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Parent’s reaction to their children is more important than any consequence that they may give. It is our reaction that teaches our children. Summary One of the trickiest things for a parent is when they catch their child in a lie. Do you punish them for lying? Do you punish the offense? How do you teach the virtue of honesty when lying seems to come so naturally to them? Join in our conversation with Jordan Langdon of Families of Character, a ministry that coaches parents to be their best for their families. In this discussion, we hear Jordan’s thoughts on why kids lie, how to create realistic expectations, and why punishing kids for lying only makes things worse. Hear about the “Honesty Incentive Rule” and how that works for young children and even more importantly as your children become teenagers. Find more about Jordan and her work at www.familiesofcharacter.org Key Takeaways Training the will of your child is just as or even more important than training their intellect Most children will lie at some point. It is a natural part of their development. It is how you react to them that matters. There are different stages of lying. The lie of a 3 yr old looks different than that of a 7 yr old. The Honesty Incentive rule helps children take personal responsibility for their actions. When you find your child lying, allow yourself time to think about how to handle it. There is no need to react - this is not an emergency! Take time to observe your children’s behavior so you can tell when something is going on beneath the surface. Couple Discussion Questions What is our reaction when our children lie to us now? How do we handle it? How do I feel when our kids lie to me? Do we feel like we take enough time to observe our children’s behavior? Would we know when something was going wrong? Jordan Langdon's Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familiesofcharacter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familiesofcharacter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmtYtWm1L06rBo3h-BJLn0Q For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Parent’s reaction to their children is more important than any consequence that they may give. It is our reaction that teaches our children.

Summary
One of the trickiest things for a parent is when they catch their child in a lie. Do you punish them for lying? Do you punish the offense? How do you teach the virtue of honesty when lying seems to come so naturally to them? Join in our conversation with Jordan Langdon of Families of Character, a ministry that coaches parents to be their best for their families. In this discussion, we hear Jordan’s thoughts on why kids lie, how to create realistic expectations, and why punishing kids for lying only makes things worse. Hear about the “Honesty Incentive Rule” and how that works for young children and even more importantly as your children become teenagers. Find more about Jordan and her work at www.familiesofcharacter.org

Key Takeaways
Training the will of your child is just as or even more important than training their intellect
Most children will lie at some point. It is a natural part of their development. It is how you react to them that matters.
There are different stages of lying. The lie of a 3 yr old looks different than that of a 7 yr old.
The Honesty Incentive rule helps children take personal responsibility for their actions.
When you find your child lying, allow yourself time to think about how to handle it. There is no need to react - this is not an emergency!
Take time to observe your children’s behavior so you can tell when something is going on beneath the surface.

Couple Discussion Questions
What is our reaction when our children lie to us now? How do we handle it?
How do I feel when our kids lie to me?
Do we feel like we take enough time to observe our children’s behavior? Would we know when something was going wrong?

Jordan Langdon's Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familiesofcharacter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familiesofcharacter/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmtYtWm1L06rBo3h-BJLn0Q

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjRUQkNJZk1YV3Vn

MFP 293: What To Do When Your Kids Lie

Messy Family Project July 22, 2024 9:00 pm

Play is the work of childhood. Summary It seems like in today’s world, parents are judged by how many activities their kids are in and how committed the whole family is to those activities. We see this as leading to complete burnout for parents, but more importantly, it robs children of the joy of unsupervised, spontaneous time to just play. We explain in this podcast what play is and why it is so important for children to engage in. The beautiful thing about play is that parents should NOT be involved! It is one thing that we can do for our kids that requires less of us, not more. Parents need to learn that kids must take risks, make choices, and be independent from adults. And this means less supervision, not more. Listen in to this conversation where we try to strike a balance between keeping kids busy in a healthy way and giving them space to be bored and make good choices. Key Takeaways Play is essential for a child’s development. It is “freely chosen and directed by the participants and undertaken for its own sake, not to achieve something” - Dr. Peter Gray You need to be intentional about choosing your child’s activities based on their developmental needs. Kids under 12 really don’t need structured activities - only do them if they work for your lifestyle and are not a cause of stress in the family Don’t allow external forces to impose false expectations on your involvement. Encourage your child to persevere even if an activity is difficult or not what they expected, but have the common sense to know when enough is enough. Know the adults that are around your child recognizing that especially in the teen years these people can become mentors for them for good or for bad. Couple Discussion Questions Share with your spouse your experience with structured activities (sports, theater, lessons, etc). What would you like to repeat? What would you like to avoid? What activities are our children involved in? Are they developmentally appropriate for them? How can we encourage more play among our children? Are there other families who would join us in this? Resources: Play Deprivation Is A Major Cause of the Teen Mental Health Crisis By JON HAIDT AND PETER GRAY https://www.afterbabel.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Play is the work of childhood.

Summary
It seems like in today’s world, parents are judged by how many activities their kids are in and how committed the whole family is to those activities. We see this as leading to complete burnout for parents, but more importantly, it robs children of the joy of unsupervised, spontaneous time to just play. We explain in this podcast what play is and why it is so important for children to engage in. The beautiful thing about play is that parents should NOT be involved! It is one thing that we can do for our kids that requires less of us, not more. Parents need to learn that kids must take risks, make choices, and be independent from adults. And this means less supervision, not more. Listen in to this conversation where we try to strike a balance between keeping kids busy in a healthy way and giving them space to be bored and make good choices.

Key Takeaways
Play is essential for a child’s development. It is “freely chosen and directed by the participants and undertaken for its own sake, not to achieve something” - Dr. Peter Gray
You need to be intentional about choosing your child’s activities based on their developmental needs.
Kids under 12 really don’t need structured activities - only do them if they work for your lifestyle and are not a cause of stress in the family
Don’t allow external forces to impose false expectations on your involvement.
Encourage your child to persevere even if an activity is difficult or not what they expected, but have the common sense to know when enough is enough.
Know the adults that are around your child recognizing that especially in the teen years these people can become mentors for them for good or for bad.

Couple Discussion Questions
Share with your spouse your experience with structured activities (sports, theater, lessons, etc). What would you like to repeat? What would you like to avoid?
What activities are our children involved in? Are they developmentally appropriate for them?
How can we encourage more play among our children? Are there other families who would join us in this?

Resources:
Play Deprivation Is A Major Cause of the Teen Mental Health Crisis
By JON HAIDT AND PETER GRAY
https://www.afterbabel.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

3 1

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjgzSGRSVm5rZkxZ

MPF292: Managing Kid's Activities

Messy Family Project July 15, 2024 3:00 pm

Growing in holiness doesn’t require extraordinary actions, it requires doing ordinary things with great love. And there is nothing more “ordinary” in the life of a child than a parent. Summary Often when people talk about life with children, the focus is on just getting through their childhood with your sanity in one piece! There is some truth to that because parenting can be the most challenging thing you may ever do, but we would like to offer a different perspective. What if we did allow family life to change us? What if we allowed it to change us for the better? Jesus wants to teach us how to love Him by loving our spouse and our children. They are the first neighbors that we are called to love and serve and this, as lay people, is our path to holiness. Listen in to this honest conversation about the challenges of loving those closest to us as we would love Jesus Himself. Key Takeaways If you are a frantic family you will resent the sacrifices that naturally come with family life. Fruitful families embrace these sacrifices. Our world does not prize the ordinary so we can think that to be holy we need to do extraordinary things. The true measure of how much you love the Lord is the measure by which you love that person in your life who is most difficult Mark 9 - “Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me” Matthew 25 - “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Jesus doesn’t ask us to love an ideal. He asks us to love actual people in our lives as we would love Him. Couple Discussion questions Think of a person in your life who shows God’s love to others. What do they do? How do they do it? What can you imitate? “Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me” Who am I being called to “receive” right now in my state in life? What are my thoughts on this person being Jesus? What is one small, practical way in which I can love my husband or wife better, starting today? How can I receive their love more fully? For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ 00:00:07 - Introduction and welcome to the podcast. 00:02:51 - Family Events and Picnic at NEC. 00:08:11 - Changing perspectives and seeing children as opportunities for growth. 00:09:51 - Challenges of parenting and making sacrifices. 00:13:08 - Viewing daily tasks through the eyes of Christ. 00:13:33 - Contrast between frantic and fruitful families. 00:13:59 - Importance of reflection and embracing messy sacrifices. 00:14:17 - Presence of God in everyday moments. 00:14:50 - Finding prayer time amidst parenting duties. 00:15:13 - Structuring day for clarity and routine. 00:52:21 - Reflecting on who we are called to receive and love better. 00:54:06 - Closing prayer and blessings.

Growing in holiness doesn’t require extraordinary actions, it requires doing ordinary things with great love. And there is nothing more “ordinary” in the life of a child than a parent.

Summary
Often when people talk about life with children, the focus is on just getting through their childhood with your sanity in one piece! There is some truth to that because parenting can be the most challenging thing you may ever do, but we would like to offer a different perspective. What if we did allow family life to change us? What if we allowed it to change us for the better? Jesus wants to teach us how to love Him by loving our spouse and our children. They are the first neighbors that we are called to love and serve and this, as lay people, is our path to holiness. Listen in to this honest conversation about the challenges of loving those closest to us as we would love Jesus Himself.

Key Takeaways

If you are a frantic family you will resent the sacrifices that naturally come with family life. Fruitful families embrace these sacrifices.
Our world does not prize the ordinary so we can think that to be holy we need to do extraordinary things.
The true measure of how much you love the Lord is the measure by which you love that person in your life who is most difficult
Mark 9 - “Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me”
Matthew 25 - “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
Jesus doesn’t ask us to love an ideal. He asks us to love actual people in our lives as we would love Him.

Couple Discussion questions
Think of a person in your life who shows God’s love to others. What do they do? How do they do it? What can you imitate?
“Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me” Who am I being called to “receive” right now in my state in life? What are my thoughts on this person being Jesus?
What is one small, practical way in which I can love my husband or wife better, starting today? How can I receive their love more fully?

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/


00:00:07 - Introduction and welcome to the podcast.
00:02:51 - Family Events and Picnic at NEC.
00:08:11 - Changing perspectives and seeing children as opportunities for growth.
00:09:51 - Challenges of parenting and making sacrifices.
00:13:08 - Viewing daily tasks through the eyes of Christ.
00:13:33 - Contrast between frantic and fruitful families.
00:13:59 - Importance of reflection and embracing messy sacrifices.
00:14:17 - Presence of God in everyday moments.
00:14:50 - Finding prayer time amidst parenting duties.
00:15:13 - Structuring day for clarity and routine.
00:52:21 - Reflecting on who we are called to receive and love better.
00:54:06 - Closing prayer and blessings.

