Episodios

  • #307 Things You MUST Do if You Want Your Kids to Have an EXTRAORDINARY Education

    #307 Things You MUST Do if You Want Your Kids to Have an EXTRAORDINARY Education
    Apr 9 2025
    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of providing an exceptional education for your children? Do you want to foster a love of learning while preparing them for a future filled with curiosity and independence?In this second part of a two-part episode, we address a question from a listener—a successful businesswoman and mom of four—who is struggling to balance her career, homeschooling aspirations, and being the most present mom she can be. She’s driven and accomplished, but overwhelmed, seeking a way to provide her children with an extraordinary education while maintaining her own well-being and their social development.In this episode, we dive deep into the key principles that must be a part of your educational approach if you want your kids to experience a truly extraordinary education. We discuss the power of self-directed learning and how it can unlock your children's potential to take charge of their own educational journey.Education is not just about textbooks and tests—it's about developing a mindset that allows children to thrive, learn how to think for themselves, and pursue knowledge passionately. In this conversation, we share the practical strategies that we have implemented in our own family to cultivate a love for learning, from embracing meaningful conversations to giving children the tools to explore their interests and goals.We also explore the importance of creating an environment where children feel free to explore their passions without the pressure of traditional schooling systems. If you want to raise kids who are motivated, self-disciplined, and truly excited to learn, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:✅ Self-directed learning empowers kids to take ownership of their education.✅ A flexible, interest-driven approach promotes intrinsic motivation and curiosity.✅ Early emotional development plays a crucial role in academic success. ✅ Creating an environment for deep, meaningful conversations builds confidence. ✅ The key to a balanced education is cultivating a love for learning, not just mastery of facts. ✅ Intentional family dynamics and lifestyle habits impact children's long-term success.If you haven’t watched part of of this two-part episode, watch it here: ⁠https://yt.openinapp.co/EFL306⁠ Chapters00:00 Welcome to Extraordinary Family Life02:53 Embracing Challenges in Family Life05:28 The Ready, Fire, Aim Approach08:27 The Importance of Intentional Living11:04 Exploring Homeschooling Options13:51 The Role of Parents in Education16:38 Extraordinary Education Through World Schooling19:38 The Limitations of Public Schooling22:28 The Need for Self-Directed Learning25:21 Experiential Learning and Travel27:59 The Impact of Environment on Learning31:00 Navigating Social Experiences for Kids33:46 Conclusion About 'Real' Socialization39:54 The Transformative Power of Modern Education45:17 Leveraging Online Resources for Homeschooling48:18 Balancing Personal Time and Homeschooling52:32 Quality Time vs. Quantity Time in Education57:12 Redefining Social Skills Beyond School01:01:55 Overcoming Personal Limitations as a Parent01:06:50 Embracing the Journey through Deschooling01:13:10 The Importance of Following Interests in LearningRESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsJoin the Family Life Coaching Workshop Series for busy momsJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/
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    1 h y 19 m
  • #306 How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Mompreneur Without Burning Out

    #306 How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Mompreneur Without Burning Out
    Apr 2 2025
    Are you struggling to balance your business/career while being a present mom at the same time? (We had multiple technical issues with this episode. Please forgive the sudden ending).Achieving work-life balance as a mompreneur can feel impossible, but the small decisions you make every day can either help you manage overwhelm or contribute to burnout.In this episode, we dive deep into how to create a work-life balance without sacrificing your well-being, ambitions, or the time you spend with your children. We discuss the challenges of being both a businesswoman and a present mom and explore how to find a delicate balance between family life and career goals.A listener co-owns a real estate brokerage with her husband, feels conflicted about slowing down to be a better mom. She feels the pressure to create something extraordinary in both her career and personal life, wanting to provide her kids with a quality education, social experiences, and a well-rounded upbringing. She worries about burnout, being pulled in multiple directions, and her current efforts to control outcomes are pushing her kids away.We share strategies for navigating these pressures, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your values. We emphasize that balance doesn’t mean perfection—it means creating systems that allow you to manage both your career and family life with ease. From setting clear goals to modeling healthy boundaries and promoting self-directed learning, we offer practical advice to help you stay grounded, avoid guilt, and thrive as both a mom and an entrepreneur.If you're ready to stop burnout and create more harmony between your career, homeschooling, and family life, tune in for actionable tips that will help you succeed in both your business and motherhood journey.✅ It's possible to balance your business and family life without feeling overwhelmed.✅ Set healthy boundaries and 'chunk time' to avoid burnout and create space for 'being present'.✅ Holding high standards can be done without pushing your kids away.✅ Prioritize a vision for your family to stay focused on what truly matters.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Extraordinary Family Life01:13 Listener Question03:34 The Desire for Homeschooling04:56 Vision and Clarity in Parenting09:38 Facing Obstacles in Family Life12:52 Quality vs. Quantity in Parenting16:25 Setting Boundaries as a Parent20:27 Strategic Time Management for Family Engagement21:44 Navigating Chaos with Calmness24:04 The Dangers of Control in Parenting27:26 The Irony of Control and Surrender30:13 Self-Awareness as a Catalyst for Change33:05 Learning Parenting as a Skill34:31 Balancing Control and Freedom36:54 Establishing Boundaries with Flexibility40:33 Teaching Independence through RoutinesMemorable Quotes:🗣 “Work-life balance is not about perfection—it’s about the yin-yang harmony in your life.”🗣 “Being present with your children is one of the most important gifts you can give them.”🗣 “You can't control every aspect of your children’s lives to have them turn out well.”🗣 “Burnout is a signal that something needs to shift—pay attention and adjust.”🗣 “Systems reduce stress and make life easier for everyone.”RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsJoin the Family Life Coaching Workshop Series for busy momsJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    47 m
  • #305 Helping Kids Develop and Use Their Agency to Make Good Choices

