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Money can be one of the greatest sources of stress in a marriage followed closely by children and family. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t leave our children to learn about money by accident. In this episode, we explore Biblical principles surrounding money and how to intentionally teach them to our children. We unpack the truth that everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners. We are stewards, called to wisely manage what He has entrusted to us. Using the simple and practical LIVE, GIVE, OWE, GROW framework, we talk through how to shape a God-honoring view of finances at every age: Live – Understanding essential and discretionary expenses and creating a thoughtful and practical spending plan (otherwise known as a budget) Give – Seeing generosity as a reflection of the heart. God doesn’t want generosity from us as much as He wants it for us Owe – Addressing taxes and debt, and why Scripture warns that debt enslaves us. We discuss how to take your kids along on your journey toward becoming debt-free Grow – Teaching saving and investing as tools for wisdom, provision, and future impact We also introduce a win–win philosophy, one that helps families make financial decisions that align with Biblical values while preparing the next generation to live faithfully, generously, and responsibly. If you want your children to see money as a tool for God’s purposes rather than a source of fear or control, this conversation will give you both vision and practical steps to get started. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Episode 17: The Entitlement Epidemic: A Parent's Guide to Recognition and Remedy // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // YouTube → Kingdom Advisors → Christian Financial Concepts by Larry Burkett → Financial Peace Class → Dave Ramsey Resources → Generous Giving organization → JOG: Journey of Generosity —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Drawing from 57 years of marriage, Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo share from their deep well of wisdom on what it truly means to love, honor, and grow together as husband and wife. In this authentic conversation, they reflect on how marriage is designed to complete, not compete, and how returning to “that moment” of commitment reminds couples of why they chose to be together.. They explore the power of seeing more in your spouse than they see in themselves, refusing to define one another by their worst moments, and protecting each other’s dignity, especially in public. You’ll also hear practical insight on respecting pain without minimizing it, honoring hesitation and boundaries, recognizing subtle cues, and valuing each other’s expressions of worship. Throughout it all, Gary and Anne Marie remind couples to continually point one another back to God’s faithfulness and goodness. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders of Growing Families Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Parenting from the Tree of Life Material → The Gospel of Life book —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube  Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Join Rich and Julie Young as they invite you to pause and ask a powerful question: What is your preferred future? In this episode, they talk about vision, not just dreaming about what could be, but prayerfully discerning what God desires for your life and family. They explore the temptation to simply decorate the house when the foundation is cracked, and why lasting change requires the courage to inspect what’s underneath. Rather than living stuck in the past, they discuss how to use your past as a tool for evaluation, allowing it to inform the future God is calling you toward. Together, they walk through seven foundational pillars that shape a healthy, God-honoring life and home: Personal spiritual growth Marriage A life-giving home environment Order in the home Finances Health Family identity Small, faithful adjustments in these areas can lead to eternal impact. This conversation will encourage you to evaluate honestly, realign intentionally, and move forward with hope and purpose. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → ⁠Episode 1: Is ten minutes all it takes? (Couch Time) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠Episode 6: Hit the right target. (Vision part 1) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 7: Wait for the second marshmallow. (Vision part 2) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment): Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 20: Speaking Life into Broken Places: Hope After Trauma and Moral Injury // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 16: The Hidden Influence: How Structure & Routine Shape Your Child's Development // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 15: Is First Time Obedience Worth It? The Neuroscience Says Yes. // Spotify // Apple // YouTube Financial Resources: → 2,000 verses in the Bible → Financial Peace Class → Parenting from the Tree of Life Video Segments Related to this episode: → Building Family Identity: Interdependent versus Independent → Building Healthy Identity into Children —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube  Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

