Fun, tech-free vacations are an excellent way for you to detach from the screen and connect with each other. They can also help you reconnect as a family.
Have you ever taken your family on a dream vacation, only to find everyone scrolling through their phones at dinner? I have. And I realized we weren’t actually together, we were just in the same place. You can have a tech-free vacation and have fun, too.
In a world where screens are everywhere and family members are often in the same room but worlds apart, intentionally unplugging can be the key to reconnecting with your kids and building memories that last a lifetime.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘My kids will lose their minds without Wi-Fi.’ I hear you. That’s why I’m sharing how to make this doable, not perfect, but meaningful. ~ Connie Albers
Tell Your Children You’re Taking a Tech-Free Vacation in Advance
Telling your kids in advance sets the tone and reduces resistance. When it comes to screen-free travel, giving your children a heads-up is one of the most important things you can do. Let them know what to expect and why you’re doing it.
Kids thrive with structure and clear expectations. Telling them in advance gives them time to adjust, prepare, and even get excited. You’re not springing a surprise—you’re starting a conversation. This sets the tone for a positive experience instead of resistance.
Once the idea has been planted, the next step is to invite them into the planning process.
Let Your Children Help Plan the Vacation
Involving your children in planning the vacation gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. When they help choose where to go, what to do, or even what snacks to bring, they’re far more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about going tech-free.
This doesn’t mean you hand over the itinerary—it means you welcome their ideas. Whether it’s picking a trail to hike, choosing a game to play, or planning a silly talent show, collaboration builds buy-in and connection.
And here’s some good news: making memories together doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Don’t Make it About Money
You don’t need a five-star resort or expensive amusement park tickets to have a memorable trip. Some of the best tech-free vacations happen in cabins, backyards, or small-town hideaways.
What your children will remember most isn’t the cost of the trip—it’s how they felt during it. Did they laugh with you? Did they feel seen? Were they invited to play, explore, and just be?
While tech-free vacations don’t have to be expensive, one of a vacation’s most powerful (and overlooked) parts is the gift of attention.
Give Your Kids Attention
When you put the phone down and truly look your child in the eyes, something shifts. That kind of attention says, “You matter to me. I’m here with you.”
During a tech-free vacation, your focused presence becomes a treasure. Whether skipping rocks, telling stories, or sitting quietly by a campfire, your child notices when you’re truly with them.
Not only will your children enjoy the extra attention from you it also opens the door to something even more exciting: the gift of imagination and exploration.
Encourage Creativity and Adventure
Without screens, children are forced to engage their senses and stretch their imaginations—and that’s good. Tech-free vacations give them space to build forts, create games, tell stories, and explore nature with curiosity.
This might take some getting used to, especially in the beginning. But once they rediscover how fun boredom can be, creativity flourishes.
In addition, when you’re all feeling brave and inspired, it’s the perfect time to try something new together.
Try New Things with Your Kids
New experiences create lasting bonds. Whether it’s kayaking for the first time, cooking over a fire, or learning a dance together, trying something new as a family breaks the routine and builds connection.
You don’t have to go far or do something wild. Even little adventures create inside jokes and shared memories that will last for years.
Also, trying something new together helps your family grow stronger, one small adventure at a time.
Closing Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection
Planning a tech-free vacation might take a little more intention; however, the reward is rich. While not every moment will go as planned—and some may even be challenging—that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that you’re intentionally choosing to show up for your family in a deeper, more present way.
By detaching from devices, you’re making space to attach to each other. And in the long run, that is the parenting your children will carry with them.
So, give it a try, whether it’s one day, one weekend, or a whole week. You might be surprised at what unfolds when the screens go off and the heart turns on.
Sponsors, Related Shows, and Links
Want a Bible curriculum that strengthens your teen’s faith and critical thinking? RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum equips homeschool students to engage deeply with Scripture and live out God’s mission.
In RVL Discipleship: The Study, join renowned teacher and Bible scholar Ray Vander Laan as he examines what it means to follow Christ through the cultural, historical, and otherwise contextual lens of Scripture. The Study is a four-season video Bible study for small groups and individuals that considers the question: What did it mean to be one of Jesus’s original disciples, and what does that mean for us today?
