December is such a special time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus—but let’s be honest, it can also get a little crazy! Between shopping, decorating, and keeping up with everyone’s expectations, that sense of peace we long for can slip right through our fingers. In this episode, Rich and Julie Young talk about how, as a family, to stay focused on what really matters this Christmas. They share simple, practical ways to slow down, take the pressure off gift-giving, and help our kids grow hearts of generosity instead of entitlement.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ The Love Languages & touchpoints of love

→ An overview of the Love Languages video

→ The Love Languages test (for adults)

→ The Love Languages test (for children)

→ ⁠Episode 17: The Entitlement Epidemic: A Parent's Guide to Recognition and Remedy // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // YouTube

Advent Books & Devotionals for the family:

→ The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

→ Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado

→ Christmas Cross by Max Lucado

→ Jotham’s Journey (the first in a series) by Arnold Ytreeide //

(View the whole series here: https://amzn.to/4ouhB1z)

→ The CandyMaker’s Gift by David & Helen Haidle

→ The Power of Christmas Prayer by Stormie OMartian

→ One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham

→ The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul

→ Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Anne Voskamp

→ The Advent Book by Jack & Kathy Stockman

→ The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection

→ The Jesus Storybook Bible: Advent Activity Book

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The U.S. Bookstore

→ The Australia & NZ Bookstore

→ The Asia Pacific Bookstore

→ The Brazil Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

In the final episode of our series on Discipline and Discipleship, Rich and Julie Young are joined by Don and Julie Keating for a heartfelt conversation about what it really looks like to disciple our children at every stage of parenting. God has entrusted us with the sacred calling to teach the next generation about Him — and what a privilege that is! But if you’ve ever wondered where to even start, you’re not alone.

We’ll talk about how discipleship begins with the posture of our own hearts, how our children learn more from what we model than what we say, and how to walk this out even when we feel overwhelmed or imperfect. With practical steps and real-life encouragement, this episode reminds us that God loves our children even more than we do — and He is faithfully present to guide us every step of the journey.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders

→ Episode 21: Discipline vs. Discipleship: Defining the Difference, Discovering the Benefits // Apple // Spotify // YouTube

→ Episode 22: Heart-Focused Discipline: Teaching our Children, Not Just Punishing // Apple // Spotify // YouTube

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
→ Praying the Scriptures books by Jodie Berndt

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ ⁠Contact Mom Ministry⁠

→ The U.S. Bookstore

→ The Australia & NZ Bookstore

→ The Asia Pacific Bookstore

→ The Brazil Bookstore

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

 
Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Don and Julie Keating return as guests on the podcast as we dive deeper into a discussion on the importance and the necessity of discipline in parenting our children well. When we think of disciplining our children we can often think that only means punishment and doling out consequences.. But to discipline actually means to train a child in right behavior.  While this does often involves consequences, there is so much more involved to encourage right behavior. (And this may not be something we want to hear, but to train our children well, we have to be disciplined ourselves.) The discussion involves practical ways to discipline our children at each stage of parenting:

1-Discipline phase: 0-5 years

2-Training phase:  6-12 years

3-Coaching phase: Teen years

We also focus on the importance of the layer upon layering of the foundation that is vital to raising responsible children who bring glory to God, bless the family, and bless others. Enjoy the conversation involving guidance, practical examples, and plenty of admissions of things we wish we had a do-over on.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders

Discipline & Discipleship Episodes:

→ Episode 21 // Apple // Spotify // YouTube

→ Episode 22 // this episode

→ Episode 23 // Coming soon!

Speaking Life Podcast Episodes:

→ Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ Episode 11 | No Room for Weeds: Nurturing a Healthy Lawn in Your Parenting // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Episode 15 | Is First Time Obedience Worth It? The Neuroscience Says Yes. // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Parenting from the Tree of Life Material

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Episode 16 | The Hidden Influence: How Structure & Routine Shape Your Child's Development // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Episode 10 | Parenting in the Digital Age: Responsibility & Boundaries with Technology // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Episode 18 | Chores with Purpose: Instilling Work Ethic and a Heart to Serve in Your Children (a discussion with Kurt & Jill Everson) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ Life in the Middle Years Material

→ Authority to Influence

Additional Video Segments Related to this episode:

→ Parenting in Moments of Non-Conflict
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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The U.S. Bookstore

→ The Australia & NZ Bookstore

→ The Asia Pacific Bookstore

→ The Brazil Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Join Rich and Julie Young as they welcome special guests, Don and Julie Keating, for an insightful conversation about their parenting journey. The Keatings open up about the principles that have guided their family, emphasizing the power of being a united team and the importance of speaking life into their children. As they put it, they are truly "better together," and this shared front has been essential to their success in raising 5 children who love the Lord and each other.

The discussion also dives deep into a vital distinction for every parent: the difference between discipline and discipleship. While discipline focuses on correcting behavior, discipleship is about training a child's heart. Both are necessary for raising well-rounded children, but an imbalance, as too much of one at the expense of the other can be counterproductive. This episode offers practical wisdom for building a family on a foundation of love and intention.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders

Speaking Life Podcast Episodes:

→ ⁠Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

→ ⁠Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ Preparation for Parenting Material

→ Parenting from the Tree of Life Material

→ Mom Talk Thrive Recording: Discipline vs Discipleship

→ Join us live on Mom Talk Thrive

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The U.S. Bookstore

→ The Australia & NZ Bookstore

→ The Asia Pacific Bookstore

→ The Brazil Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

What happens when one’s emotional growth is stunted by past trauma? It can affect even the most successful, accomplished adults, leaving one with an emotional age far younger than their biological one. In this podcast, the Ezzos and Youngs explore a divine prescription for healing: the Life message.

