“Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage” - St. Francis deSales

What God asks of us as parents is beyond our ability.  We are all in need of God’s grace and that comes through prayer! Now, before you think, “I do not have time for prayer….” take a pause and listen to this episode.  First, remember, we have been there! We had 3 kids under 3, 7 kids under 10 and then 10 under 16!  We know that the crazy pace of life can make us feel like we can never catch our breath.  That being said, we must persevere through the different seasons of life and make sure that we are consistently connected to the source of all life.  Listen in to find ways of “sneaking in” prayer throughout your day, what you may have to let go of, and what you should be able to accomplish. Do not lose heart!  Prayer is not only possible, but it is essential for us to live the life God is calling each of us to. 

• The spiritual responsibility of our home lies with parents and it always has. They are essential because they are the first witnesses of the faith to their children.  

• You cannot be an effective parent without prayer

• Take advantage of all types of prayer, but we usually need to work the most on prayer of contemplation.  This is where we grow in relationship with God in a personal way. 

• If we need to grow it is going to cost us.  There is no easy button. 

• There are seasons in life, and our devotion needs to match it.  

• Take advantage of the seasons of the year to start fresh! 

1. What type of prayer are we taking advantage of right now?  How well are we doing it? 

2. How can we support each other in growing in our prayer life? 

• MFP180 Monks, Parents, and Prayer

• Our webpage with resources on prayer

Kids will not always remember what you say, they will remember how they felt.  

We have talked about the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s being the “Momolympics”, a time when there are tons of things to buy, make, prepare, plan, and basically the happiness of your children all depends on you (at least we feel that way!) How can parents embrace the holidays with children with grace and excitement?  How can we keep in mind what is truly important for our family?  In this episode we give some principles, but also LOTS of practical advice as we look back on all the different holidays we have had with our large family.  Things look different now for us, but we can see in hindsight what worked well for us, and what was unnecessarily stressful!  This is an amazing time of year and when you have kids the happy times are even more joy-filled, but the tough times can be really exhausting.  We are here for you as you work to be intentional, even if you are a messy family! 

• The more you plan in advance the less rushed you are going to be. This will help you simplify so you can focus on what really matters.  

• Keep in mind the order of your family culture!  Spiritual life of the home, marriage, relationships, developing gifts and then the operations of the family. 

• Get the kids involved!  When they own traditions, it strengthens your family culture when they take on responsibilities for the holidays.

• What are the traditions that we want to double down on and make sure they happen this year? 

• How are we going to reduce stress and delegate work to the kids?  What is our plan to get them involved?

• Throwback Friday: Toys! by Regina Schmiedicke

• MFP267: Toys and the Imagination 

• MFP036 Holidays with In laws and Out laws

• Donate to the Messy Family Project

Graces can flow into your home when nature is in its proper place.  - Connor Gallagher, The Well-Ordered Family

Do you yearn for more order and clarity within your family? Is the chaos and busyness of modern life unsettling the harmony of your household? In this podcast, we interview Conor Gallagher, CEO of multiple businesses and father of sixteen, to talk to him about a transformative system that will restore peace and joy in your household.  We love using business principles to improve family life, and in the Well-Ordered Family, Conor does just that!  Join us for this conversation and find out why its good to realize that we all have systems in our home, how to get control of those systems, and why it is essential that parents not fall into a victim mentality.  Find more about The Well-Ordered Family at https://wellorderedfamily.com/ 

• We all operate with systems in the home whether we realize it or not.  The question is, are these systems effective? 

• There are many policies that families need to implement, but if you have to start with one, start with your tech policy! 

• When you are trying to get control of your family life, start by asking the question Why?  Why are we trying to live a certain way? 

• Parents need to be the architects of their family’s life and habits.  No one else can do it for you.  

• What are the systems in our home that most need attention right now? 

• Are we falling into a victim mentality when it comes to running our home?  How can we break out of that cycle?

In this episode, we dive into the beauty and power of family history. Mike shares the incredible story of his journey to Ireland—a dream rooted in a deep love for his heritage and a promise to pass it on to his children. From the ruins of his grandfather’s cottage to the windswept cliffs of the Aran Islands, the trip becomes a testament to the importance of staying connected to the past while building a legacy for the future.

As we reflect on the stories of those who came before us, we’re reminded of the sacrifices and struggles that shaped who we are today. Alicia and Mike discuss how understanding our roots can ground us in our present and inspire us to leave a rich legacy for those who will follow. Whether it’s through reclaiming a family cottage or sharing stories with your kids, this episode is a call to embrace the sacred work of family.

We also explore how the holiday season offers a perfect time to reconnect with family traditions. From meaningful Advent meditations to practical tools like the Family Board Meeting course, we’re excited to help you create a home that is intentional and full of life.

