#297: Crazy Cool Family This: Let’s Get Real!

"What is your favorite season of parenting?"

In today’s episode, we’re talking about what we’ve learned through the years raising littles, middles, and bigs — and how to parent each age with purpose and grace. We're calling this theme “Crazy Cool Family This,” where we unpack key parenting concepts and make them practical for your season of life. Through it all, one thing remains true: your kids are wired to love you, and you don’t have to get everything right. That truth gives so much freedom!

Don shares that his favorite stage is the middles — elementary and middle school years — because of their simple, honest view of the world and their fun personalities. Suz loves something unique about each stage. Littles bring endless snuggles and curiosity; middles ask questions that show they’re beginning to think for themselves; and Bigs — well, they give you the privilege of transitioning from parent to friend as they step into independence. For her, watching kids become who they’re meant to be is a deep joy.

Each stage also has its challenges. Littles have big emotions and limited communication, which means it takes a lot of energy and grace to parent them well. Middles are growing fast, discovering their identity, and stepping into a world of activities and relationships — it’s a crucial time for fathers to speak identity over their kids. And when it comes to Bigs, the hardest part is letting go — resisting the urge to overprotect and instead allowing them to fail, grow, and build confidence through mistakes.

The overall message? Enjoy every season. Parenting goes by fast, and each age brings its own beauty and struggle. If we approach it with intentionality and relationship at the center, we’ll build strong connections that last far beyond childhood.

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