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjJaRzRUMF9TS1dv

MFP 291: Finding the Lord in Others

Messy Family Project July 8, 2024 4:00 pm

In this insightful clip from our latest interview, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of spiritual fatherhood. Discover how the heart of a father mirrors the heart of a priest, as Fr. Mike shares personal experiences and wisdom on guiding and nurturing the spiritual well-being of those in his care. This segment is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the deep connection between fatherhood and priesthood. Topics Covered: The essence of spiritual fatherhood The role of a priest in nurturing faith Parallels between being a father and a spiritual guide About Fr. Mike Schmitz: Fr. Mike Schmitz is a renowned Catholic priest, speaker, and author known for his engaging and relatable approach to faith and spirituality. His insights have touched countless lives, inspiring many to deepen their relationship with God. Connect with Us: 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! 🔔 Hit the bell icon to get notified when we upload new videos. 🌐 Visit our website for more resources: [Your Website] 📱 Follow us on social media: [Your Social Media Links] #FrMikeSchmitz #SpiritualFatherhood #CatholicPriest #Faith #Inspiration #Fatherhood #Priesthood For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

In this insightful clip from our latest interview, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of spiritual fatherhood. Discover how the heart of a father mirrors the heart of a priest, as Fr. Mike shares personal experiences and wisdom on guiding and nurturing the spiritual well-being of those in his care. This segment is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the deep connection between fatherhood and priesthood.

Topics Covered:

The essence of spiritual fatherhood
The role of a priest in nurturing faith
Parallels between being a father and a spiritual guide
About Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike Schmitz is a renowned Catholic priest, speaker, and author known for his engaging and relatable approach to faith and spirituality. His insights have touched countless lives, inspiring many to deepen their relationship with God.

Connect with Us:
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!
🔔 Hit the bell icon to get notified when we upload new videos.
🌐 Visit our website for more resources: [Your Website]
📱 Follow us on social media: [Your Social Media Links]

#FrMikeSchmitz #SpiritualFatherhood #CatholicPriest #Faith #Inspiration #Fatherhood #Priesthood
For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

305 5

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjQ3d0hnbEU5ZDdr

The Heart of the Father is the Heart of the Priest with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Messy Family Project June 28, 2024 4:00 pm

The greatest and most important collaboration you will ever have with another person is raising a child with your spouse. Summary; Parents come to us with discipline issues all the time and our first question is usually, “What does your spouse think about this?” You see, the most important person to learn from is the other parent of this child you are trying to raise! It is when moms and dads work together that the greatest power is unleashed in parenting and that is when we can do the most good for our children. Instead of focusing on your child and their behavior, focus first on yourself, then on how you and your spouse work together, and then you can come up with the best way to love your child and form them. Listen in to this re-release of our 2019 podcast, Parenting as a Team. Key Takeaways; The best thing you can do for your children is to not focus on them, but focus on your spouse first, and them second. Prioritize your relationship! Strength is found in your differences! Respect what each one of you brings to the table. God never meant for you to be parents alone, or even just the two of you. He wants to give you all the grace you need if you will just ask Him for it. Couple Discussion Questions: What do you admire about how your spouse parents your kids? Tell them this. What is the biggest difference between you in how you parent? How is this a strength? Take time this week to sit down and talk about your kids and how they are doing. Make a plan to help them as best you can. Resources: Tip Sheet: https://cdn.messyfamilyproject.org/Parenting+as+a+Team_Tip+Sheet.pdf Worksheet from Discipline guide: https://messyfamilyproject.org/guide/parenting-as-a-team/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

The greatest and most important collaboration you will ever have with another person is raising a child with your spouse.

Summary;
Parents come to us with discipline issues all the time and our first question is usually, “What does your spouse think about this?” You see, the most important person to learn from is the other parent of this child you are trying to raise! It is when moms and dads work together that the greatest power is unleashed in parenting and that is when we can do the most good for our children. Instead of focusing on your child and their behavior, focus first on yourself, then on how you and your spouse work together, and then you can come up with the best way to love your child and form them. Listen in to this re-release of our 2019 podcast, Parenting as a Team.

Key Takeaways;
The best thing you can do for your children is to not focus on them, but focus on your spouse first, and them second. Prioritize your relationship!
Strength is found in your differences! Respect what each one of you brings to the table.
God never meant for you to be parents alone, or even just the two of you. He wants to give you all the grace you need if you will just ask Him for it.

Couple Discussion Questions:
What do you admire about how your spouse parents your kids? Tell them this.
What is the biggest difference between you in how you parent? How is this a strength?
Take time this week to sit down and talk about your kids and how they are doing. Make a plan to help them as best you can.


Resources:

Tip Sheet: https://cdn.messyfamilyproject.org/Parenting+as+a+Team_Tip+Sheet.pdf

Worksheet from Discipline guide: https://messyfamilyproject.org/guide/parenting-as-a-team/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLkRvaWo2RVNseFlR

MPF 290: Creating a United Front for Your Kids - Parenting as a Team

Messy Family Project June 24, 2024 4:00 pm

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Boundaries are not meant to keep people out, but to set a clear understanding of what is acceptable and what is not within our relationships. At a few of our events, we have gotten questions from older parents who ask what to do about adult children who have cut them out of their lives. At first we were surprised by this question, since the parents who attend our events are usually not ax-murderers or reprobates. But then we realized that this seems to be a disturbing trend in our culture - young people who find fault with their parents and therefore choose to disown them. Because we serve parents, we wanted to give a different take on the “wisdom of the world” and challenge our listeners to set boundaries and be healthy, but in a way that still honors the commandment that God gave us to honor your mother and father. Yes, some of us have grown up in dysfunctional homes, but that does not mean that our families of origin should still have power over us. Listen in as we help color in some gray to a discussion that is far from black and white. Key Takeaways: No one should have the right to “push our buttons”. We need to be free in our relationships even when people are unhealthy. Boundaries are good things to keep our families peaceful. You can’t replace your family - for good or for bad, they belong to you and you belong to them. One of the Ten Commandments is to honor your father and mother. This is God’s idea, not ours and it needs to be taken very seriously Couple Discussion: How can we honor our father and mother appropriately? How would we want our children to treat us someday? What are good boundaries for our holiday visits with family? Resources Dennis Prager Video: https://www.prageru.com/video/your-parents-dont-deserve-this?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_8266139 Great article from Catholic Psych - https://www.catholicpsych.com/blog/a-catholic-approach-to-dealing-with-difficult-relationships Forgiveness- Shalom series https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/forgiveness-in-the-family-susan-and-urby-potvin For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #family

Boundaries are not meant to keep people out, but to set a clear understanding of what is acceptable and what is not within our relationships.

At a few of our events, we have gotten questions from older parents who ask what to do about adult children who have cut them out of their lives. At first we were surprised by this question, since the parents who attend our events are usually not ax-murderers or reprobates. But then we realized that this seems to be a disturbing trend in our culture - young people who find fault with their parents and therefore choose to disown them. Because we serve parents, we wanted to give a different take on the “wisdom of the world” and challenge our listeners to set boundaries and be healthy, but in a way that still honors the commandment that God gave us to honor your mother and father. Yes, some of us have grown up in dysfunctional homes, but that does not mean that our families of origin should still have power over us. Listen in as we help color in some gray to a discussion that is far from black and white.

Key Takeaways:
No one should have the right to “push our buttons”. We need to be free in our relationships even when people are unhealthy.
Boundaries are good things to keep our families peaceful.
You can’t replace your family - for good or for bad, they belong to you and you belong to them.
One of the Ten Commandments is to honor your father and mother. This is God’s idea, not ours and it needs to be taken very seriously

Couple Discussion:
How can we honor our father and mother appropriately?
How would we want our children to treat us someday?
What are good boundaries for our holiday visits with family?

Resources
Dennis Prager Video: https://www.prageru.com/video/your-parents-dont-deserve-this?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_8266139
Great article from Catholic Psych - https://www.catholicpsych.com/blog/a-catholic-approach-to-dealing-with-difficult-relationships
Forgiveness- Shalom series https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/forgiveness-in-the-family-susan-and-urby-potvin

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#family

11 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlV0NzRFaW9vUUN3

MFP 264: Dealing with Toxic Parents as an Adult

Messy Family Project November 20, 2023 4:00 pm

We need to take a sacramental view of ordinary life - Mike and Alicia Hernon We often say that family culture is the secret weapon of Catholic families. Why is this? Because the culture within your home is more powerful than any written word. It communicates expectations, beliefs, and values to everyone in the family. In this podcast, we tackle some questions that listeners have sent into us about the culture within their homes. We answer questions like “what do I do about kids always fighting?”, “how do I take care of individual kids in a big family?”, “how do we handle birthdays?”, and “Help! I feel like I’m drowning!” (which isn’t exactly a question, but it is a common email we get!). In all of these situations, the issue comes back again and again to the culture you are fostering within your home. When you see all that you do in light of that, all the other issues will fall into place. Listen in and learn about this powerful tool that every parent should develop. Getaway: https://catholiccouplesgetaway.com/ Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #family

We need to take a sacramental view of ordinary life - Mike and Alicia Hernon

We often say that family culture is the secret weapon of Catholic families. Why is this? Because the culture within your home is more powerful than any written word. It communicates expectations, beliefs, and values to everyone in the family. In this podcast, we tackle some questions that listeners have sent into us about the culture within their homes. We answer questions like “what do I do about kids always fighting?”, “how do I take care of individual kids in a big family?”, “how do we handle birthdays?”, and “Help! I feel like I’m drowning!” (which isn’t exactly a question, but it is a common email we get!). In all of these situations, the issue comes back again and again to the culture you are fostering within your home. When you see all that you do in light of that, all the other issues will fall into place. Listen in and learn about this powerful tool that every parent should develop.


Getaway: https://catholiccouplesgetaway.com/
Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLkpWbmh3RUZUOEI4

MFP 256: Growing Your Family Culture - Questions Answered

Messy Family Project September 26, 2023 5:48 am

“Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer God did not create man in isolation, He created man to live in community with others. This is the best path for the full development of the human person! Men need other men to push them, support them, love them, and let them know they have what it takes. In this touching interview, Mike talks to John Doman, Alicia's dad, about his experience as a young Marine in Viet Nam and the events that set the course of his life. They cover John’s marriage to Michele, his wife of 50 yrs, his struggle with PTSD after the war, and how the brothers God gave him throughout his life saved him again and again - physically and spiritually. Listen to this very important conversation about the importance of relationships and how God can use them to show us His love over and over again. Family Board Meeting - LIVE! : messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #family

“Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not create man in isolation, He created man to live in community with others. This is the best path for the full development of the human person! Men need other men to push them, support them, love them, and let them know they have what it takes. In this touching interview, Mike talks to John Doman, Alicia's dad, about his experience as a young Marine in Viet Nam and the events that set the course of his life. They cover John’s marriage to Michele, his wife of 50 yrs, his struggle with PTSD after the war, and how the brothers God gave him throughout his life saved him again and again - physically and spiritually. Listen to this very important conversation about the importance of relationships and how God can use them to show us His love over and over again.

Family Board Meeting - LIVE! : messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLkZJVDZzN3N6RGxV

MFP 250: Catholic Manhood and Brotherhood

Messy Family Project August 14, 2023 4:00 pm

“Words of affirmation are simply true statements affirming the worth of another person” ~Gary Chapman Parents need to take time to consider how they are intentionally calling out the good in the lives of their children because it is within the family that people have their identity - who they are - confirmed and then affirmed over the years. This is just as essential to children as food, clothing, or education! One of the ways we have instilled affirmation in our family culture is the practice of “honoring”. We usually do honorings on someone’s birthday or times of transition like graduations. Listen to this podcast to find out how to start this practice in your home, why it is important, and the effect it can have on your family.  For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #family

“Words of affirmation are simply true statements affirming the worth of another person” ~Gary Chapman

Parents need to take time to consider how they are intentionally calling out the good in the lives of their children because it is within the family that people have their identity - who they are - confirmed and then affirmed over the years. This is just as essential to children as food, clothing, or education! One of the ways we have instilled affirmation in our family culture is the practice of “honoring”. We usually do honorings on someone’s birthday or times of transition like graduations. Listen to this podcast to find out how to start this practice in your home, why it is important, and the effect it can have on your family. 

