Parenting often feels like a whirlwind, leaving little time to recognize the valuable lessons we’re learning along the way - mostly because those lessons don't become clear until we have a moment of quiet reflection (a rare occurrence until the kids leave the house!). In this episode, Jim sits down with author and podcast host Sarah Bragg to explore the personal growth that unfolds as we navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. Pulling from the incredible insight in her book, A Mother’s Guide To Raising Herself, Sarah and Jim emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself and encourage parents, that if you haven’t heard it lately, you’re doing a great job.

Jim's Takeaways

• Fight for time to rest on a weekly basis
  • Find things that refresh you! Maybe it’s doing an exercise routine, enjoying a bubble bath (uninterrupted), or a lunch with a good friend - when you’re rested, you’re more present and more peaceful with your kids.
• Fight for time to restore relationships
  • Find time to connect with your loved ones each week, if it’s only for a few minutes. Work at keeping your relationships healthy and put in the effort towards restoration when needed.
• HAVE SERIOUS FUN!

HomeWord Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

Sarah Bragg Links:

Sarah Bragg Website: https://www.sarahbragg.com/

Surviving Sarah Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-sarah/id1069692358

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

A Mother’s Guide to Raising Herself: https://a.co/d/1lMCcDt

Is Everyone Happier Than Me? https://a.co/d/ixXrxQ7

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

On today’s episode of HomeWord, Jim welcomes back author, speaker, and good friend Doug Fields to discuss his book, Intentional Parenting. Life moves quickly and it’s easy to fall into a parenting pattern that lacks intentionality - most of the time you’re just trying to make it through the day! However, Jim and Doug want to make it clear that when parents believe and accept that they are the most influential people in their kids’ lives, it’ll change how they view those initial 18 years. Working through the 10 actions of the intentional parent, Doug, and Jim share simple ways that parents can maximize their positive impact while their children are at home. Through an awareness of being on “display” 24/7, showing healthy affection, to how we treat others around us, parenting is an awesome and sobering mantle that can, ultimately, be one of the greatest joys in our life.

Jim’s Takeaways on Intentional Parenting

• Have serious fun!
  • I challenge you to do something fun with your kids today - even if it’s just a few minutes of watching funny videos together!
• Shower them with affection!

If this doesn’t come naturally to you, WORK AT IT. Practicing small acts of affection every day will grow this into a habit - and this is something that isn’t negotiable! Your children need to experience healthy affection from you as it will impact the rest of their lives.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

HomeWord Contact: info@homeword.com

HomeWord Voice Line: 949-485-3905 (open 24/7)

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

Doug Fields Bio: https://www.dougfields.com/about

Intentional Parenting Website: http://intentionalparenting.com/

Doug Fields Resources: https://www.dougfields.com/store

Books:

Intentional Parenting: https://a.co/d/0SD9gWt

The First Few Years of Marriage: https://www.dougfields.com/product/the-first-few-years-of-marriage

What is your “Reflex Reaction”? When unexpected circumstances arise (as they so often do), do you react with joy and thankfulness or do you respond with irritation, grumbling, and complaining? Throughout the Bible we are instructed, and commanded, to rejoice always. But how do we do that when we are confronted with sickness, grief, and other things we can’t change? As we head into Thanksgiving week, Jim shares a special, simple practice he has been implementing for years: Thank Therapy. At the crux of this practice is the understanding that thankfulness is a choice: an act of will, an intentional decision. While our circumstances may not change, we can change our attitude - and that can make all the difference.

Links:

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

Have a question or comment about the show? Email Jim: info@homeword.com

Bible Verse Focus

1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18