Parents Making Time with Anthony & Jennifer Craiker | Intentional Parenting for Busy Parents

What if the strongest memories your kids carry into adulthood come not from vacations, but from small everyday traditions at home?

We often think family traditions are reserved for holidays—Christmas, birthdays, vacations—but research shows that rituals and routines play a powerful role in shaping family culture, kids’ identity, emotional wellbeing, and long-term connection. When life gets busy, family bonding and intentional parenting often take a back seat. Before we know it, we’re missing chances to create connection in the ordinary moments.

The truth? You don’t need more time—just intentional family activities and micro rituals that anchor your home in love and belonging.

AFTER LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How simple routines become meaningful family traditions that strengthen family culture.
• Real examples of family activities you can start this week for deeper connection (no holidays needed!).
• How traditions help kids feel seen, stable, loved — and why that supports long-term bonding.

In this episode of Parents Making Time we share some of our favorite traditions from raising our three kids: Friday movie night, bedtime gratitude, Sunday calls, special birthday rituals, and seasonal traditions we still look forward to every year. You’ll leave with practical ideas to build family culture and connection inside your home — even if you're short on parenting time.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource Announcement

00:28 The Importance of Family Traditions in Parenting

01:04 Scientific Insights on Family Rituals

03:21 Examples of Family Traditions

11:06 Holiday Traditions and Their Impact

15:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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

No new episode this week due to Thanksgiving. Next episode will be released on Friday, December 5, 2025. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your families! We are grateful for you, our listeners!! Happy parenting!

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 would happen if your family put the phones away—just for one evening a week? Could you strengthen your parent-child connection?

Maybe you’ve felt that tug lately—the sense that your teen is drifting into their screen while real conversations, teaching opportunities, and connection get squeezed out. You want more meaningful moments together . . . but between schedules, resistance, and the constant pull of devices, it feels almost impossible.

In this episode, we share the simple practice we  have started recently in our own home—and why we’re so glad we did it. By setting aside one night a week with no phones, we created space for deeper conversations, practical life lessons, spiritual moments, and genuine connection with our son in his final year at home. And the best part? It’s actually working. It's been a parenting win!

AS YOU’RE LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The common mistake parents make that limits deeper family connection—and how to fix it in one small shift.
• A step-by-step breakdown of our “No-Phone Sunday” routine, including life skills, spiritual discussions, and fun that actually keeps teens engaged.
• Why intentional, distraction-free time helps teens open up, stay accountable, and even start meaningful conversations on their own.

Whether you try a full “no-phone night” or simply adapt one piece of what we’re doing, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use this week to strengthen your parent-child bond.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource
00:28 Intentional Parenting Wins and Episode Overview
00:59 Meet Ethan: Our Busy Teenager
02:36 Implementing No-Phone Sundays
07:48 Family Activities and Lessons
09:57 Reflections and Benefits
13:42 Encouragement and Next Episode Teaser

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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

Do you ever catch yourself comparing your parenting to other families—wondering if you’re not doing enough or feeling guilty because someone else seems to have it all together?

Comparison is one of the biggest hidden causes of mom guilt, dad guilt, and parenting burnout. Whether you’re scrolling social media or watching families at church, comparison sneaks in—stealing your confidence, creating anxiety, and making it harder to be a present, intentional parent.

When we focus on what other families appear to be doing, we lose sight of what our own kids actually need. In today’s episode, we break down why comparison is the #1 habit that quietly drains joy from parenting, how it leads to emotional overload, and the simple mindset shift that helps you reconnect with your family, build confidence, and practice joyful parenting—without regret.

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

• Why comparing yourself to other parents—both upward (“they’re better”) and downward (“at least I’m not them”)—undermines your self-esteem and creates unnecessary parenting stress.
• How comparison keeps you from being a present parent and distracts you from your family’s unique needs and rhythms.
• A healthier, more mindful parenting approach that lets you learn from others without judging yourself—or them—and helps restore joy to your home.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource
00:28 The Habit That Drains Parenting Joy
01:08 The Comparison Trap
03:01 Personal Parenting Stories
05:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
06:55 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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 sat down for family dinner hoping for connection—only to be met with silence, clinking forks, and kids glued to their phones?

Even though dinner is one of the best chances to connect with your kids, conversation doesn’t always come naturally. Many busy parents assume that because you love each other, the talking part should just happen—but when it doesn’t, you miss out on those small, meaningful moments that strengthen your family bond.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we’re sharing three simple ways to get your kids talking at dinner—so you can turn mealtime into a daily ritual of laughter, learning, and love. These intentional family time ideas will help you go from awkward silence to genuine connection in just a few minutes a day, making meal times more meaningful and engaging.

In under 15 minutes you’ll learn…

• How to ask better questions that actually get your kids talking (and not just giving one or two word answers).
• Simple dinner table games that spark laughter, stories, and connection.
• The one thing you can do that instantly makes your kids more likely to open up and engage.

Because when you’re intentional about how you spend your family dinner time, you create moments that build connection, trust, and lifelong memories.

Get our FREE resource, “Dinner Conversation Starters", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/dinnerconversations. 

00:00 Introduction to Dinner Time Conversations
00:36 Common Dinner Time Challenges
01:42 The Importance of Intentional Dinner Time
02:46 Tip 1: Ask Open-Ended Questions
04:53 Tip 2: Play Dinner Games
06:03 Tip 3: Share About Yourself
07:45 Consistency and Managing Expectations
08:48 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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 felt like you and your spouse weren’t on the same page? You both love your kids deeply — but sometimes, it feels like you’re speaking two different languages when it comes to rules, routines, or how to handle a situation.