In this episode, Rich and Julie Young welcome guests, Darrell and Janelle Downs. They dive head first into the beautiful—and sometimes bumpy—reality of spending the holidays with extended family. From navigating differing viewpoints to traveling with kids, they explore how to stay grounded, prayerful, and united when the season gets complicated. They talk about how to show up prayed up, relying on the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to speak life, love well, and handle challenging interactions with grace. You’ll hear practical, heartfelt wisdom on preparing kids for awkward family dynamics, protecting them from what they’re not ready for, and preserving meaningful traditions even while staying in someone else’s home. They also share strategies for keeping kids on track during travel—why you “train at home, not on the road,” the importance of consistent sleep schedules, and how to reset rhythms once you return. Plus, they unpack how unity as a couple shapes the whole family experience (and how GFI principles support that), and what to do when unsolicited advice comes your way. The holidays are a prime opportunity to teach our children how to love well, extend grace, serve joyfully, and engage thoughtfully. Wherever you go, your family identity goes with you—and this episode helps you carry it with confidence, peace, and purpose. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Darrell & Janelle Downs, Growing Families leaders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 1: Is ten minutes all it takes? (Couch Time) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 6: Hit the right target. (Vision part 1) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 7: Wait for the second marshmallow. (Vision part 2) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

In this episode, Rich and Julie Young sit down with Jeff and Cathy Gratzmiller to unpack what it really takes to create an intentional, peaceful, and connected holiday season—no matter your family’s stage or structure. Together, they dive into the real-life challenges that surface when routines get disrupted and expectations run high. You’ll hear practical principles that work whether your kids attend school or you homeschool, insights on how age and family context change the way you approach the holidays, and encouragement for managing expectations and the inevitable disruptions that come with them. If you’re looking to simplify your holiday rhythm, strengthen communication, and build traditions that actually bring joy—not overwhelm—this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you need. Press play and step into your most intentional holiday yet. 🎄✨ Rich & Julie Young, hosts Jeff & Cathy Gratzmiller, Growing Families leaders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → ⁠Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Parenting from the Tree of Life —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube  Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

December is such a special time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus—but let’s be honest, it can also get a little crazy! Between shopping, decorating, and keeping up with everyone’s expectations, that sense of peace we long for can slip right through our fingers. In this episode, Rich and Julie Young talk about how, as a family, to stay focused on what really matters this Christmas. They share simple, practical ways to slow down, take the pressure off gift-giving, and help our kids grow hearts of generosity instead of entitlement. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → The Love Languages & touchpoints of love → An overview of the Love Languages video → The Love Languages test (for adults) → The Love Languages test (for children) → ⁠Episode 17: The Entitlement Epidemic: A Parent's Guide to Recognition and Remedy // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // YouTube Advent Books & Devotionals for the family: → The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado → Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado → Christmas Cross by Max Lucado → Jotham’s Journey (the first in a series) by Arnold Ytreeide // (View the whole series here: https://amzn.to/4ouhB1z) → The CandyMaker’s Gift by David & Helen Haidle → The Power of Christmas Prayer by Stormie OMartian → One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham → The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul → Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Anne Voskamp → The Advent Book by Jack & Kathy Stockman → The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection → The Jesus Storybook Bible: Advent Activity Book —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