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#family

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnRISzF2UF9TT1hF

MFP 245: How to Give Words of Affirmation

Messy Family Project July 10, 2023 4:00 pm

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. ” – Mark Twain All families need to play together. Why? Because this is how you lay the foundation for your child’s belief in God, his self-esteem, and this is how you communicate to him, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you love him. In this podcast, we dive deeply into the importance of doing an intentional Family Fun Day and give some practical tips on how to do it so everyone wins. This month’s Play and Pray Challenge is a great excuse to think about how you can grow closer as a family through play and fun! Play and Pray challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com MFP 091: King of the Home - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-91-king-of-the-home/ MFP 205: Nine First Fridays to Change the World - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-205-nine-first-fridays-to-change-the-world/ #family

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. ” – Mark Twain



All families need to play together. Why? Because this is how you lay the foundation for your child’s belief in God, his self-esteem, and this is how you communicate to him, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you love him. In this podcast, we dive deeply into the importance of doing an intentional Family Fun Day and give some practical tips on how to do it so everyone wins. This month’s Play and Pray Challenge is a great excuse to think about how you can grow closer as a family through play and fun!


Play and Pray challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge


Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com


MFP 091: King of the Home - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-91-king-of-the-home/


MFP 205: Nine First Fridays to Change the World - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-205-nine-first-fridays-to-change-the-world/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjdfMzk2ZWU0ZUpj

MFP 243: Family Fun Day!

Messy Family Project June 19, 2023 4:00 pm

One thing that we at the Messy Family Project are passionate about is family culture. We call it “the secret weapon of the Catholic family” because it can be so powerful! In this interview, we talk to Elissa Tiprigan of Catholic Family Crate, a business that is in the business of Catholic culture. We talk about how and why she started her business, the importance of beauty in the home, and the elements of what it takes to bring a family together. This episode is full of great ideas of how to engage your children from toddlers to teenagers and bring them into closer relationship with you and with the Lord who is the source of life. As a special gift, we are also including this download on Building a Catholic Culture at Home that you can use to look at your family culture and get some ideas to strengthen it. In addition, Elissa gave all our listeners get 20% off sitewide by using the code MESSYFAMILY! Free download - Building a Catholic Culture at Home: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnpBb-F3LojKFRgT_bM6s90JxjYSy1o-/view And here is their website: https://catholicfamilycrate.com/ And a link to all their free resources: https://catholicfamilycrate.com/collections/free-coloring-page-downloads #family For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

One thing that we at the Messy Family Project are passionate about is family culture. We call it “the secret weapon of the Catholic family” because it can be so powerful! In this interview, we talk to Elissa Tiprigan of Catholic Family Crate, a business that is in the business of Catholic culture. We talk about how and why she started her business, the importance of beauty in the home, and the elements of what it takes to bring a family together. This episode is full of great ideas of how to engage your children from toddlers to teenagers and bring them into closer relationship with you and with the Lord who is the source of life. As a special gift, we are also including this download on Building a Catholic Culture at Home that you can use to look at your family culture and get some ideas to strengthen it. In addition, Elissa gave all our listeners get 20% off sitewide by using the code MESSYFAMILY!

Free download - Building a Catholic Culture at Home: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnpBb-F3LojKFRgT_bM6s90JxjYSy1o-/view

And here is their website: https://catholicfamilycrate.com/

And a link to all their free resources: https://catholicfamilycrate.com/collections/free-coloring-page-downloads

#family

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlJaZHhWdnlER213

MFP 240: Building Family Culture with Catholic Family Crate

Messy Family Project May 30, 2023 8:02 pm

“Dream big, plan simple, act now.” - Mike and Alicia Hernon Dreaming is an integral part of living a life to the fullest. But dreams that take us away from our vocation are fantasies and actually detract from living an abundant life. What is the difference and why is it important? Dreaming in the best sense is an essential skill to have. Not everyone is a natural dreamer, but we can all learn to be! In this podcast, we discuss having a Growth mindset versus a Fixed mindset and how that affects our family life. We also give some tips for how to rise above the everyday work that we do and create a vision for your family that will motivate and inspire you to grow. #marriage #family For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“Dream big, plan simple, act now.”
- Mike and Alicia Hernon

Dreaming is an integral part of living a life to the fullest. But dreams that take us away from our vocation are fantasies and actually detract from living an abundant life. What is the difference and why is it important? Dreaming in the best sense is an essential skill to have. Not everyone is a natural dreamer, but we can all learn to be! In this podcast, we discuss having a Growth mindset versus a Fixed mindset and how that affects our family life. We also give some tips for how to rise above the everyday work that we do and create a vision for your family that will motivate and inspire you to grow.
#marriage #family

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlNoLVgwRkdlUGVv

MFP 232: Dreaming vs. Fantasizing

Messy Family Project April 18, 2023 10:48 pm

Listener questions are back! We had a wonderful time visiting with listeners all over the East Coast and as we traveled we collected questions from them. Here are a few of those questions including how to emotionally handle the mess and chaos that inevitably comes with young children, getting kids to behave at mass, and family of origin issues. We also talk about bringing the Montessori philosophy into how you view your children and the importance of living with purpose. Listen in to our conversation with Katie who asks us these questions from the perspective of “every parent” who deals with these issues on a daily basis. #family Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting #parentingtips

Listener questions are back! We had a wonderful time visiting with listeners all over the East Coast and as we traveled we collected questions from them. Here are a few of those questions including how to emotionally handle the mess and chaos that inevitably comes with young children, getting kids to behave at mass, and family of origin issues. We also talk about bringing the Montessori philosophy into how you view your children and the importance of living with purpose. Listen in to our conversation with Katie who asks us these questions from the perspective of “every parent” who deals with these issues on a daily basis.

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLklDUmlRQzJiZnRB

MFP 230: Questions from Families in the Capital

Messy Family Project March 21, 2023 11:26 pm

Educating children is one of the most important and daunting tasks parents must face. For some parents who have good resources at their disposal, the choice may be easy. For other parents, the choice is agonizing - charter school, Catholic school, homeschool, or public school…. What is the best thing for my child at this time? But the needs of your child are not the only thing that you need to consider. In this episode, Mike and Alicia give parents a framework for the conversation they need to have with their spouse on educational choices for their children. There is not only one answer! Listen in to this reboot of a classic conversation on marriage and parenting. #parenting #family Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting #educationmatters #education

Educating children is one of the most important and daunting tasks parents must face. For some parents who have good resources at their disposal, the choice may be easy. For other parents, the choice is agonizing - charter school, Catholic school, homeschool, or public school…. What is the best thing for my child at this time? But the needs of your child are not the only thing that you need to consider. In this episode, Mike and Alicia give parents a framework for the conversation they need to have with their spouse on educational choices for their children. There is not only one answer! Listen in to this reboot of a classic conversation on marriage and parenting.

Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnpLM2ZQa050Mk9j

MFP 228: Educational Choices

Messy Family Project March 9, 2023 7:48 pm

For some reason, dealing with sons and daughters can bring out anger in a person who has been mild mannered and easy going their whole life! Why is that? What we have noticed is that children do not create our weaknesses, they reveal them. It is good to understand why we react so strongly to certain situations in order to grow in virtue. In this podcast, we shed some light on the truth about anger, give some tools and ideas for handling anger, and share some of our own experiences and difficulties. If you struggle with anger you are not alone! Listen in and join the conversation. #parenting #family Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual #mentalhealth #parentingtips #parenthood

For some reason, dealing with sons and daughters can bring out anger in a person who has been mild mannered and easy going their whole life! Why is that? What we have noticed is that children do not create our weaknesses, they reveal them. It is good to understand why we react so strongly to certain situations in order to grow in virtue. In this podcast, we shed some light on the truth about anger, give some tools and ideas for handling anger, and share some of our own experiences and difficulties. If you struggle with anger you are not alone! Listen in and join the conversation.

Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar
Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90
Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLmFZdjN3aEd4SWRv

MFP 222 : Dealing with Anger

Messy Family Project January 18, 2023 2:00 pm

Parenting

See All
For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#parenting

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLkVQb09PRTMzZGNn

MFP 263: Toddler to Teen Tantrums: What Do We Do?

Messy Family Project November 13, 2023 7:45 pm

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

8 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLm5icnl3MXU2T3k0

MFP 259 Dealing with Anxiety as a Parent

Messy Family Project October 16, 2023 5:55 pm

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. - Proverbs 31:30 Back by popular demand, this is another interview that we did with Michele Doman, Alicia’s mom and mother of 10 grown children, grandmother to over 55, and great grandmother to more than 7! In the last interview, we talked about Michele’s life as a young wife and mother. In this conversation, we talk more about being a parent of a large family and how she was able to do that successfully over the last 50+ years of marriage. Listen in and get some wisdom on discipline, relationships with teens, and managing a large household. You will hear that the struggles are real, but so are the joys and blessings of marriage and family life. https://messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/ www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. - Proverbs 31:30

Back by popular demand, this is another interview that we did with Michele Doman, Alicia’s mom and mother of 10 grown children, grandmother to over 55, and great grandmother to more than 7! In the last interview, we talked about Michele’s life as a young wife and mother. In this conversation, we talk more about being a parent of a large family and how she was able to do that successfully over the last 50+ years of marriage. Listen in and get some wisdom on discipline, relationships with teens, and managing a large household. You will hear that the struggles are real, but so are the joys and blessings of marriage and family life.

https://messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/

www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlpkX0k2Y3d2Y1JN

MFP 253: Mentoring Mothers - Mom of Ten Tells All!

Messy Family Project September 4, 2023 7:47 pm

Of course your children don’t get along. They don’t know how to get along! That’s kind of what you are doing as parents, teaching them what they don’t know - Mike and Alicia All of us struggle to live in a community. That is the human condition - we need other people but we also find it hard to live with them! This is true for children, but also for adults. In this episode, we answer some questions that our listeners had about what to do when your kids fight with your friends' kids, how to handle dividing up household responsibilities with your spouse, and what to do with adult children who are living at home. It's hard for kids to learn, but it’s also hard for parents to know how to teach in a way that can be received. Listen into this conversation and take some time to discuss these important topics with your spouse. https://messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/ www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

Of course your children don’t get along. They don’t know how to get along! That’s kind of what you are doing as parents, teaching them what they don’t know - Mike and Alicia

All of us struggle to live in a community. That is the human condition - we need other people but we also find it hard to live with them! This is true for children, but also for adults. In this episode, we answer some questions that our listeners had about what to do when your kids fight with your friends' kids, how to handle dividing up household responsibilities with your spouse, and what to do with adult children who are living at home. It's hard for kids to learn, but it’s also hard for parents to know how to teach in a way that can be received. Listen into this conversation and take some time to discuss these important topics with your spouse.

https://messyfamilyproject.org/course/family-board-meeting-live/
www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

5 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnRLSkFrd0xPdHQ4

MFP 252: Managing Relationships - Your Questions Answered!