    #305 Helping Kids Develop and Use Their Agency to Make Good Choices
    Mar 26 2025
    Are you struggling with finding the balance between 'guiding' your kids' choices and empowering them with real (but frightening) agency? In this episode, we answer a listener’s thoughtful question about how to support their kids in developing individual agency while still fostering a strong, supportive parental attachment and safe environment that protects from real risk without being overly controlling and 'helicoptering'.This listener wonders if their parenting approach might be leaning more toward “managed choices” rather than allowing their children the space to make truly independent decisions. We explore the critical difference between agency and managed choices, which approach works best for which ages/maturity levels, and why it’s so important for children to experience true agency as early as possible. We also discuss how parents can equip their kids with the skills and confidence they need to make their own decisions—without feeling controlled. This candid discussion provides insights and practical strategies to help parents foster a healthy balance of love, connection, and independence in their kids' lives.If you're wondering how to give your children the agency they need to confidently navigate life on their own while keeping a strong bond with you, their parent, then this episode is for you.Key Takeaways: ✅ Discover the key differences between agency and managed choices.✅ Learn how to empower your kids to make their own decisions.✅ Discover the mistake that many parents make of being too authoritarian.✅ Understand why it's crucial for children to experience true agency over their lives.✅ Agency is a fundamental human right that should be nurtured in children.✅ Teaching decision-making skills is crucial for children's independence.✅ Obedience can be detrimental; children should learn to think for themselves.**Memorable Quotes:**🗣 "Agency isn't about giving kids more choices; it's about empowering them to make wise decisions on their own."🗣 "True agency means trusting our kids with their independence—while maintaining connection."🗣 "When we allow our children to experience agency, we equip them to navigate life's challenges with confidence."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setup00:54 Creating a Trauma-Free Environment for Children03:43 Understanding Agency in Parenting06:33 The Dangers of Authoritarian Parenting and the Four Parenting Styles09:38 The Importance of Teaching Over Telling12:32 Navigating Managed Choices vs. True Agency15:22 The Role of Open Communication in Parenting18:28 Teaching Decision-Making Skills21:19 The Balance of Freedom and Boundaries24:00 Practical Applications of Agency in Parenting27:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts40:13 Empowering Children with Agency47:10 Navigating Natural Consequences53:10 Teaching Decision-Making Skills59:16 Building Relationships and Trust01:06:38 Addressing Unmet Needs and Boundaries01:15:11 Dynamic Parenting Strategies01:22:51 EFL YouTube Outro Full Updated.mp4RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.Join the Family Life Coaching Workshop Series for busy momsRachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    1 h y 23 m
  • #304 Things We NEVER Do As Parents Who Are Raising Resilient, Well-Adjusted Kids

