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:

#278: Making Family Traditions Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

"Traditions give your kids a sense of belonging." - Don

We've been asked by parents how to make the holidays meaningful. It's about more than presents, food, parties, and events. Here's our answer.... traditions!Traditions are ways to build family culture and it's really what your kids will remember.

So how do you build family traditions? Don and Suz unpack mindsets and practical ways to build your family's culture through traditions!

Main points from podcast:

What traditions are and what they communicate to your kids
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas and how to have traditions with each individual kid
Doing things as a family and creating buy in (even for teenagers)
Using food to build traditions
Using vacations or travel as a form of tradition

Podcast Resources:

#277: Attitude of Gratitude Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Is negativity killing your family’s culture?

Today we are talking about gratitude and how powerful it is. Just in time for Thanksgiving (which we did on purpose) we want to talk about gratitude, gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy! As we prepare for Jesus’ birth, we need to start practicing our gratitude muscle – because this season is ALL ABOUT HIM!

“Gratefulness is an attitude of gratitude. When you are full of great if flows out of you!” - Suz

Here are the main topics from today’s episode:

Lead by example – parents, say thank you first!

Building gratefulness in your littles- it starts before they can talk

Gratefulness is a superpower (More on this in Episode #91)

Examples of building a grateful culture

Gratitude is...

The condition or quality of being grateful; an emotion or sentiment of thankfulness. A warm sense of appreciation for kindness received; accompanied by a feeling of good will toward the benefactor, and a desire to repay the favor.

Thankfulness is...

Recognizing who God is and what he has done.

Joy is...

A feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word.

Define these with your family this month and practice them! We believe these are the ingredients to a life-giving culture in your home. When we focus on building gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy - gratitude will become the norm. Practice these things this week and watch how your family culture changes for the better!

Podcast Resources:

#276: Empowering Your Child to be Their Best (Feat. Lee Ann Mancini) Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Lee Ann Mancini found us through our Guides (which you can purchase through the link below), and we’re thrilled to have her join Don for an insightful conversation on the value of depositing truth into our children. Early in her parenting journey, Lee Ann found herself searching for Biblical materials to teach her kids. When she couldn’t find as many resources as she had hoped, she took matters into her own hands and wrote her own. Today, we’re diving into her newest book, Raising Kids to Follow Christ, where she shares wisdom and practical advice for parents.

Here are the key takeaways from today’s episode:

Raising Kids Amid Today’s Worldly Struggles: Lee Ann discusses the unique challenges parents face in a culture that often conflicts with Biblical values and how to navigate those struggles with intentionality.
Teaching Self-Motivation: Lee Ann shares strategies for cultivating self-motivation in children, empowering them to take initiative and develop a strong work ethic rooted in faith.
Role Playing Scenarios: One of Lee Ann’s practical methods is role-playing scenarios to help kids prepare for real-world challenges. This allows them to think critically and practice their responses before facing difficult situations.
Creating Critical Thinkers by Asking Questions: Instead of simply providing answers, Lee Ann emphasizes the importance of asking thought-provoking questions that help children develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of faith.
Building Parent-to-Kid Relationships and Making Them Feel Safe: Lee Ann shares ways to strengthen the emotional bond with your children, fostering an environment where they feel safe, loved, and heard.
Controlling Behavior vs. Empowering Our Kids: Lee Ann explores the difference between controlling a child’s behavior and empowering them to make wise decisions based on their values and beliefs.
Cultivating Respect and Honor: It goes along with obedience! Lee Ann shares how respect and honor goes hand in hand with discipline and obedience. You model honor first. This creates a relational connection that leads to obedience.

This podcast is packed with practical advice and valuable insights from Lee Ann. It truly feels like she’s sitting at our kitchen table, answering the burning questions that many parents face. If you're looking for wisdom and guidance to improve the relationships within your family, this episode is for you!

As Lee Ann wisely says, “Every adversity is an opportunity.”

Podcast Resources:

#275: Motherhood vs. Victimhood (Feat McKenzie Reaume and Macy Robinson) Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Moms, are you living in a cycle of victimhood?

McKenzie Reaume and Macy Robinson (Manning. daughters #3 and #4) join Suz on today's podcast. This topic is one we believe will impact mothers all over the world.

Because let's face it....

Motherhood is hard and we are all prone to victimhood thoughts.

