Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, or wondering whether you're doing anything right as a parent of little ones? You're not alone — and you're not crazy. In this refreshed and expanded episode, Mike and Alicia revisit their classic "Survival Zone" conversation with new insights from another decade of parenting and now grandparenting. They unpack why the early years are so intense, what's normal (hint: your exhaustion), how marriage is stretched during this season, and how moms and dads can support each other through the chaos. You'll hear practical advice on setting realistic ideals, finding community, leaning on others for help, navigating time traps like social media, letting dads step up in their unique way, and prioritizing your marriage in the midst of diapers and dishes. Whether you're in the trenches right now or reflecting back on that season, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder: this won't last forever — and it will make you stronger.

1. Reassess ideals

2. Consider getting outside help - isolation hurts this

3. Dads have to step in - great opportunity for men to gain confidence

4. Get out alone together

5. Beware of "time traps"

6. Get some good routines going that work for you

7. This is training for your life. If you can do this, you can do anything

1. How can we support each other during this time?

2. What are the greatest lessons that we are learning?

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For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

In this honest Q&A episode, Mike and Alicia answer real questions from listeners about the struggles every couple faces – feeling distant, managing conflict, and staying united when life gets stressful. They talk about what to do when your marriage feels dry or disconnected, how to rebuild emotional intimacy, and how humility, forgiveness, and shared prayer can bring healing. With humor and wisdom from decades of marriage and mentoring, they offer hope for couples who want to grow together, not just stay together.

Couples Discussion Questions

What should I do when my spouse seems emotionally distant? How can we reconnect after a big argument? How do we stay close when life feels overwhelming? What if I'm the only one trying to fix our marriage?

Whether you're newly married or in the thick of family life, this episode will remind you: every marriage has hard seasons, but grace makes growth possible.

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For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Families need to disconnect from the world's pace, be present to one another and break bread together. - Bishop Thomas Olmstead

Why are family dinners so hard — and so important? In our latest Messy Family Podcast episode, we get real about the chaos of mealtime: the cooking, the planning, the juggling schedules, picky eaters, and the endless cleanup. But we also share the good news — it doesn't have to be perfect to matter. Family meals aren't just about food. They're a time to build identity, teach traditions, and give your kids a sense of belonging. Research shows that sharing meals boosts kids' grades, strengthens communication, and protects against depression and risky behaviors. We'll give you practical tips to make family meals doable — even joyful — in the middle of everyday mess. From simple routines to conversation starters and kid-friendly chores, this episode will help you make mealtime your family's "north star." Listen now and rediscover the power of your dinner table!

• Close with: "Those 20 minutes around your table might be the most important minutes of your child's day."

• Recap: Family meals strengthen minds, hearts, and homes

1. Make it a priority

2. Have a routine

3. Use the time to connect

4. Include the kids to make it happen!

• How often does your family sit down together?

• What is one thing we can do to improve our time together?