Messy Family Project August 28, 2023 4:00 pm

“Healing is an essential dimension of Christinaity. It expresses the entire content of our redemption.” ~ Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth Some of us think of healing as being “for other people”, those with trauma, abuse, or mental illness. But that is not the way that Dr. Bob Schuchts sees healing. As you will hear, he believes that healing is part of the story of every Christian because we all have been damaged by our own fallen nature and we all live in a broken world! There is an anointing in our Church right now for healing ministries like this and we believe healing is essential for every parent so they can be who God is calling them to be in the lives of their children. We have been personally blessed by Dr. Bob’s teaching and ministry through the John Paul II Healing Institute and we are very excited to share this interview with him. Listen in to this conversation about why we need healing, how to be healed, and the role that Christ wants to play in each of our journeys. https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/ https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

“Healing is an essential dimension of Christinaity. It expresses the entire content of our redemption.” ~ Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth

Some of us think of healing as being “for other people”, those with trauma, abuse, or mental illness. But that is not the way that Dr. Bob Schuchts sees healing. As you will hear, he believes that healing is part of the story of every Christian because we all have been damaged by our own fallen nature and we all live in a broken world! There is an anointing in our Church right now for healing ministries like this and we believe healing is essential for every parent so they can be who God is calling them to be in the lives of their children. We have been personally blessed by Dr. Bob’s teaching and ministry through the John Paul II Healing Institute and we are very excited to share this interview with him. Listen in to this conversation about why we need healing, how to be healed, and the role that Christ wants to play in each of our journeys.

https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/
https://jpiihealingcenter.org/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLmdpZUxiQUZRQUI4

MFP 251: Every Parent Needs Healing: An interview with Dr. Bob Schuchts

Messy Family Project August 21, 2023 8:16 pm

“Mothers are the strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered individualism… It is they who testify to the beauty of life”. - Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia The life of a mother is hidden and powerful at the same time, but the message of our culture is that you only matter if you have a strong resume, evidence of your worth, and an education to back it up. This is simply not the way God sees the vocation of motherhood! In this interview with Christine Hanus, author of the book Everyday Heroism we discuss the reality that the “hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” even when we don’t feel like it. This conversation is full of tears, laughter, and real stories about real moms who deal with the ups and downs of raising children. We hope that this podcast inspires all moms to be the best person they can be for their kids, but also for themselves. Embracing motherhood means embracing personal growth and holiness on a whole new level. Buy Christine’s book here: https://amzn.to/3J5kcwN Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com New and Improved Website - Check it out! - messyfamilyproject.org #parenting

“Mothers are the strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered individualism… It is they who testify to the beauty of life”. - Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia

The life of a mother is hidden and powerful at the same time, but the message of our culture is that you only matter if you have a strong resume, evidence of your worth, and an education to back it up. This is simply not the way God sees the vocation of motherhood! In this interview with Christine Hanus, author of the book Everyday Heroism we discuss the reality that the “hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” even when we don’t feel like it. This conversation is full of tears, laughter, and real stories about real moms who deal with the ups and downs of raising children. We hope that this podcast inspires all moms to be the best person they can be for their kids, but also for themselves. Embracing motherhood means embracing personal growth and holiness on a whole new level.

Buy Christine’s book here: https://amzn.to/3J5kcwN
Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com
New and Improved Website - Check it out! - messyfamilyproject.org

#parenting

3 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlVrcWtYSWNnVnVr

MFP 244: Everyday Heroism for Moms with Christine Hanus

Messy Family Project June 26, 2023 4:00 pm

“If all fathers fulfilled their duty of watching over the discipline of their children, we should have but few crimes and few executions.” ~ St. Alphonsus Ligori If you haven’t listened to MFP239 on the foundations of discipline, you should do that first. This podcast will give the practical steps for those principles. Once a parent has clear in their mind why they are discipling and they have made a plan on following through, they need to actually work that plan! In this podcast we give the practical things to keep in mind as you work to discipline, or form the hearts and minds of your children. There are seven questions you should ask yourself when evaluating your child’s actions. Not all behavior is a child acting out or defying you. How do you know the difference and how should you respond? Listen in! Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/ Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting

“If all fathers fulfilled their duty of watching over the discipline of their children, we should have but few crimes and few executions.” ~ St. Alphonsus Ligori

If you haven’t listened to MFP239 on the foundations of discipline, you should do that first. This podcast will give the practical steps for those principles. Once a parent has clear in their mind why they are discipling and they have made a plan on following through, they need to actually work that plan! In this podcast we give the practical things to keep in mind as you work to discipline, or form the hearts and minds of your children. There are seven questions you should ask yourself when evaluating your child’s actions. Not all behavior is a child acting out or defying you. How do you know the difference and how should you respond? Listen in!

Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/
Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

4 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnZsMHQ2S2JHSm9r

MFP 241: 7 Questions to Evaluate Your Child’s Behavior

Messy Family Project June 5, 2023 4:00 pm

To become a better parent, I need to become a better person ~ Mike and Alicia One of the subjects we are most often asked about is discipline.  We know how hard it is to form the will, heart and mind of a child!  Though every child is different and every parent is different, there are some principles that we can give you to help you make a discipline plan that works for you and your spouse.  In this episode, we start with the foundational points..  First, we need to get our hearts right and recognize why we are taking the time to discipline in the first place.  Then, parents need to speak with confidence, set clear boundaries, and do so keeping in mind that your role in affirming your child is essential.  Listen in as we start this essential conversation.   #parenting Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/ Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/     For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

To become a better parent, I need to become a better person ~ Mike and Alicia

One of the subjects we are most often asked about is discipline.  We know how hard it is to form the will, heart and mind of a child!  Though every child is different and every parent is different, there are some principles that we can give you to help you make a discipline plan that works for you and your spouse.  In this episode, we start with the foundational points..  First, we need to get our hearts right and recognize why we are taking the time to discipline in the first place.  Then, parents need to speak with confidence, set clear boundaries, and do so keeping in mind that your role in affirming your child is essential.  Listen in as we start this essential conversation.  
#parenting

Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/

Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/    

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

12 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnZtRXpGMU1DdlBF

MFP 239: Getting Kids to Obey

Messy Family Project May 22, 2023 4:00 pm

“When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.” ― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”. #parenting Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/ Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.”
― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder

Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”.
#parenting

Play and Pray Challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/
Catholic Couples Getaway - www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

2 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlRUVjg1bV90bHAw

MFP 238: Empowering Your Children

Messy Family Project May 15, 2023 4:00 pm

“You know that feeling you get after a good night’s sleep? Yea, me neither.” - Every Parent Ever If you feel like you are living in a state of almost constant exhaustion, you are not alone. It's not just the sleepless nights and crazy days - that’s a reality that parents have always had to deal with. We believe parents are more exhausted today because there are certain elements of our culture that do drain our energy more than parents in the past experienced. In this podcast, we pinpoint those elements so you can see them, recognize them for what they are, and learn how to manage them. You do not have to be worn down all the time! Managing the stressors of parenting is possible and hopefully we can help you with these tips and tricks! “When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.” ― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”. #parenting Play and Pray Challenge - https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/ Catholic Couples Getaway - https://www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“You know that feeling you get after a good night’s sleep? Yea, me neither.” - Every Parent Ever

If you feel like you are living in a state of almost constant exhaustion, you are not alone. It's not just the sleepless nights and crazy days - that’s a reality that parents have always had to deal with. We believe parents are more exhausted today because there are certain elements of our culture that do drain our energy more than parents in the past experienced. In this podcast, we pinpoint those elements so you can see them, recognize them for what they are, and learn how to manage them. You do not have to be worn down all the time! Managing the stressors of parenting is possible and hopefully we can help you with these tips and tricks!
“When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.”
― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder

Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”.
#parenting

Play and Pray Challenge - https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/
Catholic Couples Getaway - https://www.catholiccouplesgetaway.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

9 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLmluSThOUGdGenNn

MFP 237: How to Parent When You Are Exhausted

Messy Family Project May 8, 2023 2:00 pm

This interview with Emily and Chris Chapman is an amazing conversation about some deep and painful topics, but sprinkled with laughter and joy!  Emily Stimpson Chapman is an accomplished author and Insta personality, but she is also a wife, mother, and friend to us!  Through their own journey in the ups and downs of single life and then marriage, Chris and Emily have learned many lessons that they share with us in this podcast with wisdom and humor.  It's amazing to hear how you can go from living alone, to living with a husband, to living with 3 babies in a very short amount of time.  Add to that a basement flooding with sewage, ailing parents, and adjusting to family life overall makes for some interesting conversations!  Join us for this visit with the Chapmans and be encouraged on your unique journey with the Lord. “When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.” ― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”. #parenting For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

This interview with Emily and Chris Chapman is an amazing conversation about some deep and painful topics, but sprinkled with laughter and joy!  Emily Stimpson Chapman is an accomplished author and Insta personality, but she is also a wife, mother, and friend to us!  Through their own journey in the ups and downs of single life and then marriage, Chris and Emily have learned many lessons that they share with us in this podcast with wisdom and humor.  It's amazing to hear how you can go from living alone, to living with a husband, to living with 3 babies in a very short amount of time.  Add to that a basement flooding with sewage, ailing parents, and adjusting to family life overall makes for some interesting conversations!  Join us for this visit with the Chapmans and be encouraged on your unique journey with the Lord.
“When we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists. So, a revision to the "You-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be" maxim might be more accurate: You cannot be anything you want to be—but you can be a lot more of who you already are.”
― Tom Rath, Strengths Finder

Very often parents focus on improving the weaknesses in their children, but actually the opposite is more effective. The best way for any person to grow is to focus on their strengths - virtues, talents, or what they are naturally good at. Using those strengths builds confidence and actually can then make up for the weaknesses. Listen in as we discuss how to empower children through “strengths-based parenting”.
#parenting

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

12 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlFCZXNMckhKNHZ3

MFP 235: Surviving Infertility, Toddlers, and House Renovations with Chris and Emily Chapman

Messy Family Project April 24, 2023 3:00 pm

“Who we are and how we engage with the world are much stronger predictors of how our children will do than what we know about parenting.” - Brene Brown The emotions of young people can be overwhelming to us, but we have to realize that they are overwhelming to them as well! How can parents help children to regulate their emotions in a healthy way? Not every emotion needs discipline, sometimes kids need understanding and empathy to assist them in learning how to move through their own feelings. In this podcast, we give some practical steps for parents to help their child to recognize, express, and get in control of their strong emotions. This is an issue that can be tough for parents, especially if they have never learned this skill themselves, but it is essential for the well-being of every child. #parenting Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“Who we are and how we engage with the world are much stronger predictors of how our children will do than what we know about parenting.” - Brene Brown

The emotions of young people can be overwhelming to us, but we have to realize that they are overwhelming to them as well! How can parents help children to regulate their emotions in a healthy way? Not every emotion needs discipline, sometimes kids need understanding and empathy to assist them in learning how to move through their own feelings. In this podcast, we give some practical steps for parents to help their child to recognize, express, and get in control of their strong emotions. This is an issue that can be tough for parents, especially if they have never learned this skill themselves, but it is essential for the well-being of every child.

