In this re-release of Episode MFP191, we open up about one of the biggest challenges every couple faces—finding time for each other in the midst of busy family life. After 31 years of marriage, we’ve learned that love doesn’t just grow on its own; it takes intention and effort because although our marriages are always Important, they are rarely Urgent. In this episode, we share our own stories, some laughs, and practical ways to stay connected—whether through daily check-ins, regular date nights, or an occasional weekend away. We also talk about how to make this happen and what to do when you are together to use your time well. When we invest time in our marriage, our whole family benefits. So take a moment, grab your spouse, and listen with us. Let’s strengthen our marriages together—because your relationship is worth every minute.
Marriage is never Urgent, but it is always Important. That means you have to intentionally take time for your spouse
Marriage is good for people and their mental, emotional, and even physical health.
We need to give our spouse our time - daily connections, date nights, and extended time away.
Lack of time together leads to decreased “love tank”. A full “love tank” smooths out the rough spots in marriage and makes it easier to ignore the little things.
You have to be together without the children to renew your marriage and make strong the “couple love” between you which is essential for them.
You need a community around you to give inspiration and support for your marriage.
Make boundaries and goals for your time together. Use it wisely!
When is our daily connection and regular date night?
What is the best way for us to spend that time together?
"Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person,
which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." - Pope Benedict XVI
Every one of us is on a journey towards eternity. Our life here on earth, our vocation, our careers, our relationships are all just ways that we can grow in our knowledge of ourselves and of God. But many of us struggle to learn how we can stretch ourselves and prioritize our own spiritual growth. In this podcast, we share our own stories of conversation moments and how our spiritual practices have changed and matured over the years. We hope this will give you some inspiration and ideas of how you can come closer to God our Loving Father and see that none of us are ever "done". We are all on a journey towards our eternal home.
To be a good mother or father you must first know who you are as a beloved son or daughter.
Do things that put yourself in that place to receive from God such as mass, regular confession, and staying in a state of grace.
Be honest about where you are in your season of life. Adopt spiritual practices accordingly
Our perception of God is colored by our experience of our parents. Do we see God as having high or low expectations of us? Do we see God giving us high or low support to achieve those expectations? The most healthy relationship has high expectations and high support to achieve them.
Recognize that we are constantly growing and maturing in our relationship with God and others. Growth takes time!
What is our perception of God and the Church? Where are we right now in our relationship with Him?
How can we as spouses help each other grow in our relationship with both?
Go here to purchase these books! https://amzn.to/3O6ce8V
Why are today’s kids more anxious than ever before? Mike and Alicia dive into the growing epidemic of anxiety among children and teens – and how modern parenting, technology, and culture all play a role. Drawing insights from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, they explore what happens when we overprotect kids in the real world but underprotect them online.
From overscheduled lives and endless screen time to lack of sleep, nutrition, and authentic relationships, today’s children are under tremendous pressure. But there’s hope. The Hernons share concrete, faith-filled ways parents can lead with confidence, slow down family life, and raise children who are resilient, humble, and rooted in reality – not comparison.
If you’ve ever wondered how to calm the chaos and restore peace to your home, this episode offers clarity, conviction, and encouragement for every Catholic parent.
Slow down, do less, accept your child for who they are
Have a Consistent bedtime and eat together
Lead your family with confidence
Indoctrinate your children with your philosophy
Teach them humility. Humble kids become content adults
Put them in healthy social environments and enjoy true leisure
Look at your schedule and ask yourself WHY - examine each activity and make sure you are intentional about it
Do we think our children are anxious? Why and what can we change?
Take our 2025 Listener Survey!
Everything we do here at the Messy Family Project is for couples and families! We work hard to support and encourage moms and dads as they do the hard work of raising children, managing homes and forming a solid, Catholic family culture.
In our survey this year, we are asking for you to share with us some of your greatest challenges and what resources will help you the most. If you have done our survey in the past, please do it again! The more people we have take it, the more effective the information is.
So will you take a few minutes to click on the link below and fill out our survey?
This survey helps us create new products, target our podcasts to serve your needs better, and gives us a deeper insight into the lives of parents today. Will you help us out?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKQLYW
Check out our Amazon Storefront for the Anxious Generation! https://www.amazon.com/shop/messyfamilyproject?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_BS8NWGQYFJSSV1CQ6XBY
Take your calling seriously and yourself lightly
Are you taking parenting a little too seriously? In this episode, we dive into why families need to throw off the burden of “psychological correctness” and rediscover the gift of humor. Parenting isn’t a project—it’s a wild, messy adventure! We’ll share why secure parents can laugh at their mistakes, how to set healthy limits at your table, and how to teach kids the difference between fun teasing and disrespect. Most of all, we’ll remind you that your children are a never-ending source of laugh-worthy moments. This week we’re joined by the always witty and wise Dr. Ray Guarendi, who brings his trademark humor and insight to help parents embrace joy, laughter, and freedom in family life.
Throw off “psychological correctness”! The gift of humor has been taken away from modern parents because most parents are now overly worried about every word they say.
Parents need to take themselves lightly and stop making parenting into a psychological project.
Those parents who are insecure can’t laugh at themselves. You know you are secure when you can laugh at your mistakes and find humor in the craziness of family life.
You decide the limits are your table and teach the difference between good-natured teasing and disrespect.
Remember and celebrate that kids are natural sources of laugh-worthy material for life!
Are we able to laugh at ourselves and our mistakes even with our kids?
What are some of the funny things that have happened in our family? How can we remember these?
Dr Ray website: https://www.drray.com/
Take our 2025 Listener Survey!
Everything we do here at the Messy Family Project is for couples and families! We work hard to support and encourage moms and dads as they do the hard work of raising children, managing homes and forming a solid, Catholic family culture.
In our survey this year, we are asking for you to share with us some of your greatest challenges and what resources will help you the most. If you have done our survey in the past, please do it again! The more people we have take it, the more effective the information is.
So will you take a few minutes to click on the link below and fill out our survey?
This survey helps us create new products, target our podcasts to serve your needs better, and gives us a deeper insight into the lives of parents today. Will you help us out?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXKQLYW