Are you tired of yelling—and still dealing with tantrums, defiance, and emotional meltdowns?
What if the reason tantrums keep happening isn’t because your child is “misbehaving,” but because something deeper isn’t being addressed?
In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning break down the exact framework they’ve used to practice parenting without yelling—and to prevent tantrums before they start. As parents of seven, they share the six core principles that transformed their family culture from reactive and exhausting to calm, connected, and emotionally resilient.
You’ll learn why tantrums are a symptom, not the problem, and how prioritizing connection over correction eliminates the need for constant discipline. This conversation challenges the myth that punishment creates better behavior and shows how teaching, clarity, emotional co-regulation, and healthy challenge create lasting change.
They also explain why many kids simply lack the neurological ability to self-regulate, and how co-regulation—not isolation or punishment—is the missing piece for most families struggling with meltdowns.
If you’re ready to stop firefighting behavior and start building a family culture that actually works, this episode will change how you see parenting.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/V1Vrh3u6FpI
Key Takeaways:
✅ Connection reduces the need for correction — discipline works best when the relationship is protected first.
✅ Tantrums are symptoms, not the problem — go upstream to unmet needs instead of reacting to behavior.
✅ Parent with clarity, not threats or bribes — vague rules create rebellion; clear teaching creates ownership.
✅ Emotional co-regulation is essential — children can’t self-regulate until they’re taught how through you.
✅ Family systems reduce chaos — routines and expectations remove friction and power struggles.
✅ Resilience is built through connection and challenge — kids grow strongest when they choose hard things with your support.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Connection reduces the need for correction.”
🗣 “Tantrums are a symptom of a problem—not the problem itself.”
🗣 “If you’re not getting the results you want, you need to question your parenting methods.”
🗣 “The most effective way to discipline a child is to teach them—not punish them.”
🗣 “We never correct our children at the expense of connection.”
🗣 “Children don’t need isolation when they’re overwhelmed—they need co-regulation.”
🗣 “Parenting is your most important role. Everything else is secondary.”
Chapters:
00:00 Raising Well-Adjusted Kids on the Move
00:42 Understanding Tantrums and Yelling
01:01 Prioritizing Connection Over Correction
04:13 The Importance of Connection Over Correction
05:20 Understanding the Desire for Connection
06:01 The Impact of Parental Engagement
06:10 Recognizing Attachment Issues
06:28 Daily Intentional Connection
06:47 Behavior as a Symptom, Not the Problem
07:21 Going to the Root Cause of Behavior
09:25 The Investment in Parenting Knowledge
10:39 Clarifying Expectations in Parenting
11:34 Engaging in Clear Communication
13:33 Encouraging Dialogue for Clarity
18:05 Natural Consequences and Child Empowerment
19:58 Establishing Family Systems for Smooth Parenting
22:14 Emotional Co-Regulation in Parenting
27:51 Building Resilience Through Connection and Challenge
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Do you and your spouse disagree about discipline—one of you feels too strict while the other feels too soft?
Are your kids pushing boundaries, playing you against each other, or reacting emotionally because expectations aren’t clear?
In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning break down the authoritative parenting style—and why it’s the gold standard for raising confident, capable, emotionally healthy kids. You don’t need to parent the same way, but you do need to parent from the same underlying approach.
We explain why discipline is rooted in teaching, not punishment, and how authoritative parenting creates structure without control and warmth without permissiveness. When parents are divided, kids feel insecure. When parents are united, children feel safe—and behavior improves naturally.
This episode walks through the four major parenting styles, why authoritarian and permissive approaches both fail long-term, and how authoritative parenting balances firm boundaries with connection, respect, and clarity.
We also discuss:
Why kids actually need boundaries to feel safe
How to disagree as parents without damaging your marriage
The difference between being a boss and being a leader in your home
How to repair mistakes in real time (even in front of your kids)
Why teaching builds internal motivation while punishment creates fear
If you want kids who do the right thing for the right reason—and a home built on trust, stability, and mutual respect—this episode gives you the framework.
Key Takeaways
✅ The authoritative parenting style creates security and confidence.
✅ Discipline works best when it teaches instead of punishes.
✅ Kids need clear boundaries to feel safe—not freedom without limits.
✅ Parents can have different styles but must share the same approach.
✅ Firm and kind are not opposites—you need both.
✅ Unity between parents prevents manipulation and power struggles.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Discipline is rooted in teaching—not punishment.”
🗣 “It’s not about who’s right. It’s about what’s right.”
🗣 “Nobody likes to be controlled.”
🗣 “You can be firm and kind at the same time.”
🗣 “Unity provides the structure kids need to feel safe.”
Chapters
00:00 Parenting from the Same Page
01:39 The Importance of Communication in Parenting
03:21 Navigating Parenting Styles
05:47 Understanding Parenting Approaches
08:13 The Four Parenting Philosophies
16:06 The Pitfalls of Authoritarian Parenting
17:35 Understanding Permissive Parenting
21:16 The Consequences of Neglectful Parenting
26:35 The Gold Standard: Authoritative Parenting
38:44 Getting on the Same Page as Parents
40:50 The Journey of Personal Development in Parenting
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Are you exhausted from the nonstop “That’s mine!” “Stop touching me!” “It’s not fair!” battles—and you’re wondering what to say in the moment without yelling or punishing?
What if sibling fights weren’t something you “managed”… but something you could actually heal at the root—with simple scripts that build emotional strength, self-awareness, and better behavior over time?
In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning (extraordinary parents of 7, world travelers, and family coaches) share real-life, word-for-word scripts for the most common sibling conflict triggers—from toddlers to teens—including fighting over toys, possessions, personal space, copying/mimicking, fairness, name-calling, snapping, blaming, and even aggression.
