Kids & Family
**Crazy Cool Family**

Want home to be your favorite place in the world? Want to see siblings get along like best friends? Want to send your kid off to college with hope instead of fear? At Crazy Cool Family, we can help you answer all of those questions with a resounding “YES!”

We have one simple mission: To show parents how to create amazing families by building their lives around Jesus and helping their kids to do the same. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that what is most important in life is our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. We believe that families are our most important relationships and their strength will determine the strength of your family. You will Rethink the Way You Do Family when you see God’s incredible relational design for your families.

God wants a Crazy Cool Family for you and we want to help you get there!

Latest Episodes:

#318: Regulating Big Emotions (feat. McKenzie Reaume) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Kids can’t learn new skills when their nervous system is flooded. In this episode, Suz and Kenzie show you how to regulate first and coach second using our MONSTER cue: My Only Need: Start To Emotionally Regulate. You’ll learn a faith-filled, brain-wise plan for toddler tantrums, big-kid blowups, and teen flare-ups—without losin;g your own peace.

You’ll Learn

Thermostat vs. thermometer parenting: How to set the room’s emotional “temperature,” not just read it.

The MONSTER check: A simple in-the-moment phrase that grounds you and your child.

Storm vs. sunshine timing: Correct for safety in the storm; train skills in the calm.

Age-by-age scripts for toddlers, big kids, and teens that lower intensity fast.

Pick-your-battle triage: Safety, maturity, and “my-issue” filters so you don’t fight every fight.

Reset tools that work: 4/6 breathing, colors game, cold water splash, squeeze/hug items, wall pushups/jumping jacks, worship/quiet song.

Regulate → Repair → Rehearse so growth sticks.

Faith integration: “Peace lives in me—let’s go find it,” plus short prayers that invite the Holy Spirit into hard moments.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3

(See also Galatians 5:22–23 for the fruit of the Spirit and Philippians 4:7 for God’s peace.)

Podcast Resources:

#317: Surviving the Meltdown Moment Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Parenting Through Meltdowns:

Turning Chaos into Connection

Every parent has been there—the dreaded meltdown. Whether it’s your toddler on the kitchen floor, your teenager slamming a door, or even you holding back tears in the car, meltdowns are part of family life. But what if these moments aren’t just problems to solve, but opportunities to connect?

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne share wisdom from raising seven kids and over 30 years of parenting experience to help you reframe how you see meltdowns. We’ll dive into why meltdowns happen, how they make us feel as parents, and—most importantly—how to respond in ways that build character, strengthen relationships, and reduce chaos in your home over time.

You’ll learn practical strategies for handling toddler tantrums, school-day meltdowns, and teenage blow-ups without adding fuel to the fire. From turning a “no” into a redirect, to knowing when to pause and offer grace, this conversation will help you see meltdowns as moments to disciple, not just discipline.

We’ll also explore the spiritual side of meltdowns—how God uses adversity to grow us, and how we can model compassion, patience, and love even when emotions run high.

Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. So, if you’ve ever felt embarrassed, overwhelmed, or unsure in the face of a meltdown, this episode is for you.

👉 Tune in now and discover how to transform meltdowns into meaningful, crazy cool parenting moments.

Podcast Resources:

#316: Grace and Discipline: Can You Really Do Both? Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Can you parent with grace and discipline at the same time?

Absolutely. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning explain how to combine God’s favor (grace) with training to standards (discipline) to build self-control, connection, and freedom in your home. You’ll learn the difference between firm vs. harsh, how to respond not react, and a simple “same-side of the line” visual that moves you from power struggles to partnership. The conversation includes empathy that doesn’t excuse behavior, practical scripts for correction, and a preview of emotional regulation tools for “meltdown moments.” Anchored in Hebrews 12:6 and Galatians 5:1, this episode equips you to set clear boundaries and keep a gentle tone—so your kids actually learn.

Key takeaways:

Grace (favor) + discipline (training) lead to true freedom and self-control.
Be firm, not harsh—respectful tone makes correction stick.
Use “Help me understand…” to pair empathy with consequences.
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your child and point them to God’s standard.
Prioritize long-term connection over short-term compliance.
Start practicing emotional regulation during meltdowns (for you and your child).

