You can give to the Timms Take GreenHouse Fundraiser here.

In this episode, Matt and Rachel share a couple of wonderful letters, explore the topics of hidden and competing goals in parenting and then give an update on Oliver's language in a segment called "Key Plays." It's a packed episode!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Donate to the GreenHouse any time of year here
• How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber & Julie King:
• 3 Powerful Types Of Parenting Goals That Will Change Your Life 2022 by Pamela Li

You can give to the Timms Take GreenHouse Fundraiser here. 

In this special episode, Matt and Rachel talk with Rena Crocker, the Executive Director of the GreenHouse about parenting, introducing and practicing faith with your kids and the wonderful work being done at the GreenHouse.

Plus, an invitation to "pay it forward" with a Timms Take fundraiser (see link above).

Mentioned in this episode:

• Donate to the GreenHouse any time of year here
• A simple introduction to the Church Calendar
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
• Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

In this episode Matt and Rachel discuss Matt's war against pollen and heat, the tenets of gentle parenting and what it means to have firm boundaries with a budding toddler! Plus a new segment: Quiet Play Companions.

Mentioned in this episode:

• “The Harsh Realm of 'Gentle Parenting'” by Jessica Winter
• The Ezra Klein Show: "Relationships Are Hard. This Unusual Parenting Theory Can Help."
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• Beach Read by Emily Henry
• The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
• Book Lovers by Emily Henry
• Us by David Nichols

In this episode Matt and Rachel discuss how they've changed in light of becoming parents, plus Rachel brings a groundbreaking entry in the "Field Guide for Parents."

Mentioned in this episode:

• "If You Literally Feel Like a New Person After Having Your Baby, Here's Why" by Ambrosia Brady
• No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler
• Coffee & Crumbs Podcast: Gamechangers
• The Lazy Genius: "The 7 Date Night Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making" 
  
  

Matt and Rachel talk about a recent study on preschool education and spin off into a conversation about the deep tensions between wanting what's best for your child and wanting to contribute to a more equitable and just world. Plus, the return of Smooch, Marry, Kill.

Mentioned in this episode:

• William Martin's "Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive"
•  "A Top Researcher Says It's Time To Rethink Preschool" by Anya Kamenetz
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle 
• Allbirds Wool Pipers 

Matt and Rachel talk about Oliver as the quintessential toddler and what it looks like to not determine parenting based on future outcomes. Plus a new segment, "What's On After 7?"

Mentioned in this episode:

• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• Formula One: Drive to Survive
  • S3E9: "Man on Fire"
• The Rescue
  
  

Matt and Rachel talk about narrating the hard things of life as they discuss an essay by Abby Perry (see link below). Plus a mailbag from listener of the show, Andrei. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• "Parenting as Narrating" by Abby Perry
• "When I'm Older" featuring an overly optimistic Olaf

Matt and Rachel talk about uncertainty, the significance of modeling and things in their life they would like to "Smooch, Marry, and Kill."

Mentioned in this episode:

• Bluey: Copycat
• Smooch, Marry, Kill segment comes with a big tip of the hat to the Popcast with Knox and Jamie
• Eddie Bauer Ladies Lounger Jogger
• The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni
• Doritos Cheesy Gordita Crunch (substitute potatoes easily when ordering via the Taco Bell app)

In this episode, Matt and Rachel give a series of updates: about the podcast, about Matt's retreat, and about Oliver's recent sleep adventures.

As we embark on a new season of the podcast, we're looking for new segment ideas. Send some over to us at [email protected]!

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux (where Matt went for retreat)
• Instagram: @takingcarababies

In this episode, Matt and Rachel confess that in the Christmas merriment (and chaos) they forgot to podcast. And so here they are saying hi, sorry, and we'll see you in the new year!

Want to convince Rachel to keep podcasting? Reach out to [email protected]!