You’ll learn how to stop doing “symptom management” and instead resolve the underlying causes—so conflict doesn’t become your family’s daily culture. The Dennings break down their calm, connected approach: validate first, teach the principle, role-play the skill, and use natural consequences (without harshness).
Key Takeaways:
✅ Stuff is never worth the relationship — don’t let toys, beds, or “my space” become a source of ongoing conflict.
✅ Start with validation — calm the emotion first without picking sides so kids feel seen and can actually listen.
✅ Teach the cause, not just the moment — long-term change happens when you heal the “infection,” not just manage the symptom.
✅ Use identity-based coaching — “Who do you want to be?” helps kids self-correct and choose maturity.
✅ Build self-awareness on purpose — asking “How does that make you feel?” trains kids to notice bitterness vs. connection.
✅ Separate together, not alone — when a child can’t calm down, you don’t banish them… you co-regulate and help them reset.
✅ Hold hard boundaries on big domino behaviors — name-calling, insulting, and aggression must stop because they poison family culture.
✅ Use natural consequences that teach — consequences should be connected, agreed on (when possible), and strong enough to create change.
Memorable Quotes:
🗣 “Never let stuff become a point of conflict in a relationship.”
🗣 “If you’re going to choose to be bothered by small things, how often will you be bothered?”
🗣 “We can’t only give attention to symptom management—if we want permanent results, we have to focus on the cause.”
🗣 “Who do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be?”
Chapters
00:55 Addressing Sibling Rivalry
01:31 Healing Underlying Issues
02:21 Practical Strategies for Conflict Resolution
07:03 Navigating Sibling Conflicts
09:47 Teaching Emotional Intelligence
14:37 Calming Techniques for Heated Moments
19:53 Addressing Annoying Behaviors
24:48 Promoting Personal Responsibility
28:18 Building Perspective on Family Dynamics
29:29 Handling Name-Calling and Insults
37:43 Building Resilience in Children
38:13 Parental Responsibility and Empowerment
40:27 Emotional Bank Accounts in Sibling Relationships
41:20 Understanding Fairness in Family Dynamics
43:38 Teaching Fairness and Sharing
43:49 Addressing Physical Aggression in Children
48:37 The Importance of Accountability and Consequences
49:13 Fostering Ownership and Responsibility
50:35 Eliminating Jealousy and Competition
51:21 Standing Up Against Bullying
54:37 Creating an Extraordinary Family Life
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Do you feel like the same family conflicts keep resurfacing—no matter how many times you “deal with them”?
What if the problem isn’t the conflict… but the drama patterns you’re unknowingly participating in?
In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down the drama triangle—a destructive cycle made up of three familiar roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor. These roles keep families stuck in emotional reactivity, resentment, and zero real resolution.
Here’s the truth most parents never hear: you can face conflict head-on without making it dramatic.Stepping out of drama doesn’t mean avoiding problems, disengaging, or “letting things slide.” It means learning how to handle disagreement with clarity, courage, and love—so issues actually get resolved instead of endlessly repeated.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why drama is not the same thing as conflict—and how to tell the difference
The three roles that silently keep family arguments looping
How one conscious person can interrupt the entire pattern
The exact three steps to exit the drama triangle—starting immediately
How to shift from victim → creator, rescuer → coach, and persecutor → challenger
Why inner work and emotional awareness are essential to peaceful parenting
How these tools don’t just change today’s arguments—but transform family legacies
If you’re exhausted from emotional blowups, silent treatments, or constantly playing referee, this episode offers a practical, empowering path forward—one that leads to real resolution, stronger relationships, and a calmer family culture.
Key Takeaways
✅ Drama is optional—even when conflict is unavoidable.
✅ The drama triangle keeps families stuck without resolution.
✅ You only need one person to change the pattern.
✅ Stopping your automatic reaction is the first powerful step.
✅ Awareness creates choice—and choice creates change.
✅ Creator, coach, and challenger roles lead to lasting solutions.
✅ Inner work is the gateway to calmer, more effective parenting.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Conflict can be uncomfortable without being dramatic.”
🗣 “Drama repeats. Conflict resolves.”
🗣 “People treat you the way you train them to treat you.”
🗣 “You don’t need everyone to change—just one conscious person.”
🗣 “This doesn’t just change family dynamics. It changes family legacies.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Family Dynamics and Drama
03:55 Understanding the Drama Triangle
06:04 Roles in the Drama Triangle
09:24 Breaking Free from the Drama Triangle
12:16 Stepping Out of the Drama Triangle
14:24 Awareness and Naming Roles
17:49 Transitioning to Empowered Roles
17:57 The Creator, Coach, and Challenger Roles
37:06 Transforming Family Dynamics
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
What if the whole idea that your teen “must move out at 18” is one of the biggest parenting myths of our generation?
In this episode, Greg and Rachel challenge the cultural belief that independence = separation. They explain why forcing teens into adult life at 18 isn’t just unnecessary—it’s often harmful, developmentally inappropriate, and rooted in a modern social experiment that has produced more loneliness, more mental illness, weaker families, and generations of underprepared young adults.
Greg and Rachel reveal the truth: If your child will only become capable, confident, mature, and contributing after you kick them out… that’s a parenting problem—not a launching strategy.
Instead, they show how the teen years (16–25) are the prime window for deep mentoring, skill-building, emotional development, and world-class education. And that staying home longer—in a healthy, high-skill, high-expectation family—creates stronger adults, stronger marriages, and stronger generational wealth.
You’ll hear:
Why the “18 equals adulthood” idea is culturally manufactured—not biological
How incomplete brain development (until 25!) radically changes how we should guide young adults
Why independence begins at age 2, not 18… and how to train kids long before the teen years
Why most failure-to-launch cases come from lack of parenting skills, not lack of kid motivation
If you’ve ever wondered why today’s teens struggle—or how to help your kids become confident, competent adults without pushing them out prematurely—this conversation will completely reframe your parenting vision.
🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026
Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here
Key Takeaways
✅ If a child needs to be kicked out to mature, the issue is parenting skills—not the child.
✅ Independence should be trained from early childhood—not suddenly expected at 18.
✅ Teens can stay home longer and become more capable, confident, and successful.
✅ The nuclear-family model is new, modern, and failing—intergenerational families thrive.
✅ Failure to launch has nothing to do with age 18—and everything to do with training, skills, and relationship quality.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “If your kids only become competent when you kick them out, you’ve already failed as a parent.”
🗣 “Independence is developed long before 18—but it doesn’t require separation.”
🗣 “The U.S. is one of the most emotionally broken societies on Earth. Stop copying what’s not working.”
🗣 “Teen chaos isn’t normal. It’s common because it’s done wrong.”
🗣 “The goal is teens who could leave at any moment—and thrive—but choose to stay close because they love being with you.”
Chapters
00:00 Epic Adventures and Homecomings
00:28 Rethinking the 18-Year-Old Move-Out Myth
00:57 Parenting Skills and the Failure to Launch
03:04 The Role of Education in Young Adulthood
05:51 Cultural Perspectives on Family Dynamics
09:23 The Dangers of Social Media Influence
09:41 Reframing Independence and Parenting Strategies
16:21 Empowering Children with Life Skills
19:09 The Importance of Parenting Techniques
26:11 Building a Family Legacy and Financial Stability
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Do you ever look around and think, “Why are teens today so fragile when life is easier than ever?”
In this conversation, Greg and Rachel break down why so many young people are anxious, avoidant, and overwhelmed by normal life—and how to raise resilient teens who can actually handle hard things. They unpack the impact of comfort culture, overprotection, and screen-based living, then share practical ways to “microdose” and “macrodose” challenge through workouts, travel, projects, and real-life responsibility. You’ll learn how to build holistic toughness—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and even financial—without shaming your kids or recreating the harshness of past generations.
🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026
Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here
Key Takeaways
✅ Today’s teens are collapsing under normal life stress because they’ve been overprotected from real challenges and underprotected from digital harm.
✅ Things feel hard because we are soft—capacity hasn’t been built through repeated, meaningful difficulty.
✅ True toughness must be holistic: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial resilience.
✅ Comfort culture (DoorDash, AC, screens, easy entertainment) removes the friction that used to naturally build grit.
✅ Microdosing difficulty (workouts, cold, chores, outdoor time) builds daily resilience without drama.
✅ Macrodosing difficulty (big trips, adventures, demanding projects, races) resets perspective and capacity.
✅ Real-life experience beats virtual experience—social media, porn, and games rewire the brain without building real-world skills.
✅ Kids need challenge and emotional validation—not “toughen up” coldness, and not bubble-wrap fragility.
✅ You can’t force hard things; you must invite kids into them and sell them on the benefits so they buy in.
✅ The goal is a family culture where hard things feel “normal,” not heroic—“This isn’t that bad. We can do it.”
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Things seem hard because we are soft.”
🗣 “We want to be doing things so insanely difficult that hard things that come along are like, ‘No big deal.’”
🗣 “Our kids are living in a bubble from real life—but being poisoned by virtual life.”
🗣 “The only way to become tough is to do hard things.”
🗣 “Your body can be in pain while your mind and spirit are in joy.”
🗣 “We need to be holistically tough so we can handle whatever life throws at us.”
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Grit in Parenting
00:34 The Crisis of Modern Youth
01:53 Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
04:32 The Comfort Crisis: A Modern Dilemma
07:03 Building Grit Through Experience
08:10 The Role of Family in Developing Strength
08:57 Micro and Macro Dosing Hardship
10:19 The Value of Challenging Experiences
11:29 The Dangers of Overprotection
14:37 Holistic Development in Families
17:13 Creating a Supportive Community
19:49 The Role of Perspective in Parenting
20:56 Navigating Modern Challenges
21:16 The Importance of Real Experiences
23:09 The Impact of Virtual Reality on Youth
25:37 Choosing Discomfort for Growth
26:50 Strategic Parenting for Resilience
27:07 Building a Legacy of Strength
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Do you have a long list of dreams—but no idea where to start?
Parents often feel torn between wanting a meaningful, adventurous life…and the realities of raising kids, managing a home, and juggling responsibilities. How do you pick the right dream to pursue first—without sacrificing your marriage, health, or family?
In today’s conversation, Greg and Rachel break down the exact five-step process they’ve used for 20+ years to chase bold, meaningful goals while raising seven kids, traveling to over 60 countries, homeschooling, and building a business.
You’ll learn how to prioritize your dreams, avoid sacrifices that damage what matters most, and identify the “first step” that naturally unlocks momentum for every other goal.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by possibilities or unsure how to start, this episode will help you get clarity, build confidence, and make meaningful progress toward the life you actually want—one small step at a time.
Key Takeaways
✅ Write every dream down — clarity comes from seeing your full list on paper.
✅ Follow your intuition and repeated nudges — they’re often guideposts toward your best future.
✅ Aim for alignment — choose the dream that makes the other dreams easier.
✅ Consider urgency — some dreams (like traveling with kids) have a limited window.
✅ Protect the core areas — never sacrifice marriage, parenting, health, or spirituality to chase a goal.
✅ Morning routines fuel everything — they give you the energy, clarity, and stability to pursue big goals.
✅ Forward motion reveals the path — obstacles show you where to start and what to fix first.
✅ Dreams require identity growth — you become the person who can achieve the dream by pursuing it.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
🗣 “You don’t have to see the whole path—you just have to take the first step.”
🗣 “Any meaningful dream requires you to grow into the person who can achieve it.”
🗣 “You can’t pursue big goals while sacrificing your marriage, health, or kids.”
🗣 “Write it all down. Clarity comes through the act of writing.”
🗣 “If you step forward, the next step reveals itself.”
🗣 “Some dreams won’t matter later—and some can’t wait.”
Chapters
00:00 Pursuing Big Dreams with Family
01:29 The Importance of Prioritization
05:39 Holistic Approach to Goals
11:58 Writing Down Your Dreams
16:53 Intuition and Signs in Goal Pursuit
19:23 The Journey of Homesteading and Property Ownership
19:53 Following Your Interests as a Guidepost
22:04 The Importance of Genuine Interests
24:27 Researching and Learning as a Pathway
26:43 The Ready, Fire, Aim Approach
28:39 Defining Success and Wealth
29:54 Deciding Which Dream to Pursue
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Are you trying to set teen boundaries without your child calling you “controlling” or “the worst parent ever”?
If you want your teen to live by high standards—around tech, food, friends, habits, and lifestyle—you can’t just make it your standard and enforce it. It has to become their standard. In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down exactly how they helped their own teens buy in so deeply that they now say things like, “I’m not putting that garbage in my body,” or “I don’t waste my life on that.”
Instead of rules and power struggles, they show you how to prioritize relationship over rules, lean on unconditional love, and teach the laws that govern health, happiness, success, and addiction—so your kids see for themselves where certain choices lead. When teens understand the why behind your standards, they stop feeling controlled and start choosing those standards for themselves.
You’ll also hear how the Dennings have intentionally made real life more compelling than video games or junk food—often inviting friends along for the ride—so the “different” lifestyle isn’t a punishment, it’s an upgrade.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I hold the line without wrecking the relationship?” this conversation will give you a new framework: less control, more conviction—and a family standard that everyone owns.
🎉 Enrollment is now open for our Winter 2026
Habits for a Successful Life Online Class for Teens → Learn More Here
Key Takeaways
✅ It can’t be my standard; it has to become our standard as a family, or teens will always feel controlled.
✅ Prioritizing the relationship over the rules makes high standards easier to hold and easier for teens to accept.
✅ Unconditional love is the foundation, but standards and boundaries are still essential—just not weaponized.
✅ Focus less on control and correction, and more on conviction, conversion, and clear “why’s” behind your standards.
✅ Treat standards like universal laws (like gravity)—not arbitrary parent rules—so kids see cause and effect for themselves.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “It can’t be my standard I enforce on my kids. It has to be our standard.”
🗣 “If we don’t live the message, we suck as the messenger.”
🗣 “The goal isn’t to make your child do what you want—it’s to help them want it for themselves.”
🗣 “Tell me your habits and I’ll tell you your future.”
🗣 “We’re not the creators of the rules—we’re the teachers of the laws that already exist.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
00:38 Navigating Parenting Standards and Boundaries
01:10 The Challenge of Standing Out as Parents
02:53 Communicating Values and Standards to Teens
04:46 The Importance of Ownership in Standards
06:12 Understanding Consequences and Life Choices
08:21 Living the Message: The Role of Parents
11:02 The Balance of Unconditional Love and Standards
17:21 The Complexity of Love: Unconditional vs Conditional
18:41 Prioritizing Relationships Over Rules
21:58 Conviction vs Control in Parenting
26:25 Creating an Engaging Family Culture
30:29 Choosing the Hard Path for Greater Rewards
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Do your evenings disappear into chaos—feeding, cleaning, and collapsing into bed exhausted? Are you wondering how to stay calm and connected while parenting toddlers who seem to need you every second?
In this episode, Greg & Rachel reveal the mindset and framework behind calm parenting toddlers—how to meet your child’s needs without losing yourself, gently transition from co-sleeping, and end night wakings without cry-it-out. You’ll learn why the 0–5 window shapes your child’s identity, confidence, and future emotional health—and how your calm presence now builds secure attachment and independence later.
They also share why dads don’t babysit—they lead, and how fathers can bring energy, joy, and true relief to moms in the toddler trenches. You’ll leave with practical, doable shifts that make family life lighter, calmer, and far more fulfilling.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
✅ Calm parenting toddlers builds trust and independence. Meeting needs early reduces clinginess.
✅ Co-sleeping transitions can be gentle and peaceful. Move step by step without trauma or tears.
✅ Night weaning works best with connection. Stay near, soothe with presence, and stay patient.
✅ Dads don’t babysit—dads lead. Real help means engagement and energy.
✅ Self-care fuels capacity. Movement, nutrition, and recovery make calm possible.
✅ Presence > perfection. Toddlers sense your energy more than your words.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Embracing the Chaos of Parenthood
01:08 The Importance of Mindset in Parenting
03:20 Understanding Child Development and Needs
05:40 The Long-Term Investment of Parenting
08:07 Balancing Self-Care and Family Needs
09:46 Creating a Secure Environment for Children
10:47 Navigating Relationships and Priorities
13:18 The Value of Minimalism in Parenting
15:40 The Evolution of Parenting Practices
17:38 Creating a Safe and Secure Environment for Children
23:29 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents
29:14 Building Strong Foundations for Future Relationships
💬 Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Dads don’t babysit—dads lead. Be the king of your kingdom.”
🗣 “Attachment now creates freedom later.”
🗣 “You can’t spoil a child under three—you can only secure them.”
🗣 “Your calm nervous system is your child’s safety net.”
The topics discussed in our episodes are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. They should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for any medical concerns or questions.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
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Do your kids “catch” your stress—and you hate how quickly the mood at home drops?
What if the fastest way to raise happy kids is to model authentic joy (not fake calm)—even while cleaning a messy kitchen?
In this video, we unpack how parents set the emotional tone at home—and why your child has been watching you from birth to learn how to do life. You’ll learn how to raise your emotional baseline on purpose (water, breath, sunlight, movement), process triggers so you’re not pretending, and lead with real peace your kids can imitate. You can’t fake it—kids feel the truth—so let’s build the real thing.