Things we discuss in the podcast:

What are the definitions and tendencies of healthy motherhood + victimhood
How do you know if you are living with a victimhood mind set?
Unpacking Mother Mary and her mindset on motherhood (she has revelations along the way we can learn from)
3 ways to change your mindset on motherhood

We challenge you to listen to this podcast and change your thinking! Every mother can feel like a victim - it's part of the enemy's plan to steal, kill, and destroy our families. We are giving you wise counsel and practical tips to help combat the schemes of the enemy.

Listen and share this episode today! We believe there are moms out there that need to hear this podcast - it could change your life!

Podcast Resources:

#274: The Value of Mentors Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever been mentored? Discipled? Coached? Counseled?

There are a lot of words for it these days but in today's episode we focus on Kingdom guidance - what does it look like and how do you access it?

Here are the main questions we unpack in Episode #274:

What is a mentor and how do we make sure we are getting Kingdom counsel/advice?
Don and Suz share personal mentoring experiences
3 reasons why parents should invest in mentorship
Mentoring within different season of life - how to navigate this

We believe EVERY PARENT benefits from mentoring. Life's questions aren't getting any simpler and we need older, wiser mentors to help us navigate marriage, kids, and more! If you are needing guidances or help making a family decision- this podcast will help inspire you to invest in mentorship. Listen and share today!

Podcast Resources:

#273: Insight into Rebelling Kids Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

How do you Crazy Cool Parent that?

This is a new phrase (maybe even a verb) we are going to start using. Our heart is to give ALL parents Kingdom tools to help them be the best parents they can be. Our topic today is...

REBELLING KIDS – OH NO!!! HELP!!!

Do you have a 3-year-old who throws fits and runs away?
Are you at a loss of how to connect with your middle schooler about school, friends, and technology?
Do you have a teenager who is distant and rebelling against your family’s culture?

Here are the main points from today’s episode about “Rebelling Kids”

Why do kids rebel in the first place?
The world is appealing to our kids (and us) – what do we do about it?
How to involve Jesus in your kids' lives and make Him appealing
Rebellion provokes the “long game” in parenting
How we draw our kids in and not push them away when they rebel
The power of physical touch – it's an invitation for relationship!

We discuss scriptures, personal relationship with Jesus, and how you as a parent can love your child right where they are. It’s not about what you “should or shouldn’t do.” Instead, we share practical ways you can reach your rebellious child.

Pray – choose to fight for them in the unseen realm. Petition the Heavens for your children’s hearts. Enlist your kids to pray for each other – there's so much power in prayer!
Give encouragement and approval. Our kids long for our approval (even if they act like they don’t care). Go out of your way to find things they are doing RIGHT and tell them every day. Draw them in with kind words. Correction is necessary if they are rebelling, but encouragement needs to abound all the more.
Let natural consequence happen. Allow life’s consequences to take their toll. Seek God on ways to not shelter your child from the world’s hardships. This sounds backwards but when you let natural consequences run their course, you can come alongside them in the grief/pain and comfort them. We want our kids to have Godly sorrow which leads to repentance – changing their thinking/behavior.
Choose to stay in the fight. Don’t tap out and start ignoring your child when they start ignoring you. Press in and love them like Jesus would. Be radical in your parenting. Don't coddle but don’t let them stray.

Listen and share this with a friend who needs help with their rebelling child. Send us questions to podcast@crazycoolfamily.com if you have a specific situation, you want insight into. We are here for you! Let’s go Crazy Cool Parent our rebelling kids😊

Podcast Resources:

#272: Halloween - to Celebrate or Not? Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

How do you celebrate Halloween as a family and is it bad to do?

First off, your family needs to personally seek God and obey what he is saying for your family. There is no right or wrong. Obeying God is top priority!

Secondly, if you do decide to dress up and go house to house here are some mindsets you can empower your kids with.

Focus on Light vs. Darkness: Emphasize themes of light, drawing from verses like John 1:5 ("The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it").
Use Halloween as a time to connect with neighbors and friends. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages fellowship and building each other up, which can be reflected in community activities. Share the gospel or pray for people as you go door to door.
Encourage creative expression through costumes and decorations. This encourages creativity and imagination in them - and honestly it is just so fun to dress up.
Teach children about discernment, focusing on Philippians 4:8, which encourages thinking about things that are true, noble, and right. Discuss the difference between fun and fear and avoid anything that glorifies evil.

Email us (or comment on social media) your thoughts on this topic! As Christians, where should choose to be a light and where should we protect our kids? We get to invite God in and decide for our family! Share your thoughts and share this episode with a friend!

