What would you tell yourself if you could go back to your first day as a parent?

When you’re in the middle of raising kids, it’s easy to worry about whether they’re keeping up, whether you’re getting things right, and whether you’re doing enough. But with nearly 23 years of fatherhood behind him, Anthony has learned that many of the things that seemed so important in the moment weren’t nearly as important as simply being present.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Anthony all about fatherhood. From the worries and mistakes of the early years to parenting teenagers, relying on faith when parenting gets hard, and the unexpected grief of becoming an empty nester.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why being present with your kids matters more than getting every parenting decision right
• What Anthony learned about letting go of control as his children became their own people
• How faith, prayer, and parenting as a team helped Anthony and Jennifer through some of the hardest seasons of raising teenagers

Plus, Anthony shares the one piece of advice he would give dads who are still somewhere between bringing that baby home and watching them leave it: savor the moments—they go faster than you think.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

What happens when one child's struggles affect the entire family?

Mental health challenges among children and teens are more common than many parents realize.  Yet many parents feel overwhelmed when a child is dealing with mental health challenges. It's easy to become so focused on helping the child who is struggling that siblings feel forgotten, communication breaks down, and parents end up carrying the burden alone.

In this deeply personal episode, Anthony and Jennifer share their family's experiences navigating mental health challenges with their children and the lessons they learned about supporting the entire family through difficult seasons. They discuss the mistakes they made, the insights they gained, and why facing these struggles together ultimately brought their family closer.

By the time you finish listening, you'll discover:

• Why sharing age-appropriate information with your children can strengthen your family during difficult times

• How involving the whole family can lead to better support, greater understanding, and even important insights you might otherwise miss

• Other practical lessons Anthony and Jennifer learned while helping their children navigate mental health challenges

If you're a busy parent trying to support a child through emotional or mental health struggles, this episode will remind you that you don't have to face it alone—and that your family may be one of your greatest sources of strength.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Have you ever wondered how motherhood changes you over time?

Not just through the sleepless nights, busy schedules, teenage struggles, and constant responsibilities, but deep down, in the person you become along the way?

In this deeply personal episode Anthony sits down with Jennifer for an honest conversation about more than 22 years of motherhood, parenting teenagers, building strong family relationships, and preparing for the empty nest season.

Together, they talk about the emotional highs and lows of raising children, the pressure many moms place on themselves, the challenges of the teenage years, and why connection matters more than parenting perfection.

From late-night talks with teenagers to the bittersweet process of letting children become independent, this episode is filled with encouragement for busy parents navigating every stage of family life.

By The Time You Finish Listening, You’ll Learn:

•  Why strong parent-child relationships matter more than perfection 
•  Encouragement for moms who feel like they’re failing 
•  How parenting and motherhood can deepen your faith and perspective 
•  Why letting go of your children is both joyful and painful 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by busy parenting, questioned whether you’re doing enough, or struggled with the changing seasons of motherhood, this conversation will remind you that love, presence, and connection matter far more than getting everything right.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

What if the very thing you think is “loving” your kids… is actually holding them back?

As busy parents, it’s easy to fall into the trap of making life easier for our kids. We may step in when things get hard, lower expectations to avoid conflict, or prioritize their happiness over their growth. But over time, this well-intentioned approach can leave kids unprepared, less resilient, and unsure of what they’re truly capable of.

The truth? Many of us unknowingly separate love and expectations, believing we can’t fully do both at the same time. But that imbalance is exactly what creates frustration in parenting and limits our children’s long-term growth.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we explore the powerful parenting framework of high love and high expectations and how finding that balance can transform your relationship with your kids and help them become confident, capable individuals. 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

•  How the four parenting styles impact your child’s confidence, behavior, and long-term success 
•  Why busy parenting often leads to lower expectations and how to shift that pattern 
•  What it really looks like to combine deep love with meaningful expectations in everyday family life 

If you’ve ever felt torn between being a “nice” parent and holding firm boundaries, this episode will help you see that you don’t have to choose. You can raise kids who feel deeply loved and are prepared for the real world.

Because real parenting isn’t about making life easier for your kids, it’s about helping them become who they’re meant to be.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Is your marriage getting lost in the rhythm of everyday life?

In the middle of busy parenting, managing schedules, responsibilities, and constant demands, it’s easy for your marriage to slowly shift into the background.

Not because anything is “wrong.”
But because everything else feels more urgent.

That’s the mistake many couples don’t even realize they’re making:
Letting their relationship run on autopilot while they focus on being great parents.

Over time, conversations become about logistics. Time together becomes rare. And connection starts to fade, not from lack of love, but from lack of intention.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we explore the reality that many couples experience a dip in marriage satisfaction during the parenting years, and more importantly, what you can do about it. Because strong families don’t happen by accident. Strong families are built on strong, intentional marriages.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

•  Why a dip in marriage satisfaction during the parenting years is normal, but doesn’t mean your relationship is in trouble
•  Practical, realistic ways to stay connected to your spouse in the middle of busy parenting 
•  How small, intentional habits can strengthen your marriage and create a healthier foundation for your family 

If you want a marriage that not only survives the parenting years, but grows stronger through them, this episode will give you simple ways to start today.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

When everything goes wrong in a parenting moment, what matters more—the mistake or your response to it?

