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What if the most powerful way to raise courageous kids is hidden in small, repeatable moments at home? Former Navy SEAL and father of four Jimmy Graham joins us to share the lived wisdom behind his new children’s book, How Do You Love a Fish?, a field-tested guide to forming character through short stories, scripture, and simple nightly rituals. We explore how parents can lead with clarity in a chaotic world by pairing modeled behavior with true words that bless and build.

Jimmy walks us through practical tools you can use tonight: the “High Five” confidence cue (posture, eye contact, handshake, strong voice, smile), a family liturgy of affirmation that becomes oxygen for the soul, and the powerful reframe that love means meeting needs, not projecting preferences. We talk about teaching kids to say “May I please” and “Thank you,” why manners are a form of respect and self-mastery, and how choosing silence over venting can be strength, not weakness. From “don’t be distracted,” accountability, to “say true words” & have integrity, this conversation turns faith into action without fluff.

We also take on the so‑called war on decency with a calm, constructive plan: turn devices off, read a short 3 pg chapter of this book with your child, ask three questions, set a small challenge, and close with a promise and a prayer. Jimmy also shares about the tender practice of telling your children, “You are my treasure,” so they carry that truth wherever they may be in life.

"How Do You Love a Fish" is a rich, honest, and highly practical blueprint for parents who want their kids to grow up safe enough to play and strong enough to stand.

If this conversation encourages you, share it with a parent who needs a boost, subscribe for more character‑first parenting, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Then grab a copy of How Do You Love a Fish? and start one small practice tonight.

To access other episodes with Jimmy Graham, go to #72, #131 & #167.

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

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Holiday gatherings don’t have to feel like conversational minefields. We explore a practical, heart-forward approach to keep the peace without tiptoeing around every topic: lead with curiosity, set kind boundaries, and make service your default setting. Instead of avoiding politics, religion, or health decisions by staying silent, we share scripts and strategies that let you engage without getting dragged into a win-or-lose debate. We trade the tired “don’t talk about it” rules for a better plan!

We also discuss:
• reframing the goal from winning to harmony
• shifting from opinions to stories and experiences
• using open questions to deepen understanding
• setting friendly boundaries and graceful exits
• applying self-deprecating humor to defuse tension
• practical self-care: limits, sleep, breaks, helping the host
• modeling calm connection for kids and family culture
• serving others to reduce conflict and build trust

If you aren’t part of our parent community, please join today! Visit our website and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

And if you’re in the Denver area, be sure to check out the Denver Events tab to see what community gatherings we have going on!

Support the show

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

our website

Send us a Text Message and suggest a topic or guest!

Big feelings don’t check the calendar. Between crowded rooms, shifting schedules, and constant stimulation, kids can tip from excitement to overload in seconds. Parents are left juggling judgment, guilt, and a wailing child at the dinner table. In this episode, we share a practical way to turn holiday meltdowns into moments of connection by reframing tantrums as communication, validating feelings, and co-regulating with calm breath and touch.

We also discuss:
• applying consequences after calm and repair
• using HALT to spot hungry, angry, lonely or tired
• matching support to a child’s temperament
• choosing routine and sleep to prevent overload

If this episode resonates with you, please share with a friend who may also need peace during the holidays!

Need more resources? Visit our website to find our Huddle Up guide to help prepare for the oncoming holidays!

The Thriving Family Accelerator provides an easy, 3-step process to lower stress, parent as a united team, and enjoy a true friendship with your spouse & relationship with your kids. Sign up now for this live parent coaching with proven methods for positively engaging your family and redistributing the mental load.

Support the show

Give $20 to keep the mic on. We're a 501 c(3) non-profit and produce this show for parents around the globe.
Discover the secrets to building a connected + thriving family. All you'll need is a few minutes of your week—it's easy!

our website