In the final episode of our series on Discipline and Discipleship, Rich and Julie Young are joined by Don and Julie Keating for a heartfelt conversation about what it really looks like to disciple our children at every stage of parenting. God has entrusted us with the sacred calling to teach the next generation about Him — and what a privilege that is! But if you’ve ever wondered where to even start, you’re not alone. We’ll talk about how discipleship begins with the posture of our own hearts, how our children learn more from what we model than what we say, and how to walk this out even when we feel overwhelmed or imperfect. With practical steps and real-life encouragement, this episode reminds us that God loves our children even more than we do — and He is faithfully present to guide us every step of the journey. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders → Episode 21: Discipline vs. Discipleship: Defining the Difference, Discovering the Benefits // Apple // Spotify // YouTube → Episode 22: Heart-Focused Discipline: Teaching our Children, Not Just Punishing // Apple // Spotify // YouTube Resources Mentioned in the Episode:→ Praying the Scriptures books by Jodie Berndt —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → ⁠Contact Mom Ministry⁠ → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube  Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Don and Julie Keating return as guests on the podcast as we dive deeper into a discussion on the importance and the necessity of discipline in parenting our children well. When we think of disciplining our children we can often think that only means punishment and doling out consequences.. But to discipline actually means to train a child in right behavior.  While this does often involves consequences, there is so much more involved to encourage right behavior. (And this may not be something we want to hear, but to train our children well, we have to be disciplined ourselves.) The discussion involves practical ways to discipline our children at each stage of parenting: 1-Discipline phase: 0-5 years 2-Training phase:  6-12 years 3-Coaching phase: Teen years We also focus on the importance of the layer upon layering of the foundation that is vital to raising responsible children who bring glory to God, bless the family, and bless others. Enjoy the conversation involving guidance, practical examples, and plenty of admissions of things we wish we had a do-over on. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders Discipline & Discipleship Episodes: → Episode 21 // Apple // Spotify // YouTube → Episode 22 // this episode → Episode 23 // Coming soon! Speaking Life Podcast Episodes: → Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Episode 11 | No Room for Weeds: Nurturing a Healthy Lawn in Your Parenting // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 15 | Is First Time Obedience Worth It? The Neuroscience Says Yes. // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Parenting from the Tree of Life Material → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Episode 16 | The Hidden Influence: How Structure & Routine Shape Your Child's Development // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 10 | Parenting in the Digital Age: Responsibility & Boundaries with Technology // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Episode 18 | Chores with Purpose: Instilling Work Ethic and a Heart to Serve in Your Children (a discussion with Kurt & Jill Everson) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → Life in the Middle Years Material → Authority to Influence Additional Video Segments Related to this episode: → Parenting in Moments of Non-Conflict—-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Join Rich and Julie Young as they welcome special guests, Don and Julie Keating, for an insightful conversation about their parenting journey. The Keatings open up about the principles that have guided their family, emphasizing the power of being a united team and the importance of speaking life into their children. As they put it, they are truly "better together," and this shared front has been essential to their success in raising 5 children who love the Lord and each other. The discussion also dives deep into a vital distinction for every parent: the difference between discipline and discipleship. While discipline focuses on correcting behavior, discipleship is about training a child's heart. Both are necessary for raising well-rounded children, but an imbalance, as too much of one at the expense of the other can be counterproductive. This episode offers practical wisdom for building a family on a foundation of love and intention. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Don & Julie Keating, Growing Families leaders Speaking Life Podcast Episodes: → ⁠Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube → ⁠Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) // Spotify // Apple // YouTube Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Preparation for Parenting Material → Parenting from the Tree of Life Material → Mom Talk Thrive Recording: Discipline vs Discipleship → Join us live on Mom Talk Thrive —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

