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
The “Team Millea” mentality
The Catholic Social Teaching principle of Solidarity lived out in family life
Weekly family meetings
Paying attention to how we live out our values in the details of daily life
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!
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
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
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)
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.
Being shrewd about food
Creating a family meal plan that streamlines shopping & cooking
Here’s our 1-year Family Meal Plan just for you!
The glory of the Instant Pot!
And for large families, a massive slow cooker
Double/triple/quadruple dip with activities
Choose activities that multiple children can participate in
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
What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What are the things that cause stress, chaos, disagreements, and anxiety in your family?
What is one of these "hacks"/suggestions that might help your family function with more joy and peace?
What is your vision for parenting & family life?
How are your day to day efforts moving toward that vision? How are they moving you away from that vision?