Today, marriage can feel complicated. People often ask, “Why get married when relationships are already hard enough?” Maybe you’ve wondered this yourself. After all, the media frequently highlights the struggles, the breakups, and the heartache, which can make marriage seem daunting or even outdated. Yet, research consistently reveals that married people report higher levels of happiness, health, and life satisfaction compared to singles. So, if marriage holds such promise, why aren’t more people rushing to say “I do”?
In her insightful book Making Marriage Easier, Arlene Pellicane addresses precisely this issue, offering practical, faith-based strategies that transform marriage from daunting to delightful. Let’s unpack a few key insights on why marriage is still worth pursuing—and how to make it genuinely easier and joyful.
In this episode, Arlene joins me to discuss four ways you can love (and like) being married.
“Marriage isn’t just about duty—it’s about delight!” ~Arlene Pellicane
Love Is a Daily Decision, Not Just a Feeling
Many couples assume that love should always come naturally, but Pellicane points out that love is more about making daily decisions than experiencing fleeting emotions.
In our culture, we often mistake love for the butterflies we feel at the beginning of a relationship. When those butterflies fade—and inevitably they do—we assume something’s wrong. But Making Marriage Easier emphasizes love as a daily choice, grounded in intentional acts of kindness, patience, and grace. Choosing to love actively, rather than passively waiting for feelings to surface, is foundational to lasting happiness in marriage.
So, how does this daily choice practically play out in everyday life?
Serving Your Spouse Brings Joy
Shifting from a mindset of “What’s in it for me?” to “How can I serve my spouse?” radically transforms the dynamics of your relationship.
We live in a culture that’s constantly telling us to prioritize our own happiness. But ironically, one of the greatest predictors of marital happiness, as Pellicane beautifully explains, is the ability to serve your spouse selflessly. This isn’t about losing yourself; rather, it’s about discovering joy through giving. When both partners embrace this mutual service mindset, joy naturally follows. Serving your spouse wholeheartedly becomes a powerful source of personal fulfillment.
Awareness of these influences enables you to have honest and open conversations with your children about what they are experiencing and how it may impact their faith. By maintaining a safe, non-judgmental environment for dialogue, you help them process their thoughts with biblical guidance.
Taking Fun Seriously Strengthens Your Bond
Pellicane encourages couples to actively prioritize joy and laughter actively, as having fun together is a key to maintaining emotional intimacy.
Marriage can quickly feel weighed down by responsibilities: work demands, bills, raising children, and caring for aging parents. In the process, fun can slip off the priority list entirely. Pellicane argues that taking fun seriously isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. Shared experiences of laughter and adventure revive your bond, reduce stress, and boost your happiness. Having fun reminds you of why you fell in love in the first place and keeps your friendship strong.
But what happens when the kids grow up and life drastically changes?
Marriage Can and Should Last Beyond Parenthood
Making Marriage Easier highlights the importance of nurturing your marriage beyond the demanding years of parenting.
It’s easy to become so invested in your role as parents that your identity as a couple fades away. But marriage isn’t just about raising children together; it’s about creating a partnership that continues to flourish long after your kids leave home. Pellicane emphasizes intentionally connecting as spouses through regular date nights, meaningful conversations, and shared goals, ensuring your relationship endures well into the empty nest years and beyond.
Ultimately, a marriage built intentionally with daily choices of love, selfless service, shared joy, and lasting companionship sets you on the path to deep, sustained happiness.
Closing: Making Your Marriage Easier is Possible
Choosing marriage might seem countercultural today, but the research remains clear: married people are consistently happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. While marriage requires effort, it’s also immensely rewarding, especially when you incorporate these practical insights from Making Marriage Easier. So if you’re wondering whether marriage is still worthwhile, remember—it truly can be easier and more joyful than you imagine.
Marriage may not always be simple, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With intentional decisions each day, you really can make marriage easier and discover the lasting happiness you’ve always desired.
Guest Bio, Sponsors, and Links
ARLENE PELLICANE is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Parents Rising, Making Marriage Easier, and Screen Kids (coauthored with Dr. Gary Chapman). She is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week and has been happily married to her husband, James, for more than 25 years.
