Why do so many marriages and families drift apart—even when there’s still love?

In Episode 104 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis unpack the real reasons connection fades over time. From simple ignorance, to misplaced priorities, to misunderstanding emotional capacity, they explain why families don’t disconnect overnight—but slowly, unintentionally, and quietly.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why connection is never neutral — it’s either growing or shrinking
• How “being busy” masks deeper relationship issues
• Why financial provision alone doesn’t create emotional closeness
• How misunderstanding capacity damages marriage and parenting
• Why connection must be fought for in today’s distracted world

This conversation is honest, faith-centered, and deeply practical for parents who want stronger marriages and deeper connection with their kids.

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(00:00) Preparing for Parenting Before Kids

(01:28) Why Connection Matters in Marriage and Parenting

(02:48) Seasons of Connection and Disconnection

(03:58) How Busyness Replaces Priorities

(05:11) Why Most People Don’t Learn How to Connect

(06:12) Ignorance: Not Knowing What You Don’t Know

(07:28) When Date Nights Don’t Create Connection

(08:45) Parenting Connection Changes with Each Season

(10:42) Emotional Fatigue and Capacity as Parents

(11:53) Connection Is Never Neutral

(12:59) Misunderstanding Priority and Capacity

(14:46) Fighting for Connection in a Distracted World

(15:14) Why Parents Must Learn to Fight for Family

What if the secret to raising confident, connected kids wasn’t more information—but clear vision, visible goals, and shared responsibility?

In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis walk you through how they intentionally create a culture of connection inside their home—one where kids take ownership, goals are visible, and accountability is part of everyday life.

You’ll learn:

• Why family connection must be built on purpose
• How visible goals increase motivation and follow-through
• Why kids should help carry the responsibility for relationships
• How simple systems create long-term momentum
• How to build memories and closeness throughout the year—not just on vacations

This episode is packed with real-life examples from their own family and practical tools you can start using immediately.

🎯 Parenting doesn’t get easier by accident—it gets better by design.

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(00:00) Why Family Culture Matters

(01:28) Setting Goals That the Whole Family Can See

(03:46) Turning Goals Into Action Steps

(05:52) Why Accountability Builds Momentum

(07:05) Teaching Kids Ownership of Connection

(09:18) Simple Goals That Create Lasting Change

(10:55) Connection Is the Real End Goal

(12:35) Applying Leadership Principles at Home

(14:10) Building Confidence Through Follow-Through

(15:20) Final Encouragement for Parents

How do you stay connected as a couple — and as a family — when life is full?

In Episode 102 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis share how they intentionally protect marriage, family alignment, and connection, even in busy seasons filled with sports, work, parenting, and leadership demands.

They walk through real-life rhythms that help their family stay grounded:

• Why marriage connection must be planned, not assumed
• How setting minimums protects relationships
• Why busy seasons don’t cancel covenant commitments
• How family goals and transparency create peace
• Why kids thrive when they understand the family vision
• What honorable disagreement and quick repair look like

This episode will help you:

• Strengthen your marriage without overwhelm
• Create clarity and alignment in your home
• Build rhythms that prevent burnout
• Model healthy connection for your kids
• Lead your family with intention and faith

🌲 Learn more at https://www.teamredwoods.com/podcast

(00:00) Why Marriage Must Be Intentional in Busy Seasons

(01:43) Defining Family Goals During Heavy Sports Schedules

(04:12) Setting Minimums That Protect Marriage Connection

(05:44) Why Flexibility Prevents Burnout and Resentment

(07:10) What Actually Counts as Quality Couple Time

(08:32) Using Family Trips to Build Long-Term Connection

(10:44) Creating Clear Expectations With Family Goals

(12:28) Teaching Kids to Pair Goals With Effort

(14:33) Helping Kids Build Confidence Through Action

(16:16) Final Encouragement on Family Alignment