Stay ConnectedTHE podcast for parents with big dreams who want to create an EXTRAORDINARY lifestyle but feel stuck.
Greg and Rachel Denning are parents of 7 children whom they’ve traveled with to 60+ countries on 5 continents — all while homeschooling and building a multi-six-figure location independent biz.
Let them show you how to finally break through what’s holding you back so you can achieve your biggest dreams — even with a family!
Copyright: © Greg & Rachel Denning
I received this excellent question in my Instagram DM
"How do you decide which scientific research to listen to? Particularly when it comes to health-related topics like what is healthy to eat and what is not?
It seems there is a pretty consistent message in science and research to avoid highly processed foods and sugar. But on the finer points with things such as seed oils, carnivore diet, intermittent fasting, coffee/tea etc. it seems that there is just as much research on the opposite side of the thing you and Greg believe.
For example, I can find research from all kinds of researchers, scientists, and doctors saying that coffee/tea is either neutral or slightly beneficial while you and Greg believe it is unhealthy.
And the same for how many vegetables/grains should be included in a diet. There is a lot of research saying you should be eating a wide variety of plant fiber.
With all of the mix of information, I'm just wondering what your process is for deciding what to listen to or believe?"
The world of 'what to eat' and 'what is healthy' is more confusing now than it ever has been in the history of the world.
Why are humans are more confuddled now than ever about what to put in their mouths? Why do we have so many 'diets' that seem healthy but are actually malnourishing or toxic?
In this episode, Greg and Rachel will dive into why 'food' is so confusing these days and how to know what to believe about all the conflicting research that is out there.
They also talk about why many people become 'converted' to diets such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, raw, etc. -- and why this 'conversion' should not be a long-term, life-long decision.
If you have ever struggled to know what is healthy or wondered 'what to eat', or felt that your food lifestyle choice was the 'right' one -- then don't miss this eye-opening, horizon-expanding episode that brings the 'food debate' full circle.
More episodes:
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
This week's topic came from Rachel's recent experiences with their 13-year-old son who has been very motivated to help out around the house lately (because of very specific strategies, which she shares in this episode).
AND she also received this question from her Family Systems & Charts community.
"Hello there. I just started your chart system and we had our first meeting this week. It went well and I am finally seeing some good results. I have invested a lot of time in this. However, my 17-year-old daughter is not that motivated. What can I do?"
In this episode, Greg and Rachel share super specific strategies that WORK, which they have used to raise their five teenagers (out of seven children).
They'll explain how they have been able to inspire, motivate, and train their teens to WANT to help out around the house, work hard, and take responsibility -- all while maintaining and developing deep, lasting, positive relationships with their teens and now young adults.
They expound on a technique they use called 'Privilege-Based Accountability' and the need for teens and young adults to practice life skills by earning privileges instead of giving them freely and automatically. Automatic privileges disempower children and teens and gives them a sense of entitlement, besides making them irresponsible and unmotivated to work.
If you've ever wanted to raise hard-working, responsible, motivated, happy, and successful teens and young adults, then don't miss this episode with clear, actionable strategies that really work! We have the results to prove it.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
"Thanks for this episode. I wanted to get in touch to ask if you could share any advice for when your kids were younger and babies?
I run a food business and recently had my first baby. I am struggling to manage the disparity between my big ambitions for my life and my reality. I want to be more capable... I want to take my business to the next level (which includes raising investment) I want to keep exercising and doing my favourite sports, I hate that my home is not organised and there is clutter around.
I just don't know how to achieve all of this as I can't seem to find the time or the energy. Right now my partner is at home full time (looking for work) and is incredibly helpful both in the home and in caring for our daughter. But still I am not able to balance all of these things!
The two that have slipped back are exercising and my home not being in great order and I'm barely keeping up at work.
I sometimes would love to have a big family and you have really inspired me that this is possible (I have always thought about adoption) but then sometimes I think I can't even manage with one, how could I possibly manage more kids?
I'd truly appreciate it if you could share any advice or discuss this on a podcast as there are so many young mums today struggling to manage the demands of modern day life, juggling work with younger kids and babies."
If you are a mother (or father) of young children and often feel in overwhelm, then you need this episode -- especially if you are ambitious (like we are) and find yourself frustrated by your 'slow' progress as you pursue your dreams.
We've been there! Listen to discover the strategies we've used to prevent and manage overwhelm and to accomplish WAY more than we ever thought possible.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
"I'm writing to tell you both what an inspiration you've been to me over the last year! I've listened to almost all your podcasts and am working my way through the family systems and charts course. All your information is clear and practical, and it's made a huge difference in my level of overwhelm and what our family has been able to accomplish.My husband and I are taking our kids (age 13 & 11) to Europe for 3 months this August, and I was wondering if you would have any tips for travelling with teens and tweens. I'm curious about:
Would love to hear you speak more about the practicalities of travelling with a family!"