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

2 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlpHUzVkTUJFTUNj

MFP 231: Teens and the Moody Blues

Messy Family Project April 18, 2023 10:47 pm

“How can there be too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers.” - St. Theresa of Calcutta There is great confusion in our world, even among good Catholics, about the purpose of marriage and even the purpose of having children. Catholics do not “discern having another child”. Instead, our default is that we are always open to new life in our families, but in grave circumstances, we can postpone pregnancy for the overall good of our family. In this episode, we discuss how we can form our conscience to come to a deeper understanding of the role of children in our marriage that includes, but also goes beyond, financial considerations. Discerning this area of marriage can be tricky, so we called a lifeline for this one, and invited Jonathan and Amanda Texiera, founders of WalletWin, to come on and help us to navigate this issue and give couples good questions to discuss with each other and options to consider. #marriage #parenting For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“How can there be too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers.”
- St. Theresa of Calcutta

There is great confusion in our world, even among good Catholics, about the purpose of marriage and even the purpose of having children. Catholics do not “discern having another child”. Instead, our default is that we are always open to new life in our families, but in grave circumstances, we can postpone pregnancy for the overall good of our family. In this episode, we discuss how we can form our conscience to come to a deeper understanding of the role of children in our marriage that includes, but also goes beyond, financial considerations. Discerning this area of marriage can be tricky, so we called a lifeline for this one, and invited Jonathan and Amanda Texiera, founders of WalletWin, to come on and help us to navigate this issue and give couples good questions to discuss with each other and options to consider.

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

4 1

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnhfdm5UWWt4TzlZ

MFP 234: How Can We Afford a Child?

Messy Family Project April 17, 2023 7:33 pm

Listener questions are back! We had a wonderful time visiting with listeners all over the East Coast and as we traveled we collected questions from them. Here are a few of those questions including how to emotionally handle the mess and chaos that inevitably comes with young children, getting kids to behave at mass, and family of origin issues. We also talk about bringing the Montessori philosophy into how you view your children and the importance of living with purpose. Listen in to our conversation with Katie who asks us these questions from the perspective of “every parent” who deals with these issues on a daily basis. #family Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting #parentingtips

Listener questions are back! We had a wonderful time visiting with listeners all over the East Coast and as we traveled we collected questions from them. Here are a few of those questions including how to emotionally handle the mess and chaos that inevitably comes with young children, getting kids to behave at mass, and family of origin issues. We also talk about bringing the Montessori philosophy into how you view your children and the importance of living with purpose. Listen in to our conversation with Katie who asks us these questions from the perspective of “every parent” who deals with these issues on a daily basis.

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

6 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLklDUmlRQzJiZnRB

MFP 230: Questions from Families in the Capital

Messy Family Project March 21, 2023 11:26 pm

Educating children is one of the most important and daunting tasks parents must face. For some parents who have good resources at their disposal, the choice may be easy. For other parents, the choice is agonizing - charter school, Catholic school, homeschool, or public school…. What is the best thing for my child at this time? But the needs of your child are not the only thing that you need to consider. In this episode, Mike and Alicia give parents a framework for the conversation they need to have with their spouse on educational choices for their children. There is not only one answer! Listen in to this reboot of a classic conversation on marriage and parenting. #parenting #family Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #parenting #educationmatters #education

Educating children is one of the most important and daunting tasks parents must face. For some parents who have good resources at their disposal, the choice may be easy. For other parents, the choice is agonizing - charter school, Catholic school, homeschool, or public school…. What is the best thing for my child at this time? But the needs of your child are not the only thing that you need to consider. In this episode, Mike and Alicia give parents a framework for the conversation they need to have with their spouse on educational choices for their children. There is not only one answer! Listen in to this reboot of a classic conversation on marriage and parenting.

Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

4 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnpLM2ZQa050Mk9j

MFP 228: Educational Choices

Messy Family Project March 9, 2023 7:48 pm

Marriage

See All
“The point is that neuroses don’t have to ruin a marriage. If you can accommodate each other’s “crazy” side and handle it with caring, affection, and respect, your marriage can thrive.” ― John M. Gottman Many people are good at functioning in their marriage, getting along, caring for kids, paying the bills… but are they really thriving?  How can we get more out of the most important relationship we have - the one we have with our spouse? In this podcast, we look at the book, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman, and explain how to use these ideas to make your marriage grow.  Though the expression of these ideas are new to us, the truth contained in them is not. We have found that we have done many of these things in our marriage over the years!  Listen in for some great relationship advice for anyone who wants to move from a marriage that is surviving to thriving.   Couple Discussion: How can we Honor each other? Start a Gratitude challenge. When is our Daily connection and weekly date night? Do the Family Board Meeting. For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #marriage

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

10 1

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnJGOFZGRVdWbjMw

MFP 258: Seven Ways to Get More Out of Your Marriage

Messy Family Project October 9, 2023 3:00 pm

Christ is present in a special way when a couple prays together. They not only renew their yes to God, but also achieve a deeper union with each other, which springs solely from the union of hearts and couples in the sacrament of marriage. - Fr. Henri Caffarel How can couples move their marriage from surviving to thriving, or from good to great? By making couple prayer a normal part of our marriage. Christian marriage is a supernatural endeavor, so that means that it is really not possible to have a successful marriage without Jesus! Prayer between spouses isn’t just something you do, it is a gift from the two of you to Christ Himself. It is acknowledging that Christ is the “glue” that keeps you together. In this podcast we talk about how to incorporate prayer into your marriage, why it is so important, and how prayer can help you forge a deeper unity than you have ever had before. Much of this conversation is discussing the writings of Fr. Henri Caffarel, founder of Teams of Our Lady. Getaway: https://catholiccouplesgetaway.com/ Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #marriage

Christ is present in a special way when a couple prays together. They not only renew their yes to God, but also achieve a deeper union with each other, which springs solely from the union of hearts and couples in the sacrament of marriage. - Fr. Henri Caffarel

How can couples move their marriage from surviving to thriving, or from good to great? By making couple prayer a normal part of our marriage. Christian marriage is a supernatural endeavor, so that means that it is really not possible to have a successful marriage without Jesus! Prayer between spouses isn’t just something you do, it is a gift from the two of you to Christ Himself. It is acknowledging that Christ is the “glue” that keeps you together. In this podcast we talk about how to incorporate prayer into your marriage, why it is so important, and how prayer can help you forge a deeper unity than you have ever had before. Much of this conversation is discussing the writings of Fr. Henri Caffarel, founder of Teams of Our Lady.

Getaway: https://catholiccouplesgetaway.com/
Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

6 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLjJod1BDLXFkeFFz

MFP 255: The Best Partner for a Great Marriage

Messy Family Project September 18, 2023 9:44 pm

“Christian marriage is the school of love, where despite the limits of our own love, we can discover Christ’s presence and power to teach us to love one another with the Love that never fails” - Peter and Debbie Herbeck When we offer date nights, we try to pick topics that are fun for couples but also useful and thought-provoking. That's why we are so excited to share with you this interview we did on our June Date Night with Peter and Debbie Herbeck. They have been in ministry together most of their adult lives and are the authors of a book that expresses much of what we believe and teach on marriage: Lessons from the School of Love: Cultivating a Christ-centered Marriage. Listen in to this conversation and hear from this wise and authentic couple. When Peter and Debbie married, they had the challenge of coming from two different faith backgrounds, two different family dynamics, plus the challenge of two very different personalities! You will hear how they tackled forgiveness, learned to be vulnerable, how they handled the differing roles of father and mother, and most of all, how they helped their children encounter Christ. You will love listening in to this conversation! For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #marriage #marriageadvice

“Christian marriage is the school of love, where despite the limits of our own love, we can discover Christ’s presence and power to teach us to love one another with the Love that never fails” - Peter and Debbie Herbeck

When we offer date nights, we try to pick topics that are fun for couples but also useful and thought-provoking. That's why we are so excited to share with you this interview we did on our June Date Night with Peter and Debbie Herbeck. They have been in ministry together most of their adult lives and are the authors of a book that expresses much of what we believe and teach on marriage: Lessons from the School of Love: Cultivating a Christ-centered Marriage.
Listen in to this conversation and hear from this wise and authentic couple. When Peter and Debbie married, they had the challenge of coming from two different faith backgrounds, two different family dynamics, plus the challenge of two very different personalities! You will hear how they tackled forgiveness, learned to be vulnerable, how they handled the differing roles of father and mother, and most of all, how they helped their children encounter Christ. You will love listening in to this conversation!

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#marriage #marriageadvice

2 2

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlJadlNKYURQT3hR

MFP 247: Lessons from the School of Love: an Interview with Peter & Debbie Herbeck

Messy Family Project July 24, 2023 4:00 pm

“Do a date night! It’s cheaper than marriage counseling.” This is an oldie but goodie podcast for you. We released this one way back in 2015 when we were just starting out but the content in it is something that even we need to be reminded of! When we have gotten into “slumps” in our marriage when we don’t feel like we are connecting, working together, or in sync with each other, that is when we need to take a look at our date nights. Are we spending intentional time together? Are we having fun together? Are we making room in our lives for our spouse? Listen in to this podcast where you will get some inspiration to not just get out of the house, but to also make your time together effective and impactful for your relationship. Play and Pray challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge Website - www.messyfamilyproject.org Date Night with the Herbecks - 6/15 - www.messyfamilyproject.org/programs/date-nights/ Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com #marriage For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“Do a date night! It’s cheaper than marriage counseling.”

This is an oldie but goodie podcast for you. We released this one way back in 2015 when we were just starting out but the content in it is something that even we need to be reminded of! When we have gotten into “slumps” in our marriage when we don’t feel like we are connecting, working together, or in sync with each other, that is when we need to take a look at our date nights. Are we spending intentional time together? Are we having fun together? Are we making room in our lives for our spouse? Listen in to this podcast where you will get some inspiration to not just get out of the house, but to also make your time together effective and impactful for your relationship.

