Build Family Connection: Recent Episodes
Michelle Cox
Do you want to strengthen your family relationships? Join Michelle for quick prompts that will help focus your mind and heart on finding joy in the simple moments of family life.
Our circumstances aren't always great, but we can work in the messes and keep moving forward. If you've got a cross country runner or love to run, then you'll want to listen. And if you're not, you'll still want to listen.
Talking to our kids about scary world events can be overwhelming as a parent. Listen in to this episode for a 3 step framework you can use to guide you in tough conversations.
Don't wait until your problems become so big to start trying new ideas. Start now, when small changes can make a big impact.
We all ask questions as parents, but do you know the difference between a question full of curiosity versus fix-it, frustration, and fear? Listen in to hear the difference.
If you find yourself surveying the crowd or feel stuck making a deicison, here's another option for you.
You are awesome and didn't overreact or lose your cool. Nicely Done! So now what!? Listen in to this episode for some next steps when you have a kiddo who comes at you with BIG emotion.
Parents often think validating a child means they are weak or giving in, but that's no the case. In this episode I'm sharing a story about our dog that reminded us of what true validation looks like.
In this epiode we talk about the difference between pulling weeds and planting seeds in family relationships. Where are you spending most of your time, and is it paying off?
Find Michelle on Instagram @buildfamilyconnection
Website: www.buildfamilyconnection.com
Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one path to success for our kids. Each one of them is unique and will not fit into the same mold despite our best efforts! Stop comparing your kiddo to your neighbors and be the light that helps them find their own path to success.
When was the last time you stopped to think about how good you are? It's probably been a while. Even when you mess up, you are GOOD. And, your family needs this imperfect version of you-- not some idealic, perfect, wannabe creation that you carry around in your head.
If you aren't happy with where your family relationships are, then quit trying the same things over and over again. Listen in and get thinking about finding yourself you a better way.
The month of May is often a month of transition for families. In this episode, we talk about three things you can do to help smooth transitions of all sorts.
Kids and teens want to do well in their lives. You've taught them about goodness and they want to be on a good path. They don't want to be forced there. This episode is about the invitation versus the demand.
When I was teaching last week a mom shared the idea of hot potato moments. This reframe is a great way to ease the stress of those times when our kids unexpectedly dump big information or events on us.
Mom, my lip is stuck in my zipper. WHAT!? Listen in for a great example of how we sometimes tackle hard problems.
Tired of getting blank stares when you try to share a valuable life lesson? Use pop culture or whatever tredn matters to your kids. In this episode I share a recent family experience and how we used it to guide value driven family discussions.
In this episode I share the background behind my new children's book "Little Bear's Re-Do," and how it can impact your family.
To Order Your Copy: www.buildfamilyconnection.com/little-bear-book
Stop trying to make your kids stop fighting. Use your enegry to make true progress instead.
Do you ever get lost in the weeds of parenting and wonder if there is any progress? I'm here to tell you pulling the small weeds counts!
Do we need love or do we need consequences? Is it one or the other? Maybe there is another possibility and we are talking about it in this episode.
As parents we have been sold lies that get in the way of us moving forward as families and recognizing progress in our kids. Listen in and see if you have been led in astray.
I crawled into bed the other night irritated and done with one of my kids. Here's what I learned.
Join Erika and I as we talk about the wide range of emotions you experience during times of uncertainty and how to navigate them.
You can find Erika on Instagram @erikabehunin
Her website is www.erikascounseling.com
Join me and Erika as we talk about the skills you can develop to face uncertainty as a family.
Part 1 of 2.
You can find Erika on IG: @erikabehunin
Erika's Website: erikascounseling.com
When was the last time you spent time scrolling through your camera roll? In this episdoe we talk about how to use those photos and videos to strengthen your relationships.
In this episode we are talking about how the idea of "should" can blur our vision and hamper our steps towards progress.
Have you ever tried to approach a family member in a way that is usually successful, but it just doesn't work? Well, you're not alone. Today's episode is a quick note to self to keep trying when things don't seem to work in the way you expected.
Let's talk about intentional recovery time. When you are exhausted, overstimulated, stressed, or simply done with a bad day, do you have a plan to recover?
"Look at what you've done!" Often we use this phrase in frustration, but let's stop and put it into practice as parents as we start this new year.
Let's talk about the power in thinking small AND making progress in our lives and relationships.
In this episode we talk about finding connection and warmth in an imperfect holiday season!
Sometimes we throw around the idea of a change in perspective lightly. In today's episode, I share a personal example of learning about perspective and how is reshaped my approach to a difficult situation.