Want a Bible curriculum that strengthens your teen’s faith and critical thinking? RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum equips homeschool students to engage deeply with Scripture and live out God’s mission. This course, taught by Ray Vander Laan, brings biblical history to life, helping teens see their place in God’s kingdom. Try two free lessons today!
In RVL Discipleship: The Study, join renowned teacher and Bible scholar Ray Vander Laan as he examines what it means to follow Christ through the cultural, historical, and otherwise contextual lens of Scripture. The Study is a four-season video Bible study designed for small groups and individuals to explore the question: What did it mean to be one of the original disciples of Jesus, and what does that significance hold for us today?
Downloadable leader guides
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Access all 4 seasons – 39 episodes that are 10-12 minutes long
Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends is best achieved not by using Google or AI, but by looking through the lens of God’s Word.
Have you ever searched for one piece of parenting advice and found yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of conflicting voices, perfect images, and trendy tactics? You’re not alone. In a world overflowing with how-to guides, social media influencers, and unsolicited advice, knowing what’s right for your child—and your family—can feel overwhelming.
How do we know which voices to trust, especially when everyone seems to have an opinion? And what do we do when the advice we follow… doesn’t work?
“Your family is unique. Let God write your parenting story, not the internet.” – Connie Albers
How To Navigate Parenting Advice Through Biblical Wisdom
Seek God Not Google In Your Parenting
Before we open our phones, we need to open our hearts to God. The Bible reminds us in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.” When parenting gets noisy, God’s voice brings clarity.
Example: A mom struggling with a toddler’s tantrums googles “how to stop screaming.” One article tells her to ignore it, another says to comfort the child, while a video suggests a reward system. Confused, she takes a moment to pray and remembers the importance of understanding her child’s heart, not just fixing behavior. That simple pause brings peace and a wiser, calmer approach.
When we pause to invite God in, we begin to see parenting differently. That’s when we can start to filter advice with discernment.
Not All Advice is Good Advice—Even if It’s Popular
Be Discerning About Parenting Advice You Listen To
The pressure to follow trending methods is strong, especially when someone looks like they’ve got it all together. But just because it works for one family doesn’t mean it’s right for yours. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Example: A friend of mine followed a rigid “perfect bedtime routine” she saw online. It promised better sleep, smarter kids, and even more alone time. But her child’s anxiety worsened. After speaking with a trusted mentor and praying, she gently shifted the routine to be more peaceful and flexible. It was then that everyone began sleeping better—especially her.
Practical Tip: Ask yourself:
Will this advice bring peace or pressure?
Does the given advice align with my values?
Is the nature of who my child is being respected?
When we begin to discern which voices to trust, the next step is freeing ourselves from the pressure to live up to every parenting standard we see. That’s when we can finally let go of the myth of perfect parenting—and embrace the peace that comes from simply being faithful.
Navigating the Myth of Perfect Parenting Advice
Pursue Faithfulness, Not Flawlessness
We all want to get it right. But perfect parenting is a myth. What God asks of us isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Example: A parent scrolls through Pinterest and sees elaborate holiday traditions. Feeling guilty, she tries to replicate them but becomes stressed, snappy, and resentful. Her kids? They just wanted to cuddle and bake cookies. She learns that meaningful moments matter more than perfection.
God’s grace fills in the gaps of our parenting. He isn’t measuring our worth by our crafts or color-coded calendars.
Once we release the unrealistic expectations of perfection, we’re free to parent with intention, not imitation. Then we can begin to navigate advice, trends, and decisions confidently, grounded in wisdom and grace.
Practical Tools for Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends
Build a Biblical Filter for Navigating Parenting Advice
Pray first. Ask for discernment before you act.
Check for alignment. Does it match up with Scripture?
Talk to godly mentors.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Create your own Wisdom Checklist:
Is this advice rooted in truth or trend? Does it align with our family’s values? Will it bear good fruit in my child’s heart?
Equipped with wisdom, discernment, and a few practical tools, you can face the noise of parenting culture with confidence. But before we wrap up, I want to leave you with some final encouragement straight from the heart.
Closing Thoughts on Navigating Parenting Advice and Trends
Navigating parenting advice and trends are noisy today, but God’s wisdom is steady, sure, and available to us. You don’t have to chase every trend. Or a parent like the mom down the street or the influencer on your screen. You just have to show up, trust God, and lead your family with the wisdom He provides.