Play and Pray challenge - www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge
Website - www.messyfamilyproject.org
Date Night with the Herbecks - 6/15 - www.messyfamilyproject.org/programs/date-nights/
Getaway - Early bird ends 6/30 - catholiccouplesgetaway.com

#marriage
For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

5 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnI2TkFDWGpVYVZz

MFP 242: The Importance of Date Nights

Messy Family Project June 12, 2023 4:00 pm

“Dream big, plan simple, act now.” - Mike and Alicia Hernon Dreaming is an integral part of living a life to the fullest. But dreams that take us away from our vocation are fantasies and actually detract from living an abundant life. What is the difference and why is it important? Dreaming in the best sense is an essential skill to have. Not everyone is a natural dreamer, but we can all learn to be! In this podcast, we discuss having a Growth mindset versus a Fixed mindset and how that affects our family life. We also give some tips for how to rise above the everyday work that we do and create a vision for your family that will motivate and inspire you to grow. #marriage #family For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“Dream big, plan simple, act now.”
- Mike and Alicia Hernon

Dreaming is an integral part of living a life to the fullest. But dreams that take us away from our vocation are fantasies and actually detract from living an abundant life. What is the difference and why is it important? Dreaming in the best sense is an essential skill to have. Not everyone is a natural dreamer, but we can all learn to be! In this podcast, we discuss having a Growth mindset versus a Fixed mindset and how that affects our family life. We also give some tips for how to rise above the everyday work that we do and create a vision for your family that will motivate and inspire you to grow.
#marriage #family

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

5 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLlNoLVgwRkdlUGVv

MFP 232: Dreaming vs. Fantasizing

Messy Family Project April 18, 2023 10:48 pm

“How can there be too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers.” - St. Theresa of Calcutta There is great confusion in our world, even among good Catholics, about the purpose of marriage and even the purpose of having children. Catholics do not “discern having another child”. Instead, our default is that we are always open to new life in our families, but in grave circumstances, we can postpone pregnancy for the overall good of our family. In this episode, we discuss how we can form our conscience to come to a deeper understanding of the role of children in our marriage that includes, but also goes beyond, financial considerations. Discerning this area of marriage can be tricky, so we called a lifeline for this one, and invited Jonathan and Amanda Texiera, founders of WalletWin, to come on and help us to navigate this issue and give couples good questions to discuss with each other and options to consider. #marriage #parenting For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“How can there be too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers.”
- St. Theresa of Calcutta

There is great confusion in our world, even among good Catholics, about the purpose of marriage and even the purpose of having children. Catholics do not “discern having another child”. Instead, our default is that we are always open to new life in our families, but in grave circumstances, we can postpone pregnancy for the overall good of our family. In this episode, we discuss how we can form our conscience to come to a deeper understanding of the role of children in our marriage that includes, but also goes beyond, financial considerations. Discerning this area of marriage can be tricky, so we called a lifeline for this one, and invited Jonathan and Amanda Texiera, founders of WalletWin, to come on and help us to navigate this issue and give couples good questions to discuss with each other and options to consider.

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

4 1

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnhfdm5UWWt4TzlZ

MFP 234: How Can We Afford a Child?

Messy Family Project April 17, 2023 7:33 pm

“Its better to be wrong together than right alone” - Mike and Alicia There are many things that spouses need to navigate in life - finances, educational choices, work issues, in-laws - and for all of these issues there is an “X factor” that makes all the difference - UNITY. Without unity, even the most perfect of scenarios will not bring peace, but with unity there is nothing that life throws at a couple that they will not be able to handle. The question is, how do you forge that unity with each other when you have two different visions of what your family should look like? In this episode, we tackle this difficult question by encouraging couples to “push up”; to look at your life from the 50,000 foot level. Instead of starting with the details, start with the big picture. Those are the conversations that are most helpful. Listen in as we give couples some concrete questions to discuss with each other to build that unity that is absolutely essential to a flourishing marriage and family life. #marriage For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

“Its better to be wrong together than right alone” - Mike and Alicia

There are many things that spouses need to navigate in life - finances, educational choices, work issues, in-laws - and for all of these issues there is an “X factor” that makes all the difference - UNITY. Without unity, even the most perfect of scenarios will not bring peace, but with unity there is nothing that life throws at a couple that they will not be able to handle. The question is, how do you forge that unity with each other when you have two different visions of what your family should look like? In this episode, we tackle this difficult question by encouraging couples to “push up”; to look at your life from the 50,000 foot level. Instead of starting with the details, start with the big picture. Those are the conversations that are most helpful. Listen in as we give couples some concrete questions to discuss with each other to build that unity that is absolutely essential to a flourishing marriage and family life.

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

9 3

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLnEzNjVicVI4TlRJ

MFP 233: Getting on the Same Page

Messy Family Project April 10, 2023 8:00 am

Dating your spouse consistently is the easiest thing you can do to keep your love alive - and its fun too! We have been challenged recently to spend more time with each other and just have fun. Because our work puts us in each other's orbit all the time, it can be easy for us to think that we don’t need MORE time together, but we do. Date night reminds us that our relationship must come first because it is the foundation of our family. Listen in as we give some encouragement, ideas, motivation, and inspiration to always, no matter what, date your spouse. #marriage “Creating informal rituals when you can connect emotionally is critical in a marriage” ~ John M. Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #marriage #marriagegoals #marriageadvice

Dating your spouse consistently is the easiest thing you can do to keep your love alive - and its fun too! We have been challenged recently to spend more time with each other and just have fun. Because our work puts us in each other's orbit all the time, it can be easy for us to think that we don’t need MORE time together, but we do. Date night reminds us that our relationship must come first because it is the foundation of our family. Listen in as we give some encouragement, ideas, motivation, and inspiration to always, no matter what, date your spouse.

“Creating informal rituals when you can connect emotionally is critical in a marriage” ~ John M. Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar
Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90
Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

7 1

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLmRBd3FrWE0zVU1n

MFP 223 : Dating Your Spouse

Messy Family Project February 3, 2023 2:53 am

Spiritual Life

See All
"Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify Its love” - Jesus to St. Margaret Mary How can we love like Jesus? What is His love like? Answering these questions is the role of devotions in the Catholic world. They help us learn more about God and how He relates to us. The Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us to love as God loves and this is a lesson that all families need to embrace fully. In this podcast, we interview Emily Jaminet of the Sacred Heart Enthronement network and author of the new book Holy Habits of the Sacred Heart. Our conversation explains how both of our families have been impacted by this devotion and how it has given us a way to proclaim Christ as King, and also to have a place to go as a safe refuge in times of trial. As we pray to the Heart of Jesus, He can change our hearts to make us more like Himself! When we learn about how He loves, we can imitate that love which is a path of holiness itself. Learn more about this devotion, what the Nine First Fridays are, how Jesus blesses families with the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart and why the Enthronement is a means of evangelization and transformation. Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual

"Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify Its love” - Jesus to St. Margaret Mary

How can we love like Jesus? What is His love like? Answering these questions is the role of devotions in the Catholic world. They help us learn more about God and how He relates to us. The Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us to love as God loves and this is a lesson that all families need to embrace fully. In this podcast, we interview Emily Jaminet of the Sacred Heart Enthronement network and author of the new book Holy Habits of the Sacred Heart. Our conversation explains how both of our families have been impacted by this devotion and how it has given us a way to proclaim Christ as King, and also to have a place to go as a safe refuge in times of trial. As we pray to the Heart of Jesus, He can change our hearts to make us more like Himself! When we learn about how He loves, we can imitate that love which is a path of holiness itself. Learn more about this devotion, what the Nine First Fridays are, how Jesus blesses families with the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart and why the Enthronement is a means of evangelization and transformation.

Listener Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW98NMH

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

3 0

YouTube Video VVU3WExVajMtREp2Qnl3SnNwWmNvYWJRLktMV0lZNnNRVFBJ

MFP 257: How to Change Your Heart - Lessons from the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Messy Family Project October 2, 2023 4:00 pm

"This is a book about love; more exactly, it is about the love that knows no end, the love our hearts yearn for. The love that consumes, that reverberates, that heightens—it is a love that costs everything—yet offers everything. - Theresa and Peter Martin, The Rule When the young priest Fr. Karol Wojtyla was living in Poland, he wrote a “rule” for married couples, similar to the protocols that religious orders follow for their way of life. His suggestions were born out of his deep friendships with young married couples who he observed and who helped him see what married couples need to do to find true life within the married vocation. We heard about this book and were immediately intrigued, so we invited Theresa and Peter Martin to share with us more about their book, how it came to be, and about The Rule itself. In this podcast, we talk about the challenges of married life and how the Church can help us live a life of grace, the role of children in this quest of holiness, and what a life of prayer looks like in the home. Most importantly, we talk about community and how essential it is for families to support each other in their common life. Listen in and see how you can join in this movement of married couples living the Rule outlined by St. John Paul II. https://www.wojtylaci.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual

"This is a book about love; more exactly, it is about the love that knows no end, the love our hearts yearn for. The love that consumes, that reverberates, that heightens—it is a love that costs everything—yet offers everything. - Theresa and Peter Martin, The Rule

When the young priest Fr. Karol Wojtyla was living in Poland, he wrote a “rule” for married couples, similar to the protocols that religious orders follow for their way of life. His suggestions were born out of his deep friendships with young married couples who he observed and who helped him see what married couples need to do to find true life within the married vocation. We heard about this book and were immediately intrigued, so we invited Theresa and Peter Martin to share with us more about their book, how it came to be, and about The Rule itself. In this podcast, we talk about the challenges of married life and how the Church can help us live a life of grace, the role of children in this quest of holiness, and what a life of prayer looks like in the home. Most importantly, we talk about community and how essential it is for families to support each other in their common life. Listen in and see how you can join in this movement of married couples living the Rule outlined by St. John Paul II.

https://www.wojtylaci.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#spiritual

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MFP 249: JPII’s Secret to Catholic Family Life

Messy Family Project August 7, 2023 4:30 pm

“When an army retreats on the battlefield, it doesn’t mean that they are giving up. It can mean that they are taking time to reassess and regroup so they can come back stronger. This is the essence of a Family Retreat.” ~ Mike Hernon The concept of a family retreat is something that we have developed over the years for our own family. It grew out of our desire to regroup and reconnect with our kids outside of the daily chaos in our home. To do this, we have taken our children to vacation homes, retreat houses, and occasionally to a hotel, to take some time for family fun, team building activities, teaching and prayer. We don’t use a set program, but we do have the same principles that we use over and over. In this podcast, we share these principles with you so you can develop your own retreat for your family. If you would like more than what is just offered on this podcast - check out our Family Retreat Guide found on our website! Even if you don’t do a retreat this year, listen in so you can talk about it with your spouse and develop a strategic “retreat” for your family. For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual

“When an army retreats on the battlefield, it doesn’t mean that they are giving up. It can mean that they are taking time to reassess and regroup so they can come back stronger. This is the essence of a Family Retreat.” ~ Mike Hernon

The concept of a family retreat is something that we have developed over the years for our own family. It grew out of our desire to regroup and reconnect with our kids outside of the daily chaos in our home. To do this, we have taken our children to vacation homes, retreat houses, and occasionally to a hotel, to take some time for family fun, team building activities, teaching and prayer. We don’t use a set program, but we do have the same principles that we use over and over. In this podcast, we share these principles with you so you can develop your own retreat for your family. If you would like more than what is just offered on this podcast - check out our Family Retreat Guide found on our website! Even if you don’t do a retreat this year, listen in so you can talk about it with your spouse and develop a strategic “retreat” for your family.