Tis the season of gratitude, but what if you don't really feel grateful for life right now? You're not alone. This episode gives you another option to anchor in as you travel bumpy roads.
Do you know how to anchor yourself to your kiddos so that in a moment of stress or chaos you can keep your cool? Listen in to learn more about why anchoring matters and how to use it to your advantage.
6 practical ideas to stop the yelling. We're bringing the learning we've done in the last several episode together and putting them into practice.
What do you do once you recognize your red flags? This episode shares 3 things you can try once you know you're about to loose your cool?
If you're sick and yelling and want to really learn how to stop, this episode is for you. Today we're taking the data you've collected from the past two episodes and using it to make a personal list of red flags.
We're continuing the conversation on what you need to consider if you really want to decrease the amount of anger and fight in your home.
If you're sick of failed attempts at trying to reign in your first reactions, this episode is for you. We are diving a little deeper into taming those blasts of energy that derail our best attempts.
Join me over on Instagram for practical suggestions @buildfamilyconnection.
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We think our job as parents is to teach lessons and make the learning clear for our kids, but is that really what they need when they mess up? I've got a story for you from my favorite four year old that might change your perspective.
In this episode we learn how to offer choices in a way that benefit both us and the child. It's a critical piece of parenting that often gets left behind!
When we make assumptions about our kids, we might miss the most important part of the story. Sometimes we think we know exacty what's going on, BUT we don't. Listen in to more lessons from my favorite four year old.
Today we're talking about teamwork. Do you know how to work with your kids instead of unintentionally fighting against them to get what you want?
Listen in for ideas on how you can help things go right when you're met with resistance.
Sometimes without even realizing it, we get in our own way. Especially in how we parent. In this episode we talk about the importance of acknowledging our blindspots and making shifts.
"From Conflict to Connection" begins Monday October 5
https://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/classes-page/
As a parent sometimes you'll have an idea that goes against "traditional" parenting methods. Don't be so quick to toss that idea out the window. A step towards connection may be your best bet!
FREE LIVE WEBINAR OCTOBER 5
https://livewebinar.pages.ontraport.net/
When someone is unkind, it's hard not to take it personally. As parents, we need to learn to change our perspective so we can keep our cool and make decisions with clarity.
Got a kids with crazy ideas?
Don't squash them quite yet!
Come listen to the power of diving into the creative and sometimes crazy world of our kids.
LINK TO FREE WEBINAR:
https://livewebinar.pages.ontraport.net/
Extracurricular demands are heavy on families. Let's talk about key elements to conisder when making decisions for your family.
Do you know what’s creating extra stress and worry for you as a parent?
The list could be long, but at the top is the false belief that you have to get it right to be good.
In episode 124 I share about the great candy bar meltdown and how we can learn from it.
Let's get real about getting past the daily grin of family life and reclaim pieces of joy. Join Michelle for 4 tools you can try today.
Do you know what sucks the joy out of your day?
In this episode we talk about the importance of slowing down to pay attention to joy stealers so you can push back to reclaim the presence and calm you want.
Get weekly tips and upcoming class information by emailing,
michelle@buildfamilyconnection.com
Say hello and tell me where you're from.
Behavior shifts often come AFTER transitions and we as parents miss the connection. In this episdoe I share some words to try when you see a shift in behavior, but aren't sure what's going on.
Now that kids are back to school, you may feel limited on the time you have to build relationships. No worries! In today's episode I share a simple way to shift your conversations to create more connection and lightness with the limited time you have together.
Is the use of absolute language shutting down communication in your home? A few small shifts and a little intention can dramatically change the energy in your home.
Tired of the selfishness or entitlement you see creeping into your family? You are not alone!
If you have 2 minutes, you have time for a family kindness challenge. In this episode we talke about the simple process to help fight back against entitlement and selfishness.
It's hard to let our kids make mistakes. No one likes to watch someone they love stumble. And, our responsibility as parents is NOT to pave the way for our children. Let's talk about how and why this matters.
As parents you are asked to sort through a lot of information and make a lot of decisions. Sometimes the pressure to get things right becomes overwhelming. Join me on this episode for a different perspective and a few questions to help lighten your load.
What is your family practicing this summer?
In between sports camps, theater classes, swim team and summer reading programs, can I invite you into a simple practice that will build the relationships in your home?
Join me for Episode 215 and let's think about the simple victories we experience every day.
Scrolling through social media, I see a lot of great suggestions about summer systems, chore charts, and plans to manage the time you have with your kids. We need these things to survive.
However, I have to ask, "Are we placing our focus on the areas that our going to serve us best?"
Let's stop trying to have a perfect summer and shift to a real summer- and a great one at that!