As busy parents, it’s easy to react in the heat of the moment, especially when our kids make mistakes that cost time, money, or peace of mind. In those tense situations, frustration can take over before we even realize it.

But what if those same moments, the ones that feel overwhelming, are actually some of the most powerful opportunities we have to shape our relationship with our kids?

In this episode of Parents Making Time, Anthony shares a real-life parenting story that started with a 5:30 a.m. phone call and ended with a $2,000 lesson in staying calm, choosing connection, and practicing intentional parenting when it matters most.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

•  How your initial reaction as a parent can shape your child’s long-term trust and openness 
•  Why staying calm in stressful parenting moments leads to better outcomes than anger or frustration 
•  How to turn parenting mistakes into meaningful teaching moments instead of missed opportunities 

When you’re in the middle of busy parenting, it’s easy to focus on the mistake. But what your child will remember most is how you showed up in that moment.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Have you ever noticed that some of the most meaningful conversations with your kids happen when you least expect them, like during a car ride? 

For many busy parents, the car is simply a place to manage logistics. You're getting kids from school to activities and back home again. But what if those ordinary drives could become one of the most powerful opportunities for intentional parenting and connection?

In this episode of Parents Making Time, Anthony and Jennifer Craiker explore how simple moments in the car can turn into meaningful conversations that strengthen your relationship with your child. They share a personal story, the common mistakes parents make during car rides, and practical strategies to help parents turn everyday driving time into powerful connection time.

Because sometimes the moments that seem small, like a quiet ride, a shared song, or an open-ended question, become the ones your kids remember most.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• Why the car is one of the safest places for kids to open up and talk
 • The common mistakes busy parents make during car rides that quietly weaken connection
 • Five simple habits that can turn everyday driving into meaningful conversations with your kids

If you’re a parent who feels stretched thin by the demands of busy parenting, this episode will help you see that connection with your kids doesn’t always require more time - sometimes it simply requires more intention in the time you already have.

Because the goal of intentional parenting isn’t perfection, it’s learning to recognize the moments that matter and making the most of them.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Check out our new website at https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re technically “showing up" but you don’t feel like yourself?

For busy parents, burnout doesn’t usually explode into your life. It builds quietly. You start forgetting small things. Your patience gets thinner. You feel stretched in ways you can’t quite explain.

And then comes the dangerous thought:
 “I should be handling this better.”

So many intentional parents assume that if they’re overwhelmed, they must be doing something wrong. We compare ourselves to other families. We assume they’re managing work, home, marriage, and parenting with more grace.

But what we see is often just the polished version, not the missed appointments, the mental overload, or the quiet exhaustion happening behind the scenes.

What if burnout isn’t proof you’re failing, but a signal that something in your life needs adjusting?

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we reframe burnout for busy parents. Instead of treating it like a character flaw, we explore how it can serve as feedback. A prompt to pause, reflect, and simplify.

Drawing on wisdom from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, we talk about the discipline of focusing on what’s essential and letting go of what isn’t. In modern family life, there is no shortage of good things to do. But not all of them are necessary.

When busy parents learn to identify and remove the non-essential, they create space for energy, clarity, and more intentional parenting without adding anything new to their calendar.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• A healthier way to think about parent burnout
 • Why comparison keeps busy parents stuck in guilt
 • One powerful reflection question that can reduce overwhelm immediately

If you’re a busy parent trying to put family first without burning out, this conversation will help you step back, reset, and refocus on what matters most.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify

Have you ever been so desperate to solve a problem with your child that the harder you tried, the worse everything seemed to get?

As busy parents, we feel a deep responsibility to protect, guide, and help our children. Whether it’s anxiety, school, or preparing for adulthood, we instinctively jump into problem-solving mode when they are struggling. We research, we analyze, and we worry. But often, the more intensely we focus on the problem, the more frustrated, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained we become.

Here’s the truth: constantly forcing solutions doesn’t always help you find answers faster. In fact, it can cloud your thinking, increase your stress, and lead to missteps that make the situation harder for both you and your child. Intentional parenting isn’t just about taking action, it’s about knowing when to pause.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, Anthony and Jennifer share personal experiences, from helping their daughter through severe anxiety to preparing their son for adulthood, and reveal how stepping away from a problem can actually help you find clearer, faster, and more effective solutions.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why stepping away from parenting problems can help your brain find solutions more effectively
• The five-step problem-solving process that helps busy parents move from stress and frustration to clarity and confidence
• How intentional pauses can reduce anxiety, prevent burnout, and help you show up as the calm, present parent your child needs

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do as a parent isn’t to push harder. Instead, it's to pause, trust the process, and allow clarity to emerge.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

Parenting Questions? Email us at [email protected] (Please note, your question may be featured on the show).

For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Interested in joining our free online parenting community? Send us a DM to receive an invite!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Enjoy the show? Leave a rating & review: Apple | Spotify