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

#spiritual

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MFP248: You Need a Family Retreat

Messy Family Project August 4, 2023 8:36 pm

“Teaching is an essential part of our faith that reminds us that following Jesus Christ transforms every part of our lives, from our attitude toward money, to the choices we make at the doctor’s office, to the way we build our families.” ~ Nancy Bandzuch Parents are charged by God to be good stewards of their children and caring for children includes forming them in the faith and teaching them! This is especially important in our culture where there is widespread confusion about some of the most essential issues, in addition to issues where Catholics can disagree. Nancy Bandzuch has taken on this challenge to help parents discuss these issues with their children clearly in the book Catholic Social Teaching for Youth available through her ministry Catholic Sprouts. In this interview, we talk about why this task of the formation of children is so important, how to use this book for a variety of ages, and what is covered. Listen in to be empowered to embrace the task of forming your children in the truth. www.CatholicSprouts.com www.CatholicCouplesGetaway.com For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual

“Teaching is an essential part of our faith that reminds us that following Jesus Christ transforms every part of our lives, from our attitude toward money, to the choices we make at the doctor’s office, to the way we build our families.” ~ Nancy Bandzuch

Parents are charged by God to be good stewards of their children and caring for children includes forming them in the faith and teaching them! This is especially important in our culture where there is widespread confusion about some of the most essential issues, in addition to issues where Catholics can disagree. Nancy Bandzuch has taken on this challenge to help parents discuss these issues with their children clearly in the book Catholic Social Teaching for Youth available through her ministry Catholic Sprouts. In this interview, we talk about why this task of the formation of children is so important, how to use this book for a variety of ages, and what is covered. Listen in to be empowered to embrace the task of forming your children in the truth.

www.CatholicSprouts.com
www.CatholicCouplesGetaway.com


For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/
#spiritual

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MFP 246: Catholic Social Teaching for Kids

Messy Family Project July 17, 2023 4:00 pm

One of the questions we ask parents as an icebreaker for our in-person events is “How many of your children have used rosaries as weapons?” This is a common experience of families with young children as parents try to pray. We get it. For a long time, we found it hard to encourage devotion to the rosary with our children, but we have grown and learned a lot over the years! As we launch into the month of May, we wanted all our listeners to take some time to reflect on why the Blessed Mother is so important to families. In this re-release of an earlier podcast, we talk about devotion to Our Lady, how to pray the rosary as a family creatively, and how she can inspire us in our family life. Listen in and be encouraged and inspired! "Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary." -St. Bonaventure Play and Pray Challenge - https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/ #spiritual For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

One of the questions we ask parents as an icebreaker for our in-person events is “How many of your children have used rosaries as weapons?” This is a common experience of families with young children as parents try to pray. We get it. For a long time, we found it hard to encourage devotion to the rosary with our children, but we have grown and learned a lot over the years! As we launch into the month of May, we wanted all our listeners to take some time to reflect on why the Blessed Mother is so important to families. In this re-release of an earlier podcast, we talk about devotion to Our Lady, how to pray the rosary as a family creatively, and how she can inspire us in our family life. Listen in and be encouraged and inspired!

"Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary." -St. Bonaventure

Play and Pray Challenge - https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/

#spiritual

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MFP 236 : Why Families Need to Know the Blessed Mother

Messy Family Project May 3, 2023 7:31 pm

One of our great gifts as Catholics is the “older brothers and sisters” that God has given us in the saints. There are saints for every personality, vocation, and even job type! In this episode, we interview the creators of the podcast “Saints Alive!” who tell dramatizations of the life stories of the saints. This is a great tool for parents in this digital age when we are all looking for good media to put in front of our children and into their minds. We hope this will be a valuable resource for parents looking to fill their children's minds with good and holy things! #spiritual Saints Alive Podcast - https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/episodes Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

One of our great gifts as Catholics is the “older brothers and sisters” that God has given us in the saints. There are saints for every personality, vocation, and even job type! In this episode, we interview the creators of the podcast “Saints Alive!” who tell dramatizations of the life stories of the saints. This is a great tool for parents in this digital age when we are all looking for good media to put in front of our children and into their minds. We hope this will be a valuable resource for parents looking to fill their children's minds with good and holy things!

Saints Alive Podcast - https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/episodes

Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90

Family Board Meeting Course - https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MFP 229: Stories from Saints Alive!

Messy Family Project March 14, 2023 7:12 pm

One of the things we teach couples all the time is that marriage and family life is your path to holiness. So the celebration of Lent and Easter should look different if you are a married person! Sacrifices and commitments that take away from your vocation should be avoided because the first step in discerning anything is to consider your state in life. This means that you and I can become holy by not just having an hour of adoration, but also by playing with our toddlers! Or taking your teen out to coffee, or having a weekly date night with your spouse. Catholics need to explore more of what it means to be a saint in our homes. Listen in to this webinar we did on the Monday before Ash Wednesday to explain our Cana90 program for couples and families. #spiritual Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Moms and Dads and Family Board Meeting Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual #lent #lentenseason

One of the things we teach couples all the time is that marriage and family life is your path to holiness. So the celebration of Lent and Easter should look different if you are a married person! Sacrifices and commitments that take away from your vocation should be avoided because the first step in discerning anything is to consider your state in life. This means that you and I can become holy by not just having an hour of adoration, but also by playing with our toddlers! Or taking your teen out to coffee, or having a weekly date night with your spouse. Catholics need to explore more of what it means to be a saint in our homes. Listen in to this webinar we did on the Monday before Ash Wednesday to explain our Cana90 program for couples and families.

Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90

Moms and Dads and Family Board Meeting Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MFP 226: Lent and Your Marriage

Messy Family Project February 23, 2023 1:45 am

For some reason, dealing with sons and daughters can bring out anger in a person who has been mild mannered and easy going their whole life! Why is that? What we have noticed is that children do not create our weaknesses, they reveal them. It is good to understand why we react so strongly to certain situations in order to grow in virtue. In this podcast, we shed some light on the truth about anger, give some tools and ideas for handling anger, and share some of our own experiences and difficulties. If you struggle with anger you are not alone! Listen in and join the conversation. #parenting #family Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90 Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/ For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/ #spiritual #mentalhealth #parentingtips #parenthood

For some reason, dealing with sons and daughters can bring out anger in a person who has been mild mannered and easy going their whole life! Why is that? What we have noticed is that children do not create our weaknesses, they reveal them. It is good to understand why we react so strongly to certain situations in order to grow in virtue. In this podcast, we shed some light on the truth about anger, give some tools and ideas for handling anger, and share some of our own experiences and difficulties. If you struggle with anger you are not alone! Listen in and join the conversation.

Family Board Meeting Webinar - https://messyfamilyproject.org/our-events/date-night/2023-family-board-meeting-webinar
Interested in Cana90 for your parish or yourself - https://messyfamilyproject.org/cana90
Moms and Dads Courses- https://messyfamilyhood.com/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MFP 222 : Dealing with Anger

Messy Family Project January 18, 2023 2:00 pm

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Parent's reaction to their children is more important than any consequence that they may give. It is our reaction that teaches our ...

138 views

Parent’s reaction to their children is more important than any consequence that they may give. It is our reaction that teaches our children.

Summary
One of the trickiest things for a parent is when they catch their child in a lie. Do you punish them for lying? Do you punish the offense? How do you teach the virtue of honesty when lying seems to come so naturally to them? Join in our conversation with Jordan Langdon of Families of Character, a ministry that coaches parents to be their best for their families. In this discussion, we hear Jordan’s thoughts on why kids lie, how to create realistic expectations, and why punishing kids for lying only makes things worse. Hear about the “Honesty Incentive Rule” and how that works for young children and even more importantly as your children become teenagers. Find more about Jordan and her work at www.familiesofcharacter.org

Key Takeaways
Training the will of your child is just as or even more important than training their intellect
Most children will lie at some point. It is a natural part of their development. It is how you react to them that matters.
There are different stages of lying. The lie of a 3 yr old looks different than that of a 7 yr old.
The Honesty Incentive rule helps children take personal responsibility for their actions.
When you find your child lying, allow yourself time to think about how to handle it. There is no need to react - this is not an emergency!
Take time to observe your children’s behavior so you can tell when something is going on beneath the surface.

Couple Discussion Questions
What is our reaction when our children lie to us now? How do we handle it?
How do I feel when our kids lie to me?
Do we feel like we take enough time to observe our children’s behavior? Would we know when something was going wrong?

Jordan Langdon's Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familiesofcharacter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familiesofcharacter/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmtYtWm1L06rBo3h-BJLn0Q

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MFP 293: What To Do When Your Kids Lie

July 22, 2024 9:00 pm

Play is the work of childhood. Summary It seems like in today's world, parents are judged by how many activities their kids are in ...

223 views

Play is the work of childhood.

Summary
It seems like in today’s world, parents are judged by how many activities their kids are in and how committed the whole family is to those activities. We see this as leading to complete burnout for parents, but more importantly, it robs children of the joy of unsupervised, spontaneous time to just play. We explain in this podcast what play is and why it is so important for children to engage in. The beautiful thing about play is that parents should NOT be involved! It is one thing that we can do for our kids that requires less of us, not more. Parents need to learn that kids must take risks, make choices, and be independent from adults. And this means less supervision, not more. Listen in to this conversation where we try to strike a balance between keeping kids busy in a healthy way and giving them space to be bored and make good choices.

Key Takeaways
Play is essential for a child’s development. It is “freely chosen and directed by the participants and undertaken for its own sake, not to achieve something” - Dr. Peter Gray
You need to be intentional about choosing your child’s activities based on their developmental needs.
Kids under 12 really don’t need structured activities - only do them if they work for your lifestyle and are not a cause of stress in the family
Don’t allow external forces to impose false expectations on your involvement.
Encourage your child to persevere even if an activity is difficult or not what they expected, but have the common sense to know when enough is enough.
Know the adults that are around your child recognizing that especially in the teen years these people can become mentors for them for good or for bad.

Couple Discussion Questions
Share with your spouse your experience with structured activities (sports, theater, lessons, etc). What would you like to repeat? What would you like to avoid?
What activities are our children involved in? Are they developmentally appropriate for them?
How can we encourage more play among our children? Are there other families who would join us in this?

Resources:
Play Deprivation Is A Major Cause of the Teen Mental Health Crisis
By JON HAIDT AND PETER GRAY
https://www.afterbabel.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MPF292: Managing Kid's Activities

July 15, 2024 3:00 pm

Growing in holiness doesn't require extraordinary actions, it requires doing ordinary things with great love. And there is nothing ...

192 views

Growing in holiness doesn’t require extraordinary actions, it requires doing ordinary things with great love. And there is nothing more “ordinary” in the life of a child than a parent.

Summary
Often when people talk about life with children, the focus is on just getting through their childhood with your sanity in one piece! There is some truth to that because parenting can be the most challenging thing you may ever do, but we would like to offer a different perspective. What if we did allow family life to change us? What if we allowed it to change us for the better? Jesus wants to teach us how to love Him by loving our spouse and our children. They are the first neighbors that we are called to love and serve and this, as lay people, is our path to holiness. Listen in to this honest conversation about the challenges of loving those closest to us as we would love Jesus Himself.

Key Takeaways

If you are a frantic family you will resent the sacrifices that naturally come with family life. Fruitful families embrace these sacrifices.
Our world does not prize the ordinary so we can think that to be holy we need to do extraordinary things.
The true measure of how much you love the Lord is the measure by which you love that person in your life who is most difficult
Mark 9 - “Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me”
Matthew 25 - “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
Jesus doesn’t ask us to love an ideal. He asks us to love actual people in our lives as we would love Him.

Couple Discussion questions
Think of a person in your life who shows God’s love to others. What do they do? How do they do it? What can you imitate?
“Whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me. And if you receive me, you receive the one who sent me” Who am I being called to “receive” right now in my state in life? What are my thoughts on this person being Jesus?
What is one small, practical way in which I can love my husband or wife better, starting today? How can I receive their love more fully?