The expectations we hold onto surrounding our kids behavior set us up for failure. Let's talk about why it's helpful to lower our expectations as parents, and how that helps us make more progress.
If spending time together is creating and increase in conflict, know that you are not alone! In this episode we talk about shifting perspective and learning from our frustrations.
If your family is traveling this summer, don't forget this critical step. Prepare yourself mentally for bumps in the road or plans that don't work out the way you had hoped.
Often we look to our kids to place value on our parenting. Are they excelling? Did they get a good grade on a test? But what is the measure of a good parent? Is there such a thing? One common element is that all parents struggle. Especially the "good" ones.
Go to: www.buildfamilyconnection.com
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Few things make us more miserable than comparing our journey to another's. Today's episode addresses one area comparison sometimes sneaks up on us.
Is your parenting game stuck at the surface level? If so, join us for this episode to pause and consider the current focus of your parenting efforts.
Do you ever wonder if you are making any progress? If so, this episode is for you. Learning to trust the progress we make is a critical step in moving forward.
The month of May always brings a mixture of emotion for me. It's a time of the year that marks comings and goings. We get excited, celebrate, and I do my fair share of crying. In this episode we talk about how to navigate periods of transition in our families.
Today we are talking about how to use choices with your kids AND how your personal preferences matter in the family dynamic.
Recently a listener asked me, "What keeps you up at night?" In this episode we are talking about two questions you can ask when you have concerns that weigh heavy on your heart and mind.
Are you building a relationship of respect with your kids? In this episode we learn from an expert, a teenager, about the #1 secret they want you to understand in building a respectful relationship.
When I ask parents to reconsider how they approach their teens, a common concern I hear is, “Well, am I just going to let them get away with it?” The answer is simple, “No.”
If you’ve ever wondered a similar thing, then listen in to episode 202. I think you’ll enjoy the discussion and shift in perspective.
Worried that your kids like their friends more than you? You are not alone! What if there was another option?
I recently asked a group of teens this question, “What do you wish your parents understood about being a teen today?”
Episode #201 highlights one of the most common responses I received about their friends. Here’s what they wish you understood better.
Celebrate with us!
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In our 200th episode I share one small adjustment you can make as you lead your family. Asking two questions will help you feel more confident, build relationships, and recognize progress along the way.
Celebrate with us!
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Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. 5 entries.
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Share a podcast episode on your stories (don't forget to tag me so I am notified). 10 entries.
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michelle@buildfamilyconnection.com
IG: @buildfamilyconnection
In episode 199 I talk about fighting back against the feeling of overwhelm. Listen in for two managable ideas you can try to move throught the feelings of overwhelm.
We give our children a gift when we teach about emotion and offer a safe place to express what they are feeling.
In episode 198 of the podcast we talk about how to start validating your people.
Do you have a kid who is struggling in school and you just don’t know how to help them? It’s hard. We wonder what’s going on for them. We feel the frustration as we watch them reject what appears to be “easy” steps to success. We worry about their future and visions of them living in our basements forever! I get it. Episode 197 is full of ideas and way we can help.
D you ever wonder if anxiety is a trend or if kids are claiming mental health issues just to get attention?
That's what we're talking about in this episode.
We don't have to spend all our time fighting social media. Listen in and learn how to use Instagram and other social media apps to build a relationship.
The idea that the growth and progression of our family will be a clean linear experience is failing you. We are all human. We make mistakes, shift our focus, and need permission to try again. We get to keep teaching. Our kids get to keep practicing. We all get to keep making mistakes.
In this episode, we talk about taking small re-focused steps to help our families grow.
I sat in a meeting once where the instructor told us all to "just love" the students we were teaching. What did she mean and how does it apply to us as parents when there's no question if we love our kids? That's what we're covering today.
If bedtime is ruining your night, listen in for two tips to help make a shift towards a more cooperative and reasonable bedtime hour.
When I think of all the times my kids have responded to me by yelling, being sarcastic, or even by being disrespectful, I cannot think of a single time that I improved the situation by demanding that their behavior stop. In this episdoe we talk about how we can respond to our kids and gain valuable information to parent better.
Not once.
Behavior is what we see our kids do, and too often our parenting efforts focus on changing behavior. Unfortunately, that is our least effective option.
Reseach tells us that when kids learn their family stories, their level of resliency increases. In this episode we talk about how to use family stories to our benefit.
Parents do not need to know or have all the answers to create a stable safe environment for their children.
In this episode I talk about 3 things you can do to navigate uncdertainty with greater confidence.
