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Politics: one of the hottest button issues every time families come together. Last year thanksgiving sparked extra emotions in our family and it taught us some valuable lessons about the reasons political conversations blow into such large proportions inside a family unit. We have found that those emotions don't necessarily come from the topic at hand but from a deeper place of misunderstanding. We hope you can glean some applicable advice from this story

This episode was originally recorded in the summertime - summer bod and all that. But if you're anything like me, my self-consciousness does not dwindle near the holidays. Everyone is coming together, dressing up, and eating so much food. While some of the metaphors involving bathing suits don't quite land, there is just as much to learn about loving however you look through the holiday season.

We have found that having an outside pair of eyes and ears, specifically those of a trained psychologist, continues to help both Mom and I through challenging sections of life. When things have become really rocky in our mom-daughter relationship, it is usually a sign that we each need to take a harder look at ourselves individually. Therapists help us do that. Here is our story about the first time Mom and I went through some therapy both together and individually and the way it bettered us. We also discuss the importance of having friends who act as "outside" eyes and help us take the perspective of another person. We offer gratitude to Madeline Levine, Ph.D., researcher, and author of The Price of Privilege, referenced in this episode.

Forgiveness is a tricky business. It is a vital practice, it takes practice; it includes both words and actions, and it is both an event and a process. And we're supposed to teach it to our kids?! Today we listen to a discussion Mom and I had a year and a half ago on the way she taught me to forgive and what I'm learning about forgiveness as a grow into an adult.Thanks to Julie Lythcott-Haims for her life-giving work in her new book: https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/your-turn and her book referred to in this podcast https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/how-to-raise-an-adultWe are also grateful for the work of Ted Tripp https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/shepherding-a-childs-heart/, who initially taught us so much about modeling forgiveness to our children as young parents.

Communication has many iterations but its principles remain the same. This week we listen back to the 2019 version of Ingrid and Vicki. Our lives were pretty different but the way we process information was much the same. We discuss the way we each make decisions and how that informs the way we talk to each other. As you listen, what can you learn about your own communication style?

Learning is often far more cyclical than it is linear - at that goes from relationships as well as timelines. This week we interview Gillian Fritszche, a director/writer/producer in the film and tv industry who also happens to be a lifelong friend to both Mom and Me. She tells her story of creating an adult relationship with her Mom and we get to learn from her experience and wisdom. There is something special, important, and celebratory about multi-generational friendship.

Everyone begins with their own point of reference: imagining the outlook of someone else based on their own experiences. So, one really helpful way to gain a more accurate picture of someone else's experience is simply to tell your own story and hear the other person's! Today Mom and I discuss what influces shaped us from college into young adulthood. Our values become evident through this conversation and that gives us a better understanding for each other. Whose persepctive can you take this week?

The transition out of childhood into co-adulthood is so so tricky. Two years ago we revealed what was difficult about communicating through college. Listening back to it, it’s easy to tell that we still had a lot to learn about sharing with each other lovingly. I have no doubt we’ll listen back to THIS episode in two more years and think the same thing. Progress is progress and family progress is always worth celebrating!

After three weeks of talking about parenting your kids, we ask once again, "How do you do that for your grown-up daughters??" Communication between grown-ups has unique challenges. The transition from Mom/Kid to Mom/Adult is pretty uncharted waters. This week we discuss helpful, applicable tactics for offering feedback to your mom, or to your young adult, taking into consideration the possible minefield of offense. Learning how to talk about hard things is vital for your relationship. It is very worth it. We hope you find these tips helpful!

In our last week with Nellie Harden, it’s time to put these parenting tools into action! Nellie shares some practical stories for how she gives her kids the chance to hold their weight in the family and support her as much as she supports them. Relational Goals are just as effective as the goals you set for your business; it’s almost like Family is just one big team project.

Week 2 with Nellie Harden! This week's lesson is on self-leadership. How often do people move out of Mom's house and look around for the next person to give them direction - but the 'next person' is you! Nellie teaches us how to cultivate self-sufficiency in our kids so that they are prepared to leave the house after 6,570 days of childhood (ages 1-18). Listen in!

Meet Nelli Harden: mom, entrepreneur, family, and parenting coach! She has a business and a podcast called the 6570 Family project and we had the honor of talking to her for a whole three episodes! This first episode introduces the concept of the proverbial "bag" of tools your child will take with them when they leave home. They're going to leave with certain skills and values - might as well be intentional about that those are! Nellie is encouraging, empowering, and such an expert. Check her out! https://www.nellieharden.com/

It is back to school season! Even if you've grown out of schooling, transitions in and out of seasons of life continue to pose relational challenges. Is it worth it re-state expectations that seem obvious to you? (always, YES). This week we reflect on how to back to school expectations changed throughout the growing-up years and we look for consistent communication skills that built the foundation for our ever-changing lives. Happy Back to School season!

Ingrid has lived a quarter-century! This year she gained a new best friend, a boyfriend, and some really valuable lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we give some life updates and reflect on how far Ingrid has come since you began listening to her post-collegiate journey 3 years ago. Happy Birthday, Ingrid! Here’s to year 26!

When things feel hard, it’s easy to feel frustrated or even decide your situation is a lost cause. “My daughter just doesn’t make time for me.” “Mom doesn’t get me at all anymore; so annoying.” “I’m bored with my food or my closet or my schedule.” Creativity can be the answer! To be honest, every time we try something new or come at our situation from a new direction we are being creative! This week we wrap up our series on creativity by looking deeper at John Cleese’s book “Creativity: a short and cheerful guide” - the book we’ve quoted all month. We hope you’re as encouraged by it as we were!

Arguably the number one place we must constantly be creative is in communication with each other. My daughter doesn't look like she's comprehending what I just told her?...better try again a different way. That's creativity! And what a positive way to view all those attempts at communication we make every day. This episode is all about how to reframe rifts in communication as opportunities to be creative! Join us in reframing!

Have you ever felt pressured to be the "creative parent?" Keep your kids interested! No two meals are the same! -- In the world of mommy blogs and Pinterest, that part of Creative Living can feel pretty high stakes. Here is your sign to chill. Yes, we need to think outside the box when it comes to staying present and connected with those around us. But it's not up to you to deliver life to your child on a silver platter! Instead, it's actually to their benefit to invite them into the routines that make life sustainable. That's what we talk about today. Listen in!

Today we talk to a member of the most 'creative generation yet.' How do Gen-Z-ers think about creativity? Does social media affect your creativity? Audrey is remarkably wise at 18 years old and I found her thoughts really compelling. Her highlighted point: creativity takes courage and humility. Community, Audrey says, can facilitate better creativity. Be brave and diligent. Creativity isn't polished. It's about willingness. Listen in to other nuggets of wisdom from the next generation.

Creativity. Let our next topical series begin! Can you be creative without messing with your whole world of consistency? Today we being to brainstorm that question. Creativity is not just about art - although we do love art. Where else in our lives is creativity deceptively important: communication? recipes? gardening? Where else? join us at this beginning of our quest to understand creativity better and invite it more consistently into our lives. Also-- we'll review John Cleese's book Creativity in a couple of weeks so pick it up and join us if you'd like!

We've traveled from High School graduation all the way through those first awkward jobs post-college. What about that elusive, classic 'career?' What does that even mean? How can Mom be supportive as Daughter finds it? What if Daughter never finds it? What about Mom looking for a second career? This week we discuss personal stories to try to answer these questions. The biggest takeaway: listen to the heart of the other person. Be just as interested in them as you want them to be in you. That goes for just about everything and it certainly will help the quest for a meaningful career!