Podcast Resources:

#315: Crazy Cool Parent This: Cultivating Integrity in our Children's Hearts Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning share how to teach kids integrity without lectures. Learn how to model honesty, coach truth-telling with a “respond, don’t react” approach, and create a family culture of integrity. Get age-by-age strategies for littles, middles, and bigs that make character building stick. Anchored in Proverbs 10:9 and John 8, this episode equips you to help your child keep their word, repair quickly, and walk securely.

What you’ll learn:

Why modeling + quick repair beats perfection
A 6-step script to coach honesty (lower shame, raise truth)
Age-specific tools for Littles (2–7), Middles (8–12), Bigs (13+)
Family language that makes truth-telling safe
Bible stories (Jonah; Woman caught in adultery) that illustrate integrity and kindness

🎧 Listen now and start your 3:1 Praise Challenge this week. Then share your family’s integrity win with us!

Podcast Resources:

#314: More Than Clean - Building a Safe Haven for Your Family (Feat. Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama!) Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Suz and McKenzie talk with Becky, founder of Clean Mama about simple, sustainable home keeping routines for busy families. Learn the 5 daily cleaning tasks, a practical weekly cleaning schedule (bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, floors, catch-all), how to involve kids in chores, and how to keep a non-toxic home with easy DIY cleaners.

If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, laundry, and dishes, this conversation will help you create peaceful family rhythms that support Christian parenting and the mission of your home.

What you’ll learn:

The 5 daily resets: wipe counters & dishes, check floors, make beds, tidy clutter, daily laundry check
The weekly flow that prevents marathon cleaning days
Rotating tasks & monthly focus (deep clean + organize without overwhelm)
How to show, don’t tell when teaching kids chores (age-appropriate tools + tiny wins)
Mindset shifts: “I get to” gratitude, timing tasks (<5 minutes!), and starting where you are
Non-toxic favorites: Becky’s go-to DIY stone spray (water + rubbing alcohol + a little dish soap)
Getting back on track after travel, sickness, or newborn—why you start with today
Why a made bed is a mood booster and room “anchor”

Quote to remember:
“Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.”

Podcast Resources:

#313: Reclaiming Motherhood Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad

Suzanne sits down with her daughters—now mothers themselves—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about reclaiming a life-giving vision of motherhood. They unpack the tension most moms feel: the days are long, the needs are endless, and perfectionism and isolation creep in. Together they reframe motherhood as Kingdom work—discipleship in real time—where “hard” can be holy, refining, and deeply meaningful.

You’ll hear practical ways to trade victim-thinking for vision: making motherhood the main thing (letting chores serve connection), joining your child’s world to build present-moment memories, creating more deposits than withdrawals with specific encouragement, and using quick repentance to repair when you blow it. The episode also tackles common pain points—asking for help, carving out breaks before burnout, battling loneliness with intentional friendships and spouse check-ins, and resetting your perspective so you see your kids as the blessing they are. Anchored in Isaiah 40:11, this conversation offers gentle leadership for moms in every season.

Takeaways:

Motherhood is discipleship—hard doesn’t mean bad.
Prioritize connection; let tasks fit under the mission of mothering.
Name weaknesses, bring them to light, and ask for help.
Combat loneliness with quick, deep check-ins and God-with-us moments.
Keep a 3:1 encouragement-to-correction rhythm.
Repent fast; repair fast. Connection beats perfection.
Isaiah 40:11: God gently leads those with young.

Try it this week: 10 minutes of undistracted play, one clear ask for help, celebrate one tiny win out loud.

Podcast Resources:

#312: The Power of Mission Trips (Feat. Chris Searcy) Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip???

In this inspiring episode, Don and Suzanne Manning are joined by longtime friend and missions expert Dr. Chris Searcy to discuss the life-changing impact of mission trips on children and teens. With over 25 years of experience and 2,500+ students led on global trips, Chris shares powerful stories and practical advice for families.