If you want something to change in your family, yes, you’re gonna have to work for it. Please don’t make the mistake of trying the same approach over and over again. Look at the problem from a new angle. Ask for an outside perspective. Have some fun in the process of problem solving. Whatever you do, try something new and don’t give up.
Do you have a tendency to ignore, brush off, or dismiss the random ideas your older kids share? Pay attention. If you initially feel like the child is sharing a bad idea, what is your response? How we respond impacts how willing our kids are to share with us as they grow. If we are consistently shutting down their ideas or dismissing their perspective, will they come to us when they need to sort through a more important issue?
They might. They might not. We increase the odds if we show them that we are willing to LISTEN, LEARN, and ENGAGE. Today you might be talking about Minecraft or a stunt they tried at the skatepark, but tomorrow it could be something more impactful.
We do not have to lose the relationship we have with our kids as they get older. We do, however, need to let go of the idea that we get to control their world. I know this is a difficult idea to accept. This reality is a piece of what makes parenting older kids so dang hard.
You have a new role. A role that allows you to influence your child and build a stronger relationship in the process.
Too often we forget that there is more to the relationship we share with our kids than life management. Homework, chores, calendar details are all important, but not more important than taking the time to connect with our kids in ways meaningful to them.
By teaching our kids to win, are we uninentionally teaching them to quit? That's the question we are discussing in today's epsiode.
Do you know your why?
In this episode, I share my why. What are your hopes for your family, and how can I support you in this parenting journey? I would love to hear from you.
Do you like to be bossed around? Nope? Neither do your kids. If we want more cooperation and less resistance, we can get there by offering choices. The more control a child feels they have, the less they have to fight for it.
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We all love a job well done. We’ve been taught our whole lives to strive for excellence, but sometimes we do so at the expense of our closest relationships and we don’t even realize it.
Did you know that assumptions, good and bad, can get in the way of a great relationship with your child? When we make assumptions, we jump to conclusions and miss out on vital information that helps us parent our kids better.
Our first reaction matters. In this episode I peel back the layers on our initial reactions so that we can begin to tame the how we respond.
When we feel pain and discomfort in our relationships, we’re being given valuable information. Unfortunately, we often want to run from the pain and miss out on some great learning, but not this time. STOP AND LISTEN!
For more tools, download a free 20 minute video 3 Steps to Less Chaos at
https://buildfamilyconnection.com/optin-bars/
Ignoring and dismissing the uncertainty in our lives doesn't make it go away. Today's episode offers you two tools you can use to decrease the stress and anxiety the unknown often brings into our families.
We often fear that there is an invisible number of chances we have to try again in our family relationships. Have you ever wondered if you're getting close to maxing out? Listen in as we bust this myth and replace it with truth that will help you build relationships at home.
If you've ever looked around and wondered how you have failed so miserably, you're not alone. I remember a long stretch of time when I felt that way about my family. In today’s podcast episode, we’re talking about one step you can take away from the crushing weight of failure towards progress.
I’m curious. Is it easy or more difficult for you to connect with your kids-- especially the one who challenges you? For us, there is a lot of variation. Sometimes building a relationship is easy and sometimes we struggle more.
In today's we are talking about one barrier that might be getting in the way of strengthening relationships with your people. Listen in and please, share with a friend!
Your kids want a relationship with you. Yes, their friends matter a whole lot and sometimes appear to be more important than anything else. However, they deeply care about their relationship with you.
The problem is, sometimes they feel totally stuck. They think the only way to connect with you is to do everything you want in the way you want it done. Think about that for a minute. Are they right?
Feeling overwhelmed or defeated by your goals for the new year? Don't let that stop you from progressing. In today's episode, we talk about a few options for moving forward that do not require a complete overhaul of our lives and families.
Our guest Becky Kemp shares with us the power of words and how they can impact how we feel heading into this new year. She offers 3 words to act as guides as we move forward and create personal change.
There are times parenting feels like a long journey that will NEVER end. Certainly the months of November and December can feel like a long journey that we love, but wonder if we will survive! Listen in for words of encouragement from our guest Lynnette Sheppard as we wrap up 2021 and begin our journey into a new year.
Lynnette Sheppard on Instagram @lynnettesheppard
Today Tricia McKenna shares with us her journey in developing a personal spiritual practice and how that directly impacted her family dynamics.
You can find Tricia on Instagram @aheartgrounded and Facebook
@TriciaMcKennaAZ. Her website is www.aheartgrounded.com
Do you have an agenda for how things go with your family? I think most of us do this time of year. Are that agenda and the expectations that come along with it helping bring you closer to your family? That's what we're talking about today with our guest host, Cheryl Cardall.
You can find Cheryl on Instagram @cherylcardall and on her podcast Fight Like a Mother.
