Rock Solid Families

Rock Solid Families -  Ep 238 -  Identity in Christ Alone - Welcoming Meredith Scudder to the RSF Team

Meredith Scudder - Assistant Director and Coach at Rock 

“What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ,” explains Meredith Scudder, the new Assistant Director and faith-based coach at Rock Solid Families. Meredith chose to get a Masters in Social Work after seeing firsthand the challenges facing elementary school students in special education. When God led her to take a position in the wilderness of Wisconsin, she expected to arrive to find her dream job. What she found instead was a new path and a transformed heart. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson welcome Meredith to the Rock Solid Families family and talk about her career journey, her experiences working with healing trauma in adolescents, and the importance of centering healing on the foundation of a strong relationship with God.

It is difficult for teachers and counselors in non-faith based programs because they are restricted from incorporating their faith into their work. For Meredith, even when all other aspects of her job in Wisconsin made it seem like a ‘dream job’, it always felt like a major piece was missing from the puzzle. She saw many children struggling with issues of identity that were translating into problems behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. Without being able to help these students find their identity in Christ, Meredith was at a loss for how to truly get to the root of their trauma. Instead, she was seeing the traditional method for healing trauma be to offer symptom management rather than actually seeking and addressing the root cause. 

Faith-based counseling offers a level of healing that non-faith based modalities are unable to achieve because they are leaving a major piece of the puzzle out of the equation. Trauma is subjective and looks different for everyone, so it is critical to seek out the root cause rather than only focusing on treating the symptoms. Forming a strong relationship with God and seeking your identity in Christ will help you to heal the root of trauma.

Quotes

• “It felt like we were just kind of managing the symptoms. And there seemed to be a deeper rooted problem that wasn't being addressed.” (8:34-8:44 | Meredith)
• “Trauma looks a lot of different ways, and it's subjective.” (10:42-10:47 | Meredith)
• “I thought He was taking me there for my dream job, and to advance my career. And turns out, He was taking me there for my own wilderness experience, to renew my mind, and transform my heart.” (12:15-12:31 | Meredith)
• “What I'm seeing a lot of the youth struggle with is identity. And they're not going to know their identity until they know Christ.” (19:16-19:28 | Meredith) 
• “We see teachers and counselors all the time that talk about how restricted they feel by not being able to bring the way of God or Christ into their daily work.” (21:26-21:40 | Merrill)
• “There's licensed therapy out there that is, I believe, doing more harm than good with some of our girls and really reaffirming some of these lies that the enemy has planted in their mind.” (29:52-30:04 | Linda) 

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9WFpyeq4yLM

Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12836874-rock-solid-families-identity-in-christ-alone-welcoming-meredith-scudder-to-the-rsf-team-ep-238.mp3?download=true

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson |

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Families EP237: Life Transformation - Their Stories

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson

“Trust is not rebuilt overnight. We’ve got to just keep showing each other that we have the right intention, and we're going to try, and we're going to relearn some new practices,” shares co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Periods of life transformation are often uncomfortable and take time and hard work. But God is ready to walk with you every step of the way. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the power of life transformation through sharing with permission the stories of some of the people who have sought their guidance over the years. 

Merrill and Linda share several stories of clients who have come to them seeking help at times in their lives when they were struggling and in need of help to transform their lives. Many sought help with their marriages, while others were needing help healing from past traumatic experiences. Merrill and Linda explain that regardless of the uniqueness of each situation, everyone came to the same realization in the end, that by prioritizing God above all else, they could heal and transform their lives and interpersonal relationships. 

Learning how to surrender to God is a huge part of the process of transformation. Take the time to invite God in by talking with Him, seeking out His Word, and seeking Godly counsel whenever necessary. Whether you are trying to rebuild your marriage, heal past wounds, or work on yourself, improving your relationship with God is step one. 