Have you ever found yourself looking at someone who seems to excel effortlessly and thought, “Why can’t I do that like they do?” In today’s episode of Equipped To Be, titled “Stop Comparing Yourself: Ability vs. Aptitude”, we’re tackling a common struggle – the tendency to compare your hard-earned abilities to someone else’s natural aptitude.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when your progress doesn’t match their success, but understanding the difference between ability and aptitude can help you break free from the comparison trap. Let’s explore how you can stop measuring yourself against others and start celebrating your own unique strengths!
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because something doesn’t come naturally, it’s not worth pursuing.” Connie Albers
Ability and Aptitude Defined
Ability and aptitude are often used interchangeably, but they mean two very different things. Ability is your current skill level or competence in performing a particular task. It’s something you’ve developed through practice, training, or experience. On the other hand, aptitude is your natural potential to do something well – it’s the talent or inclination you’re born with, even before formal training.
Think of it this way: ability is the result of hard work and dedication, while aptitude is an innate knack for something. Both are valuable, but they represent different aspects of personal growth. Understanding this distinction can help you appreciate your unique strengths without falling into the comparison trap.
Understanding the Difference Between Ability vs. Aptitude
Ability is what you can do right now because you’ve practiced, trained, or studied. It’s the skill you develop over time. On the other hand, aptitude is your natural potential to do something well. It’s the raw talent that doesn’t require as much effort.
Imagine this: You and your friend decide to learn how to juggle. You spend hours practicing, dropping the balls more often than not. Eventually, you get it, but it’s taken a lot of dedication. Your friend, however, picks up the balls and starts juggling almost immediately. They seem to ‘get it’ without much practice. That’s the difference – your friend has an aptitude for juggling, while you had to develop the ability.
One isn’t better than the other. Your ability represents your hard work and commitment. Your friend’s aptitude means they started a little ahead in that skill. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. It’s not fair to you.
Now, why am I telling you this? Because so often, we compare our abilities to someone else’s aptitude. We look at someone who seems naturally good at math, sports, or art and think, “I’ll never be as good as they are.” But guess what? Their natural aptitude doesn’t make your hard-earned ability any less valuable. Hence, we need to celebrate the unique wiring of others without comparing ourselves to them.
Stop Comparing Yourself: It’s a Trap
A few years ago, I was working on a project requiring much writing. I love to write, but it doesn’t always come naturally. I had to pray and put effort into making my words flow. But some of my fellow authors can write page after page without breaking a sweat. I found myself feeling frustrated and even a bit defeated.
But then I realized something – I was comparing my hard-earned ability with their natural aptitude. Instead of feeling down, I decided to focus on what I could control: improving my skills, little by little. That perspective change made all the difference.
Celebrating Your Unique Wiring
It’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap. We all do it. However, recognizing that some people have a natural inclination while others have to work hard helps you focus on what truly matters: doing your best.
Instead of thinking, ‘I’m not good at this,’ ask yourself, ‘How can I improve my ability?’ Your unique wiring is a beautiful blend of aptitudes and abilities. Use your strengths to push yourself forward, and don’t be afraid to work hard in areas that don’t come naturally.
This week, think about one ability you’ve worked hard to develop. Celebrate the progress you’ve made. Then, think about one area where you have a natural aptitude and find a way to use it more. When you focus on your personal growth, you’ll find that the comparisons fade into the background.
Wraping It Up
Remember, your value doesn’t come from how easily something comes to you or how you compare to others. It’s about doing your best and being true to your unique wiring. Whether you’ve developed your abilities through practice or discovered an aptitude along the way, both are valuable.
So, let’s commit together to stop comparing and start embracing the journey. Your best is more than enough. Keep growing and learning, and keep being you.
The Heart of Caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. Jess Ronne joins me today for an honest conversation on caregiving.
Caregiving is not just about meeting physical needs; it’s about pouring love, patience, and strength into someone else’s life, even when your cup feels empty.
Amid exhaustion and uncertainty, a quiet strength comes from knowing you are not alone. This is the heart of caregiving — a place where grit and grace meet, sustaining you through even the hardest days.