    #304 Things We NEVER Do As Parents Who Are Raising Resilient, Well-Adjusted Kids
    Mar 19 2025
    Are you struggling with how to handle your child's tough emotions or challenging behaviors?Did you know that it's the small, everyday habits that are sabotaging your family's happiness and contributing to misbehavior?In this episode, we dive into the things we NEVER do as parents of 7 children to ensure a positive, nurturing family culture that helps our children grow into well-adjusted, confident, and emotionally resilient individuals.Raising kids is no easy task, but cultivating a loving and supportive environment where they can develop emotional maturity and healthy coping mechanisms is key. In this candid discussion, we reveal the strategies that have worked for our family to promote resilience and prevent common pitfalls like mocking, sarcasm, and unresolved anger.We discuss the importance of honesty and emotional authenticity, the value of constructive feedback, and how to address small issues before they grow into bigger problems. From avoiding the pitfalls of negative language to fostering open communication, this episode is packed with practical tips that help build a strong family dynamic.If you're ready to take your parenting to the next level, tune in to discover how focusing on the 'never-dos' can help you raise children who are equipped to handle life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Whether you’re parenting toddlers or teenagers, the principles discussed in this episode will help you create a thriving, emotionally healthy family.Key Takeaways:✅ Small, intentional changes create a thriving family culture.✅ Sarcasm and teasing erode trust—kindness builds connection.✅ Strong parent-child attachments are the foundation of self-worth.✅ Harsh discipline creates emotional distance—love is more effective.✅. Technology should serve your family, not steal from it.✅ Saying "no" to distractions unlocks productivity and fulfillment.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Small Changes in Family Dynamics02:51 Creating a Positive Family Culture05:57 The Impact of Sarcasm and Teasing12:08 Building Strong Attachments Through Love17:47 The Dangers of Harsh Parenting24:03 The Role of Technology in Family Interactions34:05 Intentional Living and Productivity36:03 The Impact of Video Games on Success38:58 Media Consumption: Radio and TV42:14 The Power of Saying No44:06 Healthy Lifestyle Choices45:57 Communication and Emotional Authenticity49:05 Addressing Problems Early01:00:49 Creating a Positive Family CultureMemorable Quotes:🗣 "Do your children feel good in your own home?"🗣 "We never participate in sarcasm or tearing each other down."🗣 "Harshness creates distance and fragility, which causes misbehavior."🗣 "If you don't have the results you want, question your parenting methods—think differently."🗣 "Turn your automobile into a university of personal growth."RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsJoin the Family Life Coaching Workshop Series for busy momsJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeGather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    1 h y 7 m
  • #303 Being Married And Having Children Makes You Unhappy. The Shocking Truth?

    #303 Being Married And Having Children Makes You Unhappy. The Shocking Truth?
    Mar 12 2025
    Does having children or being married make you more unhappy than single or childless individuals? Many people (rightly) say 'Yes'! That's why more and more people are choosing to remain single, to avoid long-term commitments, and to vow to never have children at all. Because it IS hard and often makes you 'unhappy'.But what if happiness is not the point of life? What if the challenges of marriage and parenting aren't something to avoid, but the very things that make life meaningful? In this episode, we dive into a conversation inspired by a Facebook post that sparked a debate on whether the struggles of raising children and maintaining a marriage are worth it. The Dennings explore the idea that, far from being reasons to quit, these challenges are paths to personal growth, fulfillment, and a more rewarding, meaningful (even if sometimes unhappy), life.They also challenge the modern trend of avoiding discomfort for the sake of comfort and convenience, instead suggesting that leaning into the struggles—whether it's raising kids or nurturing a relationship—is what leads to lasting satisfaction. In fact, just like any skill, marriage, and parenting require knowledge, practice, and the right tools to truly thrive.Not everyone should necessarily pursue marriage or parenthood, but if you choose that path, it’s important to do it well. Developing the skills needed to navigate the challenges of family life is essential for creating a fulfilling and meaningful experience.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of family life, or if you’re on the fence about whether marriage and family are right for you, this episode offers insights and encouragement to help you not just survive but thrive. And if you're ready to develop those skills, we can help you with the tools you need to create the Extraordinary Family Life of your dreams.RESOURCES:Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for MomsRachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and TribeJoin Greg’s 7-Day Challenge Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in PortugalRead our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    58 m
  • #302 Trump/Zelensky? Find REAL Truth and Power in a Divided World

    #302 Trump/Zelensky? Find REAL Truth and Power in a Divided World
    Mar 5 2025

    Are you feeling confused, frustrated, or angry about the noise of politics and social media? Constantly caught between opposing views, trying to figure out what’s true? In this episode, we explore the idea that true change begins with YOU. Instead of getting caught up in the endless political cycle, we focus on self development and taking control of your own life.