Monica Packer from the podcast About Progress is here to share 3 tips for finding joy. She teaches us how to lower our hurdles, or how to make hard things just a little bit easier.
You can find her on Instagram @aboutprogress
If you have found yourself asking, “What’s wrong with me?”
“Why can’t I just feel happy?” “How is everyone else finding so much joy, but I’m not.”
There is a reason you might have overlooked, and Kelly's suggestions might just surprise you. I promise no overwhelming tasks to add to your to-do list!
You can follow Kelly on Instagram @kellynortoncoaching or go to her website kellynortoncoaching.com.
For more information about our online class "From Conflict to Connection," go to www.buildfamilyconnection.com/optin-bars/
In this episode we talk about creative ways to incorporate service into your holiday season without adding extra stress and pressure.
If you are feeling buried by a lengthy to-do list, listen in. If you are ready for some options, we've got you covered.
One thing we can count on in life, is that very few things will go exactly as we imagine they will. Things will go wrong. Our job is not to try and control "all the things" but to learn how to respond in the tough moments.
Can parenting from the same page really be a thing? Yes....and no. Let's talk about what you can try if you and your parenting counterpart disagree.
Holidays can hold a lot of emotion. Beautiful tender feelings AND also difficult, stressful, painful ones. It is okay to make room for both. You don't have to choose.
Holiday gatherings are intended to be fun, but we all know that our kids don't always agree. Helping our kids preview what to expect and how we can navigate gathering, will decrease our stress and increase our personal enjoyment.
Finding out that our kids have been exposed to online garbage like pornography will make us sick every single time. Preparing ourselves with a plan, will help us react in the best way possible.
It totally stinks, but we as parents get to learn to talk to our kids about hard things like pornography, and these conversations need to start a lot younger than you might think.
In this episode we talk about the progression of learning to share control with our kids so that we can empower them to take charge of their own life.
If October felt like a whirlwind, you're not alone! Listen in to today's episode for a few ideas on how to approach the upcoming holiday season.
Have you ever wondered when to step in or when to let your kiddo handle a problem on their own? Teaching our kids to stand up for themselves requires practice. Listen in for some tools you can teach and practice when supporting your kid.
It's so easy to react in anger and frustration, but before you do, try asking these two simple questions.
Guys, this stuff really works!! Really. So come join me on episode 151 to learn what tool I used in a recent interaction that completely changed the dynamics of a conversation.
The short answer, you can't be safe unless you are willing to hold a boundary. We become safe when we learn to manage our big reactions.
We know we need to teach our kids how to solve their own problems, but do we know HOW to do it? Listen in for a few guiding questions and options that will help you teach your kids to become problem solvers.
I've got a special guest this episode who shares her story about making a choice that wasn't her favorite. If you've ever made a choice you've regretted, then this episode is for you.
If you end the day feeling like you have failed your people, then come join me as we discuss one shift you can make to bring in some hope. The good news is- you may not be perfect, but you aren't a failure.
Our families require constant care and nourishment. Our approach may need adjusting along the way, but the principles we follow remain constant.
Join us for part 2 of our conversation about what to do when kids lie. Today we are talking about how to rebuild trust that has been diminished.
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Typically, no one likes to be told a lie. Am I right!? It never feels good. Unfortunately, kids lie. It's a natural part of their development and honesty is something they get to learn. The good news is that we don't have to fall into the depths of despair when our kids lie to us. Listen in to episode 144 and leave ready to handle the moment your child lies with confidence. If you enjoyed this episode, come follow me on
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildfamilyconnection/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BuildFamilyConnection
Head on over to my website and sign up for the newsletter.
http://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/
In moments of frustration, overwhelm, and anger, we can use memories from better times to anchor our hearts and lead us to more positive experiences in our families.
Sometimes in parenting our kids we take on too much. We end up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and ready to quit. One small shift can lighten your load and decrease your stress and anxiety.
Life with older kids gets messy. We don't get to control their choices and they will mess up. We can count on it. The question I want you to consider today is, "How do I show up for my kids when they make a choice I don't like or disagree with?" Do they know you're on their team.
We can remember, but we also need to carry lessons we have learned from 9/11 and other difficult moments in our life forward.
When was the last time you stopped to think about why you chose to do the things you do? Today is your day. Listen in and learn why your WHY matters.
After spending a week with little kids, I was reminded just how hard every stage of parenting can be! If you need a little encouragement today, I've got ya.
Does your family struggle to manage big emotions? Most do. Big emotions are a reality for all of us, but we often don’t practice how to express and feel big in safe and healthy ways. In this episode, we talk about steps you can take to help your family (this includes you) process big emotions without shattering the environment in your home.
