Show Notes


Episode 76. Top 10 Parenting Hacks

Episode 76. Top 10 Parenting Hacks

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
~ Matthew 10:16

Is there any way to make parenting less stressful?
What can I do to make our life less chaotic?
How can our family be a little more sane & connected?

Let's face it - parenting in the 21st century is not for the faint of heart. In episode 76 of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat dive into their top 10 parenting hacks, offering real-life tips for bringing sanity and sanctity to family life. From the “Team Millea" mentality that fosters solidarity to practical routines like weekly family meetings and consistent chore delegation, Kenna and Pat share what actually works for their family of nine. They also discuss navigating finances, the art of doing tomorrow’s prep today, embracing their village, and the power of letting go of comparison. Whether you have one child or many, this episode is packed with hope, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you parent with intention in today’s chaotic world.

Show Notes


  1. The “Team Millea” mentality

    • The Catholic Social Teaching principle of Solidarity lived out in family life

  2. Weekly family meetings

  3. Chores for everyone!

    • 85-year multigenerational Harvard study that found a strong connection between doing household chores as a child and professional success as an adult

    • And this study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics that found a significant correlation between children who do household chores and increased happiness as adults

    • Reading to kids while they do chores - the time flies!

  4. One-on-one time

    • Creating space for focused, one-on-one time with each child

    • On Saturday mornings, one parent takes one child to daily Mass and on a short outing to a coffeeshop or a park

    • Anything can become quality time if we’re focused on one child while we’re doing it

  5. Do your “tomorrow self” a favor today

    • Preparing for lunch, school, work, etc. the day before so create an opportunity for success and joy tomorrow

  6. It takes village

    • I have to be able to ask for help and offer help to others

    • Including outsourcing what you can (shoutout to our Instacart drivers! Click here for a $10 off promo code)

  7. Get clever about finances

    • Eating out very rarely, and sometimes half eating out: picking up burgers or chicken nuggets but bringing our own drinks, veggies, & chips for a picnic at the park

    • Make the most of Play It Again Sports, Goodwill, & consignment stores!

    • We don’t do birthday gifts for our kids, we take them on birthday outings. We value the quality time with them more than physical things, and we want to encourage the same in them.

  8. Being shrewd about food

  9. Double/triple/quadruple dip with activities

    • Choose activities that multiple children can participate in

  10. Let it go! If something doesn’t work for you, don’t do it

    • Let go of comparison to other parents or families

Challenge By Choice

What is one strategy or “hack” that you’re going to try?

  • What is an area of your family’s life that needs attention so that things can run more smoothly, peacefully & joyfully?

  • What can you implement - or at least try - to help your family form the kind of relationships you desire?

  • Be sure to let go of anything that doesn’t fit your family’s needs or values

Reflection Questions

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?

  2. What are the things that cause stress, chaos, disagreements, and anxiety in your family?

  3. What is one of these "hacks"/suggestions that might help your family function with more joy and peace?

  4. What is your vision for parenting & family life?

  5. How are your day to day efforts moving toward that vision? How are they moving you away from that vision?