Quotes

• “Trust is not rebuilt overnight. We’ve got to just keep showing each other that we have the right intention, and we're going to try, and we're going to relearn some new practices.” (17:29-17:37 | Merrill)
• “It gives me hope that even when you begin to drift as a couple, or when you think you've got it all on the outside, according to the world, you don't. And, man there is something better out there.” (18:49-18:59 | Linda)
• “Sometimes our trauma in our life is constantly leaking out of our pores, and we don't even know it.” (21:47-21:54 | Merrill) 
• “Stop living guilty. God wants to bless you. And as long as you're out there living, it is not about all of you being perfect and trying to check every box. It's about you just using your gifts to serve and to love people and God.” (37:01-37:17 | Merrill)

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/rn0ZMu20odc 

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12797486-rock-solid-families-podcast-life-transformation-our-stories-episode-236.mp3?download=true

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ 

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Families Podcast  EP236: Life Transformation - Sharing Our Stories

Merrill and Linda Hutchison

“The idea of going through the transformation oftentimes means you're going to go through a difficult time. And if you right now are in a difficult time, rather than looking for quick fixes, just start your talk with God,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Transformation is often uncomfortable and it definitely is not easy, but it can open your life to possibilities you never would have imagined for yourself. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the power of life transformation through sharing their own personal experiences with being guided through the transformation process by putting their faith in God. 

One of the most difficult times in Merrill and Linda’s lives was when they were facing Merrill’s struggle with an anxiety disorder. It had gotten to the point where he was questioning his faith and questioning why they were even going to Church. He was having frequent panic attacks and closing himself off, and Linda did not know how to help him alongside her own challenges of being a new mom. They found themselves at a new Church, seeking guidance and knowing that in order for transformation to occur, they needed to change their approach. Even though this period of time was difficult for Merrill and Linda, it was also an incredible opportunity for transformation that ultimately led them to the beautiful relationship they have with God. 

Instead of reaching for quick fixes like self-medicating, open yourself up to the immeasurable power of God’s love. Transformation is not an overnight fix and in fact is a lifelong journey. When you embrace this journey together with God, you will begin to see a beautiful transformation take place as God opens the doors to the life that He desires for you.

Quotes

• “The idea of going through the transformation oftentimes means you're going to go through a difficult time. And if you right now are in a difficult time, rather than looking for quick fixes, just start your talk with God.” (15:43-16:02 | Merrill)
• “When you start to really need God, you know you’ve got to do something different.” (19:10-19:13 | Linda) 
• “We want to invite you along the journey and opportunity for transformation.” (24:26-24:31 | Merrill)
• “I believe in the power transformation. I believe that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ever ask or imagine.” (25:26-26:04 | Linda)
• “Transformation is not always fun, but to get to the other side is amazing.” (27:42-27:46 | Merrill)

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/6T1zisn8oDc

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12799388-rock-solid-families-podcast-life-transformation-sharing-their-stories-episode-237.mp3?download=true

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ 

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Radio -  Ep 235 - Intimacy Builders and Intimacy Busters

Merrill and Linda

PodAmp

“Everybody has a desire for emotional intimacy and physical intimacy and even spiritual intimacy, but the amount that you need could be different. And neither one is right or wrong,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Men and women tend to have very different ideas when they hear the word intimacy. These differences mean that oftentimes husbands and wives end up busting the intimacy in their marriage rather than building it up. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss how to build and strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy within a marriage by sharing ten intimacy builders and busters.

Although women may tend to be more focused on emotional intimacy and men on physical intimacy, all three areas are important for a healthy and fulfilling marriage. Much of intimacy building comes down to understanding the ways your intimacy needs differ from that of your spouse and working together within that set up to strengthen your relationship. Merrill and Linda talk about ten different areas of intimacy builders and busters, some of which are acts of service, affirmation and appreciation, appropriate humor, unconditional respect, and spiritual connection. 

A marriage is a partnership and it is important that you and your spouse work as a team 100% of the time. Acknowledge and respect one another’s differences and come together to build a stronger connection and deeper intimacy. To truly honor both your relationship with God and your relationship with your partner, approach one another with grace and understanding, unconditional love, and respect always. 

Quotes

• “Everybody has a desire for emotional intimacy and physical intimacy and even spiritual intimacy, but the amount that you need could be different. And neither one is right or wrong.” (12:00-12:13 | Merrill)
• “Ladies, we've got to understand that we can't just go and expect the world from our man without some warm up, without helping to connect with him in a way that he receives it.” (13:00-13:12 | Linda)
• “When you have been asked by your spouse, whether it be to have sex, or to have this deep discussion, emotional connection, please don't put them off day after day after day after day.” (20:25-20:37 | Linda)
• “If there's a ‘but’ after your affirmation or your compliment, then you just might as well erase the compliment or affirmation.” (24:07-24:16 | Linda)
• “Being available for the acts of service is a real turn on for the intimacy, especially when you see without being asked.” (25:40-25:47 | Merrill)
• “If you want to build intimacy, you better have grace flowing out of your relationship.” (39:49-39:54 | Merrill) 

Links

YouTube | https://youtu.be/PCX0rHm235Q 

Podcast | https://www.buzzsprout.com/636718/12739145-rock-solid-families-podcast-intimacy-builders-and-intimacy-busters-episode-235.mp3?