If you’ve ever wondered about why building a relationship matters and how it fits with holding kids accountable and creating responsible adults, you are not alone. I get this question all the time!
Sometimes when our older kids come and ask for our help or share their problems, what they’re really asking for is for us to listen. We often jump in too quickly and begin trying to fix their problems. Then, they end up rejecting our ideas or tuning us. So frustrating, right? In episode 135, we cover 3 key questions you can use to guide you in these tricky conversations. I’ll give you a hint….we need to stop assuming they want our solutions! Anyone else struggle with this? Good thing we get to learn together.
A trip to the dentist reminded me that I needed to talk less and listen more. Episode 134 is short and sweet- don’t miss it!
Whether your child is a big kid or little kid, transitions can be tough. It might be the start of school, a new activity, or group of friends. Listen in for specific ways to support your child and calm the chaos of tough transitions.
Whether your child is a big kid or little kid, transitions can be tough. Listen in for some tips to connect and support your child today.
Tired of telling your kids the same things over and over again? Time to make the shift from telling to teaching. Listen in for some specific ideas and how to connect with your kids in the process.
Welcome! It’s time for a little re-introduction around here. Come say hi and learn how I ended up on this side of the mic and what you can expect to find in each episode.
Join guest host Scott Sorensen as he shares two games that will build relationships and individuals, teach family values, and create energy shifts in your home.
Have you thought about fashion as a way to connect and build relationships in your family? Join, Paige, our favorite fashion stylist as she guides us through a series of questions and prompts to help us build relationships around clothing. If you're tired of fighting over clothes, you don't want to miss this episode.
Is sexual orientation only about sex? Today we wrap up our conversation with Andrea Parks and answer this question.
Did you know we can take small steps to send huge messages of hope? Today we visit with Andrea Parks about our part in creating affirming and safe environments.
We continue with our guest Andrea Parks. As a parent you might wonder if these conversations apply to you if you don't have a gay child. Today we are talking about how and why our treatment of LGBTQ community members directly impacts all children.
Join me and Andrea Parks as we explore our role as parents as it relates to our LGBTQ community. This is the first in a series of three episodes with Andrea.
Today we have Rachael Curfew as our guest host. Rachael is a mother an anxiety coach. She shares with us the power of a free pass in our parenting journey. We hear so much about the importance of consistency and follow through that sometimes we forget about the importance of a free pass. Listen in to learn more.
You can find Rachael at RachaelCurfew.com
If we want to raise kids who practice gratitude, we get to lead the way through our example. This episode is short and sweet but full of specific ideas you can try.
Is it easier to see the good in other people's children? There might be a reason. Join me for an exercise that helped me see my own kids in a brighter and healthier light.
Sometimes we fail to look at all of our parenting options. Don't get stuck making the same mistakes again and again. Let's get creative and approach from a new angle.
Let's talk about expectations- are the ones you have for yourself realistic? Bumps and mishaps are an unavoidable part of our family journey.
As leaders in our home, we make a lot of big decisions, and sometimes those decisions feel daunting. Listen in for a few thoughts to gain clarity in the decision making process.
Two of my favorite words to use when I don't know what to say or do. Listen in to learn how and when to use them.
Sometimes it feels like a child knows just what to do to get under your skin. Knowing how to respond when you feel this is tricky. Listen in for some things to consider in your sticky relationships.
Listen in for tips to help lighten your load when traveling with older kids this summer.
Our family needs a little less criticism and a lot more kindness. How about yours? Listen in for specific ways to increase kind energy.
We all need a reality check every once in a while. Join me in this episode for a good dose of reality and hope.
Often I hear parents say, "I just need to let go." Learning to identify what we can and cannot control is not hands off parenting. As parents we aren't trying to let go so much as we are trying to loosen our grip and guide.
This week marks the beginning of graduation season for 2021. Take a breath and let's chat about making room for the ups and downs we feel during seasons of transition.
Let's get specific about the roles of boundaries, accountability, and compassion in a way that allows us to share control within our familyl.
Recognizing what we can and cannot control is a critical element in developing healthy relationships. Do you know the difference between what you want to control and what your child turthfully controls?
When we see our kids stuck in overwhelm, it can be hard to find empathy and compassion. Why can't they just get their stuff done? In this episode, we talk about options and tools for moving through it.
Feeling the chaos of a busy family and kids' activities picking up? You're not alone! Join me as we talk about skills you can use to reclaim the present moment and invite a feeling of calm into your life.
It's easy to lose sight of our own progress. Join me for a quick reminder- you are right where you need to be in this moment.