Whether you plan to go to Europe for 3 months, or to take a day trip to a local town or the state next door, this episode is packed with practical and useful tips for making the most of your 'travel' experiences as a family.
Listen now!
And make sure to visit us at our new World School Family Resort in southern Portugal!
RESOURCES:
As a follow-up question to a recent episode about helping your spouse 'show up' or invest in your extraordinary life, we were asked:
"I love listening to your podcast. I'm a stay-at-home mom of four and I homeschool. I really wish I could live a little more extraordinarily as your family does, but alas, I have a spouse (who I of course love!) that doesn't feel the same. I desperately want to travel, but he doesn't. I long to do things a different way, but he doesn't. I like to read and listen to podcasts and all the like, but he doesn't.
But honestly, my real question here was about myself. You said something on your recent episode that hit me where it hurts. It was about how much hard work it is (an extraordinary lifestyle) and how it's kind of laughable to you now what you used to consider 'hard work'. I'm slightly ashamed to admit this but I can't seem to handle much. I want to be a hard worker, but it seems like other people are able to handle so much more than me.
I'm an introvert who is sadly socially awkward, needs lots of reflection time, and has never been encouraged or supported. I've never felt capable of much of anything. I want different for myself and definitely don't want my kids in this same boat!!
What is your advice for increasing my capacity to be able to handle more? Especially without any encouragement or support. I want better! I just don't know how to get there."
This is a FANTASTIC question and something we totally relate to as a former introverted, 'weak', shy, socially awkward girl or boy who never imagined that we would be coaching, hosting a podcast, or traveling the world with our seven children.
Listen to this episode to learn how we were able to overcome these 'limiting factors' that kept us from living a more extraordinary life. Discover how we built a foundation of positive habits using clarity, focus, and prevention so that we can direct more of our energy toward achieving the life of our dreams instead of existing in survival mode.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
This much-needed episode addresses something we've been concerned about, thinking about, and researching for years regarding ADHD/ADD in adults and children.
Based on our own experience (having at least 3 kids with ADHD, and at least one of us -- Greg 😁) and experience gained by working with thousands of clients -- plus the added perspective of traveling to 50+ countries which provides a look at the way people do things around the world -- we share some unique and paradigm-shifting perspectives on ADHD and what it means for parents, children and families.
We talk about 'labels', diagnoses, 'drugs' and medication, disorders, hunters vs. gatherers' brains and so much more -- in fact, we may end up killing some of your 'sacred cows'.
Of course, we're not doctors and have no letters after our name so we obviously don't know anything. But this will be a fascinating listen nonetheless.
Listen to this episode now!
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning answer this question:
"Wondering if you have advice for someone who has been trying to pour everything into life/marriage to make it extraordinary but the spouse is not showing up and 'being the man' as Greg has defined. If they try, they relapse or it seems like the bare minimum is done. It has been years of this and it feels like it’s holding us back from an extraordinary life. Wondering your thoughts on handling situations like that when it feels like you have tried everything and given it time."
The truth is an extraordinary marriage requires work. But Greg and Rachel Denning tackle the all too common dilemma: what to do when one spouse is giving their all to make their marriage extraordinary, but the other isn't stepping up.
They delve into the essence of a thriving marriage, emphasizing the power of daily choices and the need for 'extraordinary' effort (and why 'good' is not good enough).
Greg and Rachel stress the importance of utilizing the right tools (in the right way) even if you've 'tried everything' -- and persisting through challenges.
They explain the issue of 'collusion' and destructive, self-sabotaging patterns in relationships and explain how to break free from them.
Rachel highlights the significance of personal accountability and understanding the differences between men and women -- men need respect and women need to feel cherished -- for fostering a healthy partnership.
They urge spouses to 'bring the tide' and become agents of change in their relationships through self-improvement, emphasizing the effect 'bringing the tide' can have on spouses.
Offering practical advice, the Dennings present a roadmap for enhancing marriages even if you're the 'only one' -- with a warning against heeding misguided counsel (like Ruby Franke).
Key Takeaways:
Timestamps:
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
On Instagram, I saw a reel that stated "Myth: Sex is a need. Fact: Sex is a desire, not a need."
"All of us can live without sex; we cannot live without water, food, or belonging."