It’s one of the most common (and most frustrating) challenges parents face — especially for busy couples trying to balance work and family while still showing up as present, intentional parents. The result? Tension builds, connection fades, and it can start to impact not just your marriage, but your entire family dynamic.

But there’s a better way — In this episode, we’re talking about why you and your spouse aren’t seeing eye to eye and how to fix it.

IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why most parenting disagreements aren’t really about the kids at all
• Simple strategies to communicate with your spouse before responding to your child
• How to handle parenting decisions in the moment — without tension or mixed messages
• Creative ways to stay united as parents (even in front of your kids!)
• How this one shift can strengthen both your marriage and your family dynamic

00:00 Introduction: Parenting on Different Pages
00:32 The Big Mistake: Lack of Communication
03:46 Strategies for Unified Parenting
07:46 Real-Life Examples and Lessons
11:30 Conclusion and Resources

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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

Are you struggling to find meaningful moments of connection with your kids? You’re not alone. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists, it can feel impossible to carve out quality time — especially when your kids are busy too.

But here’s the truth: meaningful connection doesn’t have to take hours. You don’t need elaborate family activities or perfectly planned moments. What truly matters are the small, intentional choices you make throughout the day—the micro-moments that quietly build your bond and strengthen your relationship over time.

In today’s episode, we’re sharing 5 micro-moments of intention that allow you to connect with your kids in 30 seconds or less—even on your busiest days.

IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How the belief that “connection takes time” keeps you from deeper relationships with your kids
• How to get rid of parenting guilt over lack of connection with your kids
• Simple ways to turn everyday moments into lasting memories
• How micro-moments help you feel more present and connected—without adding more to your plate

00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Connecting with Your Kids
00:49 Juggling Busy Schedules
02:00 The Myth of Needing Big Chunks of Time
03:08 Micro Moment 1: The Power of a Random Hug
07:43 Micro Moment 2: Texting a Photo to Connect
09:09 Micro Moment 3: Letting Your Kid Pick the Music
10:34 Micro Moment 4: Doing a Simple Chore for Your Child
11:58 Micro Moment 5: Praying for Your Kids
13:41 Conclusion: More Micro Moments and Next Episode Preview

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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

Do you ever open your phone to “just check something” — and suddenly realize you’ve lost 30 minutes to scrolling? Scrolling isn’t just a problem for our kids, it is a problem for parents too. In this episode of Parents Making Time, Anthony talks with Ruby Ryba, educator, statistician, and mom of two, about the hidden costs of phone addiction and how scrolling addiction quietly robs families of time, focus, and connection.

Ruby shares honest stories and research-backed strategies to help parents:

• Recognize the signs of phone addiction and wasting time on social media
• Rebuild healthier boundaries around technology
• Be a more present and intentional parent
• Create moments of true connection and family bonding on a tight schedule
• Model balanced tech habits for the next generation

If you’ve ever felt torn between your phone and your family, this episode will show you how to reclaim your attention, restore calm, and parent without regret. Presence isn’t about giving up technology — it’s about using it intentionally so you can focus on what truly matters: your people.

Breaking the Scrolling Habit: An Interview with Ruby Reba

00:00 Introduction: The Phone Addiction Dilemma
00:56 Meet Ruby Reba: Tackling Phone Addiction
03:47 Understanding Phone Addiction
08:06 Practical Strategies to Combat Phone Addiction
13:04 Ruby's Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts
13:53 Conclusion and Free Resource for Parents

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Other Resources Mentioned:

• How to Stop Scrolling by Ruby Ryba (coming soon at howtostopscrolling.com)
• ClearSpace App – a powerful tool to break scrolling addiction and reduce distractions

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 hit a point in parenting where you thought, “I literally can’t do this alone”?

Parenting is always demanding — but there are certain seasons when it feels like everything is too much, and trying to handle it all by yourself just leads to burnout, resentment, or feeling like you're failing.

In today’s episode, we’re sharing the one parenting tool we’ve come to rely on — the thing we honestly don’t think we could parent without. It’s not a hack or a gadget… but it just might change everything.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The effort it takes to put the right things in place for you as a parent is always worth it.
• True self-reliance doesn’t mean going it alone.
• Having the right tools around us can help us physically AND emotionally.

So if you’ve ever felt like you just can’t do this parenting thing alone, tune in to hear the one tool we rely on that could change everything.

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
00:32 When Jennifer Needed Help
01:26 Building a Support System
02:35 The Importance of Asking for Help
04:57 How to Find and Develop Your Support System
07:32 Emotional Support and Personal Experiences
09:57 Conclusion and Free Resource Guide
11:03 Preview of the Next Episode

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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

Are you running on fumes, constantly giving to everyone else while putting yourself dead last?

So many parents assume burnout is just part of the job — that exhaustion, overwhelm, and self-neglect are just what it means to be a “good parent.” But that belief is not only false…it's harmful to both the parent and the child.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the secret weapon every parent can use to push back against burnout — and no, it’s not a nap or a week-long vacation. It’s something simple, sustainable, totally doable in your real life, and will help you prioritize your spouse and kids.

Thoughts from this episode:

• Remembering that you make the decisions about how you spend your time.
• How FOMO causes burnout.
• The positive effect for you and your family of addressing the cause of your burnout. 

So if you’re tired of running on fumes and ready to discover a simple, sustainable way to beat parent burnout, this episode is for you—tune in now.

00:00 Introduction: The Reality of Parent Burnout
00:30 Meet the Hosts: Anthony and Jennifer Craiker
00:40 Setting Boundaries: A Personal Story
02:28 The Importance of Prioritizing Your Time
04:38 Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries
06:57 Free Resource: 30-Second Micro Moments
07:53 Conclusion: Become the Parent You Want to Be

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

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