The Families of Character Show

Ep. #169: How to Save Your Family from Digital Destruction with Dr. Johann D'Souza

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!What if the greatest threat to your child's wellbeing isn't lurking outside your home, but sitting in their pocket? Clinical psychologist Dr. Johann D'Souza delivers a wake-up call about what he calls "digital destruction" - the devastating impact of smartphones and social media on young people's mental health, development, and happiness.We discuss:• Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality have doubled or tripled among youth in wealthy, English-speaking countries since 2010• The average age of pornography exposure is now 10 years old, with approximately 85% of young men struggling with addiction• Parents vastly overestimate physical dangers (like kidnapping) while underestimating digital dangers to children• Children raised with healthy technology boundaries ultimately appreciate their parents' firm guidanceIf you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents and check out Dr. D'Souza's speaking services at valuesfirstcollective.com/about or listen to his Virtuous Leaders podcast.Follow Dr. D'Souza on X: @drjohanndsouza The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Ep. #168: Your Family Needs an Emergency Plan with Garrett Golesh

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!What would you do if you noticed something wasn't quite right in your neighborhood? When off-duty firefighter Garrett Golish spotted smoke drifting through his yard while chatting with his sister-in-law about campfires, he could have dismissed it as someone grilling or burning yard waste. Instead, he trusted his instincts and took immediate action – a decision that likely saved a family with a sleeping baby who had no idea their backyard swim spa was fully engulfed in flames.In this episode, Garrett shares:• Why recognizing danger signs quickly can make the difference between safety and tragedy• Why smoke inhalation is more deadly than burns in most fire situations• Family emergency preparedness essentials• Practical safety tips• The importance of escape ladders for second-story rooms and practicing their use• The value of After Action Reviews (AARs) to evaluate what went well and what could improve• Using family dinner conversations to help children develop awareness and response skillsVisit our website for more resources on building character and preparedness in your family. The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Ep. #167: Developing a Family Emergency Readiness Plan featuring Jimmy Graham of Able Shepherd

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!What would you do if violence erupted while your family was having a picnic in the park? Do your children know what to do in an emergency, or would panic take over? These aren't comfortable questions, but they're essential ones in today's world.Former Navy SEAL Jimmy Graham shares his expertise on family emergency preparedness and the importance of having a coordinated plan that includes children. He explains how his military and CIA protection experience shapes his approach to family safety and community building. We speak about:• Importance of having a family emergency plan where everyone knows their role• How to train children to respond to danger without creating fear• Building discernment in children so they can handle situations when parents aren't present• Creating a culture of excellence and responsibility within the family• How to model intervention when witnessing problematic behaviorFind more information about Jimmy Graham's family emergency readiness programs at AbleShepherd.com or check out their YouTube channel to see the heart of the organization. The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Ep. #166: Inspiring Virtue Through Storytelling with Jeff Minick

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!What if the secret to raising virtuous children isn't found in lectures or lessons, but in the stories we share? When educator and father Jeff Minnick recalls the tale of "The Countess and the Impossible" – a story about a boy striving for excellence in lawn-mowing that shaped his work ethic for six decades – we glimpse the extraordinary power of literature in character formation.In this episode we discuss:• Stories serve as powerful examples children naturally want to emulate• Reading aloud to children for just 15 minutes daily creates crucial bonding time while building language skills• Classic books like Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables teach virtue without preaching• Parents can find quality book recommendations through resources like "Honey for a Child's Heart", "Honey for a Teens Heart", and "Books Children Love"• Poetry helps develop language patterns and moral lessons that stay with children throughout life• It's never too late to start reading aloud with children, even with teenagersReclaim your role as the primary educator of faith and morals by sharing great stories with your children today.Be sure to check out Jeff Minick's articles on The Epoch Times website and Intellectual Takeout. The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Ep. #165: Discipline Without the Division with Kyle & Sarah Wester

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!Ever feel like you and your spouse are playing completely different games when it comes to discipline? One moment you're calmly coaching your child through a tantrum, the next your partner swoops in with strict consequences, leaving your kids confused about the rules and possibly learning to play you against each other.Creating a united front in discipline is essential for raising secure, respectful children who understand boundaries and feel emotionally safe.In this episode, we discuss:• Four parenting quadrants• Parents often swing between authoritarian and permissive styles depending on stress levels and their own upbringing• Many couples have one partner who leans authoritarian and another who leans permissive, creating confusing mixed messages• In loving guidance, power isn't used against children but rather alongside them to co-create solutions• Children notice when parents model humility, repair, and emotional regulation• The goal is to raise children with internal motivation rather than external controlVisit Kyle and Sarah Wester at artofraisinghumans.com to learn more about their coaching programs for parents and to sign up for a session with Kyle! Also, be sure to check out their FREE parenting guide! The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.