What you’ll learn:
Modeling vs. masking: why kids imitate your state (and can’t be fooled)
Story → state: how the meaning you give messes determines your mood
Morning biochemistry reset: water, breath, sunlight, movement = instant uplift
From nagging to leading: make chores joyful by choice, not drudgery
Triggers, then tools: journaling, breathwork, micro-meditations, and the “jukebox” swap (remove the old CD for good)
Key Takeaways
✅ Parents create the climate—kids grow the weather
✅ Authentic calm beats performative patience (they can tell)
✅ Biochemistry is leverage: hydrate, breathe, move, sunlight
✅ Choose joy while you work—easier to recruit help
✅ Process & replace triggers so old songs stop playing
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “The easiest way for our kids to feel joy is for parents to model it.”
🗣 “We’re the adults. We have to be the adults.”
🗣 “You can’t fake it. It has to really be there.”
🗣 “Is it possible to have joy while I’m cleaning the mess? Yes.”
🗣 “Happiness isn’t the reward at the end—it’s the way.”
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Happiness in Family Life
02:03 The Struggle Between Doing and Being
03:09 Modeling Joy for Children
03:47 The Role of Triggers in Parenting
05:59 Choosing Emotions in Daily Life
06:31 Finding Joy in Everyday Chores
07:31 The Impact of Environment on Happiness
09:47 Teaching Children Through Example
11:09 Morning Routines: Setting the Tone for Positivity
13:14 Processing Emotions: The Key to Emotional Freedom
17:18 Authenticity in Parenting: The Importance of Genuine Emotions
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Are your toddler’s meltdowns leaving you “touched out” and wondering how to stay calm? What if the fastest way to end tantrums is more connection—not more limits?
In this video, we break down attachment parenting for toddlers—the practical, science-aligned way to reduce tantrums, boost cooperation, and rebuild calm (in you and your child). You’ll learn why kids imitate your emotions but can’t yet regulate them, how to be the adult in the room, and the exact strategies we used to go 16+ years without tantrums in our home.
We’ll show you how to increase your capacity (food, sleep, recovery) so you’re not running on empty, plus simple co-regulation tools like cuddle-pauses, couch resets, and family calm breaks. Attachment isn’t coddling—it's how kids become secure and independent. When their emotional bucket is full, clinginess drops and behavior improves. Parenting isn’t convenient—but it can be effective.
Key Takeaways
✅ Attachment first makes every other parenting strategy work better
✅ Capacity over boundaries: build yourself up so you can show up
✅ Food & sleep are fuel for patience, presence, and self-control
✅ Fill the bucket daily: secure kids act better and rebel less
✅ Pause > push through: a 2-minute cuddle beats a 20-minute battle
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “We are the ones who have to be the adults.”
🗣 “I don’t want it to be easy—I want it to be effective.”
🗣 “Kids imitate without regulation—you must co-regulate.”
🗣 “Parenting is never convenient—but it is transformational.”
🗣 “Toddlers with full buckets don’t have tantrums.”
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & the “be the adult” principle
02:04 Imitation without regulation (why kids escalate)
06:15 Attachment disorders → behavior problems (and hope)
10:22 Zero–Three: the critical window (and what if you missed it)
13:40 Touched-out? Capacity, not limits
17:18 Food & sleep: the fastest patience upgrade
21:05 “Fill the bucket” method (quality + quantity time)
26:30 Co-regulation: couch cuddle resets & calm breaks
31:12 Rebuilding attachment with older kids
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Join the 12-Week Habits Challenge for parents of kids 13+
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Greg’s NEW Formidable Family Man BOOK!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Are you using “attachment parenting” — or accidentally doing permissive parenting?
In this eye-opening conversation, Greg & Rachel Denning break down what true attachment parenting is (and isn’t). They share the skills, mindsets, and tools that helped them eliminate tantrums for 16 years and prevent teen rebellion—without yelling, shaming, or rigid control.
You’ll learn why parenting is a specific, learnable skill, how to build secure attachment from baby to teen, and where popular advice (cry-it-out, forced “holding time,” over-scheduling, letting kids lead everything) quietly damages trust. You’ll also get a clear blueprint for connection with boundaries so kids feel safe, seen, and guided—and you feel calm, confident, and effective.
Bottom line: Attachment is earned, not forced. Respect your child’s free will, meet real needs (sleep, food, attention), co-regulate big emotions, and set firm, sensible boundaries. That’s the evergreen approach that works in every generation.
Key Takeaways
✅ Parenting is a skill—unrelated to how good you are at business, sports, or leadership.
✅ Attachment ≠ permissive. It’s connection + boundaries and kind + firm.
✅ Attachment is earned, not forced. No cry-it-out or “holding until defeat.”
✅ Respect free will while providing age-appropriate structure and safety.
✅ Co-regulation first (your calm is contagious), then teach self-regulation.
✅ Meet basics (sleep, nutrition, attention) before behavior battles.
✅ Measure success by long-term trust and adult outcomes—not short-term compliance.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Attachment Parenting
00:43 Clarifying Misunderstandings in Parenting
02:04 The Importance of Parenting Skills
03:09 Defining Success in Parenting
04:39 Understanding Attachment Parenting
05:23 The Dangers of Misapplied Parenting Techniques
06:56 The Impact of Adoption on Attachment
08:25 The Consequences of Control in Parenting
11:28 The Role of Freedom in Child Development
13:48 The Misconception of Holding Time
16:10 The Impact of Sleep Training on Children
17:59 Respecting Free Will in Parenting
20:39 The Concept of Holding Time
24:22 Understanding Boundaries and Safety
28:24 Preparing Children for Adulthood
31:24 The Lifelong Mentor-Mentee Relationship
33:01 Building a Legacy of Good Parenting
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Parenting is a skill—and a very specific one you can learn.”