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/


00:00:07 - Introduction and welcome to the podcast.
00:02:51 - Family Events and Picnic at NEC.
00:08:11 - Changing perspectives and seeing children as opportunities for growth.
00:09:51 - Challenges of parenting and making sacrifices.
00:13:08 - Viewing daily tasks through the eyes of Christ.
00:13:33 - Contrast between frantic and fruitful families.
00:13:59 - Importance of reflection and embracing messy sacrifices.
00:14:17 - Presence of God in everyday moments.
00:14:50 - Finding prayer time amidst parenting duties.
00:15:13 - Structuring day for clarity and routine.
00:52:21 - Reflecting on who we are called to receive and love better.
00:54:06 - Closing prayer and blessings.

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MFP 291: Finding the Lord in Others

July 8, 2024 4:00 pm

In this insightful clip from our latest interview, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of spiritual fatherhood. Discover ...

5.7K views

In this insightful clip from our latest interview, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of spiritual fatherhood. Discover how the heart of a father mirrors the heart of a priest, as Fr. Mike shares personal experiences and wisdom on guiding and nurturing the spiritual well-being of those in his care. This segment is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the deep connection between fatherhood and priesthood.

Topics Covered:

The essence of spiritual fatherhood
The role of a priest in nurturing faith
Parallels between being a father and a spiritual guide
About Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike Schmitz is a renowned Catholic priest, speaker, and author known for his engaging and relatable approach to faith and spirituality. His insights have touched countless lives, inspiring many to deepen their relationship with God.

Connect with Us:
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!
🔔 Hit the bell icon to get notified when we upload new videos.
🌐 Visit our website for more resources: [Your Website]
📱 Follow us on social media: [Your Social Media Links]

#FrMikeSchmitz #SpiritualFatherhood #CatholicPriest #Faith #Inspiration #Fatherhood #Priesthood
For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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The Heart of the Father is the Heart of the Priest with Fr. Mike Schmitz

June 28, 2024 4:00 pm

The greatest and most important collaboration you will ever have with another person is raising a child with your spouse.

185 views

The greatest and most important collaboration you will ever have with another person is raising a child with your spouse.

Summary;
Parents come to us with discipline issues all the time and our first question is usually, “What does your spouse think about this?” You see, the most important person to learn from is the other parent of this child you are trying to raise! It is when moms and dads work together that the greatest power is unleashed in parenting and that is when we can do the most good for our children. Instead of focusing on your child and their behavior, focus first on yourself, then on how you and your spouse work together, and then you can come up with the best way to love your child and form them. Listen in to this re-release of our 2019 podcast, Parenting as a Team.

Key Takeaways;
The best thing you can do for your children is to not focus on them, but focus on your spouse first, and them second. Prioritize your relationship!
Strength is found in your differences! Respect what each one of you brings to the table.
God never meant for you to be parents alone, or even just the two of you. He wants to give you all the grace you need if you will just ask Him for it.

Couple Discussion Questions:
What do you admire about how your spouse parents your kids? Tell them this.
What is the biggest difference between you in how you parent? How is this a strength?
Take time this week to sit down and talk about your kids and how they are doing. Make a plan to help them as best you can.


Resources:

Tip Sheet: https://cdn.messyfamilyproject.org/Parenting+as+a+Team_Tip+Sheet.pdf

Worksheet from Discipline guide: https://messyfamilyproject.org/guide/parenting-as-a-team/

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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MPF 290: Creating a United Front for Your Kids - Parenting as a Team

June 24, 2024 4:00 pm

Parenting isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about showing up over and over again no matter what. Summary Some may ...

3.5K views

Parenting isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It's about showing up over and over again no matter what.

Summary
Some may question how a celibate man could have wisdom for husbands and wives, let alone parents. But in this interview with Fr. Mike Schmitz, host of the Bible in a Year podcast, we think everyone will agree that his insights are awesome! Drawing from his own family experience as well as his role as a spiritual father, Fr. Mike shares with us how to love children who have fallen away from the church, the importance of your marriage to your walk with God, and why you actually don’t need to have the perfect plan for your family. In this conversation we laughed and cried as we reflected on the beauty and difficulties of life in a family (with some special shoutouts to middle children!). Listen in as we have an honest and inspiring talk with a priest whose ministry has blessed so many.


Key Takeaways
Our family of origin impacts us more than almost anything else in our lives.
Parents put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect that sometimes they miss out on the joy of family life.
It's more important that we are intentional about family life than we have the “perfect plan” on how to be a family.
It's not a bad thing for kids to see their parents have conflict as long as they are also able to experience the effects of their reconciliation.
We can’t make the world safe for our kids, but we do need to make our kids strong.
The heart of the Father is the heart of the priesthood.
If someone falls away from the Church, we may be tempted to cut them out or approve of everything they do, but neither is correct. Remain in their lives in a consistent and uncompromising way, recognizing that their story isn’t over.

Couple Discussion Questions
Are there areas in our family life that we need to evaluate and possibly change? Is there a course we are on that we need to correct?
Knowing that our kids will be growing up in a difficult world, how can we make them strong?
How can we respond better to those who have turned away from Christ or His Church? How can we keep those lines of communication open?
Who are the “spiritual fathers” in our life? How can we pray for them?

Resources
Bible in a Year Podcast
Ascension videos w Fr Mike
The Heart of Perfection

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Introduction and Fundraising Campaign: 00:00:00 - 00:04:04
Interview with Father Mike Schmitz Begins: 00:04:04 - 00:05:09
Father Mike Schmitz's Background: 00:05:09 - 00:07:02
Parenting and Family Life: 00:07:02 - 00:13:23
Insights on Parenting and Perfection: 00:13:23 - 00:18:13
Parental Sacrifice and Consistency: 00:19:32 - 00:21:28
Parental Influence and Decision-Making: 00:21:28 - 00:23:42
Navigating Marital Challenges: 00:23:43 - 00:27:37
Spiritual Fatherhood: 00:37:06 - 00:38:41
Parenting Journey and Impact: 00:38:42 - 00:41:36
Understanding Parental Heartache: 00:46:43 - 00:47:31
Dealing with Children Leaving Faith: 00:47:31 - 00:48:57
Parental Support and Communication: 00:50:29 - 00:52:37
Sexual Intimacy and Spirituality: 00:56:53 - 00:58:32
Blessing and Spiritual Growth: 01:02:14 - 01:03:32

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MPF 289: Fr. Mike Schmitz on Parenting and Marriage

June 17, 2024 4:00 pm

Our parents made us sisters, but God made us friends. Summary One of the greatest blessings of Alicia's life is that God gave her ...

262 views

Our parents made us sisters, but God made us friends.

Summary
One of the greatest blessings of Alicia’s life is that God gave her 9 brothers and sisters to laugh, play, fight, create, and pray with most of her life! This conversation is from a girls getaway weekend with the five Doman sisters. Now, because all the Doman siblings are practicing Catholics in good relationship with each other and their parents, people may put them in a category of “the perfect Catholic family”. But that is far from true. As you will hear, each one of these sisters has lived through tragedies and difficulties that were completely unexpected and not chosen by them at all. It is by God’s grace that each one of them has grown into the woman God is calling her to be and it is through that relationship with Christ, as well as the accident of birth, that we are able to have true sisterhood together. Listen in as we talk about God’s faithfulness through the difficulties of life and how true sisterhood with those in your family and friends are essential to our survival.

Key Takeaways
Life is not always easy, but God is near
We can learn from those who God gives us, even when they are different from us. Don’t get frustrated by differences, embrace them!
When we are joined together by common faith in Christ, we can develop true friendships

Couple Discussion Questions
What relationships can we invest more in to develop sisterhood and brotherhood?
Are we happy with our relationships with our siblings? Why or why not? What can we change about this?
How does sharing values with others change us?

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video UC7XLUj3-DJvBywJspZcoabQ_AqE-ptPWSrs

MFP 288: Sisterhood - an interview with Alicia's sisters!

June 10, 2024 4:00 pm

Summary In this episode, we explore the essential aspects of training for virtue and the challenging task of granting freedom to our ...

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Summary
In this episode, we explore the essential aspects of training for virtue and the challenging task of granting freedom to our children. We emphasize the importance of always communicating that you are on their side as a mentor, teacher, and guide, expecting mistakes along the way. We discuss the value of risking giving your child freedom, acknowledging it's not an easy journey. Key discussion points include how to provide more freedom for kids to make good choices, understanding if teens view parents as mentors, and identifying areas needing better boundaries and more training at home. Join us for practical strategies and insights to support your children in making virtuous choices while balancing freedom and boundaries.

Key Takeaways
Always communicate that you are on their side as a mentor, teacher, and guide.
Expect mistakes
Be willing to risk giving your child freedom - beware! It's not easy!
Couple discussion questions

How can we give our kids more freedom to make good choices? What are my fears about this?
Do my teens see me as a mentor? Why or why not. Plan some time to talk to them about this.
Where do we need better boundaries in our home? What are the areas in which our children need more training?

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

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YouTube Video UC7XLUj3-DJvBywJspZcoabQ_6ZW_pHLPYgs

MFP 287: Training for Virtue and Giving Freedom

June 3, 2024 3:00 pm

The most important challenge you can take What does it take to be a great parent and have a joyful family? We think it all boils ...

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The most important challenge you can take

What does it take to be a great parent and have a joyful family? We think it all boils down to three essential elements. We have turned these three elements into the Play and Pray Challenge! More than ever, we need to celebrate the love of Jesus in the month of June, because it is HIS love and lordship that will truly fulfill all our deepest longings! What is the challenge? In the month of June do these three things with your family - Organize and execute an amazing FAMILY DAY, plan and go on a DATE NIGHT, and proclaim Jesus Christ as the KING OF THE HOME by placing the image of the Sacred Heart in their house and “enthroning” Him as King. We want to make this a fun and rewarding experience for families, so we have created some resources to help you out. Go to our website messyfamilyproject.org/challenge to get our Play and Pray Challenge Kit. There are even promo materials for you to put up at your parish or school!

Get the free download and let us know your family is taking the challenge - https://messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/

Related podcast episode:
MFP 091: King of the Home - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-091-king-of-the-home/
MFP 257: How to Change Your Heart - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-257-how-to-change-your-heart-lessons-from-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/


Key takeaways:
One of the greatest assets we have in parenting is the ability to choose how we spend our time. Protect your yes with 1,000 no’s
Your children need to be known and loved by you. Joy must be alive in your home.
Your marriage gives you the grace to be a parent. So invest deeply in your marriage!
Devotion to the Sacred heart is a game changer for families
If you want to pray with your kids you need to play with them.


Couple Discussion
How do we waste time with our kids? How do we lavish love on them?
What brings joy to the hearts of our children? How can we do more of that?
What is my understanding of the love of Jesus flowing from His Sacred Heart? How can I express this love to my children?

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YouTube Video UC7XLUj3-DJvBywJspZcoabQ_d8wGK-kW_Lo

MFP 286: Learning to Love by Being Loved

May 27, 2024 3:00 pm

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