Just Ask Your Mom

In this third episode of our Joy series, we look at the difference between living from a fear-based perspective and one based on joy. We walk through some easy-to-practice skills you (and your kids!) can do to learn the power of appreciation and get back on the path to emotional regulation and calm.

Marcus Warner's book: The Four Habits of Joy-Filled People

In this episode, part 2 of our joy series, we're talking about the first habit we can practice to move out of our "fear house" and into our "joy house." When we feel out of control -- like a toddler whose emotions are all over the place-- there are things we can do to quiet our bodies. Being calm isn't simply a matter of will or choice. When someone simply tells us to "calm down," it usually has the opposite effect! If your day seems to be spiraling, practice some of these calming exercises with your kids!

We hear the slogan "choose joy" tossed around a lot, but is that even possible? In this upcoming series we're unpacking a few habits that we can practice--and help our children practice to get a headstart on things!--to unearth more joy in our lives. Simple and quick habits anyone can do.

Four Habits of Joy-Filled People: 15 Minute Brain Science Hacks to a More Connected and Satisfying Life

This 2-part interview with Traci Condra details her 15+ year marriage with her husband, Kyle, who struggled for years with worsening anger and rage. After years of prayer and counseling, Traci and their two daughters found themselves at a low point, wondering if this was just what life would be like. Then, the But God moment.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

This 2-part interview with Traci Condra details her 15+ year marriage with her husband, Kyle, who struggled for years with worsening anger and rage. After years of prayer and counseling, Traci and their two daughters found themselves at a low point, wondering if this was just what life would be like.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

In the 3rd in our birth order series, we peel back the curtain on the baby of the family. What makes lastborns tick and how might that play out in their marriages and parenting tendencies? Lastborns have advantages and disadvantages that other children in families don't. Plus, they really know how to turn on the charm.

There's more to middle children than being the overlooked, overshadowed kid who gets lost in the shuffle. Middles do find ways to distinguish themselves from other siblings. They're sociable, adaptable, and very loyal friends. As a middle child, how might you react as a parent, or a spouse? Knowing these tendencies about yourself or your chlid can be enlightening and helpful!

The family context we're born into plays a large part in who we become. It's the nurture part of the nature versus nurture equation. Firstborn and Only children not only have parents to themeselves for a good period of time, but they may also bear the first-time stress and doubt of new parents. They're the guinea pigs, the first drafts, and the ones who are oldest and should "know better." If you're a firstborn or only, sharing this episode with your younger siblings or spouse might explain a lot about you!

From hula hoops to Peloton, this conversation with guest Hannah Skelley covers miles of fitness ground. She's a golf coach and mom of two who also designs her own fitness routines to work with a busy mom's schedule. Join us for the low down on fitness from pregnancy to post-partum and beyond!

Check out the vothcenter.com (Voice of the Heart), the counseling center mentioned in this episode.

It may be one of the trickiest and most notorious relationships in the history of families: mother and daughter-in-law. We've been both daughter-in-law and mother-in-law and we think there may be some best practices on both sides that can smooth a potentially rough road.