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Parenting and getting dressed in the morning- what do they have in common? Join me in this episode to find out. Let's think of parenting as a new adventure of creation.
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In this episode we discuss how thought patterns impact levels of anxiousness and explore tools to push back against the distortions.
Join us in this episode for a few tools you can practice with your family to help navigate the bumpy road of anxiousness.
Knowing how to help someone when they're experiencing moments of high anxiety can feel daunting. In this episode we identify 5 steps to act as your roadmap through to the other side.
We all have moments when we mess up and handle our emotions poorly. Let's talk about how to take those moments that negatively impact our kids and move forward in a healthy way.
We all need a little patience, but what does that mean and how do we get it? In this episode we talk about patience as an active process that can be learned.
It's the Build Family Connection Podcast's first birthday, and we're celebrating with a giveaway! Listen in for details on how you can win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.
Do you want to have more meaningful conversations with your older kids? We've got to lay a foundation of trust. Join me in this episode for a few phrases to help you on your way.
Have you seen the shipping vessel stuck in the Suez Canal? Too often we find ourselves in a similar situation. Let's talk about our options when we find ourselves stuck.
If you enjoyed this episode, come follow me on
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BuildFamilyConnection
Head on over to my website and sign up for the newsletter.
http://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/
I’ll be in touch twice a month with relatable, helpful tips that encourage and empower you in your parenting journey.
Believe it or not, your child's poor behavior likely has nothing to do with you. You're a fantastic parent even when you child melts down!
If you enjoyed this episode, come follow me on
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildfamilyconnection/
Head on over to my website and sign up for the newsletter.
http://www.buildfamilyconnection.com/
I’ll be in touch twice a month with relatable, helpful tips that encourage and empower you in your parenting journey.
In this episode, we discuss a few ways to approach lying and sneaking that is becoming a habit.
If you enjoy this episode, come follow me on
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildfamilyconnection/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BuildFamilyConnection
Head on over to my website and sign up for the newsletter.
www.buildfamilyconnection.com
I’ll be in touch twice a month with relatable, helpful tips that encourage and empower you in your parenting journey.
Struggle is a natural part of our family life. We don't love it and we can learn from it. In this episode we talk about the beginnings of the lotus flower and the end result and how that relates to our parenting journey.
Do you ever feel like you end the day and haven't connected with your kids? In this episode we talk about taking advantage of the small moments to build strong relationships.
If you're tired of hearing ideas for self care that require a lot of time or even a babysitter, tune in for a fresh take and simple ways to offer yourself some care.
We've had a year full of restrictions. Join me for creative ways to say yes at home- even to the craziest ideas!
Taking a moment to reflect back on a year of changes has value and can help define the direction we choose to head.
Every parent receives much dreaded bad news from their child. None of us like it.....ever! How we respond in the earliest moments of the conversation can shape our path moving forward.
.......
If you enjoy this episode, come follow me on
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildfamilyconnection/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BuildFamilyConnection
Head on over to my website and sign up for the newsletter.
www.buildfamilyconnection.com
I’ll be in touch twice a month with relatable, helpful tips that encourage and empower you in your parenting journey.
We all need a little encouragement when the weight of parenting is too much to bear. Know you are not alone.
In this episode we talk about having frequent "no strings attached" conversations with your family members- especially your teens. You'll find practical ways to apply this concept and start building your relationships today.
In this episode we push back against a common misconception when it comes to positive thinking.
Learning to let our emotion have a place and purpose in our lives is a hard and necessary piece of healthy living.
Sometimes we get stuck or feel resistant to certain activities and don't quite understand why. In this episode, we walk through an example that illustrates the small steps you can take to keep moving forward.
If your past Valentine's days have been less than ideal, join me in this episode for an idea to shake things up a bit and still build relationships.
Let's talk about the power of seeing and honoring one another's strengths...and have a little fun along the way.
Knowing how to connect with and inspire a child who appears to "not care" is a tricky thing for parents. Our first step is to clearly communicate and instill a sense of worth within our children. Let them know they matter more than their most recent failure.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of sharing a compliment versus constantly criticizing.
In this episode, we talk about how to shift the energy in a critical conversation and work towards connection instead of contention.
Offering choices to our older kids and teens is a critical piece of sharing control and establishing trust in our relationships. In this episode, I share some examples of effective choices you can offer.
Focusing on progress and including a dose of encouragement along the way will bring our kids and our families closer to their desired goals.
The uncertain and unpredictable times in which we live are increasing levels of fear and anxiety in our children. In this episode, we talk about three simple steps we can take to guide our kids when we ourselves don't have the answers.