✨ A Few Takeaways:

• The power of family stories to shape our identity and inspire our future
• The importance of honoring both the joys and struggles in our family history
• How to talk with your kids about their roots in a meaningful way

🌟 Featured Resources:

• Beautiful Advent books with Jesse Tree meditations and ornaments
• The Family Board Meeting webinar on December 8th
• Exclusive Advent bundles to enrich your holiday traditions

🙏 Let’s pray together for the grace to live lives worthy of those who came before us, and to build homes filled with faith, hope, and love.

💖 If this episode speaks to you, consider supporting the mission of the Messy Family Project. Your generosity makes everything we do possible—from free resources to life-changing events. Together, we can strengthen families and inspire faith.

#FamilyStories #HeritageAndHope #MessyFamilyProject #RootedInFaith

“Guided and strengthened by God’s grace, husband and wife advance their own perfection… and contribute jointly to the glory of God” ~ Gaudium et Spes

You should never marry someone with the idea that you can change them, but we do need to help our spouses become the best version of themselves.  We all should have a vision, a belief that our spouse can be amazing and then work with them for their good.  In this podcast, we hear the inspiring story of Dan and Brenda - a couple from two different families, faith backgrounds, and life philosophies. Though they were different, they were able to learn from each other and build an incredible life together by the grace of God.  Through their story, we were able to draw out lessons that all of us can learn from.  

Show me your checkbook and your datebook and I will show you what you value

So much of what we talk about on this podcast really hits home when it comes to how we spend our time.  Family dinner, date nights, prayer time, even mass comes down to making time to do it.  Four things determine how we run our lives and our family - talent, money, energy and time. Every one has different amounts of energy and talent and money, but we all have the same amount of time!  How we use it is what matters.  In this podcast we discuss how to evaluate the activities in our home and what we need to prioritize.  This is a re-release of the podcast “Busyness” originally aired in the summer of 2017. 

• Where in our life are we too busy?  Where do we need to make time for what is really important? 

• Where do we need better routines in our home to bring peace?  

“Genuine humility never disturbs the soul.  Rather it is accompanied by peace, joy and calm” St. Theresa of Avila

What is the biggest problem in Catholic marriages?  Although we appreciate good communication tools, marriage insights, and mentors - at the end of the day the biggest problem is simply a lack of holiness.  One essential tool in our quest for holiness is learning how to ask for forgiveness.  When we have conflict in our home, we all need to ask ourselves the question - what could I have done differently?  When we take ownership in this way, we can repent to God and then ask forgiveness of our spouse or children in order to repair that relationship.  Often we will focus only on our sins and try to amend our lives, but in addition to those good things, we also need to seek to reconcile the relationship and ask for forgiveness.  

• When there is conflict in the home, we always need to ask ourselves how have I contributed to this situation and what could I have done differently? 

• Taking extreme ownership means that you don’t make excuses, but instead recognize that the past does not have power over you any more.  You always have a choice.

• When you are aware of your weakness, you are more open to asking for forgiveness and growing in holiness

• Asking forgiveness also repairs the rupture in the relationship that happens as a result of our actions.

• When you ask forgiveness and make your heart pure through Confession, then you are able to more clearly see God.  “The pure in heart shall see God” Matt 5:8

• A daily examen should include asking for forgiveness of family members we have sinned against.  

• Reflect on your marriage and children and ask God to show you areas in which you need to change.  Go to your spouse and children and ask their forgiveness. 

• When can we do a daily examen in our household?  How can we incorporate regular asking of forgiveness?

References:

Dealing with Failure podcast:  MPF 140 

Forgiveness MP 060 

Forgiveness and Transformation MFP 165

Romans 12

Matthew 18:21-35

Guide to Parenthood:  Forgiveness in the Family

In this special Q&A episode, we dive into some of the most heartfelt questions from our listeners. From the complex question of whether to expand the family to grappling with grief, boundaries in marriage, and integrating elderly parents into a household, these issues strike at the core of family life. We also tackle how to balance the call to evangelize in a world that often conflicts with our values—especially when raising children in today’s cultural climate. Join us as we explore these tough topics with compassion, real-life insights, and guidance for finding peace, strength, and unity in family life amidst life’s many challenges.

Couple Discussion Questions

• Expanding the Family: How do we each feel about the possibility of having more children, and what are our hopes or concerns? How can we respect and support each other’s feelings in this decision?

• Emotional Connection and Boundaries: Are there areas where we hold back in sharing our emotions? How can we create a safe space to be vulnerable and open with each other?

• Navigating Grief and Hard Times: How have we supported each other through past challenges, and what can we learn from those experiences to better support each other now?

• Integrating Family Generations: If we needed to bring an elderly family member into our home, what expectations and boundaries would help create harmony for everyone?

• Raising Kids with Faith in a Secular Culture: What are our biggest concerns about raising children in today’s world, and how do we feel called to engage with those who have different values while protecting our family’s faith?