    As the world seems more divided than ever, the only way forward is to navigate through the chaos with a balanced perspective—just like walking the labyrinth of life. In this thought-provoking conversation, we dive into why you can’t just settle on one side of the issue and call it truth. Truth is dynamic—it’s about developing all parts of yourself and understanding both sides. It’s about evolving, continuing the journey, and embracing the complexity of life.

    From the importance of family to the role of personal health and relationships in creating a strong foundation for societal change, we challenge the notion of trying to fix the world before fixing what's within. This is a call to get your house in order, not only for yourself but for your family and community.

    It’s time to stop chasing after and getting emotionally caught up in politics, world events, or external fixes and focus on the inner work that leads to real transformation. Tune in and start taking control of what you can control —YOU and YOUR family!

    Episode⁠ #297 Is It a 'Sin' That We Are So CERTAIN About What We Preach on This Podcast?

    RESOURCES:

    Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

    • Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

    • ⁠Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

    • Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

    • Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    • Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

    • Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms

    • Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge

    • JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!

    • Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

    • Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/

    • --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    1 h
  • #301 Transform Your Parenting with Emotional Awareness & Intelligence: The Key to Family Harmony

    #301 Transform Your Parenting with Emotional Awareness & Intelligence: The Key to Family Harmony
    Feb 26 2025

    "What are some practical steps to change our emotional state? How do we change the energy that we radiate?

    You guys emphasize that it’s a choice, we can choose... but why does that feel so difficult and strange? How do you do it so that it is genuine and not a mask?"

    In this episode, Greg and Rachel explore the powerful impact of emotional awareness and emotional intelligence on family life -- especially on your ability to parent well.

    They dive into these thoughtful questions, explaining why emotional shifts can feel challenging and how to make those changes feel authentic.

    The Dennings break down how cultivating emotional awareness helps us recognize the root causes of our feelings, fostering healthier relationships and stronger family dynamics with our children.

    They share practical strategies like practicing gratitude, becoming aware of our thoughts, and using physical actions (such as exercise) to shift our emotional states.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll gain practical, actionable tools to begin transforming your emotional landscape -- especially your daily interactions with your children.

    Whether you’re struggling to break negative patterns or simply want to bring more positivity into your family life, this episode will guide you on how to cultivate emotional intelligence that is not only effective but also genuine.

    Tune in to learn how small shifts in emotional awareness can create big changes in your relationships and overall family harmony.


    RESOURCES:

    Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

    • JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE!

    • Get Rachel's⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

    • Join the ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠ for Moms

    • Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠ + FREE Majesty of Calmness

    • ⁠Greg's⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

    • Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

    • Join Greg’s 7-Day Challenge

    • Follow us on Instagram:⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or⁠@greg.denning⁠

    • Gather with us at the⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

    • Read our reviews here: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/reviews/

    • --- Send in a voice message: https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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    1 h y 3 m
  • #300 Practice EXTREME Gratitude for Your Child’s Life & Health: A Sobering Message

    #300 Practice EXTREME Gratitude for Your Child’s Life & Health: A Sobering Message
    Feb 19 2025

    In this powerful episode, we delve into the concept of EXTREME Gratitude — a mindset that can shift the way we experience life's challenges and blessings.

    Join us as we reflect on the fragility of life and howtragedy can serve as a stark reminder to cherish every precious moment with our children.

    From personal stories of heartache and near-loss to practical advice for cultivating a deeper sense of appreciation, this episode encourages parents to embrace gratitude over frustration.

    Learn how you can correct your child's behavior with love, not irritation, and how focusing on what truly matters can transform the way you parent.

    This sobering, yet hopeful message will inspire you to embrace life with greater intention and show your children how much they are truly cherished.


    More videos on challenging situations that caused us to focus on what truly matters:


      RESOURCES:

      Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey:

      • JOIN GREG'S ⁠90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE⁠!
      • Get Rachel's⁠⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠⁠
      • Join the⁠ ⁠⁠28-Day Challenge⁠⁠⁠ for Moms
      • Rachel’s ⁠⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠⁠
      • ⁠Greg's⁠⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠⁠
      • Join the ⁠Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe⁠
      • Join Greg’s ⁠7-Day Challenge ⁠
      • Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠⁠ or⁠⁠@greg.denning⁠⁠
      • Gather with us at the⁠⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠⁠ in Portugal
      • Read our reviews here: ⁠https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/review⁠
        --- Send in a voice message: ⁠https://podcast.extraordinaryfamilylife.com/voicemail/
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      21 m