I had to disagree and responded: "It depends on how you define 'need'. For survival, no. For connection, bonding, and love -- yes, it's a need. Can you imagine if you're husband said, "You don't NEED me to talk to you. It's just a desire' and then went days, weeks, or months without talking because it's not a 'need'? You would feel pretty neglected. So if you want an extraordinary relationship then sex -- and talking -- are NEEDS.'
While the argument may be true that 'needs' are ONLY things that we can't live without -- water, food, belonging -- it's inaccurate when we're talking about the surviving -- not to mention the THRIVING -- of our marriage relationship.
Yes, people can live without sex. And talking. But an extraordinary marriage cannot.
Of course, there are extremes when sex in marriage is not an option (injury, postpartum, old age). But we're not talking about those rare instances. We're talking about marriages where couples CAN have sex but are NOT having it.
And I get it. As a woman who once *hoped* to find evidence that would convince my husband we never had to have sex again, I know how relieving it can be to believe that his need for sex is not real or is some how wrong or unrealistic.
But it's just not true. Men (and women) want and need intimacy, but for some (usually men) their deepest intimacy takes the form of sex. And that's OK! And when you learn to use both sex and communication together they create an eternal circle of connection between spouses.
Listen to this episode now so you can begin to see sex as an OPPORTUNITY for connection, not a burden or obligation. When you have this paradigm shift then everything changes. And you finally discover the key to building the relationship you've always wanted.
This topic is further expounded on with these episodes:
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
A member of my 28-Day Challenge coaching program asked:
"I'm curious: what do your kids do for work or how do they learn work ethic? Our oldest is almost 16 and starting a job this summer which is flexible (thank goodness) but as much as she and our family go places we are trying to make sure we're home for part of the summer so she can get hours at that job and earn some money!
I know there are ways to earn outside a typical job: do you have a list of ideas for me? We considered selling some of her crafty works on Etsy and she's done babysitting jobs, but I don't see those online options really "paying off". When we consider doing yard work for others or house cleaning etc, I wonder how safe that is for her to go into homes alone...
...and I feel like our summers will be eaten up soon by our older kids trying to hold down jobs. My spouse feels it's so important for them to learn how to work for someone and they can work during the school year, but it would have to be a REALLY flexible employer. ;) I'd love any insight you (or others!) have."
And...
"Greg said once that his children WILL be wealthy when they grow up. What is it that gives him that kind of confidence (without of course giving them the money!😄)?
What books have you read and are teaching concepts to your kids or having your kids read? I know you guys do things the "non-traditional" way, so maybe there's more there that I don't know about...
It seems that most parents send their kids off into the world and tell them they have to work hard and hope they survive financially. I imagine our kids will struggle at times but that provides good and healthy lessons for them - do you include that part of growth on their own as something they will experience before they reach "wealthy"?
And if they don't go the traditional route with jobs, what are they doing to create that wealth? Wealth isn't everything, but money is a necessary tool in our world and his comment just got me thinking...
Along these lines, what are your thoughts on Dave Ramsey's teachings, like 'The Total Money Makeover'? (It's not on Greg's list under business/money.) Tell me more! :)"
Fantastic and very relevant questions for anyone who is raising children, which we answer in this episode in surprising ways -- such as discouraging our children from getting jobs, encouraging them to BECOME, buy, and acquire assets, and teaching them money psychology, wealth and abundance mindsets, and how to be entrepreneurs and investors.
We also address the potential dangers of youth going into homes alone -- and how to protect against it. PLUS better ways to teach children and teens 'work ethic' and to do hard things.
And we talk about how programs like Dave Ramsey's are geared toward obtaining or maintaining the middle class -- not toward creating generational wealth.
Don't miss this powerful episode that could alter your family's finances for generations to come.
RESOURCES:
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
"I wanted to know what you guys think about screen time... I stopped letting my son (6) watch but then we reintroduced it as my husband said that if it’s in a foreign language it can be beneficial exposure to the language... We limited it to an hour, but I feel like it is too stimulating and it affects his behaviour. It feels like that is all he can think about sometimes. I haven’t read much about it, but I think it’s not good for their brains it’s too addictive."
A fantastic question and concern for all parents. In this episode, we dive into the complicated and real challenges facing us as parents -- and individuals -- as we seek to navigate new territory -- being the first people in the history of the world trying to raise children with so many screens.
So how do we do it --effectively? What dangers are we facing? What opportunities? How young is 'too young' to let kids use screens? How much is 'too much' screen time?
And how do we ensure, as parents and role models, that we are setting a good example of technology use for our children?
We answer all these questions and more to help you teach your kids that screens are 'tools not toys' and that we can maintain mental, emotional, and physical health when we use devices responsibly. Listen now!
RESOURCES:
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Enrollment is open for the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Join the Do More With Less Stress Workshop Series for busy moms
Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
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