It's one of the most practical and powerful tools in parenting: nurture and structure. But what does it actually look like in real life? In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly are joined by John Cunnings, the Boys' Program Director at Eagle Ranch, who has over 20 years of experience applying this model in real homes.

John helps us understand the importance of balancing love and connection (nurture) with boundaries and rules (structure). He shares how the choice and consequence model is a fundamental tool for this, and he gives parents a step-by-step guide to implement it. Get ready for some deeply practical advice, including a "400 parenting average" analogy and the power of a simple apology.

Episode Highlights

• [03:00] John shares his background as a military kid and a single parent raising two girls.
• [05:00] Defining the essential balance of nurture and structure in parenting.
• [06:30] Introducing the choice and consequence model and its foundation in training, not control.
• [08:00] The difference between discipline and training, and how one leads to true growth.
• [12:30] How to set up a choice and consequence system in your own home in three practical steps.
• [16:00] An explanation of "porch time" and how it creates opportunities for connection and reflection.
• [26:00] The "400 parenting average" and why you only need to be right 40% of the time to have a positive impact.

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Resources Mentioned

• Book: What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry

No family is a perfect mix. In fact, most are beautifully complicated. In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly are joined by John and Julie Price, a couple with uniquely different upbringings who came together to raise their own sons and care for hundreds of boys at Eagle Ranch.

John, the middle child of 13 kids from a dairy farm, and Julie, a last-born missionary kid who grew up in Brazil, open up about the challenges and rewards of their family and house-parenting journey. They share deeply personal stories about learning to relinquish control, embracing vulnerability, and the transformative power of a simple apology. This episode is a powerful reminder that every family has a dynamic to navigate and that authenticity is the key to building real connection.

Episode Highlights

• [01:10] John and Julie introduce themselves, their radically different backgrounds, and their roles at Eagle Ranch.
• [06:20] How their diverse family histories prepared them for a life of working with children and families.
• [11:00] Julie's personal story of learning to love without control while house-parenting seven teenage boys.
• [17:00] The powerful impact of apologizing to your children and teaching them to ask for forgiveness.
• [21:00] Practical tips for parents of adolescent boys, including why they crave respect and authenticity.
• [25:50] A heartwarming story of a son's vulnerability and a powerful conversation on trust.

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What does it really mean to have a healthy family dynamic? In this episode, we're joined by licensed professional counselor and family expert, Philip Costa, who helps us uncover the powerful ways our history and our day-to-day lives shape our families.

Philip shares how personal trauma, loss, and even birth order can influence our parenting in ways we're not always aware of. He introduces the powerful concept that what's not revealed is not healed, and gives listeners a clear path to begin addressing their own family dynamics. You'll also learn the difference between training and controlling your child, and why giving yourself grace is the first step toward creating lasting change.

Episode Highlights

• [01:10] Philip introduces himself and shares his personal story of loss, adoption, and being a blended family.
• [03:10] Defining family dynamics and how they impact every family, regardless of its unique makeup.
• [05:50] How to begin identifying your own family's dynamics and the importance of being aware of them.
• [12:20] Philip explains why what's not revealed isn't healed and how unresolved issues can get transferred to your children.
• [14:15] An explanation of the difference between training your child and controlling them.
• [23:00] Philip's top three pieces of advice for parents feeling overwhelmed and seeking to create change.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry
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• Help us grow! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help other families discover our podcast.