What if the parenting stress you feel isn’t from parenting itself, but from being the only one holding everything together?

So many busy parents fall into the quiet habit of carrying the entire load—the dishes, the laundry, the dog, the clutter, the schedules—while hoping their kids will “just pitch in.” But without clear expectations, kids don’t know how to help, and parents end up exhausted, frustrated, and burned out.

In this episode, we’re sharing simple, practical strategies for teaching responsibility, building teamwork, and creating a strong family culture where everyone contributes. Not through power struggles or punishment, but through clarity, consistency, and intentional parenting practices that help your kids grow in confidence—and help you reclaim time, energy, and peace and stop feeling overwhelmed, avoiding mom guilt and dad guilt in the process. Effective parenting is more than time management; it's life management.

WHILE LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to clearly communicate household expectations so your kids take ownership without nagging or conflict
• Practical tools like chore rotations, 30-minute cleanups, and predictable routines that boost responsibility and reduce parent burnout and parent anxiety
• How shared chores strengthen family relationships, support healthy time management for busy parents, and create meaningful family traditions

00:00 Introduction
00:28 The Burden of Household Chores
00:41 The Game-Changing Shift: Involving Kids in Chores
01:29 The Mom Rampage
02:17 Setting Clear Expectations
03:17 Effective Chore Strategies
04:46 The 30-Minute Cleanup
06:55 Rotations and Responsibility
09:33 The Family Dog: A Lesson in Responsibility
13:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Sneak Peek

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Get our FREE resource, "30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/freeresource:

Parenting is hard. Intentional parenting can seem even harder. Motherhood, fatherhood, marriage, and all that goes with those important aspects of life can make it difficult to prioritize tasks, embrace intentional living, focus on present parenting, and build family bonds. We're here to help ease your parenting anxiety so that you can stop feeling overwhelmed, find joy in your parenting journey, and build family bonds that last for generations. Here at Parents Making Time, we are all about that parent-child connection, self-care for parents, and helping you overcome mom guilt and dad guilt. If you have a question or would like to share an experience about your own parenting, please feel free to reach out to one of us! Please note, we may use your question and/or comments as a part of a Q&A Parenting Advice segment on one of our episodes.

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Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

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Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

What if the strongest memories your kids carry into adulthood come not from vacations, but from small everyday traditions at home?

We often think family traditions are reserved for holidays — Christmas, birthdays, vacations — but research shows that everyday rituals and routines play a powerful role in shaping family culture, kids’ identity, emotional wellbeing, and long-term connection. When life gets busy, family bonding often takes a back seat. Days pass fast, and before we know it, we’re missing chances to create connection in the ordinary moments.

The truth? You don’t need more time — just intentional family activities and micro rituals that anchor your home in love and belonging.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How simple routines become meaningful family traditions that strengthen family culture.
• Real examples of family activities you can start this week for deeper connection (no holidays needed!).
• How traditions help kids feel seen, stable, loved — and why that supports long-term bonding.

In this episode of Parents Making Time we share some of our favorite traditions from raising our three kids: Friday movie night, bedtime gratitude, Sunday calls, special birthday rituals, and seasonal traditions we still look forward to every year. You’ll leave with practical ideas to build family culture and connection inside your home — even if you're short on time.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource Announcement

00:28 The Importance of Family Traditions

01:04 Scientific Insights on Family Rituals

03:21 Examples of Family Traditions

11:06 Holiday Traditions and Their Impact

15:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Get our FREE resource, "30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/freeresource

Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

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Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

No new episode this week due to Thanksgiving. Next episode will be released on Friday, December 5, 2025. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your families! We are grateful for you, our listeners!!

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Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

What would happen if your family put the phones away—just for one evening a week? Could you strengthen your parent-child connection?

Maybe you’ve felt that tug lately—the sense that your teen is drifting into their screen while real conversations, teaching opportunities, and connection get squeezed out. You want more meaningful moments together . . . but between schedules, resistance, and the constant pull of devices, it feels almost impossible.

In this episode, we share the simple practice we have started recently in our own home—and why we’re so glad we did it. By setting aside one night a week with no phones, we created space for deeper conversations, practical life lessons, spiritual moments, and genuine connection with our son in his final year at home. And the best part? It’s actually working.

AS YOU’RE LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The common mistake parents make that unintentionally limits deeper family connection—and how to fix it in one small shift.
• A step-by-step breakdown of our “No-Phone Sunday” routine, including life skills, spiritual discussions, and fun that actually keeps teens engaged.
• Why intentional, distraction-free time helps teens open up, stay accountable, and even start meaningful conversations on their own.