Podcast Resources:

#271 : Talking Every Man's Purpose and Where it is Found (Feat. Mark Lubbock) Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Mark Lubbock joins us to talk about relationships. If you are a husband, or man - this podcast is for you! BUT if you are a woman or wife, this will give you insight into your spouse like never before.

"Men want to earn respect and find value in life. They want an identity that is worth living in." - Mark Lubbock

Don and Mark unpack manhood and what men desire when it comes to a purposeful life. The take time in the podcast to discuss purpose, profession, and what men really want to live for.

Mark talks about the value of community for men when discovering their identity. It creates a brotherhood and ultimately creates development. Relationships create opportunity for belonging.

If you are looking for purpose (or seeking to understand your spouse's purpose) This podcast is for you! Listen and share with your friend!

Podcast Resources:

#270: God vs. Technology Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Who has your child's attention - God or AI?

“In today’s day and age- our kids can just ask AI “what does God look like?” and get an actual picture- is it accurate? NO! But so many things are being defined for our kids- how do we show them that following God/knowing Him is worth it and an adventure worth going on?!” - CCF Parent

Don and Suz unpack the realities of technology in our kids' lives and how it can affect raising kids. They share how different times were when they raised most of their kids BUT they have learned along the way how technology can hinder or help build family relationships.

Join them as they unpack ways you can help your kids desire the things of God over the things of the world. They share vision for your family and practical ways to set boundaries around technology.

"We must continuously show them God and that he is worth following. He is no comparison or competition with technology... it just seems that way because we must work a little harder in this world to see, know, access God." - Suz

If your family is struggling with technology - how to use it and how to not allow it to become an idol, then this is the podcast for you!

Check it out and share it with someone you know!

Podcast Resources:

#269: Celebrating Don’s 60th with 60 Second Relational-Parenting Tips! Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Today’s episode is special – we are celebrating Don’s 60th birthday! We are going to reminisce and share a few practical parenting tips in 60 seconds or less!

We believe God will inspire you with the values Don and Suz have learned over his 60 years of life! Here we go!

Relationship with God

Suz: Matt. 6:33 invites us to seek first his kingdom and all things will be added unto you.
Don: Take one next step and invest in family - worth it!

Marriage

Suz: Marriage is the foundational relationship in family. Go to bed together as a habit- creates time for pillow talk which connects the marriage.
Don: Stop controlling, instead, help spouse to be best version of themselves.

Parent to Kid

Suz: “They are just little people so treat them with honor & respect and they will treat you with honor & respect.”
Don: Realize how powerful words and tone are and use them to strengthen not damage.

Kid to Kid

Suz: Siblings can and should be best friends because the relationship as adults is unique because it carries the past, present and future.
Don: Role of older sibling is key and parents deposit the right vision in older kids.

Kid to God

Suz: We get to build kingdom on earth by the way we show God’s love to our kids.
Don: Teach our children to live on mission.

Share this podcast with anyone you know who needs a parenting boost today! Also, go donate to Crazy Cool Family for Don's birthday! We love each of you and are looking for faithful supporters as we continue to do what God's asks us to do for families!

Podcast Resources:

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"Traditions give your kids a sense of belonging." - Don

Is negativity killing your family’s culture?

“Gratefulness is an attitude of gratitude. When you are full of great if flows out of you!” - Suz

Gratitude is...

Thankfulness is...

Joy is...

Here are the key takeaways from today’s episode:

Moms, are you living in a cycle of victimhood?

Motherhood is hard and we are all prone to victimhood thoughts.

Things we discuss in the podcast:

Listen and share this episode today! We believe there are moms out there that need to hear this podcast - it could change your life!

Have you ever been mentored? Discipled? Coached? Counseled?

Here are the main questions we unpack in Episode #274:

How do you Crazy Cool Parent that?

REBELLING KIDS – OH NO!!! HELP!!!

Here are the main points from today’s episode about “Rebelling Kids”

How do you celebrate Halloween as a family and is it bad to do?

Email us (or comment on social media) your thoughts on this topic! As Christians, where should choose to be a light and where should we protect our kids? We get to invite God in and decide for our family! Share your thoughts and share this episode with a friend!

Who has your child's attention - God or AI?

We believe God will inspire you with the values Don and Suz have learned over his 60 years of life! Here we go!

Relationship with God

Marriage

Parent to Kid

Kid to Kid

Kid to God

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