Feeling a little hesitant about the new year? You are not alone! Let's talk about options for stepping into the new year when you feel tired, worn out, and unsure.
It may be a new year, but you do not have to transform into someone new! Join us in this episode for a few simple questions to guide you as you step into a year full of hope and possibility.
What you need matters. As we wrap up this crazy year, let's pause for a minute and evaluate.
Giving doesn't have to require a lot of planning or big projects. We can create connection and meaning through our simple acts of service.
As parents, we need to give ourselves room to grow alongside our children. We get to make mistakes too!
Are you looking for answers to a problem? You're not alone. In this episode we talk about how most answers come and how to tackle big problems.
Join me in this episode for a few reminders when it comes to making decisions for our families.
In this episode we talk about simple ideas to teach and encourage our families how to celebrate and honor differences.
Do you ever want to give up on this whole parenting gig? You're not alone! Jon me as we address how to overcome this feeling of not enough.
We're all feeling a little fatigued with 2020. There couldn't be a better time to join me in a practice of gratitude!
In this episode, we talk about 5 steps we can implement to teach our kids to be more responsible.
Is it Flo Rida or Florida? In this episode we talk about the value of understanding another's perspective.
In this episode we pause for a moment to consider the choices and options this holiday season brings to our families. Join me for 3 questions that will help guide you in making decisions this year.
As we head into election week, let's remember to model behaviors we want our children to duplicate.
Often we judge one another and ourselves how we experience grief or whether or not we "should" be grieving. In this episode we talk about some simple thoughts in making room for the sorrow and grief we feel.
This is our final episode in the series about guiding our kids through times of uncertainty. We focus on direct two-way conversations.
In this episode, we continue our discussion on guiding our kids through uncertain times.
This episode is the first in a three part series focused on guiding our kids through uncertain times.
We ask our kids to do hard things all the time. How about us? Are we willing to stay in the parenting game and keep trying to show up when life gets hard?
In this episode, we talk about the importance of maintaining focus on what is working in our families. Good is always mixed in with the struggle.
We lead by our example as parents. Preparing ourselves with a few key phrases can help reduce power struggles and arguments with our kids around accountability.
Failure can provide us with valuable information and opportunities for learning if we allow it.
Our parenting efforts often feel like the process of growing a bamboo tree. Great patience and trust are required!
In this episode we talk about why our willingness to meet people in their space matters.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of focusing on the relationship and following through with boundaries for accountability.
Sometimes the tools intended for our convenience, make finding places of quiet and stillness more difficult. In this episode, we talk about the benefits of a broken phone.
If something doesn't workout the first time, give it another try and trust the process of learning.
In this episode, we talk about the power of slowing down to observe and connect with our family members.
In this episode, we consider a few principles in knowing when to encourage a child to push through difficulties in their extracurricular activities or when to back off.
In this episode we talk about the importance a parent's voice carries in conveying strength and hope in the family.
In this episode we focus on navigating your role as an advocate in your child's medical care.
In this episode, we focus on maintaining perspective and trusting our kids to learn when the circumstances around us aren't ideal.
In today's episode, we continue our focus on adapting to a new school year. We talk about the importance of tackling one challenge at a time.
In this episode, we continue our focus on preparing for a successful school year. We talk about the value of expecting bumps in road and the need to adapt.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of offering choices and collaborating with your kids as we start a new and different kind of school year.
This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to make a change and improve a relationship.
In this episode, we talk about how to keep your calm when life is feeling chaotic. The examples focus on younger kiddos but the principles stay the same when interacting with our teens.
In this episode, we talk about the value of small moments of connection during times of stress.
In this episode we talk about having kids create a summer bucket list to add some variety to your days.
Instead of demanding that emotions stop, validate and guide your child through the experience.
Understanding that emotion serves a purpose in our lives is a critical step in navigating hard times.
Let's take a look at shifting our perspective on struggle before we remove all the obstacles and smooth the way for our kids.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of having hard conversations even when we don't have all the answers.
In this episode, we talk about setting boundaries and creating accountability using the word "yes" instead of "no".
In this episode, we talk about tapping into your resources and teaching your kids in creative ways.
In this episode, I talk about the importance of remembering that we all will be moving forward at different paces.
Identify the behaviors you'd like to see and focus your energy creating ways to practice there.
We all have our moments. Knowing when to step back and own your part is an important part of being a family member.
Recognizing we still have choices empowers us as individuals. Offering choices to children communicates trust and sends the same message of strength.
In this episode, we look at how to identify if fear acting as a protective or destructive element in your family.
We get so busy taking care of others, that sometimes we need a reminder that we're people too!