“The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching.” Connie Albers
The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching. It’s in the middle-of-the-night wake-ups, the doctor’s appointments, the hard conversations, and the moments when you wonder if you have anything left to give. Caregiving is hard, holy work — and it changes you in ways you never expected.
The Challenges of Caregiving
Caregiving stretches you in every possible way — physically, emotionally, and mentally. There’s the exhaustion that comes from sleepless nights and long days. You pour out everything you have to meet someone else’s needs, often putting your own aside. And it’s not just the physical toll — it’s the emotional weight too.
It’s hard watching someone you love struggle. You wish you could fix it, make it better, take away the pain — but you can’t. The constant decision-making can be overwhelming. Did I do the right thing? Should I have spoken up more at that appointment? Am I doing enough? These thoughts can weigh you down, leaving you feeling like you’re never quite enough.
But here’s the truth: you are enough. Just showing up matters. Even when you’re tired and don’t have all the answers, being there is an act of love and courage.
Finding Strength in Grit
Caregiving requires grit — that daily resolve to keep going even when it’s hard. You show up, not because it’s easy, but because you love the person in front of you.
Grit is getting out of bed when you’d rather stay under the covers. It’s figuring out complicated medical instructions and staying calm when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s knowing that you might not see the rewards of your labor — but choosing to serve anyway.
I remember days when I felt utterly depleted — emotionally and physically. But somehow, I’d find the strength to keep going. That’s the power of grit. It’s not glamorous; it’s steady and quiet. And it matters.
Finding Peace in Grace
But grit alone isn’t enough. That’s where grace comes in. Grace is what carries you when you’re too tired to stand.
Grace means allowing yourself to be human. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good caregiver. You can get frustrated and feel exhausted and still be doing enough. Grace is knowing that it’s okay to take a break—that rest isn’t failure; it’s necessary.
It’s also about offering grace to the person you’re caring for. They might not always express gratitude. They might lash out because they’re hurting. Grace reminds you that they’re struggling too. And it helps you respond with patience instead of resentment.
Grace is forgiving yourself when you don’t get it right. It’s recognizing that love is still present even on the hard days.
The Scrared Calling of Caregiving
Caregiving is hard — but it’s also sacred. There’s something profoundly beautiful about loving someone through their hardest moments.
It’s easy to think of caregiving as a chore or an obligation. But it’s more than that. It’s an act of devotion. Every meal prepared, every hand held, every encouraging word — these are reflections of God’s love. Even when you feel unseen, God sees you.
You might not hear “thank you” as often as you’d like, but your work matters. You are standing in the gap for someone who needs you. That’s sacred.
When I was caring for my mom, there were moments when I felt invisible — like no one saw the hard work I was doing. But God saw. And He gave me strength when I had nothing left. That’s the gift of caregiving — you’re not doing it alone.
Practical Encouragment for Caregivers
I know firsthand how easy it is to neglect yourself when you’re focused on someone else’s needs. But you can’t give from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
Prioritize Rest. Even if you can only grab 10 mins. of quiet, take it. Your body and mind need to reset.
Set Realistic Goals. You won’t get it right all the time, and that’s okay.
Ask for Help. People might not know you need anything, so be willing to ask. Lean on your community, family, and even professional support.
Conclusion: The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the tension between grit and grace — showing up when it’s hard and trusting that you are not alone. Caregiving will stretch you, challenge you, and sometimes break your heart — but it will also grow you in ways you never imagined.
If you’re in the middle of caregiving right now, I want you to know this: You are doing holy work. You are seen. You are enough. And you are not alone.
References, Related Shows, and Links
Jess Ronne is no stranger to caregiving. As the eldest of eleven siblings, Jess was responsible for their care during her upbringing. Her commitment to caregiving continued after she married and received the medical news that her son Luca would be born with significant disabilities requiring lifelong care.
She then faced the devastating news that her thirty-one-year-old husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, leaving her to raise four children alone. Her life took another remarkable turn when she met Ryan, a widower with three children. They blended two families and welcomed another child together.
Jess leads the Lucas Project, a nonprofit outreach organization committed to supporting individuals with special needs. Alongside her husband, Jess established Hope Farm, a residential facility that assists the needs of her son and other young adults with disabilities.