🗣 “Attachment is earned, not forced.”
🗣 “Be kind and firm: connection with boundaries.”
🗣 “Children push to find the boundary—when they find it, they feel safe.”
🗣 “Your calm co-regulates their storm.”
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Do you ever feel like you’re doing “all the right things” but not seeing real results?
In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning challenge the sacred cows of school, pharma, and religion—not to burn it all down, but to help you keep what serves your family and release what doesn’t. You’ll learn how to shift from transactional box-checking to transformational growth, so your kids develop inner authority, critical thinking, and personal responsibility.
Big idea: You can honor helpful traditions and raise kids who can question wisely, choose higher standards, and own their outcomes—in education, health, spirituality, and life.
What we cover:
• Why outsourcing your child’s education, spirituality, or health stalls growth
• How to “keep the good” in institutions while ditching deadweight rules
• The path from conformity to character—raising autodidacts who learn for life
• Practical habits that create palpable progress in mind, body, spirit, and family culture
Key Takeaways
✅ Transactional → Transformational: Results > routines.
✅ Inner Authority: Teach kids to think, not just comply.
✅ Keep & Elevate: Honor useful rules; raise the standard at home.
✅ Autodidact Mindset: Light the fire, don’t fill the bucket.
✅ Measure Progress: If outcomes don’t improve, change the method.
Chapters
00:00 Challenging Sacred Cows
02:32 The Importance of Questioning Traditions
04:58 Individual Authority and Personal Growth
07:22 Outsourcing Education and Spirituality
10:29 Transformational vs. Transactional Experiences
13:05 The Role of Institutions in Personal Development
15:25 The Quest for Holistic Progress
18:27 Facing Fears and Embracing Truth
21:28 The Labyrinth of Personal Growth
28:40 Facing Fears and Doubts
29:32 The Nature of True Education
30:51 The Challenge of Conformity
32:22 Resisting Authority Thoughtfully
33:41 The Importance of Imagination
35:03 Faith at the Edge of the Abyss
36:18 Questioning Conventional Wisdom
38:01 Learning from Others' Experiences
40:41 Walking the Labyrinth of Faith
41:48 Understanding Meta Truths
44:10 The Concept of the Fringe
46:44 Navigating the Lower and Upper Fringe
49:03 Living Beyond Conformity
50:31 Transformational Living Beyond the Basics
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “You can’t outsource growth—nobody can do your pushups for you.”
🗣 “If there’s no palpable progress, the method must change.”
🗣 “Keep what’s good in tradition—raise the standard on everything else.”
🗣 “Education isn’t filling a bucket; it’s lighting a fire.”
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Are you a driven mom who wants to be present—but you’re drowning in overwhelm and “control mode”?
This conversation shows you how to get crystal-clear on your family vision, build secure attachment/connection, and set firm, kind boundaries so kids become self-directed—without you turning into the “mean, controlling parent.”
In this candid episode, Greg and Rachel break down the yin–yang of parenting—high standards + healthy surrender—so you can lead your family without micromanaging. You’ll learn time-chunking, strategic disengagement, and simple charts & systems (starting with the morning routine) that create calm, predictable days. We also unpack why quality and quantity time (especially in key developmental years) is the foundation of trust, attachment, and influence.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried everything,” this is your roadmap to clarity, consistency, and connection—without burnout.
Key Takeaways
✅ Vision first: You can’t hit a target you don’t have—define your family vision and align daily “micro-visions.”
✅ Attachment over control: Connection creates cooperation; control breeds rebellion or resentment.
✅ Quality and quantity time: Presence (especially ages 0–6, and up to 25) builds trust and influence.
✅ Boundaries you honor: Time-chunking + strategic disengagement protect work and family time.
✅ Systems over stress: Start with a morning routine chart; train, then let kids choose how within clear boundaries.
✅ Lead without micromanaging: Be playful + firm on non-negotiables; give freedom on details.
✅ The obstacle is the way: Overwhelm signals where to build skills and systems next.
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “You can’t hit a target you don’t have—or one you can’t see.”
🗣 “Quality time isn’t enough—your kids need quality and quantity.”
🗣 “Connection creates cooperation; control creates resentment.”
🗣 “Set boundaries—and honor them. That’s how kids learn to trust you.”
🗣 “The obstacle is the way. Skill up where you feel overwhelmed.”
🗣 “Hold high standards; give freedom in the details.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Extraordinary Family Life
00:23 Vision and Clarity in Parenting
04:13 Facing Obstacles in Family Life
06:36 Quality vs. Quantity in Parenting
08:56 Setting Boundaries as a Parent
11:56 Strategic Time Management for Family Engagement
13:00 Navigating Chaos with Calmness
15:14 The Dangers of Control in Parenting
18:30 The Irony of Control and Surrender
19:58 Self-Awareness as a Catalyst for Change
22:48 Learning Parenting as a Skill
24:10 Balancing Control and Freedom
26:25 Establishing Boundaries with Flexibility
29:56 Teaching Independence through Routines
34:20 Introduction to Extraordinary Family Life
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Are you tired of hearing about “gentle parenting” — but still want to raise kind, confident, and emotionally intelligent kids?
In this powerful episode, Greg and Rachel Denning unpack The Truth About Gentle Parenting — what works, what backfires, and what extraordinary parents are using instead.
They reveal how gentle parenting often gets misapplied as permissive parenting, leaving parents exhausted, burned out, and unsure how to hold boundaries without becoming authoritarian. The Dennings share a better, more effective approach — one that blends empathy and structure, kindness and firmness, compassion and clarity.
They explain how to develop your parenting intuition, create emotional safety without losing authority, and respond to misbehavior without yelling, punishing, or shaming. You’ll learn how to raise respectful, resilient kids while staying calm, confident, and connected — even in the toughest parenting moments.