Discover why mission trips aren’t just for "super Christians," but are actually a core part of discipleship. Learn how sending your child to serve beyond their comfort zone can awaken purpose, grow their faith, and transform their view of the world. Whether your child is 5 or 15, you’ll walk away with ideas to cultivate a family on mission.

Topics include:

The difference between "serving" and being "on mission"
Age-appropriate ways to get your kids involved
How to overcome fear, safety concerns, and the cost
What really happens on a student mission trip

Perfect for families seeking to raise kingdom-minded kids. Listen today and take your first step toward building a family that lives on mission.

Podcast Resources:

#311: Checking in on Your Teammate Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

What happens when spouses see parenting differently?

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning dive into the power of parenting with unity—even when you have different methods.

Through practical stories, biblical encouragement, and years of wisdom, they show how to:

Create safe, judgment-free check-in conversations
Encourage each other without criticism
Respond as a team, not competitors
Build unity that creates safety and peace for your kids

Plus, they share helpful tools like “pillow talk,” the family dashboard, and the idea of safe words to help you work through conflict with grace.

If you want to strengthen your marriage and create a more unified family culture, don’t miss this episode.

Podcast Resources:

#310: God’s Blueprint for Marriage Unity Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Is your marriage stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and method wars?

In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning unpack a powerful concept that will radically transform your relationship: agreeing on values, not methods.

You’ll learn:

Why unity doesn’t mean uniformity
How to define and agree on your family’s core values
Practical tools to navigate disagreements and grow together
How becoming the best version of yourself actually strengthens your marriage

Discover the Marriage Unity Triangle and how to stop trying to fix your spouse — and start supporting them instead. If you're ready to parent as a united team and build a strong, joy-filled marriage, this episode is for you.

Podcast Resources:

#309: 🍂 Podcast Re-Run: Make This Fall Your Best Yet! 🍂 Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

How to Start the School Year with Confidence (Not Chaos)

Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind—supplies, sports, schedules, and stress. In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne unpack how to approach August with peace, purpose, and powerful parenting strategies.

They share real-life stories and practical tips for helping your kids through transitions, easing anxiety, and setting them up for a confident start. From preparing emotionally and spiritually to casting vision for the year ahead, this episode walks you through how to replace back-to-school dread with excitement.

You’ll learn how to affirm your child’s identity, speak truth over their fears, and use everyday moments—like haircut appointments and school shopping—as opportunities for connection. Whether you’ve got toddlers starting preschool or teens headed to high school, this conversation is filled with grace and encouragement for every stage.

Plus, learn how to involve dads, stretch the to-do list over time, and start early so you don’t lose your peace under pressure.

Podcast Resources:

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You’ll Learn

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3

(See also Galatians 5:22–23 for the fruit of the Spirit and Philippians 4:7 for God’s peace.)

Podcast Resources:

Parenting Through Meltdowns:

Turning Chaos into Connection

Can you parent with grace and discipline at the same time?

Key takeaways:

What you’ll learn:

What you’ll learn:

Quote to remember:
“Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.”

Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad

Takeaways:

Podcast Resources:

Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip???

Topics include:

What happens when spouses see parenting differently?

Through practical stories, biblical encouragement, and years of wisdom, they show how to:

Is your marriage stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and method wars?

How to Start the School Year with Confidence (Not Chaos)

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Crazy Cool Family

You’ll Learn

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3

(See also Galatians 5:22–23 for the fruit of the Spirit and Philippians 4:7 for God’s peace.)

Podcast Resources:

Parenting Through Meltdowns:

Turning Chaos into Connection

Can you parent with grace and discipline at the same time?

Key takeaways:

What you’ll learn:

What you’ll learn:

Quote to remember: “Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.”

Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad

Takeaways:

Podcast Resources:

Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip???

Topics include:

What happens when spouses see parenting differently?

Through practical stories, biblical encouragement, and years of wisdom, they show how to:

Is your marriage stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and method wars?

How to Start the School Year with Confidence (Not Chaos)

Related Podcasts

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2

3

4

5

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Quote to remember:
“Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.”