“It’s important that we remember to talk ‘to’ our kids, not ‘at’ them” - Mark Hart

Parents are rightly concerned today about the influence of the culture on their teens.  As much as we would like to put our kids in a teflon bubble to shield them from the false fake culture of the world, it is just not possible!  What do our kids need from us to prepare them for life?  Join us in this podcast for a conversation with Mark Hart of Lifeteen - a speaker, author, and parent himself of teens and adult children.  Mark gives us some great insights (and laughs!) on how to talk to your kids, what they are REALLY looking for, and what not to be afraid of.   We were blessed in this conversation and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you! 

• Keeping teens in a “teflon” bubble and trying to shield them from the world their whole lives doesn’t work.  We need to teach them and get them ready.

• Kids need space to ask questions and have conversations with their parents without feeling judged.  Pushing back is a natural part of maturation. 

• Teens demand authenticity!  They challenge us to be real and that is good for us and for the Church. 

• Talk “to” your kids, not “at” them. 

• Significant conversations with our teens allow our lives to re-echo across the generations.  Take time for conversations.  

• For parents, the 20 minutes you spend focused on your child and not on yourself is as spiritually beneficial as a Holy Hour! 

• Parents should be less concerned with WHAT your child knows and more concerned about WHO is teaching them and where they are getting their information from

• God entrusted these souls to you for a season. They will not be living under your roof forever. 

• See your child as a whole person.  You need to spend time with them and really “see” them.  

• A successful home has three altars: the dinner table to share life and food, the coffee table to gather with family and friends for ideas and fun, and the marriage bed that forms the foundation of the family. 

• Parents often think of themselves as a hose that ideas and prayer comes through, but we need to be like a fountain - filled up so much in ourselves that we spill over onto our spouse, children, and everyone around us. 

• Do we take time to have significant conversations with our kids?  How can we do this more? 

• Looking at the maturity of our children, are we protecting them too  much?  Not enough? 

• How are we doing in using the “three altars” of our home?  Are all three of them places that are giving life to our family? 

• Ascension press - Bible Heroes

• Register for the Family Board Meeting

• WWM On Demand course 

• Listener Survey

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than in a mansion with a quarrelsome wife.  Proverbs 25:24

All of us do things that annoy our spouse.  Occasionally, we do things that hurt our spouse and vice versa.  How do we communicate about these situations?  Is it effective to tell them what they have done wrong?  Is that what the scriptures tell us to do?  In this episode, we discuss what it means to take “extreme ownership” of our own actions and emotions before trying to “fix” your spouse.  We believe that the key to a strong marriage is finding how you can support each other on the road to heaven - and that means having the humility to see your own weaknesses first and embracing them.  Once you have sought forgiveness and healed the relationship, then a conversation about how things could have gone differently can be more productive.  Listen in to hear how you can move more intentionally towards unity through communication and forgiveness. 

• Couples need to take the principles of “gentle parenting” and apply them to each other!  Skills like expressing empathy, giving guidance, and articulating feelings are all needed in marriage. 

• When you correct someone, you put yourself above them. This is appropriate in a parent/child relationship, or even a boss/employee relationship, but really not in marriage where you have two equals.

• We can help our spouses to be self-reflective about situations by asking questions that can help them think about what they wanted the outcome to be and what actually happened. 

• What can I do better to help you in areas that you want to grow in?  

• Who is challenging me?  Who do I look to as an example, as a mentor to progress in holiness? 

• How can my spouse help me?

“You can learn many things from toddlers! For example, how much patience you actually have.” 

-Anonymous

One blessing of having ten kids is that we have matured and learned enough about kids to appreciate the toddler years of children #9 and 10 much more than those years with children #1 and 2. Our advice to parents of toddlers is to start by enjoying them! It’s hard to do when they are destroying your house and embarrassing you in public, but with a few strategies and consistency on your part, you can begin to see that this little bundle of creative energy has been amazingly designed by the Divine Creator. It’s all part of His plan to get this child to adulthood and independence, and to get you to heaven!

• All children need to be delighted in, but especially the young child!  Take time to relax and enjoy them.  

• Toddlers challenge us to begin saying “yes” to them and their needs and “no” to our own desires.  This is the great vocation of parenting! 

• Giving choices is good, but don’t burden them by giving them too many choices. 

• When they are having a tantrum, the question you should ask yourself is “what is the need here?”  and then choose to respond NOT react.  Through your calmness you are teaching them that you are in charge and they are not.

• Routine and stability are key!  When they have a natural flow to their day that is predictable they can tend to be more peaceful. 

• What are our natural responses to our toddlers?  What do we think about that? 

• What are our toddlers emotional outbursts like?  What triggers them?  How can we respond? 

• What is our normal routine for our children?   Is this working for them?  

• What do we do with our toddlers at mass?  Is this is a good plan?

Notes:

• The Absorbent Mind (Montessori book)
• Articles on toddlers from Focus on the Family (Christian website)