Are you ready to let go of guilt and embrace what really works in parenting? Or at least for this year! As we settle into 2025, it’s time to leave behind the trends that made us question our sanity and welcome ones that actually make life easier. Today, I want to focus on 5 Parenting Trends to Embrace to help you simplify your routines, connect with your children, and watch as your family flourishes.
Parenting trends evolve with the times, but not all of them are worth carrying into the future. Some modern parenting practices are creating unnecessary stress for parents and children alike.
Before jumping into these parenting trends, let’s start with one that will instantly lighten your mental load and bring more peace to your daily routine. Ready? Let’s begin with simplifying your schedule—because less really is more. For instance:
Over-the-Top Celebrations: Are They Really Worth It?
Let’s be honest—who hasn’t felt the pressure to throw an Instagram-worthy birthday party or go all out for the holidays? It’s easy to get swept up in the idea that bigger is better, especially when social media is filled with picture-perfect celebrations. But here’s the thing: those elaborate parties and inch-stone celebrations (yes, even for trying new food) often come with more stress than joy. Between the cost, the planning, and the pressure to impress, it can leave you feeling drained rather than fulfilled.
Here’s the good news: your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect party to feel loved. What they’ll remember most is the way you made them feel—special, cherished, and celebrated in a way that’s true to your family. A simple gathering with their favorite cake and a game of tag in the backyard? That’s the stuff memories are made of. Let’s take the pressure off and focus on celebrating in ways that bring joy, not stress.
Parenting Trend: Overscheduling Kids
Does it ever feel like your life is one big carpool, from soccer practice to music lessons to tutoring, with barely a moment to breathe? You’re not alone—so many parents find themselves in this nonstop cycle, believing it’s the best way to help their kids thrive. But here’s the truth: overscheduling can leave both you and your kids feeling burned out. Children need downtime—those unstructured moments to play, daydream, and let their creativity shine. Without it, they miss out on opportunities to recharge, and so do you.
Remember, packed schedules can cause family connections to take a backseat. Dinner conversations, game nights, or just relaxing together on the couch become rare luxuries. So here’s a thought: Try focusing on one or two activities your child truly loves, and reclaim your evenings with family nights that are all about laughter and connection. Because in the end, those simple, shared moments are what your kids will treasure most.
Parenting Trends: Goodbye Perfection, Hello Real Life
Let’s address the elephant in the room: perfectionism. Social media has made it easy to fall into the trap of curated parenting, where every post looks like a magazine spread. But in real life? It’s messy, chaotic, and beautiful.
A word of caution: If you have perfectionistic tendencies, you need to ask the Lord to help you change. But it’s worth noting to give yourself some grace while you change.
Parenting Trends: Simplify Holiday Madness
Remember when holidays were about simple joys—family traditions, laughter, and the excitement of the season—rather than stress and exhaustion? Lately, every holiday has turned into a full-blown production, with back-to-back school parties, neighborhood events, and costume changes rivaling a Broadway show. And while making memories is important, so is your sanity. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to do it all, but sometimes less really is more. Instead of stretching yourself thin, choose one or two meaningful activities that truly bring joy to your family. Reuse decorations, repurpose costumes, and permit yourself to slow down. Your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect holiday; they need a happy, present parent who actually gets to enjoy it with them.
Less is often more when it comes to celebrating. It can take a little practice, but you will enjoy making memorable moments when you do.
Parenting Trends: Focus on Simplicity and Connection
Today is your fresh start. Let’s make it the year we let go of trends that add stress and focus on what truly matters: building stronger connections with our kids and creating memories that last a lifetime. These five parenting trends can have a dramatic impact on your family.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to trends or commitments that don’t serve your family’s well-being.
Focus on What Matters: Ask yourself, “What will my child remember most about this moment?”
Embrace Authenticity: Celebrate the perfectly imperfect journey of parenting.
5 Parenting Trends to Embrace in 2025
These 5 Parenting Trends to Embrace offer simple, practical ways to reduce pressure, reconnect with your kids, and enjoy family life.
Thank you for joining me today on Equipped to Be. Remember, parenting isn’t about keeping up—it’s about showing up. Let’s commit to a year of simplicity, connection, and flourishing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might need this reminder.