Drawing from an understanding of God’s character and His life-giving virtues, the Ezzos reveal how the Life message and being a part of a life-giving community can be a powerful antidote to a deep wound caused by either a single traumatic event or a wearing down from a lack of the life message in one’s life. Discover the incredible neurological and spiritual implications of the Life message to bring healing and emotional growth to life’s deepest hurts.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders

Speaking Life Podcast Episodes

→ Episode 2 // Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube

→ Episode 3 // Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ Join a Growing Families Class

→ Mom Talk Thrive

→ Find a Growing Families Event

→ Find a Life-Giving Church

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The U.S. Bookstore

→ The Australia & NZ Bookstore

→ The Asia Pacific Bookstore

→ The Brazil Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Ready to cut through the noise of the endless stream of parenting trends on social media and trying to figure out what is best for your child??

Drawing from the newly updated, Babyhood Transitions book, we dive into topics like baby-led weaning and The Wonder Weeks, examining the science (and sometimes lack thereof) behind popular fads. Parental intentionality coupled with resolve is a better option than baby knows best because baby doesn’t really know best.

We believe that your wisdom and life experience are invaluable. Your children need you to guide them, not just follow their lead. This episode is about empowering you to be an engaged, intentional, and informed parent—someone who invests in their child's development with purpose and resolve. We'll show you how to give your child what they need, when they're ready, without rushing them - all with the purpose of maximizing your child’s potential.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ The Babyhood Transitions

→ Parenting from the Tree of Life

→ Prep for Parenting

→ Blanket Time

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Join Rich and Julie Young with Kurt and Jill Everson for a practical discussion on chores. This episode redefines chores, exploring their surprising benefits for kids' development and family cooperation. Discover how these tasks build vital life skills and a strong work ethic, plus get actionable strategies for implementing them effectively with children from an early age through to the teen years.

Ever wonder if chores could be more than just… chores? Join Rich and Julie Young, alongside Kurt and Jill Everson, for a game-changing discussion that redefines the very essence of household tasks. This isn't just about tidying up; it's about unlocking surprising benefits for your kids' development and fostering unparalleled family cooperation. Tune in to discover how these seemingly simple tasks build vital life skills, cultivate a robust work ethic, and pave the way for a more harmonious home. Plus, get ready for actionable strategies you can implement with children from their earliest years right through their teens!

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Kurt & Jill Everson, Growing Families leaders

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ Podcast episode on entitlement // YouTube // Apple Podcasts // Spotify

→ Martha to the Max (book)

→ How to Raise a Responsible Child - the Monkey Teaching (Original Video)

→ How to Raise a Responsible Child - the Monkey Teaching (Video)

Additional Video Segments Related to this episode:
→ Proactive strategies in raising a responsible child (Video)

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Are you accidentally raising an entitled child? Discover the subtle signs, unintentional enablers, and powerful strategies to cultivate gratitude, responsibility, and resilience in your kids.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Kurt & Jill Everson, Growing Families leaders

Resources mentioned in the episode:

→ Martha to the Max Book

→ Parenting Inside & Outside the Funnel (Article)

→ What Does it Mean to Parent Outside the Funnel? (Video)

→ Getting a Child Back Inside the Funnel (Video)

→ More video segments on the funnel

→ Podcast Episode on Vision part 1 // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts

→ Podcast Episode on Vision part 2 // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts

→ Podcast Episode on Chores // Coming soon!

Additional resources related to this episode:

→ Bribing in Exchange for Compliance (Video)

→ The Bribing Parent (Video)

→ More video segments on the bribing parent

→ The Danger of Flattery (Video)

→ Destroying Children with Flattery (Video)

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

The words Structure and Routine can sometimes strike fear into the hearts of parents who reject being tied down to a strict schedule where every minute of the day is planned. But that’s not what Structure and Routine is all about. Instead, it is a plan that reduces the amount of correction needed and gives: order to the day, predictability, and best of all FREEDOM! Rich and Julie share the benefits of structure and routine and practical suggestions to implement in your child’s day. Then Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo join Rich and Julie to discuss the neuroscience behind structure and routine and the hidden influence it exerts.

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

→ Blanket Time Explained

→ Playpen Time Explained

→ The Brain Benefits of Structure & Routine

→ Speaking Life Podcast Episode // YouTube // Apple // Spotify

Additional Resources Related to Structure & Routine:

→ The Blessings of Structure & Routine

→ Five Benefits of Structure & Routine

→ Room Time Explained

→ Daily Activity Planner Template

→ Weekly Activity Planner Template

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Teaching our children to obey us, first time, is usually more difficult for us, the parents, than it is for the child. It takes work and consistency, and we often don’t realize that we may be undermining our own efforts. Rich and Julie talk about why it’s important for children to be trained in first time obedience, how to do it, and some warnings to prevent us from sabotaging our own efforts. Gary and Anne Marie join Rich and Julie to discuss the neuroscience behind obedience and the rewards our children reap well into their adulthood as a result. 

Rich & Julie Young, hosts

Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders

Additional Video Segments Related to Obedience:

→ Characteristics of Obedience

→ The “Yes Mommy” & “Yes Daddy” Responses

→ The “5 Minute Warning”

→ The “Why” of Instruction

→ The Five Categories of Moral Education

→ Parenting Words, Sensory Input, & Lasting Impressions

→ A Family with a Broken “Y”

→ The Conscience & the “Moral Why”

→ The Moral Why - Example One

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→ The Growing Families Website

→ Register for a Class

→ Our Courses

→ The Bookstore

→ Contact Mom Ministry

→ Instagram

→ Facebook

→ YouTube

Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]