#82 - Tips For Making Summer Great

Are you excited about your kids being out of school this summer? Or does the summer schedule wreak havoc on your family life?  Even though it feels like we have barely defrosted from winter, the days of grilling, swimming, and sunscreen will be here before you know it.

If you’re like many parents, the change of routine has its blessings and curses. On this episode Billy and Joy give some practical tips for making summer fun with just a little bit of effort. Have a listen! 

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Joy PhenixParenting
#81 - Creating a Grateful Family

Have you ever felt like your kids aren’t grateful for what they have or what they experience? Do you ever feel like they live with a distasteful attitude of demandingness? Perhaps you see this tendency in yourself?

In this episode Billy and Joy discuss the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude and some practical ways to build the habit of thankfulness in your family.

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Joy PhenixParenting, Marriage
#77 - The Danger of Building Your Life Around Your Kids

Have you ever felt like your children rule your life? Of COURSE they require a ton of care and nurturing, but have they become the core of your family? The temptation to build the family around the kids is one of the easiest things for parents to slip into. In this episode Billy and Joy discuss the dangers of child-centric parenting and how to see if you’re inadvertently living that life!

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#75 - 15 Things Wives Really Want Their Husbands To Know

While there’s no instruction manual for marriage, it’s not uncommon for spouses to have a mental “wish list” of things they wish their spouse understood. In this week’s episode Joy has taken a stab at fifteen such “things.” Maybe you’ll agree - -maybe you won’t. Either way, it should prompt some good discussion!

Guys – don’t worry. Next week Billy will have a chance to share his list!

 

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#74 - Six Expectations For Parents

What did you think life would be like when you became a parent? What were your hopes and dreams? What did you expect from your kids and your experience?

Whatever your answer, there’s tremendous power in those expectations. In today’s episode Billy and Joy talk through lesser known, but realistic expectations every parent should have.

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Joy PhenixParenting
#73 - Enjoying the Middle School Years

What is it about Middle School that makes everything feel so awkward? Is it the rush of hormones? Is it the lack of executive reasoning? Is it because parents are put off by the goofiness or hygiene?

Yes to all of the above. Still, with a little patience and a plan, the Middle School season can be AMAZING. Take a listen and see for yourself.

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#71 - Showing Emotion To Your Kids

How well do you share your feelings with your kids? Are you an over or an under sharer? Vulnerability is challenging, but the best place for your kids to learn this life skill is with you. Today’s episode is all about why your kids need to see how you engage with the world (AND them) emotionally.

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#69 - Helping Kids Face Their Fears

What do you feel when your kid is afraid? Frustrated? Embarrassed? Does it make you fearful as well? How do you respond to their fears? Do you push them? Or do you let them be?

This episode kicks around those topics and gives you a few things to talk about with the people in your life.

 

 

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Joy PhenixParenting
#68 - Six Life Lessons For Your Kids

Pick up your toys! Brush your teeth! Stop screaming!

As much as we would love to think our daily corrections add up to deep, important foundations with our kids, we aren’t fully convinced. On today’s podcast we take the conversation up to a bird’s-eye-view and discuss broad life lessons we want to pass along. While the list isn’t comprehensive, it will get you off to a good start of thinking about what matters in your family.

 

 

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Joy PhenixParenting
#67 - Respect in Marriage

While most people think marriage should be marked by unconditional love, the idea of unconditional respect isn’t usually a “thing.” Why is that? Is it possible to love when you don’t give your spouse unconditional respect? Billy and Joy chat about how respect impacts your marriage.

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Joy PhenixMarriage
#66 - Picking Schools for your Kids

Are you stressed about where your kids will go to school?
Do you often find yourself in conversations (debates?) about public or private schools? Do you ever feel guilty that you do or don’t homeschool?

On today’s podcast Billy and Joy suggest a framework for evaluating your options. You MAY hate what they say, but you might also find it helpful. In any case, have a listen!

 

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Joy PhenixParenting