Key Takeaways
✅ True “gentle” parenting means connection with boundaries, not permissiveness.
✅ Kids feel safest when parents are both kind and firm.
✅ Respect doesn’t mean letting your child lead — it means guiding with love and clarity.
✅ Emotional awareness + structure = long-term cooperation and trust.
✅ You can’t pour from an empty cup — process your own triggers to parent authentically.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Extraordinary Parenting
12:20 The Nuances of Gentle Parenting
30:41 Pros and Cons of Gentle Parenting
41:02 Navigating Disappointment in Parenting
47:01 The Importance of Setting Expectations
50:10 Balancing Empathy and Boundaries
56:13 Authenticity in Parenting
01:04:20 The Shift Towards Hybrid Parenting
01:17:55 The Path to Effective Parenting
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “You can’t spoil a baby—but you can fail to build trust.”
🗣 “Be kind but firm. Gentle doesn’t mean weak.”
🗣 “Children will push to find the boundaries. When they find them, they feel safe.”
🗣 “Emotions are contagious—if you’re calm, they’ll learn calm.”
🗣 “Parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the tools and the intuition.”
If you’re ready to stop oscillating between being too soft or too strict — and instead raise emotionally intelligent kids who respect and trust you — this episode will help you find the balance between empathy and authority that extraordinary parents master.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Do you want your kids to love learning—and become independent, capable adults who can handle life?
Most parents want extraordinary results but stick to ordinary systems. In this video, Greg & Rachel explain why comfortable, convenient methods don’t produce extraordinary results and why true education is lighting a fire, not filling a bucket. You’ll see how to expand beyond the home with worldschooling and real-world experiences, use modern tools for a world-class education, and reclaim both influence and joy in your family culture.
Key Takeaways
✅ Method determines outcome—change methods to change results.
✅ Worldschooling turns lessons into experiences kids never forget.
✅ Raise independent thinkers through self-directed learning.
✅ Time with your kids = influence (quantity and quality).
✅ Use AI/online platforms to access the best teachers on earth.
✅ Save “academic rigor” for the right season—after love of learning ignites.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Extraordinary Family Life
01:06 The Importance of Intentional Living
02:32 Extraordinary Education Through World Schooling
05:02 The Limitations of Public Schooling
06:41 The Need for Self-Directed Learning
08:04 Experiential Learning and Travel
09:42 The Impact of Environment on Learning
11:30 Navigating Social Experiences for Kids
11:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
15:41 The Transformative Power of Modern Education
19:47 Leveraging Online Resources for Homeschooling
22:12 Balancing Personal Time and Homeschooling
25:16 Quality Time vs. Quantity Time in Education
26:44 Redefining Social Skills Beyond School
27:25 Overcoming Personal Limitations as a Parent
28:06 Embracing the Journey of Homeschooling
30:13 The Importance of Following Interests in Learning
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Comfortable, convenient methods don’t produce extraordinary results.”
🗣 “Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
🗣 “If you want different results, change your method.”
🗣 “You can’t outsource character or curiosity.”
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Does “launching” your teen mean kicking them out at 18?
If your child only becomes capable when you separate, something’s broken. In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning expose why “move out at 18” is a modern psyop that weakens families and robs teens of real independence. You’ll learn how to build capability before 18—so your young adult is confident, competent, and contributing while still benefiting from mentorship, connection, and family legacy.
Key Takeaways
✅ Failure to launch is a parenting-skill problem, not an age problem.
✅ By mid-teens, kids should be capable, confident, and contributing at home.
✅ Comfort & convenience sabotage growth—skills and systems build it.
✅ Teach life skills early: cooking, cleaning, finances, self-management.
✅ Mentor through 16–25: support big decisions, deepen character, build skills.
✅ Generational families win: keep wisdom, wealth, and warmth under one roof.
✅ If independence only follows separation, change the method—not the goal.
Chapters
00:00 Epic Adventures and Homecomings
03:02 Rethinking the 18-Year-Old Move-Out Myth
06:06 The Impact of Cultural Norms on Independence
08:43 Parenting Skills and the Failure to Launch
11:54 The Role of Education in Young Adulthood
14:41 Cultural Perspectives on Family Dynamics
17:44 The Dangers of Social Media Influence
20:31 Reframing Independence and Parenting Strategies
27:42 Empowering Children with Life Skills
34:52 The Importance of Parenting Techniques
44:43 Building a Family Legacy and Financial Stability
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “If your kids only become capable when you kick them out—you’ve already failed.”
🗣 “Comfort and convenience don’t create capable kids.”
🗣 “We’re unconsciously sabotaging our own success as parents.”
🗣 “Change the method—not the goal.”
Want help implementing this? Our Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method gives you the exact skills, systems, and scripts to end entitlement, grow contribution, and build a thriving, intergenerational family culture.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Are you torn between protecting your kids’ mental health and preparing them for real-world stress?
Most parents feel this tension—and many swing too far toward pressure or protection.
In this video, Greg & Rachel share a better path: don’t inflict pressure—be the anchor while your kids face it. You’ll learn how to build grit through trust, identity, and modeling, so challenge actually strengthens your bond instead of breaking it.
What we cover:
Identity over willpower: why saying “I’m not a smoker” beats “I’m trying to quit.”
Anchor, don’t apply pressure: your job is safety + modeling, not manufactured hardship.
Results don’t lie: how your life becomes the proof your kids can’t ignore.
Trust first, then stretch: push to the “next rock,” then keep your promise and carry them.
Adjust your strategy: when you “get punched in the face,” learn, adapt, iterate.
Do hard things yourself: kids spot hypocrisy—lead from the front.
Make discomfort enjoyable: turn tough conversations, workouts, and cold plunges into shared wins.
