Don't Mom Alone Podcast28 Touko 2018

Time and Space for Flourishing in a Tech World Andy Crouch Ep 208

In a world where devices, video games and screen-based entertainment dominate our time and space, we can choose to make our family culture different. It isn’t easy and it isn’t always fun, but there are huge benefits for us and our kids when we take time away from devices.

This week’s guest Andy Crouch is the author of “The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place”. He shares about our calling to be image bearers of God and how his family has seen a lot of growth by putting limitations on time with technology and building in Sabbath rest from devices.

Have moments as a family where you talk about what have been your best moments. What’s been the flourishing moments in our family? It’s very unlikely people will say, ‘Oh that time we made it to level 16 in whatever video game.’ Kids and parents will remember moments that had this kind of real authority and real vulnerability.

As we head into summer, I hope this episode encourages you to embrace the power of your kids being bored so they can tap into their God-given creativity, abilities and interests. Just hang in there through the first third of the time! Listen to see what I mean.

What we chat about:

Image bearing as it relates to authority and vulnerability
Video games and screened-based entertainment simulate authority and vulnerability
Andy’s family’s Sabbath for screens and devices- one hour each day, one day each week and one week each year
How to work toward unity on device- and technology-free time with your spouse
Start small and do what’s stretching when it comes to taking time without devices
Talk as a family about the best times you’ve experienced together and plan to have more of those moments
The first third of the time is really hard, but in the second two-thirds you’ll see creativity and really good things for your family
Changing your physical space to make the main thing we do together different
Work and rest vs. Toil and leisure
Not looking at your phone first thing in the morning till you’ve been outside
Having a rhythm of disengagement with technology that reconnects us with real rest and with who we really are in God’s image.

Links Mentioned:

“The Tech Wise Family: Putting Technology in its Proper Place” by Andy Crouch **
“Strong and Weak” by Andy Crouch**

**Amazon affiliate link

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Christmas Traditions with Little Ones :: Jacki Rucksdashel [Ep 142]

I know, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. . .and seeing the word “Christmas” may trigger a mix of excitement and terror. My goal in this episode is to help prepare you. To empower you in sharing with your kids the good news of God taking on flesh and dwelling among us. To help you create meaningful family traditions that your kids can pass on to the next generation. Today’s guest is my good friend, Jacki Rucksdashel, author of the Jesse Tree Project. She is a mom to two amazing kids, a former classical education teacher and a darling, godly woman. Jacki and I chat about the value of creating Biblically-based Christmas traditions. Fortunately, there are lots of options these days for families to celebrate Advent. We’re gonna help you sort through them so you can stay sane in the holiday cray-cray. Jacki & I encourage you to pick one (maybe two) of the options. And to consider your family’s interests, ages, and values when choosing. We also share personal stories of our “less-than-perfect” attempts at memory making. And how to be realistic when celebrating the holidays with little ones. Loved this from Jacki, sharing the heart behind this conversation: Am I teaching my children that Christmas is about busyness? Or am I teaching my children that Christmas is about sitting at Jesus’s feet, and resting, and enjoying his birth and the fulfilling of the promise? It can get so easy so forget that, even in doing all the good things. What we chat about: Choosing a few, enjoyable traditions for your family, instead of ALL of them Why are Christmas traditions such a big deal, anyway? You can be your family’s first tradition-starter The Jesse Tree Project, and how it’s made especially for families with young children Using children’s anticipation for Christmas to mirror the Bible’s anticipation for a Savior Our own funny stories of how “perfectly planned” traditions turned out…um…less than perfect (i.e.: being realistic) Why it’s a good thing Jesus is NOT like Santa or the Elf on the Shelf Other great tradition starters for young children: Shepard on a Search, Star from Afar, The Giving Manger, Light ‘Em Up How to “mix and match” to find the right fit for your family Setting priorities by reverse-engineering from Dec 26 and what you would consider a (realistic) successful holiday. Links Mentioned: The Jesse Tree Project & How to Lead a Group Unwrapping the Greatest Gift ** Truth in the Tinsel (OhAmanda Episode 3) Visiting Santa (Heather’s thoughts on using Santa to teach grace) Elf on the Shelf ** Shepherd on a Search Star from Afar The Giving Manger Light Em Up (Courtney DeFeo Episode 50)

13 Marras 201652min

Raising Girls :: Sissy Goff [Ep 141]

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. . .including sassiness? Now I’m not a girl mom. But I am a girl. That’s gotta count for something. I know how complicated my emotions can be. With all the social media and cultural pressures, I can only imagine how overwhelming it is to raise a girl nowadays. Good news!!! Today’s help comes from girl expert and licensed counselor, Sissy Goff. She spends most of her days chatting with girls and their families. The author of eight books including, “Raising Girls”, Sissy brings loads of wisdom and perspective. In this episode we spend the first chunk of time talking on the topic of beauty. Then we move into whining and strong emotions (including the epidemic of childhood anxiety). Sissy shares great thoughts on girl friendships and sister stress. Personally, I love her thoughts on how attention issues (e.g., ADHD) can impact girls socially. Lastly, she gives excellent advice on how to maintain a healthy mother-daughter relationship. And this quote: What we chat about: Speaking to the different areas of beauty God has placed in each girl, specifically calling out strength and bravery. How we, as moms, talk about OURSELVES influences how our daughters see themselves. Helping girls develop their own identity. Keeping an ongoing dialogue and pulling your daughter back “into the huddle of your family” to discuss external messages. Building up confidence helps lessen the fixation on external beauty. Circling back to the places your daughter is confident and the things she likes about herself. The importance of a girl’s father (or other male role model in her life) to show her she is valued for who she is. Helping your daughter realize most girls share her same struggles. Managing her intense emotions at home and recognizing anxiety. Teaching empathy in practical ways. Identifying “balcony friends,” “basement friends,” and “rollercoaster friends.” Respecting her capabilities and fighting the urge to “fix everything” as she moves into the teen years. Links Mentioned: raisingboysandgirls.com daystarcounseling.com Courtney DeFeo Are My Kids on Track?: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach (to be released Feb 2017) by Sissy Goff and Melissa Trevathan ** Modern Parents, Vintage Values: Instilling Character in Today’s Kid by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff** Intentional Parenting: Autopilot Is for Planes by Sissy Goff and David Thomas** Raising Girls by Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff** Freeing Your Child from Anxiety by Tamar Chansky (mentioned in the interview)**

6 Marras 201655min