultimate goal, we reveal how it serves as a crucial stepping stone to fostering responsibility. We draw insightful parallels with the US military's focus on trust and adaptability to illustrate how these principles can be seamlessly integrated into child-rearing. Through engaging, real-life scenarios, and expert advice, we demonstrate the importance of modeling good character and decision-making skills, helping your child navigate life's complexities with confidence.

In this episode, we dive deep into practical strategies for building character through everyday tasks, emphasizing the importance of rewarding positive behavior to reinforce responsibility. Hear compelling stories, like dealing with a child's misbehavior in a grocery store, that bring our discussion to life. We reflect on the journey from guiding younger children to allowing them to take ownership of their lives, emphasizing the importance of prayer and encouragement during this transition. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable insights into how to cultivate a sense of ownership and maturity in your children, preparing them to face real-world challenges with resilience and integrity.

Is it possible to foster obedience in children without resorting to overbearing methods? Discover the answer with Dr. Steve on this illuminating episode of "Death by Adulting." We promise you'll gain powerful insights into why teaching children to obey quickly, completely, and without complaint is not just a demand but a crucial parental responsibility. Through practical examples, such as the potential hazards of a child running away in a busy area, we highlight the real-world implications that underscore the importance of immediate and joyful compliance.

Building emotional and spiritual security is another essential topic we tackle. We address the pitfalls of overbearing discipline that can lead to insecurity and emphasize how kindness and communication build trust and safety. For single parents grappling with this task, we offer hope by discussing how a parent's relationship with God can provide the needed stability. By comparing parents to the unwavering walls of a building, we illustrate the necessity of consistent rule-setting and mutual respect, especially in divorced families, for the well-being of children.

Ever wondered how your child's personality affects their approach to obedience? We dive deep into understanding different child obedience personalities—thinkers, feelers, and doers—and offer practical advice for guiding each type effectively. Learn how to navigate differences in standards, like media consumption, without breaking fellowship and understand the spiritual importance of teaching children to respect rightful authority as a foundation for obeying God. By the end of this episode, you'll be armed with the tools to foster emotional security, spiritual growth, and a strong moral foundation in your children, equipping them to face life's challenges confidently.

Why do so many men seem to get stuck in a perpetual state of adolescence, treating relationships like conquests and shirking responsibilities? Discover the root causes of arrested development in relationships as Megan and Dr. Steve Scheibner explore this pervasive issue in our latest episode of "Death by Adulting". We delve into the mindset that keeps some men trapped at a 19-year-old level of maturity, leading to toxic behaviors like love bombing and blame-shifting. Through real-life counseling experiences and societal analysis, we highlight the seven signs of immature relationships and offer strategies for recognizing and addressing these harmful patterns.

But it’s not just about the men. We also contrast this arrested development with how it manifests in women, particularly after marriage. You’ll hear about the struggles women face in balancing personal ambitions with household duties, and the damaging impact of unrealistic self-expectations. We discuss why the mentality of "I can change him" often fails and the importance of assessing a partner’s maturity and past relationship behaviors before committing. Megan and Dr. Steve provide insights into embracing responsibilities joyfully and breaking the cycle of immaturity for more fulfilling, mature relationships. Listen in to learn how to foster healthier connections and grow beyond arrested development.

Ever wondered why kids form friendships so easily while adults struggle to break the ice? Today, we examine the magical world of children's social interactions, reflecting on the effortless way they engage with strangers and form bonds. We share practical tips for parents, like the red flag, green flag system to manage neighborhood playtimes. This episode is all about embracing humility and staying open to connections at any age, ensuring that both children and adults navigate social situations with ease and grace.

Next, we tackle the tricky topic of honesty, inspired by a personal story of watching "Incredibles 2" twice and its lessons on truthfulness. We dive into when, if ever, lying might be justified, touching on real-world historical scenarios like hiding Jews during WWII. We offer strategies for parents to teach the value of truth, prevent manipulation, and manage social requests effectively. It's about proactive parenting—setting expectations and leading by example to foster integrity in children.

Finally, let's talk about building stronger relationships and expanding social circles. Learn how proactive planning can help manage children's behavior and prevent family disruptions. We also discuss the importance of inclusive hospitality, encouraging kids to invite diverse peers and develop empathy. This episode concludes with practical advice on communication, forgiveness, and rescuing children from negative influences, all aimed at creating a kinder, more inclusive community for our kids. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on navigating the complexities of social interactions for both children and adults.