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Leaving The Nest on Rock Solid Families Podcast

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Families podcast discuss the six keys to successfully launching a child into adulthood.

Rock Solid Families Podcast

https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio

Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they discuss the six keys to helping your child launch successfully and the five success markers to watch for in your relationship with your adult child.

“Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we’re not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. As graduation looms closer and closer, a lot of parents are thinking about the next steps for their teen and young adult children. More and more adult children are sitting at their parents’ home with no job or motivation, because of unclear expectations and poor planning. Today co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson discuss the emancipation parenting stage and how to prepare children for leaving the nest. 

Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• iHeart
• Youtube

In this podcast, the host covers:

• How the parents’ own insecurities can lead to failure to launch
• Emancipation as the fourth stage of parenting
• Transitioning from mentor to friend
• What the six keys to a successful launch are
• How to apologize and take responsibility for your role in an unsuccessful launch
• The importance of establishing expectations and boundaries early on
• How to guide your children so they anchor themselves to Jesus Christ
• The 5 success markers to look for in your relationship with your adult child

Caption: Merrill and Linda Hutchinson, co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast

Link: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/about

Podcast Quotes:

• “Some of the concerns you have about your kids launching out and leaving your home are baked into some insecurities that you have.” (7:44-7:52 | Merrill)
• “What are you doing when your kid graduates? What are you doing to get your kid to graduate?” (12:21-12:26 | Merrill)
• “Don't surprise them. Don't threaten them. Please help them understand, we’re not trying to punish you. We're trying to prepare you.” (14:44-14:50 | Linda) 
• “It takes a lot of the emotion out when they know what to expect. It doesn't mean they necessarily are going to like it, but this is where you have to be solid.” (21:09-21:18 | Merrill) <

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Families - Ep 233 - Rock Solid Families - The Heaviness of Grief

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson

“Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. We're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, depression, denial, or acceptance. It’s not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life,” explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. When you are dealing with a tragedy like a death or loss, there are several stages of grief that you may experience. People often talk about these stages as if they are linear, but in reality, you may bounce back and forth between them as you process your emotions. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about the heaviness of grief and seven things to consider doing when helping others through the grieving process.

When a tragedy occurs, people often go directly to denial, not wanting to believe that something so upsetting has taken place. They may become angry and direct that anger inwardly, outwardly, or even toward God Himself, especially in the case of an untimely death. As healing progresses and people allow themselves to feel the sadness of loss, they will naturally progress toward depression and finally, acceptance. Sometimes people can become trapped in their grief. And at that point, they may need to seek professional help. If you are helping someone through their grief, do not try to hurry them through it. Allow them the time to process at their own speed and provide a safe space where they can share their feelings.

Everyone will experience grief at some point throughout their lives. However, not everyone will process their grief the exact same way. Some ways you can help guide others through their grief is to acknowledge their loss, provide practical help such as babysitting or cooking a meal, offer to pray for them, and share scriptures where appropriate.

Quotes

• “When you finally start to experience the reality of a loss, we’re not denying it, we're not bargaining out of it. Depression is actually a good sign that you are coming out of it.” (9:59-10:12 | Linda)
• “There's so many of our clients that believe that if I accept it, then that means I wanted it to happen.” (11:12-11:18 | Linda)
• “People have to solve their own problems. They have to walk through their own stuff. And so giving advice that is unsolicited, really most of the time is hurtful.” (15:05-15:15 | Merrill)
• “Don't assume that somebody should progress at a certain rate.” (16:49-16:53 | Merrill) 
• “Talk less, listen more.” (20:18-20:20 | Merrill)
• “Everyone grieves differently, and there's no one right way to grieve. And so we're just here to give you permission to grieve, whether that be in anger, that be depression, whether that be denial, acceptance. It’s not meaning you didn't love that person, it means that you have decided to keep moving on in life.” (30:39-31:01 | Linda)

Links

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ 

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Insecure Parenting on Rock Solid Families Podcast

Caption: Rock Solid Families
https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio

Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, they talk about the epidemic of ‘woke’ parenting and the challenges that come from parents allowing their own fears and insecurities to influence how they raise their children.