Whether you try a full “no-phone night” or simply adapt one piece of what we’re doing, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use this week to strengthen your parent-child bond—without adding stress.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource
00:28 Parenting Wins and Episode Overview
00:59 Meet Ethan: Our Busy Teenager
02:36 Implementing No-Phone Sundays
07:48 Family Activities and Lessons
09:57 Reflections and Benefits
13:42 Encouragement and Next Episode Teaser

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Get our FREE resource, "30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/freeresource

Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Follow Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Do you ever catch yourself comparing your parenting to other families—wondering if you’re not doing enough or feeling guilty because someone else seems to have it all together?

Comparison is one of the biggest hidden causes of mom guilt, dad guilt, and parenting burnout. Whether you’re scrolling social media or watching families at church, comparison sneaks in—stealing your confidence, creating anxiety, and making it harder to be a present, intentional parent.

When we focus on what other families appear to be doing, we lose sight of what our own kids actually need. In today’s episode, we break down why comparison is the #1 habit that quietly drains joy from parenting, how it leads to emotional overload, and the simple mindset shift that helps you reconnect with your family, build confidence, and practice joyful parenting—without regret.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why comparing yourself to other parents—both upward (“they’re better”) and downward (“at least I’m not them”)—undermines your self-esteem and creates unnecessary parenting stress.
• How comparison keeps you from being a present parent and distracts you from your family’s unique needs and rhythms.
• A healthier, more mindful parenting approach that lets you learn from others without judging yourself—or them—and helps restore joy to your home.

00:00 Introduction and Free Resource
00:28 The Habit That Drains Parenting Joy
01:08 The Comparison Trap
03:01 Personal Parenting Stories
05:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
06:55 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Get our FREE resource, "30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/freeresource

Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Follow Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Have you ever sat down for family dinner hoping for connection—only to be met with silence, clinking forks, and kids glued to their phones?

Even though dinner is one of the best chances to connect with your kids, conversation doesn’t always come naturally. Many busy parents assume that because you love each other, the talking part should just happen—but when it doesn’t, you miss out on those small, meaningful moments that strengthen your family bond.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we’re sharing three simple ways to get your kids talking at dinner—so you can turn mealtime into a daily ritual of laughter, learning, and love. These intentional family time ideas will help you go from awkward silence to genuine connection in just a few minutes a day, making meal times more meaningful and engaging.

In under 15 minutes you’ll learn…

• How to ask better questions that actually get your kids talking (and not just giving one or two word answers).
• Simple dinner table games that spark laughter, stories, and connection.
• The one thing you can do that instantly makes your kids more likely to open up and engage.

Because when you’re intentional about how you spend your family dinner time, you create moments that build connection, trust, and lifelong memories.

Get our FREE resource, “Dinner Conversation Starters", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/dinnerconversations.

00:00 Introduction to Dinner Time Conversations
00:36 Common Dinner Time Challenges
01:42 The Importance of Intentional Dinner Time
02:46 Tip 1: Ask Open-Ended Questions
04:53 Tip 2: Play Dinner Games
06:03 Tip 3: Share About Yourself
07:45 Consistency and Managing Expectations
08:48 Conclusion and Additional Resources

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Follow Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/

Have you ever felt like you and your spouse weren’t on the same page? You both love your kids deeply — but sometimes, it feels like you’re speaking two different languages when it comes to rules, routines, or how to handle a situation.

It’s one of the most common (and most frustrating) challenges parents face — especially for busy couples trying to balance work and family while still showing up as present, intentional parents. The result? Tension builds, connection fades, and it can start to impact not just your marriage, but your entire family dynamic.

But there’s a better way — In this episode, we’re talking about why you and your spouse aren’t seeing eye to eye and how to fix it.

IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why most parenting disagreements aren’t really about the kids at all
• Simple strategies to communicate with your spouse before responding to your child
• How to handle parenting decisions in the moment — without tension or mixed messages
• Creative ways to stay united as parents (even in front of your kids!)
• How this one shift can strengthen both your marriage and your family dynamic

00:00 Introduction: Parenting on Different Pages
00:32 The Big Mistake: Lack of Communication
03:46 Strategies for Unified Parenting
07:46 Real-Life Examples and Lessons
11:30 Conclusion and Resources

When you finish listening, we’d love for you to connect with us on social media!

Follow us on Instagram and like our page on Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Get our FREE resource, "30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/freeresource

Follow Anthony Craiker: Instagram | LinkedIn

Follow Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://www.parentsmakingtime.com/