Big Idea: Grit grows in connection. When kids know you’ll both challenge and carry them, they lean in, try again, and adopt a new identity that sustains lifelong habits.
Key Takeaways
✅ Be the anchor, not the pressure. Safety + example > force.
✅ Model hard things. If you don’t, they won’t.
✅ Identity drives habits. Become the family who does the hard, good things.
✅ Keep promises. Stretch to the “next rock,” then carry—that’s how trust is built.
✅ Iterate, don’t implode. When it’s not working, change your approach, not your ideals.
Chapters
00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections
03:18 Goal Setting and Identity Transformation
03:31 Preparing Kids for Life's Challenges
05:02 The Balance of Comfort and Growth
05:30 Building Resilience Through Experience
08:44 Adapting to Life's Punches
09:59 The Journey of Parenting and Education
12:19 Embracing Failure in Business and Parenting
13:59 The Importance of Adaptability and Learning
17:21 Influence Through Results and Personal Example
19:32 Living an Extraordinary Life as a Family
22:34 Teaching Resilience Through Real-Life Challenges
24:58 Iterative Learning and Effective Communication
28:39 The Power of Persistence in Parenting
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “Be the anchor—don’t be the pressure.”
🗣 “Results don’t lie. Pass the silent film test.”
🗣 “Identity changes behavior more than willpower.”
🗣 “Stretch, then carry. That’s how trust grows.”
Want help implementing this at home? Our new parenting course gives you the step-by-step systems to build trust, invite buy-in, and raise resilient kids—without yelling, punishment, or power struggles. Join the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class here.
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Gather with us at the World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort in Portugal
Are you afraid to give something up—even if you know it’s holding your family back?What if the “sacrifice” you’re resisting is the exact bridge to the life you actually want?
In this powerful conversation, Greg and Rachel answer a listener’s question inspired by James Allen: “He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.” They share the real sacrifices they made to build an extraordinary family life—from walking away from comfort and conformity to investing tens of thousands into personal growth, ditching entertainment for education, and choosing experiences and character over stuff. You’ll learn how to overcome the fear of loss, handle others’ opinions, and trade short-term ease for long-term joy, health, and purpose.
Big idea: It’s hard to call it a “sacrifice” when what you get back is better than what you gave up. Bottom line: The most important investment you’ll ever make is in yourself—and then in your spouse and kids.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Comfort is costly—trade it for purpose, health, and momentum.
✅ Invest in yourself first, then your spouse and kids.
✅ Entertainment steals growth; education multiplies it.
✅ Ditch “peacock pageantry”—results beat credentials.
✅ Own your outcomes—no blame, no excuses.
✅ Failure ≠ final—it’s fertilizer for your future.
Chapters
00:00 Daily Sacrifices for a Better Life
23:14 Intentional Living and Personal Responsibility
28:39 The Rewards of Sacrifice
31:27 EFL YouTube Outro Full Updated.mp4
Memorable Quotes
🗣 “It’s hard to call it a sacrifice when the return is better than what you gave up.”
🗣 “Most people are entertaining themselves to death—and taking their families with them.”
🗣 “Results are the only real qualification.”
🗣 “Only little people get upset over little things.”
🗣 “Failure is fertilizer—use it.”
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
Follow us on Instagram: @worldschoolfamily or @greg.denning
Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!
Get Rachel's Family Systems & Charts
Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner
JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Are your kids’ fights setting off your emotions—and the whole house?Most parents try to “fix” kids’ behavior to feel better. In this video, Greg & Rachel flip the script: change your emotional state first, and your family dynamics follow. You’ll learn how to stop masking (“trying to stay calm”) and start being emotionally authentic—so you model regulation your kids can actually imitate.
We unpack practical tools to raise your family’s emotional thermostat—even on low-sleep, low-food days: breathing exercises, light movement, gratitude micro-meditations, future journaling, and morning routines that shift your biochemistry fast. You’ll discover why sleep and nutrition are foundational, how to process triggers and “memorized emotions,” and how to radiate steadiness kids naturally copy.
Big idea: Nothing gets better until you do. When you upgrade your inner state, parenting gets easier, marriage gets warmer, and home feels safe again. This is how you cultivate a family culture of peace, courage, and joy—without pretending or suppressing.
Try this today (1-minute reset): Stand tall, inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6 (x6 rounds). Add one gratitude sentence and smile on purpose. Notice the shift—then go connect.
Key Takeaways
✅ Nothing gets better until you do — when you raise your state, your family follows.
✅ Kids imitate without regulation — they copy your energy, good or bad.
✅ Trying to “stay calm” is masking — practice authentic emotional expression.
✅ Sleep & food drive mood — protect your physiology to parent better.
✅ Quick resets work — breathing, movement, posture, and gratitude change your state fast.
✅ Every family has an emotional thermostat — set yours higher on purpose.
✅ Mentor, don’t micromanage — see misbehavior as a cry for help and coach skills.
Memorable Quote:
🗣️ “Nothing gets better until I do.”
🗣️ “Kids imitate without regulation—set the state you want repeated.”
🗣️ “Trying to be calm isn’t calm. Authentic peace is felt, not faked.”
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Emotional States in Parenting
01:10 The Impact of Emotions on Family Dynamics
02:28 Understanding Emotional Responses and Reactions
03:54 The Role of Self-Care in Emotional Well-Being
05:29 Practicing Emotional Authenticity
06:51 Strategies for Changing Emotional States
08:21 The Ripple Effect of Parental Emotions
10:44 Emotional Literacy and Family Dynamics
12:21 The Emotional Thermostat of the Family
16:24 Understanding the Emotional Thermostat
20:58 Practical Strategies for Emotional Regulation
24:11 The Role of Parenting in Emotional Development
27:37 Seeing Children's Behaviors as Cries for Help
RESOURCES:
Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.
How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)
Rachel’s Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms
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