“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides,” explains co-host Merrill Hutchinson. Everyone has insecurities and fears stemming from their own life experiences and how they were raised. It’s when these insecurities spill over into how you choose to parent that it can become a real issue for not only your kids, but society as a whole. Today, co-hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson talk about what it means to be insecure parents and provide 5 insecurity busters to help you set your family up for success.

Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill Hutchinson with Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
iHeart
Youtube

In this podcast, the host covers:
What insecure parenting is and where these insecurities stem from
How natural human survival instincts are affected by the amount of information available today
What the epidemic of ‘wokeness’ is and how it is impacting parenting
What are the 5 insecurity busters that can help parents create a secure, safe environment for their children to grow


Caption: Merrill and Linda Hutchinson
Link: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/about

Podcast Quotes:
“This ‘wokeness’ is now epidemic and all it has done is create nothing but insecurities.” (16:32-16:42 | Merrill)
“The more we attempt to protect our kids, the more we handicap them.” (17:25-17:30 | Linda)
“We don't have any idea what the future is going to hold, and we don't know whether we're going to protect our kids from all things. But we know that God gives a way and provides.” (20:16-20:26 | Merrill)
“We can't provide a storm free life for our children, but we can help them storm proof it.” (24:52-24:56 | Linda)
“If you're going to put your faith and trust in something, put it in something like God. Don't put it in yourself, because we're fallen human people with weaknesses and limitations. God has none of that. And so that's why we believe He's the rock to build our lives on.” (35:17-35:31 | Linda)
“Obviously we want to warn our children and protect them, but we don't want to bubble wrap them and kind of build them up into these fears where they're so afraid to go live life.” (39:05-39:15 | Linda)
“Reasonable risk and adventures are healthy and they are necessary for your child to grow to their fullest potential.” (39:19-39:28 | Merrill)

About the Podcast Co-Hosts:
To learn more about Merrill and Linda, visit their website (Rock Solid Families).

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Becky Brown on Discovering Your Attachment Style, with Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Rock Solid Radio Podcast

Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries, was interviewed by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson of Rock Solid Radio podcast on attachment styles.

Caption: Rock Solid Radio

https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/podcast/rock-solid-radio

Becky has been a Professional Clinical Counselor for 25 years. She has worked as a CoHost of the national radio show, New Life Live for the past 3 years. She has been involved with New Life Ministries in Donor Relations and Development for over 12 years. Becky has her Masters in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a wife and mother of three grown children and grandmother of three grandchildren. She has a special knack for bringing expert counseling support with a well rounded Christian foundation to her listeners and clients. In this episode, she explains the concept of attachment styles, shares how a person’s attachment style impacts all of their relationships, and explains the steps to begin healing and learning to create secure attachments. 
“The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?’,” shares Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries. Becky has been a professional clinical counselor for 25 years, offering Christian counseling and life coaching. She helps people to learn about their attachment styles and work towards creating secure attachment in order to heal their relationships. Today, Becky joins co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson to talk about attachment styles, mental health, healing relationships, and the transformative power of faith.

Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson with Becky Brown on your preferred podcast channel.

In this podcast, the host covers:

• Why Becky chose to become a Christian counselor
• What attachment theory is and why it impacts every relationship a person has
• How to discover your attachment style
• Why the 12 step path can be helpful to life recovery, even for non addicts
• Why it is important to expand your emotional vocabulary
• How Every Man’s Battle, a workshop and book, can help men develop healthier attachment styles

Caption: Becky Brown, Development Director of New Life Ministries

Link: https://newlife.com/

Podcast Quotes:

• “There is this complicated thing called life where it does make a difference with intact families. It does make a difference when we are teaching the kids how to see other people as people and humans and love them with the love of Christ.” (10:00-10:15 |  Becky)
• “When people understand their attachment style, it impacts every relationship they have.” (12:45-12:52 | Becky) 
• “The one pivotal question that attachment theory starts with is, ‘what are your first memories of being comforted?’.” (13:39-13:47 | Becky)
• “What we don't realize many times is that we are the ones that may be disrupting what's actually happening in the connection.” (21:47-21:55 | Becky)
• “You don't have to have a Bible study to start with. You just need to be seen and heard.” (46:30-46:34 | Becky)

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

“There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected,” shares co-host Linda Hutchinson. Whether you are married yet or not, there are likely ways that you have left yourself open to temptations within your relationship. Today, co-hosts Linda and Merrill Hutchinson talk about how to protect your relationship from a train wreck by creating a marriage protection plan with your significant other.