What happens when one’s emotional growth is stunted by past trauma? It can affect even the most successful, accomplished adults, leaving one with an emotional age far younger than their biological one. In this podcast, the Ezzos and Youngs explore a divine prescription for healing: the Life message. Drawing from an understanding of God’s character and His life-giving virtues, the Ezzos reveal how the Life message and being a part of a life-giving community can be a powerful antidote to a deep wound caused by either a single traumatic event or a wearing down from a lack of the life message in one’s life. Discover the incredible neurological and spiritual implications of the Life message to bring healing and emotional growth to life’s deepest hurts. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders Speaking Life Podcast Episodes → Episode 2 // Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube → Episode 3 // Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Join a Growing Families Class → Mom Talk Thrive → Find a Growing Families Event → Find a Life-Giving Church —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The U.S. Bookstore → The Australia & NZ Bookstore → The Asia Pacific Bookstore → The Brazil Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Ready to cut through the noise of the endless stream of parenting trends on social media and trying to figure out what is best for your child?? Drawing from the newly updated, Babyhood Transitions book, we dive into topics like baby-led weaning and The Wonder Weeks, examining the science (and sometimes lack thereof) behind popular fads. Parental intentionality coupled with resolve is a better option than baby knows best because baby doesn’t really know best. We believe that your wisdom and life experience are invaluable. Your children need you to guide them, not just follow their lead. This episode is about empowering you to be an engaged, intentional, and informed parent—someone who invests in their child's development with purpose and resolve. We'll show you how to give your child what they need, when they're ready, without rushing them - all with the purpose of maximizing your child’s potential. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → The Babyhood Transitions → Parenting from the Tree of Life → Prep for Parenting → Blanket Time —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Join Rich and Julie Young with Kurt and Jill Everson for a practical discussion on chores. This episode redefines chores, exploring their surprising benefits for kids' development and family cooperation. Discover how these tasks build vital life skills and a strong work ethic, plus get actionable strategies for implementing them effectively with children from an early age through to the teen years. Ever wonder if chores could be more than just… chores? Join Rich and Julie Young, alongside Kurt and Jill Everson, for a game-changing discussion that redefines the very essence of household tasks. This isn't just about tidying up; it's about unlocking surprising benefits for your kids' development and fostering unparalleled family cooperation. Tune in to discover how these seemingly simple tasks build vital life skills, cultivate a robust work ethic, and pave the way for a more harmonious home. Plus, get ready for actionable strategies you can implement with children from their earliest years right through their teens! Rich & Julie Young, hosts Kurt & Jill Everson, Growing Families leaders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Podcast episode on entitlement // YouTube // Apple Podcasts // Spotify → Martha to the Max (book) → How to Raise a Responsible Child - the Monkey Teaching (Original Video) → How to Raise a Responsible Child - the Monkey Teaching (Video) Additional Video Segments Related to this episode:→ Proactive strategies in raising a responsible child (Video) —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Are you accidentally raising an entitled child? Discover the subtle signs, unintentional enablers, and powerful strategies to cultivate gratitude, responsibility, and resilience in your kids. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Kurt & Jill Everson, Growing Families leaders Resources mentioned in the episode: → Martha to the Max Book → Parenting Inside & Outside the Funnel (Article) → What Does it Mean to Parent Outside the Funnel? (Video) → Getting a Child Back Inside the Funnel (Video) → More video segments on the funnel → Podcast Episode on Vision part 1 // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts → Podcast Episode on Vision part 2 // YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts → Podcast Episode on Chores // Coming soon! Additional resources related to this episode: → Bribing in Exchange for Compliance (Video) → The Bribing Parent (Video) → More video segments on the bribing parent → The Danger of Flattery (Video) → Destroying Children with Flattery (Video) —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

The words Structure and Routine can sometimes strike fear into the hearts of parents who reject being tied down to a strict schedule where every minute of the day is planned. But that’s not what Structure and Routine is all about. Instead, it is a plan that reduces the amount of correction needed and gives: order to the day, predictability, and best of all FREEDOM! Rich and Julie share the benefits of structure and routine and practical suggestions to implement in your child’s day. Then Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo join Rich and Julie to discuss the neuroscience behind structure and routine and the hidden influence it exerts. Rich & Julie Young, hosts Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Blanket Time Explained → Playpen Time Explained → The Brain Benefits of Structure & Routine → Speaking Life Podcast Episode // YouTube // Apple // Spotify Additional Resources Related to Structure & Routine: → The Blessings of Structure & Routine → Five Benefits of Structure & Routine → Room Time Explained → Daily Activity Planner Template → Weekly Activity Planner Template —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]

Teaching our children to obey us, first time, is usually more difficult for us, the parents, than it is for the child. It takes work and consistency, and we often don’t realize that we may be undermining our own efforts. Rich and Julie talk about why it’s important for children to be trained in first time obedience, how to do it, and some warnings to prevent us from sabotaging our own efforts. Gary and Anne Marie join Rich and Julie to discuss the neuroscience behind obedience and the rewards our children reap well into their adulthood as a result.  Rich & Julie Young, hosts Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo, founders Additional Video Segments Related to Obedience: → Characteristics of Obedience → The “Yes Mommy” & “Yes Daddy” Responses → The “5 Minute Warning” → The “Why” of Instruction → The Five Categories of Moral Education → Parenting Words, Sensory Input, & Lasting Impressions → A Family with a Broken “Y” → The Conscience & the “Moral Why” → The Moral Why - Example One —-------------------------------------------------- → The Growing Families Website → Register for a Class → Our Courses → The Bookstore → Contact Mom Ministry → Instagram → Facebook → YouTube   Email questions or topic suggestions to [email protected]