There are so many things that can cause a relationship to fall off the tracks. Although it is not possible to predict every temptation that may come your way, it is possible to put up guardrails so that when temptation does happen, you can still be protected. Merrill and Linda have helped many couples face similar challenges in their relationships. And through their work have come up with a list of six essential rules for a successful marriage protection plan. These rules include things like not keeping secrets from your spouse, never traveling or dining alone with someone of the opposite sex, implementing digital safeguards, and checking your work life balance. 

No matter what stage of your relationship you are in, it is never too late to put up some guardrails. Even if trust has already been broken, having a protection plan can help you to salvage the relationship and get back on track. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio to learn the six rules Merrill and Linda live by for the protection of their marriage. 

Quotes

• “There's a lot of couples out there who have left their relationship unprotected.” (1:14-1:19 | Linda)
• “If trust has been broken this is a great way to rebuild trust and intimacy with you and your significant other.” (4:18-4:24 | Linda)
• “Sit down as a couple and evaluate your time and the balance between work and home.” (15:11-15:16 | Linda)
• “For us as Christians, we believe and we have to learn and understand even though it's not comfortable or easy, that God is our number one relationship.” (16:53-17:02 | Merrill)
• “The idea here is being very careful to show your spouse that they are a priority above the children.” (17:58-18:05 | Merrill)
• “We cannot know every temptation, but we can certainly start to protect and be thinking about the plans in case temptation comes about.” (24:18-24:26 | Merrill) 
• “Our general rule on phones and these things is, you can look at my phone or my tablet or computer anytime you want.” (30:29-30:37 | Merrill)

Links

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ 

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity

Rock Solid Radio - Who's The Boss in Your Home?

Hosts - Merrill and Linda Hutchinson

“We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family,” explains Linda Hutchinson. Throughout their 70 combined years of life coaching, ministry, and counseling, hosts Merrill and Linda Hutchinson have seen a major shift in the parents’ authority over their homes. This dysfunction bleeds out from the family and creates discord in society on a whole. Today, Merrill and Linda talk about authoritative parenting and how to re-establish yourself as the boss in your home. 

Authoritative parenting is different from authoritarian parenting in that it is not based on yelling or reacting emotionally. In order to establish and maintain authority, parents need to both be on the same page regarding the value system of their home. If parents are not on the same page, reflecting on God’s Word can be helpful for choosing which way to go on any given issue. Once those values are established, consistency is key. When you waver on your values, your children will lose respect for your authority. Using a balance of rewards and punishments is crucial for maintaining the expectations of your household. If you’re always rewarding your children and never doling out any negative consequences for their actions, those rewards are going to quickly become ineffective.

When you need help with parenting or you feel pressured to loosen your values due to cultural pressures, look to the scriptures. God’s Word has been very clear on how he wants us to parent as leaders of our families. Tune in to Rock Solid Radio for 10 tips for re-establishing authoritative parenting in your household. 

Quotes

• “The family is the building blocks of our culture in our society.” (6:22-6:6:27 | Merrill)
• “Your eight year old, even though they can work the computer better than you, does not have the maturity to understand the dangers of social media and why TikTok isn't healthy for them. You are the parent. We need you to step up and to lead your family well.” (16:21-16:38 | Linda)
• “We parent out of a sense of fear, or guilt, or obligation. And that's not how God has called us to parent and lead our family.” (18:02-18:10 | Linda)
• “Never negotiate with your child until you can see that their value system is aligned with yours.” (30:07-30:17 | Linda) 
• “Authority being established and maintained is far more important than the thing that you're arguing about.” (31:19-31:24 | Merrill)
• “Our discord in our world today, so much of it comes out of the discord and disunity that's coming in from the family, and we've got to change that.” (35:00-35:08 | Linda) 

Links

Instagram Merrill Hutchinson | https://www.instagram.com/hutchinsonmerrill/?hl=en 

Instagram Rock Solid Families | https://www.instagram.com/rocksolidfamilies/?hl=en 

Website | https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/ 

Podcast show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Support the show

#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy,  #marriagecounseling,  #parenting,  #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity